W a r . of . the . R o s e s
Stargirl
. VOf Swords and Roses
Find thy sword, little rose,
An ally in faith and valor.
Little they be, you have your thorns,
That will nick a crimson color.
How Serena drifted through the following days would forever remain a mystery to her. Moments felt like hours, days like years. All time became unfocused and unreal as she found herself in an odd cycle. There wasn't joy singing in her heart, but neither was she adverse to it all. Her days, if possible, had become pleasantly simple. A dream-like simple.
She awoke every morning and swept through the school day, Seiya at her side like a shadow. No, she thought. Never a shadow. Not him. He was her prince and escort.
The students embraced her. The snug feeling of belonging wrapped around her in comforting waves, so enticing a feeling that she could hardly let her mind tread into any serious thoughts. She liked it simple. The tangle of weeds in her mind had disappeared, replaced by an enchanting mist like wandering into the home of magical enchantresses and fairies, her lids drooping and thoughts slowing.
Of course there were times when she felt cold… felt more alienated from the students gathering around her than when they had been ignoring her. She wasn't sure how, perhaps a glaze or flicker in her eyes, but Seiya always seemed to sense when she was in one of her lapses. He would smile down at her, lift her hand to his lips, and she would forget. She never said a word, never said that she was in a relationship with Seiya Whittenfield—but still, she stood by his side. Others wondered, questioned her, even assumed, but how could she confirm what she herself didn't understand?
It seemed like, in those few days, that everything was right. Raye Whittenfield, who had returned to school, never confronted Serena. In fact she behaved almost as if she didn't exist, which was quite fine by Serena. She was used to being ignored; it was what she had always known, and in the sea of attention, she felt the action almost… comforting. Without outer distractions or inner turmoil, both of which had plagued her at her rough start at the school, she found she could concentrate on her studies and that she did not have to feel guilty about the teacher's leniency if she gave them no opportunity for it. She thought she could be content in her new routine.
November crept near, embracing the meadow lands with its autumn chill. The wind caught flared leaves of browns, crimsons, and golds from brittle branches to toss in the air. The seasons changed without fail and with it brought a new tide of disturbance.
Serena awoke a Monday morning, tired and restless and not knowing why. She sat up in her bed, looking around her small, darkened room. The morning's dim blue light filtrated through the window, one of the wall clocks softly ticking. Her eyes fell on her uniform laid out for her over the pile on her chest. In the lighting, it looked like a dark burgundy pool.
She couldn't understand the odd sensation in her, the clearness in her mind that crystallized thoughts and scrutinized everything about the dim room as well as the feelings swimming around inside her. She reached for her uniform and mindlessly changed into it, facing the narrow mirror and sliding her hand over her jacket to work out the wrinkles. She was suddenly reminded of the first day she stood before the mirror tugging at her uniform so nervous and excited. It was as if she had just stepped back to see everything from the beginning and could only wonder if she had lived them.
It was a disturbing thought and she frowned at herself. Her life had simply changed. She had long ago convinced herself that she could handle life. It was a long expanse of time in front of her, foreseen in her mind as holding no extreme sense of happiness or sadness. To simply be content—that was all she wanted. She needed no more than a quiet existence, still holding her pride and being able to care for her mum in the days to come.
She felt that moving to England and being accepted into the Whittenfield School was allowing for her picture of the future. Granted, the school had been far from what she imagined, and she couldn't quite fathom what difference it would make in her life. She had also not counted on meeting Seiya Whittenfield, a member of the upper class—a terrifying world apart from her own. It was a world that didn't seem real when she awoke in the mornings after the disorientation of sleep to find herself in the cramped but homely town house. It was then, at these moments, that she felt fearful of venturing out of this world, which was small but safe.
Of course it was silly to be scared. The new events had done no harm and had, if anything, improved her situation. Which is why, as she had for the past seven days, she brushed away her thoughts, lifted her chin, and turned from the room to drift through another day. She could not tolerate cowards, and she herself was no exception.
The morning passed uneventfully and without the appearance of Seiya Whittenfield. It didn't worry her as he often arrived later in the mornings. She was growing used to his comings and goings. The more ambitious students stayed by her side. It was funny how simple a day at school was recently. Should it bother her how easy it had become? At the luncheon hour, she excused herself from the students around her, more confident in her ability to brush them off. Thus far she was proud of her control and acceptance in face of their prattling and vain natures. At least she never blew her top like she did that one day. The students' presence around her began to feel…natural.
She walked quickly through the mill of students to her newest place of refuge and torture. The school's elegant library had intimidated and elated her when she had first found it. Rich mahogany gleamed from every surface, candelabras and red roses accenting the designed structure of couches and tables. There were stairs and archways to elevated floors, and compartments each with their own maze of reaching bookcases. She quickly searched for a student librarian who helped her find the books she needed, and thus she studied.
"It now remains for us to see how a prince should govern his conduct towards his subjects or his friends…" The pages were old—not in means of deterioration, but in something that had lasted the ages. In it were words relevant enough for the elitists of Whittenfield Academy to deign to reflect on it in class. Serena shifted in her seat, weary after reading Chapter XV and wishing she had opted for one of the couches instead of the table she slouched over.
To avoid the expense of buying certain books, she decided to take advantage of the library to find the ones she needed. She had looked forward to reading famous writings from the Renaissance and yet… though most were good, others bothered her. Mirandola's On the Dignity of Man, Castiglione's The Book of the Courtier, Hobbes' Liviathon… and Machiavelli's The Prince from which she now read. All of them fit the prestigious school somehow. Did they really believe everything in these books? She rubbed her temple and continued to read, eyes narrowed in stubborn concentration that only really gave her a mild headache.
"The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among so many who are not virtuous. Therefore if a prince wants to maintain his rule he must learn how not to be virtuous, and to make use of this or not according to need…" She balked at the cool lecturing words, mindlessly tapping her pencil on the table's surface in agitation.
A prince surely didn't have to be a pushover just for being virtuous, or generous, or loved. She thought those were wonderful qualities. As an idealistic by nature, she was well aware of her bias as she swept over well-made points. But, for instance, a prince who was too generous and was taken advantage of or who depleted his own sources was just being foolish. Being frugal and hording every penny surely wouldn't benefit anyone. Where was the middle ground?
She read on and by Chapter XVII on "Cruelty and Compassion and Whether it is Better to be Loved than Feared, or the Reverse," Serena shut the book with a resounding "thunk." Some of Machiavelli's arguments were indifferently logical, but how could she agree to something professing that cruelty could be better than compassion? "It's rubbish," she sighed, nudging the book further from her as if its presence alone could contaminate her thoughts.
"What's rubbish?"
Startled by the voice, she looked behind her to see Seiya Whittenfield standing under the archway. And as she often was, she was struck by how handsome and composed he was. Young men that beautiful were not supposed to exist in real life… and yet they did in hers. After a moment when she still had not yet given a response, he raised an eyebrow.
She flushed in embarrassment and turned back to the table. "Nothing… just reading." Furrowing her brow, she looked back at him and asked, "What do you think of Machiavelli's The Prince?"
A smile spread across his lips and she had that unsettling feeling when he seemed to already read her thoughts and feelings. "You think that a 'prince' should be compassionate, correct?"
It wasn't exactly a question, but she gave a small nod. "Y-yes."
"One in authority's position is always challenged. You believe that everything that makes a man inherently good should make him strong—yet history proves a rarity of good men being good kings. Their generosity can backfire and hurt their kingdom later on—so it is better to be frugal. If their kindness and compassion is viewed as a weakness, they will be taken advantage of. Sometimes cruelty is the biggest kindness when it is for the better."
She stayed quiet but he read her expression. "You still don't believe it," he said without resentment.
"Seiya, you… you're like the prince, and everyone respects and fears you without cruelty, don't they?"
A shadow swept over Seiya's ice-blue eyes but he still wore a smile and all Serena could see was kindness in his face. "Of course."
She smiled back at him, her spirit restored. There were princes, after all, who could rule with compassion. She didn't care if it was naïve; she couldn't let herself believe otherwise.
"I have a surprise for you," Seiya told her with a secret smile.
She tried to frown but a smile twitched at her lips. "Oh? One I'll like?"
He leaned casually against the table. "Oh, very much I'm sure."
"So what is it?" Serena laughed.
Seiya lifted a slim eyebrow. "And ruin the surprise?" he murmured teasingly. "Nonsense. You'll find out today." He turned and strode to the exit.
"Where are you going?" Serena called after him.
"Council Lounge," he said without turning back. He paused as if with an after thought and added, "you may want to avoid my sister today."
"Why? She hasn't been bothering… me." She sighed. He was already gone.
Serena stepped into her next classroom to be confronted by a beaming Social Studies teacher. Considering that the lines in this man's face formed a natural frown, the effect was a bit uncomfortable to see. "Good morning, Miss Blake," he greeted. "Exciting day for you, isn't it?"
"Is it?" she echoed, confused. As she took her seat she was only vaguely connecting the teacher's "exciting day for her" and Seiya's hinted surprise. It was a surprise big enough for the teacher to know of? How could that be? She tapped a fingernail on her desk, thoughts lost to the first portion of the teacher's lecture, restless from the puzzle presented to her. She felt more left in the dark than giddy over the possibility of something good happening for once.
She had an even odder feeling about it all when she sensed the curious and accessing stares in the short breaks between classes. If she ever doubted the ability to feel being stared at, she never would again. When she searched for the students she felt watching her, she was further unnerved when she recognized most of them had the rose pins that signaled their status on the student council. Two boys in particular she caught glimpses of the most, a tall studious one and a fair-haired petite one, she not only recognized to be on the council but Seiya's closest friends. She debated confronting them, but didn't really know what she could say.
It was at her last class that the professor told her the vice principal had requested to see her. She walked toward the main office, unwilling to help the cold nervousness that crept through her. The Vice Principal, called simply Madame by many, might as well have been the real principal for all the school ever saw of him.
Serena halted before the wooden double doors, drawing in a slow breath to calm herself. She jumped at Madame's voice from inside. "Well? Aren't you coming in?" The voice was cool and Serena couldn't detect the woman's mood from it at all.
Her heartbeat fluttered in her chest as she cautiously opened the door and stepped into the spacious office. "You called for me?" she asked softly.
Madame was behind her desk writing. "Yes." She looked up with a smile that held no warmth. "Miss Blake, you have been full of surprises."
Serena could say nothing to that and so held her tongue. Most of the happenings were surprises to her as well.
Madame gave a delecate sigh, rising to a stand and turning to walk to the ceiling-to-floor window in one fluid motion. Her back faced Serena's as she continued. "This school is over a century old… a living legacy of a great family," Madame murmured, almost to herself. "I, as my fathers before me, have devoted my life to this school. Oh, but it is so much more than a school. Rich with history… prestige, it has raised and taught the most promising students. In this school… intelligence and wealth is the norm, and yet, there are still the elite. They are young men and women whose worth are far above my own. They have been born and raised that way and live in excellence you or I could only dream of. It is an honor to have them at Whittenfield, and it is these privileged students that make up the Student Council." The Vice Principal fell silent, her gaze still cast out the window.
Serena stood there, increasingly bewildered. She wasn't sure what she expected, but this speech surely wasn't it. "I—I don't understand," she found the courage to say.
"No. I don't suppose you would," Madame agreed.
Serena frowned at that. "Is this about Seiya Whittenfield?"
Madame shook her head slightly and Serena could sense rather than see the wry smile on the woman's lips. "Perhaps in a way. But not what you are thinking." The older woman swung gracefully around and faced Serena with a raised eyebrow, an expression that reminded her of Seiya. "Well now, I suppose you better find out why you were called here. There's a letter for you on the desk."
Feeling thoroughly awkward and lost, Serena reached for the sealed envelope on the desk as if it were her salvation. It was a golden marble envelope. She paused and swept her hand over the bronze cursive "Miss Serenity Blake" that graced across the front and the red rose seal on the back with the school's emblem. Her hand hovered to break the seal, and in that brief moment she felt she didn't want to open it. Madame silently waited and Serena forced herself to open it. Her eyes glanced through the contents.
"Dear Miss Blake, It has come to my attention that you have reached such a degree of excellence at Whittenfield that I am happy to award…" Serena caught her breath in shock, feeling suddenly light headed and out of focus. The letter was signed by the principal. Serena looked up to the Vice Principal, needing reaffirmation. "Is this really true?"
The woman gave her a tight smile. "I am afraid so. That is an invitation to join the Student Council. I only hope you can comprehend what an honor it is."
Perplexed, Serena looked back to the letter. There was a rush of feeling inside her, neither dread nor elation. "I still don't understand," she fought to say the words. It was almost a physical effort to tread through the tangle in her mind.
"Don't you?" Madame said calmly.
Serena looked up and comprehension filled her clouded eyes. "Seiya," she whispered. She recalled his "surprise" and the looks she had been receiving from the student council members.
Madame didn't make a comment, but then she didn't need to.
"May I leave now?" Serena asked almost a sigh. She suddenly felt very tired and just wanted to return home and wait for her mum. Perhaps if she didn't make a big deal of it, just did something normal, than it wouldn't bother her so.
"You may go." Madame nodded and Serena turned to leave but was stopped just before the door. "Miss Blake? A small piece of advice?"
Serena looked over her shoulder and the woman's expression was more serious than almost any she had seen before.
"You may have made friends in high places," Madame paused, eyes locked on Serena's, "but you have made enemies in high places as well." There was no animosity in the woman's voice or gaze. Serena hardly moved or breathed, but forced herself to give a small nod. She watched the Vice Principal dismiss her and return to work before finally slipping from the room.
She moved in a daze, hardly seeing the students around her. She still couldn't quite grasp all that had happened—and perhaps she didn't want to. Her eyes glanced and swung around as she searched out Seiya's face. She had just started down one of the courtyard's walkways outside when she looked up and paused.
Two familiar faces stared down at her from the high bay window—Seiya's two friends. The breath she let loose made a faint cloud in the cold air. They were in the upstairs rooms of the North Building where Seiya had brought her the first day she met him. Without conscious thought, she headed towards the entrance, numbly pushing by the students she passed.
Aware of the student council members having exclusive right to the first and second floors of the ornate building, she tread up the flight of stairs with more thana little bit of nervousness. In some small corner of her, maybe she did view these people as better than her. But she resented that feeling and with the sole purpose in mind, she entered one of the main rooms.
She paused by the door as some of the students lounging throughout the room turned faintly curious glances towards her. Serena looked for Seiya first in case he was there, but when she didn't see him turned to the two she recognized as his friends. She headed towards them without thinking but her steps slowed as she drew closer. What kind of friends were they? What kind of impression did they have of her? Seiya had only mentioned them in passing with a vague reference to introducing her to him. Butterflies warred in her stomache.
They were both staring at her now and were absolutely expressionless. Whatever hope she had that they would give her an acknowledging smile died and the last of her steps were forced. She sighed and spoke. "I was wondering whether either of you know where Seiya is?"
"My brother isn't here," a cool voice mused. Serena could feel her entire body lock in place. The fair-haired boy gave her a vicious smile while the other merely looked over her shoulder. She dreaded to turn around. There was no mistaking who it was.
She had never known anyone else with as cold and emotionless a voice. Gathering a small breath of courage, she twisted round. Her gaze met the icy pale blue of Raye Whittenfield. The hairs on her neck rose in warning. Under that gaze alone, she felt under siege.
"What a pity for you… and how convenient for me. You saved me the trouble of a finding you," the words were accompanied by a ghost of a smile.
Raye's eyes held hers, cold and calculating, as she strolled forward, ignoring the council members that quickly stepped out of her path. She didn't look angry, Serena thought. She looked like a stroked cat that had found a mouse to toy with which was far, far worse.
She stood there, bemused as Raye Whittenfield stopped inches before her face. From so close, the girl's translucent skin looked china pale. So believable was the illusion that Serena wondered if the girl's face would be cool to the touch. Ivory skin, ebony hair, and wintry eyes were an intimidating combination that could have rivaled any snow queen's. A person's eyes really were the most expressive… they captured Serena's like a viper's—hallow and deadly entrancing. Serena fought the urge to glance away.
"Well, well," Raye sang softly. "It seems I've underestimated you."
Serena silently stared back at her.
Raye's dark lashes lowered a fraction, though not before Serena caught a glimpse of the steel in them. "So my dear brother has a fetish with you." Her voice carried on only a breath, and though it had no less intensity it made it unlikely anyone else in the room could hear her despite their curious gazes and listening ears. A cruel smile briefly flashed on one corner of Raye's mouth before it was gone. "No one here is a fool. They know the only reason why you received an invitation. You have, of course, received it by now, haven't you?" Silver blue eyes slid away but there wasn't a moment's relief for Serena as Raye began to circle around her.
Serena stiffened and stood up straighter.
"You are trash," Raye murmured in the same calm and hallow voice. "As worthless to this school as a penny to the streets. It's my nature to ignore people like you, but you just don't know your place. You're going to wish to God that no one at this school… ever… knew your name…"
Serena was trembling with anger and embarrassment, and she refused to lose her pride in this display of authority as she was sure that that was all it was. "Are you done?" she whispered. She would not rise to the bait. When she found Seiya, he could make amends and deal with his sister.
Unexpectedly, a slight smile spread across Raye's lips and she blinked languidly as she stepped back. But this time she raised her voice, and the room was so quiet that every member in the vast room could hear. "We have a time old tradition here of settling personal vendetta's. You only had a taste of it," she spoke, her voice serene with well-hidden malice. Raye gave her an amused glance. "We decide by sword."
Serena grew cold. Her numb fingers curled together and it seemed as if her heart dropped too low from its rightful place. She didn't need to be reminded of the failure that was her first fight with Raye Whittenfield. It was a thorn that never stopped wounding her pride. "A duel?" she asked, forcing her voice to steady.
"A duel," Raye smiled. "All or nothing. The terms are simple. You win—I let you join the Student Council and leave you alone. But if I win… you leave Whittenfield Academy never to look back."
Leave school? The words echoed in Serena's uncomprehending mind. She could accept not joining the council. She wasn't even sure she wanted to join. But how could she leave school after all she had been through? All that her mother had went through for her?
Raye caught the fear in her eyes and laughed quietly. "The stakes too high for you? You should have thought about that before you challenged me."
"That's unfair!" Serena shook her head. "You know I've only just started fencing."
"That's why I'm giving you one month. Call it my grace period. I think that should more than suffice, don't you?"
Serena's mind was racing. There had to be a way out of this. Why couldn't she refuse the duel? It didn't have to be all or nothing. She just wanted to be a normal student. She was still trying to form the words to say to explain that to Raye Whittenfield when a new voice rang through the room and echoed around the ceilings and spoke the two words that sealed Serena's fate.
"She'll accept."
Shocked, Serena swung around to see Seiya lounging against the doorway.
Raye tilted her head loftily, a placid smile gracing her face. All was going well. It mildly amused her how well. Her cool eyes glided over the blonde girl who stood dumbstruck in the middle of the floor. The poor creature didn't stand a chance. It would be a wise decision for Serenity Blake to leave school long before the duel—but Raye knew she wouldn't. She had too much spirit for her own good and an irritating belief in equality.
The world wasn't equal… or fair. Raye might have pitied the girl for her innocence if it didn't annoy her so much. Did Serenity Blake think she could rise in status by her pretty face alone? Having said all she wanted to and not curious enough to see the after effect to her challenge, Raye had no need to stay. She left the room with only a cursory look to her brother. Once outside, she walked oblivious to the cold around her and silver-chipped eyes focused somewhere on a future day in December. A faint whisper carried on the wind. "Let's see how well your ideals save you in battle, Serenity Blake."
Inside, Serena stood there long enough for the elite students around her to break the silence. In her far off mind, she heard a giggle or laugh and vaguely sensed the curious and accessing glances but it all remained a blur to her. Seiya was suddenly by her side, a gentle hand guiding her to an empty room to the side.
He smiled down at the bewildered girl, seeing the confused thoughts turning in her deep lapis-blue eyes. She was the transparent sort… he valued his ability to read people with cutting precision and yet no talent was needed for this girl. He found it… charming.
"Seiya… so much happened today," she murmured, a delightful furrow to her brow. He leaned down and placed a chaste kiss to her forehead, lifting her chin with a finger so that she finally looked at him with her wide doe eyes.
"Why did you speak for me like that?" she pleaded.
Seiya's light eyes were soft and unconcerned. "Shhh. It's not important." His finger idly caressed the soft hallow under her chin.
Serena stepped away abruptly, gaping at him. "Not important? But what am I supposed to do? She's your sister! Can't you do anything? I—" I don't want to be in your council," she finished quietly making a helpless gesture with her hands.
Seiya just smiled at her, increasing her frustration ten-fold. "Don't worry," he said in his same placid voice.
"How can I not worry?" Serena sighed and covered her face in her hands. The day had started out so well. She didn't want to deal with this. A small moan filtered through her throat as she relived her one and only duel with the ice princess of Whittenfield. "I've hardly fenced, Seiya! How am I supposed to defend my right to stay in school? If I lose, will I really be forced to leave?"
"Serenity."
Just her name on his voice made her hesitate and look up at him. His eyes were a mirror of his sister's silver-flecked blue but where hers froze her, his was able to calm her. "Do you trust me, Serenity?"
She reflected on all the times he had been there for her and a small warmth beat in her chest. She may still not know her feelings for this young man, but through her appreciation she knew she believed in him. Nodding, she whispered, "Yes."
His large slender hand came up to cup her face as he peered down at her with a soft smile. "Than believe me. You will not be forced to leave school as long as I want you here. And you will join me in the council by winning against my sister."
His face was leaning very close to hers, and though she was comforted she felt uneasy at the same time. It was only because she was new to it all, she told herself even as she glanced away and pulled back from his embrace. "She's a very good duelist… isn't she?" Serena murmured, staring off to the side.
"Then you'll just have to become better." Seiya stared at her thoughtfully for a moment before straightening. "Yes—one month should prove to be enough," he said under his breath. Then he turned to leave the room, instructing her before he left, "Meet me by the outside courts in ten minutes."
The man stood where Seiya expected to find him, standing proudly by his classroom's victorian windows with a book in his hands. He watched Artemis flip a page, knowing full well he was being ignored. An amused smile tugged at his lips as he ambled farther into the room. "Not even a hello?" Seiya mused aloud. There was a moment's silence and then another turn of the page.
"Pray tell me the reason for this honored visit," Artemis finally murmured in a bored tone. With a lofty turn of his head, he glanced at Seiya. His white-blond hair seemed to glow in the gray light, his eyes an even lighter silver-blue than Seiya's own. The aristocrat's blood that ran through him was undeniable.
"I have to have a reason to visit my wonderful Professor?" Seiya gave an insolent lift to his brow and watched an unfriendly smile curl at Artemis' lip. Seiya laughed silently and walked forward to stare out the window. "I need a favor."
Now Artemis was the one to lift his eyebrows. "Do you? How fortunate. Perhaps you will have better luck for a favor from among the other faculty? I guarantee that you will waste your time with me."
"Sadly, I require the favor of you. I need you to personally teach someone fencing. You see, she has been challenged by my sister for a duel and it is my wish that she wins. You would have one month to prepare her."
Artemis gave a harsh chuckle. "Fencing is it? I am only a humble professor now, or have you forgotten I was forced from my position as fencing master of this school. I fancy you were the reason behind that."
"That is true. However I require you to teach her, nonetheless. I still have more authority than you in this school, or have you forgotten? Am I making myself clear?"
"Why choose me?"
Seiya turned and smiled at the older man. "Because you are the best."
Artemis' eyes narrowed to steel slits. "I am not one to be threatened, as you know. Teaching here is my wish and whim and not a necessity or honor. So why do you still ask?"
"Why do you choose to stay here?" Seiya asked instead.
Artemis was a stonewall. "That's irrelevant," he said in a flat voice.
Seiya gave a careless shrug. Turning on his heels, he walked to the doorway, speaking as he did. "The decision is yours. If you wish to meet her, she is waiting by the outdoor courts. You cannot deny you are curious about Serenity Blake. I promise she will make an interesting pupil for you."
Artemis stared after the young man as he made his exit, a pensive expression on his face and his book long forgotten. Seiya Whittenfield was right about one thing, he was curious of the girl. He knew of her defiance to Raye Whittenfield on her very first day and the scorn she received for it. It was something few would do. And she was to duel Miss Whittenfield, a first class fencer, in one month? It was… interesting. He ran a hand down his book and stared at it thoughtfully, wondering many things that really were of no consequence. With a decisive snap, Artemis had dropped his book on a desk and set off for the courts.
The sky was overcast, a cold white-gray, and the brittle leaves swayed in the slight wind. Serena rubbed her hands over her arms, standing where she was told and not knowing how long she was supposed to wait. School was over and the drifters that stayed behind had moved to their after-school events and clubs or returned to their upscale homes. She shivered and sighed, not seeing the teacher arrive and silently watch her.
The girl muttered something about waiting under her breath, and a thin smile fought its way to Artemis' lips before disappearing without a trace. "Miss Blake," he greeted in a calm voice, his face its normal mask. She turned around, facing him with startled blue eyes before confusion furrowed her brow.
"Why are you here? Where's Seiya?"
"Wherever he wants to be, I suppose," Artemis murmured noncommittally with a slight shrug. Clasping his hands behind him, he walked to the girl and moved around her. His first impression of her was right, she was a pretty young girl--but heaven knew that Seiya had many with equal beauty at his disposal, if not at the school than elsewhere. Serenity Blake's background was common, which was what made the situation unique. Lost in his own musings, he only just became aware of her fiery gaze and stiffened form.
Perhaps she should be used to being studied as if she were some interesting plant, but familiar feeling it may be it was no more pleasant. "You're a literature professor here?" she prompted with an edge to her voice and was glad when he finally paused before her.
"I am. My name is Artemis Beaumont. As to why I am here, you are in need of a fencing tutor and I must decide whether or not I wish to fill that need."
Serena looked at him in surprise. "Fencing?" It answered her question yet raised so much more. "Did Seiya arrange this for me? I thought you didn't like him…"
"I don't," Artemis said brusquely.
"Then why would you do this?"
He looked her over coolly and the pale eyes once again unnerved her. "Do you wish for my help or do you not?"
Serena straightened and without hesitation said, "I do." She tilted her head and looked at him curiously. Despite his dislike of Seiya, for whatever reason, she had admired this man for it. As intimidating as Artemis Beaumont was, his mere presence demanded respect. She wanted to be found worthy by this teacher, and she did desperately need help if she had any hope to win against Raye Whittenfield. What did he see in her as he peered into her stubborn blue eyes?
After an excruciating moment, he nodded slowly. "Perhaps… you will do. Meet me tomorrow after school, dressed in your fencing attire. I will make my decision then." Without another word, Artemis turned and walked off, dismissing the bewildered blonde as she stared after him.
Seiya Whittenfield had a dangerous perception of those around him, and it bothered Artemis to think that he was doing exactly what Seiya wanted. He likely knew that the girl would intrigue Artemis. She had an honest spirit that most lacked at Whittenfield Academy and was a rare find, but she also trusted Seiya. Even Lucifer could charm like an angel of light.
He would test her strength and skill, and if he found her worthy he would make her his pupil. Perhaps if he did, she might learn something besides fencing.
Artemis stood waiting for her. He was staring out the window and she didn't think he heard her enter but after a minute of silence he turned to her, looked her over, and nodded. "Shall we begin?"
Serena let out the breath she was holding and nodded. For some reason, this teacher made her more nervous than the aggressive fencing teacher. She fidgeted in her fencing outfit and tried to calm her heartbeat.
Artemis gestured with a foil sword off to the side. "That is your sword while I am teaching you."
Serena obeyed the silent command and picked up the sword but looked at Artemis questioningly. "I don't think Raye will choose the foil sword for our duel, Sir," she ventured.
Artemis looked at her calmly, his eyes all too keen. "I don't care about Miss Whittenfield. I have not offered to teach you because of her and it should not be your motivation to learn. No. You will learn with the foil," he folded his hands behind his back and began to walk around her. "Its rules are not limitations but necessities. You will gain a respect for its methods as well as the critical sense of timing and strategy. You must fight with knowledge and observance, not a reckless aim for a hit based on instinct alone less your instinct be unreliable. Do you understand?" He stopped and turned to her.
She straightened her back and nodded, her grip tightening on her sword with anticipation.
"Very well, then," he said with a nod. He took his place before her, and she followed his lead with a salute. Forcing down the faint feeling rising in her chest, she donned her mask and mimicked his pose. "On Guard," he declared and so her fencing trials only began.
He didn't hesitate or wait for her and Serena was caught up in a flurry of an attack and parried the best she could on instinct. It was far from the calm practices at class, reminding her more of the demanding challenge during her duel with Raye. Her heart fluttered rapidly in response. She had already retreated so many steps and clenching her teeth with a small grunt she evaded his sword and lunged. She pushed her body and mind farther than she ever had before, her lapis-blue eyes narrowed in stubborn determination.
Unlike what she had seen from Raye's duel, this teacher fenced with an aura of respect and honor. It made her want to do well. He fought calmly and accurately, always appearing to know what she'd do before she did it. The attacks and parries went back and forth and only the ring of the swords sounded in the silence. She grew tired fast and her concentration blurred and within a moment he gained a touch. Without a word they began again, and she thought her body's movement felt drugged in comparison with his. It was over all too soon and she hadn't even managed a single touch.
Artemis paused, the point of his sword hovering just over Serena's chest. All she could do was stare at it as she panted, her tired arm mindlessly still holding her own sword ahead of her. Slowly she let her hand drop to her side. She had fought as hard as she could; it just wasn't good enough. Frustrated tears stung her eyes.
Artemis' eyes were critical as he stared at her. "You are letting me control the pace."
"You're bigger than I am," Serena defended, beginning to catch her breath. She slipped off her mask and swiped a hand at the sweat beading on her forehead.
"I am stronger and my reach is farther," Artemis agreed. "However, that does not mean you give in. You must examine your opponent and judge how to fence. Fight in the defense. Your attacks must be deceptive and indirect. Your fighting is sloppy and predictable. As you are, you are no match for Raye Whittenfield. You were a fool to fence with her the first time."
Serena's eyes fell to the floor, humiliation burning her cheeks and defiance and tears warring in her eyes. "Then why are you teaching me? You still haven't told me why."
He was quiet for a moment. She didn't know whether he was thinking over a response or simply contemplating her. "You were a fool," he said softly, "but an admirable one."
Startled, she looked up, even more surprised by a soft quirk to the man's lips. It was amazing how gentle it made his ghostly pale eyes look. Serena's body relaxed all at once. This teacher was… different than any of the others. She shifted her gaze to some unknown corner, her mind wandering. "The duel… between Raye and I… it means more than getting into the Council. I have something to prove to myself as well as to her. I won't let her look down on me."
Artemis rested a hand on her shoulder. "Then raise your sword… for as long as your will is strong, I will teach you."
Serena tried to suppress a silly smile from spreading across her face as Artemis moved in front of her, his demeanor once again all seriousness. He wasn't going to go any easier on her she knew, and yet felt all the better for it. Her muscles ached, but her adrenaline was strong and blood pumped fervently through her veins. She moved into position with ease, a new determination in her eyes as the first clangs of swords echoed in the vacant hall.
That evening found Serena curled up on a cozy couch at home. She rubbed her tired eyes, fighting the temptation to close them as she tapped a pencil on the textbook weighing down her lap. She smiled suddenly, pushing the tomb of a book away and reached into the pile of books. It was an old book with a worn, wrinkled brown leather cover and yellowed pages. Underneath a faded rose emblem the simple gold letters read "Of Fencing and Duels." Artemis had given it to her just before she left. She trailed a hand down the front cover before flipping through the first few pages. It was strange. She had never had an interest in a physical activity before. Her preference always ran more towards reading, writing, and occasionally sketching.
She hadn't really considered the possibility before her lesson that day that fencing was something she could enjoy. Her body felt stiff but she didn't care. There was an invigorating feeling afterwards, more than the simple rushing of her blood. Serena lost herself in two chapters before the grandfather's clock struck nine. The deep chimes brought her to and, putting her reading aside, she slipped into the kitchen to prepare two cups of tea. The scent of raspberry and cinnamon wafted through the little town house when her mother shuffled in.
"Mum!" Serena greeted happily, handing one of the two china teacups.
Irene Blake paused to shut her eyes and take in a big breath. "Oh, this smells like heaven," she murmured with a sigh.
Serena only smiled.
Irene indulged in a long sip and her pine green eyes suddenly twinkled at Serena from over the rim.
"What's that look for?" Serena laughed.
"Because you, my little girl, have an admirer."
Serena lowered her cup, brow furrowing. Her first thought was to wonder how her mother had found out about Seiya, but her mother surprised her.
Irene set down her tea and turned to shuffle in the bags she brought home. "That handsome boy that visited you a few days ago at the cafe... he returned and asked about you."
"Really?" Serena edged, not quite sure what to make of it.
"Here it is!" Irene exclaimed, pulling out a perfect white rose.
Serena stared at it in surprise, mindlessly taking it. The thorns were cleanly shaven off, the sprigs of jagged leaves healthy and moist. There was not a withered or stained petal among the white girdle, the ivory petals touched by the barest red hue like a blush. It was in that innocent stage between starting to bloom and being fully bloomed, the middle petals gently caving and curling around another as the outer petals spread out.
"Strange its not a red rose," Irene murmured as if to herself. "A new fashion I suppose." She waved her hand to dismiss the matter and leaned over to kiss her daughter's cheek, not appearing to notice Serena's lack of response. "Night darling. I'm opening the cafe tomorrow so have a good day at school."
Serena was annoyed and more than perturbed, for what she had thought she had managed to forget amidst the events at school came back to her. 'Darien,' he said his name was... she remembered his brush of warm lips against hers and soft voice as he whispered in her ear, in reference to her rose, "It should have been white."
A.N. Sorry about the long wait in chapters. Honestly, I've been more preoccupied with my art and lots of other things this past year and am trying to get back into writing more. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter. Darien should be making a return in appearance in the next chapter. As always, comments/suggestions/feedback is always welcomed and appreciated---you might not think it helps, but it does motivate me when I read your thoughts on the story. Don't give up on me no matter how long the gaps as I will write and finish this story. For those keeping up with Tsuki no Namida the 12th chapter is near completion depending on how much revision it needs.
All my thanks to my friends and editors, among them Jess-chan, Kon, Lia, Sugarlily, and Claidi!
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