AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This story has a character that smokes cigars.

I don't advocate smoking and used it for creative purposes only.

Smoking is a personal choice; make an informed choice.

Thank you to all my fans; all of you make writing a pleasure and a joy.

IF I WERE YOU

Chapter one: Temple Trouble

Narita Airport…

Narita airport was the size of most cities; the flood of people was daunting and set Airica's already frayed nerves on edge. The hustle and bustle overwhelmed her and she had to race to keep up to her father and younger brother. The quick pace made her loose her grip on her bags; they fell around her like an obstacle course. She scrambled to grab her fallen backpack and suitcase; while keeping her father and brother in view. They were getting further and further ahead of her.

The man and his son disappeared around a corner just as a few kind hearted passengers helped her. Airica managed to gain hold of everything; thanked them and hurried onward. She tried to run but kept tripping over her wheeled suitcase; it was just plain awkward to run weighted down and hauling something behind you.

She rounded the corner and saw her father and brother step through a set of doors. They hadn't noticed she was missing. She was forced to be cautious as she stepped on the escalator. Taking this moment; she shoved her thick brown hair out of her eyes. God, she needed a smoke. As she stood on the moving steps; she realized she was exhausted. The 19 hour flight had sucked the energy out of her. Or perhaps it was the constant pestering of her brother.

"Are we there ye?" rang in her head like a nightmarish bell.

She was looking forward to his starting school and leaving her alone. She was going to school here; but as a teacher. Thank god, he wouldn't be in her school.

Perhaps then, she could be free of him if only for a little while everyday. Her father had already said she was going to have to look after he rbrother. Airica had been looking after her brother since their mother left; so this wasn't news. But she'd never had to do it in a foreign country; where English wasn't their first language. Airica had agreed to come because she had been offered a teaching position here. That and…Airica forced herself to stop.

She was too tired to think about it. Her mind was tired; her body was exhausted. Still, her thoughts whirled like a storm in her skull. She closed her eyes; fighting the urge to cry. She was just so worn out. Problem was; there was no time to rest.

Ever since her father learned he was going to Japan; their family had been in chaos. It was a challenge making arrangements for their household things to be stored or shipped. And of course, it had fallen on Airica's already loaded shoulders. Her father had been working around the clock; finishing his projects to make time for this new one. She herself had been working a lot too; she needed to have enough money to hold her over until her first paycheck came in. It would be a month before that happened. Here in Japan, workers were paid once a month. There was a large start up cost for their new house; their car, utilities, bank accounts, work visas. It had all added up. Thank god, her father's company was paying for the three of them. Still...she wanted to have extra money, just in case.

Airica sighed to herself as she managed to step off the escalator. The weeks leading up to their depature had been a circus. Her mother had visited more in the last three months than in last thirteen years combined. Her little brother had become a total brat and made her life hell; since she was the only one who was home.

It could have been the fact that Airica was the oldest at twenty-eight and he was closer to fourteen. The age gap was a struggle for both of them to over come. Or it could have been the fact that he was her half-brother. Airica had been the one to tell the young boy that he had a different father. Her parents just wouldn't do it and he was old enough to notice that he looked different from his sister and father. The news had hit young teenager really hard. He had been angry ever since; and she didn't blame him.

Making her way across to the doors; she saw her father and brother waiting for a cab. It would cost a fortune to take a cab; but it was easier then a bus. She was the only who could fluently read or speak Japanese.

Airica inhaled the wonderful air and was all so familiar. She had studied here a few years ago. She had fallen in love with the country and it had stayed with her. Setting her bags down, she pulled out her cigar case. Taking a slim cigar she lit up and sucked in the flavored smoke. She felt only mildly better.

Her father looked over; his face smoothing out as he sighed. "There you are."

"Sorry, I dropped my bags." Airica inhaled the warm, muggy air of the mainland.

Her father smiled, "How long since you were last here?"

Airica had to think for a minute, "Five years, at least."

Her brother looked up at her, "Tell me again, why you came here before?"

"I was offered a scholarship to study here." Airica smiled at him, "Doing well in school can get you places, Jet."

He made a face and shook his head, "Whatever, school sucks."

A taxi-van pulled up; the family managed to load in and Airica gave the driver their address. She sat back in the seat and watched the familiar city go by. The colors and lights even at the late hour were vibrant and uplifting. She felt better with each passing minute that she was here. Japan was a country she had loved since her first days here. There was something incredible and beautiful among all the buildings, temples and mountains. There was a sense of harmony and balance in this thriving; crowded place. It was all she needed to feel better.

Once at their destination; the driver helped them unload. Airica paid him and her family walked into their rented house. Her father and brother weren't expecting what they found. Airica had shown them photos; talked to them about the difference in design. But still, they stood in their entry like tourists.

"Take your shoes off," Airica muttered. She had to lean down and untie her shoes. It took effort to kick them off; her feet were swollen from traveling. Hefting her bags she stepped up onto the polished wood floor. There was a staircase to her right; and open living room to the left. Down the hall was the kitchen and bathroom on this level; there was a bedroom on the main floor.

"Settle in you guys, we have the day to our selves tomorrow." Airica found the bedroom and set her things down. She heard her brother and father climb the stairs. Standing in the room she stared at the Western-style bed and nightable. There was a desk, a lamp and a computer. A good sized closet and a dresser. She knew that her father's company had been through the house; they had obviously added the Western-style touches. She had been expecting a futon mat and low sitting table. Not all this.

Leaving the bedroom she inspected the bathroom. The toilet was self-heating and there was a sink. Across the hall there was a room with shower stall and a bathtub. A heated towel bar and small sink with a counter were off to the side.

"Airica!" Her father called down, "Um, why is the shower in the other room?"

She went to the bottom of the stairs, "That's how they have things here. I am going to shower and go to bed."

Airica returned to her room and gathered her shower things. After a hot shower she closed the bedroom door and lay down on the new mattress. She stared at the new surroundings and sighed. Closing her eyes she let her self go and relaxed into sleep.

**

The warm weather was cooled by a steady breeze that blew through the area. Airica peered up into the sky; watching the thick white clouds as they drifted above the trees and chased the birds.

Around her the noise and chatter of the city carried her down the sidewalk. She was going at her own pace; which seemed to slower than everyone else. The smoke of her cigar shrouded her in her a strawberry scented cloud. She took her time smoking this morning. It had been a chaotic start to her day. Her brother and father had needed help with everything; it was more than she had wanted to do.

Now, she was able to do what she wanted. Her family had discovered they had cable television and were enjoying it.

Airica looked around at the signs; she followed the ones indicating Hino Temple. She needed to spend some time in a quiet, peaceful place. On her last trip here; she had really enjoyed the Kyoto temples.

Hino temple was only an hour from her house; it would be worth checking out.

Airica came to the temple and looked up at all the stairs. She had forgotten about the stairs. Stairs were everywhere here. As much as this city was advanced and cutting-edge; they didn't have many elevators or ramps on the older sites. Not that she minded; it would be great exercise. Airica put her cigar out before staring up the steps. She didn't want to pollute the sacred grounds. The steps were steep and narrow; it was a lot of work to climb them.

Hugh, great trees framed the path that led out from the top of the stairs. The archway of old beams above the enrtance signaled it was a temple and not a shrine. Off to the right there was a collection of small, traditional buildings. A small hut with a thatched roof was noticeable as Airica walked further along the path. The large trees continued to shade the walkway; she saw more buildings further into the grounds.

Airica paused, looking around for a sign or anything to indicate where she could go. She didn't want to walk in on a private area.

"Can I help you?" A female voice asked.

Airica turned, regarding the raven haired woman in traditional robes. "Is there a place open for meditation?"

The girl blinked before nodding, "Yes, follow me."

Airica followed the woman; looking around as they went.

"Most tourists don't ask about it."

"Ah, well, I spent a few years here and really enjoyed meditating." Airica answered simply.

"I see."

The woman stepped up onto a low deck and walked a few paces. She knelt and opened a set of sliding paper and bamboo walls. "Please,"

Airica removed her shoes and stepped inside. The temple maiden followed her. There was a small fire pit in the centre of the room. It was boxed in iron and rocks surrounded it. There was a ring of sand between the floor and pit.

"Feel free to stay as long as you like."

Airica knelt and bowed, "Thank you."

The temple maiden left Airica and the woman settled into the calm. Her body relaxed and she let her mind relax.

**

A couple of hours later, Airica came out of her meditation. The fire had died out; the summer air clung to her. She opened the walls and stepped out. She slid the walls shut and there was a loud crashing sound. Airica froze, afraid she had broken something. After a moment, she heard a woman scream and saw someone come running toward her.

Airica stepped down and took a few steps away from the hut. The woman didn't see her as she ran.

"What's wrong?" Airica asked, "Hey!" The woman didn't see her and they collided. Airica stared up into terrified eyes. "What's happening?'

"A monster!" The woman scrambled to her feet and ran away.

Airica came to her feet; as a shadow fell over her. She looked up into the air; a scary looking creature stared down at her.

"What the…?"

The creature screamed at her and dove toward. Airica threw herself to the side; the monster grabbed her ankle and hauled her back. Airica turned and kicked at the monster. It yelled at her and yanked her closer.

"Hey you!" A woman's voice called out.

The creature stopped; Airica looked over it's deformed shoulder. A girl with short blonde hair and a blue fuku, stood a few feet back. Her face was determined and fierce.

"Pick on someone your own size!" The woman glared at the monster; her dark green eyes were bright with aniticpation.

Airica had hoped the monster would let her go. Instead it gripped her tighter and held her as a shield in front of the woman.

"Go on, senshi! Strike!"

The girl in dark blue hesitated.

Airica had a moment to realize what was happening. Oddly enough she wasn't terrified. She was scared but she could still deal with it.

"Do it!" She yelled, "Before this things hurts someone."

The blonde frowned at her, "You'll get hurt."

"Just do it!" Airica shouted.

The blonde studied her for a moment. Than, raising her hand over her head, shouted. "World….Shaking!"

Airica had a flash of fear as a golden orb rocketed toward her. She felt the ground shake as the wind slapped at her. The monster's grip loosened and she threw herself to the side. She felt the brush of energy burn her leg as the hit the ground and the monster screamed.

There was more shouting, "Now, Sailor Moon!"

Airica looked up from the dirt; watching as a woman wearing white wings with long blonde hair raised her hands. She shouted something and brilliant rainbows covered the area.

The monster was replaced by a man; Airica looked over and gasped. "Daddy!" she crawled to the unconscious man. "Daddy!"

He groaned as she lifted him in her arms. "Airica?"

"Just lay still," She looked around; trying to find a way to help him. "We're at a temple. They might have something that can help you." She spotted the meditation hut. "Come on." She helped him stand and walk the few paces to the hut. Opening the doors she gently laid him down. "I am going to get help."

Her father lay on the floor; she ran to find the temple maiden.

Under the shade of one of the large trees; Usagi, Luna, Rei, Makoto and Haruka were gathered near the temple entrance.

"There was a flash of light and it hit him," Rei recounted her story, "I saw it. When the light cleared the man was what you saw. It looked like something Beryl would do. I remember simliar monsters from her search for the Silver Crystal."

Luna considered, "It could be a splinter group from Queen Beryl's army. There were a lot of them in the past. We only faced a handful of them earlier. It is something to consider."

"Why wait so long?" Haruka asked simply, "I mean, we are stronger than ever before. Why now?"

Luna shook her head, "I don't know. Beryl wanted the Silver Crystal. It could be that this new group is still after it."

The sky senshi frowned, looking over her shoulder. "We have company."

Airica spotted a group of women; one of them was the temple maiden. She ran toward them as they turned to face her. "Please, help! My father…Please!"

Rei followed Airica as they ran back to the hut. The others followed her. Rei knelt beside Airica's father. For a few minutes, the fire senshi sat quietly, her hands moving over the man.

"He's alright, just resting." Rei announced, "Take him home and let him rest."

Airica had noticed the tall blonde as she ran toward the gropu. At first she was sure it was a man. A gorgeous man at that; but men had never caught her eye. So she looked a little closer and saw the telltail signs of a woman's figure. The beauitful blonde was taller than the other. It was hard to miss her. Airica had to work hard not to stare; there was something about her that Airica found fascinating.

Rei looked at Airica, "How did you get here?"

"I walked here."

The tall blonde spoke up, "I can drive you back."

"Thanks."

Airica moved to lift her father; a brunette with a long pony tail was just that much faster. She hefted her father in both arms and looked pointedly at her. Airica nodded her thanks.

Airica looked at the blonde, "After you."

The tall blonde woman led them down the steps and toward a yellow sports car.

Airica hesitated as she took in the gold-colored car. "Nice car." She looked it over, "This is a Nissan Fairlady 350z, right?"

The woman nodded; surprise showed in her dark green eyes. "Yes. You know cars?"

Airica shrugged, "I know a little."

Once her father was loaded into the backseat the brunette headed back to the temple. Airica sat in the passenger side; the blonde started the engine.

Airica admired the find tuned sound. "V6 engine?"

The blonde nodded as they stared down the road, "Can you guess the horsepower?"

Airica listened to the engine for a minute, "Somewhere around 300?"

The blonde smiled at her, "Very good."

"So, how did you learn about cars?" Airica asked.

"It's a hobby."

"Yeah, me too." Airica reflected on that. At one time she had spent all of her time around cars. She had dreamt of being the next Danica Patrick and racing ope-wheel cars. But her family had come first and when her father's life fell apart, she had to pick it up for him. Thirteen years later she was still doing it. She didn't have any hobbies these days.

Airica sat in the car and tried to get comfortable. She wanted to look at the woman beside her. It was such hard work not to stare. She had never felt like this before. It was unsettling and exciting at the same time.

"Do you work here?" The blonde asked sharply.

"Yes, at the university."

The blonde nodded, "For how long?"

Airica shrugged, "A year or perhaps longer. Depends on how things go."

"Do you like anything besides cars?"

"Music...I used to play the violin for my youth orchestra. That was years ago though."

The blonde nodded and Airica got the sense the conversation was over. She sat and smiled softly to herself; it had been a long time since anyone had listened to her. It was nice to talk abou ther hobbies. At one time they had been her passions; her reasons for life. It was strange...she hadn't thought of her passions in years. Now as she reflected on the sound of the car; she was filled with a sense of desire to work with cars again. Absently she wondered if she could find a garage that would let her work for them. She was a certified mechanic; something she hadn't told anyone before. Her father didn't think much of her love for cars. It was a guy hobby; not a girl thing. But still...perhaps here, she could rekindle some of her hobbies.

The idea teased her into feeling happy and she was really glad the blonde had driven her home.

It took an hour; but eventually they rounded the corner and Airica pointed to her house. Her brother was waiting on the front step. He frowned at the car.

Airica glanced at the driver, "I never got your name."

The blonde looked over, "No matter, I doubt we'll see each other again."

Airica considered; it seemed kind of cold. But she had to agree. "Okay, well thanks again." She stepped out, moved the seat forward and gently moved her father to his feet. "Jet, come help me. Dad's not feeling well."

Her brother hesitated, not wanting to help. She shot him a dark look. "Now, Jet!"

Her brother opened the gate and stepped out; he helped his sister move their father inside.

"Just put him on the couch and let him rest." She said and went back outside. The woman was still there, leaning on the driver's side door. She looked up as Airica approached. Sunlight filled her dark green eyes with golden fire. Airica flashed back on the mystery woman who had saved her. The image faded as Airica made her self focus.

"We should be fine now." Airica smiled gently, "You do have a great car."

"I know." The blonde opened the door and stepped in; the engine rumbled to life, "Keep out of trouble."

"I will."

Airica watched until the car vanished; before stepping back into her house. Her brother gave her an unfriendly stare. She paused and frowned. "What, Jet?"

"She's cute…for a girl."

Airica sighed, "Not that, again."

He made a face, "Hey, you're the one who didn't bring guys home. What am I supposed to think."

"You're not supposed to think anything; you're thirteen!" Airica moved to the kitchen. She pulled out a dish cloth and soaked with cold water. She handed it to her brother, "Keep this on his forehead."

He wrinkled his nose in disgust as he took the wet cloth. "Why me? I am busy you know."

"Really?" Airica looked at him, "Doing what exactly? Playing video games?"

He stuck out his tongue. "Wait till I tell Dad that you like girls."

"Go for it," Airica challenged him, "Tell him and I will tell dad the real reason mom was around. The reason you're here and not with her." She caught her brother's gaze, "I am sure he will understand that it's normal to be a pothead at thirteen."

He flinched and frowned at her, "Damn it."

"Yeah, so just keep that in mind." Airica stormed off to her room and shut the door. She sat on the bed and sighed heavily.

There were so many reasons her family had had to move. Her father's job was just one of them. Jet was getting in serious trouble back home; he was arrested for selling and using pot on school grounds. He had gotten into fights with other students and major problems with his teachers. It had just been a matter of time before he did something seriously wrong. The authorities had agreed that if Jet left the country with his father, they wouldn't put him in juvie hall. Too bad they had to keep it all from their father. He didn't need the stress of a criminal right now.

And than there was her. Airica lay back, resting her head on the pillow. Her friends had been starting to wonder why she never dated. Never talked about cute guys or even really talked about much of anything. During her school years she had been able to hide in her text books. That was why at only twenty-eight she had a master's degree and spoke three languages fluently. She'd been able to escape her world by studying and working. People had left her alone; that was until last year. Almost thirteen months ago; one of her friends made the mistake of asking a question and Airica couldn't think of a good lie. So she'd told the truth. And now her friends were acting weird about it; they had avoided her for a long time after that day. It wasn't her fault; not really. She just saw no reason to lie anymore.

Everything had turned really weird. Suddenly her hobbies, which had never been a problem, where a major issue. Her love of cars; mostly fast and exotic, were seen as 'gay'. Her passion for motorcycles and open-wheel racing was 'queer'. Than there was the opera and her love of the violin; suddenly it was about trolling for girls. Airica had told them it wasn't; but the group hadn't listened. Not to mention going to the movies, which she loved to do…that had been a nightmare. In the end, they weren't really her friends after all. She was relieved to be away from it; she could relax now and just herself. Hard part was; she had no one left to talk to.

Perhaps, when she started work, she would make a friend or two. It would be nice to hang out with someone who wouldn't care. Perhaps she could find someone that would like her humor and like talking to her. She didn't want a girlfriend, per se. Just a friend; it would be better than constantly being here and always being with her family.

Without realizing it, Airica found herself thinking of the mystery blonde with the hot car. Who was she?

Airica shook herself and left her room. She had to start dinner. There was no point in thinking about it; they would never meet again.