Chapter 3

A New Sempai for Makoto?

Kalpernus was standing, head bowed, in the centre of the room. The High-King, Nuada, and his triumvirate council were sitting opposite him in silence, digesting his news. The High-King spoke and Kalpernus snapped his head up.

"So, Kalpernus, in effect your news is that there is no news." He raised a silver mailed fist from the desk to support his chin and looked expectantly at the druid, eyebrows raised, sapphire eyes gleaming. Kalpernus cleared his throat and answered.

"Yes, Ard-Ri. I have explained previously that when the females we seek appeared and teleported with the Sadar, I lost the link. I have found the island in question again, but the five markers I require to pinpoint their exact location and open a channel are not all there--only three, those of Agate, Garnet and Lapis are responding. I can find no sign of the other two, and without them I cannot triangulate their exact location.....I don't understand why their sigils are not responding!" Kalpernus fell silent again.

One of the council leaned forward, a dark-eyed woman with her hair pulled severely back off her face. "How could the other sigils disappear, Druid? You saw them all cross into the world, so none were lost in the void. They have to be there somewhere, right?"

"That is what is bothering me, Brehon Emer. So much so that I have an idea I would like to present before the council." Both Brehon and Druid looked to the High-King for his agreement. Nuada nodded, and Kalpernus continued. "It is almost Samhain night on both worlds. As you know, when that happens the ancient portals we left that world by open up in what used to be the Celtic Kingdoms. As they open of their own accord we would be expending none of our reserves. I propose sending a Druid and guard through one and having them assume human identities. They could then make their way to this island where the Sadar are and track down the missing sigils, as without the missing two linked together with the ones we can find, we cannot communicate or reopen the imaging pool." King and Council nodded, as the idea had merit. The Druid continued. "Any correspondence considered important could be sent with them, and they could assist in the operation."

The High-King, Nuada, spoke. "I think Kalpernus should take this course of action. Do you agree?" The three council members looked at one another and then nodded. Nuada addressed Kalpernus. "You have the blessing of King and Council, go make preparations." Kalpernus bowed to those assembled and left the chamber.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Rei was pacing back and forth, trying to make enough sense of her reading that she could share what she had learned with her friends. Ami and Usagi had their heads together discussing what had happened at the hospital and the others were making small talk among themselves when Rei finally turned to them, ready to speak.

"Guys, I'm still confused by everything I saw in the flames, but I'm willing to give a partial interpretation." Everyone fell quiet and looked at her anxiously. She continued. "There are three forces entering into our lives soon. One involving these men we found; another filled with a malevolence I have never encountered before; and the third is much more familiar to us....the Negaverse." They all looked at each other, worry written plainly on their faces. "The fire showed me the five men we found earlier are not evil, so that is one less thing to worry about, but they are tangled up inextricably with the other two elements of the reading. As you know, wherever there is trouble there is the Negaverse, but what scares me is this other evil, as it is unknown to us." Rei sat down, having shared all she was able to with them. Ami spoke next, as everyone was curious as to what had happened at the hospital, and the two girls had been unwilling to talk about it until Rei had finished her reading.

"These men are strange." she began. "They have a slightly different genetic make up than we do, and possess innate magical abilities. One regained consciousness while we were in the room, and he saw through Usagi's disguise and identified her as Princess Serenity, first in a strange language and then so we could understand what he was saying. He then identified me as Princess Mercury before he lapsed back into unconsciousness."

"What?" asked Minako. "How could he do that?"

"Yeah," added Makoto, "how is that possible?"

"I'm not sure, but it may have something to do with the innate magical qualities my computer picked up from him. We also removed two interesting items from the hospital room." The others raised their eyebrows. Ami stealing? She turned to Usagi. "Can you retrieve them from your dimensional pocket?"

"Yeah...oh, hold on a minute, I've got quite a few things in here." Luna frowned as Usagi rummaged for a few seconds before producing the items in question. "Here they are!" She laid them on the table where everyone could see them.

"What are they, Ami?" asked Mamoru, leaning forward and concentrating on the objects. "I have the strangest feeling as I look at them. Like they hold great power." Everyone else leaned in to get a closer look. They looked like belts, but it was the intriguing designs on what seemed to be the buckles that held everyone's attention. One looked like a serpentine dog wound around on itself, a yellow stone for an eye, and the other looked like a stylized starburst with a clear stone in its centre.

"They seemed to have been worn as belts, but whenever I train my visor on them, I get the same type of readings as when I focus on our transformation pens or the Ginzuishou. I asked Usagi-chan to take them so I could study them in more detail. We'll return them when we're finished." She smiled at them and continued, "Now Rei has confirmed their owners are not evil, I don't feel as scared of the prospect of giving them back."

"These designs seem familiar, somehow." Rei said quietly. "I'm not sure why, though, but I'm sure it will come to me."

"Well, I don't seem to remember them from our time in the Moon Kingdom." answered Luna, "So maybe they remind you of something you have seen here before." Rei seemed to start at Luna's comment.

"Of course....that's it! Something from my history or mythology classes. Hmm, I guess I'll be busy doing some revision over the next few days."

Ami looked at her watch. "It's getting late, guys. I should be going, as I want to get my homework done." She gathered the two strange belts up and put them in her dimensional pocket. "I'll let you know what I find out about these, but it will probably not be until late tomorrow evening as I have cram school after school again." She gathered up her stuff and went to leave.

"Hey Ami!" called Makoto as she stood up, "I'll walk with you."

"Shall we join them Artemis?" asked Mina.

"Why not? He answered, and jumped into her arms.

"Hey guys, wait up!" Minako called after her friends.

"I guess that's our cue to go, Mamo-chan." Usagi put out her hand for him to take. He smiled at her and stood up. "I'll see you tomorrow, Rei." she directed to her friend.

"Ja ne , Rei!" added Mamoru, as they walked out the door with Luna trailing behind them.

"Ja!" Rei replied absently, her mind already working overtime to try and remember where she had seen something similar to those designs.

Mamoru and Usagi walked slowly towards her house, hand in hand. Luna had said goodnight to them some time before. She hadn't wanted to intrude on their time together and had so much to think about after the day's events, that it had scared her in a way, and made her want to be alone.

"Mamo-chan, what are you thinking about?" Usagi asked him as she noticed his faraway stare and furrowed brow. He came out of his trance and looked down at her.

"Lots of things, Usako. Like how peaceful the last six months have been, and how turbulent and unpredictable the future now seems." She nodded.

"I know what you mean. I'd gotten used to the quiet myself. It was nice to have little more to concentrate on than school, you and the rest of the gang." He stopped and pulled her to him tightly, giving a hug of consolation and comfort.

"Yeah..." He let out a sigh that seemed weighted with all the troubles of the world. "I know we can't escape our destinies, but sometimes it's nice to have a break. We've had more than enough trouble in the past--what with Beryl and her cronies, Ann and Ail, the Dark Moon Kingdom, the Mistress Nine trouble, the Amazon trio, and all the rest--to last a few lifetimes. I can only be thankful that Chibi-Usa and Hotaru are off visiting Crystal Tokyo right now. Pluto must have known something was brewing and invited them both to go with her." Now Usagi thought about it, it made sense. She nodded again, her cheek rubbing softly against his jacket.

"But what about Haruka and Michiru?" she asked in a soft voice. They're off on a world tour, right now. Should we expect them to drop everything just to come back and help? Playing with all the great orchestras in Europe and North America was a dream come true for Michiru, and I would hate to ruin it for her."

"No." he answered her emphatically. "We'll deal with it ourselves, just like in the old days." A slow grin spread on his face. "Well, maybe not exactly.....It should be easier now that we're more mature and disciplined." He winked at her. It brought a smile to her lips, and lit up her eyes, which had been moist with unshed tears. She laid her head on his chest and hugged him so tight he thought he would break. He put a finger under her chin and tilted her head up, leaning in to kiss her long and hard, like it would be their last kiss. She broke away breathless. "Come on," he said softly, "I'll walk you home."

She put her hand in his again and they walked the last two blocks in silence. At her gate, he kissed her gently and they said goodnight. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mamo-chan!" she called, as he reached the end of the block. He turned and waved before disappearing around the corner.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Ami's house was first on the way home for the trio of girls. They had been chattering back and forth about the days events and developments as they walked.

"Do you think we should be trying to find where the guys who disappeared from the hospital are hiding?" asked Makoto. She didn't like the idea of sitting idle and waiting for trouble to find them. She would rather find trouble, and go in fighting. She rubbed the back of one fist absently.

"That's a good plan, Mako-chan." said Ami. "As Rei seems to have undertaken a research project and I've got some work to do myself, you and Minako can get together with Usagi and try to figure out who they are and where they are."

"Huh!" said Mina. "Wait a minute. What if we find them and they turn out not to be as friendly as we think?" Artemis's ears perked up at that question.

"Call us on the communicator. We'll come if it's an emergency." answered Ami. "But we all know we'll get so much more accomplished if we each take a on task."

"I agree." added Mako. "I'd rather see us have the advantage. The more we know, the better equipped we'll be to handle whatever happens. And besides, there are only three of them to look for. We know the other two are still in the hospital."

"For now, anyway." added Artemis.

"I suppose." Mina conceded. "I'm not being selfish here, but I really was enjoying being just plain old me. I suppose I should know by now that the good things in life just don't last."

"Mina, you're such a pessimist." the other two replied in unison.

"And we all know you're anything but plain old Mina, Sailor Venus." added Ami with a laugh.

They reached Ami's house, and Minako and Makoto waited by the gate until Ami was safely inside before heading in the direction of Mina's place.

"So how will we begin our search tomorrow?" Mina asked, as they walked along.

"I don't know." replied Mako with a shrug. "Maybe we should head out immediately after school, pick an area, and wander around with our eyes and ears open until we find something that's out of the ordinary."

"Doesn't sound like much of a plan." said Artemis.

"It's a start!" Mako answered defensively, glaring at the white cat cradled in the crook of Mina's arm. "If you have a better idea, we'd like to hear it. If not, it just might be that after we've all had a good night's sleep we'll be capable of coming up with something better."

"At the moment I don't have any suggestions." he said with a sigh. "Maybe we should just set the next meeting for a couple of days from now, and do some brainstorming there when we have some more pieces of the puzzle to play with. In the meantime, Ami will work on those belt things she has, Rei will try to figure out where she's seen those designs, and the rest of you will keep your eyes and ears open." After that they walked in silence until they reached Mina's door, where they said their goodbyes. Mako walked the rest of the way alone, head down and hands stuffed in jacket pockets.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The three travellers who had escaped from the hospital were settling uneasily into the large apartment they had found. (It had come fully furnished, which was rare, but it had belonged to a university professor who had accepted a year-long tenure at a college in North America and was in a hurry to join his family who had already arrived there. He had been glad to get someone to take the place, as it was large and expensive by local standards, but the young men he let it to seemed responsible, and had no problems paying the large damage deposit and first month's rent up front). Even though it was much smaller than their quarters back home in Tir na nOg, there would be room enough for all five of them. They had picked out their rooms and stowed what little belongings they had brought with them, and were now sitting in a circle in the living room, trying to plot their course of action. They had removed their long cloaks with hood and veil, and were dressed more appropriately for this time and place. It made them glad that Kalpernus was a stickler for good planning and had been preparing for this mission for years. He'd thought of everything and had accumulated various samples of the things they would need to pass unnoticed in this society. He had sent them over with some clothing and a large supply of the money they would need. They had also been subjected to a language spell so they could understand the tongue of this land and converse in it, and were given the identities of Irish nationals--which wasn't hard as they all had traditional names in Ireland--where the descendants of their people still lived, loved and fought.

"So, Rory, what's our next step?" asked the man with long coppery red hair flowing loosely over his shoulders. The man with long black hair tied back in a braid answered him.

"I'm not exactly sure, Kieran. We didn't think we'd be operating short handed when we got here.......But I think I should stay close to Lorcan and Connor until they are well enough to join us. The two of you should probably spend the next few days getting your bearings. The more we know about this place, the better our chances of completing the mission are."

"I agree." the other man put in. His white-blonde hair was cut short, and had been brushed back into spikes. He stood up, stretched and gave an exaggerated yawn. "I want to get some sleep, so I can get started early in the morning. Good night, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Fintan." the others said in unison, as they watched him go into his room and shut the door.

"I think he's really worried about Connor, and just doesn't want to admit it." commented Kieran to Rory in a low voice.

"I would have to agree. I'm more worried about Lorcan, though. He doesn't have Connor's constitution, and he's our true-seer. We were counting on him to find those we seek, as he can see through all disguises, but if he's out of commission for a while, we may as well be fumbling around in the dark." The dark haired man looked at his friend with worried golden eyes.

"Well who knows? Maybe we'll bump into them accidentally, and have bonded before we even know it." Kieran replied, a slow grin lighting up his face. His green eyes danced merrily.

"In the name of Danu, you are an optimist aren't you?" Rory replied as a smile of his own began to play on his lips and brighten his features.

"Well, you never know. It could happen." Kieran stood up and went into the kitchen. Rory heard the cupboards being opened and closed, and the sound of his friend cursing softly to himself.

Kieran came back out of the kitchen scratching his head. "I guess we will be busy tomorrow. There isn't a thing to eat in this place and I'm starving."

"You're always starving. It's the legacy of the Dagda's blood!" replied Rory with a shake of his head, as he stood up. "I'm going to prepare myself for a Bull Dream, so I won't be needing food for the next little while. Can you see that Fintan doesn't disturb me?" He went to his door and put his hand on the knob, turning to see what Kieran's answer was.

"Sure, I'll let him know on my way out." The copper haired man grabbed a jacket from the hall closet and shrugged into it.

"You're not hitting the hay?" Rory asked, eyebrows raised.

"Not yet. I'm not tired," he ran a hand through his hair, freeing it from the collar of the jacket. "In fact I'm feeling antsy, so a walk will clear my head--and like you said, the more we know, the smoother our mission will go. I'll see you tomorrow night, Rory." He turned and knocked on the door to Fintan's room, putting his head around the door when he heard a muffled response from inside.

"Rory won't be available until tomorrow evening. He's going to Bull Dream. Do you need anything? I'm going out for a while."

"No thanks." came the mumbled response from beneath the bedding. "See you in the morning." Kieran shut the door quietly and left the apartment with no idea where he was going.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Makoto had been halfway home when her stomach began to rumble. She hadn't had supper, and the thought of beginning to cook a meal so late didn't appeal to her. She began searching in her pockets and came up with enough money to pick up some fast food. She passed a few places before settling on a hamburger and fries, and pushed open the door of the local burger joint.

The light was glaring and the decor garish, but she didn't mind. All she wanted to do was get something to eat, and sort out her thoughts. She placed her order, collected her tray and sat down in the last empty booth. This place was a popular hangout for junior high students, and was full of kids she recognized from the Minato-Ku district. They were loud and juvenile, their language laced with expletives. She smiled as she caught herself thinking that it wasn't that long ago she had been their age--but had she been that annoying? Yeah, Makoto--like you're so ancient and refined now.

Kieran had been wandering aimlessly for close to half an hour before his hunger overrode all other thoughts. He dug some money out and headed for the nearest place that smelled of food. He stopped at the door and read the sign, the language spell translating for him.

"Burger Palace." Hmm, he thought to himself as he looked at the storefront, not much of a palace. He went inside anyway. He was assaulted at once by all the noise and smells, and stood in the doorway for a moment, paralyzed. Someone trying to get past brought him back to himself, and he apologized and stepped out of the way. He stood back and watched what the others in the line up were doing, and after a few minutes he had figured out how it was done, and moved up to the counter. Three minutes later he stood with a laden tray, looking like a lost soul as he searched for a seat. In the corner, there was a young woman sitting on her own, looking out a window as she ate her food. He decided he would rather go and ask if he could sit with her than battle with all the youngsters for a spot.

Makoto looked up as someone approached her booth and cleared their throat uncomfortably.

"Is anyone sitting here, Miss?" asked a deep baritone voice. Mako followed the line of the body up to the face and shook her head in the negative. He was the only other person older than fourteen in the whole place and she sympathized with his plight. She gestured across the table at the empty seat, and he slid into the booth opposite her.

"Thank you." She studied him from under lowered lashes. He had seemed tall, standing up. One of the tallest men she had ever seen. She herself was very tall, and stood eye to eye with many men, but she was sure she might only reach this man's shoulder. He had a clear, pale complexion, bright green eyes and long coppery-red hair that fell freely around his shoulders. His nose was strong and aquiline, his mouth sensual and expressive. She liked what she saw, and smiled as she took an inventory of him compared to the already legendary sempai that every man was measured against. In the leather jacket he was wearing, he looked like a biker, but there was something about him that told her he wasn't really trouble but liked it to appear that way.

After Kieran had figured out how to eat the burger by watching other people around him, he stole a few furtive glances at his booth partner. She had dark reddish brown hair swept back in a pony tail, and deep green eyes. Yes, she was definitely pretty, but he couldn't tell how tall she was or what kind of a figure she had, sitting slumped across from him. He caught her studying him a few times but said nothing about it as the covert attention was kind of flattering. He decided to strike up a conversation once he had finished his burger.

"So, do you come here often?" He winced at the banal question. She didn't seem to notice his grimace.

"No, not really. I don't eat out much, but I was on the go all evening, and didn't feel like cooking when I got home.....This place is kind of a teen hangout too, so I only come in once in a while." She smiled at him, and continued. "I've never seen you around before. Do you live near here?"

"I just moved here." It was his first chance to use the cover story Kalpernus had invented. "I'm an exchange student from Ireland. I'm staying in an apartment a couple of blocks from here, while I attend the local university."

"I have a couple of friends who go there." Makoto answered. "By the way, my name is Makoto Kino." She stuck out a hand, knowing it was the traditional western greeting. He reached over the table and grasped it firmly.

"I'm Kieran Glas. Pleased to meet you." As they smiled warmly at each other a strange sensation overcame them--for an instant it was as if they had shared each other's thoughts--and they let go of each other as if they had been shocked. "Weird." said Kieran.

"Took the words right out of my mouth." commented Makoto softly, a little disturbed by the incident herself. "I should be getting home, Kieran. It was nice meeting you." She stood up and busied herself with cleaning up her mess.

"I should be going too." He also stood up and grabbed his tray. After they had dropped off their garbage and made their way outside, they stood facing each other seemingly at a loss for words.

Kieran finally broke the silence by clearing his throat.

"Do you mind if I walk with you a little way? I'm still not really sure of my bearings, even though I've been here a little while." Mako nodded absently. She was still trying to make sense of what had occurred inside the restaurant. As they walked, it began to rain. The steady rhythm of the shower sounded in her ears and she finally came out of her reverie. She suddenly felt a little uncomfortable walking with someone she knew so little about and decided to strike up a conversation.

"So, Kieran, do you have family back where you came from?"

"Yeah, I do. A mother, stepfather and three younger half-sisters. I never knew my father. My parents married fairly young and split when I was a baby. Apparently he wasn't a local, and went back to where he came from." He flushed as he remembered the teasing some of the other boys his age subjected him to because of his father and decided to change the subject. "So what about you, Makoto? Do you have family?"

Mako hung her head, water dripping off her hair and onto her face. Even after all this time she found it hard to talk about it. "I have some relatives who check in on me regularly, but apart from that my family is made up of my best friends. My mum and dad died when I was younger."

"I'm sorry to hear that." he answered, feeling her sorrow as rawly as if it were his own. "I didn't mean to say anything to upset you." Mako didn't know how or why, but she could feel his remorse inside herself. She reached out and laid a hand on his arm.

"How were you to know? It's okay, you didn't upset me, it's just hard to talk about." They lapsed into silence again, but this time it seemed companionable. Makoto felt strange. It was as if she had known this man all her life and not an hour. Something had happened in the restaurant but she wasn't sure what. Oh great, she thought to herself. Just what I need--a distraction. Right when trouble is about to come knocking on my door. She looked over at him to see he was also lost in thought. She stopped at the corner of her street and he drew up beside her.

"I go this way." She gestured down the block. He nodded, understanding.

"I go the other way." He smiled warmly at her. "It was really nice to meet you, Makoto, and I hope to see you around." He put out his hand and she took it, knowing immediately that he really did want to see her again. She felt a small thrill rush through her as their eyes locked.

"Good night, Kieran. It was really nice meeting you too." They stood for some time unwilling to break away from each other.

"Good night, Makoto." He let go of her hand, and she turned down her street. He stood in the rain and watched until she disappeared into a building before continuing home.