Chapter 9: Angry blood

Disclaimer: I do not own sailor moon.

It was a perfect day to be out. There was barely a cloud in the sky and weather forecast predicted nothing but sun, which would keep the temperature somewhat warm, but just chilly enough to warrant a light jacket. The drive down was bustling with pedestrians doing their daily routine, everyone trying to make the most of a gorgeous day before it got sullied with clouds and rain.

In the car was nothing but constant conversation, mostly from Mamoru and mostly about Saeko. It was all about Saeko this and Saeko that and it was blatantly obvious that he was trying to paint Saeko in a good light. Cheiko regarded him with a strange look and Mamoru smiled and took her hand while stopped at the red light.

"Look. I just want you to like her. I can already assume that Motoki has been saying less than nice things about her." He rolled his eyes "She has a lot of good qualities and I want you to see that! I just want you two to get along, because it might be good if you had a woman in your life. Someone who is more close to your age. I know it can be hard sometimes to talk to Aunt Kei or to relate since she is so…"

"Ancient?"

"Yeah." Mamoru chuckled. "Just give her a chance, ok? I am sure you two can be good friends" He met his sister's eyes with a big grin. Cheiko could do nothing but sigh in agreement. Those last words Motoki had said at the door still rang ever so clear in her mind and try as she might, she couldn't shake it. Another shiver went down her spine but she shook it off.

"For Mamoru" she thought. She would put on a face, just for him.

When they arrived at the train station, it was bustling with so many people, it was near impossible to even try to spot Saeko. Mamoru's head bobbed up and down with in the crowd trying to spot her but no avail. Minutes had passed and he glanced at his watch. His deep blue eyes conveyed a sense of panic and fear. It was past time, and he was getting more late by the minute. He had to get to Saeko, and he had to get to her now!

He grabbed Cheiko by the arm with such force to drag her through the crowd that she thought her arm would rip off. She winced loudly, indicating to him to not pull so hard but he didn't hear her. His look was determined, more than just a man on a mission.

She stopped abruptly in her tracks, rubbing her arm in discomfort. Refusing to go any further, the motion caused a slip in Mamoru's grip and he fell forward onto the ground. He released a small cry as his palm scraped the sidewalk in front of him. Mamoru sat on the ground whimpering as the pain seared immensely. The pain somehow seemed more uncomfortable than a usual scrape.

Cheiko quickly rushed to his side and pulled out a few band-aids and antiseptic wipes from her purse while profusely apologizing for her halt. She grabbed his hand and it was then that she noticed something she had not seen before. Brows furrowed in concern, she studied the back of his hand for a few moments before looking up at his brother in confusion.

"What the hell happened!" she said, referencing to the tear drop shaped scar on his hand. It was obvious that the scar had been there for some time, and it was a pretty specific shape for a scar.

Mamoru snatched his hand away, rubbing not the scrape on his palm, but the scar on the opposite side. His face scrunched in discomfort as he shrugged. He never really paid attention to it and never really second guessed on it. To him, it was just there, causing no harm no foul, or so he thought. He never really knew where it came from but he assumed it was probably that one ex-girlfriend who loved baking cakes. She always had odd shaped cake pans and molds so perhaps he burnt his hand trying to get a taste. He loved him some cake, so it wouldn't surprise him.

Cheiko sighed and then chastised him to be more careful, cake baking or not! She held out her hand and told Mamoru to hold out his palm so she could clean it with disinfectant but he refused. His face was now even more scrunched, to which she assumed it was the scrape which had turned painful. Her voice rose as she practically demanded that he turn over his hand. Instead of waiting for him to hold it out, she snatched it and then tore open a disinfectant wipe packet.

The heat was too intense and she immediately dropped his hand. She released a small gasp before blowing on her hand. Mamoru took the moment to quickly draw his hand away and hold it close, his face still scrunched in pain. He fell to his knees and started doing some deep breathing to work his way through the pain. Cheiko stared at him in surprised shock and then her demeanor turned concerned.

"You might want to get that looked it! That's not right! Are you ok?" She tried to reach out to him but he turned away

"I'm fine" he sneered

"No you're not! That's not right! Your hand was very hot right where the burn mark is! Has this always happened?" She tried to remain clam but the worry shot through her voice in an instant.

"Don't worry about it. We just need to find Saeko, and quickly" He groaned as he tried to stand. It was more than obvious now as to the pain but when he finally unclenched his eyelids, his eyes bore a different expression. Cheiko's face became wrought with fear as she was slightly taken aback. He looked like he had been taken over from the pain, and when he finally stood, that arm became limp at his side.

"We have to go find Saeko" His voice stern, yet, the quickness to which he responded conveyed fear.

"But I haven't even disinfected your hand and-"

"NOW!" he demanded, in a tone that put fear deep in Cheiko's bones. His scraped hand suddenly clenched into a tight fist. Sweat beaded off his forehead, as he again grabbed Cheiko's arm just as before.

"Finding Saeko is more important than anything else right now!" He continued to pull her along with force, and it became more uncomfortable when the heat from his hand returned. She tried to release her grip to switch hands, but he held tight. She cried out again, but again, his pace didn't falter.

With each passing moment, Mamoru became frantic, his eyes darting in every direction. He glanced at his watch again, and his breaths became short and quick. Her train had come in 15 minutes ago and she was still no where in sight. Mamoru was seething in anger, becoming frustrated that he couldn't find Saeko.

"Damn it!" he muttered under his breath. He wanted desperately to call Saeko but when he had dropped his phone while on a ladder a few days ago, it became as useful as a bowl of raisins. He had told Saeko via an email about the situation and how it would be a couple of days before he could get it fixed. She wasn't too amused by the situation and chastised him on being more careful with his things.

Track number 3! Why wasn't she here! He had searched everywhere! Hyperventilation would kick in soon if he kept her waiting this long. She would be way more than angry and the thought struck fear in his soul. When Mamoru stopped in his tracks to survey the area, a chirpy little ring emitted from Cheiko's purse.

"What the hell!" Mamoru shouted in anger at Cheiko, as she pulled her cell phone out of her purse. He immediately snatched up the cell phone from her hands.

"Hey! Give me that back! I have a text message!"

"God damn it Cheiko! Why didn't you tell me that Aunt Kei gave you back your phone!" Mamoru was practically furious as he flipped it open and started to dial.

"Look! I forgot, ok! You were too busy hurting my arm!"

"Sorry" Mamoru snapped, though his apology was less than heartfelt.

"Who the hell is this?" Saeko's voice boomed in the ear piece. She was shouting, and she was more than furious.

"Good GOD Saeko where are you?" Mamoru tried to sound calm but his voice shook in fear.

"Mamoru?" Saeko questioned not 1 second before going into a full blown shouting rage over the phone. She was screaming at the top of her lungs, and even Cheiko, who stood 3 feet away, could hear it. She looked at her brother and his face had gone pale as ash.

"!3! You said Track 3! I-".His voice stopped and then his head suddenly lowered as the screaming continued to berate him. There would be an occasional nod but for the most part, he let the barrage of screaming come his way. 2 minutes later, he took Cheiko by the arm, this time with care, as he slowly made his way toward the other side of the station. His head was lowered the entire time, almost as if he was walking down death row.

When the both of them finally arrived to Saeko, she stormed up to Mamoru. Her heels clicked loud and her entire persona was seething with rage. It left Cheiko uneasy as Saeko approached Mamoru very close. She hadn't even bothered to stop and offer a polite hello. Her eyes were filled with fire and then, she got with in inches of his face. She was so close, he could feel her angered breath upon his face. She raised her hand, and then…

She slapped him. She slapped him hard. There was absolutely no shock in Mamoru's face and Saeko didn't utter a word for several seconds. He stood there, like some drone meant to follow orders. He had no reaction to what Saeko had done, he didn't even wince. It was as if he knew he deserved it and accepted his punishment with no questions.

"Don't you ever do that again." Saeko said coldly yet stern. "When I give you directions, I expect them to be followed properly! What you did just now was completely unacceptable! I will not tolerate it ever again!" The fire in her eyes refused to diminish and it seemed nothing could put it out.

Cheiko, after witnessing the entire debacle, became flooded with fury. She was so angry that her raw emotions took control with her clenched fist.

"Don't you EVER do that to my brother" She lunged forward with every ounce of strength but her fierce punch was cut when Saeko turned around and grabbed Cheiko's wrist. Cheiko struggled and then decided to lunge with her other fist.

"Don't EVER lay that kind of hand on my brother you nasty BITCH!" but again, Saeko caught her other wrist.

"Watch your language young lady" The fire grew stronger and Saeko twisted on Cheiko's wrists as his young sister cried in pain.

Mamoru stood there, his head down and lips turned in a scowl. His fists clenched tight. There was a struggle going on, his heavy breathing indication of such a factor. He wanted so bad to interfere and step in for his sister but no matter how hard he tried, something wasn't letting him make the move. His mind kept shouting to him, but his body wouldn't respond.

Cheiko screamed out as she struggled to break free. "Let go of me, you bitch!"
She shouted to no avail. "Mamoru! Do something!"

"He won't be doing anything. Not until you've learned not to be so insolent to your elders you disrespectful little brat"

"With the way you treat my brother, why should I respect you!" She struggled with in Saeko's grasp but again it was no use. She then managed to kneel down enough to deliver a low round kick to Saeko's ankles, causing Saeko to lose her balance and fall down, taking Cheiko with her, yet losing grip on one hand. Her cheek scraped against the ground, stunning Saeko for a mere moment. A moment just enough for Cheiko to take her other hand and pry herself away from Saeko's grip.

But Cheiko wasn't fast enough. Saeko managed to get up and grab her arm again in the blink of an eye. The rage in Saeko's eyes had become even more dangerous and it pierced right through Cheiko's soul but Cheiko didn't falter as Saeko had anticipated.

"You…insolent…little…brat." Saeko seethed as she rubbed a hand over her bleeding cheek and her eyes widened. "How dare you! Look at what you have done to my flawless face. This shall not go unpunished." Saeko tightened her grip even more and then raised her other hand at Cheiko.

She slapped her once, enough to leave a mark. Then, Saeko raised her hand again. This time, she slapped Cheiko on the other side of the face, and at that moment, she let go of her grip. The slap had come with such force, it sent Cheiko skidding a few feet down the pavement, enough that she fell down the 3 steps coming from the station.

That was the last straw. When Saeko began to march toward Cheiko to give her one last strike, Mamoru grabbed her wrist with a powerful grip. He twisted her wrist and it sent her to the ground wincing in pain.

"Don't you EVER touch my sister like that! I put up with a lot from you but you have gone just TOO far." Mamoru looked down at Saeko sternly.

"That BRAT needs to learn her place!" Saeko shouted as Mamoru ran down to his sister.

He shot a glare back at Saeko. "I don't EVER want to see you treating my sister in such a manner, EVER." He knelt down to Cheiko to see if she was ok. She opened her eyes and they welled up with tears. Cheiko flew herself into her brother's arms as she cried out at how horrible Saeko was. Mamoru comforted his sister and told her that everything was going to be ok.

Saeko marched over to Mamoru and demanded that Cheiko be disciplined thusly. Mamoru shot another warning look her way as he continued to comfort his sister. He flat out reprimanded Saeko for her uncalled for actions and behaviors. She narrowed her eyes and tried to pierce his mind for control but he didn't budge. With out drawing attention to herself, she unleashed every ounce of energy on him but nothing worked. Saeko was shocked. The hold she had on him had broken, again. She tried to keep her cool, but inside, she was having a full mental breakdown.

Her palms became sweaty, and her breathing became quick and short as if she was out of breath. She was starting to get really scared that it would be a repeat of before. Her jittery hand cupped over her mouth and she gasped as the real shock set in that she might lose him. Under her complete control, he would have obeyed her every whim, but now…he was lost to the wind. If she couldn't regain control of the situation, and fast, there was the very big possibility that she would never get him back because that meant, that if he could break free of her control at maximum power, then unless she could come up with a more powerful solution, he would be gone.

She couldn't figure out! She had taken absolutely no shortcuts when it came to Mamoru's control. After the last incident, she vowed that he would never again leave and that she would have him, no matter what the cost. The fact that he snapped again proved that there were other variables to which she did not account for that were stronger than she was and it appeared that family was one of them.

She looked over at Mamoru and Cheiko, in each others arms for comfort. Something struck her, which calmed down her panic attack to a lesser degree. Something didn't sit right with her. They were close, she thought, but that shouldn't have broken the hold. It's just family! She could feel something that sneaked into the very depths of her heart and caused it to rattle. It made her heart burn with jealousy, which she thought was absurd. Jealous? Over a blood relative? It jabbed at her heart, a feeling she hadn't felt since…

She gasped. Could it be true, she thought? There was just no way…unless? Perhaps she had misguided in the ways of destiny. Perhaps, through her actions, she had inadvertently created another obstacle. When he mentioned over the phone a few months ago that he had a sister, it shocked her. This was not how it had been but it was no surprise that it could have happened, given the circumstances.

Saeko curtly agreed to meet Cheiko when she came for a visit, but it was something she was not looking forward to. She knew she had a jealous streak and she knew, blood relative or not, that having another woman in Mamoru's life other than her would set her soul on fire. She refused to share Mamoru with anyone, especially after all the war she had to endure and all the strength it took of rebirth.

But, she agreed on meeting his sister. Despite her jealous streak, she would do anything to make sure her life was normal. She wanted the perfect life with Mamoru and deep down; she realized long ago, that was all she ever wanted. Fame and power didn't matter to her anymore. Dominion over everything was a long thrown away thought. Having Mamoru, living a normal life with a man she more than desired, was enough for her. If normal meant setting aside her jealousy, then so be it. Unfortunately, stunts like prior only gave her set backs rather than the much needed steps forward.

She couldn't help it. Her temper was short, to say the least. She was a ticking time bomb ready to blow, and when Mamoru didn't dote, swoon or fawn over her, it threw her into a frenzy. When he did anything that reminded Saeko of…her…it threw her into a furious rage. She didn't deserve it. It was her right, Saeko told herself, to be treated like a goddess and nothing less. She wanted perfection out of the relationship, so god forbid the tiniest hair was out of place. Too much vanity, she thought, but it didn't matter. As long as she had the one man she had desired since before eternity, and she was able bend his will to hers so he would dote on her every whim, that was all that mattered.

But why, she thought. Why didn't she have full complete control? This was the second time that he had snapped out of her reach! Saeko had erased…her…from existence, so, there shouldn't be anything left to draw Mamoru away! It was getting increasingly frustrating, not to mention a drain on her powers.

"She doesn't exist anymore!" she muttered furiously to herself. "He should be all mine!"

She decided to save face and make amends with Cheiko, or at least try to. She would chalk up some excuse believable enough for even the smartest genius. She could easily bend Mamoru's mind to forget the whole situation but she wasn't so sure about Cheiko. If what she felt was correct, Cheiko wouldn't bend so easily to her will. She also knew that if she made amends, she could get closer to Cheiko and thus confirm if her suspicions were true. And lastly, if her suspicious were right, she knew a few choice topics that would make the naïve little Cheiko forget and forgive the incident in the blink of an eye.

Saeko walked up to the two siblings, only to be greeted with scorn from Cheiko. She knelt down next to Cheiko, unsure of what to say. Apology wasn't her forte but she knew how imperative it was to do so. She shot Mamoru a glance, her eyes narrowed. Her penetrating gaze held for several seconds, while her own fists clenched in concentration. She was able to once again, pour all her energy into Mamoru, just enough to capture him once more. It wasn't enough to hold as she had done before but it was enough for the time being until she could come up with a solution once her suspicions were confirmed.

Mamoru's eyes glazed over as his mind began to warp to the whim of Saeko. It regarded Cheiko with confusion. To her, it seemed as if he was just staring into space again and nothing more. Irked, she started repeating her brothers name to snap him back to reality. When he didn't respond, she shouted.

"MAMORU! Earth to MAMORU!" she hollered in his ear but no response, which left her worried.

"MAMORU!" she placed her hands on his shoulders and shook him, probably a bit too hard. He shook his head and glanced down at his sister.

"What?"

"Whats wrong with you! Geeze. I swear. I think you need to see your doctor about A.D.H.D or something."

"Oh! Saeko!" He glanced over at Saeko and then back to his sister, but she only grumbled at the mention of her name.

"Please, Cheiko. Just give Saeko a chance. I really want us all to get along and-"

"No. Let me handle this" Saeko's expression was laced with frown as she knelt down next to Cheiko, who turned away.

"Look, I can see why you are mad at me." Saeko turned to hide her somber façade.

"Gee, I wonder what gave that away. Perhaps the fact you are beating up on my brother, or maybe the fact that you tried to kill me" Cheiko muttered sarcastically.

"Would you let me explain!" Saeko gritted her teeth, trying to hide her rising anger.

"Hmph" Cheiko's arms crossed.

As if second nature, an effortless façade enveloped Saeko. She wasn't good at a truthful apology but she was damn good at putting on the masks and making anyone believe. The lie slipped through her mouth with little effort.

"Look, I am truly sorry." She lied with ease. "I know what I did is never acceptable and it is unforgivable and I know how wrong it is. I would never hurt your brother but…" She sighed

"I am sure it has gotten around through the grapevine that I sort of have a temper. I won't lie. I do. Sometimes it can get the best of me. I try so hard not to let it control me because it hurts those I love and care about. Today was no exception. I had a terrible day with a client who did nothing but piss me off at every turn. I tried so hard to keep my anger in check so we didn't lose business but unfortunately when things like this happen, I bottle the anger and it releases into my personal life." She turned to Cheiko and feigned a believable look of sadness.

"Add that to the fact I am an impatient little witch, you can see why I exploded when your brother was late. There is no excuse for my actions and all I can do is extend the olive branch and hope you will accept."

Cheiko still had her arms crossed, though she started to understand Saeko just a tad more. Saeko pleaded once again, explaining how she has been seeing her doctor about ways to control her anger. Cheiko turned to Mamoru, looking for a glance of truth. He nodded, but little did Cheiko know, it was only a false nod. One that was planted in his head as false memories of taking Saeko to the doctors office emerged. He went on to describe a "visit" she had last week and how she is making slow but sure progress.

"I know it won't be easy to win you over but I really do want to start off on the right foot. I know I messed it up big time today and I want to make it up to-" At that moment, her cell went off indicating an email had gone through. "Hang on one second. It might be that god damn client " She shot Cheiko a pleading look.

When Saeko reached behind her for her purse to take out her cell, Cheiko's eyes widened with interest. Not only did Cheiko have one of the new expensive phones, she also possessed a very expensive designer bag. It was a designer that only the privileged few knew about but it was a designer everyone wanted none the less. Cheiko's eyes went wide with shock as she deliciously eyed the light blue bag. It was then that she noticed everything else.

Cheiko was too angry before to notice the fine details but now she had. Designer clothes. Jewelry. And the perfume…was that? My oh my, Cheiko thought, green with envy. Now, and even while her parents were still alive, she wasn't allowed to buy such frivolous things. Sure, she came from good money, but she was always taught that it didn't buy happiness.

"BS" she thought one day. "Shopping makes me happy and you need money to shop"

When Saeko finished checking her message, she noticed right away that Cheiko was eyeing the bag. Her eyes lit up with interest, a coy smile wrapping itself on her face. Like a snake, she slithered over next to Cheiko, who immediately turned around in a huff, yet ever so slightly keeping one eye open on that bag.

"The bag! You like it?" Saeko nodded with enthusiasm. She wasn't enthused over a possible connection she could make with Cheiko, but a way to bait the fish.

"Pfft. It's just a bag" Cheiko said.

"Yes. A bag. From that new Italian designer. I know that look in your eye. It's the same look I get when I see something in a display window. It's the same look I get when I go shopping" That part was true.

"Well, it IS a nice bag" Cheiko had to admit as she turned to face Saeko. A smile crossed her face. "I can't believe you got one!"

Zing! Saeko's eyes narrowed and a smirk crossed her face. Hook, line and sinker.

"Just one?" Saeko arched an eyebrow. "Honey, I can see that look in your eye and the way you were practically gawking at my entire wardrobe. What I am about to tell you will make you green with envy." Saeko got a devious look in her eye as she saw Cheiko go wide with wonder.

"My closet? Filled with designer shoes, clothes, purses, you name it! This bag? Just one out of 5" She beamed proudly, listing off various designers in her closet. Cheiko shot a glance at her brother to see if it was all true. Of course, he nodded in annoyance and sighed, recalling more than once when he had to carry heavy bags back to her place.

"I can see it in your eye, deary. You have the gift. The gift of platinum. But I can also see, that you never get to use your gift." She reached over and took Cheiko's hand gently. There was a look of understanding in her eye.

"I-I…oh my god." Cheiklo's eyes wide in excited shock "You…Shopping…and.."

"We started off on the wrong foot but let me make it up to you. This bag, its yours…or one of the others in my room. If this bag isn't…you. Then I know shopping is. We can go to the local shopping cen-"

"Absolutely not!"

"Whaaaaat? I thought you wanted me to get along with your sister!"

"Not like this! I will not have you bribing her with frivolous materialistic things! You think she is so cheap she can be bought?"

"I CAN be bought!" Cheiko said defiantly "With an offer like THAT! With designer clothes backing it up! Hell yeah, you bet I can be bought!"

"No! You already have enough things! We will discuss it later"

Saeko sighed "If you won't let me buy her something nice…" Her voice trailed off as she looked at Cheiko. If her hunch was right, and she was certain it was, then she knew other things that Cheiko would adore that could also reel her in. This would be easier than taking candy from a baby.

"Then, how about lunch. My treat. I know you wanted to be a gentleman but let me do this. To make amends with her."

"So now what? You buy her with food?"

"Not just ANY food. I know this divine place to eat…KumiYumi's and…"

Cheiko's eyes widened at the mention of KumiYumi's. She had heard rave reviews and what Saeko would mention next would throw Cheiko in a tizzy.

"All you can eat dessert."

Cheiko was hooked. She shot a pleading look at Mamoru, nodding her head yes over and over, showing signs that she forgave Saeko completely. Saeko grinned, knowing that the promise of dessert, or rather, all you can eat dessert would grab Cheiko like a fish to a worm. When Mamoru agreed to this particular place, Cheiko beamed with excitement. Saeko beamed as well. She had finally hooked Cheiko.

Arm in arm with Mamoru, and Cheiko following closely behind, they made their way down the streets. Cheiko had completely forgiven Saeko for her outburst earlier, totally believing her viable story to the T. It helped that Mamoru would blindly nod in agreement to any treatment of doctor visits, and any medication taken to control Saeko's anger issues. Her façade was working.

It wouldn't be long before Saeko would confirm her suspicions, thus being able to counter any other obstacles that stood in her way from achieving her goal. Until then, she would just have to hope that the hold she had on Mamoru would last long enough until she found a solution. Losing Mamoru was not an option and she absolutely refused to let anyone stand in her way.

The plain fact that he had snapped yet again, was only proof to her that there were still things that could break her spell. This time, she refused to lose. She refused to let go of the one thing that mattered more than life itself. Whether he returned the feelings was none of her concern. As long as she had him, that was all she wanted and she was not about to lose Mamoru…no…Endymion for the second time. It was a mistake that cost her dearly in the past and she wasn't about to make it again.