The lights of Tokyo glittered and danced far below the penthouse suite that was shared by the two young lovers. The full moon shown a brilliant orange against the twinkle of stars in the inky black sky. As beautiful as the overlook seemed to be, it was lost on the two senshi as they were locked in each other's arms and eyes. It seemed as if this was the perfect night that belied every other perfect night that anyone in this blue world has ever experienced.
Mako and Ami had been secretly (but not as secretly as they had believed) dating for three years and had become public with their relationship for an additional two years. After those five years of blissful companionship, Mako finally found the courage that night to propose a more permanent commitment to the blue-haired genius. The idea had been gleefully accepted as a gentle breeze had blown through the lacy curtains that separated the living room from the balcony.
Unbeknownst to the two newly betrothed a slender silhouette stood on the balcony watching the exchange, its long hair blowing in the same breeze that was rustling the curtains. The figure leapt up to land on the roof in front of a second apparition.
"It's not here. I was wrong but I don't think it's very far away."
The second figure let out a slow sigh "We have to find it before the next demon appears."
"I know... I know... For now let's go find some ramen...."
"RAMEN! YEAH! I knew there would be an upside to coming to the future!"
The next day the mysterious woman and her silver-haired partner watched from the corner of a cafe as eight women and two teenagers sat around a large table, chatting with large mugs of coffee in front of each of them.
"Mako-chan, I'm so happy for you!" cried the senshi of fire. "I was starting to wonder if you would ever decide to step up to this decision."
Makoto sweat dropped. "I know I'm a coward when it comes to commitment," she paused for a moment and took Ami's hand, looking deep into her eyes for the millionth time that day, "But my Ami makes it such a comfortable prospect."
A collective "Aww" was uttered by all of the senshi. Off to one end of the group, Haruka had noticed the dark-haired woman and her companion in the corner, watching them quite intently. She leaned over to Michiru and whispered in her ear.
"See those two over in the left corner?"
Michiru imperceptibly glanced in that direction. "Yes dear, something wrong with them?"
"They've been watching us since we sat down...And doesn't she look like Rei-chan?"
Michiru took a better look at the woman. Her long black hair falling over her shoulders with a small wisp of t flowing across one of those intense eyes.
"You're right... She does...."
"That one... the one in the priestess kimono... She's the one with the jewel shard."
"Are you sure? She doesn't look like a demon."
"I'm sure of it. She may be another dark priestessā¦" She stood up from her seat. "I'm going over there."
"Kagome⦠that's not a good idea..." But Kagome was already half way across the cafe.
Haruka and Michiru were already on their feet before the woman reached the table. The senshi stopped their excited chatter and looked up at the woman as she approached.
Haruka was the first to speak up, her voice tense like a taunt rubber band ready to snap. "Can we help you?"
The silver haired man came up behind her as she replied. "My name is Kagome and this is InuYasha. If it's possible we would like to speak with the priestess in private." She fixed a purpose-filled stare on Rei.
Rei stood and returned the other woman's glare with a cold yet fiery one of her own. "At the moment I am not on duty. If you are in need of spiritual guidance I suggest you come to the Hikawa Shrine early tomorrow morning."
"You don't seem to understand..." InuYasha pushed Kagome to one side and stepped forward. "This is a matter of dire importance."
Kagome couldn't help thinking to herself. There's something familiar about this woman. But how is that possible, I've never been in this district of Tokyo. And that jewel shard energy... that doesn't feel like a shard at all. It's so much bigger than that...
"Again, whatever the matter happens to be, you may speak with me at my shrine tomorrow. As for now, my friends and I would appreciate it if you would allow us to return to our celebration."
A low rumble issued from InuYasha's throat but Kagome took him by the arm and began to lead him away. She spoke softly into his ear. "Trust me InuYasha, we need to talk." Then she raised her voice and addressed the assembled senshi. "We're very sorry for interrupting. We will heed your advice priestess and call upon you tomorrow at the Hikawa Shrine."
As the pair walked out of the cafe the senshi exchanged glances and began discussing this new possible threat. By the end of the conversation it had been decided that Minako would stay that night at the temple. Even with the added precaution, Rei could not dispel the feeling that something wasn't quite right that had nothing to do with the possibility of a new threat.
InuYasha, I don't think that this woman has a jewel shard-" She got cut off before she could explain.
"What do you mean?! You said that you were sure about this one!"
"If you'd wait a minute, I'll tell you! I don't think that she has a jewel shard... I think she has an intact jewel!"
One brow rose on InuYahsa's forehead only to disappear beneath his hair. "Do you think it's one of those fake sacred jewels?"
"No... It's much to powerful to be a fake. And stranger still... it was sitting in the same place that the sacred jewel was in me before Kaede removed it and it shattered."
InuYahsa's other brow joined in a race to see which could go higher. "Are you trying to tell me that there have been two sacred jewels this whole time?"
"No. I'm trying to tell you that I have absolutely no idea as to what is going on here."
The morning dawned bright but it could not chase away the shadow of worry that rested in Rei's heart. Despite the companionship of Minako the night before, (and who was also being her typical self and sleeping in....) she couldn't stop trying to comprehend what it was that had struck a chord in her about the woman named Kagome. Something wasn't quite right and nothing she could come up with made sense.
She was sweeping the stairs to the shrine as the two mysterious people climbed toward her. As they reached the top of the stairs where Rei stood, Kagome stopped and bowed to her while InuYahsaa remained resolutely upright.
"It is pleasant to meet you again madam priestess."
"I apologize for not introducing myself yesterday. My name is Rei Hino."
InuYasha mumbled under his breath from behind Kagome. "OH yeah... now she decides to be cordial." Before he could get any further into his complaints, a familiar phrase was uttered by Kagome.
"InuYasha, SIT BOY!" And he face planted onto the stairs.
"That's a nice trick. You'll have to show me how you do that." Rei said through snickers.
"Wish I knew exactly how it worked... I'd do it to a certain lecherous monk that I know."
At that moment Rei's grandfather came waddling out of the kitchen. "Rei, breakfast is-" He stopped mid-sentence as he laid eyes on Kagome, InuYasha barely starting to get up off of the ground.
Rei touched one hand to her forehead and closed her eyes. "Here we go again."
Grandpa looked at Kagome, then to Rei and back and forth a few times before he began to stutter "Ka-ka-Kagome?"
A look of surprise fell onto the faces of all others present.
"How do you know her name old man?" InuYasha asked as he popped around Grandpa, examining every inch and angle of the short man.
Grandpa took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "It's a long story but I suppose it has come time for me to explain. Come with me.... I'll make tea."
