Easy Rivals

08/28/05

You know what? I was watching a sailor Moon music video and it hit me as I saw an image fly across the moniter… Sailor Moon is supposed to be a heroine show where the women are the heros and not the men. The image had Neo-King Endymion surrounded by the inners and Serenity next to him as he held a staff as if he was the one who the show was based around and leader. I'm sorry, I just found it funny that he got to be surrounded by women, something I'm learning not every guy wants no matter how straight. Must be our personalities… ANYWAYS, why should Endymion get everything?

All the stories I've read are true to characters but somehow they're not true to real life. People are so diverse and interesting and somehow when I read fanfiction and books they always seem a little flat, except for Anansuma in Subject to Change, excellent, by the way, as with that one with the Japanese title by the two writers, can't think of it right now, but they know who they are. That sense of not quite being alive or too good to be true has me grasping at straws as I read. I'm moved, don't get me wrong, it's just not true, and in this story I hope to bring these characters to the truth and have all the personality faults and the charm that keeps you coming back for more. Even the anime seemed a little, odd…

I've also decided eventually every real fanfic author writes a sailor moon one even if it's only one. From stargate fans to other anime to ones who 'hate' sailor moon. I discovered this the other night (8-29-05).

Without further ado, here's the story:

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Be a Leader,

Expedite the situation,

AND FIND THE FIRE ESCAPES!

Herr Muu

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"I'm sure you're both wondering what it is that I've called you in here for." Their boss paused for a reply and Darien was the one to rudely cut in before Serena could even open her mouth.

"I'm sure it's for a very good reason to pull us off our work, or rather, my work, I'm not sure what Serena's been doing."

Serena shot him an irritated glance; he couldn't help but add a cheap shot, no matter how subtle, which that one wasn't. "I would also like to know, I was on a call with Rose Café's boss about opening up another branch here in Seattle."

"Those will have to wait momentarily as I inform you about a positioning opening up." Their boss fixed a smile on his face; the man was usually coming in with a stern glance and few words of compliments. The sight of a smile had Serena wincing slightly as Darien again tried to take over the conversation.

"Which position?" If it was the one he was expecting then it was something that both he and his female counter part had been trying to land since they both arrived in the company.

"The Department Manager." Both their eyes grew huge, wondering which one of them was going to get it and why they were together for the news.

"Surely if you were going to award one of us with that position you would have told us separately?" Serena had a faint frown; she wouldn't put it past the CEO of Star Reality to do it to invoke more rivalry.

"I would in any other normal circumstances but the two of you are unique. Serena, you have been here for five years and have made your way up from a lowly mail assistant to being the leader of your own team of realtors. Darien, you have arrived only six months ago but already I have seen great progress in both seasons as your team starts to rely on you."

Darien nodded, pleased at the compliments. "So how have you decided on the position?"

"I haven't." Both Darien and Serena sat up straight and leaned forward.

"You haven't? Then why call us in?" Serena questioned.

"To inform you it's available and I'll be deciding on the position after this season. You have another two months to pull up statistics." He looked over his papers. "You have both done a great deal in the past but I think this incentive will help you even more. While last season Serena, you only came in behind Darien by two percent, you do have seniority and I will look at that as well as the fact that Darien is older and has more experience in this particular field. If you had been a few years older then you would have come into this job because you would have graduated early and it would not have gone to our retiring employee. Darien, if you had switched over to this company a year earlier you would have had the position as long as Serena wasn't here to challenge the position. I have great confidence in both your abilities, so get out there and make more sales."

Both of them started to leave, stating their thanks for the opportunity and Darien was out the door first to guarantee that he was the one with the head start.

"Serena, hold for a moment." Serena stopped and looked at her boss. "Close the door, I don't want Darien to get curious." Serena did as he asked. "I have particular encouragement for your success, you have been a dedicated worker here who's done great things and I hope that you'll do well. I know you and Darien don't get along." Serena started to protest but he held up his hand. "I've seen you when you haven't noticed. He's said some things to you that I don't agree with and I'll let you know now that any decision I make won't have to do with your heritage."

"Thank you Mr. Denali, but I had no worry about that being the case. You've always treated me fairly and I understand that's why you started me out in such a low position despite teacher recommendations for a higher one, it's where anybody would start."

"As long as we understand each other." He nodded his head and Serena let herself out.