lyrasoze@hotmail.com
Hey again everyone. Betcha thought *this* fic had gone the way of all
good things...PSYCHE! It is alive and well...or alive at least. It was
a little iffy there for a while, but I think I've managed to stabalize
the plotline. It can only get better from here.
So here you are, the next installment of 'ATWAS'. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon. Don't own it. Wasn't here, couldn't have
stopped them. Sorry...wrong disclaimer....
All The World's A Stage
by Lyra Matsuoka
Chapter 8
Rated PG-13
"Darien," Beryl smiled sweetly. "I didn't know you knew
the Three Lights."
Darien made no response, and his face showed no emotion
whatsoever. Serena glanced up at him with a worried expression
in her eyes. He looked carved from ice, and that concerned her.
Beryl tossed her long red hair and moved in to place a hand on
the white Armani covered arm of Diamond Black. Darien didn't bat
an eye. Serena couldn't help but admire his aloof attitude. She
wasn't sure how he managed to hold on to it.
Serena darted her eyes to her friends. She had seen Yaten,
Taiki and Seiya headed this way, and Andrew had looked fairly
determined to have some say in this situation. Kunzite had been
beside him. Serena nearly smiled at the thought of the two stage
managers being a united front. But the defense team had been
systematically seperated by the Blacks. Birdy and Avery had
Kunzite, Rubeus and Catsy had effectively blocked Yaten and Taiki,
though Serena was fairly certain that wouldn't last long. Emerald
had moved in on Andrew, though he was clearly trying his best to
brush her off. And Seiya...well, Seiya was speaking with Sapphire
and Prisma.
Trouble with a capital 'T'. Everyone who should be talking
to Diamond had been distracted, leaving Serena with a potentially
explosive situation on her hands. Damn, damn, double damn.
Of course, none of this would have occured to Serena if she
hadn't sensed Darien tensing beside her. And Diamond's eyes were
flat and distant, not to mention distinctly unfriendly.
"Hello, Serena," Diamond began. Serena looked at him, blue
eyes meeting cool violet. Serena smiled and murmured something
non-commital. But her distance didn't stop Diamond from
sweeping his eyes over her figure, and Serena felt Darien tense
beside her. She wanted to reassure him; to tell him that Diamond
was a natural flirt and behaved like this if there was anything
feminine within a five mile radius. The basic game plan right now
was to keep everyone calm and together.
But Darien took matters into his own hands. In a move too
fast for anyone to anticipate, he snaked out an arm, wrapped it
around her waist and gently tugged Serena into the curve of his
body, returning to the Me-Tarzan-You-Jane mentality.
Oh, God.
"Black."
"Chiba."
Okay, God was obviously busy at the moment. Serena tried
to keep a smile on her face, which was rather difficult given
the circumstances. Darien looked coldly amused, Diamond
maintained his charming smile and stance, and Beryl was
glaring daggers at Serena.
This was a nightmare. This situation was for Seiya to
deal with. But Seiya had been co-opted by Saffire and Prisma.
He wasn't geting here anytime soon. Serena suddenly wished
that the stadium would lose power again. That would solve
this problem in short order.
"Serena, I need a little help over here," came a
carrying voice. Serena turned, and saw Regan standing at the
top of the ramp leading to the basement. And Serena wasn't
the only one who turned. With obvious reluctance, Darien and
Diamond ceased their staring contest and looked in the
direction of that voice. Serena was not surprised. Regan
was not a person who was easily ignored.
It struck Serena first that Regan and Beryl had the
same general coloring. But while Beryl's hair was long and
wavy, her clothes were stylish and her figure a perfect hour
glass, Regan seemed more attractive. Serena shot a glance at
Darien and Diamond. Darien was looking passively at Regan.
Diamond was watching her carefully, his eyes interested.
Serena pulled away from Darien and jogged over.
"How can I help?"
"I need an extension cord."
Serena blinked.
"What for?"
Regan held up a small portable sterio, with a built in
radio, tape deck and CD player.
"Music. I crave music. It inspires me."
Serena grinned and ran off to the light booth, skirting
the group that stood just beneath it.
"Hey Melvin. Toss down that 8 footer, will you?"
"CLEAR!" came the response. Serena stepped back and watched
a long coiled cord fall at her feet. Picking it up, she walked
back to Regan and offered her the extension cord.
"Anything else?"
"Nope," Regan replied, draping the coil over her shoulder.
"That ought to do it."
With a slight wave, Regan turned and moved away again. Her
pace was steady, deliberate, the walk of those who are good at
what they do and know it. Diamond tipped his head to one side
in a movement that made him seem merely curious. Serena knew
that look. That was a dangerous look. It had every possibility
of turning into an ice cold stare and a deadly tone of voice.
Not pleasant. Serena resisted the urge to sigh.
Serena kept the stupid grin off her face with effort.
"Is that the person you have hired to repair the electrical
system?"
"Yes," Serena replied, and fell silent. Seiya was getting
closer with every moment. Stall, stall, stall. And then a
distraction arrived. Raye and Chad climbed down the ladder that
led to the cat and hit the ground with cool grace. Smiling
brightly, they began to walk quickly. Chad swung up the light
booth ladder and stuck his head inside, talking briefly to Melvin.
That accomplished, he swung to the ground and sidled up to Serena
with a throughly evil grin on his face. Raye rushed after Regan.
Serena watched them whisper quickly, and Regan nodded, a smirk on
her lips. Raye nodded, grinned, and jogged back to the party.
"Is she qualified to work with such advanced electronics?"
Diamond asked, seeming for all the world to be unconcerned as he
straighted the cuffs of his silk shirt.
"Hey Serena. I have a quick question..." Raye tugged at
Serena's arm. Chad struck up a conversation with Darien,
pulling him subtely away from Diamond and Beryl.
"What's going on?" Serena asked, her eyes straying back
toward the ambushed Lights and Darien.
"Oh, I just felt I should warn you that there's going to
be a distraction in a few seconds."
"A distraction? What kind of..."
Serena got her answer. Over the newly electrified speakers
came a blast of music that was playing at just below damage level.
Here we are, born to be kings,
We're the princes of the universe.
Here we belong, fighting to survive
In a world with the darkest powers.
And here we are, we're the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting for survival
We've come to be the rulers of your world.
Serena stared at Raye, who was smiling serenly. Shooting a
glance over her shoulder, Serena saw that all the Blacks had their
hands over their ears, and that those who were used to noise levels
like this had broken away from the cultured buisness folk and were
walking toward Diamond with purpose. No talking was possible as yet,
but the surprise factor had accomplished what no one on earth would
have been able to. It had tipped the scales in favor of The Lights.
I am immortal, I have inside me blood of kings.
I have no rival, no man can be my equal
Take me to the future of your world.
Born to be kings, princes of the universe
Fighting and free, got your world in my hand
I'm here for your love and I'll make my stand
We were born to be princes of the universe.
Serena grinned at Raye, who raised her eyebrows several times.
As she did so, the music dimmed to a managable level, and then faded
away entirely.
"Revenge of the techs," Raye quipped, walking back toward the
group. Serena followed quickly, pushing through people to stand by
Seiya.
"The speakers work!" came a call from the catwalk. Chad
laughed, Raye snorted, and quite a few people coughed. Diamond narrowed
his eyes and allowed himself an annoyed twist of his lips, as he glanced
toward the place where Regan and Raye had conversed. Raye was still
smiling innocently, and she didn't crack under Diamond's scrutiny.
When the head of the illustrious Black clan turned away, Raye shot
an exagerrated wink in Chad's direction. Chad covered his mouth with
his hand and proceeded to cough for nearly 30 seconds.
"Is that how you test incredibly sensitive sound equipment
these days?" Diamond drawled in Seiya's direction. Seiya never got
the chance to answer. The music began again, louder than ever, and
right where it had left off.
No man could understand.
My power is in my own hand
Queen was abruptly cut off.
Serena flashed a glance at Raye and turned on her heel.
"I'm just going to go see if Regan needs anything," she muttered.
"Down boy," she whispered to Yaten and Andrew as she passed them. They
both smiled an acknowledgement.
Serena jogged down the ramp to the cement hallway. Following it, she
shortly arrived at the main fuse box. There was Regan, a Telex over her head
and a bundle of wires in one hand. In her other hand she held a slender bundle
of insulated copper wire that came from her CD player.
"You broke your stereo," Serena commented, lounging against the wall.
"I'd have to string it off the side of a cliff to break it. I have
merely altered it's purpose temporarily. You should be thanking me. I am
helping diffuse conflict...one moment please."
Regan stopped talking, and Serena heard a voice crackling from the
headset. Regan nodded.
"Tell me when," she chirped, and touched the wires together.
Instantly Serena heard a muted blast of sound.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, people talk about you.
People say you've had your day.
I'm a man that will go far.
Fly to the moon and reach for the stars
With my sword and head held high
Got to pass the test first time-yeah
I know that people talk about me.
I hear it every day.
But I can prove you wrong cause
I'm right first time.
Regan waited patiently and finally drew the wires apart.
"You see? I just stopped your boss from killing a very rich and
important person. I am performing a service for all humanity. I deserve
a raise, I really do."
That was more than Serena could take. She finally cracked up,
allowing all the tension in her body to take flight. Regan continued
smiling beninly, watching Serena laugh and waiting for her orders.
Serena began to calm down, only to begin laughing again when Regan
touched the wires together for the fifth time
Yeah yeah alright
watch this man fly,
bring on the girls
Here we are, born to be kings,
We're the princes of the universe.
Here we belong.
Born to be kings, Princes of the universe.
Fighting and free
Got the world in my hands
I'm here for your love and I'll make my stand.
We were born to be princes of the universe.
When the last echos of the song had faded, Regan plucked
the wires apart and removed the Telex.
"That ought to do it."
She slammed the fuse box shut and started to walk away,
dismantled CD player in one hand, tool box in the other. Serena
followed, still slightly out of breath.
"Are you staying?"
"You bet. You hired me for the whole day and night, remember?
That new system is fairly shoddy. I patched it, a first year
electical student could have, but it could easily break down again.
I'll stay, watch, and check back with those cables every now and
then. Don't worry about it. I'm all over this."
"I feel it only fair to warn you that
By the time they reached the upper level, Serena had composed
herself and Regan was no longer smiling. Diamond, however, was not
pleased. He pulled away from the crowd, and began moving toward
Serena and Regan. Serena tensed slightly. Regan relaxed her stance.
Power tools had that effect on a woman.
"I assume you are the one responsible for the ruckus?" Diamond
demanded. Regan ran a hand through her hair and smiled benignly.
"Just making sure that everything operates as it was designed
to. That's what I'm being paid for, after all."
"And I'm sure you did a marvelous job." Diamond had that
patronizing glint in his eye, and Serena resisted the urge to look
back toward Regan. "However, your services will no longer be
required. The stadium electrical expert should be arriving shortly."
"Is that the man who designed and installed the current system?"
"The company who did so, yes."
"You are wasting your money. That system was poorly concieved and
badly installed. A short was only a matter of time, and you're lucky
that all you got was a power out. You might have burned the stadium down."
Diamond stared hard at Regan. Regan stared back.
"Besides, I don't work for you, Mr. Black. I work for The Three
Lights. And there is a clause in their contract stating that they have
the right to employ any and all personel they feel to be necessary for
the smooth execution of their concert."
By now, Seiya, Taiki and Yaten had arrived.
"That's quite true, Mr. Black," Taiki stated. Diamond flicked
a casual glance back at Taiki before raking violet eyes over Regan
once more. She didn't flinch. Diamond's gaze turned toward Serena.
"I hope you'll save a dance for me tonight, Serena," he murmurred.
Serena gave a half smile. Diamond turned to go, handing Taiki his
card as he strode for the door. The rest of the Black's scurried after
him. But Beryl stayed behind. What few had noticed was that she had been
glaring green daggers at Serena for the entire length of the visit. Now,
she executed a quick spin on her high heel and began the walk out.
Suddenly she stopped, turned again, and walked to Darien.
"Pick me up at 8, lover," she smiled, pulling Darien down for an
exceptionally passionate kiss. Raye's eyebrows shot up, Yaten burst out
laughing and Regan looked on with interest. To Darien's credit, he
did not respond. But neither did he make any attempt to push Beryl away.
When the kiss finally ended, it was due to Beryl.
"Your ride is waiting for you," Darien clipped out coldly. If
Serena's eyes hadn't been glued to Darien, she wouldn't have seen the
flash of frusterated hate that flashed over Beryl's classic features.
The woman simply turned and hurried out, her red hair waving like a
banner.
"Well," Raye quipped. "That was interesting."
"Indeed," Taiki stated.
"For sure," Yaten added.
"Yeah," Andrew said.
"I agree," was all that came from Seiya. Regan was silent.
Serena turned toward her, a question in her eyes.
"Any advice or pearls of wisdom?"
"As a general rule, do not solve puzzles that open portals to
hell," Regan said as shrugged and walked off toward the parking lot
with the dismantled stereo. "I shall return, never fear. My stereo has
served wisely and well. It is time for repairs."
Near the door, she turned back toward the group.
"Don't let the bastards get you down, Serena dear. Give them
hell."
Everyone watched as Regan vanished. Serena looked toward the
place she had last been, looked at her friends, looked at Darien and
then looked back toward the doors.
"Now that was advice worth listening to," Serena said. "Let's give
them hell!"
The entire stadium roared its approval and Seiya wrapped his arms
around Serena. Laughing, she leaned into the embrace as the group began
to disperse.
"Go do your job, boss man, and let me do mine."
"Yes, sir!" Seiya saluted and jogged off toward the stage. Soon
Serena stood by herself. Darien approached, holding himself stiffly.
Serena turned to watch The Lights pick up their instruments and check
them for damages in tuning. Melvin worked briskly through the ques...
it seemed nothing had been deleted, which was wonderful. Serena pushed
all the 'what if' thoughts from her mind and slid a glance at Darien.
He had come up behind her.
"Your past is so much more interesting than mine. I'm jealous,"
Serena said, not bothering to turn around. Dead silence. Well, at least
she had managed to throw him off balance.
"So, that's one girlfriend and one possible interest. You don't
have a fiancee stashed somewhere, do you?" Serena flashed teasing blue
eyes up at Darien. He said nothing.
"I apologize for that display," Darien clipped out. Serena raised
an eyebrow.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous. But we've known each other
for a an amazingly short amount of time. I certainly have no right to
claim monogamy based on one date."
Serena looked at the floor as she said this, adding a make-out
session and a full heart-to-heart chat to that list. It felt so *wrong* to
say that. She felt a tug in the vicinity of her heart. For a reason she
couldn't name, Serena felt as though she did have a right to claim
everything from Darien...as he had the right to claim all of her.
She shook her head, and Darien moved to the side.
"Will you be at the party tonight?" he asked, and Serena felt
her heart sink. He was leaving, and he was taking part of her with him.
Serena nodded. He smiled back at her.
"I'll see you there, then," Darien said, and turned to walk out
the door. He passed Regan on then way out, and Regan sized him up as
he passed. Serena watched the doors long after he was gone, unsure
if she wanted to laugh or cry. She didn't realize that Regan was
standing beside her until a hand touched her shoulder.
"No guy is worth crying over," Regan began, and Serena recognized
the mantra from their school days.
"And the one who is won't make you cry," she finished.
"That's right. Enough of the sad face. Concert. Job. And best
of all, a party! How's about them apples?"
Laughing, Serena followed her friend to a prime seat. They watched
and joked as the Lights began their last song before the concert. Serena
tipped her head back. Her feelings were irrational and
incredible.
No doubt about it. She was in love. With the third most eligible
bachelor in the world. Resisting the urge to groan, Serena closed her
eyes. 'Why me?' she thought, and grinned. 'Just lucky I guess!'
*****************************************************************
Sorry about the ending, and about how long it took for me to
get this chapter out. I apologize profusely and I will attempt to get
Chapter 9 out quickly. In case you are interested, only two more
chapters everyone!
lyrasoze@hotmail.com
Please mail me and let me know what you thought!
Hey again everyone. Betcha thought *this* fic had gone the way of all
good things...PSYCHE! It is alive and well...or alive at least. It was
a little iffy there for a while, but I think I've managed to stabalize
the plotline. It can only get better from here.
So here you are, the next installment of 'ATWAS'. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon. Don't own it. Wasn't here, couldn't have
stopped them. Sorry...wrong disclaimer....
All The World's A Stage
by Lyra Matsuoka
Chapter 8
Rated PG-13
"Darien," Beryl smiled sweetly. "I didn't know you knew
the Three Lights."
Darien made no response, and his face showed no emotion
whatsoever. Serena glanced up at him with a worried expression
in her eyes. He looked carved from ice, and that concerned her.
Beryl tossed her long red hair and moved in to place a hand on
the white Armani covered arm of Diamond Black. Darien didn't bat
an eye. Serena couldn't help but admire his aloof attitude. She
wasn't sure how he managed to hold on to it.
Serena darted her eyes to her friends. She had seen Yaten,
Taiki and Seiya headed this way, and Andrew had looked fairly
determined to have some say in this situation. Kunzite had been
beside him. Serena nearly smiled at the thought of the two stage
managers being a united front. But the defense team had been
systematically seperated by the Blacks. Birdy and Avery had
Kunzite, Rubeus and Catsy had effectively blocked Yaten and Taiki,
though Serena was fairly certain that wouldn't last long. Emerald
had moved in on Andrew, though he was clearly trying his best to
brush her off. And Seiya...well, Seiya was speaking with Sapphire
and Prisma.
Trouble with a capital 'T'. Everyone who should be talking
to Diamond had been distracted, leaving Serena with a potentially
explosive situation on her hands. Damn, damn, double damn.
Of course, none of this would have occured to Serena if she
hadn't sensed Darien tensing beside her. And Diamond's eyes were
flat and distant, not to mention distinctly unfriendly.
"Hello, Serena," Diamond began. Serena looked at him, blue
eyes meeting cool violet. Serena smiled and murmured something
non-commital. But her distance didn't stop Diamond from
sweeping his eyes over her figure, and Serena felt Darien tense
beside her. She wanted to reassure him; to tell him that Diamond
was a natural flirt and behaved like this if there was anything
feminine within a five mile radius. The basic game plan right now
was to keep everyone calm and together.
But Darien took matters into his own hands. In a move too
fast for anyone to anticipate, he snaked out an arm, wrapped it
around her waist and gently tugged Serena into the curve of his
body, returning to the Me-Tarzan-You-Jane mentality.
Oh, God.
"Black."
"Chiba."
Okay, God was obviously busy at the moment. Serena tried
to keep a smile on her face, which was rather difficult given
the circumstances. Darien looked coldly amused, Diamond
maintained his charming smile and stance, and Beryl was
glaring daggers at Serena.
This was a nightmare. This situation was for Seiya to
deal with. But Seiya had been co-opted by Saffire and Prisma.
He wasn't geting here anytime soon. Serena suddenly wished
that the stadium would lose power again. That would solve
this problem in short order.
"Serena, I need a little help over here," came a
carrying voice. Serena turned, and saw Regan standing at the
top of the ramp leading to the basement. And Serena wasn't
the only one who turned. With obvious reluctance, Darien and
Diamond ceased their staring contest and looked in the
direction of that voice. Serena was not surprised. Regan
was not a person who was easily ignored.
It struck Serena first that Regan and Beryl had the
same general coloring. But while Beryl's hair was long and
wavy, her clothes were stylish and her figure a perfect hour
glass, Regan seemed more attractive. Serena shot a glance at
Darien and Diamond. Darien was looking passively at Regan.
Diamond was watching her carefully, his eyes interested.
Serena pulled away from Darien and jogged over.
"How can I help?"
"I need an extension cord."
Serena blinked.
"What for?"
Regan held up a small portable sterio, with a built in
radio, tape deck and CD player.
"Music. I crave music. It inspires me."
Serena grinned and ran off to the light booth, skirting
the group that stood just beneath it.
"Hey Melvin. Toss down that 8 footer, will you?"
"CLEAR!" came the response. Serena stepped back and watched
a long coiled cord fall at her feet. Picking it up, she walked
back to Regan and offered her the extension cord.
"Anything else?"
"Nope," Regan replied, draping the coil over her shoulder.
"That ought to do it."
With a slight wave, Regan turned and moved away again. Her
pace was steady, deliberate, the walk of those who are good at
what they do and know it. Diamond tipped his head to one side
in a movement that made him seem merely curious. Serena knew
that look. That was a dangerous look. It had every possibility
of turning into an ice cold stare and a deadly tone of voice.
Not pleasant. Serena resisted the urge to sigh.
Serena kept the stupid grin off her face with effort.
"Is that the person you have hired to repair the electrical
system?"
"Yes," Serena replied, and fell silent. Seiya was getting
closer with every moment. Stall, stall, stall. And then a
distraction arrived. Raye and Chad climbed down the ladder that
led to the cat and hit the ground with cool grace. Smiling
brightly, they began to walk quickly. Chad swung up the light
booth ladder and stuck his head inside, talking briefly to Melvin.
That accomplished, he swung to the ground and sidled up to Serena
with a throughly evil grin on his face. Raye rushed after Regan.
Serena watched them whisper quickly, and Regan nodded, a smirk on
her lips. Raye nodded, grinned, and jogged back to the party.
"Is she qualified to work with such advanced electronics?"
Diamond asked, seeming for all the world to be unconcerned as he
straighted the cuffs of his silk shirt.
"Hey Serena. I have a quick question..." Raye tugged at
Serena's arm. Chad struck up a conversation with Darien,
pulling him subtely away from Diamond and Beryl.
"What's going on?" Serena asked, her eyes straying back
toward the ambushed Lights and Darien.
"Oh, I just felt I should warn you that there's going to
be a distraction in a few seconds."
"A distraction? What kind of..."
Serena got her answer. Over the newly electrified speakers
came a blast of music that was playing at just below damage level.
Here we are, born to be kings,
We're the princes of the universe.
Here we belong, fighting to survive
In a world with the darkest powers.
And here we are, we're the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting for survival
We've come to be the rulers of your world.
Serena stared at Raye, who was smiling serenly. Shooting a
glance over her shoulder, Serena saw that all the Blacks had their
hands over their ears, and that those who were used to noise levels
like this had broken away from the cultured buisness folk and were
walking toward Diamond with purpose. No talking was possible as yet,
but the surprise factor had accomplished what no one on earth would
have been able to. It had tipped the scales in favor of The Lights.
I am immortal, I have inside me blood of kings.
I have no rival, no man can be my equal
Take me to the future of your world.
Born to be kings, princes of the universe
Fighting and free, got your world in my hand
I'm here for your love and I'll make my stand
We were born to be princes of the universe.
Serena grinned at Raye, who raised her eyebrows several times.
As she did so, the music dimmed to a managable level, and then faded
away entirely.
"Revenge of the techs," Raye quipped, walking back toward the
group. Serena followed quickly, pushing through people to stand by
Seiya.
"The speakers work!" came a call from the catwalk. Chad
laughed, Raye snorted, and quite a few people coughed. Diamond narrowed
his eyes and allowed himself an annoyed twist of his lips, as he glanced
toward the place where Regan and Raye had conversed. Raye was still
smiling innocently, and she didn't crack under Diamond's scrutiny.
When the head of the illustrious Black clan turned away, Raye shot
an exagerrated wink in Chad's direction. Chad covered his mouth with
his hand and proceeded to cough for nearly 30 seconds.
"Is that how you test incredibly sensitive sound equipment
these days?" Diamond drawled in Seiya's direction. Seiya never got
the chance to answer. The music began again, louder than ever, and
right where it had left off.
No man could understand.
My power is in my own hand
Queen was abruptly cut off.
Serena flashed a glance at Raye and turned on her heel.
"I'm just going to go see if Regan needs anything," she muttered.
"Down boy," she whispered to Yaten and Andrew as she passed them. They
both smiled an acknowledgement.
Serena jogged down the ramp to the cement hallway. Following it, she
shortly arrived at the main fuse box. There was Regan, a Telex over her head
and a bundle of wires in one hand. In her other hand she held a slender bundle
of insulated copper wire that came from her CD player.
"You broke your stereo," Serena commented, lounging against the wall.
"I'd have to string it off the side of a cliff to break it. I have
merely altered it's purpose temporarily. You should be thanking me. I am
helping diffuse conflict...one moment please."
Regan stopped talking, and Serena heard a voice crackling from the
headset. Regan nodded.
"Tell me when," she chirped, and touched the wires together.
Instantly Serena heard a muted blast of sound.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, people talk about you.
People say you've had your day.
I'm a man that will go far.
Fly to the moon and reach for the stars
With my sword and head held high
Got to pass the test first time-yeah
I know that people talk about me.
I hear it every day.
But I can prove you wrong cause
I'm right first time.
Regan waited patiently and finally drew the wires apart.
"You see? I just stopped your boss from killing a very rich and
important person. I am performing a service for all humanity. I deserve
a raise, I really do."
That was more than Serena could take. She finally cracked up,
allowing all the tension in her body to take flight. Regan continued
smiling beninly, watching Serena laugh and waiting for her orders.
Serena began to calm down, only to begin laughing again when Regan
touched the wires together for the fifth time
Yeah yeah alright
watch this man fly,
bring on the girls
Here we are, born to be kings,
We're the princes of the universe.
Here we belong.
Born to be kings, Princes of the universe.
Fighting and free
Got the world in my hands
I'm here for your love and I'll make my stand.
We were born to be princes of the universe.
When the last echos of the song had faded, Regan plucked
the wires apart and removed the Telex.
"That ought to do it."
She slammed the fuse box shut and started to walk away,
dismantled CD player in one hand, tool box in the other. Serena
followed, still slightly out of breath.
"Are you staying?"
"You bet. You hired me for the whole day and night, remember?
That new system is fairly shoddy. I patched it, a first year
electical student could have, but it could easily break down again.
I'll stay, watch, and check back with those cables every now and
then. Don't worry about it. I'm all over this."
"I feel it only fair to warn you that
By the time they reached the upper level, Serena had composed
herself and Regan was no longer smiling. Diamond, however, was not
pleased. He pulled away from the crowd, and began moving toward
Serena and Regan. Serena tensed slightly. Regan relaxed her stance.
Power tools had that effect on a woman.
"I assume you are the one responsible for the ruckus?" Diamond
demanded. Regan ran a hand through her hair and smiled benignly.
"Just making sure that everything operates as it was designed
to. That's what I'm being paid for, after all."
"And I'm sure you did a marvelous job." Diamond had that
patronizing glint in his eye, and Serena resisted the urge to look
back toward Regan. "However, your services will no longer be
required. The stadium electrical expert should be arriving shortly."
"Is that the man who designed and installed the current system?"
"The company who did so, yes."
"You are wasting your money. That system was poorly concieved and
badly installed. A short was only a matter of time, and you're lucky
that all you got was a power out. You might have burned the stadium down."
Diamond stared hard at Regan. Regan stared back.
"Besides, I don't work for you, Mr. Black. I work for The Three
Lights. And there is a clause in their contract stating that they have
the right to employ any and all personel they feel to be necessary for
the smooth execution of their concert."
By now, Seiya, Taiki and Yaten had arrived.
"That's quite true, Mr. Black," Taiki stated. Diamond flicked
a casual glance back at Taiki before raking violet eyes over Regan
once more. She didn't flinch. Diamond's gaze turned toward Serena.
"I hope you'll save a dance for me tonight, Serena," he murmurred.
Serena gave a half smile. Diamond turned to go, handing Taiki his
card as he strode for the door. The rest of the Black's scurried after
him. But Beryl stayed behind. What few had noticed was that she had been
glaring green daggers at Serena for the entire length of the visit. Now,
she executed a quick spin on her high heel and began the walk out.
Suddenly she stopped, turned again, and walked to Darien.
"Pick me up at 8, lover," she smiled, pulling Darien down for an
exceptionally passionate kiss. Raye's eyebrows shot up, Yaten burst out
laughing and Regan looked on with interest. To Darien's credit, he
did not respond. But neither did he make any attempt to push Beryl away.
When the kiss finally ended, it was due to Beryl.
"Your ride is waiting for you," Darien clipped out coldly. If
Serena's eyes hadn't been glued to Darien, she wouldn't have seen the
flash of frusterated hate that flashed over Beryl's classic features.
The woman simply turned and hurried out, her red hair waving like a
banner.
"Well," Raye quipped. "That was interesting."
"Indeed," Taiki stated.
"For sure," Yaten added.
"Yeah," Andrew said.
"I agree," was all that came from Seiya. Regan was silent.
Serena turned toward her, a question in her eyes.
"Any advice or pearls of wisdom?"
"As a general rule, do not solve puzzles that open portals to
hell," Regan said as shrugged and walked off toward the parking lot
with the dismantled stereo. "I shall return, never fear. My stereo has
served wisely and well. It is time for repairs."
Near the door, she turned back toward the group.
"Don't let the bastards get you down, Serena dear. Give them
hell."
Everyone watched as Regan vanished. Serena looked toward the
place she had last been, looked at her friends, looked at Darien and
then looked back toward the doors.
"Now that was advice worth listening to," Serena said. "Let's give
them hell!"
The entire stadium roared its approval and Seiya wrapped his arms
around Serena. Laughing, she leaned into the embrace as the group began
to disperse.
"Go do your job, boss man, and let me do mine."
"Yes, sir!" Seiya saluted and jogged off toward the stage. Soon
Serena stood by herself. Darien approached, holding himself stiffly.
Serena turned to watch The Lights pick up their instruments and check
them for damages in tuning. Melvin worked briskly through the ques...
it seemed nothing had been deleted, which was wonderful. Serena pushed
all the 'what if' thoughts from her mind and slid a glance at Darien.
He had come up behind her.
"Your past is so much more interesting than mine. I'm jealous,"
Serena said, not bothering to turn around. Dead silence. Well, at least
she had managed to throw him off balance.
"So, that's one girlfriend and one possible interest. You don't
have a fiancee stashed somewhere, do you?" Serena flashed teasing blue
eyes up at Darien. He said nothing.
"I apologize for that display," Darien clipped out. Serena raised
an eyebrow.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous. But we've known each other
for a an amazingly short amount of time. I certainly have no right to
claim monogamy based on one date."
Serena looked at the floor as she said this, adding a make-out
session and a full heart-to-heart chat to that list. It felt so *wrong* to
say that. She felt a tug in the vicinity of her heart. For a reason she
couldn't name, Serena felt as though she did have a right to claim
everything from Darien...as he had the right to claim all of her.
She shook her head, and Darien moved to the side.
"Will you be at the party tonight?" he asked, and Serena felt
her heart sink. He was leaving, and he was taking part of her with him.
Serena nodded. He smiled back at her.
"I'll see you there, then," Darien said, and turned to walk out
the door. He passed Regan on then way out, and Regan sized him up as
he passed. Serena watched the doors long after he was gone, unsure
if she wanted to laugh or cry. She didn't realize that Regan was
standing beside her until a hand touched her shoulder.
"No guy is worth crying over," Regan began, and Serena recognized
the mantra from their school days.
"And the one who is won't make you cry," she finished.
"That's right. Enough of the sad face. Concert. Job. And best
of all, a party! How's about them apples?"
Laughing, Serena followed her friend to a prime seat. They watched
and joked as the Lights began their last song before the concert. Serena
tipped her head back. Her feelings were irrational and
incredible.
No doubt about it. She was in love. With the third most eligible
bachelor in the world. Resisting the urge to groan, Serena closed her
eyes. 'Why me?' she thought, and grinned. 'Just lucky I guess!'
*****************************************************************
Sorry about the ending, and about how long it took for me to
get this chapter out. I apologize profusely and I will attempt to get
Chapter 9 out quickly. In case you are interested, only two more
chapters everyone!
lyrasoze@hotmail.com
Please mail me and let me know what you thought!