Little lost rabbit
Part seven
Sailor Moon STILL does not belong to me. Too bad.
Ikuko
I would learn that; for, by the
marks of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason,
I should be false persuaded I had daughters.
We'll no more meet, no more see one another:
But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter;
William Shakespeare KING LEAR
Kenji POV:
By ten in the morning I knew that this is going to be one of
those days. When someone out there decides that you are the amusement
of the moment and removes all traces of reason from around you. First,
I almost overslept. The morning jog was a disaster: a downpour rain
from a tiny cloud I did not even notice, then the dog on the corner,
then the truck splashing me all over.
I have no idea why Ikuko thought I do not have to be in the office
early today, but she did not wake me up. And on my attempt to complain
she immediately took the "I am just a little loving wife" pose. You know,
"oh, dear, you are so exhausted lately, all this pressure... I thought
you need a little more rest".
Right. I AM running like a mad dog lately, but only because I finally
got the position SHE was dreaming about for me. I, personally, was
happy to be an ordinary photo reporter. There were twenty like me in
the paper, and if I needed a day off or did not like the assignment,
well, I could ask Tanaka or Koshiro to fill in. Less pay, but we
managed just fine before. With this promotion things are just too
complicated. They expect me to hang with different crowd, no more beer
with guys on Fridays.
I knew that Koshiro was offended: he is two years my senior, and
was working much longer in the company. Of course, he expected to be
promoted first. If he would happen to be available to
go to Northern Africa instead of me, he would be the one to take pics
that increased our sales 25%. We all know it was the case of being in
the right place at the right time. But since I was the lucky one, I've
got all the credit, and it's I who is paying for it now. Instead of the
nice evening with guys in the bar, I am expected to go to the black tie
dinner with snobs that look down at Ikuko and I.
Now I am traitor in the eyes of Tanaka and Koshiro, and an upstart
for the executive golden boys I am supposed to hang out with. I have
tree times more work to do and no time to enjoy extra money I earn.
Well, at least it is doing something good for girls. Ikuko seems
perfectly natural with the new crowd, and boss's wife loves her. She
is happy I can take her out more often. That's one thing I could never
understand: why does she want to eat out at all? OK, no cooking, no
dishes, right? But on the other hand, the amount of time she slaves by
the mirror, and before that shopping...
Honestly, I would rather make a three-course dinner than shop
for hours in the row. But who am I to try to understand a woman, right?
At least she is way more reasonable than the most. Except for one
thing. Usagi. You know what I mean. There is this female conspiracy.
She lets our girl to do ANYTHING. Really. And I cannot say a word,
under a threat to be proclaimed an overprotective tyrant and narrow-
minded male chauvinist. For some reason they thing I have in mind to
chain Usagi in her room until she is thirty. That's ridiculous. I
perfectly understand that she is sixteen, and sixteen years old girls
do date.
But you see, Usagi is... well, it is not just that she is MY
girl. She is really special. You have seen her. I do not blame the guys
for chasing her around. But it's not just how beautiful she is.
She has a heart of gold, and I will be damned if any scoundrel who is only
after the looks will break it. But Ikuko does not understand. For her,
Usagi can date anyone, as long as this is "romantic". Great love, ha.
They thing Romeo and Juliet is the greatest love. I am asking you, if
you were the father, would you like your girl to have a love like that?
To kill herself over the dead body of her lover? That's senseless and
shameful.
You know what I think is a great love? I think it is to be able to live with
the one you love all your life, to raise good kids together, and to be devoted
to each other for years and years to come. Dying is easy, you try to live for
your love. But women will never see it this way.
Oh, well. I suppose, I should be fair. The guy Usagi is dating is
not that bad. That's just the problem. I cannot trust him. He seems too
good to be true. And when something seems too good to be true, it
probably is.
He is too handsome, too polite, too successful, too affectionate to Usagi.
I mean, there must be a catch. Believe it or not, it's been two years he is
hanging around her! Yes, since she was FOURTEEN! Do you see anything wrong
with this picture? At first, I thought he was just out to woo a silly teenager,
and if I will be firm, he will see that there is nothing for him here.
No such luck. He is a persistent bastard. Every once in a while, I see him
around Usagi. Now he is officially accepted in our family, Ikuko took him under
her protection, and I can do nothing about it. Every week I see him at the
dinner, across the table. Looking at me with his oh-so-honest blue eyes.
It's weird, how much self-assurance can be in a mere boy. He is
hardly twenty, but I wish I could have such airs as this guy. You would
think he is a prince and all around him is his property. In fact, I
could use such airs right now. The big guy Godoshi is expecting me in
his office for so-called "strategic meeting" right now. And I can not
stand the bastard.
Mister Godoshi office is huge. The man just loves to flaunt that
he is an executive. I would be one too, if I were a nephew of the
owner. The rat used to talks to me like he had never seen me before.
Since my promotion he seems to pay me a little more attention then
before, and I wish he did not. The man he notices is the first on the
list to get in trouble. The wimp knows too well that his ability to run
the paper is severely handicapped, and will not tolerate an able
person anywhere near himself. I took a deep breath and knocked in the tall
oak door.
"Welcome, Tsukino-san, right?"
"Good morning, Executive director, sir"
"I've heard a lot about your fine work in north Africa. Really good,
Mr. Tsukino. I see you've got promoted on the basis of that your
achievement"
"I am doing my best on the new post, Executive director, sir"
"Ah, but we expect more from you now" Here it goes. The backstabbing
bastard
"Well, you see, that fine material you've got for us in Sahara put us
in a spot of great responsibility. We have to be the paper that in on
the very frontier of the new about that avatar business. Since we were
the only ones who was able to provide the pictures of the senshi and
aliens for our readers, we have an obligation to keep them the best
informed.
But there was this complete disaster with that guy, the
representative of the Earth, Prince... What's his name? Oh, he was
proclaimed king yesterday, you know? Oh, of course, you do. Well, where
are the pictures from the coronation ceremony? I know, there was a very
small one on the moon, and no humans, I mean, normal people were
admitted.
Still, we are expected to provide some information on the
event. Why were you not on the moon? How could it be that they did not
get you invitation to the moon, you are the one who took the first
pictures?"
the swine. Like he really does not remember the name of
Endymion. Sitting here, in the office, when we are slaving in the
field. I would like to look on your face if you would be standing in a
few feet from that blacked armored guy and feel his power sizzling in
the air. I still feel dizzy at the mere memory. I mean, the prince is
the only defense we all have against entire Galaxy of advanced
civilizations, and he dares to... Oh, well, why should I be so protective
of the King. He can fend for himself very well indeed. If you will ask
me, it was smartest thing in the world to swear allegiance to him. The
guy has complete power over this planet, right? Yet he never demanded
anything from us. Really, people behave like children. He needs our
consent as he needs a rock in his boot. We need him, not the other way
around.
I noticed Godoshi was still expecting my reply.
"I did not get the visa. My application was turned down by the security
of the Moon Palace"
"I do not believe the story about Sailor Jupiter specifically
withdrawing you from the list. Do not overestimate your importance,
Tsukino-san. People never remember the photographer. How can she
possibly recognize the name of Tsukino in the list? Who is Tsukino? Mr.
Nobody, this name can mean nothing to them. No, it's an obvious
conspiracy against out company."
"We did get Mr. Tanaka there, he is a good photographer and a loyal
employee..."
"Yes, yes. But he did not even get close to the main figures. The so-
called king is as elusive as a ghost, and there is not a single new
picture of him in the papers since that last ones that you took. The
princess is also hiding, but at this moment she is not quite as big
news as the king. I understand, it was a necessary political measure to
accept him as a formal ruler, but what an outrage! Anyhow, the
information was sent to us that the king removed back to earth, so your
task is to interview him and bring as many pictures as you can"
"I apologize, did I understand you correctly? You want ME to interview
His Majesty? Where in the world will I find him? And is not it rather
insubordinate? The top reporters of the world were refused a
chance of interview, and you think that a photographer can get it? I
did do some interviews, but nothing anywhere near that level..."
"But, you see, Mr. Tsukino, you do not have much choice. I could not
possibly tolerate that our paper will lose face in front of others,
everybody knows that your name was taken off the list of admissions. We
can not even claim that you were declared persona non grata because you
are some dirty paparazzi" Thank you, you son of a bitch "I had to come
up with some justification. We have brainstormed it and decided that
for all PR you will our inside man with Avatars. That will explain why
you can not work on the Moon: it would compromise your integrity as
personal friend of the King. Clever, isn't it? Now all we have to do is
interview YOU"
"Me?! but I do not know anything"
"Well, yes. But that's your job to get to know. I do not care how you
do that, but you better start thinking real fast. Because as from
today, you see, you are no longer officially employed with us. You are
our outside consultant in the matters of Avatars. Your commissions will
be quite generous, I dare say. It will make up to you in leaving the
job. BUT: no information, no pay. And no benefits either"
Oh, god. This bastard is saving his own neck by sticking mine out. That's
the nicest set-up I've seen in a long time. If I do not get anything,
it's not his fault. If Avatars will be unhappy with the materials I
provide, I am the only one responsible. But if I actually get anything,
he will rake all the credit, and I will have to step aside and play a
two-timer who have sold his "friends" senshi to the press. Of course,
the only right move will be to through this dirty deal back in his
teeth. But Ikuko is so happy with the rise I just got... There should
be another way... say, if I am no longer working for this dirty rag, I
can try some other paper, after all the noise my pics did in the press
they should be more than happy to get me... Only to play the same trick
on me as soon as the opportunity will present itself... And I like guys
here. Tanaka, Koshiro, the old man in the proofing... wait, may be we can
yet turn the tables on the bastard. Let's see... Tanaka always say I will
never make a good poker player because I can not bluff, but for this
occasion I will do my best.
"I am sorry, but I will have to decline. I will submit my resignation
this afternoon.." His smug face fills with revolting leer - he had
expected that. Do not get too happy yet, you SOB. "There are things that
I simply can not afford to do. I know the power we are up against better
than anyone" His glossy snout seems instantly more alert
"Tsukino, you have some leads? And you did not inform us?"
"Reporters are expected to keep the secret sources secret, Mr.
Executive director, sir. If you see it contradicts the paper policy in
this case, my resignation should solve the problem".
"And send you directly to our competitors. You have signed a paper that
no IP acquired on this job will ever be available to other
publications. We will sue your pants off!"
"I do not think I will need to go to your competitors, Mr. Executive
director, sir. I am thinking of complete change of the career lately"
"you've got some other offers?"
"I would prefer not to answer this question, Mr. Executive director,
sir."
"Since when?"
"For some weeks"
"Since Sahara, then?" he got it all. The hook, line and the sinker. Boy, will
ever Tanaka be proud of me. "you better be careful. You may be made
friends with these girls in short skirts, but still I have lots of
influence around here" Now, it's time. I grin sweetly, first time since
the beginning of our "conversation"
"You have some nerve, Tsukino" He is getting edgy. Time for a
counterattack
"I do not think the Avatars like to be called that. And His Magesty
might be displeased if he knew how you referred to him and his
coronation."
"Why would he believe YOU, provided you will get close enough to him to
tell?"
"I already was close enough, more than once, as you remember. And I do
not think I will have to try too hard"
"You are bluffing, Tsukino"
"Am I? Then there is nothing for you to be worry about"
"Look, you do not have to get all uptight. If you have a lead, we can
work on it. You get the info, I will take care of your employment
status"
"IF I am still employed"
"As long as you bring the goods"
"Same salary. And office with the window"
"You DO have something"
Well, at the end he's got what he wanted. I did win in the since that
he did not actually fire me. Or, as he nicely puts it "made an outside
consultant". Small blessings. In return, I had to agree to get an
exclusive from the King. Plus, I had to dig some dirt on those
abusive parents of the princess the Council was talking about. And God
help me, I had no idea how I will ever be able to manage that. So the
remaining on the job was actually a grace period. The smug swine was
simply delaying firing me.
I was going home somewhat perplexed. From the news update I learned
that the Prince had won the tournament and departed to earth on
somewhat short notice. No further information on his whereabouts and
means he used to became a winner were available.
Ikuko met me as cheerfully as ever, though somewhat in her expression
spoke of exhaustion and, strangely, amusement, like there was something
she could not wait to tell me. Well, I had some news of my own. She
picked up that something is troubling me in an instant.
"Something happened, dear?"
"You could say that."
"Trouble at work? They did not like your last material?"
"Oh, they loved it. It's the new assignment that bothers me"
"What is it? Can you refuse it?"
"No, I can not. Godoshi threatens to fire me on the spot if I would not
do it"
"The bastard. You made this paper the best read in the country, and he
threatens to fire you? There are dozens of agencies that will be more
than happy to have you now"
"He has enough influence to change their minds. No, there is no way out
of it, and I have no idea how to get about it"
"What does he want?" No I am really pissed. At myself, at Ikuko, at
Godoshi, at the King himself. I know it's not reasonable, but reason
can not be demanded from me alone if everybody else disregard it when
they please.
"Remember that earth prince fellow? The one who clamed that he is the
reincarnated Avatar of the earth? You know what they did? They
proclaimed him a king! Can you believe that? Just because of some bunch
of aliens they declared the young jackass a king!"
"Yes, he told me" She is clearly amused. In couple of seconds I
finally react"
"HE told you? Who do you mean 'he'?"
"His Majesty, king Endymion"
"Where did you see him?"
"Right here, dear. He came visiting last night with senshi"
"Ikuko, are you feeling all right?"
"Do not worry, dear, it's OK. We had a great time. He is a really nice
young man, I could never understand what you have against him."
"Sweetheart, you are not making any sense. I? against? I'd never... he?
Here?"
"Of course. Come in, the neighbors are starting to listen to you. I
will tell you everything. Just take it easy, I am not crazy, I will
show you some pictures Venus took."
I guess I should humor her. Whatever came over Ikuko, she seemed dead
serious. Pictures? Of the King? Taken by Venus? That was way beyond
weird.
Out comes the old photo album. Oh, god. It is all so obvious on the
pictures. Avatars and their princess doing homework, eating ice cream.
Familiar girls in famous warrior uniform and in civilian dresses smile
from every page. His Majesty in his royal garb watching news on TV in
our sitting room, with a cup of coffee. Her Royal Highness with her
feline advisor, with her court, with her earth parents.
"You mean Usagi?"
"Yes, dear, she is the princess" sense of reality departed from me long
ago, so I just let myself to float with the current.
"Than I can interview her par... Oh, my God. WE ARE the parents... No. This
is not happening. Tell me it is not real..."
Ikuko is all sweetness and care. She tells me about Usagi, her lineage
from the moon, her umm, multiple personality trouble and how they got
over that. With Ikuko's help, no less. Gee, Godoshi really did not know
who he was talking to. I am the father of the famous moon Princess? I bet
THIS will make the little rat a bit more polite... If I'll survive all thios,
that is. Oh, I'll manage. A nice cup of tea, a little TLC and I will be
just fine. I hope. There are still occasional outbursts:
"Oh, Ikuko, do you know what our life will be like from now? Paparazzi
will hunt us down"
"but the king said..."
"I know what he said! Look, he is there - on the Moon, or on top of the
lamp post, or surrounded by senshi! No reporter will ever get to him!
And if one will dare, he has his roses, his Tuxedo la bombs, or
whatever... And I, on the other hand! The paper would not even have to
look for me! I will come to THEM! What can I do, I work there! Oh,
lord! They gave me assignment to interview MYSELF already! Just
peachy."
"do not work yourself up so much, dear. Let me draw a bath for you, you
will relax a little and feel much better by dinner time. We have guests
for dinner tonight"
"Guests? Now?"
"Yes, dear, stop repeating my words. Usagi is bringing the gang in for
dinner tonight"
"Oh, that's alright. I am too stressed to see anyone" Wait, Usagi? What
gang?"
"Well, Mamoru and girls, of course. Did not you want to interview them,
dear?" Cute. Funny. You noticed it was funny? Good. She had a little
more time to adjust to the idea that the most sought after royalty can
easily drop in for dinner, but I am still stupefied. Usagi? Princess?
How can it be? She is my daughter, isn't she?
I was surprised to find how little it affected me, I mean,
finding that my girl is the most famous princess and the most feared
warrior in the world. Oh, I was bewildered, all right. But if you would
ask me how I felt about her fame... You can not possibly exceed father's
expectation. I knew, like any other Dad, that my child was special, and
it was up to the rest of the world to understand it. The guys who
scream finding that they won a lottery are just pretending. Normal
person would just say "cool" or something like that.
I am getting sidetracked. Anyway, the while gang came for dinner
that night. Ikuko decided that the best way to treat the princess is
like nothing had changed. She made her help with setting the table,
sent her for napkins, and told her to wipe up some juice Minako had
spilled. Poor princess! She was so scared, so grateful for every little
thing we asked her, like she felt that she does not belong here. At ten
I startled everybody by sending her to bed. Can you believe, they did
not think I would let her stay here! Honestly! Silly kids... Well, she
went upstairs obediently. I stayed a little longer with her friends,
asking millions of questions.
Mamoru was silent most of the time. So, this is the cursed
"abuser of the minors" that Council talked about. Let me take a good
look at you. Prince, eh? So this is what you were hiding behind that
polite demeanor of yours. Hmm, looks like a nice young man to me. That
is, as long as you treat Usagi right. You say, engaged to her for over
thousand years? Boy, you are a patient one. I was beside myself afraid
Ikuko will change her mind for four months WE were engaged. Thousand
years, sheesh. I knew that deep inside I had always liked him. I was
sure he would never harm my little girl, no matter what the Council
said about him. Wait a sec! He was not the only one blamed for
mistreating the Princess! The "evil forster parents" who "did not
provide magic necessities and proper servants" are we! Ikuko and I are
the most hated child abusers in the galaxy! Who would think!
It hit me harder than I expected. After exercising my wit at
Mamoru's expense, you would think I would take all the accusations in
my address with a grain of salt. Damn, it did sting like hell. Mamoru
was sensitive enough to comfort us in our emotional turmoil. Indeed,
misery loves company! So, while all-powerful avatars of the solar
system fought for the last cookie in the living room, we, the fellow
criminals, retired to the kitchen, where his Royal Magesty helped us
with the dishes.
After our guests had departed, I stayed for a little bit longer
in the living room. It was a busy day, and I needed to reflect a little
before I could possibly think about sleeping. The soft noise behind me
got my attention. Usagi's cat came from behind the arm-chair. Guardian,
eh?
"Luna?"
"Yes, Tsukino-san" That voice! I know that voice! I heard it many times
from Usagi's room. How in the world I could convince myself that this
motherly voice was radio? Hmm, let me have a look at you. My girl
favorite pet talks. And how!
"So you are the one who got my daughter in all this mess?"
"It was her destiny, Tsukino-san"
"Destiny... Did not you say today that destiny is what we make of it?"
"Could you forgive me? For putting Usagi through all this?"
"Luna? Is it true?" The cat looked quite miserable.
"Well, yes."
"Who exactly are you, Luna? And what is the story with my daughter?" And
when this cat talks, she takes her time. That was how I first learn
the famous story of a moon princess. You all know it, read about it and
saw movies about it, so there is no reason for me to repeat the whole
thing. I forgot all about the weirdness of talking to the cat. It was a
friend, a mature woman who loved my girl almost as much as Ikuko and I
did. There was a strong bond of care between us, we understood each
other so well... My worries, my fear, my pride, my wish to help were
reflected wholly in the red feline eyes. But there was something
else... Shyness? No... More like guilt... There is something she is
hiding. Not only from me...
"Luna?"
"Yes?"
"How come you sent her into the first battle without even telling her
how to fight?" she looks pretty much like a proverbial guilty cat.
"Oh... There was no time. I had my duty, to protect the Princess at all
costs... Even at the cost of the life of the senshi..."
"But, Luna, she IS the princess..."
"I did not remember, then! I just found her that day, the very same day
the first attack came. I was looking for senshi, and I sensed power
from Usagi... I was not sure, it was different from what I expected. And
I did not remember Sailor Moon in the Silver Millennium. So I assumed
that she was not a very important one... She was the only senshi there.
I did not see any other choice! All I knew at that time was that
someone with magical powers is attacking, and that in the fight senshi
should recall the forgotten fighting skills."
"Why did not she?"
"Because she did not have any... Other senshi were trained for
centuries to achieve the perfection in mastering the energy of their
planets. The power of the princess is in her pure heart, not in the
weapons... There is no forgiveness for me! I've sent a child to a sure
death! But I did not know, I did not know!"
"Luna?"
"Ah?"
"She is all right, she survived; she is stronger than she looks; and
she would forgive you"
"I know she will... I saw her forgiving her worst enemies. She forgave
those that have destroyed her world and killed all her loved ones...
But shell I ever forgive myself? Or would you?"
"I can see that you love her... I know you did not mean to harm my
girl. But... Why did you do it to my baby? You were sent to protect her...
Why did not you recognize your princess? What did she have to go
through... My poor little girl'' No. You are not to blame, I am. I should
have seen her pain, I am her father. I guess, Queen Serenity did not do
much of a job selecting two of us to trust her daughter with."
"You did not know, you have nothing to blame yourself for"
"Sounds like you knew just as little as I did, Luna. No point pounding
it now. We have more important work to do. Tomorrow is a big day"
"Yes, I will have to go soon... Your place is with your family,
Kenji... Ikuko..."
"I thought it was a secret, why did you tell us about Usagi and
others?"
"I no longer see any reason for secrecy. They depart tomorrow, and we
can only pray about our own survival. The love so powerful and so long
denied can destroy or save us. The Avatars will combine their powers to
protect the mortals. The only way to do so for them is to put
everyone's body in the frozen sleep, while pooling the souls in the
single plane of consciousness. If senshi will be able to complete their
mission, the secrets will no longer exist, any secrets. The only chance
we have is to unite all minds in one, and to pour all love of our
hearts in the single passion akin to the one that may be too much for
this world. Only than we might be able to balance the force that
threatens our existence."
"You mean that we will all share the same knowledge? The magic will be
known to all, and all the scientific information too?"
"Aw, it will be available, yes, but not permanently. If we will
survive, after the separation of minds they will be able to keep just
so much... Let me put it this way: all the information in Tokyo Public
Library is available to anybody willing to get it, and it is more than
enough to make a professional in many fields. But people do not storm
it to become well-paid doctors or lawyers, do they?"
Talking to Luna seems so natural for me now. Just to think, this
morning it would seem a cue to call men in white with the straight
jacket... No, I will not go to bed tonight.
"It will be all right, Luna, you will see... See you tomorrow!"
"Yes" If there will be a tomorrow..." scaredy cat. In the face of
imminent danger we are facing now, does it matter much? Our girl is
still the same precious baby we always knew, regardless of the secrets
she was hiding from us for our own protection.
I spent night in the sitting room, thinking, remembering. I knew
Ikuko did not sleep either, I have heard her crying in the bedroom. But
she never came to me, not wanting me to see her anguish.. Dear girl,
for so long my best friend... Whatever is coming tomorrow, you are the
one thing in this life I am grateful for. You and what you brought me
with you.
Early in the morning Ikuko looked as fresh and radiant as if she
slept the night away without anything in the world to trouble her. She
made us all a great breakfast, chatted with Luna like she was her life-
long friend, and made sure that Usagi's pigtails are straight. My poor
little princess looked pale but composed. She was to meet senshi and
Endymion for the last time on the temple grounds. I volunteered to
drive them, unable to stay away from my little girl, may be the last
time I see her.
Well, DRIVING to the temple was a more complicated task than I
initially thought. Four blocks from the Cherry Hill the streets were
packed with the crowd held back by police. There was no way to get in
or out, in the vehicle or on foot. I stopped at the sign of the
policeman, not sure what to do: no way I will let my girl out in the
middle of this mob. But she MUST get to the temple!
As it happened, I did not have to worry. Luna leaned to Usagi's
girlish little watch, and pressed some pink button. A concerned voice
of Ami, um, Mercury, came from the small device.
"Princess? Oh, Luna? Where are you?"
"We are in the Tsukino's car on the fourth street. The crowd and police
are blocking us from getting any closer"..."
"In a minute, Luna"
It was much less than a minute, in fact. Feminine voice rang the
orders, and people scattered away from the double Venus-love-me-chains
that slashed through the air. Two golden lines formed a wide passage
from the temple to my car, effectively keeping the crowd out of our
way. That girl is missing a great career in traffic control. I turned
the key in the ignition again, and started cautiously down the passage.
The honor our car was getting attracted the attention of the mob. Usagi's
pigtails were instantly recognized, and the cry "Princess! Princess in that
old heap" fluttered above the crowd.
Photoflashes sparkled from both sides of the car, and I caught myself
feeling guilty I am not snapping away at my own old family vehicle.
For a brief moment I saw Koshiro starring straight in my face,
disbelieving. I guess the word was out that the princess is arriving in
that beaten up lemon I was driving. Gidoshi will have a heart attack
when he will hear about it. That's if we will survive today on the
first place.
There was no people on the grounds themselves. That's no mortal people,
other than Ikuko and I. But it was crowded more than during most
popular Shinto celebrations. The familiar from TV faces of Avatar's
Council were bowed in respect to the girl I called my daughter for so
long. The King himself came to open the car door for her, in his black
armor. She stepped out of the car in her pink jacket and jeans, but as
she touched his hand her there was a swirl of white feathers from her
neck down to the ground, leaving her in the same dress I saw in the
desert.
"My god..."
"What, Luna?"
"I had never seen anything like that... Their aura... It is
incredible!"
"What does it mean?"
"This is the fulfillment of the Prophesy" The union of the two who will
rein the earth and who were husband and wife from the moment they were
created."
"Married? Already?" Ikuko valiantly hid her fear under the thin crust
of witty chatter. "What, no wedding guests? Well, I suppose the entire
world was invited in their last little party with fancy works" Too bad,
I was planning to use Usagi's wedding as an excuse to buy that dress…"
"Ha, you are funny. I do not think that as a queen mother you will
experience any shortage of fine clothing. You would rather need an
occasion to wear something less glamorous. Besides, they might want to
renew their vows…"
"I doubt that. Even if they would, do you really thing they will be
able to find a spiritual authority that will dare to perform the
ceremony? After all, it is the profanity of the worst kind: Lord
Himself already united them, who is here to challenge his work?"
"True. Even though they had never consummated their marriage until the
Apocalypse."
"You mean, they never before... I thought... They were so close"
Did you ever see a black cat blush?
"Oh, come on, Luna. You should not pretend with me. We both are women
and know a thing or two about life." How could women talk like this in
the most serious moments? I felt my face is getting red with
embarrassment if someone will chance to hear it.
"Well, if you put it this way... Yes, I am pretty sure they were, but
neither of them was whole at a time. The were lovers back in the Silver
Millennium, but it did not count either."
"Hmm, it looks like it was hard to detain this two much longer"
"Oh, Ikuko, how can you, she is your daughter!"
"You said they are married, did you not? Besides, if I did not know
anything about sex, I would not be her Mom on the first place." You
know, with the wife like Ikuko I am surprised our kids have any moral
principles at all. "By the way, being a Mom of Eve makes my family tree
a little crooked, don't you think?"
"Hmm. It appears that you do have a major loop here. Wait a minute.
Look"
Both King and Usagi seemed very little concerned with the crowd and all
the attention they were getting. My intended son-in-low (forgive me,
but when you learn that someone has half a dozen names, you would get
confused enough to not to know how to call him) finally took, or should
I say, dragged his eyes from my girl and addressed the Council.
"My children"
He had no chance to continue. The Council began to kneel row after row,
stopping him and confusing Usagi with the noise they were making. Now,
should I kneel myself? They are royalty, after all. The President of
the Council crept forward and began to speak in rushed Galactic.
"Luna, what is going on?"
"He is trying to cover his butt"
"Luna!!!"
"Oops, sorry. His Excellency is expressing his deep regret on the
occasion of the misunderstanding that took place a while ago. He is
begging a forgiveness of Their Majesties in his own name and the name
of the Council. He claims as an excuse that the identity and auras of
the great Eternal Ancestors were hidden."
"Who are Eternal Ancestors?"
"Why, Usagi and Mamoru are. Their real names and essences are Life and
Earth, or in one of ancient languages Adam and Eve."
"Oh, that. I did not realize that the population of the other planets
decent from them too."
"In a way, they are parents of all mortal and immortal beings, on the
earth and elsewhere. Though, directly each of them had only created
four absolute senshi, and together they brought to existence the
Cauldron, the birthplace of avatars."
"What are they doing now?"
"It seems that the king had accepted the apology and is retiring with
the princess"
"In the temple? Should we follow?"
"I do not think so. Senshi had sealed the entrance behind them. What?
They left me behind too? Did the Artemis get in?"
The doors parted to let out a small white cat, which looked VERY
unhappy about that.
"Artemis!" Luna jumped from the Ikuko's hands and rushed toward the new
feline arrival.
"They sent you out?"
"They build a defencive fource field that only an avatar can survive..."
""Oh, Artemis, it's all right. We will wait here, just as many times before
now... Remember Beril? she went alone, and she managed it, too."
"Luna..."
"I now"
The two funny little cats were consoling each other in this time of trouble as
two old friends or lovers would. They were right. That was the time to be with
the ones you love most. I turned to find my wife staring trustingly at me
"Kenji?"
"Yes, Ikuko?"
"May be we should go home, dear. They will not be coming out again.
Let's go. The time we still have, we better spend with Shingo and each
other. Usagi is gone, Kenji"
And I knew it. Whatever illusion of normality we strived to maintain since
yesterday night, it was gone now. We were left, two orphaned souls in the
world on the brink of doom, and a few hours together was all we had left.
Oh, Usagi...
__________________________________________________________________
OK. Done it. E-mail is good. I love E-mail. After all, it was Jordan
who finally awakened the little shame I still have and made me finish
this part. Next chapter should be short but eventful.
Ikuko
Part seven
Sailor Moon STILL does not belong to me. Too bad.
Ikuko
I would learn that; for, by the
marks of sovereignty, knowledge, and reason,
I should be false persuaded I had daughters.
We'll no more meet, no more see one another:
But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter;
William Shakespeare KING LEAR
Kenji POV:
By ten in the morning I knew that this is going to be one of
those days. When someone out there decides that you are the amusement
of the moment and removes all traces of reason from around you. First,
I almost overslept. The morning jog was a disaster: a downpour rain
from a tiny cloud I did not even notice, then the dog on the corner,
then the truck splashing me all over.
I have no idea why Ikuko thought I do not have to be in the office
early today, but she did not wake me up. And on my attempt to complain
she immediately took the "I am just a little loving wife" pose. You know,
"oh, dear, you are so exhausted lately, all this pressure... I thought
you need a little more rest".
Right. I AM running like a mad dog lately, but only because I finally
got the position SHE was dreaming about for me. I, personally, was
happy to be an ordinary photo reporter. There were twenty like me in
the paper, and if I needed a day off or did not like the assignment,
well, I could ask Tanaka or Koshiro to fill in. Less pay, but we
managed just fine before. With this promotion things are just too
complicated. They expect me to hang with different crowd, no more beer
with guys on Fridays.
I knew that Koshiro was offended: he is two years my senior, and
was working much longer in the company. Of course, he expected to be
promoted first. If he would happen to be available to
go to Northern Africa instead of me, he would be the one to take pics
that increased our sales 25%. We all know it was the case of being in
the right place at the right time. But since I was the lucky one, I've
got all the credit, and it's I who is paying for it now. Instead of the
nice evening with guys in the bar, I am expected to go to the black tie
dinner with snobs that look down at Ikuko and I.
Now I am traitor in the eyes of Tanaka and Koshiro, and an upstart
for the executive golden boys I am supposed to hang out with. I have
tree times more work to do and no time to enjoy extra money I earn.
Well, at least it is doing something good for girls. Ikuko seems
perfectly natural with the new crowd, and boss's wife loves her. She
is happy I can take her out more often. That's one thing I could never
understand: why does she want to eat out at all? OK, no cooking, no
dishes, right? But on the other hand, the amount of time she slaves by
the mirror, and before that shopping...
Honestly, I would rather make a three-course dinner than shop
for hours in the row. But who am I to try to understand a woman, right?
At least she is way more reasonable than the most. Except for one
thing. Usagi. You know what I mean. There is this female conspiracy.
She lets our girl to do ANYTHING. Really. And I cannot say a word,
under a threat to be proclaimed an overprotective tyrant and narrow-
minded male chauvinist. For some reason they thing I have in mind to
chain Usagi in her room until she is thirty. That's ridiculous. I
perfectly understand that she is sixteen, and sixteen years old girls
do date.
But you see, Usagi is... well, it is not just that she is MY
girl. She is really special. You have seen her. I do not blame the guys
for chasing her around. But it's not just how beautiful she is.
She has a heart of gold, and I will be damned if any scoundrel who is only
after the looks will break it. But Ikuko does not understand. For her,
Usagi can date anyone, as long as this is "romantic". Great love, ha.
They thing Romeo and Juliet is the greatest love. I am asking you, if
you were the father, would you like your girl to have a love like that?
To kill herself over the dead body of her lover? That's senseless and
shameful.
You know what I think is a great love? I think it is to be able to live with
the one you love all your life, to raise good kids together, and to be devoted
to each other for years and years to come. Dying is easy, you try to live for
your love. But women will never see it this way.
Oh, well. I suppose, I should be fair. The guy Usagi is dating is
not that bad. That's just the problem. I cannot trust him. He seems too
good to be true. And when something seems too good to be true, it
probably is.
He is too handsome, too polite, too successful, too affectionate to Usagi.
I mean, there must be a catch. Believe it or not, it's been two years he is
hanging around her! Yes, since she was FOURTEEN! Do you see anything wrong
with this picture? At first, I thought he was just out to woo a silly teenager,
and if I will be firm, he will see that there is nothing for him here.
No such luck. He is a persistent bastard. Every once in a while, I see him
around Usagi. Now he is officially accepted in our family, Ikuko took him under
her protection, and I can do nothing about it. Every week I see him at the
dinner, across the table. Looking at me with his oh-so-honest blue eyes.
It's weird, how much self-assurance can be in a mere boy. He is
hardly twenty, but I wish I could have such airs as this guy. You would
think he is a prince and all around him is his property. In fact, I
could use such airs right now. The big guy Godoshi is expecting me in
his office for so-called "strategic meeting" right now. And I can not
stand the bastard.
Mister Godoshi office is huge. The man just loves to flaunt that
he is an executive. I would be one too, if I were a nephew of the
owner. The rat used to talks to me like he had never seen me before.
Since my promotion he seems to pay me a little more attention then
before, and I wish he did not. The man he notices is the first on the
list to get in trouble. The wimp knows too well that his ability to run
the paper is severely handicapped, and will not tolerate an able
person anywhere near himself. I took a deep breath and knocked in the tall
oak door.
"Welcome, Tsukino-san, right?"
"Good morning, Executive director, sir"
"I've heard a lot about your fine work in north Africa. Really good,
Mr. Tsukino. I see you've got promoted on the basis of that your
achievement"
"I am doing my best on the new post, Executive director, sir"
"Ah, but we expect more from you now" Here it goes. The backstabbing
bastard
"Well, you see, that fine material you've got for us in Sahara put us
in a spot of great responsibility. We have to be the paper that in on
the very frontier of the new about that avatar business. Since we were
the only ones who was able to provide the pictures of the senshi and
aliens for our readers, we have an obligation to keep them the best
informed.
But there was this complete disaster with that guy, the
representative of the Earth, Prince... What's his name? Oh, he was
proclaimed king yesterday, you know? Oh, of course, you do. Well, where
are the pictures from the coronation ceremony? I know, there was a very
small one on the moon, and no humans, I mean, normal people were
admitted.
Still, we are expected to provide some information on the
event. Why were you not on the moon? How could it be that they did not
get you invitation to the moon, you are the one who took the first
pictures?"
the swine. Like he really does not remember the name of
Endymion. Sitting here, in the office, when we are slaving in the
field. I would like to look on your face if you would be standing in a
few feet from that blacked armored guy and feel his power sizzling in
the air. I still feel dizzy at the mere memory. I mean, the prince is
the only defense we all have against entire Galaxy of advanced
civilizations, and he dares to... Oh, well, why should I be so protective
of the King. He can fend for himself very well indeed. If you will ask
me, it was smartest thing in the world to swear allegiance to him. The
guy has complete power over this planet, right? Yet he never demanded
anything from us. Really, people behave like children. He needs our
consent as he needs a rock in his boot. We need him, not the other way
around.
I noticed Godoshi was still expecting my reply.
"I did not get the visa. My application was turned down by the security
of the Moon Palace"
"I do not believe the story about Sailor Jupiter specifically
withdrawing you from the list. Do not overestimate your importance,
Tsukino-san. People never remember the photographer. How can she
possibly recognize the name of Tsukino in the list? Who is Tsukino? Mr.
Nobody, this name can mean nothing to them. No, it's an obvious
conspiracy against out company."
"We did get Mr. Tanaka there, he is a good photographer and a loyal
employee..."
"Yes, yes. But he did not even get close to the main figures. The so-
called king is as elusive as a ghost, and there is not a single new
picture of him in the papers since that last ones that you took. The
princess is also hiding, but at this moment she is not quite as big
news as the king. I understand, it was a necessary political measure to
accept him as a formal ruler, but what an outrage! Anyhow, the
information was sent to us that the king removed back to earth, so your
task is to interview him and bring as many pictures as you can"
"I apologize, did I understand you correctly? You want ME to interview
His Majesty? Where in the world will I find him? And is not it rather
insubordinate? The top reporters of the world were refused a
chance of interview, and you think that a photographer can get it? I
did do some interviews, but nothing anywhere near that level..."
"But, you see, Mr. Tsukino, you do not have much choice. I could not
possibly tolerate that our paper will lose face in front of others,
everybody knows that your name was taken off the list of admissions. We
can not even claim that you were declared persona non grata because you
are some dirty paparazzi" Thank you, you son of a bitch "I had to come
up with some justification. We have brainstormed it and decided that
for all PR you will our inside man with Avatars. That will explain why
you can not work on the Moon: it would compromise your integrity as
personal friend of the King. Clever, isn't it? Now all we have to do is
interview YOU"
"Me?! but I do not know anything"
"Well, yes. But that's your job to get to know. I do not care how you
do that, but you better start thinking real fast. Because as from
today, you see, you are no longer officially employed with us. You are
our outside consultant in the matters of Avatars. Your commissions will
be quite generous, I dare say. It will make up to you in leaving the
job. BUT: no information, no pay. And no benefits either"
Oh, god. This bastard is saving his own neck by sticking mine out. That's
the nicest set-up I've seen in a long time. If I do not get anything,
it's not his fault. If Avatars will be unhappy with the materials I
provide, I am the only one responsible. But if I actually get anything,
he will rake all the credit, and I will have to step aside and play a
two-timer who have sold his "friends" senshi to the press. Of course,
the only right move will be to through this dirty deal back in his
teeth. But Ikuko is so happy with the rise I just got... There should
be another way... say, if I am no longer working for this dirty rag, I
can try some other paper, after all the noise my pics did in the press
they should be more than happy to get me... Only to play the same trick
on me as soon as the opportunity will present itself... And I like guys
here. Tanaka, Koshiro, the old man in the proofing... wait, may be we can
yet turn the tables on the bastard. Let's see... Tanaka always say I will
never make a good poker player because I can not bluff, but for this
occasion I will do my best.
"I am sorry, but I will have to decline. I will submit my resignation
this afternoon.." His smug face fills with revolting leer - he had
expected that. Do not get too happy yet, you SOB. "There are things that
I simply can not afford to do. I know the power we are up against better
than anyone" His glossy snout seems instantly more alert
"Tsukino, you have some leads? And you did not inform us?"
"Reporters are expected to keep the secret sources secret, Mr.
Executive director, sir. If you see it contradicts the paper policy in
this case, my resignation should solve the problem".
"And send you directly to our competitors. You have signed a paper that
no IP acquired on this job will ever be available to other
publications. We will sue your pants off!"
"I do not think I will need to go to your competitors, Mr. Executive
director, sir. I am thinking of complete change of the career lately"
"you've got some other offers?"
"I would prefer not to answer this question, Mr. Executive director,
sir."
"Since when?"
"For some weeks"
"Since Sahara, then?" he got it all. The hook, line and the sinker. Boy, will
ever Tanaka be proud of me. "you better be careful. You may be made
friends with these girls in short skirts, but still I have lots of
influence around here" Now, it's time. I grin sweetly, first time since
the beginning of our "conversation"
"You have some nerve, Tsukino" He is getting edgy. Time for a
counterattack
"I do not think the Avatars like to be called that. And His Magesty
might be displeased if he knew how you referred to him and his
coronation."
"Why would he believe YOU, provided you will get close enough to him to
tell?"
"I already was close enough, more than once, as you remember. And I do
not think I will have to try too hard"
"You are bluffing, Tsukino"
"Am I? Then there is nothing for you to be worry about"
"Look, you do not have to get all uptight. If you have a lead, we can
work on it. You get the info, I will take care of your employment
status"
"IF I am still employed"
"As long as you bring the goods"
"Same salary. And office with the window"
"You DO have something"
Well, at the end he's got what he wanted. I did win in the since that
he did not actually fire me. Or, as he nicely puts it "made an outside
consultant". Small blessings. In return, I had to agree to get an
exclusive from the King. Plus, I had to dig some dirt on those
abusive parents of the princess the Council was talking about. And God
help me, I had no idea how I will ever be able to manage that. So the
remaining on the job was actually a grace period. The smug swine was
simply delaying firing me.
I was going home somewhat perplexed. From the news update I learned
that the Prince had won the tournament and departed to earth on
somewhat short notice. No further information on his whereabouts and
means he used to became a winner were available.
Ikuko met me as cheerfully as ever, though somewhat in her expression
spoke of exhaustion and, strangely, amusement, like there was something
she could not wait to tell me. Well, I had some news of my own. She
picked up that something is troubling me in an instant.
"Something happened, dear?"
"You could say that."
"Trouble at work? They did not like your last material?"
"Oh, they loved it. It's the new assignment that bothers me"
"What is it? Can you refuse it?"
"No, I can not. Godoshi threatens to fire me on the spot if I would not
do it"
"The bastard. You made this paper the best read in the country, and he
threatens to fire you? There are dozens of agencies that will be more
than happy to have you now"
"He has enough influence to change their minds. No, there is no way out
of it, and I have no idea how to get about it"
"What does he want?" No I am really pissed. At myself, at Ikuko, at
Godoshi, at the King himself. I know it's not reasonable, but reason
can not be demanded from me alone if everybody else disregard it when
they please.
"Remember that earth prince fellow? The one who clamed that he is the
reincarnated Avatar of the earth? You know what they did? They
proclaimed him a king! Can you believe that? Just because of some bunch
of aliens they declared the young jackass a king!"
"Yes, he told me" She is clearly amused. In couple of seconds I
finally react"
"HE told you? Who do you mean 'he'?"
"His Majesty, king Endymion"
"Where did you see him?"
"Right here, dear. He came visiting last night with senshi"
"Ikuko, are you feeling all right?"
"Do not worry, dear, it's OK. We had a great time. He is a really nice
young man, I could never understand what you have against him."
"Sweetheart, you are not making any sense. I? against? I'd never... he?
Here?"
"Of course. Come in, the neighbors are starting to listen to you. I
will tell you everything. Just take it easy, I am not crazy, I will
show you some pictures Venus took."
I guess I should humor her. Whatever came over Ikuko, she seemed dead
serious. Pictures? Of the King? Taken by Venus? That was way beyond
weird.
Out comes the old photo album. Oh, god. It is all so obvious on the
pictures. Avatars and their princess doing homework, eating ice cream.
Familiar girls in famous warrior uniform and in civilian dresses smile
from every page. His Majesty in his royal garb watching news on TV in
our sitting room, with a cup of coffee. Her Royal Highness with her
feline advisor, with her court, with her earth parents.
"You mean Usagi?"
"Yes, dear, she is the princess" sense of reality departed from me long
ago, so I just let myself to float with the current.
"Than I can interview her par... Oh, my God. WE ARE the parents... No. This
is not happening. Tell me it is not real..."
Ikuko is all sweetness and care. She tells me about Usagi, her lineage
from the moon, her umm, multiple personality trouble and how they got
over that. With Ikuko's help, no less. Gee, Godoshi really did not know
who he was talking to. I am the father of the famous moon Princess? I bet
THIS will make the little rat a bit more polite... If I'll survive all thios,
that is. Oh, I'll manage. A nice cup of tea, a little TLC and I will be
just fine. I hope. There are still occasional outbursts:
"Oh, Ikuko, do you know what our life will be like from now? Paparazzi
will hunt us down"
"but the king said..."
"I know what he said! Look, he is there - on the Moon, or on top of the
lamp post, or surrounded by senshi! No reporter will ever get to him!
And if one will dare, he has his roses, his Tuxedo la bombs, or
whatever... And I, on the other hand! The paper would not even have to
look for me! I will come to THEM! What can I do, I work there! Oh,
lord! They gave me assignment to interview MYSELF already! Just
peachy."
"do not work yourself up so much, dear. Let me draw a bath for you, you
will relax a little and feel much better by dinner time. We have guests
for dinner tonight"
"Guests? Now?"
"Yes, dear, stop repeating my words. Usagi is bringing the gang in for
dinner tonight"
"Oh, that's alright. I am too stressed to see anyone" Wait, Usagi? What
gang?"
"Well, Mamoru and girls, of course. Did not you want to interview them,
dear?" Cute. Funny. You noticed it was funny? Good. She had a little
more time to adjust to the idea that the most sought after royalty can
easily drop in for dinner, but I am still stupefied. Usagi? Princess?
How can it be? She is my daughter, isn't she?
I was surprised to find how little it affected me, I mean,
finding that my girl is the most famous princess and the most feared
warrior in the world. Oh, I was bewildered, all right. But if you would
ask me how I felt about her fame... You can not possibly exceed father's
expectation. I knew, like any other Dad, that my child was special, and
it was up to the rest of the world to understand it. The guys who
scream finding that they won a lottery are just pretending. Normal
person would just say "cool" or something like that.
I am getting sidetracked. Anyway, the while gang came for dinner
that night. Ikuko decided that the best way to treat the princess is
like nothing had changed. She made her help with setting the table,
sent her for napkins, and told her to wipe up some juice Minako had
spilled. Poor princess! She was so scared, so grateful for every little
thing we asked her, like she felt that she does not belong here. At ten
I startled everybody by sending her to bed. Can you believe, they did
not think I would let her stay here! Honestly! Silly kids... Well, she
went upstairs obediently. I stayed a little longer with her friends,
asking millions of questions.
Mamoru was silent most of the time. So, this is the cursed
"abuser of the minors" that Council talked about. Let me take a good
look at you. Prince, eh? So this is what you were hiding behind that
polite demeanor of yours. Hmm, looks like a nice young man to me. That
is, as long as you treat Usagi right. You say, engaged to her for over
thousand years? Boy, you are a patient one. I was beside myself afraid
Ikuko will change her mind for four months WE were engaged. Thousand
years, sheesh. I knew that deep inside I had always liked him. I was
sure he would never harm my little girl, no matter what the Council
said about him. Wait a sec! He was not the only one blamed for
mistreating the Princess! The "evil forster parents" who "did not
provide magic necessities and proper servants" are we! Ikuko and I are
the most hated child abusers in the galaxy! Who would think!
It hit me harder than I expected. After exercising my wit at
Mamoru's expense, you would think I would take all the accusations in
my address with a grain of salt. Damn, it did sting like hell. Mamoru
was sensitive enough to comfort us in our emotional turmoil. Indeed,
misery loves company! So, while all-powerful avatars of the solar
system fought for the last cookie in the living room, we, the fellow
criminals, retired to the kitchen, where his Royal Magesty helped us
with the dishes.
After our guests had departed, I stayed for a little bit longer
in the living room. It was a busy day, and I needed to reflect a little
before I could possibly think about sleeping. The soft noise behind me
got my attention. Usagi's cat came from behind the arm-chair. Guardian,
eh?
"Luna?"
"Yes, Tsukino-san" That voice! I know that voice! I heard it many times
from Usagi's room. How in the world I could convince myself that this
motherly voice was radio? Hmm, let me have a look at you. My girl
favorite pet talks. And how!
"So you are the one who got my daughter in all this mess?"
"It was her destiny, Tsukino-san"
"Destiny... Did not you say today that destiny is what we make of it?"
"Could you forgive me? For putting Usagi through all this?"
"Luna? Is it true?" The cat looked quite miserable.
"Well, yes."
"Who exactly are you, Luna? And what is the story with my daughter?" And
when this cat talks, she takes her time. That was how I first learn
the famous story of a moon princess. You all know it, read about it and
saw movies about it, so there is no reason for me to repeat the whole
thing. I forgot all about the weirdness of talking to the cat. It was a
friend, a mature woman who loved my girl almost as much as Ikuko and I
did. There was a strong bond of care between us, we understood each
other so well... My worries, my fear, my pride, my wish to help were
reflected wholly in the red feline eyes. But there was something
else... Shyness? No... More like guilt... There is something she is
hiding. Not only from me...
"Luna?"
"Yes?"
"How come you sent her into the first battle without even telling her
how to fight?" she looks pretty much like a proverbial guilty cat.
"Oh... There was no time. I had my duty, to protect the Princess at all
costs... Even at the cost of the life of the senshi..."
"But, Luna, she IS the princess..."
"I did not remember, then! I just found her that day, the very same day
the first attack came. I was looking for senshi, and I sensed power
from Usagi... I was not sure, it was different from what I expected. And
I did not remember Sailor Moon in the Silver Millennium. So I assumed
that she was not a very important one... She was the only senshi there.
I did not see any other choice! All I knew at that time was that
someone with magical powers is attacking, and that in the fight senshi
should recall the forgotten fighting skills."
"Why did not she?"
"Because she did not have any... Other senshi were trained for
centuries to achieve the perfection in mastering the energy of their
planets. The power of the princess is in her pure heart, not in the
weapons... There is no forgiveness for me! I've sent a child to a sure
death! But I did not know, I did not know!"
"Luna?"
"Ah?"
"She is all right, she survived; she is stronger than she looks; and
she would forgive you"
"I know she will... I saw her forgiving her worst enemies. She forgave
those that have destroyed her world and killed all her loved ones...
But shell I ever forgive myself? Or would you?"
"I can see that you love her... I know you did not mean to harm my
girl. But... Why did you do it to my baby? You were sent to protect her...
Why did not you recognize your princess? What did she have to go
through... My poor little girl'' No. You are not to blame, I am. I should
have seen her pain, I am her father. I guess, Queen Serenity did not do
much of a job selecting two of us to trust her daughter with."
"You did not know, you have nothing to blame yourself for"
"Sounds like you knew just as little as I did, Luna. No point pounding
it now. We have more important work to do. Tomorrow is a big day"
"Yes, I will have to go soon... Your place is with your family,
Kenji... Ikuko..."
"I thought it was a secret, why did you tell us about Usagi and
others?"
"I no longer see any reason for secrecy. They depart tomorrow, and we
can only pray about our own survival. The love so powerful and so long
denied can destroy or save us. The Avatars will combine their powers to
protect the mortals. The only way to do so for them is to put
everyone's body in the frozen sleep, while pooling the souls in the
single plane of consciousness. If senshi will be able to complete their
mission, the secrets will no longer exist, any secrets. The only chance
we have is to unite all minds in one, and to pour all love of our
hearts in the single passion akin to the one that may be too much for
this world. Only than we might be able to balance the force that
threatens our existence."
"You mean that we will all share the same knowledge? The magic will be
known to all, and all the scientific information too?"
"Aw, it will be available, yes, but not permanently. If we will
survive, after the separation of minds they will be able to keep just
so much... Let me put it this way: all the information in Tokyo Public
Library is available to anybody willing to get it, and it is more than
enough to make a professional in many fields. But people do not storm
it to become well-paid doctors or lawyers, do they?"
Talking to Luna seems so natural for me now. Just to think, this
morning it would seem a cue to call men in white with the straight
jacket... No, I will not go to bed tonight.
"It will be all right, Luna, you will see... See you tomorrow!"
"Yes" If there will be a tomorrow..." scaredy cat. In the face of
imminent danger we are facing now, does it matter much? Our girl is
still the same precious baby we always knew, regardless of the secrets
she was hiding from us for our own protection.
I spent night in the sitting room, thinking, remembering. I knew
Ikuko did not sleep either, I have heard her crying in the bedroom. But
she never came to me, not wanting me to see her anguish.. Dear girl,
for so long my best friend... Whatever is coming tomorrow, you are the
one thing in this life I am grateful for. You and what you brought me
with you.
Early in the morning Ikuko looked as fresh and radiant as if she
slept the night away without anything in the world to trouble her. She
made us all a great breakfast, chatted with Luna like she was her life-
long friend, and made sure that Usagi's pigtails are straight. My poor
little princess looked pale but composed. She was to meet senshi and
Endymion for the last time on the temple grounds. I volunteered to
drive them, unable to stay away from my little girl, may be the last
time I see her.
Well, DRIVING to the temple was a more complicated task than I
initially thought. Four blocks from the Cherry Hill the streets were
packed with the crowd held back by police. There was no way to get in
or out, in the vehicle or on foot. I stopped at the sign of the
policeman, not sure what to do: no way I will let my girl out in the
middle of this mob. But she MUST get to the temple!
As it happened, I did not have to worry. Luna leaned to Usagi's
girlish little watch, and pressed some pink button. A concerned voice
of Ami, um, Mercury, came from the small device.
"Princess? Oh, Luna? Where are you?"
"We are in the Tsukino's car on the fourth street. The crowd and police
are blocking us from getting any closer"..."
"In a minute, Luna"
It was much less than a minute, in fact. Feminine voice rang the
orders, and people scattered away from the double Venus-love-me-chains
that slashed through the air. Two golden lines formed a wide passage
from the temple to my car, effectively keeping the crowd out of our
way. That girl is missing a great career in traffic control. I turned
the key in the ignition again, and started cautiously down the passage.
The honor our car was getting attracted the attention of the mob. Usagi's
pigtails were instantly recognized, and the cry "Princess! Princess in that
old heap" fluttered above the crowd.
Photoflashes sparkled from both sides of the car, and I caught myself
feeling guilty I am not snapping away at my own old family vehicle.
For a brief moment I saw Koshiro starring straight in my face,
disbelieving. I guess the word was out that the princess is arriving in
that beaten up lemon I was driving. Gidoshi will have a heart attack
when he will hear about it. That's if we will survive today on the
first place.
There was no people on the grounds themselves. That's no mortal people,
other than Ikuko and I. But it was crowded more than during most
popular Shinto celebrations. The familiar from TV faces of Avatar's
Council were bowed in respect to the girl I called my daughter for so
long. The King himself came to open the car door for her, in his black
armor. She stepped out of the car in her pink jacket and jeans, but as
she touched his hand her there was a swirl of white feathers from her
neck down to the ground, leaving her in the same dress I saw in the
desert.
"My god..."
"What, Luna?"
"I had never seen anything like that... Their aura... It is
incredible!"
"What does it mean?"
"This is the fulfillment of the Prophesy" The union of the two who will
rein the earth and who were husband and wife from the moment they were
created."
"Married? Already?" Ikuko valiantly hid her fear under the thin crust
of witty chatter. "What, no wedding guests? Well, I suppose the entire
world was invited in their last little party with fancy works" Too bad,
I was planning to use Usagi's wedding as an excuse to buy that dress…"
"Ha, you are funny. I do not think that as a queen mother you will
experience any shortage of fine clothing. You would rather need an
occasion to wear something less glamorous. Besides, they might want to
renew their vows…"
"I doubt that. Even if they would, do you really thing they will be
able to find a spiritual authority that will dare to perform the
ceremony? After all, it is the profanity of the worst kind: Lord
Himself already united them, who is here to challenge his work?"
"True. Even though they had never consummated their marriage until the
Apocalypse."
"You mean, they never before... I thought... They were so close"
Did you ever see a black cat blush?
"Oh, come on, Luna. You should not pretend with me. We both are women
and know a thing or two about life." How could women talk like this in
the most serious moments? I felt my face is getting red with
embarrassment if someone will chance to hear it.
"Well, if you put it this way... Yes, I am pretty sure they were, but
neither of them was whole at a time. The were lovers back in the Silver
Millennium, but it did not count either."
"Hmm, it looks like it was hard to detain this two much longer"
"Oh, Ikuko, how can you, she is your daughter!"
"You said they are married, did you not? Besides, if I did not know
anything about sex, I would not be her Mom on the first place." You
know, with the wife like Ikuko I am surprised our kids have any moral
principles at all. "By the way, being a Mom of Eve makes my family tree
a little crooked, don't you think?"
"Hmm. It appears that you do have a major loop here. Wait a minute.
Look"
Both King and Usagi seemed very little concerned with the crowd and all
the attention they were getting. My intended son-in-low (forgive me,
but when you learn that someone has half a dozen names, you would get
confused enough to not to know how to call him) finally took, or should
I say, dragged his eyes from my girl and addressed the Council.
"My children"
He had no chance to continue. The Council began to kneel row after row,
stopping him and confusing Usagi with the noise they were making. Now,
should I kneel myself? They are royalty, after all. The President of
the Council crept forward and began to speak in rushed Galactic.
"Luna, what is going on?"
"He is trying to cover his butt"
"Luna!!!"
"Oops, sorry. His Excellency is expressing his deep regret on the
occasion of the misunderstanding that took place a while ago. He is
begging a forgiveness of Their Majesties in his own name and the name
of the Council. He claims as an excuse that the identity and auras of
the great Eternal Ancestors were hidden."
"Who are Eternal Ancestors?"
"Why, Usagi and Mamoru are. Their real names and essences are Life and
Earth, or in one of ancient languages Adam and Eve."
"Oh, that. I did not realize that the population of the other planets
decent from them too."
"In a way, they are parents of all mortal and immortal beings, on the
earth and elsewhere. Though, directly each of them had only created
four absolute senshi, and together they brought to existence the
Cauldron, the birthplace of avatars."
"What are they doing now?"
"It seems that the king had accepted the apology and is retiring with
the princess"
"In the temple? Should we follow?"
"I do not think so. Senshi had sealed the entrance behind them. What?
They left me behind too? Did the Artemis get in?"
The doors parted to let out a small white cat, which looked VERY
unhappy about that.
"Artemis!" Luna jumped from the Ikuko's hands and rushed toward the new
feline arrival.
"They sent you out?"
"They build a defencive fource field that only an avatar can survive..."
""Oh, Artemis, it's all right. We will wait here, just as many times before
now... Remember Beril? she went alone, and she managed it, too."
"Luna..."
"I now"
The two funny little cats were consoling each other in this time of trouble as
two old friends or lovers would. They were right. That was the time to be with
the ones you love most. I turned to find my wife staring trustingly at me
"Kenji?"
"Yes, Ikuko?"
"May be we should go home, dear. They will not be coming out again.
Let's go. The time we still have, we better spend with Shingo and each
other. Usagi is gone, Kenji"
And I knew it. Whatever illusion of normality we strived to maintain since
yesterday night, it was gone now. We were left, two orphaned souls in the
world on the brink of doom, and a few hours together was all we had left.
Oh, Usagi...
__________________________________________________________________
OK. Done it. E-mail is good. I love E-mail. After all, it was Jordan
who finally awakened the little shame I still have and made me finish
this part. Next chapter should be short but eventful.
Ikuko