******This story is rated “R” for violence and adult situations.*** I almost didn’t post this chapter this chapter for a number of reasons. The primary one is because of the horrifying attack made on our country this week. But I decided that if I delayed posting, it would be allowing the bastards who did this a victory. That cannot be allowed. So please forgive me if the author’s notes seem long, but I have a lot to say. As fanfic writers we tell tales about fictional heroes and their struggles. This week we have seen real heroes – the men and women who risked and, in some cases, lost their lives in an attempt to save others. They are firefighters, police officers, paramedics and, most poignantly, ordinary people. In a moment of terror and death, some found the courage to selflessly reach out and help those in need. Still others knew they were going to die, but refused to stand by and let the monsters who promulgated these attacks go through with their evil. Over the skies of Pennsylvania, they made sure that no other innocents would die with them. The courage of ordinary people in the most extraordinary of circumstances is their legacy to us. Their epitaph can be summed up in one word – Hero. Standard Disclaimer – I don’t own Sailor Moon or any of the attendant characters to which valid copyright laws apply. This story is done purely for entertainment purposes and without any expectation of monetary gain. *************************************** “Seduction” By Meara Chapter Three – “Subtle Persuasions” *************************************** The answer was so obvious that Rei was a tad annoyed that Mamoru couldn’t see it for himself. For a guy who was brilliant at other times he had some very strange blind spots. Or maybe it was just that men could be incredibly dense sometimes, Hino Rei decided. It wasn’t that Rei meant to say it as sharply as she did, it just sort of burst from her lips before she could stop herself. “Well of course Usagi’s having some lingering anxiety. We were all dead. You, me, all of us – dead! How did you think she’d take it?” There were dark circles under Rei’s eyes Mamoru noticed. “Are you all right, Rei?” Sighing, Rei rubbed her temples with her fingers in a small, circular motion, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap that way. I’ve still got an awful headache from the way I used my attack last night. It was a bit more intense than usual.” “A bit?” Mamoru gave a short chuckle that lifted Rei’s spirits. “You immolated that Youma. Makoto was very impressed by the little pile of ash left behind, by the way. She kept commenting on it all the way home from what Minako told me.” “You’ll forgive me if I have no sympathy for a monster that exists by preying on the living,” Rei added wryly. To be honest she wasn’t if was the use of her power as Mars or the disturbing dream she’d had that was making her head pound. Bits and pieces of it kept flashing through her mind, refusing to go away. Thinking about it made her head hurt even worse, so Rei turned her attention elsewhere for the moment. “Let me try my reply again, ne? I’m not surprised Usagi is troubled by bad memories. You didn’t see her when you were gone. There was one day when she thought you’d come back, only to find that it was Seiya doing his best Tuxedo Kamen impression. You should have seen her, Mamoru. Usagi fell completely apart, sobbing your name and calling for you,” It made Rei’s heart ache with sympathy when she remembered Usagi kneeling in the rain, calling brokenly for the only man she’d ever loved. “Did you know that she used to call your answering machine just to hear your voice?” “No, I didn’t,” but that bit of information it did solve a mystery for Mamoru. The sound of his answering machine in his apartment yesterday must have been the trigger for the anxiety attack. Sitting down on a wall under one of the largest trees, Rei motioned for Mamoru to join her in the cool shade. “I haven’t told anyone else this, but I think that at some level Usagi knew you were dead. That’s the reason why she never tried too hard to find out where you were in America, and why, when we did discover that you were ‘missing’, Usagi wasn’t really surprised. The bond you two share cuts both ways, ne?” That comment made Mamoru put his elbows on his knees and rest his chin on hands closed tightly. “The soul-bond,” he murmured. Mamoru slowly began to tap his lips with one of his fists as a disturbing memory came to him. Usagi had used the silver crystal to stop the fatal plunge of the small asteroid he and the Senshi were trapped on into Earth’s atmosphere. The memory of the instant the Ginzuishou had shattered came back to him. Something broke inside him the moment Usagi had fallen back into his arms, dead. The pain had been so overwhelming, the agony of loss so total that all he had been able to do was silently hold her lifeless body in his arms, wishing that he’d died with her. “Oh my God,” Mamoru moaned softly in a moment of epiphany that cut him sharply. The answer was so simple that he’d overlooked it. “That’s it.” The bond between them would have shattered when he was “killed” by Galaxia. Too painful to deal with, Usagi must have repressed the knowledge. From what he’d been able to find out, in a matter of a few hours her whole world had come apart at the seams. Usagi had watched her best friends cruelly cut down before her eyes. Not satisfied, Galaxia had then taunted Usagi by showing her his star seed – proof she couldn’t deny that he was dead. Shortly after that first Pluto and Saturn, then Uranus and Neptune, had fallen. “She was alone,” Mamoru said to Rei. “She was all alone.” “And being alone is something Usagi doesn’t do well,” Rei added. She kept the comment (Well duh!) to herself. It really wouldn’t have helped the situation any. It was all so clear to Mamoru now. “The times she has these emotional meltdowns Usako always says the same thing. She begs me not to leave her again.” Rei’s eyebrows shot up at that remark. “Wait a minute, Usagi’s been begging you not leave her and you didn’t realize what it was about until now? What did you think she meant by ‘don’t leave me’?” “Not to study overseas?” the Prince of Earth said sheepishly. A hand snaked out and whacked Mamoru on the side of the head. “Men… Kami give me strength! Look, given time I think Usagi will get over this if you’re supportive, stay in the country and don’t die again.” “I think I can handle that,” Mamoru replied with a smile. “Is this an example of the gentle wisdom you dispense at this shrine?” “Yes,” came the smug reply, “and people come from far and wide just to get it, so consider yourself blessed.” Helping to solve someone else’s problems served to lift Rei’s sprits. “Usagi’s grown up a lot in the past year. Let’s give her some time and space to try and handle the problem on her own, if that’s what she wants. Does anyone else know anything about this?” The advice was sound and Mamoru was very glad he’d come to Rei. For all the times that the two had fought like cats and dogs in the past, Mamoru knew that Rei loved Usagi deeply. “Only Luna so far. Until Usako is ready to open up and talk about it, I’d like to keep this quiet. Trust me, even well meaning pressure can only make the situation worse.” That comment made Rei give a snort. “Believe me, I’m not about to try and pressure anyone to do something they don’t want to. I’ve had quite of it in my own life lately, thank you. It’s been making me a little cranky.” That Rei’s temper was somewhat frayed was obvious to anyone who knew her. Like Usagi, getting her to talk about it wasn’t always easy. Mamoru made sure to keep his tone even and non-judgmental. “Really? I hadn’t noticed. Would this have anything to do with the fact that your father is in town?” The fire that flared in the violet eyes was all the answer Mamoru needed. “Oh, yeah.” “Do you want to talk about it?” Mamoru asked. “I may not have any specialized temple training like you, but I’ve been told that I’m a pretty good listener.” “My father is manipulative pig,” she responded with surprisingly little anger. It was more a statement of fact than anything else. “He’s always been that way and continues to live down to my expectations each time I see him. And no, I don’t want to talk about it.” That was his cue to leave, Mamoru knew. Knowing when to make a good exit was a skill he’d perfected over the years. “Well, if you change your mind, the offer is open.” Rei looked at him with a twinge of jealousy. The guy was so in love with Usagi that he’d walk into hell for her. Chiba Mamoru was handsome, intelligent and the nicest guy she’d ever known. Why was it that men like her wretch of a father and the too good looking Kudoko Akuma populated her life? Why couldn’t she attract a man like Mamoru, Rei wondered and not for the first time? “Thanks and don’t worry too much about Usagi,” Rei added. “She can be rash at time but she’s not a complete idiot. If Usagi is any kind of real trouble she’ll ask for help." *************************************** the voice in Kudoko’s mind hissed petulantly. You’d think that a force of darkness as powerful as this Demon would have learned a little patience over the course of eons, Kudoko mused staring into his scrying bowl. “I have to be careful. I could take the girl hard and fast as I did with my current servant,” Kudoko gave a surreptitious glance to where Motoki sat silently on the couch reading a book, desperately trying to block out what was going on around him. “But that’s not my first choice. For all the power she controls, Tsukino Usagi is a very small woman. I doubt she’d survive the kind of blood loss it would take for me to gain control of her in a single night.” the demon cautioned. The image wavered and flames burst from what served as the creatures eyes. Kudoko chose to ignore the threat. “Tonight is the waning moon,” Kudoko said. “By the dark of the next new moon I will have the means to free you.” The image in the viscous blue liquid was fading once more. The strange azure fluid boiled up the lip of the bowl, then slowly stilled once more. When it did the waters were once again still. With great care Kudoko poured the liquid back into the painted vial that matched the scrying bowl. He stopped and considered the design painted on it, that of a firebird in full flight. The sparks it threw off resembled bright fire flowers and he smiled as he looked at it. How fitting that he should find a firebird of his own now that he was about grasp his chance at becoming Master of this world. He picked up the bowl, turning it slowly as his mind started to plan just how he’d bring Hino Rei to his arms. “All finished with your conference call?” Motoki asked, in a conversational tone, breaking the silence. (I wonder how much it costs to call hell, anyway? The roaming charges must be a killer,) he added silently. “Scoff all you’d like. For all the marvels of technology I’ve witnessed in the last century and a half, nothing has yet to equal the power and scope of even the simplest of magics.” Kudoko carefully put the delicate bowl back into a drawer of the desk and locked it. “Just think I get great reception, no static and unlimited talking time - all that and no telemarketers.” “Yes, but if you don’t pay the telephone company they just turn off your service. I get the feeling the creature you’re dealing with wants a lot more than your cell phone,” Motoki mumbled, closing his book. Walking to where Motoki sat Kudoko reached out and took the book from his hands. “I didn’t think you cared,” he said, green eyes snapping with amusement at the interaction with the normally quiet Motoki. “What I’ll be getting out of this deal is more than worth the risk. Are you still studying this thing? How long does it take you to read a book anyway, toy? You mustn’t be quite as bright as I’d thought.” A vulgar phrase ran through Motoki’s mind, but upon reflection he was just as glad that he hadn’t blurted it out. (Oh yeah, good going Motoki. You really are an idiot,) he chided himself, (Saying ‘bite me’ to a vampire is probably not the smartest thing to do!) “This takes time. Learning even the basics of American Sign is like learning a new language. Would you like me to demonstrate?” This was much more talkative than Motoki usually got. There was a look on his toy’s face that intrigued him. “All right, show me,” he gave a nod. The compulsion that Kudoko had Motoki under kept a tight control on what he could say. There was, however, one very large loophole in the spell the vampire cast on him. Motoki allowed himself a moment of satisfaction as he managed to use it. The blond man lifted his right hand and with a smug smile of satisfaction flipped up the middle finger. “Want me to translate that for you?” Surprisingly, Akuma laughed. “Don’t push your luck, toy. You’re more clever than I thought, manipulating me into asking you to do what you wanted to.” He sat down on the couch and Motoki gasped when he felt Kudoko abruptly seize control of his body. “I hope you enjoyed your little ‘victory’. It may be the last one you have for quite some time.” Trembling with effort, Motoki tried to resist but was forced lean back against the cushions of the couch once more. “What do you mean?” Slowly Kudoko ran a hand over Motoki’s cheek and the blond shuddered at the touch. “You’re going to help me convince Usagi to let me take her – and without a fight that might attract the attention of either her over-protective guardians or her boyfriend. Oh, yes you are.” He laughed when he saw the rebellion in Motoki’s eyes. “That’s why I put up with these small and very annoying displays of independence from you. I need Usagi to think she’s coming to me of her own free will, at least at first. You, toy, play a vital role in that plan. After all, Usagi trusts her old friend Motoki doesn’t she? Chiba Mamoru would never think that she could come to harm with you, now would he? But first I need to make sure that very clever mind of yours isn’t working against me.” “Oh no…” Motoki managed to whisper, horror lancing through him when he saw fangs slowly pushing out from between Kudoko’s lips. His body trembled as he tried to fight against the power that held him. “I won’t let you hurt Usagi.” “Yes you will, toy,” Kudoko chuckled softly, almost affectionately. “You’ll do whatever I tell you to do. I know why you’re so very frightened. The part of you that fights me gets smaller each time I take you, doesn’t it? That’s why seduction is such an effective weapon. The human body is hardwired to crave the kind of pleasure I can give you. Each time that it overwhelms you, I go a little deeper into your mind. Soon your only thoughts will be of me; your only desire to please me.” He was right, Motoki knew, with a surge of both trepidation and rage. Each time Kudoko fed from him it took longer and longer for Motoki to regain any semblance of free will. Whatever magic the vampire used on him, it was consuming his personality, trying to turn him into nothing more than a blindly obedient puppet. (I can’t let him do this!) Motoki screamed inside his mind, the shaking growing worse as desperation filled him. (I have to find a way to stop him!) Kudoko took a shuddering Motoki by the chin. Red eyes burned like banked coals and held an irresistibly power in them. “Look at me, Motoki. Listen to my voice.” The world grew remote, everything acquiring a dream-like quality for Motoki and he struggled to stay conscious. Those glowing red eyes were bottomless and Motoki felt himself start to fall into them once more. He struggled to look away but he couldn’t. Kudoko’s voice reached him as if from a great distance. “Who do you live for?” the beautiful monster asked in a seductive voice. “Who do you serve?” “Y…you,” Motoki heard himself reply hesitantly, and his mind shrieked in protest. Kudoko’s fingers tilted Motoki’s head, exposing his throat. “And what would you do for me?” Motoki could feel his will was being swallowed up, smothered by the touch of the vampire’s mind on his. He stubbornly clung to his thoughts of defiance. (What would I do for you? How about I get you a year’s subscription to a tanning salon? Or put a skylight above your bed? Or better yet – how about I put holy water in your ice cube tray?) he longed to shout. With a last soundless scream of impotent rage, Motoki was engulfed. He sighed, relaxing against the cushions. “What would you do for me, toy?” Kudoko asked once more, softly. “Anything,” the blond youth whispered, lost. “Yes,” Kudoko purred. He reached over and opened the buttons of Motoki’s shirt, pushing it away from his shoulders. The vampire laughed, fangs gleaming in the lamplight. “And so you will, toy.” *************************************** Minako summed it up quite nicely, speaking for everyone. “Sweet mother of pearl! This place is incredible.” “You can see for miles,” Makoto said looking out the glass French doors. “Or at least you’d be able to if things weren’t so hazy.” “And it’s air conditioned,” Usagi sighed with pleasure. “I think I’ll move in here with you Rei-chan.” The odango-haired blonde leaned over to whisper at Rei. “I think Luna will, too. You should hear her complain about how uncomfortable she is in this weather.” “I never said I was moving in,” Rei mumbled, looking around for her father. He had yet to learn a simple lesson about his daughter. The harder Rei was pushed to do something, the less likely she was to do it. Hino Rokojou had a very satisfied smile on his face. He finished pulling on a terry cloth cover up over his swimsuit and glanced at his daughter. Girls this age were very concerned about what their friends thought, Hino knew. If he could get them to like this place, then Rei would be swayed by them. “I’m glad you like our apartment, girls,” he said trying not to sound too smug. “You’d be welcome here anytime, of course. If, that is, I can convince my daughter to move in here.” That was what the sudden and unexpected invitation to come for a swim was really all about, Rei suspected. Her father was trying to get her friends to do his dirty work for him. Why couldn’t the man take “no” for an answer? “I’m sorry, Hino-san,” Usagi replied, wondering why Rei looked like she was about to explode. “But no one can convince Rei to do anything she doesn’t want to.” “Thank you Usagi,” Rei said softly. “She can be very stubborn sometimes,” Usagi added with a sigh. “I wonder where I get that particular trait from,” Rei gave Usagi an elbow in the ribs. Hino Rokojou gave a charmed laugh at Rei’s comment. “Not your mother, that’s for sure. Miya was the sweetest, most accommodating woman in the world. Just remember that I’ve had a lot more practice in getting my way than you have, princess. In the end you’ll see that I’m right about living here. I know what’s best for you.” Picking up her towel, Rei turned her back to her father and headed for the door to cover the blush that came to her face. “Shall we head for the pool?” Sometimes he made her believe that, in his own way, he loved her. That what made it so difficult to stop hoping that someday things between them would be made right. Maybe it really could work out this time. *************************************** The room that held the sacred fire was at the heart of the Hikawa Shrine. Okibi Souji’s family had owned this temple for over two hundred years. It had survived war and fire, earthquakes and floods. His fondest wish was for his granddaughter to inherit it someday and raise a family that would follow the traditions that had defined his own life. Rei had the gift of Sight that ran in the family, and a strong one at that. The Sight usually awoke at adolescence, but Rei’s had come to her early, when she was about four. He remembered his shock the first time she told him about the pictures she saw in flames and the things the fire told her. Her mother had done her best to try and hide it from her husband, afraid of how he’d react. Afraid of how he’d react… That alone should have tipped him off, Okibi knew with in hindsight. There were so many signs of trouble, but his beloved wife had died that year and his heart was too filled with grief to see beyond his own pain. Okibi Souji had sworn to both his wife and daughter that he’d do whatever he had to in order to keep Rei safe. The old man was not one to forget such a promise. He knelt in front of the small family altar, clapping his hands together three times to gain the attention of their spirits. Bowing gravely to the altar he scampered back a few feet and, still on his knees, started to pull on one of the floorboards. The humid weather had caused it to swell and he had to tug hard to get it to come up. With a final grunt of effort it did and he placed it to one side. A carved wooden box, covered in layers of airtight plastic sat embedded in the dirt. It took only a moment to pull it free and with great care the old man unwrapped it. Locks of hair tied with silk ribbons, faded pictures and pieces of yellowing paper held a lifetime of memories both happy and sad. Tucked into one corner was a small plastic case. The celluloid strips inside it were undamaged and he gingerly picked one up. Holding it up to the light Souji let a sigh escape his lips. “I’m sorry, Miya,” he said looking at the portrait. “I know you never wanted these to see the light of day, but I have to use them now.” He put the negatives back into their case, shaking his head. “We both know that Rokojou isn’t capable of taking a hint, the arrogant bastard.” He chuckled slightly, looking at the picture of wife. “You always said the only way to get through to that boy was by hitting him on the head with a mallet. And this,” he gestured the hand with the plastic case in it, “Is the biggest, heaviest mallet I know of.” *************************************** It as a never ending source of amusement to Michiru to watch Rei and Usagi together. On the surface the two girls appeared to be complete opposites, right down to their coloring. One of the things that did have in common, though, was that both could be amazingly stubborn and intractable. Usagi’s stubbornness tended to manifest itself in ways Michiru could at least predict. If there was a lost soul or hopeless case, Usagi would end up right in the middle of it, trying to make everything right. Rei, on the other hand was the more thoughtful of the two. But once Hino Rei had made up her mind you might as well consider trying to empty the Pacific ocean one teaspoon at a time. That task would be more likely to see fruition than that of seeing Rei back off from her stated position. Usagi had an the uncanny (although Haruka called it “insane”) ability to see the potential for goodness in everyone. Rei’s gift was much more practical. She could see people for what they really were. It was that incredible insight that made the Solider of Mars a force to be feared. So, Michiru sighed as she watched Rei, why was the girl willing to blind herself to what her father really was? The moment Michiru’s hand touched his, she knew just what Hino Rokojou was all about. The self absorption of the man was pathetically transparent. “A pleasure to meet you, Kaioh-san,” Hino Rokojou said, real interest in his eyes. “I had no idea that my daughter had friends of such importance.” (And how can I use you to my advantage?) Michiru could almost hear that idea running through Hino’s head. “Rei is a very special person in her own right, Hino-san,” Michiru replied courteously. “I didn’t know that your daughter was a member of the club here.” “Rei’s father just took an apartment here,” Minako said in an even tone. “I’m hoping I can convince her to move in with me,” Hino added, smiling for the benefit of those around him. “It’s air conditioned,” Usagi sighed. “And very spacious,” Makoto added. The more she was around Rei’s father, the less she liked the man. There was something about him that made her oddly uncomfortable. “But not as good as the Hikawa Shrine,” Rei shot back. “Anybody can live in a fancy apartment.” “Michiru, sorry to keep you waiting,” came a tenor voice. “I had trouble finding a good parking space.” A wry smiled tugged at Michiru’s lips. Haruka’s idea of a “good parking spot” was one that didn’t have any other cars within a quarter mile of her much pampered automobile. She reacted to a door ding the way others reacted to a head on collision. “At least you managed to find some company to wait with you,” Haruka added with a smile of her own. She looked at Rokojou with pleasant curiosity. “Tenoh Haruka, this is my father, Hino Rokojou,” Rei said, making the proper introductions. “Tenoh Haruka, the formula one driver?” Hino asked. His daughter had friends that just might be able to help him reach the vital eighteen to forty voters block. “My little girl is just full of interesting surprises today.” “Rei is like that, ne?” Haruka replied with a sly wink that made the Soldier of Fire blush. It was when Haruka moved in to shake the man’s hand that it happened. She leaned over ever so slightly and the fabric of her loose shirt moved in just the right way so that Hino caught a glimpse of Haruka’s breasts. The revelation that the driver most of the world thought of as male was, in reality, very female was the milder of the shocks Rokojou was in store for. After greeting Rei’s father, Haruka moved to her lifemate and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. “Ready to go, love?” Haruka asked softly. “It was a pleasure to meet you Hino-san,” Haruka said with a short bow. “And you also,” Hino replied, his face blanching white. He pushed the button to call the elevator. “Princess, would you come upstairs with me for a moment? There’s something I need to talk to you about.” Rei did not like the look on her father’s face. “Umm, all right. I’ll call you guys later, okay?” she said to her friends. “Rei-chan, if you want us to stay…” Makoto started. The elevator door slid smoothly open. “No, no, you go ahead. I’ll be fine, really.” She stepped into the elevator and gave a short wave, “Ja ne.” The doors slid shut and an uncomfortable silence fell on Minako, Usagi and Makoto. “It is me,” Usagi finally said. She watched the numbers light up one after another as the machine climbed methodically towards its destination. “Or did things with Rei’s Dad get terminally weird all of a sudden?” There was a strange fascination to watching the elevator go up and up and up. “Oh no, it’s not you. That guy just registered a nine point five on my creep-o-meter,” Minako said. “Maybe we should go up after her,” Makoto suggested. “No way,” Minako waved a hand. “Trust me. It’s only going to piss off Rei’s Dad even more if we butt in. Rei can take care of herself. She’s handled guys a lot tougher than her father.” A shiver went down Usagi’s back. “I’m not so sure about that.” *************************************** “They’re gay,” Hino said to his daughter. The accusation in his tone suggested that Rei had arranged this surprise just for him. For some reason, she found the look of utter outrage on her father’s face ridiculous. “No, they not ‘gay’. Men are gay. Women are lesbians.” “You have friends who are homosexuals! How could you allow this sort of thing?” he demanded. Why did she allow herself to get her hopes up about her father, Rei wondered? He always reverted back to being an ass sooner or later. “Gee Daddy, for some reason Michiru and Haruka have never felt the need to ask my permission in regards to their sexual preferences.” “You can’t be seen with people like that,” Hino stepped closer, his soft words giving life to the fire that burned in him. “It could ruin me if it’s found out that my daughter associates with those kind of people. You don’t understand. The political world is filled with only two kinds of people. There are those who use others and those who are used.” “You make it sound so appealing,” Rei shot back caustically. “What about the ideals of service, of honor and duty? Don’t they have any place in your so called ‘political’ world?” Her father actually laughed, “You are so naïve. Do you really think that people like that exist? It’s all about power, my dear; who has it and who wants it. Well, I want it and I am not going to let your misguided altruism damage me.” His eyes narrowed and he poked at his daughter with his index finger as he spoke. “I forbid you to have anything to do with those two gay women publicly. In fact it would be best if you completely severed any ties you have with them.” “You forbid me?” Rei asked, her own anger rising now. She pushed his hand away from her “I’ve got a news flash for you. You can’t ‘forbid me’ to do anything. Haruka and Michiru are wonderful people and I’m not about stop being their friend because of you.” Anger had been in Rokojou’s voice, but his sudden, explosive rage caught Rei totally by surprise. Her father lashed out, grabbing his daughter by the forearm and pushing her back against the wall with enough force to make it make the machine sway slightly. “You’ll do what I tell you to do, when I tell you to do it,” he shouted, twisting her forearm as she spoke. “I am not going to let you screw up this election up for me. You have no idea of what I’ve sacrificed to get a chance like this.” “Maybe your soul?” It felt as if he was trying to break her arm, but Rei bit back the yelp of pain that came to her lips. She would not let him see how much it hurt. “Let go of my arm,” she said slowly. As quickly as it had come, the rage that burned in Hino Rokojou was banked. He was trembling with the effort, but let go of Rei’s arm. She pulled it away, carefully flexing her fingers to make sure that they still worked. “I’m…I’m sorry, Princess,” Hino stammered. “I didn’t mean to lose my temper like that, but you shouldn’t have provoked me. You’re just like your mother, damn it. Always defying me when I know what’s best. The words hit Rei like lightening. She was suddenly dizzy, the edges of her vision actually going gray for a second. There was a strange, disjointed feeling that this had all happened before. Memories of hushed and frenzied voices danced elusively in her head, pain lancing through her skull at the ghostly whispers. “I want to go home,” she whispered, her eyes wide with shock. “Why don’t you let me make it up to you with dinner?” Rokojou said in a soothing voice. “We could go shopping afterwards and you can pick out something pretty – anything you like.” “No,” Rei said, shaking her head. “I want to go home.” She started to push at any button on the control panel that she could reach. Panic grabbed at Rei and she wanted nothing more than to get away from her father. “I want to go home, now.” With a soft bump, the elevator glided to a halt, the doors sliding open. A hand pulled at her again and she looked at her father in anger and worst of all, sudden fear. “You’re blowing this way out of proportion. I didn’t really hurt you that much,” Hino seemed puzzled by her behavior. Rei stepped away from him, pulling her arm free with a jerk. “Don’t touch me.” A rage so intense it bordered on irrational wanted to take hold of her. “Don’t you ever touch me like that again or by the Kami I swear you’ll regret it.” “Princess…” Rei was out of the elevator and moving away from her father before she could give into the emotions that tore through her. “Leave me alone,” she called out, heading for the stairs. “Just leave me alone.” *************************************** After saying good-bye to Minako and Makoto, Usagi headed for the Crown Fruit Parlor. That she’d worked up an appetite swimming was only half the reason she went there. The Crown was on the way home that Rei normally took when in this part of the tenth district of Tokyo. Over the years she’d come to learn that Rei rarely asked for help when she needed it, especially with a personal problem. Usagi’s intention was to order a very large raspberry-lime rickey and wait to see if her friend went by. Most importantly, she wanted to see if Rei needed her. “Usagi?” The blonde turned with a smile at that voice. She’d known Furuhata Motoki for more than a few years. Once upon a time, she’d harbored a crush on the sandy haired blonde. That, of course, was before she and Mamoru found each other, but she had to admit that he was a very handsome man. “Usagi,” Motoki smiled down at her. “Do you have a minute? There’s something I need to talk to you about.” *************************************** Rei ran all the way back to the temple. She ran from her father and from the feelings he provoked in her. She ran from her friends, afraid to tell them what just happened. She ran from herself and the fear of what she’d say if she started to talk about it. Her lungs burned for air but Rei kept running, knowing that if she stopped the memories and feelings that ran circles in her brain would catch her. Rei wasn’t sure of much right now, but the deep seated need to push away the emotions that roiled inside her was very strong. She took the stone stairs two at a time, ignoring the stitch in her side and the ache in her soul. Without thinking Rei headed for the center of the Hikawa Shrine, the room that held the sacred fire. Pushing open the door she tossed aside her shoes and ran in, finally collapsing before the bonfire. “Why does he have to be like this?” she whispered without thinking. Her arm was throbbing where he’d grabbed her and Rei glanced at it. Bruises were starting to form. The deep purple and blue marks showed the imprints of her father’s fingers. “What’s wrong with me? What am I doing so wrong that my own father doesn’t love me?” she whimpered, glancing first at the small family altar and the picture of her mother. Her eyes were drawn to the Sacred Fire that the Hikawa Shrine was named for. The great fire had no answers for her tonight and the only reply was a sharp pop as a log collapsed into it, fueling the inferno. She knelt before the dancing flames, rocking back and forth like a child seeking comfort but finding none. Tears ran down Rei’s face and for once she let them fall without trying to stop them. “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t he love me?” *************************************** A simple philosophy ordered Kudoko Akuma’s world. He lived by the unshakable idea that there are but two types of creatures in this world. There are those who use people and those who are used. Like the man that it epitomized this creed was deceptively simple, coldly efficient and causally brutal. “Let me tell you a story,” Kudoko said standing in front of the window in the offices at the back of Crown Parlor. “Once upon a time there was a boy who was the youngest son of a fisherman. He lived in a small village that believed it prospered only because a god lived among them. This god’s demands were quite simple. Every year, as the cherry trees were in full bloom, he would pick one child to take with him. A boy was chosen one spring, a day before his fourteenth birthday. He went willingly with his god, happy to sacrifice himself for the good of the only home he’d ever know.” A hand was raised to the glass in a gesture calculated to appear wistful. In the smooth glass surface Kudoko could see Usagi’s face reflected. He watched her reactions carefully as she sat beside Motoki. He told his story in tones measured to gain sympathy. There were other ideals Kudoko subscribed to and they only served to reinforce his central and most sacred principal. If you have the most power, then no one can use you, he reasoned. Knowledge was the best and most enduring form of power and any means used to obtain it are, therefore, justifiable. That knowledge that Motoki was an old and trusted friend had gained Kudoko this chance to manipulate Usagi. He very much doubted that without his current toy he’d have Usagi sitting here listening to his story. He’d fed from his toy once more just before sending him out to collect Usagi. He didn’t want to chance having Motoki awaken and spoil things. Kudoko had long ago learned that a lie was best hidden inside a truth. He used that bit of knowledge to his advantage. Most of what he said was true, but facts such as the carefully planned murder of his master and the relish with which he’d preyed on mankind for one hundred and fifty years were left out. Kudoko paused in his tale, taking a slow, deep breath meant to convey anguish. A quick glance showed that Usagi had brought her hand to her mouth in a gesture of horror. Everything was going as he’d hoped. The seduction he planned would be a slow process, taking three or four days to gain enough control of Usagi to make her take his blood. Once that was done Usagi would be compelled do what he required of her at the next new moon. He needed her to think she was coming to him of her own free will, at least at first. While safer, the more gradual process of enthralling Usagi held dangers, too. If the Tuxedo Kamen or the Senshi ever got wind of what he was trying to do to their Princess, they could make a very quick end to him. That was why he’d staged the attack last night. Even from here he could see that, as hoped for, the deep gash his late and unlamented Yohko had inflicted on the girl was completely healed. There would be no tell-tale puncture wounds on her lovely body on the mornings after he fed. Slowly, hesitantly, he turned to face Usagi where she sat on the couch beside Motoki. “I need your help, Usagi,” he finished, an emotion filled catch in his voice inserted at just the right moment. “You’re may be my only hope to be human again.” Motoki, who had been sitting quietly, came to life. “I’ve been trying to get Akuma-kun to come to you for help for months now. He’s a nice guy,” the blonde youth said with a well timed wink, “But a tad nervous about talking to people about his ‘condition’.” Giving a chuckle of self-derisive amusement, Kudoko smiled. “Well, I’m not exactly the kind of man every mother and father hopes their daughter will bring home, Motoki-kun.” Usagi was torn between sympathy for the horrors this man had been through and her sense of caution. She glanced at Motoki, knowing that he’d never bring her into a situation he considered dangerous. Trust won out. “What exactly did Motoki say I could do for you?” she asked, looking at the young blonde man. He hadn’t told this stranger that she was Sailor Moon had he? A single eyebrow was raised by Motoki and he looked back at Usagi. “I told him that you have a special kind of healing gift. That in the past you’ve been able to drive dark energy out of people who have been cursed by it,” he replied cautiously. Narrowing his sea green eyes, Kudoko folded his arms across his chest. “I was afraid to believe him before, but even from here I can sense the power of light you carry within you.” A look calculated to simulate hope flickered across Kudoko’s face. “It’s true, I think. You do have the power to lift this curse from me.” “Speaking of which,” Usagi put in tentatively, “exactly what kind of curse are we talking about here?” She reached for her glass of cold soda to take a sip. Everything was happening so fast. With a sigh, Kudoko lowered his head. He took a long, slow breath. When he raised his face once more he had changed – dramatically. His eyes were now a glowing red, the pupils slitted like a reptile. Even as he opened his mouth to speak fangs slid into place. “This is what I am, Usagi,” he held up both hands when he saw the look that crossed her face. “Please, don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you. I was right, Motoki-kun. Usagi have seen the ones that are searching for me.” His head was lowered once more and when it lifted he appeared normal once more. With a mental prod Motoki spoke the words he was prompted to. “From what Akuma tells me you and the others ran into a member of a sort of ‘enforcers’ squad. They weren’t after Mamoru or you, really. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” “Dinner time,” Kudoko put in with grim amusement. “So that woman only wanted Mamo-chan because he was a convenient snack. It was nothing personal,” Usagi gestured nervously. “Oh that makes me feel so much better to know. Thank you.” Akuma gave a warm chuckle at her reaction. “They’re here in Tokyo looking for me. Not everyone in the undead community is thrilled by the idea that I might find a way to break this curse. I don’t think they know exactly where I am yet, but the very fact that they’re in the city means I don’t have any time to waste.” “How do you think I can help you?” Usagi asked carefully. This was the critical moment and Akuma was careful to do it just the way he’d rehearsed. He went to the end of the small and battered couch that dominated a corner of the office and crouched down so that he was at eye-level with Usagi. It seemed as if he was doing his best to appear non-threatening. “What I’m proposing is this. You carry your healing magic in all parts of you – even your blood.” Slowly, very slowly, he reached out to take her hand, encouraged when Usagi didn’t pull away. “This curse was laid on me by blood and only by blood can it be removed. If you’ll let me, I want to take a little bit of yours for four or five days. At the end of that time I’ll either be on the way to a cure or I’ll know it won’t work.” There was such gentle desperation in his eyes, Usagi thought as she looked into them. They were deep too, and she felt as if she could lose herself in their regard. “And if I say no?” she asked. Kudoko gave her hand a gallant kiss before releasing it. “Then I’ll disappear into the night and you’ll never see me again,” he said standing up. “I won’t risk anyone else being hurt because of me. In the time I’ve been here I’ve become very attached to some of the people around me. The creatures who are looking for me consider love a weakness. They’d use anyone I care for against me in an instant.” He was talking about Rei, Usagi suddenly knew. “Is that why you work so hard to tick Rei-chan off – to keep her at a safe distance?” “You’ve noticed, ne?” Kudoko glanced at Usagi over his shoulder, a sad smile on his lips. “I could fall in love with her so easily, but I don’t dare.” He turned his back to Usagi once more. “Not when I’m like this. Rei deserves a prince, not a monster like me.” Getting off the couch, Usagi went to Kudoko. “You’re not a monster. It’s what in a person’s heart that counts, not what they look like.” Her words made him smile in satisfaction. Usagi was reacting exactly the way he wanted her to. He made sure his face was calm when he turned to face her once more. “Thank you. I wish I could give you a couple of days to think this over, but with the enforcers so close by I can’t.” His hands were stuffed into his pocket in a manner that radiated suppressed anxiety. “I need your answer now. If you can’t or won’t help me, then I have to leave Tokyo as fast as I can.” “Now?” Usagi almost stumbled over the word in surprise. “This is why I suggested including me in this conversation,” Motoki said. “Usagi, you know me and I think you trust me. I’ll be right here the whole time. I’d never let anything bad happen to you.” Doubt flickered in Usagi’s eyes. “I should really talk this over with Mamo-chan before I do anything. This is all happening a little fast for me.” Kudoko quietly moved between Usagi and the door while he forced Motoki to say the required words. If she refused to help him he’d have to take Usagi fast and hard. He wasn’t at all sure that she’d survive the experience. “You can tell Mamoru in the morning,” Motoki said in a soft voice. “You can tell anyone you want to in order to feel safe,” Kudoko added with the perfect amount of concern. “I want you to do this willingly or not at all. If I was going to force you to do this I would have jumped you as soon as you came in the door, Usagi.” Usagi looked at Motoki, then back at Kudoko. He was right, she knew. If he’d wanted to hurt her he could have done so long before now. This man was asking for her help, for a chance to live a normal life. How could she say no? “I’ll do what I can to help you,” she said, nodding her head. Tears brightened the green eyes of Kudoko Akuma. “I’ll never be able to thank you enough, Usagi. Whatever happens, whether this works or not, you have my eternal gratitude.” Trepidation crept into the crystal blue eyes. “So, what do I have to do?” “That’s the easy part,” Akuma replied with a light laugh. “All you need to do is relax.” “It’s okay, Usagi,” Motoki said slowly. He blinked several times as if he had something in his eye. “I’m right here.” “Just look at me, ne?” Kudoko gently took her by the chin and caught her gaze. “I want you to listen to my voice, Usagi.” His eyes were a vivid green, Usagi noticed, and very deep too. She began to feel slightly lightheaded but it wasn’t unpleasant at all. It reminded her of the moments just before she fell asleep after a long, hard day. The world fell away from Usagi and there was nothing but those endless green eyes and the sound of his voice Kudoko felt the moment he made tenuous contact with her mind and smiled softly. “There won’t be any pain if you just listen to my voice. That’s it,” The vampire’s tone was soothing even as he had a brief flash of images from her. “You’ve been having nightmares, haven’t you?” “I don’t like them,” Usagi replied in a soft voice. Normally it was painful to even think about the dreams, but nothing seemed quite real right now. “It hurts to remember.” Kudoko tilted his head, a look of calculated sympathy crossing his handsome face. “Poor girl,” he said gently, never taking his eyes from hers. “I can make them stop if you’ll let me. Would like that, Usagi? Do you want me to make the bad dreams go away?” “Please…” desperation in her breathless reply. Usagi wanted it so badly in that moment that she’d do anything. “Then just relax and let the pain go. That’s it,” he coxed her gently. Fangs were revealed in a cold smile when her eyes slid shut. “I’m just going to kiss you, Usagi. You liked to be kissed don’t you?” He leaned down, whispering in her ear. Kudoko could feel her pulse beneath his fingers as he ran a hand down her throat. “Just a kiss.” Gently Kudoko pushed the corners of her open collar away from her shoulder, carefully choosing a spot where he wouldn’t hit a major vein. Curling his lips, he lowered his head and began to drink, slowly at first. Usagi made a soft, surprised noise at the sensations the vampire’s kiss engender in her. It felt almost as if Mamo-chan was kissing her. A sweet and warm tingling started to fill her body and she sighed, not protesting when Kudoko slid his arms around her. He began to suckle more aggressively on the wound, speeding the flow of blood into his mouth. The gentle sensations suddenly mounted in intensity and without warning the sweet tingling exploded into a sensual tidal wave that swamped the unprepared Usagi in a heartbeat. She could only gasp in shock while a thin ribbon of blood that escaped Kudoko’s lips seeped down her shoulder. She started to tremble from the sensory overload. Kudoko tightened his grip, making sure Usagi didn’t fall away from him. The vampire at last lifted his head from her shoulder and saw that Usagi was leaning against him, unresisting and all but insensible in his embrace. Tonight he would have less than a minute before her mind shook off his influence. That should be just long enough for his purposes. “You won’t remember the nightmares anymore Usagi, but you will remember just how good I made you feel tonight.” Kudoko let his tongue run slowly over the punctures to stop the bleeding. He smiled when she gave an involuntary shiver. The delectable combination of power and pleasure laced her blood and he savored the taste. “You don’t want to tell anyone about this, especially Mamoru. He wouldn’t understand.” “Wouldn’t understand,” Usagi mumbled just before she gave a shudder and with a start against him, came back to herself. “Is it over?” she asked, blinking owlishly. “Yes, that’s it,” Kudoko helped Usagi steady herself. “Are you all right?” “Just a little sleepy,” Usagi replied, putting a hand to her head trying to focus her mind. She felt amazingly relaxed, as if she could drift off to sleep here and now. Motoki, who had been sitting motionless on the couch came to life at the vampire’s mental prodding. “Why don’t I help you get home, Usagi? Mamoru-kun would never forgive me if something happened to you.” “Thank you, Usagi,” Kudoko Akuma took her hand and gave it a genteel kiss. “You will make it possible for me to fulfill a dream I’ve cherished for longer than I can remember.” He looked up at her with hooded eyes, a smile coming to his lips. Kudoko’s seduction of the Moon Princess was proceeding as planned. Within days he’d have complete control over her and most importantly, over the power she possessed. Now that he’d taken the necessary first steps with Usagi, Kudoko had the luxury of going after the woman he truly wanted. His pursuit of Hino Rei could now begin in earnest. *************************************** In three weeks – Some of the secrets of Rei’s past are brought out into the open. Will the truth set Rei free – or will it destroy her? Next Week –The last book of the Crystal Tokyo trilogy that started with “Fatal Exposure” and continued in “Full Circle” begins and is called “The Quest”. Be here in one week for chapter one – “Rude Awakenings”!