The horizontal bar separates unrelated scenes. This symbol: -...- breaks large scenes into smaller scenes when there has been a shift in time or setting.

Disclaimer: With the exceptions of some OCs, all 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 2: Endless Rain (Part 3)


Haruka awoke to the sound of a shrill alarm piercing her eardrums. With a trained hand she reached out and silenced its call, the pounding in her head subsiding as the sound diminished. As she sat up Haruka could hear the sound of a television, an unusual sound as she was often the first awake.

Is Fumi here? she thought as she stepped out of bed. No, Fumi left a couple days ago. Hotaru, then? Haruka dressed quickly and made her way downstairs, where she found Hotaru sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a television news program.

"What's up, Hime-chan? Don't kids watch cartoons these days?" Not receiving a reply, Haruka moved behind the seated girl and placed her hands on the pair of small shoulders. Turning her attention to the television, Haruka was discomforted to see what Hotaru was watching.

The news anchors were discussing the most recent news item, the string of people found mysteriously comatose. One of the more recent victims had been a young boy from Hotaru's school. There were now a total of twelve known victims, two of whom had already passed away.

As information was presented and discussed, it struck Haruka as odd that her six-year-old daughter had not been asking any questions; in fact, she hadn't said anything at all. Haruka moved slowly around the sofa and knelt before Hotaru. The subject was one that could frighten a small child, and Haruka hoped that Hotaru was not negatively affected.

Instead, it was Haruka that was frightened.

As she knelt before the girl, Haruka quickly noticed that Hotaru was looking through her, intently focused on the television. Waving her hand before the girl's eyes received no response. Not wanting to hear more, Haruka reached over and shut off the television and then turned back to Hotaru.

"Hime-chan?"

No response. Hotaru sat motionless, staring straight ahead.

"Hotaru!"

Still the girl did not move, and it was then that Haruka noticed the faint symbol emblazoned upon Hotaru's forehead.

No, she thought, nervously reaching a hand up to the symbol. This is not Hotaru. This is…

"Saturn," Haruka said sternly.

The young girl's eyes came into focus then, and they locked with Haruka's in a powerful stare, a stare not unlike another Haruka remembered well.

"The time has come," the young girl whispered. She stood then, and the symbol on her forehead began to grow brighter.

"Hotaru!" Haruka shouted, tightly embracing her daughter. The light quickly dissipated, and Haruka was left with a faint Hotaru asleep in her arms. Placing the slumbering child on the couch, Haruka sat down beside her and ran her fingers through Hotaru's soft hair.

"The time has come." What did she mean by that? Haruka sighed and tilted her head back, closing her eyes in frustration. Did she mean that it was time for her to awaken? Or maybe a new enemy has arrived? Suddenly, realization struck her, and she sat upright with a start.

The coma victims; this is all somehow related.

Haruka looked down at the still sleeping Hotaru and stroked her cheek. A minute longer and it would be time to get ready for school.

Whatever is to come, I'll deal with it, so that she can stay a carefree child. Haruka's face solidified into an expression of determination, and she stood from the couch. No child should have to bear the burden of the strength of her powers.

Shaking Hotaru awake, Haruka smiled down at the young girl as she gave a confused expression about her current location.

I'll do what I can to protect her, to make sure she never has to use her powers, and I'll do it as Tenoh Haruka.

Such is the penance I will serve for not saving her the first time.

"Good morning, Hime-chan."

It's time to start training again.


Michiru was the first to arrive at the studio that afternoon. Minako would be joining them today, and Michiru couldn't help but to feel a bit relieved that she would not be alone with Haruka. Though they had decided to start anew yesterday, Michiru was certain that being alone with Haruka would be nothing but awkward. After all, the two had only promised Usagi that they would get along; neither had made a guarantee about actually liking the other. As Michiru made her way across the room to the window, she heard footsteps behind her and turned to find Minako in the doorway.

"Good morning, Minako-chan," she offered with a small smile.

"Good morning," Minako replied a bit curtly.

"Something wrong?" Michiru asked, and Minako shot her a look which seemed to say, "Are you kidding me?" before joining her at the window.

"Michiru-san, please tell me you felt that energy this morning." Minako stated this with a serious look, and Michiru knew it was something which needed to be addressed immediately.

"I did," she said, looking out the window with a sigh. "It was brief, though, and I didn't feel it to be a threat, so I left matters to you all."

"It wouldn't be that big a deal," Minako began, "if it hadn't happened just two weeks ago as well."

Michiru quickly turned to look at Minako, to see if perhaps what she said was a joke. Instead, she was met with the stern eyes of a leader, eyes which bore a strong sense of duty.

"When did it happen?"

"The morning you were ill. You were sleeping, I'm sure, but I find it strange Setsuna-san didn't tell you." Minako spoke with the firm, mature voice of a leader; a far cry from the pop sensation she was quickly becoming. Both turned to look out the window, and they spoke in low, serious tones.

"What did you discover two weeks ago?" Michiru asked.

"It occurred near Juuban Elementary, so Ami-chan was able to locate its exact location on her sensors."

"Was it big?"

"No; only a couple seconds long. Rei says that it didn't feel negative."

"Hmm." They both thought for a moment, and Minako continued.

"Rei determined that this morning's surge was also not a threat."

"That's what I felt as well. And it was just as brief?"

"Yes."

"What actions have you taken?" Michiru asked, casting her eyes downward.

"Rei has asked permission to handle any situation that may arise," Minako answered with a sigh. "She says she doesn't want us to worry, that we should just focus on the concert. But," Minako paused, and placed a hand upon the window. "I think- No, I know there's something she's not telling me about this whole situation."

"And the princess?" Michiru asked, bringing Minako back from her thoughts.

"Rei feels it best not to worry her."

"I agree."

"I do, too."

The sound of a piano in the midst of a crescendo startled them, and they both turned quickly around to face the offender.

"G-good morning, Tenoh-san. How long have you been here?" Michiru asked, her voice wavering with nerves.

"A few minutes," Haruka mumbled, not ceasing her playing.

"Is that so?" Michiru stepped away from the window, moving just a couple steps closer to the piano. She hadn't known Tenoh very long, but Michiru could tell that the usually chipper pianist was upset this morning.

Did she hear what we were discussing? thought Michiru. Chancing a glance at Minako, she could tell that the younger woman shared her worry.

"You should have said something," Michiru said as she retrieved her violin. "You startled me. And that was the bridge near the end of the song, wasn't it? Have you been sitting there playing that whole time?"

"I thought it better not to interrupt whatever it was you two were discussing so secretively," Haruka replied as she finished playing the piece. "Yes, I played the entire song. And as for startling you," she began, spinning to face the other two, "you ought to be more aware of your surroundings." Haruka smirked at Michiru, but before the violinist could snipe back Minako spoke up.

"Excuse me, are you the new accompanist?" Minako asked, her eyes sparkling excitedly.

"I am."

"Woohoo!" Minako exclaimed, pumping her fist into the air.

Michiru covered a small smile as she stepped between the other two. "Tenoh-san, meet Aino Minako; Minako-chan, this is Tenoh Haruka."

"Michiru-san," Minako started, resting a hand on Michiru's shoulder and using the other one to point at Haruka. "I like this accompanist a lot better than the old guy from last time."

"Shouldn't you wait until after rehearsal before you decide that?" Haruka asked, giving Minako a puzzled look.

Giggling, it was Michiru that answered the question. "She's not talking about your piano playing, Tenoh-san."

"Oh." Haruka looked between the other two when realization slowly dawned on her. "Oh!" As she turned back to face the keyboard in an attempt to hide her embarrassment, she could hear the other two laughing in amusement. Sighing, Haruka began playing the piano, and her thoughts quickly returned to what had happened that morning.

Michiru recognized the piece immediately. It was the piece Haruka had composed; the one Michiru had been picking out on the piano last week. Haruka had since played it a few times during their rehearsal breaks, and Michiru had quickly memorized the melody. Because of her newfound familiarity with the tune, Michiru was able to tell that Haruka was not playing with the same spirit that she usually did.

In addition to this, Michiru had witnessed firsthand yesterday that Haruka was actually quite a flirt, as proven by her interactions with Usagi. Therefore it struck Michiru as odd that Haruka had actually been a bit surprised, as she had not countered Minako's comment with a barb of her own.

These observations confirmed Michiru's suspicion that something was bothering the woman who just yesterday had been unnaturally cheerful when tolerating Michiru's stubbornness.

Haruka had since finished playing the piece, and so Michiru began a brief warm-up on her violin while Minako did the same vocally. At one point Michiru was able to catch Minako's eye, and Minako sent her a grin, as if to say, "Don't worry, I don't think she was listening to us."

They soon began practicing the set of Minako's songs, and the three sounds blended unnaturally well. Michiru, though, was having trouble focusing on her work. Instead, her thoughts were focused on the woman at the piano.

Why is it bothering me so much that there is something so obviously bothering her?

Glancing at Minako, who had taken a water break, Michiru's thoughts continued.

Minako doesn't seem to have noticed anything, so it must not be affecting her playing enough to alert others.

Playing through the set again, Michiru was able to push her thoughts aside long enough to focus on the music. It was Haruka that took a break next, and Michiru watched as the tall woman rushed out of the studio. Sighing, she took a seat by the window, resting her violin in her lap.

"Michiru-san, what's wrong?" Minako asked, drawing Michiru's attention.

"I'm just a bit confused," Michiru answered with a sigh.

"Care to explain?" Minako dragged a chair next to Michiru and sat down, a bottle of water in her hands.

"Tenoh-san," Michiru started, looking down at the violin in her hands. "There's something on her mind, and it's affecting her playing, even if just a little bit. She's getting all the correct notes, and it sounds alright, but it lacks the energy she usually plays with." There was a pause then as Michiru was unsure of what else to say. She looked to Minako with a morose smile.

"First of all, let me just say that Tenoh is a total hottie." Minako sighed and stole a moment to daydream before returning her attention to Michiru. "Secondly, these things can easily be explained."

"How so?"

Minako held up one finger. "First of all, you may say she's 'off her game,' so to speak, but the way the two of you play together is better than you've ever played with anyone. I can't help but to remember that all of your previous accompanists have been men."

"Male or female has nothing to do with it, Minako-chan. And if you're thinking what I think you are, you're wrong."

"Say what you want, but it's obvious you two are close."

Michiru burst out into laughter, puzzling Minako. Minako stared at the laughing woman, begging for an explanation.

"S-sorry, it's just that-"

"Just what, Michiru-san?"

Finally, Michiru was able to stop laughing. "You couldn't be more wrong, Minako-chan."

"What?"

"We argue all the time," Michiru sighed, standing from her seat and setting the violin down in her place. Turning to look out the window again, she caught a glimpse of Tenoh-san returning towards the building's door, and she continued. "Just yesterday we had a rather vicious argument. Thankfully Usagi-chan was there, and she was able to mediate things." Minako indicated for Michiru to continue, deciding she would talk to Usagi later. "That's why I'm so confused. I don't dislike her, but I don't particularly like her, either. So why am I so bothered by the fact that there is something bothering her?"

Michiru stood looking out the window forlornly, lost in her confusion. Minako moved to stand next to her, a small, teasing smile on her face.

"You know, Michiru-chan," Minako began, excitement present in her tone. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you really were-"

KNOCK KNOCK

Minako and Michiru both spun quickly around to find Haruka standing at attention in the doorway.

"Ahem," Haruka sounded, clearing her throat. "Tenoh Haruka is now entering the studio." Haruka shot Michiru a challenging smirk as she stepped inside, but then she froze.

Minako was laughing hysterically, an outcome Haruka had predicted. When she shot Michiru a smirk, she had expected a similar gesture in return. However, instead of the scowl Haruka had grown accustomed to, she was startled to find a look of relief on Michiru's face.

It was a pleasant smile, one that Haruka quickly determined she wanted to see again.

Recovering from being taken aback, Haruka continued walking to the piano. "Shall we finish up here?" she offered, casting a look between the other two.

Michiru nodded and recovered her violin, then went to stand beside the piano. Minako moved closer as well, stealing glances at both Haruka and Michiru.

Minako may have been laughing hysterically, but she had seen the whole thing. Nothing escaped the eyes of the [self-proclaimed] goddess of love and beauty.

-...-

"Good-bye, Aino-san." The rehearsal had ended, and Haruka sat behind the piano, watching as Minako gathered her things.

"Good-bye, Tenoh-san," Minako said as she grabbed her purse. "Good-bye, Michiru-san. I'll see you both in a couple days." With that, Minako turned and left the studio, Haruka and Michiru watching as she disappeared out the doorway.

"She reminds me a bit of Usagi-san," Haruka said, turning to face Michiru. The smaller woman was setting her violin in its case with great care, and Haruka could tell that the instrument was very important to her.

"A bit, yes," Michiru replied as she snapped the case shut.

"You have good friends," Haruka added, smiling towards Michiru. "You all care a great deal about one another." Turning back to the ivory keys, Haruka began to play the song she'd written.

Michiru watched Haruka's back as she played, and she could tell that whatever had been bothering the pianist that morning had returned to haunt her. Sighing, Michiru slowly moved towards the piano. She had been relieved when Haruka had returned from her break earlier and joked with them. For Michiru, it was a sign that Haruka had finally resolved her issues and had returned to her usual self. However, Michiru could tell that that was no longer the case. And, once again, Michiru was confused as to why it bothered her to see Haruka disheartened.

Maybe… what's bothering her is something that would bother me as well, and I'm picking up on those feelings. That must be it.

"Tenoh-san," Michiru began, coming to a stop beside the piano bench.

"Hmm?" Haruka replied, her fingers never leaving the keys.

"I know that we're not exactly on great terms with each other, and it may be a bit forward of me to ask about it, but I can tell that there is something on your mind that is upsetting you, and…" Michiru stood holding her breath, her hands clenched at her sides, nervously awaiting Haruka's reply.

Haruka ceased playing then and rested her hands by her sides. A moment later she grinned sheepishly, one hand behind her head.

"Sorry, was my playing negatively affected?"

"Not really, no, it's just that-"

"That's good. Thanks for asking, Kaioh-san, but it's nothing much to worry about. My daughter just wasn't feeling well this morning, that's all."

"I see." Michiru stood staring Haruka in the eyes for a moment before turning abruptly. Grabbing her violin case, she bid Haruka what she felt to be a kind good-bye and then left the studio. She was angry at Haruka for her obviously on-the-spot reply when she had tried to be courteous, but she was most upset with herself for having not been able to ask what she really wanted to ask; angry for not understanding why she was feeling the way she did.

Haruka sighed in relief as she watched Michiru walk away, though she winced when she heard the violinist huff in frustration as she exited.

"Thank you for worrying, Kaioh-san," she whispered with a sigh. "I'm sorry, but it's something I can't talk about with you."

Grabbing her possessions, Haruka exited the studio with heavy feet.


Metal hit metal, and the familiar clink of weight machines was heard throughout the wide space. The soft hum of treadmills and elliptical machines, and the steady, trained breathing of the room's occupants added two more lines of harmony to the tune being sung in the gym that morning.

It was to this song that Makoto found herself adding a fast and exhausting percussion line. In an area of the building reserved for such activities as wrestling, boxing, and martial arts, she was hard at work with a small punching bag, connecting with it in a fast, unfaltering rhythm.

Finishing her last set, Makoto rested in a nearby chair and took a look around. Sweat gleaned off the skin of able-bodied men and women throughout the room. A shout, followed by a yell, and the familiar "oomph" of a body hitting mats caught her attention, and she turned towards the sparring area.

"Wow, new kid! That's the second one in a row! And you said you haven't trained in how long? Remind me to never spar with you, "out of shape" or not!"

Laughter carried across the gym, and Makoto shook her head at the onlooker's outburst. She's defeated three people already, huh? This ought to be interesting. She watched as the newest member of the gym's unofficial sparring club accepted another challenge, and was still watching a few minutes later as the challenger was swiftly defeated.

"Kino-san."

Makoto jumped slightly, but quickly recognized the voice, and did her best to hide her surprise as she stood and turned to face its owner.

"Nakata-sensei," she replied with a polite bow. "It's been a long time." I last trained with him just after I awoke as Jupiter.

"Too long, Kino-san. It's good to see you've kept up with your training."

Makoto knew better than to ask how he knew. He'd need only to watch someone for a few moments and he could accurately gage their strength and weaknesses. She stood in silence next to the man that taught her everything she knows. He was sharp for his age, and probably just as fast, and she was certain that he could still beat her. Heck, he'd probably give Jupiter a run for her money. She could see that right now he was analyzing the new member, and was undoubtedly planning to have Makoto spar with the newcomer.

"She's taken on five people already. The first two were losses; the last three have been wins," he stated calmly, Makoto dreading what she knew was coming.

"So you did notice, Sensei? How strong she is?" she asked, knowing further explanation was not needed. Nakata-sensei nodded slightly, not taking his eyes off the newest match in the sparring arena.

"Indeed, she is a strong woman. I've only known two others just as strong. One is home right now, hopefully preparing a good supper. I believe you know the other."

Seeing the glint in his eyes, Makoto nodded in understanding and prepared for her next step. Nakata-sensei gave another gentle bow, and indicated for Makoto to lean closer. He whispered his last words of advice and left the gym. Makoto in turn made her way to the sparring ring with a new sense of wonder.


Setsuna cast a strange look at the door as she stood to answer it. The knock came just before noon, but she hadn't been expecting any visitors. Opening the door, she was greeted by a half-smiling, half-scowling Michiru.

"Hi Michiru. To what do I owe this honor?" Setsuna joked.

"Ugh, you sound just like her," Michiru said as she stepped through the open door.

"Who's 'her'?" Setsuna asked, excusing Michiru's behavior with a shake of her head. Returning to the kitchen, she set about preparing some tea.

" 'Her' would be my new accompanist. Enough of that, though. I need to ask you about something." Michiru shot Setsuna a hard glance to which Setsuna replied with a gesture for Michiru to take a seat.

"Okay then." Setsuna emerged from the kitchen area with a small tray of tea. "I'm hungry, so I'm going to make something for lunch. Would you like something to eat?" Setsuna set the tray before Michiru and returned to the kitchenette. If there was anything that she had learned in her many, many years of life, it was that food helped to calm an upset person.

"Lunch would be wonderful," Michiru said as she sat down on the sofa. Relaxing into the cushions, she gave a sigh of relief at the touch of comfort. "Sorry, Setsuna; I've just been so frustrated lately. And then, with what Minako-chan told me yesterday, I-"

"Minako-chan?" Setsuna repeated, retrieving some items from the refrigerator. She was, admittedly, not a wonderful cook, but she could certainly make a decent sandwich. "What is it that she said that has you so irritated?"

"There was an energy spike two weeks ago," Michiru stated, her voice somewhat cold.

"Ouch!"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing!" Setsuna answered. "I just nicked myself with the knife."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Michiru asked, returning to the conversation as she moved to help Setsuna in the kitchen. As Setsuna washed her cut, Michiru set about preparing the food. "If I had I known it had happened once before, I would have taken yesterday's incident more seriously."

Setsuna paused in a moment of hesitation before she answered.

I didn't tell you because I wanted you to remain ignorant of what you said. Until yesterday morning, I didn't see any harm in what I'd done.

"You were sick," Setsuna began in a half-truth, returning to relieve Michiru of her duties. "I figured it better not to have you worry about it when you should have been focused on recovering. Not to mention everything else you had to worry about on top… of… that." Setsuna's voice trailed off as she froze, dropping the bread that she'd been holding.

"Setsuna?" Michiru gasped, taking a hold of the older woman and leading her to a chair. "Setsuna, what's wrong?"

"I forgot," Setsuna mumbled, finding her voice again. "Michiru, I forgot to tell you," she continued, motioning for Michiru to take a seat next to her.

"Forgot to tell me what?" Michiru asked, her eyes narrowing in confusion.

"Michiru-chan, you may be in bigger trouble than we originally thought." Setsuna looked her straight in the eyes and Michiru knew then that this was something serious.

"How so?" she asked nervously.

"It occurred to me a couple days later. That woman would have needed your key to get into your apartment. Michiru, if she searched your purse…"

"Oh, no," Michiru sighed, intuiting what it was Setsuna was worried about. She slumped into the chair and covered her face with her hands.

"Michiru," Setsuna began, knowing it had to be said aloud to fully realize its importance. "It's very possible that your mystery woman knows that you are Sailor Neptune. Please tell me that you remember giving her the key."

"I… I don't remember."


"Do not hesitate to rely on the strength of the warrior hidden within you."

Nakata-sensei's words reverberated in Makoto's mind.

Does he know? If so, how long has he known? Or was that just more of the sage advice he always used to spout?

Makoto was in the locker room at the gym, her thoughts focused on what had occurred not too long ago. She had stepped up to challenge the gym's newcomer, and she was now trying to remember it in detail. The sound of someone next to her drew her attention, and she looked up to find her prior opponent standing beside her, offering her hand.

"Hey, great stuff out there, Miss…"

"Kino. Kino Makoto," Makoto answered, shaking the offered hand.

The first match had gone to her opponent. A powerful right-punch caught Makoto off-guard and she bowed out immediately. The second round was closer, and the two were evenly matched until the very end. Makoto had unknowingly tapped Jupiter's powers for just an instant; not enough to fully activate her powers, but enough for her to gain an advantage and score a victory. She felt guilty about the win, though, and asked for a third duel.

"It was great sparring with you, Kino-san. You're an excellent fighter. I'm Tenoh, by the way; Tenoh Haruka."

"It's nice to meet you, Tenoh-san."

The third contest was a draw. They fought continuously, neither of them taking a lead. After some hesitation, Makoto had decided to rely on Jupiter's strength for just one hit. This time, however, Tenoh blocked it, and continued to match her blow for blow afterwards.

Makoto stood then to go shower, replaying the last fight in her mind.

This Tenoh is awfully strong to stand her own against even just a small fraction of Jupiter's strength.

When she returned to the common room Makoto found that Tenoh had left, so she changed quickly and exited the locker room.

"Kino-san." Upon hearing her name, Makoto turned to find Tenoh propped against the wall by the locker room door. She stood still as Tenoh walked up to her, gym bag on her shoulder.

"Did you need something, Tenoh-san?" Makoto asked, eyeing the taller woman suspiciously.

"I enjoyed our matches today. You're a great fighter."

"Thanks," Makoto replied with a shy smile. "You're not so bad yourself."

Haruka nodded, and then indicated for Makoto to walk with her as the two left the gym. Makoto, for her part, didn't question why she followed this stranger's directions without a second thought.

"Because you're such a good fighter," Haruka began in a friendly tone, looking over at Makoto, "I'm certain that you feel the same way I do."

"And that is?" Makoto asked, puzzled.

"We stand at one win each; we need a tiebreaker. Do you have any ideas?" Haruka asked, granting Makoto a challenging smile.

"A tiebreaker, huh?" Makoto repeated, stroking her chin in thought. Tenoh was right; Makoto did have an urge to settle the matter. As she stood thinking of what could be used to determine a final winner, the Crown Gaming Center across the street caught her attention.

That's it! she thought, grinning up at Haruka.

"Say, Tenoh-san, how about a race?"


"So; no rehearsal today?" Rei asked as she and Minako made their way down the busy Tokyo street. Minako had called to invite Rei to lunch, and Rei, having no other plans, had agreed to join her. Indecisive as to where they wanted to eat, the pair wandered the Tokyo streets side by side, hoping to chance upon something appetizing. While Minako had been interested in numerous articles of clothing and various other accessories, something edible was yet to catch her eye as she window shopped.

"No; no rehearsal," Minako answered, taking a hold of Rei's hand to bring her to a stop.

"How'd you get so lucky?" Rei asked, blushing at the contact and watching Minako as she eyed a particular necklace on display. After a moment of daydreaming, Minako turned from the window with a sigh and continued walking.

"We all did really well together yesterday. Tenoh-san suggested we should take a couple days off, and Michiru-san agreed. So I'm free tomorrow, too. No rehearsals until Friday."

"The day before the concert?"

"Yes," answered Minako, pausing to look at a gown on display in an upscale boutique.

"Congratulations on being so talented," Rei said with a light laugh.

"Thanks," Minako replied, again sighing as she turned from the window.

"Come now, Mina; no more sighing; one day you'll be able to afford all those things." Rei placed a comforting hand on Minako's shoulder, and Minako covered it with one of her own. Again Rei blushed, though she wasn't sure why.

"You're right, Rei; I can't give up now; not when I'm this close." Rei nodded, and Minako was about to continue walking when something across the street caught her attention.

"Speaking of giving up," she began again, pointing across the street. "That dark shadow continuously banging its head on the table over there in the Crown; isn't that Mako-chan?"

"Eh?" Rei grunted, following the path of Minako's extended finger. "I think you're right."

"What do you say we have burgers and fries for lunch?" Minako asked, casting Rei a sly smile.

"Agreed," Rei answered, her smile equally as sly.

-...-

"Ma-ko-chan," Minako chided, poking Makoto in the cheek on each syllable. Rei sat down across from the unresponsive Makoto, and Minako joined her with a sigh a moment later.

"No one's home," Rei said with a small laugh. Makoto had since stopped banging her head on the table, and now sat with her cheek glued to the table's surface, staring straight out the window.

"C'mon, Mako-chan," Minako pleaded, reaching out to shake Makoto back into reality. "Whatever happened, it can't have been that bad. Look," Minako paused to point at a little boy outside, who stood crying at his mother's feet. "That expression you're wearing is scaring the children."

Rei laughed at the observation, but still there was no response from Makoto, so Minako and Rei sighed in resignation. Solving Makoto's problems would have to come later. For now, they were hungry. As if on cue their food arrived, and the two began to hold conversation while Makoto remained unresponsive across from them.

"So, Mina-chan, what is it you wanted to discuss?" Rei asked, enjoying a bite of her food. It was just a usual hamburger, but as hungry as Rei was no food had ever tasted better.

"Oh, that's right!" Minako exclaimed, remembering the purpose behind their outing. Reaching inside her purse, she retrieved an envelope and set it before Rei.

"What's this?"

"It's your pass for the concert this weekend." Minako smiled and gulped her drink.

"Oh." Rei stashed the envelope in her own purse, but not without first taking the opportunity to use it to poke the dark shadow positioned across the table. Still there was no response.

"Not just 'oh,' Rei-chan," Minako said, taking a sip of her drink. "It's a charity concert, so…" She trailed off, a bit hesitant to continue.

"So… what? You always get us passes, don't you?" Rei looked at Minako now, confused by the other's shy behavior, but then returned to her food.

"So, because it's a charity concert I can only get one person in for free, and I chose you, Rei." Minako was looking down, her hands clenching the hem of her skirt.

"Oh. Oh!" Rei turned to Minako to say thank you and caught a glimpse of her blushing face, but Minako then left the table hurriedly, using the excuse of needing a refill and more napkins. Rei turned back to her food and leaned forward to take a sip of drink, resting her chin in her hands.

"Why me?" she wondered aloud with a sigh. "Usagi's a bigger fan of her music."

"You're an idiot, Rei," a gravelly voice answered and Rei jumped in her seat.

"Holy crap, Mako-chan! You scared the heck out of me!"

"Sorry," Makoto deadpanned, her face still one with the table top.

"You should be sorry! And if you're going to talk to me, sit up! You're mumbling."

Makoto pushed herself free of the table with a reluctant sigh, only to sink down low into the bench cushion.

"Now," started Rei, "what do you mean I'm an idiot?"

"That's something you need to figure out on your own, Rei-chan." Makoto spoke as if her soul were drained with every word.

"What?"

"Ah, Mako-chan!" Minako exclaimed upon returning to the table. "I'm glad to see you've returned to the world of the living. Well, almost," she added, noting Makoto's wilting posture.

"Hey Mina-chan." Makoto greeted her emotionlessly.

"Wow. What happened to you?"

"Yes, do tell," Rei chimed in, offering Makoto some fries.

"It's kind of a long story," Makoto said, stealing a fry from the offered basket.

"Then make it as short as possible."

"I was slaughtered," Makoto stated, her eyes telling she was content to leave it at that.

"Okay, too short," Minako whined, ignoring Makoto's unspoken plea to drop the subject. "Who slaughtered you, and how?"

Makoto sighed before eating another fry. She hid down in the booth then, and the other two listened as her voice floated across the table. "It was a newcomer at the gym. We sparred for a while and came out with identical records of one win and one loss each. She suggested we decide on a tiebreaker, and I, confident that I would win, proposed that we stake it on a race."

"You don't mean…" Rei began.

"…she beat you at your game?" Minako finished, her tone betraying her disbelief.

"She didn't just beat me; she lapped me." Makoto sighed again, this time bringing an arm across her eyes.

"Wow; that's surprising," Rei stated. While not herself a gamer, she knew that Minako had been trying to beat Makoto at that game for quite a while.

"Nobody's ever beaten you at that racing game, Mako-chan! You had the high record! Just who was this woman?"

"Ehehe. That's where this tale gets even more twisted." Makoto sat up again and looked straight at Minako and Rei, who both shrunk back defensively from her frightening, hollow features. "As it turns out, I have horrible luck, because this woman was not only an excellent fighter, but as fate would have it, she's an ex-racer."

"You don't mean…"

"Oh, yes; she used to race cars for a living. And apparently, her skills are just as amazing in the videogame world as they are in real life."

"Does this mystery woman have a name?" asked Rei, surprised by the amount of interest she was exhibiting.

"Tenoh Haruka," Makoto answered with her heaviest sigh of the afternoon.

"Tenoh Haruka?" Minako asked incredulously.

"Yeah; you know her?"

"Rei-chan," Minako started, turning to Rei with a look of wonder on her face. "Tenoh Haruka is the new accompanist for the concert this weekend."

"What?"

"Wow," began Makoto, her voice finally showing a bit more life. "To think that we would both know her; small world, huh?"

"Yeah; are you sure you haven't met her at all, Rei-chan?" Minako asked, casting Rei a curious look.

"I can't say that I've been so lucky," Rei answered with a smile.

"Oh! Speaking of Tenoh-san," Minako said, smiling excitedly. "There is definitely something stirring between her and Michiru-san."

"Oh, boy; here you go again," mumbled Rei as she polished off her drink.

"No, really! You should have seen the looks they were giving each other. Michiru-san denied the whole thing, of course. She said that they actually fight most of the time."

"Why do I feel like I believe Michiru-san more than I do you?" Makoto teased with a light smile.

"Oh, come on, now! Don't forget who I am! I can tell these kinds of things easily; it's the people involved that can never see things for what they are."

"Yeah, tell me about it," Makoto said with a smile, glancing between Minako and Rei. The racing game in the distance behind them caught her attention, and in an instant her teasing smile disappeared, and she began smacking her head on the table once again.


Rei stared into the dark, focused eyes of her father. They had agreed to meet for dinner tonight, the first time in three months, and Rei had been surprised when her busy father had arrived on time to give her a ride to the restaurant. She had been even more surprised when she saw her father leave his cell phone in the car. In fact, Prime Minister Hino's appearance was so un-businesslike that had it not been for the security forces present at the door and his deep set eyes, Rei would not have recognized this man as her father.

"Father," Rei began, somewhat tentatively, wary of saying something she shouldn't. "What are you wearing?"

"What, this old outfit?" Hino replied, pointing at his clothes. "It's just khakis and a nice polo shirt."

"I know," Rei said, her face contorting into a half-smile. "But, it looks weird. Here I thought you slept in a business suit."

"Come now, Rei-chan, look where we are. I couldn't show up here in a suit and tie."

"That's true," Rei muttered, looking around the small restaurant. It was an eatery which specialized in American cuisine: hotdogs, hamburgers, ribs, t-bone steaks. It had a very, very casual atmosphere, as exhibited by the young construction workers next to them that were stripped down to their tank tops. Luckily, her father had been considerate enough to call Rei ahead of time and tell her not to worry about dressing nicely.

"Besides," Hino said, interrupting his daughter's thoughts. "People aren't as likely to recognize me dressed like this."

"Another good point," Rei said, reaching for her soda.

"So, Rei, tell me," Hino began in a tone Rei knew meant he was shifting into 'family business,' as he liked to call it. "How was your day today?"

"The usual," Rei said with a small sigh. "I got up, did my chores, and then went out to lunch with Minako-chan."

"And how was lunch?" Hino asked, taking a bite of his own food.

"It was… interesting," Rei answered with a sheepish smile, remembering Minako's blushing face and Makoto's self-destructive behavior.

"That's good to hear. And how have your friends been lately? Have they been successful in their endeavors?"

Rei sighed before addressing her father's question. She was sure the questions would keep coming one after the other in rapid-fire succession, all posed with a tone of utmost importance.

You can change the way you look, Father, but you're still a politician at heart.

"Well… Mina-chan's career is starting to take root, thanks to Michiru-san. Mako-chan's almost done with culinary school, Ami-chan starts her residency in a couple days, and Usagi-chan is still happily married." Rei answered his question with a trained tongue, knowing that her father asked the question but didn't want an elaborate answer. She was surprised, however, when her father continued on the subject, instead of firing another question.

"The reason I'm asking, Rei, is because I'm wondering how happy you are right now." Rei stared at her father, unsure of how to answer, and so Hino continued. "Obviously you're not upset or depressed, but I am wondering if you'd be interested in a change to your daily routine."

"I'm not sure I understand, Father," Rei said, taking another sip.

Hino took a gulp of his drink before continuing. "Recently one of my aide's positions has been made available. Are you interested?"

"What does it entail?" Rei inquired, giving her father her full attention.

"Your main responsibilities would be basic activities; paperwork, scheduling, and research. You'd accompany me to discussions, panels, debates, speeches, you name it. Not all of them mind you, but a good number of them. And, seeing as you are my daughter, I'll see if I can't have you present during the talks most people only read about in political thrillers."

Prime Minister Hino droned on about the perks of the job: a salary, government paid transportation, college stipends, medical benefits, and even an apartment. Rei was interested in all these things, but it was something her father said earlier that made her want the job.

With this position, I can easily keep watch of that Taizó.

"I'll do it," Rei said, interrupting her father who was still soliciting the position. "I would like to take the job."

"Wonderful," Hino stated with a miniscule amount of excitement which did not escape Rei's ears. "You'd only work on weekdays, of course, so you can return to the shrine on the weekends, and…"

As her father began to cover the important details, Rei couldn't help but to feel a small amount of nervous excitement.

Watch out, Taizó; here I come.


End Chapter 2: Endless Rain (Part 3)


Thank you for reading!