******This story is rated "R" for violence and adult situations.***
I almost didn't post this chapter this chapter for a number of
reasons. The primary one is because of the horrifying attack made on
our country this week. But I decided that if I delayed posting, it
would be allowing the bastards who did this a victory. That cannot
be allowed. So please forgive me if the author's notes seem long,
but I have a lot to say.
As fanfic writers we tell tales about fictional heroes and their
struggles. This week we have seen real heroes – the men and women
who risked and, in some cases, lost their lives in an attempt to save
others. They are firefighters, police officers, paramedics and, most
poignantly, ordinary people. In a moment of terror and death, some
found the courage to selflessly reach out and help those in need.
Still others knew they were going to die, but refused to stand by and
let the monsters who promulgated these attacks go through with their
evil. Over the skies of Pennsylvania, they made sure that no other
innocents would die with them. The courage of ordinary people in the
most extraordinary of circumstances is their legacy to us. Their
epitaph can be summed up in one word – Hero.
Standard Disclaimer – I don't own Sailor Moon or any of the attendant
characters to which valid copyright laws apply. This story is done
purely for entertainment purposes and without any expectation of
monetary gain.
***************************************
"Seduction"
By Meara
Chapter Three – "Subtle Persuasions"
***************************************
The answer was so obvious that Rei was a tad annoyed that Mamoru
couldn't see it for himself. For a guy who was brilliant at other
times he had some very strange blind spots. Or maybe it was just
that men could be incredibly dense sometimes, Hino Rei decided. It
wasn't that Rei meant to say it as sharply as she did, it just sort
of burst from her lips before she could stop herself.
"Well of course Usagi's having some lingering anxiety. We were all
dead. You, me, all of us – dead! How did you think she'd take it?"
There were dark circles under Rei's eyes Mamoru noticed. "Are you
all right, Rei?"
Sighing, Rei rubbed her temples with her fingers in a small, circular
motion, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap that way. I've still got
an awful headache from the way I used my attack last night. It was a
bit more intense than usual."
"A bit?" Mamoru gave a short chuckle that lifted Rei's spirits. "You
immolated that Youma. Makoto was very impressed by the little pile
of ash left behind, by the way. She kept commenting on it all the way
home from what Minako told me."
"You'll forgive me if I have no sympathy for a monster that exists by
preying on the living," Rei added wryly. To be honest she wasn't if
was the use of her power as Mars or the disturbing dream she'd had
that was making her head pound. Bits and pieces of it kept flashing
through her mind, refusing to go away. Thinking about it made her
head hurt even worse, so Rei turned her attention elsewhere for the
moment.
"Let me try my reply again, ne? I'm not surprised Usagi is troubled
by bad memories. You didn't see her when you were gone. There was
one day when she thought you'd come back, only to find that it was
Seiya doing his best Tuxedo Kamen impression. You should have seen
her, Mamoru. Usagi fell completely apart, sobbing your name and
calling for you," It made Rei's heart ache with sympathy when she
remembered Usagi kneeling in the rain, calling brokenly for the only
man she'd ever loved. "Did you know that she used to call your
answering machine just to hear your voice?"
"No, I didn't," but that bit of information it did solve a mystery
for Mamoru. The sound of his answering machine in his apartment
yesterday must have been the trigger for the anxiety attack.
Sitting down on a wall under one of the largest trees, Rei motioned
for Mamoru to join her in the cool shade. "I haven't told anyone
else this, but I think that at some level Usagi knew you were dead.
That's the reason why she never tried too hard to find out where you
were in America, and why, when we did discover that you were
'missing', Usagi wasn't really surprised. The bond you two share
cuts both ways, ne?"
That comment made Mamoru put his elbows on his knees and rest his
chin on hands closed tightly. "The soul-bond," he murmured. Mamoru
slowly began to tap his lips with one of his fists as a disturbing
memory came to him.
Usagi had used the silver crystal to stop the fatal plunge of the
small asteroid he and the Senshi were trapped on into Earth's
atmosphere. The memory of the instant the Ginzuishou had shattered
came back to him. Something broke inside him the moment Usagi had
fallen back into his arms, dead. The pain had been so overwhelming,
the agony of loss so total that all he had been able to do was
silently hold her lifeless body in his arms, wishing that he'd died
with her.
"Oh my God," Mamoru moaned softly in a moment of epiphany that cut
him sharply. The answer was so simple that he'd overlooked it. "That's
it."
The bond between them would have shattered when he was "killed" by
Galaxia. Too painful to deal with, Usagi must have repressed the
knowledge. From what he'd been able to find out, in a matter of a
few hours her whole world had come apart at the seams. Usagi had
watched her best friends cruelly cut down before her eyes. Not
satisfied, Galaxia had then taunted Usagi by showing her his star
seed – proof she couldn't deny that he was dead. Shortly after that
first Pluto and Saturn, then Uranus and Neptune, had fallen.
"She was alone," Mamoru said to Rei. "She was all alone."
"And being alone is something Usagi doesn't do well," Rei added.
She kept the comment (Well duh!) to herself. It really wouldn't
have helped the situation any.
It was all so clear to Mamoru now. "The times she has these
emotional meltdowns Usako always says the same thing. She begs me
not to leave her again."
Rei's eyebrows shot up at that remark. "Wait a minute, Usagi's been
begging you not leave her and you didn't realize what it was about
until now? What did you think she meant by 'don't leave me'?"
"Not to study overseas?" the Prince of Earth said sheepishly.
A hand snaked out and whacked Mamoru on the side of the head. "Men…
Kami give me strength! Look, given time I think Usagi will get over
this if you're supportive, stay in the country and don't die again."
"I think I can handle that," Mamoru replied with a smile. "Is this
an example of the gentle wisdom you dispense at this shrine?"
"Yes," came the smug reply, "and people come from far and wide just
to get it, so consider yourself blessed." Helping to solve someone
else's problems served to lift Rei's sprits. "Usagi's grown up a lot
in the past year. Let's give her some time and space to try and
handle the problem on her own, if that's what she wants. Does anyone
else know anything about this?"
The advice was sound and Mamoru was very glad he'd come to Rei. For
all the times that the two had fought like cats and dogs in the past,
Mamoru knew that Rei loved Usagi deeply. "Only Luna so far. Until
Usako is ready to open up and talk about it, I'd like to keep this
quiet. Trust me, even well meaning pressure can only make the
situation worse."
That comment made Rei give a snort. "Believe me, I'm not about to
try and pressure anyone to do something they don't want to. I've had
quite of it in my own life lately, thank you. It's been making me a
little cranky."
That Rei's temper was somewhat frayed was obvious to anyone who knew
her. Like Usagi, getting her to talk about it wasn't always easy.
Mamoru made sure to keep his tone even and non-judgmental.
"Really? I hadn't noticed. Would this have anything to do with the
fact that your father is in town?"
The fire that flared in the violet eyes was all the answer Mamoru
needed. "Oh, yeah."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Mamoru asked. "I may not have any
specialized temple training like you, but I've been told that I'm a
pretty good listener."
"My father is manipulative pig," she responded with surprisingly
little anger. It was more a statement of fact than anything else.
"He's always been that way and continues to live down to my
expectations each time I see him. And no, I don't want to talk about
it."
That was his cue to leave, Mamoru knew. Knowing when to make a good
exit was a skill he'd perfected over the years. "Well, if you change
your mind, the offer is open."
Rei looked at him with a twinge of jealousy. The guy was so in
love with Usagi that he'd walk into hell for her. Chiba Mamoru was
handsome, intelligent and the nicest guy she'd ever known. Why was
it that men like her wretch of a father and the too good looking
Kudoko Akuma populated her life? Why couldn't she attract a man like
Mamoru, Rei wondered and not for the first time?
"Thanks and don't worry too much about Usagi," Rei added. "She can
be rash at time but she's not a complete idiot. If Usagi is any kind
of real trouble she'll ask for help."
***************************************
the voice in Kudoko's
mind hissed petulantly.
You'd think that a force of darkness as powerful as this Demon would
have learned a little patience over the course of eons, Kudoko mused
staring into his scrying bowl. "I have to be careful. I could take
the girl hard and fast as I did with my current servant," Kudoko gave
a surreptitious glance to where Motoki sat silently on the couch
reading a book, desperately trying to block out what was going on
around him. "But that's not my first choice. For all the power she
controls, Tsukino Usagi is a very small woman. I doubt she'd survive
the kind of blood loss it would take for me to gain control of her
in a single night."
the demon cautioned. The image wavered and flames
burst from what served as the creatures eyes.
Kudoko chose to ignore the threat. "Tonight is the waning moon,"
Kudoko said. "By the dark of the next new moon I will have the
means to free you."
The image in the viscous blue liquid was fading once more.
The strange azure fluid boiled up the lip of the bowl, then slowly
stilled once more. When it did the waters were once again still.
With great care Kudoko poured the liquid back into the painted vial that
matched the scrying bowl. He stopped and considered the design
painted on it, that of a firebird in full flight. The sparks it
threw off resembled bright fire flowers and he smiled as he looked at
it. How fitting that he should find a firebird of his own now that
he was about grasp his chance at becoming Master of this world. He
picked up the bowl, turning it slowly as his mind started to plan
just how he'd bring Hino Rei to his arms.
"All finished with your conference call?" Motoki asked, in a
conversational tone, breaking the silence. (I wonder how much it
costs to call hell, anyway? The roaming charges must be a killer,)
he added silently.
"Scoff all you'd like. For all the marvels of technology I've
witnessed in the last century and a half, nothing has yet to equal
the power and scope of even the simplest of magics." Kudoko
carefully put the delicate bowl back into a drawer of the desk and
locked it. "Just think I get great reception, no static and
unlimited talking time - all that and no telemarketers."
"Yes, but if you don't pay the telephone company they just turn off
your service. I get the feeling the creature you're dealing with
wants a lot more than your cell phone," Motoki mumbled, closing his
book.
Walking to where Motoki sat Kudoko reached out and took the book from
his hands. "I didn't think you cared," he said, green eyes snapping
with amusement at the interaction with the normally quiet Motoki.
"What I'll be getting out of this deal is more than worth the risk.
Are you still studying this thing? How long does it take you to read
a book anyway, toy? You mustn't be quite as bright as I'd thought."
A vulgar phrase ran through Motoki's mind, but upon reflection he
was just as glad that he hadn't blurted it out. (Oh yeah, good going
Motoki. You really are an idiot,) he chided himself, (Saying 'bite
me' to a vampire is probably not the smartest thing to do!) "This
takes time. Learning even the basics of American Sign is like
learning a new language. Would you like me to demonstrate?"
This was much more talkative than Motoki usually got. There was a
look on his toy's face that intrigued him. "All right, show me," he
gave a nod.
The compulsion that Kudoko had Motoki under kept a tight control on
what he could say. There was, however, one very large loophole in
the spell the vampire cast on him. Motoki allowed himself a moment
of satisfaction as he managed to use it.
The blond man lifted his right hand and with a smug smile of
satisfaction flipped up the middle finger. "Want me to translate
that for you?"
Surprisingly, Akuma laughed. "Don't push your luck, toy. You're more
clever than I thought, manipulating me into asking you to do what you
wanted to." He sat down on the couch and Motoki gasped when he felt
Kudoko abruptly seize control of his body. "I hope you enjoyed your
little 'victory'. It may be the last one you have for quite some
time."
Trembling with effort, Motoki tried to resist but was forced lean
back against the cushions of the couch once more. "What do you
mean?"
Slowly Kudoko ran a hand over Motoki's cheek and the blond shuddered
at the touch. "You're going to help me convince Usagi to let me take
her – and without a fight that might attract the attention of either
her over-protective guardians or her boyfriend. Oh, yes you are."
He laughed when he saw the rebellion in Motoki's eyes. "That's why I
put up with these small and very annoying displays of independence
from you. I need Usagi to think she's coming to me of her own free
will, at least at first. You, toy, play a vital role in that plan.
After all, Usagi trusts her old friend Motoki doesn't she? Chiba
Mamoru would never think that she could come to harm with you, now
would he? But first I need to make sure that very clever mind of
yours isn't working against me."
"Oh no…" Motoki managed to whisper, horror lancing through him when
he saw fangs slowly pushing out from between Kudoko's lips. His body
trembled as he tried to fight against the power that held him. "I
won't let you hurt Usagi."
"Yes you will, toy," Kudoko chuckled softly, almost affectionately.
"You'll do whatever I tell you to do. I know why you're so very
frightened. The part of you that fights me gets smaller each time I
take you, doesn't it? That's why seduction is such an effective
weapon. The human body is hardwired to crave the kind of pleasure I
can give you. Each time that it overwhelms you, I go a little deeper
into your mind. Soon your only thoughts will be of me; your only
desire to please me."
He was right, Motoki knew, with a surge of both trepidation and rage.
Each time Kudoko fed from him it took longer and longer for Motoki
to regain any semblance of free will. Whatever magic the vampire
used on him, it was consuming his personality, trying to turn him
into nothing more than a blindly obedient puppet. (I can't let him
do this!) Motoki screamed inside his mind, the shaking growing worse
as desperation filled him. (I have to find a way to stop him!)
Kudoko took a shuddering Motoki by the chin. Red eyes burned like
banked coals and held an irresistibly power in them. "Look at me,
Motoki. Listen to my voice."
The world grew remote, everything acquiring a dream-like quality for
Motoki and he struggled to stay conscious. Those glowing red eyes
were bottomless and Motoki felt himself start to fall into them once
more. He struggled to look away but he couldn't.
Kudoko's voice reached him as if from a great distance. "Who do you
live for?" the beautiful monster asked in a seductive voice. "Who do
you serve?"
"Y…you," Motoki heard himself reply hesitantly, and his mind shrieked
in protest.
Kudoko's fingers tilted Motoki's head, exposing his throat. "And
what would you do for me?"
Motoki could feel his will was being swallowed up, smothered by the
touch of the vampire's mind on his. He stubbornly clung to his
thoughts of defiance. (What would I do for you? How about I get you
a year's subscription to a tanning salon? Or put a skylight above
your bed? Or better yet – how about I put holy water in your ice
cube tray?) he longed to shout. With a last soundless scream of
impotent rage, Motoki was engulfed. He sighed, relaxing against the
cushions.
"What would you do for me, toy?" Kudoko asked once more, softly.
"Anything," the blond youth whispered, lost.
"Yes," Kudoko purred. He reached over and opened the buttons of
Motoki's shirt, pushing it away from his shoulders. The vampire
laughed, fangs gleaming in the lamplight. "And so you will, toy."
***************************************
Minako summed it up quite nicely, speaking for everyone. "Sweet
mother of pearl! This place is incredible."
"You can see for miles," Makoto said looking out the glass French
doors. "Or at least you'd be able to if things weren't so hazy."
"And it's air conditioned," Usagi sighed with pleasure. "I think
I'll move in here with you Rei-chan." The odango-haired blonde
leaned over to whisper at Rei. "I think Luna will, too. You should
hear her complain about how uncomfortable she is in this weather."
"I never said I was moving in," Rei mumbled, looking around for her
father. He had yet to learn a simple lesson about his daughter. The
harder Rei was pushed to do something, the less likely she was to do
it.
Hino Rokojou had a very satisfied smile on his face. He finished
pulling on a terry cloth cover up over his swimsuit and glanced at
his daughter. Girls this age were very concerned about what their
friends thought, Hino knew. If he could get them to like this place,
then Rei would be swayed by them.
"I'm glad you like our apartment, girls," he said trying not to sound
too smug. "You'd be welcome here anytime, of course. If, that is, I
can convince my daughter to move in here."
That was what the sudden and unexpected invitation to come for a swim
was really all about, Rei suspected. Her father was trying to get her
friends to do his dirty work for him. Why couldn't the man take "no"
for an answer?
"I'm sorry, Hino-san," Usagi replied, wondering why Rei looked like
she was about to explode. "But no one can convince Rei to do anything
she doesn't want to."
"Thank you Usagi," Rei said softly.
"She can be very stubborn sometimes," Usagi added with a sigh.
"I wonder where I get that particular trait from," Rei gave Usagi an
elbow in the ribs.
Hino Rokojou gave a charmed laugh at Rei's comment. "Not your mother,
that's for sure. Miya was the sweetest, most accommodating woman in
the world. Just remember that I've had a lot more practice in
getting my way than you have, princess. In the end you'll see that
I'm right about living here. I know what's best for you."
Picking up her towel, Rei turned her back to her father and headed
for the door to cover the blush that came to her face. "Shall we
head for the pool?"
Sometimes he made her believe that, in his own way, he loved her.
That what made it so difficult to stop hoping that someday things
between them would be made right. Maybe it really could work out
this time.
***************************************
The room that held the sacred fire was at the heart of the Hikawa
Shrine. Okibi Souji's family had owned this temple for over two
hundred years. It had survived war and fire, earthquakes and floods.
His fondest wish was for his granddaughter to inherit it someday and
raise a family that would follow the traditions that had defined his
own life. Rei had the gift of Sight that ran in the family, and a
strong one at that. The Sight usually awoke at adolescence, but
Rei's had come to her early, when she was about four. He remembered
his shock the first time she told him about the pictures she saw in
flames and the things the fire told her. Her mother had done her best
to try and hide it from her husband, afraid of how he'd react.
Afraid of how he'd react…
That alone should have tipped him off, Okibi knew with in hindsight.
There were so many signs of trouble, but his beloved wife had died
that year and his heart was too filled with grief to see beyond his
own pain. Okibi Souji had sworn to both his wife and daughter that
he'd do whatever he had to in order to keep Rei safe. The old man
was not one to forget such a promise.
He knelt in front of the small family altar, clapping his hands
together three times to gain the attention of their spirits. Bowing
gravely to the altar he scampered back a few feet and, still on his
knees, started to pull on one of the floorboards. The humid weather
had caused it to swell and he had to tug hard to get it to come up.
With a final grunt of effort it did and he placed it to one side. A
carved wooden box, covered in layers of airtight plastic sat embedded
in the dirt. It took only a moment to pull it free and with great
care the old man unwrapped it.
Locks of hair tied with silk ribbons, faded pictures and pieces of
yellowing paper held a lifetime of memories both happy and sad.
Tucked into one corner was a small plastic case. The celluloid
strips inside it were undamaged and he gingerly picked one up.
Holding it up to the light Souji let a sigh escape his lips.
"I'm sorry, Miya," he said looking at the portrait. "I know you
never wanted these to see the light of day, but I have to use them
now." He put the negatives back into their case, shaking his head.
"We both know that Rokojou isn't capable of taking a hint, the
arrogant bastard."
He chuckled slightly, looking at the picture of wife. "You always
said the only way to get through to that boy was by hitting him on
the head with a mallet. And this," he gestured the hand with the
plastic case in it, "Is the biggest, heaviest mallet I know of."
***************************************
It as a never ending source of amusement to Michiru to watch Rei and
Usagi together. On the surface the two girls appeared to be complete
opposites, right down to their coloring. One of the things that did
have in common, though, was that both could be amazingly stubborn and
intractable. Usagi's stubbornness tended to manifest itself in ways
Michiru could at least predict. If there was a lost soul or hopeless
case, Usagi would end up right in the middle of it, trying to make
everything right. Rei, on the other hand was the more thoughtful
of the two. But once Hino Rei had made up her mind you might as well
consider trying to empty the Pacific ocean one teaspoon at a time.
That task would be more likely to see fruition than that of seeing
Rei back off from her stated position.
Usagi had an the uncanny (although Haruka called it "insane") ability
to see the potential for goodness in everyone. Rei's gift was much
more practical. She could see people for what they really were. It
was that incredible insight that made the Solider of Mars a force to
be feared. So, Michiru sighed as she watched Rei, why was the girl
willing to blind herself to what her father really was? The moment
Michiru's hand touched his, she knew just what Hino Rokojou was all
about. The self absorption of the man was pathetically transparent.
"A pleasure to meet you, Kaioh-san," Hino Rokojou said, real interest
in his eyes. "I had no idea that my daughter had friends of such
importance."
(And how can I use you to my advantage?) Michiru could almost hear
that idea running through Hino's head. "Rei is a very special person
in her own right, Hino-san," Michiru replied courteously. "I didn't
know that your daughter was a member of the club here."
"Rei's father just took an apartment here," Minako said in an even
tone.
"I'm hoping I can convince her to move in with me," Hino added,
smiling for the benefit of those around him.
"It's air conditioned," Usagi sighed.
"And very spacious," Makoto added. The more she was around Rei's
father, the less she liked the man. There was something about him
that made her oddly uncomfortable.
"But not as good as the Hikawa Shrine," Rei shot back. "Anybody can
live in a fancy apartment."
"Michiru, sorry to keep you waiting," came a tenor voice. "I had
trouble finding a good parking space."
A wry smiled tugged at Michiru's lips. Haruka's idea of a "good
parking spot" was one that didn't have any other cars within a quarter
mile of her much pampered automobile. She reacted to a door ding the
way others reacted to a head on collision. "At least you managed to
find some company to wait with you," Haruka added with a smile of her
own. She looked at Rokojou with pleasant curiosity.
"Tenoh Haruka, this is my father, Hino Rokojou," Rei said, making the
proper introductions.
"Tenoh Haruka, the formula one driver?" Hino asked. His daughter had
friends that just might be able to help him reach the vital eighteen
to forty voters block. "My little girl is just full of interesting
surprises today."
"Rei is like that, ne?" Haruka replied with a sly wink that made the
Soldier of Fire blush.
It was when Haruka moved in to shake the
man's hand that it happened. She leaned over ever so slightly and
the fabric of her loose shirt moved in just the right way so that
Hino caught a glimpse of Haruka's breasts. The revelation that the
driver most of the world thought of as male was, in reality, very
female was the milder of the shocks Rokojou was in store for. After
greeting Rei's father, Haruka moved to her lifemate and gave her a
gentle kiss on the cheek.
"Ready to go, love?" Haruka asked softly. "It was a pleasure to meet
you Hino-san," Haruka said with a short bow.
"And you also," Hino replied, his face blanching white. He pushed
the button to call the elevator. "Princess, would you come upstairs
with me for a moment? There's something I need to talk to you
about."
Rei did not like the look on her father's face. "Umm, all right.
I'll call you guys later, okay?" she said to her friends.
"Rei-chan, if you want us to stay…" Makoto started.
The elevator door slid smoothly open. "No, no, you go ahead. I'll
be fine, really." She stepped into the elevator and gave a short
wave, "Ja ne."
The doors slid shut and an uncomfortable silence fell on Minako,
Usagi and Makoto.
"It is me," Usagi finally said. She watched the numbers light up one
after another as the machine climbed methodically towards its
destination. "Or did things with Rei's Dad get terminally weird all
of a sudden?"
There was a strange fascination to watching the elevator go up and up
and up. "Oh no, it's not you. That guy just registered a nine
point five on my creep-o-meter," Minako said.
"Maybe we should go up after her," Makoto suggested.
"No way," Minako waved a hand. "Trust me. It's only going to piss
off Rei's Dad even more if we butt in. Rei can take care of herself.
She's handled guys a lot tougher than her father."
A shiver went down Usagi's back. "I'm not so sure about that."
***************************************
"They're gay," Hino said to his daughter. The accusation in his tone
suggested that Rei had arranged this surprise just for him.
For some reason, she found the look of utter outrage on her father's
face ridiculous. "No, they not 'gay'. Men are gay. Women are
lesbians."
"You have friends who are homosexuals! How could you allow this sort
of thing?" he demanded.
Why did she allow herself to get her hopes up about her father, Rei
wondered? He always reverted back to being an ass sooner or later.
"Gee Daddy, for some reason Michiru and Haruka have never felt the
need to ask my permission in regards to their sexual preferences."
"You can't be seen with people like that," Hino stepped closer, his
soft words giving life to the fire that burned in him. "It could
ruin me if it's found out that my daughter associates with those kind
of people. You don't understand. The political world is filled with
only two kinds of people. There are those who use others and those
who are used."
"You make it sound so appealing," Rei shot back caustically. "What
about the ideals of service, of honor and duty? Don't they have any
place in your so called 'political' world?"
Her father actually laughed, "You are so naïve. Do you really think
that people like that exist? It's all about power, my dear; who has
it and who wants it. Well, I want it and I am not going to let your
misguided altruism damage me." His eyes narrowed and he poked at his
daughter with his index finger as he spoke. "I forbid you to have
anything to do with those two gay women publicly. In fact it would
be best if you completely severed any ties you have with them."
"You forbid me?" Rei asked, her own anger rising now. She pushed his
hand away from her "I've got a news flash for you. You can't 'forbid
me' to do anything. Haruka and Michiru are wonderful people and I'm
not about stop being their friend because of you."
Anger had been in Rokojou's voice, but his sudden, explosive rage
caught Rei totally by surprise. Her father lashed out, grabbing his
daughter by the forearm and pushing her back against the wall with
enough force to make it make the machine sway slightly.
"You'll do what I tell you to do, when I tell you to do it," he
shouted, twisting her forearm as she spoke. "I am not going to let
you screw up this election up for me. You have no idea of what I've
sacrificed to get a chance like this."
"Maybe your soul?" It felt as if he was trying to break her arm, but
Rei bit back the yelp of pain that came to her lips. She would not
let him see how much it hurt. "Let go of my arm," she said slowly.
As quickly as it had come, the rage that burned in Hino Rokojou was
banked. He was trembling with the effort, but let go of Rei's arm.
She pulled it away, carefully flexing her fingers to make sure that
they still worked.
"I'm…I'm sorry, Princess," Hino stammered. "I didn't mean to lose my
temper like that, but you shouldn't have provoked me. You're just
like your mother, damn it. Always defying me when I know what's best.
The words hit Rei like lightening. She was suddenly dizzy, the edges
of her vision actually going gray for a second. There was a strange,
disjointed feeling that this had all happened before. Memories of
hushed and frenzied voices danced elusively in her head, pain lancing
through her skull at the ghostly whispers.
"I want to go home," she whispered, her eyes wide with shock.
"Why don't you let me make it up to you with dinner?" Rokojou said in
a soothing voice. "We could go shopping afterwards and you can pick
out something pretty – anything you like."
"No," Rei said, shaking her head. "I want to go home." She started
to push at any button on the control panel that she could reach.
Panic grabbed at Rei and she wanted nothing more than to get away
from her father. "I want to go home, now."
With a soft bump, the elevator glided to a halt, the doors sliding
open. A hand pulled at her again and she looked at her father in
anger and worst of all, sudden fear.
"You're blowing this way out of proportion. I didn't really hurt you
that much," Hino seemed puzzled by her behavior.
Rei stepped away from him, pulling her arm free with a jerk. "Don't
touch me." A rage so intense it bordered on irrational wanted to
take hold of her. "Don't you ever touch me like that again or by the
Kami I swear you'll regret it."
"Princess…"
Rei was out of the elevator and moving away from her father before
she could give into the emotions that tore through her. "Leave me
alone," she called out, heading for the stairs. "Just leave me
alone."
***************************************
After saying good-bye to Minako and Makoto, Usagi headed for the
Crown Fruit Parlor. That she'd worked up an appetite swimming was
only half the reason she went there. The Crown was on the way home
that Rei normally took when in this part of the tenth district of
Tokyo. Over the years she'd come to learn that Rei rarely asked for
help when she needed it, especially with a personal problem. Usagi's
intention was to order a very large raspberry-lime rickey and wait to
see if her friend went by. Most importantly, she wanted to see if
Rei needed her.
"Usagi?"
The blonde turned with a smile at that voice. She'd known Furuhata
Motoki for more than a few years. Once upon a time, she'd harbored
a crush on the sandy haired blonde. That, of course, was before she
and Mamoru found each other, but she had to admit that he was a very
handsome man.
"Usagi," Motoki smiled down at her. "Do you have a minute? There's
something I need to talk to you about."
***************************************
Rei ran all the way back to the temple. She ran from her father and
from the feelings he provoked in her. She ran from her friends,
afraid to tell them what just happened. She ran from herself and the
fear of what she'd say if she started to talk about it. Her lungs
burned for air but Rei kept running, knowing that if she stopped
the memories and feelings that ran circles in her brain would catch
her. Rei wasn't sure of much right now, but the deep seated need to
push away the emotions that roiled inside her was very strong.
She took the stone stairs two at a time, ignoring the stitch in her
side and the ache in her soul. Without thinking Rei headed for the
center of the Hikawa Shrine, the room that held the sacred fire.
Pushing open the door she tossed aside her shoes and ran in, finally
collapsing before the bonfire.
"Why does he have to be like this?" she whispered without thinking.
Her arm was throbbing where he'd grabbed her and Rei glanced at it.
Bruises were starting to form. The deep purple and blue marks showed
the imprints of her father's fingers.
"What's wrong with me? What am I doing so wrong that my own father
doesn't love me?" she whimpered, glancing first at the small family
altar and the picture of her mother. Her eyes were drawn to the
Sacred Fire that the Hikawa Shrine was named for.
The great fire had no answers for her tonight and the only reply was
a sharp pop as a log collapsed into it, fueling the inferno. She
knelt before the dancing flames, rocking back and forth like a child
seeking comfort but finding none. Tears ran down Rei's face and for
once she let them fall without trying to stop them.
"What's wrong with me? Why can't he love me?"
***************************************
A simple philosophy ordered Kudoko Akuma's world. He lived by the
unshakable idea that there are but two types of creatures in this
world. There are those who use people and those who are used. Like
the man that it epitomized this creed was deceptively simple, coldly
efficient and causally brutal.
"Let me tell you a story," Kudoko said standing in front of the
window in the offices at the back of Crown Parlor. "Once upon a
time there was a boy who was the youngest son of a fisherman. He
lived in a small village that believed it prospered only because a
god lived among them. This god's demands were quite simple. Every
year, as the cherry trees were in full bloom, he would pick one child
to take with him. A boy was chosen one spring, a day before his
fourteenth birthday. He went willingly with his god, happy to
sacrifice himself for the good of the only home he'd ever know." A
hand was raised to the glass in a gesture calculated to appear
wistful. In the smooth glass surface Kudoko could see Usagi's face
reflected. He watched her reactions carefully as she sat beside
Motoki. He told his story in tones measured to gain sympathy.
There were other ideals Kudoko subscribed to and they only served to
reinforce his central and most sacred principal. If you have the
most power, then no one can use you, he reasoned. Knowledge was the
best and most enduring form of power and any means used to obtain it
are, therefore, justifiable.
That knowledge that Motoki was an old and trusted friend had gained
Kudoko this chance to manipulate Usagi. He very much doubted that
without his current toy he'd have Usagi sitting here listening to his
story. He'd fed from his toy once more just before sending him out
to collect Usagi. He didn't want to chance having Motoki awaken
and spoil things.
Kudoko had long ago learned that a lie was best hidden inside
a truth. He used that bit of knowledge to his advantage. Most of
what he said was true, but facts such as the carefully planned murder
of his master and the relish with which he'd preyed on mankind for
one hundred and fifty years were left out.
Kudoko paused in his tale, taking a slow, deep breath meant to convey
anguish. A quick glance showed that Usagi had brought her hand to
her mouth in a gesture of horror. Everything was going as he'd hoped.
The seduction he planned would be a slow process, taking three or
four days to gain enough control of Usagi to make her take his blood.
Once that was done Usagi would be compelled do what he required of
her at the next new moon. He needed her to think she was coming to
him of her own free will, at least at first. While safer, the more
gradual process of enthralling Usagi held dangers, too. If the
Tuxedo Kamen or the Senshi ever got wind of what he was trying to do
to their Princess, they could make a very quick end to him.
That was why he'd staged the attack last night. Even from here he
could see that, as hoped for, the deep gash his late and unlamented
Yohko had inflicted on the girl was completely healed. There would be
no tell-tale puncture wounds on her lovely body on the mornings after
he fed. Slowly, hesitantly, he turned to face Usagi where she sat on
the couch beside Motoki.
"I need your help, Usagi," he finished, an emotion filled catch in
his voice inserted at just the right moment. "You're may be my only
hope to be human again."
Motoki, who had been sitting quietly, came to life. "I've been
trying to get Akuma-kun to come to you for help for months now. He's
a nice guy," the blonde youth said with a well timed wink, "But a tad
nervous about talking to people about his 'condition'."
Giving a chuckle of self-derisive amusement, Kudoko smiled. "Well,
I'm not exactly the kind of man every mother and father hopes their
daughter will bring home, Motoki-kun."
Usagi was torn between sympathy for the horrors this man had been
through and her sense of caution. She glanced at Motoki, knowing
that he'd never bring her into a situation he considered dangerous.
Trust won out.
"What exactly did Motoki say I could do for you?" she asked, looking
at the young blonde man. He hadn't told this stranger that she was
Sailor Moon had he?
A single eyebrow was raised by Motoki and he looked back at Usagi.
"I told him that you have a special kind of healing gift. That in
the past you've been able to drive dark energy out of people who
have been cursed by it," he replied cautiously.
Narrowing his sea green eyes, Kudoko folded his arms across his
chest. "I was afraid to believe him before, but even from here I can
sense the power of light you carry within you." A look calculated to
simulate hope flickered across Kudoko's face. "It's true, I think.
You do have the power to lift this curse from me."
"Speaking of which," Usagi put in tentatively, "exactly what kind of
curse are we talking about here?" She reached for her glass of cold
soda to take a sip. Everything was happening so fast.
With a sigh, Kudoko lowered his head. He took a long, slow breath.
When he raised his face once more he had changed – dramatically. His
eyes were now a glowing red, the pupils slitted like a reptile. Even
as he opened his mouth to speak fangs slid into place.
"This is what I am, Usagi," he held up both hands when he saw the
look that crossed her face. "Please, don't be afraid. I won't hurt
you. I was right, Motoki-kun. Usagi have seen the ones that are
searching for me." His head was lowered once more and when it lifted
he appeared normal once more.
With a mental prod Motoki spoke the words he was prompted to. "From
what Akuma tells me you and the others ran into a member of a sort of 'enforcers' squad. They weren't after Mamoru or you, really. You
were just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Dinner time," Kudoko put in with grim amusement.
"So that woman only wanted Mamo-chan because he was a convenient
snack. It was nothing personal," Usagi gestured nervously. "Oh that
makes me feel so much better to know. Thank you."
Akuma gave a warm chuckle at her reaction. "They're here in Tokyo
looking for me. Not everyone in the undead community is thrilled by
the idea that I might find a way to break this curse. I don't think
they know exactly where I am yet, but the very fact that they're in
the city means I don't have any time to waste."
"How do you think I can help you?" Usagi asked carefully.
This was the critical moment and Akuma was careful to do it just the
way he'd rehearsed. He went to the end of the small and battered
couch that dominated a corner of the office and crouched down so that
he was at eye-level with Usagi. It seemed as if he was doing his best
to appear non-threatening.
"What I'm proposing is this. You carry your healing magic in all
parts of you – even your blood." Slowly, very slowly, he reached out
to take her hand, encouraged when Usagi didn't pull away. "This
curse was laid on me by blood and only by blood can it be removed. If
you'll let me, I want to take a little bit of yours for four or five
days. At the end of that time I'll either be on the way to a cure or
I'll know it won't work."
There was such gentle desperation in his eyes, Usagi thought as she
looked into them. They were deep too, and she felt as if she could
lose herself in their regard. "And if I say no?" she asked.
Kudoko gave her hand a gallant kiss before releasing it. "Then I'll
disappear into the night and you'll never see me again," he said
standing up. "I won't risk anyone else being hurt because of me.
In the time I've been here I've become very attached to some of the
people around me. The creatures who are looking for me consider love
a weakness. They'd use anyone I care for against me in an instant."
He was talking about Rei, Usagi suddenly knew. "Is that why you work
so hard to tick Rei-chan off – to keep her at a safe distance?"
"You've noticed, ne?" Kudoko glanced at Usagi over his shoulder, a
sad smile on his lips. "I could fall in love with her so easily, but
I don't dare." He turned his back to Usagi once more. "Not when I'm
like this. Rei deserves a prince, not a monster like me."
Getting off the couch, Usagi went to Kudoko. "You're not a monster.
It's what in a person's heart that counts, not what they look like."
Her words made him smile in satisfaction. Usagi was reacting exactly
the way he wanted her to. He made sure his face was calm when he
turned to face her once more.
"Thank you. I wish I could give you a couple of days to think this
over, but with the enforcers so close by I can't." His hands were
stuffed into his pocket in a manner that radiated suppressed anxiety.
"I need your answer now. If you can't or won't help me, then I have
to leave Tokyo as fast as I can."
"Now?" Usagi almost stumbled over the word in surprise.
"This is why I suggested including me in this conversation," Motoki
said. "Usagi, you know me and I think you trust me. I'll be right
here the whole time. I'd never let anything bad happen to you."
Doubt flickered in Usagi's eyes. "I should really talk this over
with Mamo-chan before I do anything. This is all happening a little
fast for me."
Kudoko quietly moved between Usagi and the door while he forced
Motoki to say the required words. If she refused to help him he'd
have to take Usagi fast and hard. He wasn't at all sure that she'd
survive the experience.
"You can tell Mamoru in the morning," Motoki said in a soft voice.
"You can tell anyone you want to in order to feel safe," Kudoko added
with the perfect amount of concern. "I want you to do this willingly
or not at all. If I was going to force you to do this I would have
jumped you as soon as you came in the door, Usagi."
Usagi looked at Motoki, then back at Kudoko. He was right, she knew.
If he'd wanted to hurt her he could have done so long before now.
This man was asking for her help, for a chance to live a normal life.
How could she say no?
"I'll do what I can to help you," she said, nodding her head.
Tears brightened the green eyes of Kudoko Akuma. "I'll never be able
to thank you enough, Usagi. Whatever happens, whether this works or
not, you have my eternal gratitude."
Trepidation crept into the crystal blue eyes. "So, what do I have to
do?"
"That's the easy part," Akuma replied with a light laugh. "All you
need to do is relax."
"It's okay, Usagi," Motoki said slowly. He blinked several times as
if he had something in his eye. "I'm right here."
"Just look at me, ne?" Kudoko gently took her by the chin and caught
her gaze. "I want you to listen to my voice, Usagi."
His eyes were a vivid green, Usagi noticed, and very deep too. She
began to feel slightly lightheaded but it wasn't unpleasant at all.
It reminded her of the moments just before she fell asleep after a
long, hard day. The world fell away from Usagi and there was nothing
but those endless green eyes and the sound of his voice
Kudoko felt the moment he made tenuous contact with her mind and
smiled softly. "There won't be any pain if you just listen to my
voice. That's it," The vampire's tone was soothing even as he had a
brief flash of images from her. "You've been having nightmares,
haven't you?"
"I don't like them," Usagi replied in a soft voice. Normally it was
painful to even think about the dreams, but nothing seemed quite real
right now. "It hurts to remember."
Kudoko tilted his head, a look of calculated sympathy crossing his
handsome face. "Poor girl," he said gently, never taking his eyes
from hers. "I can make them stop if you'll let me. Would like that,
Usagi? Do you want me to make the bad dreams go away?"
"Please…" desperation in her breathless reply. Usagi wanted it so
badly in that moment that she'd do anything.
"Then just relax and let the pain go. That's it," he coxed her
gently. Fangs were revealed in a cold smile when her eyes slid
shut. "I'm just going to kiss you, Usagi. You liked to be kissed
don't you?" He leaned down, whispering in her ear. Kudoko could
feel her pulse beneath his fingers as he ran a hand down her throat.
"Just a kiss." Gently Kudoko pushed the corners of her open collar
away from her shoulder, carefully choosing a spot where he wouldn't
hit a major vein. Curling his lips, he lowered his head and began to
drink, slowly at first.
Usagi made a soft, surprised noise at the sensations the vampire's
kiss engender in her. It felt almost as if Mamo-chan was kissing
her. A sweet and warm tingling started to fill her body and she
sighed, not protesting when Kudoko slid his arms around her.
He began to suckle more aggressively on the wound, speeding the flow
of blood into his mouth. The gentle sensations suddenly mounted in
intensity and without warning the sweet tingling exploded into a
sensual tidal wave that swamped the unprepared Usagi in a heartbeat.
She could only gasp in shock while a thin ribbon of blood that
escaped Kudoko's lips seeped down her shoulder.
She started to tremble from the sensory overload. Kudoko tightened
his grip, making sure Usagi didn't fall away from him. The vampire
at last lifted his head from her shoulder and saw that Usagi was
leaning against him, unresisting and all but insensible in his
embrace. Tonight he would have less than a minute before her mind
shook off his influence. That should be just long enough for his
purposes.
"You won't remember the nightmares anymore Usagi, but you will
remember just how good I made you feel tonight." Kudoko let his
tongue run slowly over the punctures to stop the bleeding. He smiled
when she gave an involuntary shiver. The delectable combination of
power and pleasure laced her blood and he savored the taste. "You
don't want to tell anyone about this, especially Mamoru. He wouldn't understand."
"Wouldn't understand," Usagi mumbled just before she gave a shudder
and with a start against him, came back to herself. "Is it over?"
she asked, blinking owlishly.
"Yes, that's it," Kudoko helped Usagi steady herself. "Are you all
right?"
"Just a little sleepy," Usagi replied, putting a hand to her head
trying to focus her mind. She felt amazingly relaxed, as if she
could drift off to sleep here and now.
Motoki, who had been sitting motionless on the couch came to life at
the vampire's mental prodding. "Why don't I help you get home,
Usagi? Mamoru-kun would never forgive me if something happened to
you."
"Thank you, Usagi," Kudoko Akuma took her hand and gave it a genteel
kiss. "You will make it possible for me to fulfill a dream I've
cherished for longer than I can remember." He looked up at her with
hooded eyes, a smile coming to his lips.
Kudoko's seduction of the Moon Princess was proceeding as planned.
Within days he'd have complete control over her and most importantly,
over the power she possessed. Now that he'd taken the necessary
first steps with Usagi, Kudoko had the luxury of going after the
woman he truly wanted. His pursuit of Hino Rei could now begin in
earnest.
***************************************
In three weeks – Some of the secrets of Rei's past are brought out
into the open. Will the truth set Rei free – or will it destroy her?
Next Week –The last book of the Crystal Tokyo trilogy that started
with "Fatal Exposure" and continued in "Full Circle" begins and is
called "The Quest". Be here in one week for chapter one – "Rude
Awakenings"!
I almost didn't post this chapter this chapter for a number of
reasons. The primary one is because of the horrifying attack made on
our country this week. But I decided that if I delayed posting, it
would be allowing the bastards who did this a victory. That cannot
be allowed. So please forgive me if the author's notes seem long,
but I have a lot to say.
As fanfic writers we tell tales about fictional heroes and their
struggles. This week we have seen real heroes – the men and women
who risked and, in some cases, lost their lives in an attempt to save
others. They are firefighters, police officers, paramedics and, most
poignantly, ordinary people. In a moment of terror and death, some
found the courage to selflessly reach out and help those in need.
Still others knew they were going to die, but refused to stand by and
let the monsters who promulgated these attacks go through with their
evil. Over the skies of Pennsylvania, they made sure that no other
innocents would die with them. The courage of ordinary people in the
most extraordinary of circumstances is their legacy to us. Their
epitaph can be summed up in one word – Hero.
Standard Disclaimer – I don't own Sailor Moon or any of the attendant
characters to which valid copyright laws apply. This story is done
purely for entertainment purposes and without any expectation of
monetary gain.
***************************************
"Seduction"
By Meara
Chapter Three – "Subtle Persuasions"
***************************************
The answer was so obvious that Rei was a tad annoyed that Mamoru
couldn't see it for himself. For a guy who was brilliant at other
times he had some very strange blind spots. Or maybe it was just
that men could be incredibly dense sometimes, Hino Rei decided. It
wasn't that Rei meant to say it as sharply as she did, it just sort
of burst from her lips before she could stop herself.
"Well of course Usagi's having some lingering anxiety. We were all
dead. You, me, all of us – dead! How did you think she'd take it?"
There were dark circles under Rei's eyes Mamoru noticed. "Are you
all right, Rei?"
Sighing, Rei rubbed her temples with her fingers in a small, circular
motion, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap that way. I've still got
an awful headache from the way I used my attack last night. It was a
bit more intense than usual."
"A bit?" Mamoru gave a short chuckle that lifted Rei's spirits. "You
immolated that Youma. Makoto was very impressed by the little pile
of ash left behind, by the way. She kept commenting on it all the way
home from what Minako told me."
"You'll forgive me if I have no sympathy for a monster that exists by
preying on the living," Rei added wryly. To be honest she wasn't if
was the use of her power as Mars or the disturbing dream she'd had
that was making her head pound. Bits and pieces of it kept flashing
through her mind, refusing to go away. Thinking about it made her
head hurt even worse, so Rei turned her attention elsewhere for the
moment.
"Let me try my reply again, ne? I'm not surprised Usagi is troubled
by bad memories. You didn't see her when you were gone. There was
one day when she thought you'd come back, only to find that it was
Seiya doing his best Tuxedo Kamen impression. You should have seen
her, Mamoru. Usagi fell completely apart, sobbing your name and
calling for you," It made Rei's heart ache with sympathy when she
remembered Usagi kneeling in the rain, calling brokenly for the only
man she'd ever loved. "Did you know that she used to call your
answering machine just to hear your voice?"
"No, I didn't," but that bit of information it did solve a mystery
for Mamoru. The sound of his answering machine in his apartment
yesterday must have been the trigger for the anxiety attack.
Sitting down on a wall under one of the largest trees, Rei motioned
for Mamoru to join her in the cool shade. "I haven't told anyone
else this, but I think that at some level Usagi knew you were dead.
That's the reason why she never tried too hard to find out where you
were in America, and why, when we did discover that you were
'missing', Usagi wasn't really surprised. The bond you two share
cuts both ways, ne?"
That comment made Mamoru put his elbows on his knees and rest his
chin on hands closed tightly. "The soul-bond," he murmured. Mamoru
slowly began to tap his lips with one of his fists as a disturbing
memory came to him.
Usagi had used the silver crystal to stop the fatal plunge of the
small asteroid he and the Senshi were trapped on into Earth's
atmosphere. The memory of the instant the Ginzuishou had shattered
came back to him. Something broke inside him the moment Usagi had
fallen back into his arms, dead. The pain had been so overwhelming,
the agony of loss so total that all he had been able to do was
silently hold her lifeless body in his arms, wishing that he'd died
with her.
"Oh my God," Mamoru moaned softly in a moment of epiphany that cut
him sharply. The answer was so simple that he'd overlooked it. "That's
it."
The bond between them would have shattered when he was "killed" by
Galaxia. Too painful to deal with, Usagi must have repressed the
knowledge. From what he'd been able to find out, in a matter of a
few hours her whole world had come apart at the seams. Usagi had
watched her best friends cruelly cut down before her eyes. Not
satisfied, Galaxia had then taunted Usagi by showing her his star
seed – proof she couldn't deny that he was dead. Shortly after that
first Pluto and Saturn, then Uranus and Neptune, had fallen.
"She was alone," Mamoru said to Rei. "She was all alone."
"And being alone is something Usagi doesn't do well," Rei added.
She kept the comment (Well duh!) to herself. It really wouldn't
have helped the situation any.
It was all so clear to Mamoru now. "The times she has these
emotional meltdowns Usako always says the same thing. She begs me
not to leave her again."
Rei's eyebrows shot up at that remark. "Wait a minute, Usagi's been
begging you not leave her and you didn't realize what it was about
until now? What did you think she meant by 'don't leave me'?"
"Not to study overseas?" the Prince of Earth said sheepishly.
A hand snaked out and whacked Mamoru on the side of the head. "Men…
Kami give me strength! Look, given time I think Usagi will get over
this if you're supportive, stay in the country and don't die again."
"I think I can handle that," Mamoru replied with a smile. "Is this
an example of the gentle wisdom you dispense at this shrine?"
"Yes," came the smug reply, "and people come from far and wide just
to get it, so consider yourself blessed." Helping to solve someone
else's problems served to lift Rei's sprits. "Usagi's grown up a lot
in the past year. Let's give her some time and space to try and
handle the problem on her own, if that's what she wants. Does anyone
else know anything about this?"
The advice was sound and Mamoru was very glad he'd come to Rei. For
all the times that the two had fought like cats and dogs in the past,
Mamoru knew that Rei loved Usagi deeply. "Only Luna so far. Until
Usako is ready to open up and talk about it, I'd like to keep this
quiet. Trust me, even well meaning pressure can only make the
situation worse."
That comment made Rei give a snort. "Believe me, I'm not about to
try and pressure anyone to do something they don't want to. I've had
quite of it in my own life lately, thank you. It's been making me a
little cranky."
That Rei's temper was somewhat frayed was obvious to anyone who knew
her. Like Usagi, getting her to talk about it wasn't always easy.
Mamoru made sure to keep his tone even and non-judgmental.
"Really? I hadn't noticed. Would this have anything to do with the
fact that your father is in town?"
The fire that flared in the violet eyes was all the answer Mamoru
needed. "Oh, yeah."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Mamoru asked. "I may not have any
specialized temple training like you, but I've been told that I'm a
pretty good listener."
"My father is manipulative pig," she responded with surprisingly
little anger. It was more a statement of fact than anything else.
"He's always been that way and continues to live down to my
expectations each time I see him. And no, I don't want to talk about
it."
That was his cue to leave, Mamoru knew. Knowing when to make a good
exit was a skill he'd perfected over the years. "Well, if you change
your mind, the offer is open."
Rei looked at him with a twinge of jealousy. The guy was so in
love with Usagi that he'd walk into hell for her. Chiba Mamoru was
handsome, intelligent and the nicest guy she'd ever known. Why was
it that men like her wretch of a father and the too good looking
Kudoko Akuma populated her life? Why couldn't she attract a man like
Mamoru, Rei wondered and not for the first time?
"Thanks and don't worry too much about Usagi," Rei added. "She can
be rash at time but she's not a complete idiot. If Usagi is any kind
of real trouble she'll ask for help."
***************************************
the voice in Kudoko's
mind hissed petulantly.
You'd think that a force of darkness as powerful as this Demon would
have learned a little patience over the course of eons, Kudoko mused
staring into his scrying bowl. "I have to be careful. I could take
the girl hard and fast as I did with my current servant," Kudoko gave
a surreptitious glance to where Motoki sat silently on the couch
reading a book, desperately trying to block out what was going on
around him. "But that's not my first choice. For all the power she
controls, Tsukino Usagi is a very small woman. I doubt she'd survive
the kind of blood loss it would take for me to gain control of her
in a single night."
the demon cautioned. The image wavered and flames
burst from what served as the creatures eyes.
Kudoko chose to ignore the threat. "Tonight is the waning moon,"
Kudoko said. "By the dark of the next new moon I will have the
means to free you."
The image in the viscous blue liquid was fading once more.
The strange azure fluid boiled up the lip of the bowl, then slowly
stilled once more. When it did the waters were once again still.
With great care Kudoko poured the liquid back into the painted vial that
matched the scrying bowl. He stopped and considered the design
painted on it, that of a firebird in full flight. The sparks it
threw off resembled bright fire flowers and he smiled as he looked at
it. How fitting that he should find a firebird of his own now that
he was about grasp his chance at becoming Master of this world. He
picked up the bowl, turning it slowly as his mind started to plan
just how he'd bring Hino Rei to his arms.
"All finished with your conference call?" Motoki asked, in a
conversational tone, breaking the silence. (I wonder how much it
costs to call hell, anyway? The roaming charges must be a killer,)
he added silently.
"Scoff all you'd like. For all the marvels of technology I've
witnessed in the last century and a half, nothing has yet to equal
the power and scope of even the simplest of magics." Kudoko
carefully put the delicate bowl back into a drawer of the desk and
locked it. "Just think I get great reception, no static and
unlimited talking time - all that and no telemarketers."
"Yes, but if you don't pay the telephone company they just turn off
your service. I get the feeling the creature you're dealing with
wants a lot more than your cell phone," Motoki mumbled, closing his
book.
Walking to where Motoki sat Kudoko reached out and took the book from
his hands. "I didn't think you cared," he said, green eyes snapping
with amusement at the interaction with the normally quiet Motoki.
"What I'll be getting out of this deal is more than worth the risk.
Are you still studying this thing? How long does it take you to read
a book anyway, toy? You mustn't be quite as bright as I'd thought."
A vulgar phrase ran through Motoki's mind, but upon reflection he
was just as glad that he hadn't blurted it out. (Oh yeah, good going
Motoki. You really are an idiot,) he chided himself, (Saying 'bite
me' to a vampire is probably not the smartest thing to do!) "This
takes time. Learning even the basics of American Sign is like
learning a new language. Would you like me to demonstrate?"
This was much more talkative than Motoki usually got. There was a
look on his toy's face that intrigued him. "All right, show me," he
gave a nod.
The compulsion that Kudoko had Motoki under kept a tight control on
what he could say. There was, however, one very large loophole in
the spell the vampire cast on him. Motoki allowed himself a moment
of satisfaction as he managed to use it.
The blond man lifted his right hand and with a smug smile of
satisfaction flipped up the middle finger. "Want me to translate
that for you?"
Surprisingly, Akuma laughed. "Don't push your luck, toy. You're more
clever than I thought, manipulating me into asking you to do what you
wanted to." He sat down on the couch and Motoki gasped when he felt
Kudoko abruptly seize control of his body. "I hope you enjoyed your
little 'victory'. It may be the last one you have for quite some
time."
Trembling with effort, Motoki tried to resist but was forced lean
back against the cushions of the couch once more. "What do you
mean?"
Slowly Kudoko ran a hand over Motoki's cheek and the blond shuddered
at the touch. "You're going to help me convince Usagi to let me take
her – and without a fight that might attract the attention of either
her over-protective guardians or her boyfriend. Oh, yes you are."
He laughed when he saw the rebellion in Motoki's eyes. "That's why I
put up with these small and very annoying displays of independence
from you. I need Usagi to think she's coming to me of her own free
will, at least at first. You, toy, play a vital role in that plan.
After all, Usagi trusts her old friend Motoki doesn't she? Chiba
Mamoru would never think that she could come to harm with you, now
would he? But first I need to make sure that very clever mind of
yours isn't working against me."
"Oh no…" Motoki managed to whisper, horror lancing through him when
he saw fangs slowly pushing out from between Kudoko's lips. His body
trembled as he tried to fight against the power that held him. "I
won't let you hurt Usagi."
"Yes you will, toy," Kudoko chuckled softly, almost affectionately.
"You'll do whatever I tell you to do. I know why you're so very
frightened. The part of you that fights me gets smaller each time I
take you, doesn't it? That's why seduction is such an effective
weapon. The human body is hardwired to crave the kind of pleasure I
can give you. Each time that it overwhelms you, I go a little deeper
into your mind. Soon your only thoughts will be of me; your only
desire to please me."
He was right, Motoki knew, with a surge of both trepidation and rage.
Each time Kudoko fed from him it took longer and longer for Motoki
to regain any semblance of free will. Whatever magic the vampire
used on him, it was consuming his personality, trying to turn him
into nothing more than a blindly obedient puppet. (I can't let him
do this!) Motoki screamed inside his mind, the shaking growing worse
as desperation filled him. (I have to find a way to stop him!)
Kudoko took a shuddering Motoki by the chin. Red eyes burned like
banked coals and held an irresistibly power in them. "Look at me,
Motoki. Listen to my voice."
The world grew remote, everything acquiring a dream-like quality for
Motoki and he struggled to stay conscious. Those glowing red eyes
were bottomless and Motoki felt himself start to fall into them once
more. He struggled to look away but he couldn't.
Kudoko's voice reached him as if from a great distance. "Who do you
live for?" the beautiful monster asked in a seductive voice. "Who do
you serve?"
"Y…you," Motoki heard himself reply hesitantly, and his mind shrieked
in protest.
Kudoko's fingers tilted Motoki's head, exposing his throat. "And
what would you do for me?"
Motoki could feel his will was being swallowed up, smothered by the
touch of the vampire's mind on his. He stubbornly clung to his
thoughts of defiance. (What would I do for you? How about I get you
a year's subscription to a tanning salon? Or put a skylight above
your bed? Or better yet – how about I put holy water in your ice
cube tray?) he longed to shout. With a last soundless scream of
impotent rage, Motoki was engulfed. He sighed, relaxing against the
cushions.
"What would you do for me, toy?" Kudoko asked once more, softly.
"Anything," the blond youth whispered, lost.
"Yes," Kudoko purred. He reached over and opened the buttons of
Motoki's shirt, pushing it away from his shoulders. The vampire
laughed, fangs gleaming in the lamplight. "And so you will, toy."
***************************************
Minako summed it up quite nicely, speaking for everyone. "Sweet
mother of pearl! This place is incredible."
"You can see for miles," Makoto said looking out the glass French
doors. "Or at least you'd be able to if things weren't so hazy."
"And it's air conditioned," Usagi sighed with pleasure. "I think
I'll move in here with you Rei-chan." The odango-haired blonde
leaned over to whisper at Rei. "I think Luna will, too. You should
hear her complain about how uncomfortable she is in this weather."
"I never said I was moving in," Rei mumbled, looking around for her
father. He had yet to learn a simple lesson about his daughter. The
harder Rei was pushed to do something, the less likely she was to do
it.
Hino Rokojou had a very satisfied smile on his face. He finished
pulling on a terry cloth cover up over his swimsuit and glanced at
his daughter. Girls this age were very concerned about what their
friends thought, Hino knew. If he could get them to like this place,
then Rei would be swayed by them.
"I'm glad you like our apartment, girls," he said trying not to sound
too smug. "You'd be welcome here anytime, of course. If, that is, I
can convince my daughter to move in here."
That was what the sudden and unexpected invitation to come for a swim
was really all about, Rei suspected. Her father was trying to get her
friends to do his dirty work for him. Why couldn't the man take "no"
for an answer?
"I'm sorry, Hino-san," Usagi replied, wondering why Rei looked like
she was about to explode. "But no one can convince Rei to do anything
she doesn't want to."
"Thank you Usagi," Rei said softly.
"She can be very stubborn sometimes," Usagi added with a sigh.
"I wonder where I get that particular trait from," Rei gave Usagi an
elbow in the ribs.
Hino Rokojou gave a charmed laugh at Rei's comment. "Not your mother,
that's for sure. Miya was the sweetest, most accommodating woman in
the world. Just remember that I've had a lot more practice in
getting my way than you have, princess. In the end you'll see that
I'm right about living here. I know what's best for you."
Picking up her towel, Rei turned her back to her father and headed
for the door to cover the blush that came to her face. "Shall we
head for the pool?"
Sometimes he made her believe that, in his own way, he loved her.
That what made it so difficult to stop hoping that someday things
between them would be made right. Maybe it really could work out
this time.
***************************************
The room that held the sacred fire was at the heart of the Hikawa
Shrine. Okibi Souji's family had owned this temple for over two
hundred years. It had survived war and fire, earthquakes and floods.
His fondest wish was for his granddaughter to inherit it someday and
raise a family that would follow the traditions that had defined his
own life. Rei had the gift of Sight that ran in the family, and a
strong one at that. The Sight usually awoke at adolescence, but
Rei's had come to her early, when she was about four. He remembered
his shock the first time she told him about the pictures she saw in
flames and the things the fire told her. Her mother had done her best
to try and hide it from her husband, afraid of how he'd react.
Afraid of how he'd react…
That alone should have tipped him off, Okibi knew with in hindsight.
There were so many signs of trouble, but his beloved wife had died
that year and his heart was too filled with grief to see beyond his
own pain. Okibi Souji had sworn to both his wife and daughter that
he'd do whatever he had to in order to keep Rei safe. The old man
was not one to forget such a promise.
He knelt in front of the small family altar, clapping his hands
together three times to gain the attention of their spirits. Bowing
gravely to the altar he scampered back a few feet and, still on his
knees, started to pull on one of the floorboards. The humid weather
had caused it to swell and he had to tug hard to get it to come up.
With a final grunt of effort it did and he placed it to one side. A
carved wooden box, covered in layers of airtight plastic sat embedded
in the dirt. It took only a moment to pull it free and with great
care the old man unwrapped it.
Locks of hair tied with silk ribbons, faded pictures and pieces of
yellowing paper held a lifetime of memories both happy and sad.
Tucked into one corner was a small plastic case. The celluloid
strips inside it were undamaged and he gingerly picked one up.
Holding it up to the light Souji let a sigh escape his lips.
"I'm sorry, Miya," he said looking at the portrait. "I know you
never wanted these to see the light of day, but I have to use them
now." He put the negatives back into their case, shaking his head.
"We both know that Rokojou isn't capable of taking a hint, the
arrogant bastard."
He chuckled slightly, looking at the picture of wife. "You always
said the only way to get through to that boy was by hitting him on
the head with a mallet. And this," he gestured the hand with the
plastic case in it, "Is the biggest, heaviest mallet I know of."
***************************************
It as a never ending source of amusement to Michiru to watch Rei and
Usagi together. On the surface the two girls appeared to be complete
opposites, right down to their coloring. One of the things that did
have in common, though, was that both could be amazingly stubborn and
intractable. Usagi's stubbornness tended to manifest itself in ways
Michiru could at least predict. If there was a lost soul or hopeless
case, Usagi would end up right in the middle of it, trying to make
everything right. Rei, on the other hand was the more thoughtful
of the two. But once Hino Rei had made up her mind you might as well
consider trying to empty the Pacific ocean one teaspoon at a time.
That task would be more likely to see fruition than that of seeing
Rei back off from her stated position.
Usagi had an the uncanny (although Haruka called it "insane") ability
to see the potential for goodness in everyone. Rei's gift was much
more practical. She could see people for what they really were. It
was that incredible insight that made the Solider of Mars a force to
be feared. So, Michiru sighed as she watched Rei, why was the girl
willing to blind herself to what her father really was? The moment
Michiru's hand touched his, she knew just what Hino Rokojou was all
about. The self absorption of the man was pathetically transparent.
"A pleasure to meet you, Kaioh-san," Hino Rokojou said, real interest
in his eyes. "I had no idea that my daughter had friends of such
importance."
(And how can I use you to my advantage?) Michiru could almost hear
that idea running through Hino's head. "Rei is a very special person
in her own right, Hino-san," Michiru replied courteously. "I didn't
know that your daughter was a member of the club here."
"Rei's father just took an apartment here," Minako said in an even
tone.
"I'm hoping I can convince her to move in with me," Hino added,
smiling for the benefit of those around him.
"It's air conditioned," Usagi sighed.
"And very spacious," Makoto added. The more she was around Rei's
father, the less she liked the man. There was something about him
that made her oddly uncomfortable.
"But not as good as the Hikawa Shrine," Rei shot back. "Anybody can
live in a fancy apartment."
"Michiru, sorry to keep you waiting," came a tenor voice. "I had
trouble finding a good parking space."
A wry smiled tugged at Michiru's lips. Haruka's idea of a "good
parking spot" was one that didn't have any other cars within a quarter
mile of her much pampered automobile. She reacted to a door ding the
way others reacted to a head on collision. "At least you managed to
find some company to wait with you," Haruka added with a smile of her
own. She looked at Rokojou with pleasant curiosity.
"Tenoh Haruka, this is my father, Hino Rokojou," Rei said, making the
proper introductions.
"Tenoh Haruka, the formula one driver?" Hino asked. His daughter had
friends that just might be able to help him reach the vital eighteen
to forty voters block. "My little girl is just full of interesting
surprises today."
"Rei is like that, ne?" Haruka replied with a sly wink that made the
Soldier of Fire blush.
It was when Haruka moved in to shake the
man's hand that it happened. She leaned over ever so slightly and
the fabric of her loose shirt moved in just the right way so that
Hino caught a glimpse of Haruka's breasts. The revelation that the
driver most of the world thought of as male was, in reality, very
female was the milder of the shocks Rokojou was in store for. After
greeting Rei's father, Haruka moved to her lifemate and gave her a
gentle kiss on the cheek.
"Ready to go, love?" Haruka asked softly. "It was a pleasure to meet
you Hino-san," Haruka said with a short bow.
"And you also," Hino replied, his face blanching white. He pushed
the button to call the elevator. "Princess, would you come upstairs
with me for a moment? There's something I need to talk to you
about."
Rei did not like the look on her father's face. "Umm, all right.
I'll call you guys later, okay?" she said to her friends.
"Rei-chan, if you want us to stay…" Makoto started.
The elevator door slid smoothly open. "No, no, you go ahead. I'll
be fine, really." She stepped into the elevator and gave a short
wave, "Ja ne."
The doors slid shut and an uncomfortable silence fell on Minako,
Usagi and Makoto.
"It is me," Usagi finally said. She watched the numbers light up one
after another as the machine climbed methodically towards its
destination. "Or did things with Rei's Dad get terminally weird all
of a sudden?"
There was a strange fascination to watching the elevator go up and up
and up. "Oh no, it's not you. That guy just registered a nine
point five on my creep-o-meter," Minako said.
"Maybe we should go up after her," Makoto suggested.
"No way," Minako waved a hand. "Trust me. It's only going to piss
off Rei's Dad even more if we butt in. Rei can take care of herself.
She's handled guys a lot tougher than her father."
A shiver went down Usagi's back. "I'm not so sure about that."
***************************************
"They're gay," Hino said to his daughter. The accusation in his tone
suggested that Rei had arranged this surprise just for him.
For some reason, she found the look of utter outrage on her father's
face ridiculous. "No, they not 'gay'. Men are gay. Women are
lesbians."
"You have friends who are homosexuals! How could you allow this sort
of thing?" he demanded.
Why did she allow herself to get her hopes up about her father, Rei
wondered? He always reverted back to being an ass sooner or later.
"Gee Daddy, for some reason Michiru and Haruka have never felt the
need to ask my permission in regards to their sexual preferences."
"You can't be seen with people like that," Hino stepped closer, his
soft words giving life to the fire that burned in him. "It could
ruin me if it's found out that my daughter associates with those kind
of people. You don't understand. The political world is filled with
only two kinds of people. There are those who use others and those
who are used."
"You make it sound so appealing," Rei shot back caustically. "What
about the ideals of service, of honor and duty? Don't they have any
place in your so called 'political' world?"
Her father actually laughed, "You are so naïve. Do you really think
that people like that exist? It's all about power, my dear; who has
it and who wants it. Well, I want it and I am not going to let your
misguided altruism damage me." His eyes narrowed and he poked at his
daughter with his index finger as he spoke. "I forbid you to have
anything to do with those two gay women publicly. In fact it would
be best if you completely severed any ties you have with them."
"You forbid me?" Rei asked, her own anger rising now. She pushed his
hand away from her "I've got a news flash for you. You can't 'forbid
me' to do anything. Haruka and Michiru are wonderful people and I'm
not about stop being their friend because of you."
Anger had been in Rokojou's voice, but his sudden, explosive rage
caught Rei totally by surprise. Her father lashed out, grabbing his
daughter by the forearm and pushing her back against the wall with
enough force to make it make the machine sway slightly.
"You'll do what I tell you to do, when I tell you to do it," he
shouted, twisting her forearm as she spoke. "I am not going to let
you screw up this election up for me. You have no idea of what I've
sacrificed to get a chance like this."
"Maybe your soul?" It felt as if he was trying to break her arm, but
Rei bit back the yelp of pain that came to her lips. She would not
let him see how much it hurt. "Let go of my arm," she said slowly.
As quickly as it had come, the rage that burned in Hino Rokojou was
banked. He was trembling with the effort, but let go of Rei's arm.
She pulled it away, carefully flexing her fingers to make sure that
they still worked.
"I'm…I'm sorry, Princess," Hino stammered. "I didn't mean to lose my
temper like that, but you shouldn't have provoked me. You're just
like your mother, damn it. Always defying me when I know what's best.
The words hit Rei like lightening. She was suddenly dizzy, the edges
of her vision actually going gray for a second. There was a strange,
disjointed feeling that this had all happened before. Memories of
hushed and frenzied voices danced elusively in her head, pain lancing
through her skull at the ghostly whispers.
"I want to go home," she whispered, her eyes wide with shock.
"Why don't you let me make it up to you with dinner?" Rokojou said in
a soothing voice. "We could go shopping afterwards and you can pick
out something pretty – anything you like."
"No," Rei said, shaking her head. "I want to go home." She started
to push at any button on the control panel that she could reach.
Panic grabbed at Rei and she wanted nothing more than to get away
from her father. "I want to go home, now."
With a soft bump, the elevator glided to a halt, the doors sliding
open. A hand pulled at her again and she looked at her father in
anger and worst of all, sudden fear.
"You're blowing this way out of proportion. I didn't really hurt you
that much," Hino seemed puzzled by her behavior.
Rei stepped away from him, pulling her arm free with a jerk. "Don't
touch me." A rage so intense it bordered on irrational wanted to
take hold of her. "Don't you ever touch me like that again or by the
Kami I swear you'll regret it."
"Princess…"
Rei was out of the elevator and moving away from her father before
she could give into the emotions that tore through her. "Leave me
alone," she called out, heading for the stairs. "Just leave me
alone."
***************************************
After saying good-bye to Minako and Makoto, Usagi headed for the
Crown Fruit Parlor. That she'd worked up an appetite swimming was
only half the reason she went there. The Crown was on the way home
that Rei normally took when in this part of the tenth district of
Tokyo. Over the years she'd come to learn that Rei rarely asked for
help when she needed it, especially with a personal problem. Usagi's
intention was to order a very large raspberry-lime rickey and wait to
see if her friend went by. Most importantly, she wanted to see if
Rei needed her.
"Usagi?"
The blonde turned with a smile at that voice. She'd known Furuhata
Motoki for more than a few years. Once upon a time, she'd harbored
a crush on the sandy haired blonde. That, of course, was before she
and Mamoru found each other, but she had to admit that he was a very
handsome man.
"Usagi," Motoki smiled down at her. "Do you have a minute? There's
something I need to talk to you about."
***************************************
Rei ran all the way back to the temple. She ran from her father and
from the feelings he provoked in her. She ran from her friends,
afraid to tell them what just happened. She ran from herself and the
fear of what she'd say if she started to talk about it. Her lungs
burned for air but Rei kept running, knowing that if she stopped
the memories and feelings that ran circles in her brain would catch
her. Rei wasn't sure of much right now, but the deep seated need to
push away the emotions that roiled inside her was very strong.
She took the stone stairs two at a time, ignoring the stitch in her
side and the ache in her soul. Without thinking Rei headed for the
center of the Hikawa Shrine, the room that held the sacred fire.
Pushing open the door she tossed aside her shoes and ran in, finally
collapsing before the bonfire.
"Why does he have to be like this?" she whispered without thinking.
Her arm was throbbing where he'd grabbed her and Rei glanced at it.
Bruises were starting to form. The deep purple and blue marks showed
the imprints of her father's fingers.
"What's wrong with me? What am I doing so wrong that my own father
doesn't love me?" she whimpered, glancing first at the small family
altar and the picture of her mother. Her eyes were drawn to the
Sacred Fire that the Hikawa Shrine was named for.
The great fire had no answers for her tonight and the only reply was
a sharp pop as a log collapsed into it, fueling the inferno. She
knelt before the dancing flames, rocking back and forth like a child
seeking comfort but finding none. Tears ran down Rei's face and for
once she let them fall without trying to stop them.
"What's wrong with me? Why can't he love me?"
***************************************
A simple philosophy ordered Kudoko Akuma's world. He lived by the
unshakable idea that there are but two types of creatures in this
world. There are those who use people and those who are used. Like
the man that it epitomized this creed was deceptively simple, coldly
efficient and causally brutal.
"Let me tell you a story," Kudoko said standing in front of the
window in the offices at the back of Crown Parlor. "Once upon a
time there was a boy who was the youngest son of a fisherman. He
lived in a small village that believed it prospered only because a
god lived among them. This god's demands were quite simple. Every
year, as the cherry trees were in full bloom, he would pick one child
to take with him. A boy was chosen one spring, a day before his
fourteenth birthday. He went willingly with his god, happy to
sacrifice himself for the good of the only home he'd ever know." A
hand was raised to the glass in a gesture calculated to appear
wistful. In the smooth glass surface Kudoko could see Usagi's face
reflected. He watched her reactions carefully as she sat beside
Motoki. He told his story in tones measured to gain sympathy.
There were other ideals Kudoko subscribed to and they only served to
reinforce his central and most sacred principal. If you have the
most power, then no one can use you, he reasoned. Knowledge was the
best and most enduring form of power and any means used to obtain it
are, therefore, justifiable.
That knowledge that Motoki was an old and trusted friend had gained
Kudoko this chance to manipulate Usagi. He very much doubted that
without his current toy he'd have Usagi sitting here listening to his
story. He'd fed from his toy once more just before sending him out
to collect Usagi. He didn't want to chance having Motoki awaken
and spoil things.
Kudoko had long ago learned that a lie was best hidden inside
a truth. He used that bit of knowledge to his advantage. Most of
what he said was true, but facts such as the carefully planned murder
of his master and the relish with which he'd preyed on mankind for
one hundred and fifty years were left out.
Kudoko paused in his tale, taking a slow, deep breath meant to convey
anguish. A quick glance showed that Usagi had brought her hand to
her mouth in a gesture of horror. Everything was going as he'd hoped.
The seduction he planned would be a slow process, taking three or
four days to gain enough control of Usagi to make her take his blood.
Once that was done Usagi would be compelled do what he required of
her at the next new moon. He needed her to think she was coming to
him of her own free will, at least at first. While safer, the more
gradual process of enthralling Usagi held dangers, too. If the
Tuxedo Kamen or the Senshi ever got wind of what he was trying to do
to their Princess, they could make a very quick end to him.
That was why he'd staged the attack last night. Even from here he
could see that, as hoped for, the deep gash his late and unlamented
Yohko had inflicted on the girl was completely healed. There would be
no tell-tale puncture wounds on her lovely body on the mornings after
he fed. Slowly, hesitantly, he turned to face Usagi where she sat on
the couch beside Motoki.
"I need your help, Usagi," he finished, an emotion filled catch in
his voice inserted at just the right moment. "You're may be my only
hope to be human again."
Motoki, who had been sitting quietly, came to life. "I've been
trying to get Akuma-kun to come to you for help for months now. He's
a nice guy," the blonde youth said with a well timed wink, "But a tad
nervous about talking to people about his 'condition'."
Giving a chuckle of self-derisive amusement, Kudoko smiled. "Well,
I'm not exactly the kind of man every mother and father hopes their
daughter will bring home, Motoki-kun."
Usagi was torn between sympathy for the horrors this man had been
through and her sense of caution. She glanced at Motoki, knowing
that he'd never bring her into a situation he considered dangerous.
Trust won out.
"What exactly did Motoki say I could do for you?" she asked, looking
at the young blonde man. He hadn't told this stranger that she was
Sailor Moon had he?
A single eyebrow was raised by Motoki and he looked back at Usagi.
"I told him that you have a special kind of healing gift. That in
the past you've been able to drive dark energy out of people who
have been cursed by it," he replied cautiously.
Narrowing his sea green eyes, Kudoko folded his arms across his
chest. "I was afraid to believe him before, but even from here I can
sense the power of light you carry within you." A look calculated to
simulate hope flickered across Kudoko's face. "It's true, I think.
You do have the power to lift this curse from me."
"Speaking of which," Usagi put in tentatively, "exactly what kind of
curse are we talking about here?" She reached for her glass of cold
soda to take a sip. Everything was happening so fast.
With a sigh, Kudoko lowered his head. He took a long, slow breath.
When he raised his face once more he had changed – dramatically. His
eyes were now a glowing red, the pupils slitted like a reptile. Even
as he opened his mouth to speak fangs slid into place.
"This is what I am, Usagi," he held up both hands when he saw the
look that crossed her face. "Please, don't be afraid. I won't hurt
you. I was right, Motoki-kun. Usagi have seen the ones that are
searching for me." His head was lowered once more and when it lifted
he appeared normal once more.
With a mental prod Motoki spoke the words he was prompted to. "From
what Akuma tells me you and the others ran into a member of a sort of 'enforcers' squad. They weren't after Mamoru or you, really. You
were just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Dinner time," Kudoko put in with grim amusement.
"So that woman only wanted Mamo-chan because he was a convenient
snack. It was nothing personal," Usagi gestured nervously. "Oh that
makes me feel so much better to know. Thank you."
Akuma gave a warm chuckle at her reaction. "They're here in Tokyo
looking for me. Not everyone in the undead community is thrilled by
the idea that I might find a way to break this curse. I don't think
they know exactly where I am yet, but the very fact that they're in
the city means I don't have any time to waste."
"How do you think I can help you?" Usagi asked carefully.
This was the critical moment and Akuma was careful to do it just the
way he'd rehearsed. He went to the end of the small and battered
couch that dominated a corner of the office and crouched down so that
he was at eye-level with Usagi. It seemed as if he was doing his best
to appear non-threatening.
"What I'm proposing is this. You carry your healing magic in all
parts of you – even your blood." Slowly, very slowly, he reached out
to take her hand, encouraged when Usagi didn't pull away. "This
curse was laid on me by blood and only by blood can it be removed. If
you'll let me, I want to take a little bit of yours for four or five
days. At the end of that time I'll either be on the way to a cure or
I'll know it won't work."
There was such gentle desperation in his eyes, Usagi thought as she
looked into them. They were deep too, and she felt as if she could
lose herself in their regard. "And if I say no?" she asked.
Kudoko gave her hand a gallant kiss before releasing it. "Then I'll
disappear into the night and you'll never see me again," he said
standing up. "I won't risk anyone else being hurt because of me.
In the time I've been here I've become very attached to some of the
people around me. The creatures who are looking for me consider love
a weakness. They'd use anyone I care for against me in an instant."
He was talking about Rei, Usagi suddenly knew. "Is that why you work
so hard to tick Rei-chan off – to keep her at a safe distance?"
"You've noticed, ne?" Kudoko glanced at Usagi over his shoulder, a
sad smile on his lips. "I could fall in love with her so easily, but
I don't dare." He turned his back to Usagi once more. "Not when I'm
like this. Rei deserves a prince, not a monster like me."
Getting off the couch, Usagi went to Kudoko. "You're not a monster.
It's what in a person's heart that counts, not what they look like."
Her words made him smile in satisfaction. Usagi was reacting exactly
the way he wanted her to. He made sure his face was calm when he
turned to face her once more.
"Thank you. I wish I could give you a couple of days to think this
over, but with the enforcers so close by I can't." His hands were
stuffed into his pocket in a manner that radiated suppressed anxiety.
"I need your answer now. If you can't or won't help me, then I have
to leave Tokyo as fast as I can."
"Now?" Usagi almost stumbled over the word in surprise.
"This is why I suggested including me in this conversation," Motoki
said. "Usagi, you know me and I think you trust me. I'll be right
here the whole time. I'd never let anything bad happen to you."
Doubt flickered in Usagi's eyes. "I should really talk this over
with Mamo-chan before I do anything. This is all happening a little
fast for me."
Kudoko quietly moved between Usagi and the door while he forced
Motoki to say the required words. If she refused to help him he'd
have to take Usagi fast and hard. He wasn't at all sure that she'd
survive the experience.
"You can tell Mamoru in the morning," Motoki said in a soft voice.
"You can tell anyone you want to in order to feel safe," Kudoko added
with the perfect amount of concern. "I want you to do this willingly
or not at all. If I was going to force you to do this I would have
jumped you as soon as you came in the door, Usagi."
Usagi looked at Motoki, then back at Kudoko. He was right, she knew.
If he'd wanted to hurt her he could have done so long before now.
This man was asking for her help, for a chance to live a normal life.
How could she say no?
"I'll do what I can to help you," she said, nodding her head.
Tears brightened the green eyes of Kudoko Akuma. "I'll never be able
to thank you enough, Usagi. Whatever happens, whether this works or
not, you have my eternal gratitude."
Trepidation crept into the crystal blue eyes. "So, what do I have to
do?"
"That's the easy part," Akuma replied with a light laugh. "All you
need to do is relax."
"It's okay, Usagi," Motoki said slowly. He blinked several times as
if he had something in his eye. "I'm right here."
"Just look at me, ne?" Kudoko gently took her by the chin and caught
her gaze. "I want you to listen to my voice, Usagi."
His eyes were a vivid green, Usagi noticed, and very deep too. She
began to feel slightly lightheaded but it wasn't unpleasant at all.
It reminded her of the moments just before she fell asleep after a
long, hard day. The world fell away from Usagi and there was nothing
but those endless green eyes and the sound of his voice
Kudoko felt the moment he made tenuous contact with her mind and
smiled softly. "There won't be any pain if you just listen to my
voice. That's it," The vampire's tone was soothing even as he had a
brief flash of images from her. "You've been having nightmares,
haven't you?"
"I don't like them," Usagi replied in a soft voice. Normally it was
painful to even think about the dreams, but nothing seemed quite real
right now. "It hurts to remember."
Kudoko tilted his head, a look of calculated sympathy crossing his
handsome face. "Poor girl," he said gently, never taking his eyes
from hers. "I can make them stop if you'll let me. Would like that,
Usagi? Do you want me to make the bad dreams go away?"
"Please…" desperation in her breathless reply. Usagi wanted it so
badly in that moment that she'd do anything.
"Then just relax and let the pain go. That's it," he coxed her
gently. Fangs were revealed in a cold smile when her eyes slid
shut. "I'm just going to kiss you, Usagi. You liked to be kissed
don't you?" He leaned down, whispering in her ear. Kudoko could
feel her pulse beneath his fingers as he ran a hand down her throat.
"Just a kiss." Gently Kudoko pushed the corners of her open collar
away from her shoulder, carefully choosing a spot where he wouldn't
hit a major vein. Curling his lips, he lowered his head and began to
drink, slowly at first.
Usagi made a soft, surprised noise at the sensations the vampire's
kiss engender in her. It felt almost as if Mamo-chan was kissing
her. A sweet and warm tingling started to fill her body and she
sighed, not protesting when Kudoko slid his arms around her.
He began to suckle more aggressively on the wound, speeding the flow
of blood into his mouth. The gentle sensations suddenly mounted in
intensity and without warning the sweet tingling exploded into a
sensual tidal wave that swamped the unprepared Usagi in a heartbeat.
She could only gasp in shock while a thin ribbon of blood that
escaped Kudoko's lips seeped down her shoulder.
She started to tremble from the sensory overload. Kudoko tightened
his grip, making sure Usagi didn't fall away from him. The vampire
at last lifted his head from her shoulder and saw that Usagi was
leaning against him, unresisting and all but insensible in his
embrace. Tonight he would have less than a minute before her mind
shook off his influence. That should be just long enough for his
purposes.
"You won't remember the nightmares anymore Usagi, but you will
remember just how good I made you feel tonight." Kudoko let his
tongue run slowly over the punctures to stop the bleeding. He smiled
when she gave an involuntary shiver. The delectable combination of
power and pleasure laced her blood and he savored the taste. "You
don't want to tell anyone about this, especially Mamoru. He wouldn't understand."
"Wouldn't understand," Usagi mumbled just before she gave a shudder
and with a start against him, came back to herself. "Is it over?"
she asked, blinking owlishly.
"Yes, that's it," Kudoko helped Usagi steady herself. "Are you all
right?"
"Just a little sleepy," Usagi replied, putting a hand to her head
trying to focus her mind. She felt amazingly relaxed, as if she
could drift off to sleep here and now.
Motoki, who had been sitting motionless on the couch came to life at
the vampire's mental prodding. "Why don't I help you get home,
Usagi? Mamoru-kun would never forgive me if something happened to
you."
"Thank you, Usagi," Kudoko Akuma took her hand and gave it a genteel
kiss. "You will make it possible for me to fulfill a dream I've
cherished for longer than I can remember." He looked up at her with
hooded eyes, a smile coming to his lips.
Kudoko's seduction of the Moon Princess was proceeding as planned.
Within days he'd have complete control over her and most importantly,
over the power she possessed. Now that he'd taken the necessary
first steps with Usagi, Kudoko had the luxury of going after the
woman he truly wanted. His pursuit of Hino Rei could now begin in
earnest.
***************************************
In three weeks – Some of the secrets of Rei's past are brought out
into the open. Will the truth set Rei free – or will it destroy her?
Next Week –The last book of the Crystal Tokyo trilogy that started
with "Fatal Exposure" and continued in "Full Circle" begins and is
called "The Quest". Be here in one week for chapter one – "Rude
Awakenings"!
