Disclaimer: With the exceptions of a few OCs, the characters contained herein are the property of Naoko Takeuchi. Monetary profit was neither sought nor gained with the writing of this story.
Ballads
A BSSM Fan Fiction
Chapter 1: Longing (Part 1)
"Papa, Papa! Look at all the flowers! Wow, they're so pretty!"
Unable to control the excited, squirming child any longer, Haruka released her hand and watched as she ran off through the park. Indeed, brilliant purple flowers were everywhere, an abundance of them seen for a quarter of a mile around.
It's hard to believe anything grows here. They're the same brilliant purple as your eyes, though, Hime-chan.
The park itself was a memorial park of sorts, located inside the crater that had formed so many years ago. Staircases at various points along the crater's edge led to its center, where a large stone statue served as a means of a memorial. If one were to go to the structure, they'd see it was a 'thank you' to the Sailor Senshi, paid for by those that were thankful for having been saved from an evil force by the now famous band of Sailor Senshi, thus creating the crater and destroying the surrounding buildings in their struggle. They were a group of heroes that were so great they let not a single person be harmed.
The crater was now covered by a slowly growing grass, which created a safe surface for children to play on. All around her Haruka observed children playing, running along the crater's edge and rolling down its sides. They played on the various attractions available to them at the playground and chased each other on the soft grass. However, it was not just children who came to this park.
Stealing a glance upwards from her position inside the crater, Haruka spotted several people on the observation decks found at the edge of the crater. Many sat there in the warmth and calmness of the park, some reading, others napping. Still others ate their lunches and held animated conversations with their friends. Haruka, however, was more interested in the people like the young woman on the far side of the park. She was aware of the ones who stood there, simply looking out over the crater, not focused on anything and uninterested in the antics of the children below. Squinting against the sun, Haruka could see that this particular young lady had tears in her eyes, and her face held a great deal of burden.
This is not a place meant for tears. There is no sadness here, not in this place. No one was lost; there are none to be remembered here. The only one who hadn't returned was…. Turning to her side, Haruka found Hotaru running around with another child, laughing and having fun, as any young child should. Looking back at the young woman on the ledge, Haruka couldn't help but wonder what could cause her such pain to be crying. If she's weeping for a lost loved one, it could not have happened here. Unless…
"Papa?"
Shaken from her thoughts, Haruka tore her eyes from the woman and looked down at the young girl by her feet. Hotaru looked up at her, her eyes full of concern. Hotaru knew nothing about the cause of this crater, and if she could, Haruka would keep her from ever knowing. However, as Haruka looked at her now, a slight frown came upon her face. She quickly removed her cap and placed it on Hotaru's head.
"Papa, what's this for?"
"It's nothing, Hime-chan. Just a little more protection from the sun, I suppose. Are you ready to go home now?"
"Home, already? Papa, do we have to go? I just made a new friend." Hotaru looked up at Haruka, pleading for some extra time at the park to play with her new friend. Haruka knelt down before her daughter, understanding of her wanting to play with a new friend out in the sunshine. I'm sorry, little one, but the fates have made us change our plans for the day.
"I'm sorry, Hime-chan, but we've many things to do today. We really should be going."
Disappointed, Hotaru finally relented, though not without one final request. She'd be darned if she didn't ask to come to the park for more than the chance to run around in thenice weather.
"Okay, Papa, but may I please collect some flowers first?"
"Alright, but don't take that cap off, understand? Now hurry up. Meet me at the top as soon as you're finished."
"Yes, Papa; I'll be real fast!" Hotaru then took off running, making sure to be quick to collect her wares.
Haruka swiftly climbed to the top of the stairs and waited patiently for Hotaru to come bounding up the steps. Sighing, she sat down on one of the benches behind her. Leaning her head back, she counted clouds in the sky as the wind played with her hair, thoughts of times long ago filling her mind. Looking at the crater before her and the buildings surrounding it, she let out another sigh. The buildings surrounding the very edge of the park had been abandoned in their states of rubble, the crater itself resting where many buildings used to be. A few moments had passed when a familiar set of eyes on the staircase caught her attention, and a grim smile returned to her face. It's hard to believe your gentle soul is partly responsible for this destruction.
Hotaru continued to hurry up the stairs, intent upon keeping her promise to be quick. However, when she reached the top, she saw her Haruka-papa's smile disappear as she returned empty handed.
"I thought you were collecting flowers, little one?" Haruka knelt in front of her now, concern and a little confusion present in her eyes.
"I did collect flowers, Papa, but I gave them to the lady over there," Hotaru replied, pointing to the observation deck Haruka had looked at earlier. Haruka turned to the observation deck to find that the lady she had been watching earlier no longer stood there. With a relieved sigh she turned back to face the child before her. I'm over-reacting. She could not have known anything. She's no longer here, anyhow.
"Come, Hime-chan. Let's go home. Didn't you want to take those flowers home, though?" Haruka asked as she stood, took Hotaru's hand, and walked towards the entrance of the park.
"Well, yes, Papa, but that lady was crying and I thought they would cheer her up." Hotaru continued to go forward, but Haruka, however, had stopped walking at the word "crying." So it had been that lady Hotaru had given the flowers. But that woman couldn't be one of them, could she? It just seems too unlikely.
"You didn't take your cap off at all, did you, Hime-chan?"
"No, Papa, but the wind-"
"It's alright, little one. As long as you still have your cap, it will all be okay," Haruka replied, smiling down at the young girl.
They continued to walk in silence a little ways, hand in hand, until Hotaru began to fidget with her cap. "Papa?" she asked.
"Yes?" Haruka answered, placing her hand on the girl's head so she could not take off her cap.
"Why must I wear a cap when it's too big for me anyway?"
"Because," Haruka began, picking Hotaru up to place her in the car at which they had arrived. "I think it looks good on you. Don't you want to look good?"
"Well, yes."
"Then keep that cap on your head, because with it, you're the best looking kid there is."
"Okay, Papa!"
Haruka closed the car door and walked around to her own side. Getting in, she sighed as she started the car.
I'm sorry, Hime-chan, but we can't let anybody see the symbol of Saturn glowing on your forehead right now.
Had the crying lady's vision not been blurry from tears, she would have seen the symbol glowing when the wind blew Hotaru's cap off her head and the little girl had chased after it.
Stepping through the doorway to her home, Michiru juggled around the things she was holding while she fought to get her key out of the door. Finally successful, she gave a sigh as she shut the door with her foot. Placing the groceries on the counter, she took the flowers she'd received that morning and placed them in a nearby vase. Whoever that little girl was, I owe her for cheering me up.
Filling the vase with water, she placed the flowers on the end table just inside her doorway. This way, they'll be the first things I see when I get home. Returning to her groceries, the blinking light of the answering machine caught her eye. Deciding against delaying the inevitable, she hit the play button and returned to her chore at hand.
"Kaioh-san? This is your manager, Ishikawa. We've had a slight problem come up regarding your concert in a couple weeks. We'd like your opinion on the matter, so if you could, please call back soon."
Michiru sighed. Another problem? This is the third one now. I bet it's the accompanist, again.
"Michiru-chan? Are you there? I guess not, huh? I was wondering if you'd like to catch lunch sometime. We haven't seen each other in a while, and I have so much to talk about! Call me back, would you? Bye bye! Oh, yeah, this is Usagi!"
This time Michiru gave a small chuckle. That's Usagi, alright; no one else could ever be like her. 'So much to talk about?' I bet it's Chibiusa, again…
"Michiru, if you're home, pick up the phone right now. I don't want you moping all day like the last seven years. You didn't think I'd forget, did you? I'm coming by later, so you'd better be presentable. I'll see you then."
And, of course, Setsuna. Glancing at herself in a nearby mirror, she gave a halfhearted smile to her reflection. "Well, I'm at least dressed; but if she comes now, she'll be able to tell I was-"
The door opened just then and in stepped the older woman. Pausing to remove her shoes, she stared at the flowers for a moment before continuing on her way to the kitchen. Michiru turned to face the newcomer and could tell she had noticed right away.
"Michiru, you've been crying. You went there again, didn't you?" Setsuna asked, standing in the doorway with her hand on her hips. "I thought I told you not to go there anymore, that all you'll ever get from doing so is pain?"
Michiru cringed at her best friend's words. She knew Setsuna meant her no harm, that this was only "tough love." At that moment, however, she wanted to deny it all. She wanted to believe that the pain in her heart wasn't real, that the tears weren't real, that everything was going to be okay. The more she thought about it, though, the less she was able to control her emotions and she slumped to the floor, crying.
"Michiru, come on. Let's go sit somewhere comfortable and talk about this." Leading her out to the main room, Setsuna guided her onto the sofa and then she herself sat down, placing the crying woman's head into her lap. "Go ahead and cry, Michiru. When you're ready, we'll talk."
They sat like that for a few moments, Setsuna comforting the younger woman the best she could. When Michiru's sobs were noticeably less, Setsuna sighed. Here began the hardest part of being a best friend: telling the other that they were wrong.
"Michiru, I think that this needs to stop. You need to move on. You need to give up on her." There, she had said it. She knew it would not be accepted well but it had to be done.
The reaction she was expecting, though, had never come; Michiru had simply nodded in understanding. A few minutes later she was asleep, her eyes still red from crying.
"Papa, I thought you said we had a lot to do today. That's why we left the park so early, isn't it?"
Haruka looked down at the young girl sitting on the floor in front of the TV. I'm sorry, Hotaru. I wish we could have stayed longer, too. "Yes, that's correct. Why do you ask?"
Seeing her chance, the young girl leaped from the floor and climbed into her guardian's lap. She moved the newspaper Haruka was holding, and looked her "father" directly in the eyes. "Well, Papa, it's just that since we've been home, we haven't done anything."
Shoot. I've been caught. By a six-year-old, even. Setting the newspaper down beside her, Haruka returned her attention to the girl who sat content upon her lap. "Well, little one, what do you say we go get some ice cream?"
"Yeah, ice cream!" Hotaru cheered, bouncing happily and nearly falling from Haruka's grasp.
"However, after ice cream, we're going to do some school shopping. Somebody is going to start at her new school in a few days." Haruka heard Hotaru start to pout, grumbling something about "who needs stuffy old school, anyway,' but her thoughts were elsewhere.
So long as we don't go near the crater, I don't think that symbol will return.
The Crown Game Center was bustling with business as customer after customer walked through its doors, most spending their money in equal amounts on food and arcade games. Kids ran around with their mouths full of ice cream and their hands full of tokens, as parents stayed at their tables, not wanting to get any closer to the loud games.
Rei sat in a booth on the side of the building opposite the arcade. While it was the greatest distance away, it offered the best view of the various games' participants. Her eyes, however, were on a particular set of gamers situated in the front row of racing games. The two were dueling with each other, the price of a large ice cream sundae on the line. Though she was not a big gamer, Rei found she had to admit that the other two held great talent in the area.
The waiter (whose name she did not know, as Motoki had long since graduated and moved away) brought the group's treats to the table and as she spoke her words of thanks, she looked up to see that the others had also noticed their snacks were ready. Bickering over the results of the match, the two walked to the booth with an elbow jab here-and-there.
"So, who won?" Rei asked, looking between the two newly arrived gamers. Her question brought their childish bickering to an abrupt halt as one gave her a wide grin, the other a small pout.
"Kino-san won, again," replied Minako, slipping into the booth next to Rei. "I haven't been able to beat her for three weeks now."
"Ah, c'mon, Minako-chan," Makoto replied, taking her seat across from the two. "There's no need to be so harsh over something as simple as a race. Look, all I got was one sundae. It won't cost you that much and it's not like you're strapped for cash."
"Ah, yes, but what you don't know, Kino-san," Rei began, using her friend's last name as a gesture to poke fun at Minako's behavior, "is that since you won, Minako-chan must also buy my ice cream. She was so confident she would beat you that she swore to me that if she lost she would buy not only your treat, but mine as well. Therefore, our treats will not only cost her money, but also her ego."
Makoto took a moment to absorb the new information and then let out a small laugh at her friend's predicament. "So, you were that confident you would beat me, huh? Well, at least I didn't order the most expensive item on the menu, like that kid."
Minako and Rei turned in their seats to get a look at the child Makoto had indicated. In the purple haired girl's hands was the Crown's largest (and, understandably, most expensive) ice cream treat available.
"Man, I feel sorry for the person who has to pay so much for something that kid is never going to finish," Makoto continued. "In all the time I've spent here at Crown, I've only ever seen one person finish that snack."
"Usagi," the other two stated, remembering the many times they had to shell out their own money to cover the girl's expenses.
"Speaking of Usagi-chan, she asked me to tell you guys she'd be getting here late. She took Chibi-usa out to play this morning and lost track of time," Rei told the other two as she took a bite from her ice cream.
"The same with Ami-chan, too," Makoto replied. "Her class was held late, but she should be here soon."
As the words were spoken, the persons being discussed entered the crown, placed their orders at the counter, and made their way to the booth. Ami sat first next to Makoto, and as Usagi began to sit down next to her, she noticed the other three looking at the pigtailed girl with hidden grins.
"Say, what's so funny, you three?" she asked, looking at the others for an answer.
"Oh, we were just remembering what a pig Usagi-chan was in our school days," Rei replied nonchalantly, focusing on the ice cream before her.
"Oh, c'mon, guys, I didn't eat that much, did I?" Usagi asked, tears starting in her eyes.
Afraid of what may come of an honest answer, the others decided on not giving any answer at all, and held their laughter in when, as the waiter brought the new orders over, he placed the aforementioned largest ice cream treat in front of Usagi.
"Just like the old days," Rei whispered, loud enough that only she could hear.
They continued to eat their snacks over light conversation and couldn't help but to laugh when Usagi went to order a second ice cream like the one before. When she returned, however, Ami, who had remained pretty quiet most of the time, raised a rather important topic to the surface.
"Usagi-chan, were you able to get a hold of Michiru-san earlier?" Ami asked, concern evident in her eyes and tone of voice. The others turned to the future queen, concern evident in their features as well. None of them had forgotten what day it was and none of them were ever going to forget the misfortune that befell their friend.
"I wasn't able to speak with her, but I left a message on her answering machine. I invited her to go out to lunch later this week. I'm sure that Setsuna-san is probably with her, so I've resigned myself to not worrying, at least for a few hours." Usagi spoke solemnly, as the topic was not one to be taken lightly.
"You know," Minako began, a slight grin coming to her face. "If I were you-know-who, I wouldn't dare show my face in front of Setsuna-san ever again. I think she's angry enough to kill her."
"She's not the only one," replied Makoto, a similar grin coming to her face. "I don't think I'm alone in saying I would love to sock one to her."
"Now, now, children," Ami chided, "you know violence is not the answer."
The others erupted into laughter and none noticed as the purple-haired girl from earlier walked by, in her hands a big "Happy Birthday" balloon.
Rei was the first to stop laughing as an idea came to mind. "I've been thinking that perhaps what Michiru-san needs is to get out of the house and to go have a little fun. What do you say we invite her to go get some drinks this weekend?"
"I think it's a great idea!" exclaimed Minako. "Besides, I'm only on vacation for another few days so I'd like to get out and have a bit more fun before I go back to recording."
"I'm game," Makoto replied with a grin.
"I don't have anything important due next week, so I suppose I too could go out and have fun," Ami answered.
The four turned to Usagi and were surprised to see her shake her head "no".
"Sorry everybody, but I am a mother now. I'll have to get Chibiusa to bed."
"Well, maybe not just like old times, but close enough," Rei whispered, as she followed the others on their way to pay. As they arrived at the register Makoto turned to Minako with a gleam in her eyes.
"You know, Minako-chan, you could make it easier and just pay for all of our snacks."
"Kino Makoto you'll never let me live this down will you?"
"Thanks for everything, Setsuna. I understand what you're saying and maybe it is time to move on. It's just, I can't help but to have this feeling that she's somewhere nearby right now. I'm afraid of moving on only to have her return right after I do so."
Michiru took another bite of the dinner that Setsuna had prepared. The two were still in Michiru's apartment and had decided to discuss the issue at hand over dinner. Setsuna had again told her what she felt, and the younger woman took her opinion into consideration. However, Michiru had a reputation for being stubborn, and she was living up to it now.
"You say that every year, Michiru, and every year nothing ever happens."
"You're right. And every year I can't help but wonder if maybe it's my fault? Maybe-"
"No! None of this is your fault!" Setsuna stood now, her anger at the whole situation starting to get the best of her. "You were the one whom she left, not the other way around. If you ask me, she doesn't deserve the feelings you still hold for her. You need to get out, Michiru. Meet other people. Maybe you'll never meet her, but at least you'll be happy."
"I don't know. You know I've dated others in the past and things never worked out. And that last time, well, that was a lovely little mess, wasn't it?" There was a brief, awkward silence as the two reflected on the incident which Michiru had referenced. Seeking to end the silence, Michiru continued. "You know why none of them worked out, Setsuna; none of them were her. I don't know why, but I can't give her up. I'm still attached to her. I just have this…. I don't know…longing for her, I guess. I still remember everything. I still want her in my memories. Even though it hurts, I still dream about her. I want to tell her how I feel. But… she's not here! She just …disappeared, and I don't even know her name!" Michiru now held her head in her hands, her energy slowly leaving her, her hope growing thinner. "I'm a pathetic person, aren't I? Falling in love with some I don't know."
"I'm not expecting you to go out and fall in love at first sight, Michiru. Just… Please, just try. Go out a few times. Who knows? Maybe fate will interfere."
At this, Michiru chuckled. "Fate? Obviously, if fate had done its job correctly, I wouldn't be in this predicament." She heaved a sigh then, hanging her head in her hands as she whispered, "If fate had done its job correctly, Hotaru would be in high school now and I'd be happy in love."
Setsuna, sensing that continuing the discussion tonight would be a waste of time, turned from the table and headed for the door. "Just think about it, okay? And if you do decide to go for it, just be more careful this time. You don't need a repeat of two years ago." Michiru shook her head as a sign that she heard the other woman so Setsuna continued. "I'm going to go now. It's getting late and I need to get up early for a meeting. Take care, okay? We all worry about you."
Michiru rose from her seat and walked her best friend to the door. As she was pulling on her shoes, Setsuna again glanced at the flowers in the vase. "Michiru, where did you get these flowers?"
"Oh, those? They're nice, aren't they? An adorable little girl gave them to me when I was at the park earlier. She said I was too pretty to cry and that she hoped the flowers would cheer me up. They did, too, for a little while at least. Even looking at them now, I can't help but to remember that little girl and smile. You know," Michiru paused, looking at the older woman, "I think she knew who I was." Noticing Setsuna's smile falter, Michiru smiled and gave a small laugh. "Kaioh Michiru the violinist, not Sailor Neptune."
Setsuna looked up at Michiru now and she, too, grinned as she saw the first genuine smile from the younger woman in years. Whoever that little girl was, we all owe her for what she's done.
"What?" Michiru asked with intrigue.
"Oh, nothing; I was just thinking that if I had known all it would take to get you to smile was flowers, I would have bought some years ago." Before the younger of the two could retaliate, Setsuna was out the door and on her way home.
Locking the door, Michiru turned back to the flowers and smiled. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to try one more time. Setsuna's right; I should give fate another chance.
Fumi Ozaki sighed as she made her way to Haruka's house. Glancing at the present she held in her hand, she had hoped it would be enough for not being able to celebrate with the little girl on her birthday. As she approached the house, she saw Hotaru playing in the yard, her guardian not too far off, having what looked to be a rather important phone conversation.
"Hey there, kiddo!" she called out as she made her way up to the child. Bracing herself for the impact she knew would be coming, she held her place firmly as she was captured in a flying hug.
"Fumi-neechan!" cried Hotaru, happy to see another familiar face in a new and big city. "Oh! A present! Is that for me?"
"You bet, kiddo!" Fumi replied, handing the gift to the girl. "Go ahead, open it! I'm sorry I couldn't celebrate your birthday with you yesterday, Hotaru-chan. I had a big meeting this morning that I had to get ready for. I'm open the rest of the day, though, so we can play however much you'd like."
"Can we really? That sounds like fun!" Hotaru squealed, jumping up and down excitedly. Suddenly she stopped, and in the best "serious" voice a new six-year-old could muster, stated, "Unlike Haruka-papa, who made me go school shopping on my birthday. And to a… a... I forget what it's called."
"A press conference."
Both looked up to see that Haruka had finished her phone conversation and now joined them on the lawn.
"It was a small, online only one, but it was a press conference none-the-less. And before you go painting a bad image of me, perhaps you should remember who bought you cake and ice cream for your birthday." Haruka kidded, arms crossed and mocking Hotaru's "serious" tone.
"That's right!" Hotaru shouted, happiness returned to her again. "Fumi-nee, Haruka-papa bought me a big cake, a big ice cream, and a really big birthday balloon! You should come see it, come on!" Hotaru grabbed Fumi's hand and began to drag the older girl toward the house when Haruka stopped her.
"You go on ahead, Hime-chan. I want to talk with Fumi-chan really quick. Why don't you go play with the gift she brought you? Whatever the heck it is."
"Okay Papa! I'll be waiting, Fumi-nee!" Hotaru ran into the house, new toy in tow, happy that she would soon be able to play all day with her good friend.
Haruka waited until her daughter was completely in the house and then indicated for Fumi to take a seat in one of the lawn chairs nearby. After taking a seat herself, she turned to the other woman before asking her question.
"Seriously, what is that thing?"
Fumi, unable to contain her laughter, took a few moments before she was finally composed enough to answer. "That, Haruka-nee, is an iconic legend that every Japanese person, man or woman, boy or girl, should recognize; even you. That was a toy of the great Godzilla."
"So, should I be worried that you're filling my daughter's head with such useless information and ideas?"
Fumi feigned shock at Haruka's comment before answering, "Useless or not, your daughter liked Godzilla without my introducing it to her."
Taking a moment to let the true meaning of the statement sink in, Haruka hung her head before continuing.
"My decision was for the best, I suppose. I don't even know my own daughter."
Fumi, feeling sorry for her, could only watch as Haruka fought the tears stinging her eyes.
"For what it's worth, Tenoh, though she may be too young to appreciate it now, that press conference was the best birthday present you could have ever given her."
Haruka, smiling at the truth in Fumi's words, wiped her eyes and stood from her chair. "Well, I suppose we should go inside now. She is waiting, after all. Besides, I'm assuming that other package you're holding is the present I asked you to pick up."
"Yes, it is indeed. One violin, set and ready to go, for beginning violinists."
"You're sure she's going to like it?" Haruka asked, hesitantly wondering if her daughter could ever sit still long enough to learn how to play the instrument.
"Trust me, she'll love it. As much as I've had to baby sit that kid I've gotten to know her, and she wants a violin. Just think, now that you'll be home more often, you'll get to know your daughter even better through all the hours of screeching violin practice." Fumi chanced a glance at the woman walking beside her and hid the grin she held at the other woman's face of terror. "Oh, c'mon, she won't be that bad. Besides, she's obsessed with that violinist, Kaioh… um..."
"Michiru, Kaioh Michiru."
"Yeah, that's the one. How did you know that?"
"Because," Haruka began, pausing to look up at the sky, the wind playing with her hair. "Hotaru and I met her once, shortly after Hotaru was born." Really short time, actually. It was the day she was "born". "I had just transferred to a new school and was walking around the campus with Hotaru the day before I was to begin, as a way to get familiar with the layout. Kaioh was a student there and I asked her where the restroom was. Of course, at the time I didn't know my daughter would be such a big fan, or else I'd have asked for an autograph."
"Wow, Haru-nee. I can't believe you met Kaioh Michiru and never told me; or Hotaru, for that matter." Fumi had paused beside Haruka, a look of surprise still evident on her face.
Haruka looked back at Fumi and a grin crossed her face as she prepared her next statement. "Well, I suppose that's what your real birthday gift is for, Fumi-chan. You can give her the tickets for the concert, I won't say 'no'. Maybe she'll be able to meet her favorite violinist while she's there."
Fumi stood dumbfounded at the statement. "How did you know I had tickets, Tenoh?" she asked, following behind the other woman as they continued their seemingly endless trek to the door.
"Well, I wasn't sure, but you just confirmed it. I only had a hunch based on the shape of the envelope in your pocket."
"Why, you sneaky little-"
"I prefer 'cunning'." Haruka stated, cutting her off and running to the door.
As the two now ran towards the house, with Fumi chasing Haruka, she suddenly stopped before Haruka could step through the door.
"Hey, Haru-nee, could I ask just one more question?"
"Yeah, sure. Shoot."
Looking the other woman in the eyes and hoping to get a serious answer by doing so, Fumi asked, "Why Tokyo? Until just a few months ago I hadn't seen you in eight years, according to your letters you haven't been here in Tokyo for nearly five years, and suddenly you show up with a kid in tow."
Haruka again looked to the sky before giving her answer.
"Tokyo is where it all began."
"Your racing career?" asked Fumi, stepping into the door Haruka held open for her.
"That," replied Haruka, "and Tokyo is where Hime-chan was born."
"Kaioh-san, are you alright?"
Glancing up, Michiru looked at the middle-aged man seated across from her. Looking into his eyes, she could see that the concern he expressed was genuine. However, she also knew that this was a place of business, and that he was, most likely, more than eager to tend to the matter at hand. Sighing, Michiru brought herself to sit upright and nodded at the man to continue.
"I assume that your being here means you got my message the other day? I suppose I should apologize for lying when I said it was only a 'slight' problem. As you can see, this is a rather important issue. I guess… I just didn't want you to worry about it too much." Ishikawa watched the young woman before him nod and he heaved a great sigh before continuing.
"You know that I'm a big fan of yours, and that I'd do anything to help you, but we were barely able to sell enough tickets to consider next weekend's event a concert. We almost had to convert it to a charity concert just to get people to attend." Ishikawa watched Michiru's reaction as he spoke, noticing her head sinking lower with every word. He gave a small frown before continuing his speech. "And, to top it off, we've had to go through our entire list of available accompanists before we found someone willing to play for such a small crowd. I'd hate to say it, Kaioh-san, but your career is on the line this time. You haven't written any new songs in years and people aren't willing to pay for what they've already heard many times before."
Ishikawa finished speaking and waited for Michiru to reply. Michiru, however, remained unusually quiet. For the next few moments she stared out the window beside her and watched the people of the city live their lives, her gaze eventually settling on the small pharmacy across the street. Standing from her seat, she grabbed her purse and headed for the door. She paused with her hand on the door knob as she heard Ishikawa call her name once more. She left her back to him as he spoke, knowing that it hurt him to see her this way almost as much as it hurt her pride. Deciding against formalities, Ishikawa spoke with parental kindness.
"Michiru-san, I can tell you're not feeling well so I'll not keep you here much longer. Please, if anything, remember this: Unless you somehow make this concert a near sell-out, your career won't live to see a next one; which would be a shame, since I really am a big fan."
Nodding in understanding, Michiru stepped from the office having never said a word.
Ishikawa watched from the window as Michiru ran through the rain and entered the pharmacy unhindered.
"There used to be a time when you couldn't step foot outside this office without being hounded by fans, yet just now you had no trouble at all." Ishikawa sighed, turning away from the window to return to his seat.
"I really am worried about you, Michiru. You haven't written a new song in years, and you still insist on playing that same melancholy tune at every performance."
Michiru had found the cold and flu medicines aisle without looking up as she walked, knowing the layout of the store like the back of her hand. Many times she had spent hours at her agent's office in meetings which usually resulted in headaches, which she would then remedy with a trip across the street to the neighborhood pharmacy. As she absentmindedly read various boxes and the information written on them, Ishikawa's words repeated endlessly in her head.
"Unless you somehow make this concert a near sell-out, your career won't live to see a next one."
I was afraid he was going to tell me something like that. Why couldn't the problem have just been with the accompanist, or the venue? Something like that would have been easy to solve.
Returning the box she held to the shelf, she picked up the next one. Taking a quick glance at the directions printed on the carton, she turned her attention to the pharmacy owner who was having an animated conversation with a delivery man.
To top it off, Ishikawa waits until now to tell me this. Now, I only have a little more than a week to think of something to do. It won't be easy to write new songs in just a few days, especially since I haven't done so in such a long time. Not to mention the fact that anything I write right now wouldn't exactly be… joyful.
Deciding on the medicine she currently held, Michiru made her way to the register, but not without pausing to glance at the newspapers on display.
My concert isn't even advertised yet. The music page is only full of today's pop stars.
"Ma'am, are you ready to check-out?"
Turning to the voice's owner, Michiru placed the paper back and set the medicine on the counter. The stack of CDs next to the register caught her attention and she caught herself staring in concentration at one of the labels in particular.
The elderly clerk, sensing the woman's unspoken question, scanned the medicine and placed it in a bag before speaking.
"That one's Aino Minako's latest single. It's only her second song but it's been selling like hotcakes. I just got a new delivery of 'em this morning. I ran out two days ago, the day it was released. She's a pretty good newcomer, but the unfortunate thing is that indie company she's contracted under. If she were given a chance by a bigger record label her career would probably soar, but as it is now she'll probably be chained to singles and small concert venues for the rest of her music journey, which would be a shame since the girl has natural talent." The owner handed Michiru the bag, which she absentmindedly accepted as her thoughts were elsewhere.
Minako has a new single out? I'll be getting one soon, I'm sure. She really is doing well. Unlike me, and the situation I'm currently facing. If only-
"Would you like to buy a copy, ma'am? You've been staring at it for quite some time now."
Shaking her head no, Michiru reached out her hand to pay for the medicine. The clerk, however, had looked away for a moment, his deep concentration evident on his features.
"You know," he began, returning his attention to the woman before him. "She really ought to write some more songs. I'm sure she'd be great in concert. Though for now, I suppose she ought to just open for a bigger name." The man then gave Michiru a quick wink, as he continued his line of reasoning. "I'm sure she'd be incredibly thankful for a chance to perform live this early in her career."
The man was smiling at her now and Michiru was certain he knew more about the music industry than most pharmacy store owners would. Again lifting her hand to pay, she was turned down by a simple shake of the man's head.
"The medicine is on the house, Kaioh-san. I wish you luck at your concert next weekend."
Noticing Michiru's eyes widen in surprise, the man gave a boastful laugh and leaned towards her, saying in a hushed tone, "I've been in business across from that music agency for thirty-two years, Kaioh-san. I know all kinds of people." Smiling, he leaned back from her and returned to his work. "Now get going. You don't look well, but that medicine you have should do the trick."
Heading back out into the rain, Michiru left the pharmacy with more than just the free medicine.
Hearing the sound of a door shutting, Makoto stepped out into the open space of the apartment to find Ami standing in the doorway, her hair dripping with water. Running back to the restroom, Makoto returned with a large towel in one hand and a bathrobe in the other.
"You're soaked," she said, tossing the objects to Ami who gave a small 'thank you'. "How about you change out of those clothes while I make some tea?" Makoto asked, not bothering to wait for an answer. "You're home early. Was class cancelled?"
"Yes," replied Ami, sitting down on the large sofa before her. "I went to my mother's to pick up a few things and then ran home from the station since it was raining." Fiddling with the towel in her hands, she again attempted to get her hair drier. "This is one of the worst thunder storms I've seen in a while. You don't have anything to do with this, do you?" Ami could hear Makoto laughing in the other room and gave up on her hair before turning to the kitchen doorway. Makoto entered the room with a tray of tea and set the warm drink in front of the other girl who was now clad in the jade bath robe.
"Now you know very well," Makoto began, taking a seat next to Ami, "that even if I did have the power to summon storms at will that I never would. Everyone knows I hate rainy days. Besides, I'm going out later, and it's always better to do so when it's not raining."
"You're going out later?" asked Ami, enjoying the heat rising off the warm cup.
"Yup. You're invited, too, remember? Rei-chan called just before you got home. She and our favorite new pop star that just released a second single are going out for a few celebratory drinks later and we're invited. Usagi-chan passed since her husband is working and she'll need to put Chibiusa to bed, but Rei-chan is going to try to get a hold of Michiru-san. It would be good for her to join us and have a bit of fun."
They sat in relative silence for a few moments and Makoto sat her empty glass on the table. Looking up at Ami, she found the woman staring intently into her tea.
"Ami-chan, what's wrong?"
Startled from her thoughts, Ami shook her head and took another sip of her tea.
"I'm fine, Mako-chan. I'm just worried about Michiru-san. It's only been a few days since the anniversary and I'm sure she's probably not her best right now."
Makoto nodded, understanding her friend's worries. Leaning back into the sofa, she propped her feet up and sighed in comfort.
"I understand why you're worried, Ami. In past years it has taken her close to a week to recover from her slums, and I know it's her next concert in particular that has you so worried. However," here Makoto paused and turned to take Ami's hand in a knightly gesture, the blush on the smaller girl's face not going unnoticed. "I, Kino Makoto, in order to remedy the fears of one Mizuno Ami, do solemnly pledge to make one Kaioh Michiru forget about her troubles for one night by inviting her to a Concert Eve dinner."
Reclaiming her hand, Ami could not help but to laugh at the seriousness with which Makoto had delivered her speech.
"Okay, Mako-chan, you win. What if she decides not to come, though?"
"Oh, she'll come," Makoto replied, her voice full of certainty. "I ran into Setsuna-san at the market yesterday and she informed me that she would be more than willing to get Michiru-san out of the apartment." Makoto ended her speech with a devilish grin and set about collecting the teas cups.
"Well, I suppose I ought to make an early dinner. Any requests?" Makoto asked, standing from the couch.
"You know I'm not a picky eater, Mako-chan. Why don't you surprise me?" Ami answered, herself standing from the couch. Makoto nodded an affirmation and started towards the kitchen. She paused when she heard Ami call her name.
"Thanks for the tea and warm robe. You're the best friend I could ever ask for."
A hint of blush rose to Makoto's cheeks as she watched Ami disappear into her bedroom.
End Chapter 1 Part 1
So now you've met two OCs: Michiru's manager, Ishikawa, and Haruka's cousin, Fumi. Hopefully you've found them acceptable.
As before, reviews are welcome. (Please be gentle.)