Serena, The Teenage Witch

Chapter:3

By: Silver Bunny

E-mail: moonsilverbunny@hotmail.com

Disclaimers: don't own'em, never will -__-;;;;;;;

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"Beautiful, isn't she?"

Darien turned around toward the new, deep voice with a surprised expression. His dark blue eyes fell upon another pair of blue eyes. There, in front of him, stood a man with golden skin, and long, white hair that reached below his shoulders. His steady gaze pierced through Darien's eyes, and seamed to read his mind with ease. His lips were curved in a knowing smile, and his head held with nobility.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to trespass but my car broke down and I was just.."

"You don't have to apologize to me, Sir. I'm a mere guest here." Said the white haired man. "A guest who is late." He finished, glancing at his watch.

"Oh." That's all what Darien could utter, looking at the other man with amusement. Although it was still heavily raining, the man looked as dry as a burning fire wood. His black pants, and loose silk white shirt never catching a single drop of rain. His hair flowing freely and dryly instead of sticking to his face, and he wasn't even carrying an umbrella !!!

"I'm Malachite, and I'm pleased to meet you." Said the man, offering his hand to Darien. His expression vague and mysterious.

"Darien. I'm Darien Shields." Said Darien, shaking the offered hand, immediately noticing the harshness and dryness of the other man's hands.

"Shall we go in, Darien? I'm sure the residents of this house will greet you with warm smiles, and welcoming arms." Said the man, that we now know as Malachite. " And please do forgive my bluntness when calling you by your first name, but I do not believe in last names, and I never use them." He finished, leading the still puzzled Darien to the front door.

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"He's late."

Setsuna was getting restless, Mina's suitor was late and it wasn't like him. He is the most punctual man Setsuna ever met. She remembered the times she spent training with him under the supervision of Lady Serenity, Mina's and Serena's mother. She still remembers how Lady Serenity always praised him for his punctuality and how she always scolded her for her constant tardiness. And now, for the first time in his life he's LATE, Setsuna thought with anger. 'He better be here REAL soon or I'll break his thumb AGAIN'

"You think?" Mina said sarcastically, breaking Setsuna's train of thought.

"Mina, PLEASE stop grumbling, I'm not in the mood." Said Setsuna in annoyance.

"Well EXCUSE ME for grumbling. It is very common for a girl to meet her future husband for the very first time, isn't it?? Shame on me for thinking otherwise." She finished, her sarcastic tone much clearer.

"Mina, you're angry at the whole thing, we get it already, now would you PLEASE stop blaming it on Setsuna." Said Lita, rubbing her temples with her thumbs.

"Yeah, and who knows. Maybe you'll und up liking the guy." Reasoned Amy, looking at her annoyed blonde cousin.

Mina looked at her family with great annoyance and frustration. They couldn't understand. Non of them can understand her. The only one who ever understood wasn't present at the moment. The only one who understood was her little sister.

"Where is Rena?" She asked, her eyes searching for her sister. " I want Rena to be here." She demanded, her eyes filled with unshed tears, and her voice filled with frustration.

The others looked at her with much understanding, and pity. They wanted to help her with all their hearts but they knew nothing and no one can get through to her when she's in this state of mind but Serena. And Serena they would bring.

Micharu nodded her head slightly at her cousins' last statement and reached into her purse, getting a small mirror out. The mirror was round with no handle, it's frame changed colors instantly with every move of Micharu's hand, looking like the raged ocean with all the shades of blue and green it produced. Micharu stroke the reflective surface of the mirror once before holding it with both her hands.

"Mirror mirror in my hands, show me where Serenity stands." She demanded gently, gazing at her mirror. At her command, the mirror glowed with a blue- green glow for an instant before showing her what she asked for.

"Odd." Began Micharu, looking thoughtfully at her mirror. " She's not outside in the rain, she's in her room, all wet and looking outside the window. I have never seen that look on her face before." She finished, looking straight at Setsuna, hoping for an explanation for her youngest cousin's weird action. After all, it WAS Serena, and it WAS raining.

But before Setsuna could say anything, a loud ringing noise pierced the sound of the soft rain outside, making all the room's occupants tense in unease. It was the door bell, and that can only mean one thing.

"He's here." Breathed Mina, suddenly losing all the color in her face.

"And he's not alone." Stated Rei, who was keeping her thoughts to herself the whole evening. " I sense another strong presence."

"I'll go get Sere" That's all what they heard from Hotaru before she was consumed by a black glow and disappeared from the room.

Setsuna walked hurriedly toward the front door, anxious to get this whole thing over and done with. She opened the door with one fast movement, eager to meet her old friend.

"Malachite." She greeted when she saw her friend. " You're late." She added annoyingly, hugging him gently.

"My sincere apologies, dear Setsuna." He said, hugging her back. "But I couldn't help it." He finished breaking the hug and turning to his companion.

"Let me introduce you to my new acquaintance." He said turning her toward the black haird man that stood beside him." Darien." He simply said, ignoring to mention Darien's last name or what he was doing here.

Setsuna turned around to greet the other man. Her eyes fell upon a dark blue ones, making her gasp in surprise. There he stood, tall, dark, and mysterious. He was surrounded with an aura that couldn't possibly belong to a mere human. She felt darkness creeping on her body, and she didn't like it. That man's presence was strong, powerful and dark, very dark.

"Umm, welcome." She greeted hesitantly, stretching her arm toward the dark stranger.

He took her offered hand in his and shook it gently. At his gentle gesture, Setsuna's mind screamed in alarm and her thoughts suddenly traveled to her youngest cousin, Serena. Why did Serena's image pop into her mind when she touched this stranger? What does he got to do with Serena? Setsuna shook her head dismissing her thoughts. I'm just tired that's all. He's just an ordinary looking man, nothing is wrong with him, it's all in my mind.' She reasoned with herself, convincing her tired mind that what she felt is all due to her mixed thoughts.

"Thank you." His voice came piercing through her thoughts, taking her back to reality.

"His car broke down in this god forsaken night." Came Malachite's deep voice. "You wouldn't mind if he stays here until the morning, would you, Setsuna? " He asked his old friend, his steel blue eyes sending a silent warning to hers.

"Oh no please. I don't want to be a burden. I just want to use the phone if it isn't too much trouble."

"Nonsense, I wouldn't let you out in the cold in such a night." Said Setsuna. " you are welcome to stay as long as you wish. And I will not hear anything further about the subject." She finished, forcing a smile on her face.

"Then, I thank you for your kindness, gentle lady." He said, bowing his head slightly.

"You're most welcomed." She said." Now let us introduce you two to the others, shall we?" She finished, ushering them both to the living room where the rest were waiting.

Introducing Mina to her future husband went better than Setsuna could ever hope for. She thought Mina would do something to ruin the night, but to her utter surprise, the love witch acted perfectly.

When entering the room, Setsuna totally forgot the unexpected guest, Darien, and her mind could only focus on Malachite and Mina. She took Malachite by his hand and guided him toward Mina, the rest of the filled room oblivious to her anxious mind.

Mina was standing at the far end of the room, close to the fire place. The live fire crackled and it's light fell upon her figure, giving her a striking glow, and unmistakable enchantment.

"Mina, This is Malachite." Setsuna barely said, her mouth suddenly dry, and her voice suddenly disappearing. She never though she'd ever be scared of Mina's reactions. She never thought that a day would come where Mina frightened her, but for her utter dismay, that day has come.

Darien stood at the door way, eyes filled with thousands of questions. Since he was a child, he had a rare gift of analyzing people and situations, and he knew he was very good at it. And this situation that he's witnessing right now seems very odd. He saw how Setsuna led Malachite to the blonde that he now know as Mina, and he saw how Setsuna is barely keeping her composure. Why introduce Malachite to the girl who was standing farthest in the room and ignoring the others?? At this point, he looked at the other people that occupied the room. Standing nearest to him was a petite girl. Her short black hair shined with bluish glow, her big, calm eyes focused intensely at the trio that were now the center of attention. Her skin was pale, and when he focused on her delicate hands, he could see the faint traces of black on her fingers. That girl loves to read- he thought, those faint black marks can only be due to ink. He remembered how his fingers had similar marks whenever he finishes reading an old book.

Then he looked at the girl standing right next to her. She was a tall brunette, with grass-green eyes focusing intently at the same trio. Her curly-brown hair held in an elegant pony tail, and her hands holding each other hard, very hard. He noticed the slight shiver in her hand and then understood. She's holding her hands to keep them from shaking, that girl is very nervous. He looked at her hands again, finally noticing the many cuts in them, he also noticed a faint burn mark on her right thumb. That girl is the domestic type- he thought. She enjoys house work, especially cooking.

Darien's eyes then traveled to the raven head that stood beside a brown, leather, seemingly old couch. Like the others, her eyes were focusing on the same seen. Her black hair fell freely on her back, traveling all the way to her upper thighs. Her lips pressed together strongly. And her feet planted themselves in the ground powerfully. Her hands held together in a prayer- like appearance. There stood a spiritual girl and he knew it. She was nervous and because she was nervous she unconsciously presumed a meditation stance to calm herself.

On the other end of that same couch, stood a tall girl, with short, dirty- blonde hair. Nothing in her appearance or her cloths could give away the fact that she's a girl, but he knew she was. There are many ways to give her away. His eyes first gazed at her throat, noticing instantly the lack of the 'Adam's apple' that men are famous for. His eyes then traveled through her body and stilled on her feet. He smiled when he noticed the small feet, and then glanced at her hands. Hands always gave a person away. Her hands were delicate with slim, long fingers, her nails were well cared for and polished. That girl liked her freedom- he mused. She likes to do things her way. A free spirit that refused accept the bonds of society. Of course, at the moment, her anxious eyes gazed at the scene before her just like the others

Beside the free spirited girl, stood another one. Unlike the previous one's appearance, this girl screamed with femininity. Her wide eyes were like two pools filled with ocean water. Her wavy hair fell to her shoulder freely, refusing to be tamed with any hairstyle. He looked at her delicate hands. She was holding a small mirror in them. She looked as vague as the ocean, but not to Darien's experienced eyes. That girl is some sort of an artist- he thought. Or maybe a musician? Those hands can only be used in artistic work, he was sure of it.

"How do you do." Came the short, low toned answer, cutting Darien's thoughts. Mina stretched her hand toward Malachite, greeting him.

Malachite smiled slightly, taking her hand in his.

"Very well, now that I finally met you, Mina." He said, before bowing his head slightly, and kissing the back of her hand gently.

Darien couldn't help but smile at the scene before him. He looked at Mina, who was blushing slightly. And here we have a hopeless romantic- He thought, looking at the blushing blonde. After Malachite's gesture, her pale blue eyes suddenly found that the floor is very interesting. She pulled her hand away in embarrassment and placed both her hands behind her back. Still looking at the ground like nothing else existed.

Everyone, excluding Darien, Malachite and the embarrassed Mina, let out a deep breath and relaxation suddenly filled their once tense features.

"Come, let me introduce you to the rest." Offered the now relieved Setsuna, taking Malachite's hands and leading him yet again.

Darien's eyes fixed on Setsuna and Malachite, he didn't have a chance to figure them out yet, and now looked like a perfect opportunity since he was obviously forgotten. Setsuna was introducing Malachite to the other occupants of the room. Her tall figure walked with grace, and her eyes filled with unmistakable wisdom. She carried herself with such elegance and composure. Her strides showing power and leadership. There stood an unquestionable, wise leader- he thought to himself, looking at the olive haired lady that stood in front of him.

Now his eyes traveled to Malachite. The white haired man kept a neutral look on his face ever since he saw him this evening, but Darien never missed how his eyes widened for a fracture of a second when he first laid eyes on Mina, and he never missed the way his eyes lingered on her. That man liked to mask his feelings like he does. He looked at Malachite's sun- kissed feature and narrowed his eyes on the other mans hands, trying to get a better look at them. He immediately remembered how harsh and dry Malachite's hand was when he shook it earlier. An outdoor guy- Darien speculated. An outdoor man who likes to work with his hands. Darien smiled contently when he came with his conclusion. He has analyzed all the room's occupants and he did it in no time. He gave himself a mental pat on the back congratulating himself. He liked playing the speculator's part, only observing but never engaging. He was the listener type that loved to analyze but never interfere.

"Oh my, I'm sorry, I almost forgot." Came Setsuna's apologetic voice, cutting his thoughts. " I totally forgot to introduce you. Please forgive me." She said, now standing besides Darien and taking his hand in hers.

"Everyone." She said, attracting everybody's attention. "This is Darien. His car broke down and I invited him to spend the night." She finished, smiling politely at the very quiet Darien.

Everyone exchanged surprised glances, it wasn't like Setsuna to invite a stranger to spend the night. What if he was dangerous? Or more importantly, what if he found out their secret??

"Darien, this Amy." Said Setsuna, introducing him to the blue haired, girl that he speculated to be a heavy reader. Darien nodded his head and uttered a hello, and was greeted by a simple nod of the 'heavy reader's head.

"And this is Lita." Said Setsuna, introducing him to the domestic looking brunette.

"And over here we have Rei." She said, pointing him toward the spiritual -looking girl's direction.

"That's Haruka." She said, leading him toward the free-spirited girl.

"And the girl beside her is Micharu." She said, pointing toward the artistic looking girl.

"And last, but not least. We have Mina." She finished, smiling brightly at the blonde.

"I'm very pleased to meet you all." He said, bowing his head slightly. " And forgive me for interrupting what seems like an important evening." He finished apologetically.

"Darien..hmm, any last name to go with that?" Asked the free spirited girl, that he now knows as Haruka.

"Shields, Darien Shields." He answered.

"Darien Shields?? THE DARIEN SHIELDS??" Asked the petite girl, Amy.

"You know him, Ami?" Asked the raven head, Rei.

"Of course I do." Answered Ami and then rushed toward Darien.

She took his hands in hers and shook them with much enthusiasm. When her hands first touched his he felt a chill run down his spine, her hands were cold, very cold.

"I can't believe that you're THE Darien Shields." She breathed out, still shaking his hands. " I'm a big fan of yours. I read all your books. I just finished reading 'Crystal water' just now." She said

"Oh so you're the one." Said Darien smiling modestly, using the old, overly used line that most authors use in such situations.

"Oh my god, my friends will be soooooo jealous of me when they know I met you. I wish my boyfriend is here, he's such a big fan of yours too.

"Umm, thank you." Darien blushed fiercely. He could never express himself when he meets one of his fans, their compassion and enthusiasm always made him loose his words that he was so famous for.

"Ami, since you seem to know so much about our guest, why don't you enlighten us?" Said Setsuna, never hiding her curiosity.

"That is Darien Shields." Breathed Ami. " He won two Pulitzer prizes. One is for Beat Reporting after that exclusive reporting he did about five refined orphanages and exposed their true nature. The other Pulitzer, the feature writing Pulitzer, he won for his well known book entitled 'The Moon As my witness'. Three of his books were made into movies. The writing and journalism societies knows him as the 'miracle kid' for being so young yet so successful." Finished Amy, looking at The black haired man with much admiration.

"Wow, you're making it sound better than it really is." He managed to say, his face becoming redder. He never liked being the center of attention, it made him lose his speculator position that he liked so much.

"Ah, then we have a celebrity in our house. This evening is certainly picking up." Smiled Setsuna. "I'm sure Darien would appreciate it if you let go of his hand now, Ami." She continued, pointing at Ami's hands.

"Opps, sorry." Ami apologized, letting go of his hands.

The others laughed lightly at Ami's features. Non of them ever thought that they will see Amy acting like an obsessed fan, not in this life time.

"Sorry were late, what did we miss??" Asked a calm voice from the doorway, cutting the light laughter.

Everyone turned around at Hotarues voice, faces filled with relaxation and ease. Dariens eyes looked at the black haired girl before quickly at the other girl that stood right behind her. His breath then caught..

Suddenly, to him, the whole room vanished, no one existed anymore but him and that girl that stood hesitantly at the doorway. It was her- he breathed. The dancing rain angel from before. It was really her.

"Serena." He breathed, his voice very hoarse, and his knees shaking in sudden weakness.

**************** Ayyaaaa, what a long chapter, oh well introduction chapters are always the longest. But better than saying here's this and this and that, y'know??? I never liked the fics that rushed through introductions, I think they are very important in alt/reality fics. I rushed through introductions once and I didn't like it and swore never gonna do it again.

And for you ppl who thought Darien was mina's awaited fiancé *evil grin* I never said he was, riggghhhtttt???????? You just keep assuming but many of my older readers learned not to assume in my fics cuz not even I know what's gonna happen ^.~

*Looks at angry minna-chan*

Ummm, maybe I should shut up.

*Gets hit by a rotten tomato.*

AAAAAAAAAAAA

*get's hit by another rotten tomato*

FEEDBACK MINNA, feedback is veerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyy wanted^.^

*Get's hit by a water melon and passes out +_+*

P.S: You know I'm too lazy to edit, right??? Hehe, just checking ^^;;;;;;;;;;;;;