Why a vampire?
I've had a whole lot of people write and ask me that question since
I posted chapter one of this story a few weeks ago. This is not a
vampire story per say, but rather a story that has a vampire in it.
More importantly, this is Rei's story. She's a character that's
ignored a lot of the time and I felt that she had a tale worth
telling. There are other characters in this story; Usagi, Mamoru
and even Motoki get some good air-time (he gets a chance to do
something other than stand around in an apron!), but this is first
and foremost a story that deals with abuse and overcoming it. If you
think about it, what is a vampire other than the ultimate "user" of
people? In the end Rei will discover that's stronger than she
thought she was and that not all monsters hide from the light of day.
I mention the "World Scholar Athlete Games" in this chapter and I
wanted to let everyone know that they are a real event. Every year
young men and women who are gifted not only academically, but also
physically come to my little home state of Rhode Island to
participate in them. It's nice to see intellectual excellence
celebrated for a change.
Many thanks go out to those who have written to me in support of this
somewhat unusual story. Donna-I you were right. Some stories just
have to be told. As always I want to thank the incomparable Masked
Maiden for her willingness to read just about whatever I send her.
This girl is saint!
Standard Disclaimer – If I owned "Sailor Moon" and the attendant
characters to which valid copyright law apply, would I have to go
back to work in August when the schools open? I think not. You'll
never find Naoko Takeuchi serving mashed potatoes with an ice-cream
scoop, now will you?!
This story is rated "R" for violence and sexual situations!
************************
"Seduction"
By Meara
Chapter Two – "Masquerade"
************************
"Oh God," Usagi said with real passion, "This feels so good! I
could do this forever!"
Hino Rei arched one elegant eyebrow, looking at the odongo haired
blonde in the large wooden tub opposite her. "Long before 'forever'
you're going to turn into a giant prune, Usagi."
Usagi let herself slide down further into the tub of cool water until
she was neck deep in it. "How about I do this just until I turn into
a raisin?"
"She's right, though, Rei-chan," Ami added with a decedent sigh. She
floated serenely in the element she called her own. "I could stay
like this for a very long time."
Makoto, who shared the over sized wooden tub with Ami, was lounging
in a manner that left only her head and feet above the water. "The
rest of the city is slowly broiling and here we sit in the lap of
luxury. I'm surprise half of Tokyo hasn't been beating down your
door to do this."
Minako lay on her back in yet another giant tub, long blonde hair
fanning out in the water around her. "Well I, for one, am not going
to tell a soul about this, not even Artemis."
There was a devilish gleam in the eyes of Hino Rei. "When most
people think of a bath, they assume the water has to be hot.
Actually it saves the temple money when we don't have to heat the
water that comes up from the spring here."
"That wellspring goes very deep, Rei," Ami commented in a dazed voice
as she continued to float in the water around her. "I can barely
hear its source."
That caused Usagi to sit up. "You can hear the water?"
"Of course," Ami replied. "I can always hear water when I try to.
I have to admit it's gotten stronger in the last few months, though.
It used to be that I had to henshin to listen to the song, but now I
can do it anytime I concentrate."
The luxury of having a bath tub long enough for her legs made Makoto
quite happy. She nearly purred in contentment as she stretched out
once more, the cool water lapping over the sides of the aged oaken
tub. "Maybe that last battle with Galaxia caused our powers to
increase. It happened that way after both the Black Moon Clan and
the Death Busters."
"Well, I haven't noticed any big changes," Minako said. She took a
mouthful of water and let it erupt as if she were a fountain.
Her head leaning back against the side of the tub, Rei closed her
violet eyes. "I don't know about that. My visions in the Sacred
Fire have been coming clearer and easier than before as of late."
"It could just mean that we're maturing into the more elemental
aspects of our powers," Ami loved the feel of the water against her
skin, like silk so smooth and clean.
"Well this really sucks then," Minako grumbled. "I'm supposed to be
the Soldier of Love, so why aren't the boys falling at feet ne?"
A sly grin split the face of Kino Makoto. "What can I say, Minako-
chan? Some people just mature faster than others."
"I am too mature!" The very adult soldier of love stuck her tongue
out at Makoto, who laughed in reply.
Ami sighed as she floated serenely. "I'm going to miss you guys. I
know I'll only be gone for a little over two weeks, but this is the
first time we won't spend summer break together."
"Being invited to the World Scholar Athlete games is great honor,
Ami," Usagi could see that Ami was nervous about going all the way to
the United States. "And one you deserve. Relax and enjoy the trip.
We'll all be stuck here in sweaty Tokyo and you'll be living the high
life."
"Just think," Makoto gave a sly wink as she looked at her shy friend.
"Two weeks surrounded by buff and toned guys from all over the world.
If I'd known about these Scholar Athlete games I'd have studied a lot
harder."
"Well, I promise I'll bring you all back something from America," Ami
replied.
"Oh, oh," Minako raised her hand, "make mine about six feet tall with
dark hair and oh so mysterious green eyes like that new guy Motoki
hired to work nights at the Crown."
"Kudoko Akuma," Mako gave a long sigh.
"What a jerk," Rei grumbled.
"Life is so unfair," Minako brought her hand up to her brow in an
over the top gesture. "We all want to get close to Akuma but he only
has eyes for Rei. She however won't give him the time of day."
Usagi let a sly and contented smile creep across her face. "Not me.
I'm quite happy with Mamo-chan, thank you."
"So why don't you like him, Rei-chan?" Minako asked with a glance at
Usagi. She was fairly sure that Mamoru and Usagi relationship had
taken a much more mature turn. She made a mental note to have a talk
with Usagi about hiding it a little better. If she could figure it
out, then so could other people.
"He's too good looking," Rei replied as she cupped her hands to play
with the water.
"Too good looking?" Minako shot back, "Are you crazy? There's no
such thing as too good looking!"
Rei's eyes grew serious for a moment. "Yes there is. Don't make the
mistake of thinking that a handsome face means a good heart."
An unexpected knock on the door broke Rei's train of thought. All
five girls shrieked at once as the door cracked open. Makoto grabbed
a nearby towel and pulled it into the water before she flung it as
hard as she could.
"I'm not coming in!" Yuuichirou, hand over his eyes, shouted as the
sopping towel made a wet thunk on the wall near him. "Hold your
fire!"
"Yuuichirou, you eechi, what do you want?" Rei shouted back.
"It's your father, Rei-san. He's here to see you."
***************************************
The late afternoon sun couldn't break through the heavy, velvet
draperies that shrouded the small windows in the place Kudoko Akuma
was currently using as his base of operations. The darkness in the
apartment was broken only by a single, small lamp that sat on a table
near the couch. With the sultry weather most people would have found
the cool darkness quite nice. Furuhata Motoki was not one of them.
He wasn't here because he wanted to be – he was here because he'd
been forced to come.
The call was one that Motoki fought every step of the way, but in the
end was unable to resist. Ever since the stormy night the vampire
had nearly killed him a little over a month ago, Motoki was
unbreakably bound to his new master and he hated it with a burning
passion than he hadn't thought himself capable of. A part of Kudoko
now lived inside him, controlling his movements when he wanted to and
always trying to smother any sign of free will on Motoki's part.
While he couldn't break the control Kudoko had on his body, Motoki
had so far managed to keep a small corner of his mind his own.
The now almost daily summons routinely came just as the vampire was
rousing. Knowing what was expected of him Motoki took a bottle of
out of the refrigerator, gingerly handling it with disgust. He
grumbled to himself as he placed it in a pan of warm water, bringing
the liquid up to body temperature. Like most creatures, Kudoko woke
hungry.
(And we all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the
day,) Motoki thought sarcastically.
Placing the warmed bottle and a wine glass on the coffee table,
Motoki sat on the couch as far away from the bedroom door as he could
manage. Kudoko had yet to emerge but this wasn't unusual. He didn't
have long to wait. The door opened and Kudoko Akuma walked into the
living room.
"Motoki," he smiled, "How good of you to come."
(Like I had a choice,) Motoki grumbled to himself.
"You're such an amusing toy. I can see how much you hate me in your
eyes." Kudoko took the first bottle and poured himself a glass.
Taking a long drink, he watched Motoki shiver with revulsion. He
could feel the young man chafing against his control, trying to at
least look away. "Foolish boy, you can't break the compulsion I've
placed on you, but struggle all you want if it makes you feel any
better."
"It doesn't," Motoki replied out loud. The compulsion prevented him
from running up to people and shouting that Kudoko was a blood
sucking monster, but he'd discovered recently that by choosing his
words very carefully, he was occasionally able to get around the
spell the vampire had him under. That small liberty gave him hope
that eventually he'd find way to free himself.
The vampire moved closer, his hand sliding to stroke Motoki's neck.
"Do you know why I chose you, toy? You're the man in the middle,
someone close to both Chiba Mamoru and Tsukino Usagi. Working at the
Crown has given me the perfect opportunity to study her up close,
find her weakness." He casually began to unbutton the shirt the
young man wore. "And she does have some wonderfully exploitable
weaknesses. Usagi seems a little fragile to me right now. Why I
don't know and really don't care. She'd be very open to something
that would make her feel good and I'm sure you've noticed just how
good I am at doing that."
Fear lanced through Motoki's body at the vampire's touch and he
prayed that the monster would go back to drinking what was in the
bottle. Each time Kudoko fed from him the mind numbing pleasure
seemed to eat away at his will and it took longer and longer for
Motoki to come back to himself. If this kept up then one day there
would be nothing at all left of Furuhata Motoki, only an enslaved
shell that lived to do his master's bidding.
"She has such a good heart, too," Kudoko all but purred, "Usagi is so
compassionate, so naïve, so willing to believe in the good in people."
(When Mamoru finds out what you plan to do to Usagi he's going to
drive a rose right through your black heart, you bastard,) Motoki
seethed internally. (And when that happens I'm going to be right
there cheering him on!)
Kudoko failed to notice that Motoki seemed somewhat distracted. "It
took me almost two years of quietly following Tuxedo Kamen for me to
discover that he's Chiba Mamoru. But from my study of Tuxedo Kamen
it became clear that he was the one who'd lead me to what I seek, if
I was patient enough. Now I will have control of the Moon Princess
and through her, have access to the power of the White Moon."
('Moon Princess', 'Power of the White Moon' - what is he talking
about?) "I thought you were interested in Rei," Motoki managed to
turn his head away, cheered by the small rebellion. "Every time she's
around all you do stare at her." (And please, do continue to hit on
Rei the way you are. Right now all you're doing is pissing her off
and I definitely want that to continue!)
"Oh, I am interested in Rei. She's a rare prize that one, such an
elegant beauty," Kudoko's eyes sifted from green to red, the pupils
becoming slitted like a reptile. "But enough of that for now. I
want to show you something, toy," the vampire's voice dropped to a
commanding whisper. "Look at me, Motoki."
Trembling with protest, Motoki felt his head turning back to look at
Kudoko as soon as the monster called his name. Those red eyes caught
his gaze and the world started to fall away. His mind screamed in
protest, but the allure in the vampire's eyes was too strong to
fight. Motoki felt a now familiar lassitude come over him and he
sighed, leaning back against the couch in a daze.
"That's it toy, just relax. I told you that you would come to crave
what I can do for you." Kudoko pushed the shirt away from Motoki's
shoulders, exposing a bandaged wound at the base of his neck. The
dressing was peeled off almost delicately and tossed aside. "Here's
something I learned a very long time ago. If you want to break
someone, use pain. But if you want to bind someone to you, seduction
is a much more effective weapon."
The vampire carefully took Motoki's face in his hands. "Let me show
you how it's done." Kudoko stroked the young man's cheek before
getting up to stand in front of him. A subtle glow encased the
vampire's body as Kudoko cast his spell. It was a simple but
amazingly effective illusion enchantment, one that used the mind of
the victim to project the person they most wanted to see. Kudoko had
learned it sixty years ago in a small Russian village and had found
it very useful.
"Motoki," he called at last in a low voice, "Motoki, it's me." He
gestured with both hands and a wave of stardust flowed from him
towards a dazed Motoki.
A strangled gasp came from the young man leaning back against the
cushions when the sparkling veil encompassed him. The world spun
dizzily and he closed his eyes tightly with soft moan of discomfort.
Motoki licked his dry lips, trying to remember where he was and how
he'd gotten here.
"Motoki," Reika called to him, "Motoki it's me."
He blinked, eyes cracking open at the sound of the voice he loved
calling his name. She stood in front of him, arms open wide.
"Motoki, come to me my love."
"R…Reika?" he whispered with shock. Everything had taken on a dream-
like quality and the young blonde man stumbled to his feet. He gave
a happy sigh at the sight his heart wanted most to see. "Reika, I
thought you were on a dig in Turkey?"
There was a coquettish smile on her face that was somehow vaguely out
of place. "I've come back just to be with you. Aren't you happy to
see me?"
Motoki fell into her arms with a groan, so glad and relieved to see
her that it hurt. "Oh honey, I've missed you so much. I've been
having the strangest dreams since you left."
"Reika" gave him a smile, reaching out to brush a lock of hair from
his eyes. "Shhh, it's okay. I'm here now and everything will be all
right."
Arms enfolded him and Motoki didn't protest when they pulled him
close. He saw what Kudoko wanted him to see, never suspecting that
it was only an illusion. Fangs jutted out from between curled lips
and, giving a low bestial snarl, the vampire plunged down. Motoki
jumped slightly when the sharp teeth broke the skin. But as Kudoko
started to feed, the young man's breathing grew ragged and his eyes
slid closed.
"Reika," Motoki moaned her name weakly. "Oh, Reika that feels so
good. I love you so much." The pleasure swept through him like a
raging river and he was drowning in it, unable to stop the wild ride.
Kudoko pulled his head away when Motoki finally slumped against him,
physically and emotionally spent.
The image blurred, then shattered, falling away like the shards of a
broken mirror. Kudoko Akuma held the shivering Motoki in his arms.
He regarded the dazed young blonde with a smile. "Now, wasn't that
pleasant, toy? As much as I occasionally enjoy the taste of fear,
passion is much sweeter as it runs through the blood." He leaned
down, running his tongue over the still oozing puncture wounds to
stop the flow of blood.
"And so very delicious."
***************************************
Usagi had a spare key to Mamoru's apartment. He'd given it to her
several years ago and she'd only used it handful of times until as of
late. She loved to be able to come here for a number of reasons.
The small apartment was air-conditioned and wonderfully cool even on
the hottest of days. Mamoru had made it quite clear to her that she
could come here anytime she needed to and Usagi was grateful for that
sense of refuge.
On the days when the memories were at their worst Usagi could come
here and surround herself with him. That, in the end, was the main
reason she loved this place. Even when Mamoru wasn't home the small
amounts of clutter in the apartment - the drying dishes in the sink,
the clothes in the hamper waiting to be washed – were tangible proof
that he really was with her.
They sat together on the couch in his living room, music playing
softly in the background. Usagi snuggled deeper into her beloved's
arms, the balm of his love soothing her worries away. The future
could keep its crown and palace. All Usagi had ever wanted was right
here, right now.
"Rei's father is in town?" Mamoru sounded surprised. "You know, I
don't think I've ever even seen a picture of him. Rei certainly
doesn't talk about him much."
"Today was the first time I met him," Usagi sighed. "He's very
handsome, I guess. Rei doesn't look like him at all though."
"Handsome, eh? Should I be jealous?" Mamoru asked softly.
Usagi gave a shiver of delight as his breath tickled her neck.
"Maybe," she teased. "I mean he is good looking, in a sort of game-
show-host way." She slapped Mamoru's arm lightly when he laughed at
the description. "You may get to meet him yourself later. He's
going to drop Rei at the Crown Parlor for Ami's bon voyage party
tonight."
Lifting his arm, Mamoru made a show of looking at his watch. "Hmmm,
that's three whole hours away. Any idea of how we could pass the
time until then?"
"Let's see…" Usagi pretended to seriously consider her options. "We
could watch the 'Weather Channel' or maybe that station that has golf
on all the time. Do you have any suggestions, Mamo-chan?"
Turning Usagi in his arms, Mamoru gave her a devilish smile. "As a
matter of fact, yes I do."
He pulled her close and they kissed. Entwined they fell back onto
the cushions of the sofa, the kiss deepening as their passion for
each other rose. Usagi's hands roamed over Mamoru in a way that made
him moan in appreciation.
"Mamo-chan you have the best ideas," she whispered in his ear, then
nibbled on it.
Mamoru placed urgent kisses down her neck, his fingers nimbly opening
the buttons on her blouse. She hummed in approval at what he was
doing, eyes closing in bliss. So lost in the joy of each other were
the two neither of them noticed the soft ringing of the telephone.
The machine clicked on at the fourth ring, the message audible even
through the cheap, tinny speakers.
"This is the Chiba residence and I'm not available right now. Please
leave your name, number and a short message at the beep and I'll get
back to you."
The sound of it made Usagi involuntarily tense up in Mamoru's arms.
He felt it and stopped his sweet explorations. "What's wrong?"
Uncomfortable but unwilling to talk about it, Usagi shook her head.
"It's nothing," she said a little too brightly. She kept trying to
forget, but the memories of the awful days when the only time she
could hear his voice was on his answering machine refused to go away
easily.
He wrapped his arms around Usagi. The sudden and unexpected anguish
radiating from her hit Mamoru hard. "Usako, it's okay. I'm with
you."
Instead of reassuring Usagi, the remark made her start to shake.
"Promise you won't leave me again, Mamo-chan. Please don't leave me
again," Usagi whispered.
As much as she tried to hide it, Mamoru could sense the storm of
anguish and anxiety that raged through Usagi. She was a hair away
from emotional melt down and he had not the faintest idea of what was
triggering it. He took her face in his hands and placed gentle
kisses on her forehead, murmuring reassurances to her as he went.
"I promise," he told her over and over. "I promise I won't ever
leave you."
Usagi's hands came up and grasped his, moving to kiss him with an
urgency that boarded on desperation. Mamoru didn't understand what
was fueling these episodes but he intended to find out. That would
have to wait, Mamoru knew. He couldn't have stopped his response to
Usagi's passionate need for him even if he'd wanted to. Making love
to her seemed to be what she needed most right now and he was more
than content to oblige.
***************************************
The apartment was amazingly luxurious. It sat high in one of Tokyo's
finest residence towers. Even through the afternoon haze Rei had a
view of the ocean. She opened the double French doors, feeling a sea
breeze sweeping up to met her as she did. The world below seemed
very far away and Rei couldn't help staring down.
"So what do you think?" Hino Rokojou asked. He'd seen the utter
wonder on Rei's face and allowed himself a smug smile. He knew she'd
go for this in a big way. "This is a rather nice way to live, ne?"
Tearing herself from the views Rei moved back into the apartment.
"You could say that. This place must cost a fortune!"
"Never settle for second best," Hino said. He pointed to one door.
"That's your bedroom, princess. I think you'll like the furniture
I've picked out for you…"
That got Rei's attention and she raised her hands in a gesture
reminiscent of warding. "Whoa, wait a minute! You make it sound like
I'll be living with you."
"Well, of course," Hino sounded surprised and slightly annoyed by his
daughter's tone.
"I never said I'd come and live with you," Rei shot at him. "I said
I'd think about it."
"What is there to think about, princess? Look around you," he opened
his arms wide. "Hard wood floors, cut crystal chandelier, an indoor
pool and exercise room right in the building – this so much better
than the temple."
Her face was growing flushed by the conflicting emotions that vied
for control inside Rei. (He wants me to live with him, a part of her
cried happily – He loves me! I knew it)!
(This is a gilded cage,) the other part of her shouted in response.
(He magnanimously deigns to show up again and he expects you to leave
the only real home you've ever known – what a jerk!)
"I thought you said that this was my decision," Rei said, choosing
the middle ground between her warring halves. "And more expensive
doesn't make it better, daddy."
A long suffering sigh came from Hino Rokojou. He ran a hand through
perfectly coiffed black hair. "That's your grandfather I hear
talking again, not you."
"Is that so awful," anger was rising in her quickly. How dare he
criticize the one person who had always been there for her?! "People
come from all over to get the benefit of his wisdom."
"There are a lot of things going on here that you can't begin to
understand, princess. What would people think if you still lived with
your grandfather? Do you know how that would look to the voters?"
The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.
Rei raised a single eyebrow as she began to sense an ulterior motive
to the sudden interest in where she resided. "Voters? You're in the
diplomatic core, daddy. Why would you care about what the 'voters'
would think?"
"I was going to tell you later," he flushed crimson, partly in
frustration, partly in anger at letting his temper get the best of
him. "There's a Diet seat that's coming open in the tenth district
and I've been asked to run for it. I need you to be living with me,
princess. It would raise too many questions if you didn't."
Rei felt as if she had been kicked in the stomach. She'd tried so
hard not to let herself get her hopes up, but Rei had done just that
and in that moment hated herself for it. Hot tears sprang up behind
her eyes. Why did he only want her around when he needed something
from her? What was wrong with her that her own father didn't love
her?
Not noticing her reaction Hino continued to go on. "It's not as if
you'll never see your Grandfather again. You can stay with him on
the weekends if you want. I'll probably be out of town then anyway."
Grinding her back teeth together, Rei maintained enough control not
let those tears fall. "Like I said, I'll think about it."
"Don't make me force the issue. Just accept it and make the best of
it. This is for your own good you know," annoyance was creeping back
into voice. He reached out and took her by the arm, squeezing as he
spoke. "What is wrong with you? Look around, most people would do
anything to live in a place like this! What more do you want?"
The violet eyes were cold and hard as diamonds when he unknowingly
paraphrased her self doubts. Rei jerked her arm free, "In case
you've forgotten, I'm sixteen now and that means I don't have to live
where I don't want to."
He had forgotten that salient fact and Rei enjoyed the look of dismay
that crossed her father's face. "I have to get going now," she
didn't wait for him as she turned and headed for the door. "Ami's
party is at eight and I can just make it on time if I take the cross
town bus."
I'll drive you," he needed to mend fences with his daughter. He
couldn't let it end this way. "We can discuss the situation on the
way."
Rei accepted the ride with a nod. If her father thought he could
change her mind, he really didn't know her at all. And oddly enough,
that idea hurt more than she thought it would.
***************************************
She was so beautiful with her midnight hair flowing around her
shoulders. He was sure that the long ebony tresses would be like
silk to the touch and wanted to run his hands through it. Her
porcelain skin had a fine blush that only served to show off delicate
cheekbones. It was her eyes, though, that he found the most
enchanting. They were purple, the color the clouds just before
sunrise and he felt as if he could happily drown in their regard.
Like two bright pieces of amethyst they sparkled with the force her
personality.
"I'm fine, grandpa," Rei turned her back on the noise from the crowd
in the Crown Fruit Parlor. She caught a glimpse of the guest of
honor, Ami, surrounded by more friends than the shy genius thought
she had. It was good to let Ami know just how much she meant to
those who loved her, Rei thought. To be honest, it helped Rei to
be around people who loved her for what she was; not for what she
could do for them.
Mamoru had been kind enough to let her use his cell phone and she
wanted to keep the conversation short. "No, I don't where Daddy went
and frankly I couldn't care less if you paid me to. Look, I just
called to let you know that the party is breaking up and I'll be home
in a little while. No, it's okay. I'm going to walk with friends but
yes, I promise I'll be careful." Rei went to hang up the phone, but
paused uncharacteristically, "Grandpa? I love you."
Kudoko Akuma waited only long enough for Rei to turn the device off,
folding it into the closed position. He came up behind her, leaning
forward ever so slightly to whisper in her ear.
"She walks in beauty, like night. Of cloudless climes and starry
skies and all that's best of dark and bright meets in her aspect and
in her eyes."
Rei didn't even look at him. "Quoting Shelley won't get you anywhere
with me. Go away."
That she brushed him off so easily fascinated Kudoko to no end.
"Actually it's Byron, but it's still true, you know. You are vision
of beauty." He stepped in front Rei, blocking her path.
"You just can't take a hint, can you?" Rei huffed when he slid in
front of her. "Go away and leave me alone."
"Would it really be so terrible to spend a few minutes with me?" he
said with a smile. Deliberately Kudoko sought her gaze and, using a
tiny portion of the magic at his command, held it. He raised one hand
in invitation.
"Come walk with me, beautiful Rei," he whispered in his most
seductive voice. "My nights will be much too long without you."
Rei met his green eyes and something in them made her shiver. Oddly
enough, she found herself considering going with him for an instant.
He was handsome and charming, she allowed. There was also an
arrogance in Kudoko's gaze that reminded her too much of her father.
She tilted her head in a display of annoyance. "Do you know what
this is?" Rei asked rubbing the fingertips on her right hand together
quickly. "It's the world's smallest violin and it's playing a sad
song just for you. Now what part of 'go away' didn't you
understand?"
Brushing his hand aside Rei pushed past him. Kudoko let her go, a
wry smile coming to his lips. She was magnificent. He'd only met a
handful of people who could look him the eye and resist his charms.
"Is she the one you're after," a female voice whispered petulantly
in his ear, "That little girl? I know you've always liked them young,
Akuma-sama, but she'd barely more than a child."
His green eyes were still riveted on Rei as she walked back to the
three small tables that had been put together for Ami's party.
"She's only a year or so younger than you were when I first took you,
my dear. But no, she's not the one I came here for." His gestured
with one hand to the odongo haired blonde that Rei now sat next to.
"That's her, with the blonde hair."
Kudoko gave a sideways glance at the female who moved slightly to get
a better look. She had the appearance of young woman of no more than
seventeen or eighteen. Her hair was black as night and had been
caught up in a single long ponytail that fell to her hips.
"A blonde?" she asked, slightly offended by the choice. "Since when
have you ever gone for blondes? Especially ones who wear their hair
in such a weird way…"
Kudoko folded his arms against his chest. "That is none of your
business, Yohko. I called for you because I need to do something for
me."
Yohko smiled at him, turning to wrap her arms around his neck. "Do
you now, and what's in it for me?"
"You have so many questions tonight, Yohko. That I tell you to do it
has always been enough before." He reached out and took her chin in
one hand, slowly caressing her skin for an instant. "You've become
quite independent these last few years, pet." She purred with pleasure
before he closed the hand tightly, threatening to crush her jaw.
"So independent that you seem to forget who is master here," he
hissed, pulling her closer. "Who gave you the power you always
wanted? Who made you what you are now?"
Yohko whimpered, "You, Akuma-sama, you made me."
The fingers squeezed tighter. "And what would you do for me, pet?"
"Anything…" she replied at once, fear in her voice. The hand
released Yohko and she gasped, gently rubbing her sore jaw. "What do
you want me to do?"
"That's much better, my dear," Kudoko turned his attention back to
the table where Rei and Usagi sat. "Do you see that man, the one
with the dark hair? His name is Chiba Mamoru and he's much too
attached to my target. I want him removed from the picture."
Yohko nodded, giving a sensual growl when she got a good look at
Mamoru. "He's very handsome, Akuma-sama. Do I have kill him right
away, or can I keep him for a while? I could have such fun playing
with him."
"Amuse yourself with him all you'd like. But remember that he has to
die when you tire of him," Kudoko raised a single finger to catch
Yohko's attention. "Oh, I want you to cut the blonde anywhere but on
her face. A nice, deep cut, please – something that's easy to see.
I need to test a theory."
Curiosity flickered briefly across Yohko's beautiful face, but having
learned her lesson for the night, she remained silent. Her cold eyes
looked once at Usagi then drifted towards Rei. She didn't really
care what plans Akuma had for the blonde. From the tone of his voice
he had no lasting interest in her, but the girl with the dark hair
was another matter. She'd seen that look in Kudoko Akuma's eyes
before. He meant to have that girl, Yohko was sure of it. In his
over one hundred and fifty years of life that as not truly life
Kudoko Akuma had brought across only a handful women. Yohko was the
youngest member of that elite group and she didn't care to share
Akuma with this potential rival. Once she was back in Kudoko's good
graces she was going to have to take care of that dark haired girl.
"Of course I'll do what you ask, Akuma-sama." She leaned over,
giving him a deep kiss. "I'd be more than happy to."
***************************************
Okibi Souji hung up the old fashioned rotary dial telephone with a
sigh. Rei sounded very edgy, not that he was all that surprised.
Spending time with her father usually did that to her. Souji had
managed to keep Rei's father away from her for most of the years
she'd lived with him. But each time Hino Rokojou blew into town and
his daughter's life for a few days, she paid a terrible price. The
emotional turmoil he left in his wake was never easy to deal with.
In the past his son-in-law would show up for a day or two then leave
as suddenly as he'd shown up. That he should be back for an extended
stay after only a month's absence was not a good sign. Okibi Souji
was, like many men of his generation, not very tall and some people
made the mistake of underestimating him because of that. The gnome
like Shinto priest had the soul of a warrior and the heart of lion
when it came to his family. Rei was all the family he had left now
and he was not about to let her come to harm.
In the very center of the Hikawa Shrine was the prayer room that
contained the sacred fire. The elderly priest entered to room and,
removing his wooden sandals, went to a small altar in one corner.
It was dedicated to the deceased members of his family and foremost
on it was a picture of his late wife.
He bowed gravely, then picked the picture up, his hands shaking as he
did so. "Yuriko," he whispered, tracing the line of her face.
Theirs had been an old fashioned arranged marriage and Souji liked to
say that he'd gotten the best part of the deal. He'd spent each day
of the fifty-three years they had together head over heels in love
with her.
"He's back, Yuriko," he said to the picture. "And this time I'm
afraid he wants to stay. The day I've prayed would never come is
here and I'm not sure if I have strength left to do what I have to.
What if the pictures alone aren't enough?"
Tears ran down the old man's face and splashed onto the glass covered
portrait. "I wish you were here to help me with this, my beloved,"
he said in a soft voice filled with pain. "I may have no choice but
to tell Rei the truth, but I'm afraid it will hurt her more than the
lie she's live with all these years, Yuriko. How do I find the
words? How can I tell her?"
He put the picture back on the altar and knelt in prayer.
"How do I tell Rei that her father is responsible for her mother's
death?"
***************************************
The small group of women clung to each other, weeping piteously.
They stopped for a moment, looked at each other and then broke into
loud tears once more. To make it even more confusing, they all spoke
at once in snippets of conversation broken up by the sobbing that had
stated again.
"…going to miss you so much…"
"…think of you guys everyday…"
"…don't know what I'll do without you…"
Chiba Mamoru shook his head in confusion. A hand patted him on the
shoulder and he turned to see Motoki with a vaguely amused look on
his face.
"I thought everyone was happy for Ami," he said with a shrug, "So why
are they all crying?"
"I haven't the slightest clue," Mamoru made a motion of exasperation
with his hands. "And I am not about to make the mistake of asking,
either."
Ami's mother had just arrived and gave a sage chuckle. "Get used to
it, boys. This kind of behavior only gets better as we women grow
older. There are all sorts of wonderful things to cry over –
engagements, weddings, finding out you're pregnant. The list just
goes on and on."
"Thank you so much, Mizuno-san," Motoki sighed trying to cover the
bout of dizziness that suddenly overtook him. "I can't tell you how
much better that makes me feel."
"Are you okay, Motoki-kun?" Mamoru asked. "You don't look good."
"Just a little tried," Motoki heard himself say. He hadn't even
thought about that reply, it seemed to spill out of his mouth of its
own accord. It was one of the convenient lies his "master" had
implanted in his head. Damn, there had to be a way around this
compulsion!
"You shouldn't be coming back to work so soon," Mamoru cautioned. A
vague feeling that Motoki was hiding something tickled at the back of
his mind. "The man you hired, Kudoko Akuma, seems competent enough.
Let him run the place for a few nights."
"Akuma is a…" he paused trying to shout, (A vampire - a blood sucking,
undead, vampire! I'll hold him down and you stake him!) "…a very nice
guy, but I'd get too bored if I couldn't come to work. Besides, I
wanted to see Ami off and wish her good luck."
"Speaking of which," Dr. Mizuno sighed. "Ami, dear, we really need
to get going if we're going to get you on your flight."
Five pairs of eyes, all with tears flowing from then, turned at the
same time to look at Ami's mother. Moments like this, when the five
girls acted in perfect synch, had always given Mamoru the creeps and
he gave an involuntary shudder. How did they do that?
"Now?" they all said at once.
Maybe he didn't really want to know, Mamoru decided. Some mysteries
were better left unsolved.
"I'm afraid so," Dr. Mizuno smiled. She motioned for Ami to come
with her used the other hand to open the car door. Before she
climbed into the car, she reached down and picked up a small book
that was on the front seat.
"I believe this is the book Ami said you wanted to borrow, Motoki,"
Dr. Mizuno said handing it to him.
Motoki took it with a delighted smile. "Thank you very much Mizuno
-sensei! This is just what I was looking for."
Ami was in the car now and her mother got in also. "Well, enjoy it
and don't worry, there's no rush in getting it back to me."
Mamoru had his arm around Usagi's shoulders and she gave a watery
hiccup, waving along with the other girls as the car drove away. He
glanced at Motoki, "Thanks for the use of the hall, Motoki-kun. I'd
better get Usako home before her father sends out the police to look
for us."
Tucking the hard cover book under his arm, Motoki quietly stared
after them as they left. He lingered in the street, watching the
group until they entered Juban Park. Unable to avoid it any longer,
he went back inside the now closed Crown Parlor. He glanced around,
hoping he really was alone and clicked off about half of the lights.
"Did they go into the park," a voice asked from a dark corner.
Kudoko emerged from the shadows and walked towards Motoki.
"Yes," Motoki answered, hating the fact that he couldn't stop the
need to reply to the question – but he could keep his forced answer
as short as possible.
Kudoko nodded his head, "Good." He took the book that Motoki had
under one arm. "What's this, toy, a book? 'American Sign'?"
"I'm taking a course in it this fall," Motoki replied evenly. He
held out a hand. "You told me to continue on as normal and not
attract attention. I always try to get a jump on my classes if I
can. May I please have it back?"
Kudoko tossed it back. He walked for the front door, not even
bothering to look back at Motoki. "Very well. I'll be going now, so
you can close up for the night."
The young looking man with the raven hair stepped outside. Before
the door to the restaurant had finished closing behind him he was
swallowed up by a fog that materialized out of nowhere. Motoki
shivered at that display of arcane power, quickly moving to lock the
door after Kudoko. He knew something as small as a lock wouldn't
keep the vampire out, but the gesture still made him feel a little
better.
Picking up the book Motoki looked carefully at it. Then turning out
the rest of the lights he walked towards the back room.
***************************************
Aino Minako was between Rei and Makoto as they strolled at a
leisurely pace through the all but deserted park. Mamoru and Usagi
walked behind the trio, arm in arm Minako saw. Mamoru was much more
openly affectionate than he used to be, she noted. She wondered if
any of the others had figured out what their Prince and Princess were
up to these days? That mystery would have to wait. Right now
another and much more interesting twist grabbed her attention.
"Akuma what?" Minako all but shouted.
Hino Rei snorted with distain, rolling her eyes. "He quoted some
poem by Byron and asked me to walk in the night with him. Can you
believe that he thought I'd go of that kind of line?"
"Oh my God," Makoto sighed, "That is so romantic."
The blonde soldier of love leaned over as she walked beside her
friend. "And you told him no? How long are you going to keep him
hanging Rei?"
"Forever," Rei grumbled. "He's so smooth, so damned sure of himself
that it makes my teeth soft! Why would I want a guy like him anyway?"
Throwing up her hands in disgust Minako managed to whack Rei on the
side of her head. "Let's see, he's incredibly handsome, thinks
you're the most desirable creatures in the whole universe and quotes
poetry at you. Oh yeah, he's an insensitive jerk all right."
"And because he deigns to look in my direction I should roll over and
give him what he wants?" Rei snapped, boiling mad. "Excuse me, but
what gives the almighty Kudoko Akuma the bloody right to drop into my
world and expect me to change my life around to include him?! Who
does he think he is?"
"Is it my imagination," Makoto called back to where Usagi walked with
her prince, "Or is Rei-chan a little crankier than usual tonight?"
"I'm sorry, it's just…" Rei sighed. She knew she shouldn't take her
bad mood out on her friends. She stopped her apology when she felt a
strange coldness run through her. Looking down at her feet, she saw
a thick fog starting to form at the ground level. "Un oh."
"Sweet mother of pearl; what is this stuff?" Minako looked down to
her own ankles rapidly disappearing into an icy mist.
There was the eerie sound of a woman laughing within the fog that was
rapidly rising to knee level.
"Call me crazy," Makoto said, watching the mist slither in from all
around, "But when the fog laugh at you it is not a good sign, is it?"
In a heartbeat the unnatural fog enshrouded the small group, cutting
them off from the rest of the world – and from each other. The few
feet of ground that separated them may have as well been miles.
Visibility was zero and if not for the feeling of Usagi's arm on his
Mamoru wouldn't have known where even she was. Out of the damp, cold
mist the sound of female laughter came again.
"I don't like the looks of this," Mamoru said, his hand slipping
inside his jacket to pull out a rose. He never got the chance.
"Oh, but I do so like the looks of you, my soon-to-be toy."
There was a blur of motion in the haze and Usagi caught a glimpse of
something rushing at her. She had time to do no more than give a
short yelp of pain as a razor-sharp finger nail opened a single, deep
cut high up on her arm. A lightening fast blow to the back of her
head made Usagi jerk forward, then fall to the ground without another
sound.
"Usako!" he shouted reaching for her as her now insensible body
disappeared into the mist.
The fog slithered around Mamoru's arms and legs, pulling him away
from where Usagi lay. The mist quickly coalesced into a female body.
Mamoru was slammed against a nearby tree, the sudden and unexpected
impact knocking him out cold. Yohko had one arm pinning a now limp
Mamoru against the trunk. Her free hand came up to rip at his collar.
"In fact, you look good enough to eat, handsome. So I think I will,"
she laughed. Her red eyes glowed and fangs nudged out from between
her lips. She tipped her head back and prepared to strike, not
noticing the small piece of paper that floated out of the fog at her.
"Aku Ryo Tai San!"
Yohko gave a screech of pain when the mystic ward hit her and she
almost lost her hold on Mamoru. The mist cleared as quickly as it
had appeared and the demon found herself facing three young women.
Rei was in front, another ward in her hand. Yohko snarled at them,
lips curling back to reveal her fangs.
"Kyuuketsuki…" Rei said with shocked recognition, "Vampire."
Yohko ripped the ward from her body and it disintegrated into dust
between her fingers. Demonic eyes glared at Rei when she recognized
her as the dark haired girl Akuma had shown such interest in.
"Stupid girl, do you really think small magics like this can stop
someone as powerful as me?"
"Then how about we show you something a bit stronger?" Minako replied
with a glance at Rei and Mako, henshin wand in hand. "Let's do it!"
"Mars crystal power…"
"Venus crystal power…"
"Jupiter crystal power…"
"…Make up!"
"Sailor Senshi," Yohko hissed, recoiling in pain from the purity of
the light from their henshin. Two unpleasant thoughts ran through
her head at the same time. First was that if the light from their transformations alone had caused her pain, then they were more than
capable of putting a quick end to her. The second was even more
chilling. Akuma had set her up. Her one time lover had sent her on
an errand that he knew would prove fatal.
Venus pointed at Yohko, launching into her speech. "We are the
Sailor Senshi and we will not allow…"
That was as far as Venus got. The vampire grabbed Mamoru with both
hands and in blatant violation of the unwritten time-out-for-
soliloquies rule, tossed his unresisting body at the Senshi. Yohko
glanced once at Usagi who was moaning softly now, starting to regain
consciousness. She would make Akuma pay for this deception, Yohko
vowed. She would deny Kudoko his target and take for herself
whatever power he thought this girl possessed.
"Fools," she shouted at them, "I don't 'allow' anyone to give me
permission to do anything!"
Mars was the only one able to dive clear. Mamoru, Venus and Jupiter
went down in a confusing jumble of arms and legs. By the time Rei
had rolled to her feet, Yohko had all ready gotten to Usagi. The
semi-conscious Princess of the Moon had been hauled up in front of
the vampire.
Yohko gave a wicked smile, never taking her red eyes from Mars even
when she lowered her head to lick at the weeping cut high on Usagi's
arm. She could taste a hint of the power that ran in this girl's
blood. "I take what I want, when I want. Because I can – because I
have the power!"
"Let Usagi go!" Mars shouted, desperation creeping into her voice.
She called her flame sniper attack and stood with the flaming bow
drawn. Usagi was too close the thing that had her, Rei knew, to let
loose her attack without hitting her friend. "I said let her go!"
"Make me," Yohko laughed confidently. "There are only two types of
creatures in this world, the strong and the weak." One arm held
Usagi tightly against her; the other pushed the blonde head to one
side so that the neck was better exposed. "Those who use people and
those who are used!" Her head tilted back and she prepared to
strike.
There was no time to think, no planned move or deed, just the
unstoppable and overwhelming the need to act. The flaming bow
disappeared and with a cry of rage Rei launched herself at Yohko.
Grabbing the surprised vampire, Mars tore her away from Usagi. The
two of them tumbled end over end in the damp grass, the wild ride
ending with Yohko on top. The vampire slammed Rei to the ground,
holding her down by the shoulders.
"As I said, I take what I want, use who I want to" Yohko leaned down
intending to tear out Rei's throat with her fangs in payment for the unforgivable sin of attracting Akuma's attention. "And weak little
girls like you beg to be used."
Something burst inside Rei at Yohko's words. "No!" She screamed,
filled to bursting with a terrible, burning anger that overtook her.
"No one uses me!"
The fires of anger and vengeance raged inside Rei and she channeled
it into her hands. Wrenching one arm free she grabbed the shocked
Yohko by the arm. The words exploded from Rei in scream that tore at
her throat.
"FIRE SOUL!"
From his vantage point deep in the sheltering canopy of a massive
tree, Kudoko Akuma watched with amusement. Yohko had become much too
independent in these last few years and he couldn't tolerate that.
He knew that she'd never survive the encounter he'd set up with the
Sailor Senshi. That his one-time paramour could remove Chiba Mamoru
from the equation was the best Kudoko hoped for. The man was a
potential problem when his plans for Tsukino Usagi unfolded and if
he could be removed in a fashion that held no connection to Kudoko,
all the better. A sigh of regret came from Kudoko Akuma when Chiba
managed to get free. A growl of anger came next when Yohko grabbed
Usagi. He'd been about to intervene when the most remarkable thing
happened.
Hino Rei, Sailor Mars, tackled the surprised Yohko. Words were
exchanged, too soft for Kudoko to hear clearly, but the results of
those words riveted his attention firmly on Rei. The young women
with the midnight hair shouted an attack phrase and in a flash Yohko
exploded into flame. The female vampire didn't as much as moan, just
fell away from Sailor Mars in an incendiary heap. The Solider of
Fire got to her feet and, hands balled into fists at her side,
watched without pity as Yohko quickly burned to ash.
Kudoko knew that Rei was beautiful, intelligent and a Shinto Miko.
Those three things alone had piqued his interest in her. Her casual
and utter refusal of his advances only whetted his appetite further,
but in the moment when he saw her immolate Yohko, playful interest
changed into passion. The rage she had just displayed, the burning
anger spoke of a spark of darkness in her that he found irresistible.
He smiled at the thought of how he could stroke that ember of darkness
into an inferno that would consume her. Now that Yohko was gone
Kudoko would need another suitable companion to share his eternal
nights.
And as he watched Sailor Mars, Kudoko Akuma vowed that Hino Rei would
be that woman.
NEXT – While Rei resists being drawn further into her father's world,
her Grandfather comes to a decision that will have consequences no
one can foresee. Mamoru asks for some help and Usagi is pulled into
the trap Kudoko Akuma plans for her. Be here in three weeks for
chapter three, "Subtle Persuasion."
I've had a whole lot of people write and ask me that question since
I posted chapter one of this story a few weeks ago. This is not a
vampire story per say, but rather a story that has a vampire in it.
More importantly, this is Rei's story. She's a character that's
ignored a lot of the time and I felt that she had a tale worth
telling. There are other characters in this story; Usagi, Mamoru
and even Motoki get some good air-time (he gets a chance to do
something other than stand around in an apron!), but this is first
and foremost a story that deals with abuse and overcoming it. If you
think about it, what is a vampire other than the ultimate "user" of
people? In the end Rei will discover that's stronger than she
thought she was and that not all monsters hide from the light of day.
I mention the "World Scholar Athlete Games" in this chapter and I
wanted to let everyone know that they are a real event. Every year
young men and women who are gifted not only academically, but also
physically come to my little home state of Rhode Island to
participate in them. It's nice to see intellectual excellence
celebrated for a change.
Many thanks go out to those who have written to me in support of this
somewhat unusual story. Donna-I you were right. Some stories just
have to be told. As always I want to thank the incomparable Masked
Maiden for her willingness to read just about whatever I send her.
This girl is saint!
Standard Disclaimer – If I owned "Sailor Moon" and the attendant
characters to which valid copyright law apply, would I have to go
back to work in August when the schools open? I think not. You'll
never find Naoko Takeuchi serving mashed potatoes with an ice-cream
scoop, now will you?!
This story is rated "R" for violence and sexual situations!
************************
"Seduction"
By Meara
Chapter Two – "Masquerade"
************************
"Oh God," Usagi said with real passion, "This feels so good! I
could do this forever!"
Hino Rei arched one elegant eyebrow, looking at the odongo haired
blonde in the large wooden tub opposite her. "Long before 'forever'
you're going to turn into a giant prune, Usagi."
Usagi let herself slide down further into the tub of cool water until
she was neck deep in it. "How about I do this just until I turn into
a raisin?"
"She's right, though, Rei-chan," Ami added with a decedent sigh. She
floated serenely in the element she called her own. "I could stay
like this for a very long time."
Makoto, who shared the over sized wooden tub with Ami, was lounging
in a manner that left only her head and feet above the water. "The
rest of the city is slowly broiling and here we sit in the lap of
luxury. I'm surprise half of Tokyo hasn't been beating down your
door to do this."
Minako lay on her back in yet another giant tub, long blonde hair
fanning out in the water around her. "Well I, for one, am not going
to tell a soul about this, not even Artemis."
There was a devilish gleam in the eyes of Hino Rei. "When most
people think of a bath, they assume the water has to be hot.
Actually it saves the temple money when we don't have to heat the
water that comes up from the spring here."
"That wellspring goes very deep, Rei," Ami commented in a dazed voice
as she continued to float in the water around her. "I can barely
hear its source."
That caused Usagi to sit up. "You can hear the water?"
"Of course," Ami replied. "I can always hear water when I try to.
I have to admit it's gotten stronger in the last few months, though.
It used to be that I had to henshin to listen to the song, but now I
can do it anytime I concentrate."
The luxury of having a bath tub long enough for her legs made Makoto
quite happy. She nearly purred in contentment as she stretched out
once more, the cool water lapping over the sides of the aged oaken
tub. "Maybe that last battle with Galaxia caused our powers to
increase. It happened that way after both the Black Moon Clan and
the Death Busters."
"Well, I haven't noticed any big changes," Minako said. She took a
mouthful of water and let it erupt as if she were a fountain.
Her head leaning back against the side of the tub, Rei closed her
violet eyes. "I don't know about that. My visions in the Sacred
Fire have been coming clearer and easier than before as of late."
"It could just mean that we're maturing into the more elemental
aspects of our powers," Ami loved the feel of the water against her
skin, like silk so smooth and clean.
"Well this really sucks then," Minako grumbled. "I'm supposed to be
the Soldier of Love, so why aren't the boys falling at feet ne?"
A sly grin split the face of Kino Makoto. "What can I say, Minako-
chan? Some people just mature faster than others."
"I am too mature!" The very adult soldier of love stuck her tongue
out at Makoto, who laughed in reply.
Ami sighed as she floated serenely. "I'm going to miss you guys. I
know I'll only be gone for a little over two weeks, but this is the
first time we won't spend summer break together."
"Being invited to the World Scholar Athlete games is great honor,
Ami," Usagi could see that Ami was nervous about going all the way to
the United States. "And one you deserve. Relax and enjoy the trip.
We'll all be stuck here in sweaty Tokyo and you'll be living the high
life."
"Just think," Makoto gave a sly wink as she looked at her shy friend.
"Two weeks surrounded by buff and toned guys from all over the world.
If I'd known about these Scholar Athlete games I'd have studied a lot
harder."
"Well, I promise I'll bring you all back something from America," Ami
replied.
"Oh, oh," Minako raised her hand, "make mine about six feet tall with
dark hair and oh so mysterious green eyes like that new guy Motoki
hired to work nights at the Crown."
"Kudoko Akuma," Mako gave a long sigh.
"What a jerk," Rei grumbled.
"Life is so unfair," Minako brought her hand up to her brow in an
over the top gesture. "We all want to get close to Akuma but he only
has eyes for Rei. She however won't give him the time of day."
Usagi let a sly and contented smile creep across her face. "Not me.
I'm quite happy with Mamo-chan, thank you."
"So why don't you like him, Rei-chan?" Minako asked with a glance at
Usagi. She was fairly sure that Mamoru and Usagi relationship had
taken a much more mature turn. She made a mental note to have a talk
with Usagi about hiding it a little better. If she could figure it
out, then so could other people.
"He's too good looking," Rei replied as she cupped her hands to play
with the water.
"Too good looking?" Minako shot back, "Are you crazy? There's no
such thing as too good looking!"
Rei's eyes grew serious for a moment. "Yes there is. Don't make the
mistake of thinking that a handsome face means a good heart."
An unexpected knock on the door broke Rei's train of thought. All
five girls shrieked at once as the door cracked open. Makoto grabbed
a nearby towel and pulled it into the water before she flung it as
hard as she could.
"I'm not coming in!" Yuuichirou, hand over his eyes, shouted as the
sopping towel made a wet thunk on the wall near him. "Hold your
fire!"
"Yuuichirou, you eechi, what do you want?" Rei shouted back.
"It's your father, Rei-san. He's here to see you."
***************************************
The late afternoon sun couldn't break through the heavy, velvet
draperies that shrouded the small windows in the place Kudoko Akuma
was currently using as his base of operations. The darkness in the
apartment was broken only by a single, small lamp that sat on a table
near the couch. With the sultry weather most people would have found
the cool darkness quite nice. Furuhata Motoki was not one of them.
He wasn't here because he wanted to be – he was here because he'd
been forced to come.
The call was one that Motoki fought every step of the way, but in the
end was unable to resist. Ever since the stormy night the vampire
had nearly killed him a little over a month ago, Motoki was
unbreakably bound to his new master and he hated it with a burning
passion than he hadn't thought himself capable of. A part of Kudoko
now lived inside him, controlling his movements when he wanted to and
always trying to smother any sign of free will on Motoki's part.
While he couldn't break the control Kudoko had on his body, Motoki
had so far managed to keep a small corner of his mind his own.
The now almost daily summons routinely came just as the vampire was
rousing. Knowing what was expected of him Motoki took a bottle of
out of the refrigerator, gingerly handling it with disgust. He
grumbled to himself as he placed it in a pan of warm water, bringing
the liquid up to body temperature. Like most creatures, Kudoko woke
hungry.
(And we all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the
day,) Motoki thought sarcastically.
Placing the warmed bottle and a wine glass on the coffee table,
Motoki sat on the couch as far away from the bedroom door as he could
manage. Kudoko had yet to emerge but this wasn't unusual. He didn't
have long to wait. The door opened and Kudoko Akuma walked into the
living room.
"Motoki," he smiled, "How good of you to come."
(Like I had a choice,) Motoki grumbled to himself.
"You're such an amusing toy. I can see how much you hate me in your
eyes." Kudoko took the first bottle and poured himself a glass.
Taking a long drink, he watched Motoki shiver with revulsion. He
could feel the young man chafing against his control, trying to at
least look away. "Foolish boy, you can't break the compulsion I've
placed on you, but struggle all you want if it makes you feel any
better."
"It doesn't," Motoki replied out loud. The compulsion prevented him
from running up to people and shouting that Kudoko was a blood
sucking monster, but he'd discovered recently that by choosing his
words very carefully, he was occasionally able to get around the
spell the vampire had him under. That small liberty gave him hope
that eventually he'd find way to free himself.
The vampire moved closer, his hand sliding to stroke Motoki's neck.
"Do you know why I chose you, toy? You're the man in the middle,
someone close to both Chiba Mamoru and Tsukino Usagi. Working at the
Crown has given me the perfect opportunity to study her up close,
find her weakness." He casually began to unbutton the shirt the
young man wore. "And she does have some wonderfully exploitable
weaknesses. Usagi seems a little fragile to me right now. Why I
don't know and really don't care. She'd be very open to something
that would make her feel good and I'm sure you've noticed just how
good I am at doing that."
Fear lanced through Motoki's body at the vampire's touch and he
prayed that the monster would go back to drinking what was in the
bottle. Each time Kudoko fed from him the mind numbing pleasure
seemed to eat away at his will and it took longer and longer for
Motoki to come back to himself. If this kept up then one day there
would be nothing at all left of Furuhata Motoki, only an enslaved
shell that lived to do his master's bidding.
"She has such a good heart, too," Kudoko all but purred, "Usagi is so
compassionate, so naïve, so willing to believe in the good in people."
(When Mamoru finds out what you plan to do to Usagi he's going to
drive a rose right through your black heart, you bastard,) Motoki
seethed internally. (And when that happens I'm going to be right
there cheering him on!)
Kudoko failed to notice that Motoki seemed somewhat distracted. "It
took me almost two years of quietly following Tuxedo Kamen for me to
discover that he's Chiba Mamoru. But from my study of Tuxedo Kamen
it became clear that he was the one who'd lead me to what I seek, if
I was patient enough. Now I will have control of the Moon Princess
and through her, have access to the power of the White Moon."
('Moon Princess', 'Power of the White Moon' - what is he talking
about?) "I thought you were interested in Rei," Motoki managed to
turn his head away, cheered by the small rebellion. "Every time she's
around all you do stare at her." (And please, do continue to hit on
Rei the way you are. Right now all you're doing is pissing her off
and I definitely want that to continue!)
"Oh, I am interested in Rei. She's a rare prize that one, such an
elegant beauty," Kudoko's eyes sifted from green to red, the pupils
becoming slitted like a reptile. "But enough of that for now. I
want to show you something, toy," the vampire's voice dropped to a
commanding whisper. "Look at me, Motoki."
Trembling with protest, Motoki felt his head turning back to look at
Kudoko as soon as the monster called his name. Those red eyes caught
his gaze and the world started to fall away. His mind screamed in
protest, but the allure in the vampire's eyes was too strong to
fight. Motoki felt a now familiar lassitude come over him and he
sighed, leaning back against the couch in a daze.
"That's it toy, just relax. I told you that you would come to crave
what I can do for you." Kudoko pushed the shirt away from Motoki's
shoulders, exposing a bandaged wound at the base of his neck. The
dressing was peeled off almost delicately and tossed aside. "Here's
something I learned a very long time ago. If you want to break
someone, use pain. But if you want to bind someone to you, seduction
is a much more effective weapon."
The vampire carefully took Motoki's face in his hands. "Let me show
you how it's done." Kudoko stroked the young man's cheek before
getting up to stand in front of him. A subtle glow encased the
vampire's body as Kudoko cast his spell. It was a simple but
amazingly effective illusion enchantment, one that used the mind of
the victim to project the person they most wanted to see. Kudoko had
learned it sixty years ago in a small Russian village and had found
it very useful.
"Motoki," he called at last in a low voice, "Motoki, it's me." He
gestured with both hands and a wave of stardust flowed from him
towards a dazed Motoki.
A strangled gasp came from the young man leaning back against the
cushions when the sparkling veil encompassed him. The world spun
dizzily and he closed his eyes tightly with soft moan of discomfort.
Motoki licked his dry lips, trying to remember where he was and how
he'd gotten here.
"Motoki," Reika called to him, "Motoki it's me."
He blinked, eyes cracking open at the sound of the voice he loved
calling his name. She stood in front of him, arms open wide.
"Motoki, come to me my love."
"R…Reika?" he whispered with shock. Everything had taken on a dream-
like quality and the young blonde man stumbled to his feet. He gave
a happy sigh at the sight his heart wanted most to see. "Reika, I
thought you were on a dig in Turkey?"
There was a coquettish smile on her face that was somehow vaguely out
of place. "I've come back just to be with you. Aren't you happy to
see me?"
Motoki fell into her arms with a groan, so glad and relieved to see
her that it hurt. "Oh honey, I've missed you so much. I've been
having the strangest dreams since you left."
"Reika" gave him a smile, reaching out to brush a lock of hair from
his eyes. "Shhh, it's okay. I'm here now and everything will be all
right."
Arms enfolded him and Motoki didn't protest when they pulled him
close. He saw what Kudoko wanted him to see, never suspecting that
it was only an illusion. Fangs jutted out from between curled lips
and, giving a low bestial snarl, the vampire plunged down. Motoki
jumped slightly when the sharp teeth broke the skin. But as Kudoko
started to feed, the young man's breathing grew ragged and his eyes
slid closed.
"Reika," Motoki moaned her name weakly. "Oh, Reika that feels so
good. I love you so much." The pleasure swept through him like a
raging river and he was drowning in it, unable to stop the wild ride.
Kudoko pulled his head away when Motoki finally slumped against him,
physically and emotionally spent.
The image blurred, then shattered, falling away like the shards of a
broken mirror. Kudoko Akuma held the shivering Motoki in his arms.
He regarded the dazed young blonde with a smile. "Now, wasn't that
pleasant, toy? As much as I occasionally enjoy the taste of fear,
passion is much sweeter as it runs through the blood." He leaned
down, running his tongue over the still oozing puncture wounds to
stop the flow of blood.
"And so very delicious."
***************************************
Usagi had a spare key to Mamoru's apartment. He'd given it to her
several years ago and she'd only used it handful of times until as of
late. She loved to be able to come here for a number of reasons.
The small apartment was air-conditioned and wonderfully cool even on
the hottest of days. Mamoru had made it quite clear to her that she
could come here anytime she needed to and Usagi was grateful for that
sense of refuge.
On the days when the memories were at their worst Usagi could come
here and surround herself with him. That, in the end, was the main
reason she loved this place. Even when Mamoru wasn't home the small
amounts of clutter in the apartment - the drying dishes in the sink,
the clothes in the hamper waiting to be washed – were tangible proof
that he really was with her.
They sat together on the couch in his living room, music playing
softly in the background. Usagi snuggled deeper into her beloved's
arms, the balm of his love soothing her worries away. The future
could keep its crown and palace. All Usagi had ever wanted was right
here, right now.
"Rei's father is in town?" Mamoru sounded surprised. "You know, I
don't think I've ever even seen a picture of him. Rei certainly
doesn't talk about him much."
"Today was the first time I met him," Usagi sighed. "He's very
handsome, I guess. Rei doesn't look like him at all though."
"Handsome, eh? Should I be jealous?" Mamoru asked softly.
Usagi gave a shiver of delight as his breath tickled her neck.
"Maybe," she teased. "I mean he is good looking, in a sort of game-
show-host way." She slapped Mamoru's arm lightly when he laughed at
the description. "You may get to meet him yourself later. He's
going to drop Rei at the Crown Parlor for Ami's bon voyage party
tonight."
Lifting his arm, Mamoru made a show of looking at his watch. "Hmmm,
that's three whole hours away. Any idea of how we could pass the
time until then?"
"Let's see…" Usagi pretended to seriously consider her options. "We
could watch the 'Weather Channel' or maybe that station that has golf
on all the time. Do you have any suggestions, Mamo-chan?"
Turning Usagi in his arms, Mamoru gave her a devilish smile. "As a
matter of fact, yes I do."
He pulled her close and they kissed. Entwined they fell back onto
the cushions of the sofa, the kiss deepening as their passion for
each other rose. Usagi's hands roamed over Mamoru in a way that made
him moan in appreciation.
"Mamo-chan you have the best ideas," she whispered in his ear, then
nibbled on it.
Mamoru placed urgent kisses down her neck, his fingers nimbly opening
the buttons on her blouse. She hummed in approval at what he was
doing, eyes closing in bliss. So lost in the joy of each other were
the two neither of them noticed the soft ringing of the telephone.
The machine clicked on at the fourth ring, the message audible even
through the cheap, tinny speakers.
"This is the Chiba residence and I'm not available right now. Please
leave your name, number and a short message at the beep and I'll get
back to you."
The sound of it made Usagi involuntarily tense up in Mamoru's arms.
He felt it and stopped his sweet explorations. "What's wrong?"
Uncomfortable but unwilling to talk about it, Usagi shook her head.
"It's nothing," she said a little too brightly. She kept trying to
forget, but the memories of the awful days when the only time she
could hear his voice was on his answering machine refused to go away
easily.
He wrapped his arms around Usagi. The sudden and unexpected anguish
radiating from her hit Mamoru hard. "Usako, it's okay. I'm with
you."
Instead of reassuring Usagi, the remark made her start to shake.
"Promise you won't leave me again, Mamo-chan. Please don't leave me
again," Usagi whispered.
As much as she tried to hide it, Mamoru could sense the storm of
anguish and anxiety that raged through Usagi. She was a hair away
from emotional melt down and he had not the faintest idea of what was
triggering it. He took her face in his hands and placed gentle
kisses on her forehead, murmuring reassurances to her as he went.
"I promise," he told her over and over. "I promise I won't ever
leave you."
Usagi's hands came up and grasped his, moving to kiss him with an
urgency that boarded on desperation. Mamoru didn't understand what
was fueling these episodes but he intended to find out. That would
have to wait, Mamoru knew. He couldn't have stopped his response to
Usagi's passionate need for him even if he'd wanted to. Making love
to her seemed to be what she needed most right now and he was more
than content to oblige.
***************************************
The apartment was amazingly luxurious. It sat high in one of Tokyo's
finest residence towers. Even through the afternoon haze Rei had a
view of the ocean. She opened the double French doors, feeling a sea
breeze sweeping up to met her as she did. The world below seemed
very far away and Rei couldn't help staring down.
"So what do you think?" Hino Rokojou asked. He'd seen the utter
wonder on Rei's face and allowed himself a smug smile. He knew she'd
go for this in a big way. "This is a rather nice way to live, ne?"
Tearing herself from the views Rei moved back into the apartment.
"You could say that. This place must cost a fortune!"
"Never settle for second best," Hino said. He pointed to one door.
"That's your bedroom, princess. I think you'll like the furniture
I've picked out for you…"
That got Rei's attention and she raised her hands in a gesture
reminiscent of warding. "Whoa, wait a minute! You make it sound like
I'll be living with you."
"Well, of course," Hino sounded surprised and slightly annoyed by his
daughter's tone.
"I never said I'd come and live with you," Rei shot at him. "I said
I'd think about it."
"What is there to think about, princess? Look around you," he opened
his arms wide. "Hard wood floors, cut crystal chandelier, an indoor
pool and exercise room right in the building – this so much better
than the temple."
Her face was growing flushed by the conflicting emotions that vied
for control inside Rei. (He wants me to live with him, a part of her
cried happily – He loves me! I knew it)!
(This is a gilded cage,) the other part of her shouted in response.
(He magnanimously deigns to show up again and he expects you to leave
the only real home you've ever known – what a jerk!)
"I thought you said that this was my decision," Rei said, choosing
the middle ground between her warring halves. "And more expensive
doesn't make it better, daddy."
A long suffering sigh came from Hino Rokojou. He ran a hand through
perfectly coiffed black hair. "That's your grandfather I hear
talking again, not you."
"Is that so awful," anger was rising in her quickly. How dare he
criticize the one person who had always been there for her?! "People
come from all over to get the benefit of his wisdom."
"There are a lot of things going on here that you can't begin to
understand, princess. What would people think if you still lived with
your grandfather? Do you know how that would look to the voters?"
The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.
Rei raised a single eyebrow as she began to sense an ulterior motive
to the sudden interest in where she resided. "Voters? You're in the
diplomatic core, daddy. Why would you care about what the 'voters'
would think?"
"I was going to tell you later," he flushed crimson, partly in
frustration, partly in anger at letting his temper get the best of
him. "There's a Diet seat that's coming open in the tenth district
and I've been asked to run for it. I need you to be living with me,
princess. It would raise too many questions if you didn't."
Rei felt as if she had been kicked in the stomach. She'd tried so
hard not to let herself get her hopes up, but Rei had done just that
and in that moment hated herself for it. Hot tears sprang up behind
her eyes. Why did he only want her around when he needed something
from her? What was wrong with her that her own father didn't love
her?
Not noticing her reaction Hino continued to go on. "It's not as if
you'll never see your Grandfather again. You can stay with him on
the weekends if you want. I'll probably be out of town then anyway."
Grinding her back teeth together, Rei maintained enough control not
let those tears fall. "Like I said, I'll think about it."
"Don't make me force the issue. Just accept it and make the best of
it. This is for your own good you know," annoyance was creeping back
into voice. He reached out and took her by the arm, squeezing as he
spoke. "What is wrong with you? Look around, most people would do
anything to live in a place like this! What more do you want?"
The violet eyes were cold and hard as diamonds when he unknowingly
paraphrased her self doubts. Rei jerked her arm free, "In case
you've forgotten, I'm sixteen now and that means I don't have to live
where I don't want to."
He had forgotten that salient fact and Rei enjoyed the look of dismay
that crossed her father's face. "I have to get going now," she
didn't wait for him as she turned and headed for the door. "Ami's
party is at eight and I can just make it on time if I take the cross
town bus."
I'll drive you," he needed to mend fences with his daughter. He
couldn't let it end this way. "We can discuss the situation on the
way."
Rei accepted the ride with a nod. If her father thought he could
change her mind, he really didn't know her at all. And oddly enough,
that idea hurt more than she thought it would.
***************************************
She was so beautiful with her midnight hair flowing around her
shoulders. He was sure that the long ebony tresses would be like
silk to the touch and wanted to run his hands through it. Her
porcelain skin had a fine blush that only served to show off delicate
cheekbones. It was her eyes, though, that he found the most
enchanting. They were purple, the color the clouds just before
sunrise and he felt as if he could happily drown in their regard.
Like two bright pieces of amethyst they sparkled with the force her
personality.
"I'm fine, grandpa," Rei turned her back on the noise from the crowd
in the Crown Fruit Parlor. She caught a glimpse of the guest of
honor, Ami, surrounded by more friends than the shy genius thought
she had. It was good to let Ami know just how much she meant to
those who loved her, Rei thought. To be honest, it helped Rei to
be around people who loved her for what she was; not for what she
could do for them.
Mamoru had been kind enough to let her use his cell phone and she
wanted to keep the conversation short. "No, I don't where Daddy went
and frankly I couldn't care less if you paid me to. Look, I just
called to let you know that the party is breaking up and I'll be home
in a little while. No, it's okay. I'm going to walk with friends but
yes, I promise I'll be careful." Rei went to hang up the phone, but
paused uncharacteristically, "Grandpa? I love you."
Kudoko Akuma waited only long enough for Rei to turn the device off,
folding it into the closed position. He came up behind her, leaning
forward ever so slightly to whisper in her ear.
"She walks in beauty, like night. Of cloudless climes and starry
skies and all that's best of dark and bright meets in her aspect and
in her eyes."
Rei didn't even look at him. "Quoting Shelley won't get you anywhere
with me. Go away."
That she brushed him off so easily fascinated Kudoko to no end.
"Actually it's Byron, but it's still true, you know. You are vision
of beauty." He stepped in front Rei, blocking her path.
"You just can't take a hint, can you?" Rei huffed when he slid in
front of her. "Go away and leave me alone."
"Would it really be so terrible to spend a few minutes with me?" he
said with a smile. Deliberately Kudoko sought her gaze and, using a
tiny portion of the magic at his command, held it. He raised one hand
in invitation.
"Come walk with me, beautiful Rei," he whispered in his most
seductive voice. "My nights will be much too long without you."
Rei met his green eyes and something in them made her shiver. Oddly
enough, she found herself considering going with him for an instant.
He was handsome and charming, she allowed. There was also an
arrogance in Kudoko's gaze that reminded her too much of her father.
She tilted her head in a display of annoyance. "Do you know what
this is?" Rei asked rubbing the fingertips on her right hand together
quickly. "It's the world's smallest violin and it's playing a sad
song just for you. Now what part of 'go away' didn't you
understand?"
Brushing his hand aside Rei pushed past him. Kudoko let her go, a
wry smile coming to his lips. She was magnificent. He'd only met a
handful of people who could look him the eye and resist his charms.
"Is she the one you're after," a female voice whispered petulantly
in his ear, "That little girl? I know you've always liked them young,
Akuma-sama, but she'd barely more than a child."
His green eyes were still riveted on Rei as she walked back to the
three small tables that had been put together for Ami's party.
"She's only a year or so younger than you were when I first took you,
my dear. But no, she's not the one I came here for." His gestured
with one hand to the odongo haired blonde that Rei now sat next to.
"That's her, with the blonde hair."
Kudoko gave a sideways glance at the female who moved slightly to get
a better look. She had the appearance of young woman of no more than
seventeen or eighteen. Her hair was black as night and had been
caught up in a single long ponytail that fell to her hips.
"A blonde?" she asked, slightly offended by the choice. "Since when
have you ever gone for blondes? Especially ones who wear their hair
in such a weird way…"
Kudoko folded his arms against his chest. "That is none of your
business, Yohko. I called for you because I need to do something for
me."
Yohko smiled at him, turning to wrap her arms around his neck. "Do
you now, and what's in it for me?"
"You have so many questions tonight, Yohko. That I tell you to do it
has always been enough before." He reached out and took her chin in
one hand, slowly caressing her skin for an instant. "You've become
quite independent these last few years, pet." She purred with pleasure
before he closed the hand tightly, threatening to crush her jaw.
"So independent that you seem to forget who is master here," he
hissed, pulling her closer. "Who gave you the power you always
wanted? Who made you what you are now?"
Yohko whimpered, "You, Akuma-sama, you made me."
The fingers squeezed tighter. "And what would you do for me, pet?"
"Anything…" she replied at once, fear in her voice. The hand
released Yohko and she gasped, gently rubbing her sore jaw. "What do
you want me to do?"
"That's much better, my dear," Kudoko turned his attention back to
the table where Rei and Usagi sat. "Do you see that man, the one
with the dark hair? His name is Chiba Mamoru and he's much too
attached to my target. I want him removed from the picture."
Yohko nodded, giving a sensual growl when she got a good look at
Mamoru. "He's very handsome, Akuma-sama. Do I have kill him right
away, or can I keep him for a while? I could have such fun playing
with him."
"Amuse yourself with him all you'd like. But remember that he has to
die when you tire of him," Kudoko raised a single finger to catch
Yohko's attention. "Oh, I want you to cut the blonde anywhere but on
her face. A nice, deep cut, please – something that's easy to see.
I need to test a theory."
Curiosity flickered briefly across Yohko's beautiful face, but having
learned her lesson for the night, she remained silent. Her cold eyes
looked once at Usagi then drifted towards Rei. She didn't really
care what plans Akuma had for the blonde. From the tone of his voice
he had no lasting interest in her, but the girl with the dark hair
was another matter. She'd seen that look in Kudoko Akuma's eyes
before. He meant to have that girl, Yohko was sure of it. In his
over one hundred and fifty years of life that as not truly life
Kudoko Akuma had brought across only a handful women. Yohko was the
youngest member of that elite group and she didn't care to share
Akuma with this potential rival. Once she was back in Kudoko's good
graces she was going to have to take care of that dark haired girl.
"Of course I'll do what you ask, Akuma-sama." She leaned over,
giving him a deep kiss. "I'd be more than happy to."
***************************************
Okibi Souji hung up the old fashioned rotary dial telephone with a
sigh. Rei sounded very edgy, not that he was all that surprised.
Spending time with her father usually did that to her. Souji had
managed to keep Rei's father away from her for most of the years
she'd lived with him. But each time Hino Rokojou blew into town and
his daughter's life for a few days, she paid a terrible price. The
emotional turmoil he left in his wake was never easy to deal with.
In the past his son-in-law would show up for a day or two then leave
as suddenly as he'd shown up. That he should be back for an extended
stay after only a month's absence was not a good sign. Okibi Souji
was, like many men of his generation, not very tall and some people
made the mistake of underestimating him because of that. The gnome
like Shinto priest had the soul of a warrior and the heart of lion
when it came to his family. Rei was all the family he had left now
and he was not about to let her come to harm.
In the very center of the Hikawa Shrine was the prayer room that
contained the sacred fire. The elderly priest entered to room and,
removing his wooden sandals, went to a small altar in one corner.
It was dedicated to the deceased members of his family and foremost
on it was a picture of his late wife.
He bowed gravely, then picked the picture up, his hands shaking as he
did so. "Yuriko," he whispered, tracing the line of her face.
Theirs had been an old fashioned arranged marriage and Souji liked to
say that he'd gotten the best part of the deal. He'd spent each day
of the fifty-three years they had together head over heels in love
with her.
"He's back, Yuriko," he said to the picture. "And this time I'm
afraid he wants to stay. The day I've prayed would never come is
here and I'm not sure if I have strength left to do what I have to.
What if the pictures alone aren't enough?"
Tears ran down the old man's face and splashed onto the glass covered
portrait. "I wish you were here to help me with this, my beloved,"
he said in a soft voice filled with pain. "I may have no choice but
to tell Rei the truth, but I'm afraid it will hurt her more than the
lie she's live with all these years, Yuriko. How do I find the
words? How can I tell her?"
He put the picture back on the altar and knelt in prayer.
"How do I tell Rei that her father is responsible for her mother's
death?"
***************************************
The small group of women clung to each other, weeping piteously.
They stopped for a moment, looked at each other and then broke into
loud tears once more. To make it even more confusing, they all spoke
at once in snippets of conversation broken up by the sobbing that had
stated again.
"…going to miss you so much…"
"…think of you guys everyday…"
"…don't know what I'll do without you…"
Chiba Mamoru shook his head in confusion. A hand patted him on the
shoulder and he turned to see Motoki with a vaguely amused look on
his face.
"I thought everyone was happy for Ami," he said with a shrug, "So why
are they all crying?"
"I haven't the slightest clue," Mamoru made a motion of exasperation
with his hands. "And I am not about to make the mistake of asking,
either."
Ami's mother had just arrived and gave a sage chuckle. "Get used to
it, boys. This kind of behavior only gets better as we women grow
older. There are all sorts of wonderful things to cry over –
engagements, weddings, finding out you're pregnant. The list just
goes on and on."
"Thank you so much, Mizuno-san," Motoki sighed trying to cover the
bout of dizziness that suddenly overtook him. "I can't tell you how
much better that makes me feel."
"Are you okay, Motoki-kun?" Mamoru asked. "You don't look good."
"Just a little tried," Motoki heard himself say. He hadn't even
thought about that reply, it seemed to spill out of his mouth of its
own accord. It was one of the convenient lies his "master" had
implanted in his head. Damn, there had to be a way around this
compulsion!
"You shouldn't be coming back to work so soon," Mamoru cautioned. A
vague feeling that Motoki was hiding something tickled at the back of
his mind. "The man you hired, Kudoko Akuma, seems competent enough.
Let him run the place for a few nights."
"Akuma is a…" he paused trying to shout, (A vampire - a blood sucking,
undead, vampire! I'll hold him down and you stake him!) "…a very nice
guy, but I'd get too bored if I couldn't come to work. Besides, I
wanted to see Ami off and wish her good luck."
"Speaking of which," Dr. Mizuno sighed. "Ami, dear, we really need
to get going if we're going to get you on your flight."
Five pairs of eyes, all with tears flowing from then, turned at the
same time to look at Ami's mother. Moments like this, when the five
girls acted in perfect synch, had always given Mamoru the creeps and
he gave an involuntary shudder. How did they do that?
"Now?" they all said at once.
Maybe he didn't really want to know, Mamoru decided. Some mysteries
were better left unsolved.
"I'm afraid so," Dr. Mizuno smiled. She motioned for Ami to come
with her used the other hand to open the car door. Before she
climbed into the car, she reached down and picked up a small book
that was on the front seat.
"I believe this is the book Ami said you wanted to borrow, Motoki,"
Dr. Mizuno said handing it to him.
Motoki took it with a delighted smile. "Thank you very much Mizuno
-sensei! This is just what I was looking for."
Ami was in the car now and her mother got in also. "Well, enjoy it
and don't worry, there's no rush in getting it back to me."
Mamoru had his arm around Usagi's shoulders and she gave a watery
hiccup, waving along with the other girls as the car drove away. He
glanced at Motoki, "Thanks for the use of the hall, Motoki-kun. I'd
better get Usako home before her father sends out the police to look
for us."
Tucking the hard cover book under his arm, Motoki quietly stared
after them as they left. He lingered in the street, watching the
group until they entered Juban Park. Unable to avoid it any longer,
he went back inside the now closed Crown Parlor. He glanced around,
hoping he really was alone and clicked off about half of the lights.
"Did they go into the park," a voice asked from a dark corner.
Kudoko emerged from the shadows and walked towards Motoki.
"Yes," Motoki answered, hating the fact that he couldn't stop the
need to reply to the question – but he could keep his forced answer
as short as possible.
Kudoko nodded his head, "Good." He took the book that Motoki had
under one arm. "What's this, toy, a book? 'American Sign'?"
"I'm taking a course in it this fall," Motoki replied evenly. He
held out a hand. "You told me to continue on as normal and not
attract attention. I always try to get a jump on my classes if I
can. May I please have it back?"
Kudoko tossed it back. He walked for the front door, not even
bothering to look back at Motoki. "Very well. I'll be going now, so
you can close up for the night."
The young looking man with the raven hair stepped outside. Before
the door to the restaurant had finished closing behind him he was
swallowed up by a fog that materialized out of nowhere. Motoki
shivered at that display of arcane power, quickly moving to lock the
door after Kudoko. He knew something as small as a lock wouldn't
keep the vampire out, but the gesture still made him feel a little
better.
Picking up the book Motoki looked carefully at it. Then turning out
the rest of the lights he walked towards the back room.
***************************************
Aino Minako was between Rei and Makoto as they strolled at a
leisurely pace through the all but deserted park. Mamoru and Usagi
walked behind the trio, arm in arm Minako saw. Mamoru was much more
openly affectionate than he used to be, she noted. She wondered if
any of the others had figured out what their Prince and Princess were
up to these days? That mystery would have to wait. Right now
another and much more interesting twist grabbed her attention.
"Akuma what?" Minako all but shouted.
Hino Rei snorted with distain, rolling her eyes. "He quoted some
poem by Byron and asked me to walk in the night with him. Can you
believe that he thought I'd go of that kind of line?"
"Oh my God," Makoto sighed, "That is so romantic."
The blonde soldier of love leaned over as she walked beside her
friend. "And you told him no? How long are you going to keep him
hanging Rei?"
"Forever," Rei grumbled. "He's so smooth, so damned sure of himself
that it makes my teeth soft! Why would I want a guy like him anyway?"
Throwing up her hands in disgust Minako managed to whack Rei on the
side of her head. "Let's see, he's incredibly handsome, thinks
you're the most desirable creatures in the whole universe and quotes
poetry at you. Oh yeah, he's an insensitive jerk all right."
"And because he deigns to look in my direction I should roll over and
give him what he wants?" Rei snapped, boiling mad. "Excuse me, but
what gives the almighty Kudoko Akuma the bloody right to drop into my
world and expect me to change my life around to include him?! Who
does he think he is?"
"Is it my imagination," Makoto called back to where Usagi walked with
her prince, "Or is Rei-chan a little crankier than usual tonight?"
"I'm sorry, it's just…" Rei sighed. She knew she shouldn't take her
bad mood out on her friends. She stopped her apology when she felt a
strange coldness run through her. Looking down at her feet, she saw
a thick fog starting to form at the ground level. "Un oh."
"Sweet mother of pearl; what is this stuff?" Minako looked down to
her own ankles rapidly disappearing into an icy mist.
There was the eerie sound of a woman laughing within the fog that was
rapidly rising to knee level.
"Call me crazy," Makoto said, watching the mist slither in from all
around, "But when the fog laugh at you it is not a good sign, is it?"
In a heartbeat the unnatural fog enshrouded the small group, cutting
them off from the rest of the world – and from each other. The few
feet of ground that separated them may have as well been miles.
Visibility was zero and if not for the feeling of Usagi's arm on his
Mamoru wouldn't have known where even she was. Out of the damp, cold
mist the sound of female laughter came again.
"I don't like the looks of this," Mamoru said, his hand slipping
inside his jacket to pull out a rose. He never got the chance.
"Oh, but I do so like the looks of you, my soon-to-be toy."
There was a blur of motion in the haze and Usagi caught a glimpse of
something rushing at her. She had time to do no more than give a
short yelp of pain as a razor-sharp finger nail opened a single, deep
cut high up on her arm. A lightening fast blow to the back of her
head made Usagi jerk forward, then fall to the ground without another
sound.
"Usako!" he shouted reaching for her as her now insensible body
disappeared into the mist.
The fog slithered around Mamoru's arms and legs, pulling him away
from where Usagi lay. The mist quickly coalesced into a female body.
Mamoru was slammed against a nearby tree, the sudden and unexpected
impact knocking him out cold. Yohko had one arm pinning a now limp
Mamoru against the trunk. Her free hand came up to rip at his collar.
"In fact, you look good enough to eat, handsome. So I think I will,"
she laughed. Her red eyes glowed and fangs nudged out from between
her lips. She tipped her head back and prepared to strike, not
noticing the small piece of paper that floated out of the fog at her.
"Aku Ryo Tai San!"
Yohko gave a screech of pain when the mystic ward hit her and she
almost lost her hold on Mamoru. The mist cleared as quickly as it
had appeared and the demon found herself facing three young women.
Rei was in front, another ward in her hand. Yohko snarled at them,
lips curling back to reveal her fangs.
"Kyuuketsuki…" Rei said with shocked recognition, "Vampire."
Yohko ripped the ward from her body and it disintegrated into dust
between her fingers. Demonic eyes glared at Rei when she recognized
her as the dark haired girl Akuma had shown such interest in.
"Stupid girl, do you really think small magics like this can stop
someone as powerful as me?"
"Then how about we show you something a bit stronger?" Minako replied
with a glance at Rei and Mako, henshin wand in hand. "Let's do it!"
"Mars crystal power…"
"Venus crystal power…"
"Jupiter crystal power…"
"…Make up!"
"Sailor Senshi," Yohko hissed, recoiling in pain from the purity of
the light from their henshin. Two unpleasant thoughts ran through
her head at the same time. First was that if the light from their transformations alone had caused her pain, then they were more than
capable of putting a quick end to her. The second was even more
chilling. Akuma had set her up. Her one time lover had sent her on
an errand that he knew would prove fatal.
Venus pointed at Yohko, launching into her speech. "We are the
Sailor Senshi and we will not allow…"
That was as far as Venus got. The vampire grabbed Mamoru with both
hands and in blatant violation of the unwritten time-out-for-
soliloquies rule, tossed his unresisting body at the Senshi. Yohko
glanced once at Usagi who was moaning softly now, starting to regain
consciousness. She would make Akuma pay for this deception, Yohko
vowed. She would deny Kudoko his target and take for herself
whatever power he thought this girl possessed.
"Fools," she shouted at them, "I don't 'allow' anyone to give me
permission to do anything!"
Mars was the only one able to dive clear. Mamoru, Venus and Jupiter
went down in a confusing jumble of arms and legs. By the time Rei
had rolled to her feet, Yohko had all ready gotten to Usagi. The
semi-conscious Princess of the Moon had been hauled up in front of
the vampire.
Yohko gave a wicked smile, never taking her red eyes from Mars even
when she lowered her head to lick at the weeping cut high on Usagi's
arm. She could taste a hint of the power that ran in this girl's
blood. "I take what I want, when I want. Because I can – because I
have the power!"
"Let Usagi go!" Mars shouted, desperation creeping into her voice.
She called her flame sniper attack and stood with the flaming bow
drawn. Usagi was too close the thing that had her, Rei knew, to let
loose her attack without hitting her friend. "I said let her go!"
"Make me," Yohko laughed confidently. "There are only two types of
creatures in this world, the strong and the weak." One arm held
Usagi tightly against her; the other pushed the blonde head to one
side so that the neck was better exposed. "Those who use people and
those who are used!" Her head tilted back and she prepared to
strike.
There was no time to think, no planned move or deed, just the
unstoppable and overwhelming the need to act. The flaming bow
disappeared and with a cry of rage Rei launched herself at Yohko.
Grabbing the surprised vampire, Mars tore her away from Usagi. The
two of them tumbled end over end in the damp grass, the wild ride
ending with Yohko on top. The vampire slammed Rei to the ground,
holding her down by the shoulders.
"As I said, I take what I want, use who I want to" Yohko leaned down
intending to tear out Rei's throat with her fangs in payment for the unforgivable sin of attracting Akuma's attention. "And weak little
girls like you beg to be used."
Something burst inside Rei at Yohko's words. "No!" She screamed,
filled to bursting with a terrible, burning anger that overtook her.
"No one uses me!"
The fires of anger and vengeance raged inside Rei and she channeled
it into her hands. Wrenching one arm free she grabbed the shocked
Yohko by the arm. The words exploded from Rei in scream that tore at
her throat.
"FIRE SOUL!"
From his vantage point deep in the sheltering canopy of a massive
tree, Kudoko Akuma watched with amusement. Yohko had become much too
independent in these last few years and he couldn't tolerate that.
He knew that she'd never survive the encounter he'd set up with the
Sailor Senshi. That his one-time paramour could remove Chiba Mamoru
from the equation was the best Kudoko hoped for. The man was a
potential problem when his plans for Tsukino Usagi unfolded and if
he could be removed in a fashion that held no connection to Kudoko,
all the better. A sigh of regret came from Kudoko Akuma when Chiba
managed to get free. A growl of anger came next when Yohko grabbed
Usagi. He'd been about to intervene when the most remarkable thing
happened.
Hino Rei, Sailor Mars, tackled the surprised Yohko. Words were
exchanged, too soft for Kudoko to hear clearly, but the results of
those words riveted his attention firmly on Rei. The young women
with the midnight hair shouted an attack phrase and in a flash Yohko
exploded into flame. The female vampire didn't as much as moan, just
fell away from Sailor Mars in an incendiary heap. The Solider of
Fire got to her feet and, hands balled into fists at her side,
watched without pity as Yohko quickly burned to ash.
Kudoko knew that Rei was beautiful, intelligent and a Shinto Miko.
Those three things alone had piqued his interest in her. Her casual
and utter refusal of his advances only whetted his appetite further,
but in the moment when he saw her immolate Yohko, playful interest
changed into passion. The rage she had just displayed, the burning
anger spoke of a spark of darkness in her that he found irresistible.
He smiled at the thought of how he could stroke that ember of darkness
into an inferno that would consume her. Now that Yohko was gone
Kudoko would need another suitable companion to share his eternal
nights.
And as he watched Sailor Mars, Kudoko Akuma vowed that Hino Rei would
be that woman.
NEXT – While Rei resists being drawn further into her father's world,
her Grandfather comes to a decision that will have consequences no
one can foresee. Mamoru asks for some help and Usagi is pulled into
the trap Kudoko Akuma plans for her. Be here in three weeks for
chapter three, "Subtle Persuasion."
