There was nothing an abyss of smoke and clouds as Serena slept and drifted off into another corner of the world. There would be more to come much more, the young princess had many more enemies and obstacles to face. Though a few friends some old others new would come to her assistance.
The sun shined on her pale back the pounding in her head shook her awake. "Cripes" she whispered to herself before grabbing a shirt from the floor.
"Hey I made pancakes," came a masculine voice. "How you are still standing after yesterday is beyond me," she answered while clenching her head between her hands.
With a small smile he replied, "Unlike you pixie I can handle my liquor."
"Diamond won't like if you show up like this," he lectured pouring coffee into his cup. The white haired man disliked the younger man he wasn't sure why but something about the way he stared at the young blonde upset him. Though she was like a younger sister a daughter almost he found it unsettling how Diamond looked at her as though she was spring water in a dusty desert. No doubt only disaster could come from that man's obsession with the blonde.
Serena made her way to window staring out for what seemed to be minutes, she was searching it was a daily ritual she had for as far long as she could remember she was searching. She would look through her bag in the middle of the night, check her phone for unknown numbers, or even glance out windows just to find something or someone she thought. She had even caught Artemis once or twice looking out the longing in his eyes obvious to anyone.
"I so don't feel like singing tonight," she said with a hoarse voice.
"Here some honey with lemon should help," he smiled handing the spoon to her. She smiled back before downing the concoction.
"There's no way Diamond would let you out of singing tonight. One its Friday night second he's completely mesmerized when you're on stage," explained the white haired man as he served himself another cup of coffee.
"He's a nice guy Artemis I don't understand why you're so hard on him. He's never made me feel uncomfortable unlike some other guys at the bar," she replied before narrowing her eyes at him.
"Could it be you're being a tad bit over protective," she said coyly stifling a chuckle.
"I know you can handle yourself Serena but I'll be there to weed out the ones your too naïve to see pass," he countered with a stern face. Returning the serious expression Serena pouted before breaking what she thought was a silly staring contest. Artemis laughed at her childish ways coaxing Serena to join in on the laughter.
Settling back into a comfortable silence it was broken as the phone began to ring. Serena lifted an eyebrow questioning Artemis though he merely shrugged causing Serena to pick up the phone the next second.
"Hey Sandy yes I'm doing well. You need some help? Sure I'll be there no problem you know I'm open most of the day. Okay see you there," she said before hanging up the phone.
"Hospital?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, apparently they found some guy unconscious by the old creek in the forest. It seems they're swamped and they would appreciate me coming in you know keep him some company or just see if he shows any signs of waking up," she explained while pulling a sweater over her head and some flats.
Walking down the street through the town center she felt a strange chill tickle her skin. A sense of excitement entered her as she came closer to her destination. She chuckled to herself it was an ordinary day like any other these feelings were absurd.
Holding the picture in front of her face the young woman squinted her scarlet eyes. She held sunglasses above her eyes comparing the town sign and to the photograph in her hands.
"Mare Anguis so this is it" she murmured the goose bumps prevalent on her skin. The letter said she would find all her answers here though she scoffed while reading the letter thinking it was from a competing journalist who was trying to get under her skin. But then it had said she would find her real parents making her first theory seem very unlikely. The very thought shook to her core very few people knew she was adopted hell her parents didn't even tell their families, they simply said they had been away while her mother was pregnant. The young women stood at the town center wondering where to start. Her stomach growled as she realized first she would have to get some food, a small arcade/ diner caught her attention.
"Welcome to Venus Diner, can I get you a table love?" asked a silver haired man a menu in his hand as he smiled warmly at her.
Returning the smile she shook her head, "No the counter's fine but thanks for the menu."
Where to start she wondered. What could she ask; hi I'm looking for my parents. Yes I have absolutely no idea what they look like perhaps pink hair. She didn't know names or occupations. She frowned as the thoughts passed through her mind. Perhaps city hall or the library she could look up something on residents over 40 she thought. Would she look for them as a couple or individually, her head throbbed as she thought of how to get started research was always like this for her a drag to start but once she had a lead there was no stopping her.
"Can I get you a drink there?" asked the same man as he placed some condiments around the counter top.
"Coffee black and I'll have a mushroom omelet with wheat toast," she said without looking up from the menu.
"All right then it'll be up in a few" he countered leaving her alone with her thoughts.
As he came back with a cup of coffee the door opened revealing a man dressed in all black his demure stoic as he clenched a helmet to his right side and walked up to the counter.
"Kunzite morning you're looking dapper as always" teased the dark haired man.
"Black coffee?" questioned the man his expression serious but one could tell these two knew each other.
As she sipped her coffee she examined the stranger, no too young there was no way, and though his profile did seem familiar she scoffed realizing how stupid she was being.
"Can I help you little lady?" asked the handsome dark haired stranger.
"No sorry" she said looking down at the hot coffee lost in her thoughts. She tried once more to think of where to start this search for her parents.
"Let her be she's new in town the last thing she needs is attention from such an unsavory character such as yourself" said Kunzite annoyance apparent in his tone.
" I merely want to know who this enchanting creature is" he said with small smile as he stared at the young women tilting his head to get a better look at her face, a face that was dusted with light pink under his scrutinizes gaze.
Noticing her uncomfortable demure Kunzite inched towards the dark haired man the coffee pot discarded.
With a hand to his wrist, the young woman halted his movements and directed to her attention to the stranger.
"It's fine, I'm Serena" she said with a nod.
"Enchanted" he said softly as a smile crept onto his lips. Clutching the coffee Kunzite practically threw at him he turned on his heels heading out the door.
"Hey I don't get a name," yelled Serena as she got up from her seat.
"Actually I like the mystery makes it so much more fun don't you agree dear" he chuckled before closing the door.
"Well that was different," turning back to the counter she spoke to the silver haired man, "How did you know I was new in town?"
With a smile he explained " It's the kind of town everyone knows each other love, no foul it's just rather obvious how out of place you are," he placed the plate in front of her and turned back, " Enjoy little lady."
With a puzzled look she digged into her breakfast at the same time thinking if this was all a cruel joke that everyone was in on.
"Hello Sandy called me said you needed some help monitoring you know the usual" said the blonde flinging the sweater over her bag.
"Oh yes the volunteer, thanks we would appreciate the help" said the older woman with kind hazel eyes. "It's room 203, go ahead leave your stuff in a locker and sanitize" she continued looking down at various charts.
"No problem I know the drill" she replied with a small smile that the older woman returned before returning to her work.
Turning the corner Serena heard her phone ring no doubt Raye or Jadeite calling to recap on their behavior last night. With chuckle she reached for her phone carelessly running into a small woman, knocking her down in the process.
"I'm so sorry" she said offering the blue haired women her hand. The woman accepted it with a stern look before replying, "It's fine just try to be a bit more careful next time." With a nod she headed off without giving Serena another look. The blonde stared at the bluenette a bit bothered by their encounter she had seen her around the hospital a few times she seemed nice enough a bit shy but not as cold as she had just displayed herself. Shaking her head she wondered why she even cared.
Serena made her way to the room. Opening the door she placed the water on the small desk and drew back the curtain. Her breathe hitched as she stared at his face so serene looking for someone in his situation she thought.
He seemed around her age a nice healthy glow was around his skin no doubt he would make it through this she told herself. The man was a good foot and half taller than her she drew her gaze up staring at his lovely face. A handsome jaw line, straight nose, and dark hair covered his head, smooth she thought as she reached for it before retracting her hand as if she had just touched a wicked flame.
What was she thinking stroking a stranger's hair, yet she didn't stop her inspection. Serena wondered what color his eyes were what they looked like open and vibrant. Any color would do she decided as long as they were open.
She sat for a few more minutes before finding the silence a bit odd, she decided to speak even if he couldn't hear her it would make her feel better, yes she would introduce herself and read to him.
"Hi I'm Serena I'm here to keep you company," meeting silence she chuckled really what was she expecting, her eyes lowered onto his hand the medical tag displaying his name.
"Nice to meet you Darien, well here we are where to begin with I'm 24 I'm a" she paused thinking of what to say, "singer I live with my best friend, lived here most of my life before my parents died." With that she shut her mouth mentioning death seemed a bit inappropriate morbid even.
Still she continued this time clutching his hand, " I enjoy swimming, singing obviously" she chuckled, "Flowers tending to them, especially roses" " I'll bring you some roses, flowers when tended to with love are much brighter, lovelier" she said with a dreamy look in her eye.
With a small laugh she covered her mouth, "Look at me I'm acting like a little fool" she took her hand away from her mouth and brushed his hair away from his forehead, "I bet you made all the girls go crazy. No doubt a glance from you set them on fire" she continued studying his face cocking her head to the side before whispering, "You're breath taking."
Her breathe caught in her throat. Her skin felt on fire, what was this indescribable feeling. Who was this man who was drawing such powerful emotions from her? She withdrew her touch and got back up before hearing a groan below. A soft moan that seemed to be objecting the absence of her touch, she brought a book to her lap. Serena grabbed his hand again opting to reading to him instead of opening her mouth and getting herself into another embarrassing situation.
After the finishing of yet another chapter Serena turned to the clock, visiting hours would be over in ten minutes. Tucking the book away she tenderly touched his face tracing her lips with her finger, "I'll be back. I promise Darien I'll come back and see you rise from this bed. Hopefully you won't be disappointed by your reader," she chuckled before taking one last look and heading out the room.
The pink haired young woman made her way towards the records hall, she had gone to city hall but she couldn't find anything without a name or date, she had tried her birthday but nothing. She started with hospital records, children given up but nothing that described a pink haired red eyed baby. A few hours passed and she was becoming increasingly hopeless, perhaps if she asked around town that would help her more. As she left the library she took in the setting of the sun, "Great now I have to look for a hotel in this one horse town," pouted the young woman.
"Actually I believe we have two horses if I'm not mistaken," replied a blonde.
Blushing the young woman answered, "I'm so sorry I don't know why I even said that. The townspeople have been kind to me and your town is beautiful."
"Don't worry I'm not the mayor or anything, though she might be offended" joked the blonde.
"If you need a place to say I'm happy to offer you my couch" said the blonde with a smile, something about this girl made her want to protect her, keep her safe.
"But you don't even know me, isn't that a bit foolish I could be a serial killer," said the pink haired woman a confused expression on her face.
"Sue me I'm trusting" laughed Serena, "I doubt you're a serial killer, so what do you say oh by the way I'm Serena."
With an open mouth the rose haired woman responded, "My name's Serena as well, Rini I prefer."
With a bright smile Serena took Rini by the arm urging her to follow her, "Come on I bet you're starving I know I am, Artemis should have dinner ready by now."
"Hey did you pick up the tomatoes I asked for?" asked Artemis as he heard the door slam. Yet he was surprised when he heard two feminine voices carry throughout the loft.
"Oh Rini this is Artemis" said Serena handing a small bag to Artemis, "Artemis, this is Rini she's new in town, I'm letting her stay for as long as she wants," announced the blonde as Artemis gave her a strange look. He turned to look at the pink haired woman she seemed nice a bit nervous but given the circumstances he could understand.
"Welcome Rini dinners almost ready, take a seat," he said with a warm smile leaving the two women to talk among themselves.
"So how long have you two been together," Rini asked casually to which the blonde gave a laugh. "Artemis and me oh no you have it all wrong he's not my boyfriend he's my best friend and he's ten years older than me. He's just always been there for me a father of some sorts, we're family."
Embarrassed Rini tried to apologize, "Sorry it's just you know the whole living situation, plus he is a good looking man."
With a wink Serena teased her, "I'll let him know you think that."
"No that's not what I meant," said Rini in a hushed tone throwing a small glare at the blonde. With another laugh Serena grabbed her shoulder, "Don't worry I know I was just teasing, but teasing aside I'm happy to help you in any way you need Rini"
Rini smiled sincerely for the first time in the whole day, she trusted this woman she seemed warm, trusting, and comforting.
"Dinner is ready ladies" said Artemis before ushering them to the small table in the kitchen.
"So what brings you to our quaint little town?" asked Artemis as he served Serena and Rini their plates.
" I'm a writer" she started before taking a bite of the pasta and swallowing, " More specifically a journalist, and I'm looking for someone well two people," as the other two stared Rini felt unsure of whether to tell them the whole truth, so she decided to leave it as vague as possible. "Two people who were around during a rather strange occurrence. I believe they can shed some light on the development, really it's a dull little piece I took to get out of my city for a while," as she looked up she tried not to give anything away. Though Serena made no signs of skepticism Artemis gave her a one over before simply nodding.
With a drink of ice tea Rini continued, "I shouldn't be here long but thanks for the hospitality."
"No Rini don't honestly it's no big deal," responded Serena. A few more questions were made none having to do with her presence in the Mare Anguis which the pink haired woman was thankful for.
"Well we should head out Serena you know how Emerald gets when you're late for makeup" said Artemis clearing out the table and heading toward the sink.
"Where are you guys going?" questioned the young women.
" The joys of a night job, Artemis and I work at Diamonds I don't know if you saw it today our town isn't that big so I wouldn't be surprised if you did."
Shaking her head, Serena elaborated, "It's a night club of some sorts more of a lounge I sing there with some other girls, Artemis here is the best bartender in town," she said with a giggle.
"Don't let Jadeite hear you he'd have your little blonde head," mocked the older man.
"Well you're the most sensitive no doubt listening to endless stories of lost love and all that," countered Serena. With a roll of his eyes Artemis directed his attention to the other woman at the table, "Rini would you like to join us? I mean for a quick drink we don't expect you to stay the whole time."
"Actually I'm a bit tired, maybe next time," responded Rini a nervous expression on her face.
"C'mon one drink and I'll kick you out myself," insisted the kind blonde.
"Serena don't pressure her, she's tired from her trip, you don't even know how long she's been traveling," scolded Artemis. Ignoring Artemis's scolding Serena stood up from the table heading to her room before yelling, "It's all I good fun Rini."
A few minutes later the pair came out surprised to see Rini by the door her long pink hair loose and a red dress replacing the jeans and blue top she had on earlier.
"You clean up good pink," said Serena with a wolf whistle. "One drink, plus it might help me out on my story," she said. With a nod from her two roommates Rini grabbed the small clutch checking the contents before leaving mostly the letter, her birth certificate, baby pictures, and other medical records. She tugged on her necklace mostly out of nervousness for the unexpected.
From outside Diamond's seemed like any other store in town dark walls and large pillars made up the front with Diamond's name in silver lights nothing really that seemed unique. As she entered the room seemed to expand until she saw a long bar on both sides of the large room, she turned back to the entrance how could it possibly be this big. She looked up chandeliers decorated the area, red curtains hung around the walls. Tables and sofas were set up around the middle of the room, a stage was set at the end almost like an alter in between what seemed to be the main floor and second floor for production and employees.
Still mesmerized Rini heard as Artemis and Serena excused themselves and headed towards the stairs.
Though it was nowhere as crowded as other clubs she had gone to there was crowd starting to gather she was sitting at a table watching as people began to enter laughter and chatter were heard. Not wanting to be alone at a table in the middle of the room Rini opted for the counter of the bar hoping Artemis would come out at any minute.
Ordering a drink she took a seat sipping on it anxiously as soon as it arrived. Turning her seat around to once again look at the regal atmosphere the club seemed to be oozing, she wondered why anyone who could afford such extravagance would waste their time in this small town. She placed the drink in her lap her other hand coming up to grab the necklace she wore at all times, a small unicorn necklace she had since she was delivered to her adoptive parents.
"Surprised to see you here I took you for a passerby," came a teasing voice. Soft music had started to play but she was still able to hear him.
"Well if isn't" she paused, "Oh that's right you couldn't even tell me your name," she said with much annoyance at him.
"Correction I wouldn't," he countered taking the seat next to him.
"That wasn't an invitation or some weird come on," she said glaring at the dark haired man and signaling for another drink.
With a laugh he finished his drink much to her surprise asking for another and turned to the pink haired beauty, " You're not my type, you're so pure looking" he took another sip before continuing, " So young"
With an exaggerated laugh she countered, "We're probably the same age you idiot,"
Looking deeply into her eyes he spoke softly, "You're soul is young," his face had shifted though Rini was too annoyed to care, "Whatever, sit go I don't care,"
As she worked on her second drink he broke the silence, "Why the unicorn?"
Looking around for Artemis or Serena she realized they might be while with a small sigh she turned her head to him, "It's a gift I've had it ever since I was a baby." The dark haired man nodded and stayed silent talking to only order another drink.
Rini began to scan the area; maybe the older patrons would know something about a woman who had been pregnant at a young age, her parents had told her the woman who had delivered looked young like a teenager with pale skin. The small town seemed like a place where teenage pregnancy would be gossiped about. As looked around her eyes landed on a regal looking man dressed in a white suit his eyes sky blue white haired that match his hair that came down to his chin.
"Who's he" she asked to the slightly uninhibited man. "Who?" he asked concentrating on the stage more than anything else. "Him, white hair white suit" she said frustrated by his lack of concentration and overall attitude.
Turning around to where Rini was signaling to with her head, "Ah yes that is Diamond the one and only elitist asshole" he responded with hateful eyes. Intrigued by his expression Rini opened her out but quickly shut it as the curtains raised from the stage revealing a woman with jade colored hair and a black tight dress came out clutching the microphone with a seductive smile, "Welcome my friends, let us drink and enjoy the night" with a twirl a twirl of her dress she winked at a few men at the bar, "Now I give you the platinum haired temptress Serenity."
Serena came out a silver dress the bodice decorated in pink and silver crystals her hair in an elegant updo with a few tendrils sneaking out. She grabbed the microphone as a soft piano started, eyes landed on the petite blonde two pair of eyes in particular. Rini was surprised by her beautiful voice she had also noticed the two men hypnotized by the blonde adoration apparent in their eyes. Diamond set in the front corner hands folded on his lap as he stared intently ahead at the beautiful blonde. The nameless man next to her turned his chair in her direction waiting for any slight movement.
I've waited a hundred years
But I'd wait a million more for you
Nothing prepared me for
What the privilege of being yours would do
If I had only felt the warmth within your touch
If I had only seen how you smile when you blush
Or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough
Well I would have known
What I was living for all along
What I've been living for
As the break came in Serena felt her breathe intake as she remembered the unconscious man from the hospital, Darien she thought.
Your love is my turning page
Where only the sweetest words remain
Every kiss is a cursive line
Every touch is a redefining phrase
I surrender who I've been for who you are
For nothing makes me stronger than your fragile heart
If I had only felt how it feels to be yours
Well I would have known
What I've been living for all along
What I've been living for
For the first time in years she didn't sing out of sadness or longing she sang out of infatuation, desire, possibly love she thought as the words flew from her mouth. She looked out at the crowd as some smiled, other snuggled into their significant others; she caught Rini looking at Diamond. As she sang the last verse, she caught the eye of stranger's deep blue eyes he gave her a small smile with a cocked head she smiled back wondering who he was.
"Hey that was great Serena," said Raye as she fixed the top of her violet dress.
"Thanks Raye knock them out," she laughed as Raye smiled with a slight shake of her head and walked towards the stage.
Heading back towards the dressing room she heard Raye's sultry voice through the speakers a more upbeat song played pulling on the dress and waiting for her next outfit Serena ran into a blonde haired man.
"Hey blondie nice job out there," called out Jadeite as he grabbed bottles from the top shelf.
With a glint in his eyes she called out, "So where did you sleep last night Jadeite, I imagine you didn't go home alone.
"You would imagine right, though I don't kiss and tell sorry to disappoint you," he said coyly before leaving the blonde to laugh at his response.
As Rini contemplated leaving she noticed the man next to her was becoming increasingly intoxicated, "Are you going to be alright" she asked awkwardly.
"Don't you worry about me little lady," he responded before swaying as he began to stand.
With a roll of her eyes she stood up offering her body for him to lean on as he relaxed a bit she felt an arm come around her much to her discomfort, "This isn't exactly how I pictured my night going but so be it, you'll owe me one and by the looks of it your someone who pays his debts," she said a smug smile.
"Sure sure little lady anything you need on a silver platter," he assured.
"I really wish you would stop calling me that you and the rest of the people in this town" grimaced Rini before helping out the door. As she looked for her keys, she caught Artemis's stare who simply raised an eyebrow at her involvement with the roguish looking man.
She shrugged at him before mouthing later. The man looked at her car before she realized she should open the door, helping him enter the car she closed the door trying to maneuver around the car. As she jumped from the curb to the pavement her heel snapped landing her on the floor.
"Great just great" she said loudly and irritated.
The cackling of heels brought her out of her infuriated daze, "Drinking and driving don't exactly mix my dear, it's rather reckless don't you think so?"
Gathering her shoes in one hand Rini turned on her heels to meet the red heads face, "Listen lady I've had a rough day I'm not in the mood for a lecture. I'm not drunk if anyone is it's that guy in there which is exactly why I'm driving" With a humph she turned away from the shocked red head's expression. With every intention to leaving she turned back around when she felt ashamed for the way she had treated the woman who was probably just concerned for her town's safety.
"Look I'm sorry I didn't mean to be so rude," said the pink haired woman she extended her hand, "I apologize honestly I'm Serena" she said with a small smile.
As the red-head digested everything the younger woman said she gave her a devilish smile before grabbing her hand, "I'm Mayor Beryl."
" It's quite alright dear don't fret, go on your way I won't cite you or anything" said Beryl in what Rini thought was a sweet voice but was indeed smugness.
" Thank you Madame Major, have a nice night" she said hurriedly as she climbed into the car embarrassed by her behavior. Beryl scowled as soon as the pink haired woman was inside the car, who was this brat she thought no doubt a complication. She would have to consult Diamond tomorrow this had to be his doing another one of his minions.
" I see you've met our majestic major," said the dark haired man sarcastically his eyes closed as he slumped on the seat, " Let me guess another elitist asshole," taunted Rini.
"Exactly" he smiled. The car stayed silent and stationary as Rini grabbed her forehead, "Any who where to." As he rambled off an address Rini placed the car in drive and turned to the tormented man sleeping. No doubt he had a lot of demons though some where more obvious than others; Rini felt compassion for the man. Things weren't what they seemed underneath it's dull exterior Mare Anguis was so much more, with a sigh she turned the corner to the building. She hoped tomorrow would be more productive so she could get out of this town, this spooky, tormented, and complicated town.
Thank you to all my readers :) please read and review