Chapter 16: Encounter with the Enemy

She watched the people pass by as she savored her cup of tea. Despite the reason she had come to Tokyo in the first place, Celeste had enjoyed the city. Granted her accented Japanese had drawn some curious glances, but the people were very polite by American standards.

She was still at a lost about she would do with the day. She wanted to go check on Makoto. For the brunette, the day of her release would not come soon enough.

She giggled. 'Makoto maybe be ready to leave,' Celeste thought, 'but Minako and Rei would working like mad to get everything ready for her release.' It had also taken quite a bit of finesse for Minako to convince her parents to let Makoto stay with them. One of the toughest points was the fact that no one knew how much longer it would take Makoto to recuperate.

'I should see if I help them,' Celeste decided, 'after I visit Makoto.'

She finished her cup of tea and the rest of her breakfast. With a smile, she paid the bill and gave the waiter a generous tip. Feeling in the best spirits she had been in for a long time, Celeste headed down the street.

As she walked, someone grabbed her elbow. Turning around, she tried to pull her arm away. However, as she saw the person still holding her arm, Celeste gasped in surprise.

"Jonathan?" Yet, it wasn't Jonathan, because she was staring into a pair of gray eyes. Jonathan's were brown. The man smiled, as though he knew what she was thinking.

"Charon?" she whispered.

The smile broadened. "Close. So very close, Celeste."

A shiver ran down Celeste's spine as his smile morphed into a sneer. "Let go of me," she ordered, again attempting to pull her arm free. Yet, the man kept his vise-like grip on her arm.

He laughed. "What are you going to do, Tennyo-chan?"

She glanced at the people passing by. A few were beginning to give them strange looks. If she called more attention to them, there was no telling what this maniac would do. She was running out of options fast.

"What do you want?" she asked quietly.

The grip eased somewhat. "So, you are going to be sensible. I guess your friend, Jonathan, knows you pretty well."

Celeste paled. "What have you done to him?" she demanded.

The man laughed. "He's safe, for now, Celeste, but how long depends on you."

She clenched her teeth. "So, what do you want?"

He stroked her cheek with his thumb, enjoying her discomfort. "You, Tennyo- chan, and the Moon Princess."

* * * * *

Setsuna stopped suddenly, causing the people behind her to bump into her. "Gomen," she murmured, picking up her shopping bags she had dropped. Making sure that she had everything, she quickly proceeded up the street.

She quickly saw Celeste, talking to some guy with black hair. He seemed so familiar. Suddenly, it struck her who the guy reminded her off. She ran to the pair.

"So, what do you want?" Celeste asked, as Setsuna came into hearing distance.

The man touched her face, seeming to enjoy the distress his touch caused her. "You, Tennyo-chan, and the Moon Princess."

Setsuna grabbed his shoulder. "Let her go, Scorpios." With a savage jerk, she slung him into the alley.

He quickly recovered his balance, looking at Setsuna with pure hatred and malice. "This isn't over. Not by a long shot." He turned, only to glance at Celeste over his shoulder. "I will be back for you soon, Celeste. Be ready."

"If you hurt Jonathan, I swear that I will hunt you to the very ends of the universe."

"Such devotion," he said sarcastically. "Don't worry. You can be reunited with your friend soon." Then, he disappeared in a swirl of gray vapor.

* * * * *

"He has Jonathan," Celeste said emotionlessly, as they headed to the hospital.

"I know," Setsuna replied quietly.

"He wants me and Usagi," Celeste said, "so she must be protected at all costs."

"We will have to warn the others."

Celeste nodded. "Mamoru especially."

Setsuna glanced at her friend with concern. "What about you, Celeste? What are you going to do?"

Celeste studied Setsuna for a moment. "We'd better get to the hospital soon, Setsuna. The others are probably waiting for us." Without waiting for a reply, Celeste quickened her pace.

Setsuna watched her for a few moments. "Whatever you do, be careful, Tennyo- chan. We have already lost Charon. I don't want to lose you again."