And So It Begins 1/?

Author: GenesisZia

Rating: G

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my dreams. The rest belongs to Joss Whedon.

Spoilers: Series/BDM

Pairing/Characters: The usual suspects plus one or two of my own creation. Canon with heavy focus on Mal/Inara…eventually (does angst count?)

A.N. It’s roughly set 4 years Post BDM. I’m taking all sorts of liberties concerning certain individuals’ past and backstory. If there is some cannon I am blatantly ignoring or misappropriating, kindly let me know. I anticipate this being a behemoth when all is said in done (I foresee this multipart fic as the first part of a trilogy), so if you care to join me for this ride please hold on and give a holla when it so moves you.

All spelling/grammar issues are my own…..anyone offering their beata-ing services is welcomed.

Lastly this is my first foray into fanfic…any feedback is much appreciated.

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And so it began. A test of wills.

Since most of her life, since adolescence, Inara Serra has had the upper hand. All relationships have their dynamics, but in Inara’s case, all of hers have been decidedly tilted in her favor. She has had control over her life and, for the most extent, those in it. Some may think it is the power Inara is attracted to, but in truth, it is the fear of being dominated that provokes her; she knows better than most what losing the upper hand can mean. She must take a stand.

Inara stared down the petulant eyes across from her. Both subjects stood with lips thinned, left fist slightly clinched, and breathing slowed. Inara was slowly becoming so frazzled by the situation that she failed to notice this similar body language. Then it happened. One of their checks flushed and eyes went misty. Inara’s resolve faltered. For the first time in nearly 12 years, Inara found herself at a loss for a counterattack.

Taken aback, she took a breath. She quickly cleared her thoughts and her throat.

With a firm sigh she realized she could still win this, that