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Chapter 12
I was also messing around with strategy. On the computer, I had a map of Tokyo, plotting recent youma attacks. Only two so far, but still I searched for some sort of pattern to their madness.
Straining, I attempted to recall the way that I had planned my assaults into Tokyo. They probably wouldn't be using my exact strategy, but perhaps I could glean some insight from it. For hours, I planned attacks in and out of the city, only to come up with a multitude of targets and times that no army could cover. I sighed and rubbed my eyes. "This is getting nowhere."
The clock beeped 11:30 PM and I slowly stood up to stretch my muscles. I felt a quiet pop and then, for no particular reason, examined my arms and hands. Too many thoughts were loose in my mind and I had to get a reign on them somehow.
I looked to the minibar, but rejected that route quickly. I ran a hand through my tousled hair and then looked to the closet. I donned my hunting uniform and leapt out the window. I could not find my salvation at the bottom of a bottle. Perhaps it would find me in the streets.
Rei passed her hand over the sacred fire and then chanted a few words. The flame roiled with increased intensity for a moment, then subsided. She sighed in exasperation. Still nothing. Maybe if she-
Suddenly, the flame sparked up to even higher height, burning with an intensity that she had never witnessed before. Rei stared at it intently, then grabbed her communicator. "Is anybody on the network? Anybody? Please respond."
A deep voice responded irritably, "Rei? What's going on?"
"Mamoru? Why are you on Usagi's communicator?"
"She's staying at her parent's again and forgot to take it with her."
"Figures. Odango atama strikes again."
Mamoru laughed slowly, "So, back to the original question, what's going on?"
"I think someone is prowling around Tokyo. Someone...or something pretty powerful."
"Are you sure it's not one of the other senshi?"
Annoyed, "Look, I've been doing this for a while and I think I know what my friends look like. This is very different."
Mamoru hissed in exasperation, "Alright, I'll head out. I'll keep Usagi's communicator with me, so I can update you as necessary."
"Where should I meet you?"
"Don;t bother. If he's as powerful as you think, he's probably going to notice if people are all over the place looking for him. I'll go alone. You stay in the shrine and update me as much as you can to his location and heading."
Rei nodded, "Will do. Good luck and be safe."
I soared above the buildings, using telekinesis to hold myself in the air. In a way, it was a refreshing feeling. Although quite cold, the night was wonderful clear and I could see the city at my feet. I landed lightly on top of one and leaned back to stare at the stars.
It had been a long time since I had taken a true vacation, and probably would be a long time until I had another one. 'But the first chance I get'
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I suddenly felt someone watching me. My eyes opened and I slowly scanned the horizon. Fortunately, the bright lights of Tokyo still made it easy to spot things that stood out...and there he was.
He was half hidden behind a skyscraper, obviously spying on me. I squinted a little bit, and then made out the distinctive red of Tuxedo Mask's cape lining. I smirked. He obviously didn;t know that I could see him. You've no doubt some to find out who I am, perhaps even to test my skills against your own. 'Let me give you a demonstration'
I immediately turned to run the other way, towards the center of the city.
Mamoru spoke into the communicator, "He's moving! Damn he's fast."
Rei answered back dryly, "I can see that. I don;t think he's aware of my presence yet. He's not masking his energy signature at all."
"Right, have you gotten ahold of anyone else?"
"Haven't tried lately. Lemme see."
There was a pause for a moment, then the precise, clipped tones of Ami Mizuno came onto the line, "I've linked my computer to a map of Tokyo. Rei can tell me what direction he's going, and I can plot that. All I need is his current location, and I think i can give you up to date locations and directional patterns."
Mamoru dove faster after his elusive prey, "We're somewhere near the center of the city." He dodged around a skyscrapper and then rattled off an address. "Hurry, I don't know how long I can keep up with him."
I focused on an outcropping and found myself making a hard midair right turn down a narrow city alleyway. The sheer concrete walls on both sides left little room for error. I turned my head slightly to see a caped figure turn and follow me.
I laughed out loud and then twisted in mid air until I faced him. I focused again on a building behind him, and then abruptly jolted to a stop before rocketing back past Tuxedo Mask. He seemed stunned for a moment and then turned around to pursue me.
Mamoru's expletives filled the air as Ami tried to supply directions and locations. "Okay, he's doubling back past the park. I think you can cut him off at...no wait, he's changing directions again. Back towards you."
He lowered his gaze, "I see him. I can;t keep up with this guy, so what should I do?"
Rei bit her lip, "Can you down him with a rose? Without hurting him, I mean."
"Well, yes...but they're offensive weapons. I may miss."
Ami hissed softly, "It's up to you, but I think you should do it."
Mamoru took a deep breath, "Alright."
In a lightning quick movement, Mamoru pulled out a rose and hurled it at the cloaked figure hurtling towards him.
Time seemed to slow as a dagger appeared in the figure's hand. The dagger intercepted the rose in midflight, chopping it in half and deflecting it away from his body.
And just like that, the chase was over. The prey was simply too fast to be caught. "Okay guys, I'm giving it up. There's no way I can catch him."
A sigh of exasperation, "Alright, we'll have to find some other way of getting to him. Thanks anyway."
"Besides, I don;t think he's the evil type. He sliced up my rose pretty good, but left me alone."
"We've got to be cautious anyway. Things are starting to get weird around here."
I downed a cup of coffee and winced as it burned down my throat.
"You gotta watch that boss." Dana sipped her own coffee demurely and turned to gaze at the clock. It was 6:00 AM in the morning and the work day was already in full swing.
Dana flipped through a pile of personnel reports, marking each one. She had taken easily to her new job, although still crippled by language deficiencies. That would be mended with time. "So how's Rei doing?"
"She likes her job, but I think she wants more."
Dana smiled coyly, "More?"
"Not that, you sicko. She should be working as a consultant or an investment banker."
Dana shrugged, "That's the job market for you. The same thing happened with me."
"I know...it just seems like a damned waste."
"Tell me about it." Dana continued to mark her reports. "You know, you never told me about Rei. You two seem to get along well enough."
Dammit. "I thought we had a deal."
"Well, I'm curious. And now that you two get along so well, I just want to know."
The room was silent for a moment, "I don't think I can tell you. Not yet."
She shrugged, "You and your secrets. Sometimes I think you're holding out on me."
I smirked and then moved to change the subject, "So how are you doing?"
"Fine, dodge the question. Anyway, there's a really, really cute Chinese guy living next to me."
I lifted an eyebrow, "High tolerance for pain right?"
"Shut up. He's working for Morgan Stanley right now, so he has pretty odd hours."
"So has he asked you out or are you courting him from afar?"
Dana threw a pencil at me, "We're actually going to dinner tonight. If you want, you can join us."
I shook my head, "No thanks, I've got to pack for tomorrow. I'll be meeting with Dan from Blackstone to discuss the public offering."
"How much do you think they'll charge?"
"Probably ten percent. Not great, but we're pretty high risk to them still."
"Bastards. Oh well."
"We'll survive. We need that cash. It'll be nice to have some manuevering room."
"Kaitou-san?"
I looked up at Rei, "Hai?"
"When did you get this?" She traced a finger along my forearm, below my rolled up sleeve.
It was a souvenier from the previous night, as a shard of deflected rose had scratched me pretty badly, leaving a long, thin scar. "Just an accident last night. Clumsy me."
She winced in sympathy, "It must have hurt."
I laughed, "I've been through much worse. It was pretty bloody, but mainly superficial. I don't worry about it."
Rei pointed to its long, straight shape, "I've never seen a scar quite like that. How'd you get it?"
I lied easily, "Funny story at that. I was hanging some pictures and all of a sudden, I trip over my own feet. Now, while I'm trying to grab something, the nail that I had just hammered into the wall got a little more of me than I would want. End of story, I washed it off and so far it seems to be healing pretty quickly."
She smiled wryly, "So no hidden self mutilation? The stress of being a corporate leader too much for you?"
I leaned back languidly, "Could you mutilate this perfect body? It would be a crime against humanity and females everywhere."
Rei smirked, "Indeed it would, sir. Okay, you need to go over these profit reports before your executive cram session today."
"Right. Oh, could you book a flight for me?"
She looked up, "Can I come?"
I laughed softly, "Unfortunately, you can't this time. You have to keep this company running. I'll be in California for three or four days."
"You're leaving me alone? What a horrible fate."
I took the reports from her, "The next week is pretty uneventful. In fact, today is pretty clear. You want an early day off?"
"Am I salaried or am I paid hourly?"
"Didn't you read your contract at all?"
For the first time in our association, she looked sheepish, "Not really. People told me to sign on the dotted line. I did. I remember seeing something about the severance payment."
I sighed, "You free next weekend?"
"Yes, why?"
"I've got a golf game with a couple of business partners."
"So?"
I grinned, "I've learned that pretty girls tend to addle the minds of the most calculating of men."
Rei planted her hands at her side, "You can't be serious."
"Unlike most of the time, I am completely serious this time. I hate to say it, but business is a men's world. Use what advantages you have to win."
"But doesn't that reinforce their beliefs?"
I shrugged, "People listen to power. If you have the power, they will listen, whoever you are."
"Couldn't you volunteer Dana for this?"
"She's already in a position of power. Dana's already routed a bunch of very talented people to them for middle and upper management. They value and respect her now as a colleague. It's a very far cry from even several months ago."
A cheshire grin creased my face, "Besides, men will talk in front of you occasionally without thinking. It's been a most effective method of getting the information I need."
Rei sighed, "I'll need an advance to buy clubs and stuff."
"Ask Dana about it. She'll get you through payroll quickly."
"Good. I'll see you in a bit."
Chapter 12
I was also messing around with strategy. On the computer, I had a map of Tokyo, plotting recent youma attacks. Only two so far, but still I searched for some sort of pattern to their madness.
Straining, I attempted to recall the way that I had planned my assaults into Tokyo. They probably wouldn't be using my exact strategy, but perhaps I could glean some insight from it. For hours, I planned attacks in and out of the city, only to come up with a multitude of targets and times that no army could cover. I sighed and rubbed my eyes. "This is getting nowhere."
The clock beeped 11:30 PM and I slowly stood up to stretch my muscles. I felt a quiet pop and then, for no particular reason, examined my arms and hands. Too many thoughts were loose in my mind and I had to get a reign on them somehow.
I looked to the minibar, but rejected that route quickly. I ran a hand through my tousled hair and then looked to the closet. I donned my hunting uniform and leapt out the window. I could not find my salvation at the bottom of a bottle. Perhaps it would find me in the streets.
Rei passed her hand over the sacred fire and then chanted a few words. The flame roiled with increased intensity for a moment, then subsided. She sighed in exasperation. Still nothing. Maybe if she-
Suddenly, the flame sparked up to even higher height, burning with an intensity that she had never witnessed before. Rei stared at it intently, then grabbed her communicator. "Is anybody on the network? Anybody? Please respond."
A deep voice responded irritably, "Rei? What's going on?"
"Mamoru? Why are you on Usagi's communicator?"
"She's staying at her parent's again and forgot to take it with her."
"Figures. Odango atama strikes again."
Mamoru laughed slowly, "So, back to the original question, what's going on?"
"I think someone is prowling around Tokyo. Someone...or something pretty powerful."
"Are you sure it's not one of the other senshi?"
Annoyed, "Look, I've been doing this for a while and I think I know what my friends look like. This is very different."
Mamoru hissed in exasperation, "Alright, I'll head out. I'll keep Usagi's communicator with me, so I can update you as necessary."
"Where should I meet you?"
"Don;t bother. If he's as powerful as you think, he's probably going to notice if people are all over the place looking for him. I'll go alone. You stay in the shrine and update me as much as you can to his location and heading."
Rei nodded, "Will do. Good luck and be safe."
I soared above the buildings, using telekinesis to hold myself in the air. In a way, it was a refreshing feeling. Although quite cold, the night was wonderful clear and I could see the city at my feet. I landed lightly on top of one and leaned back to stare at the stars.
It had been a long time since I had taken a true vacation, and probably would be a long time until I had another one. 'But the first chance I get'
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I suddenly felt someone watching me. My eyes opened and I slowly scanned the horizon. Fortunately, the bright lights of Tokyo still made it easy to spot things that stood out...and there he was.
He was half hidden behind a skyscraper, obviously spying on me. I squinted a little bit, and then made out the distinctive red of Tuxedo Mask's cape lining. I smirked. He obviously didn;t know that I could see him. You've no doubt some to find out who I am, perhaps even to test my skills against your own. 'Let me give you a demonstration'
I immediately turned to run the other way, towards the center of the city.
Mamoru spoke into the communicator, "He's moving! Damn he's fast."
Rei answered back dryly, "I can see that. I don;t think he's aware of my presence yet. He's not masking his energy signature at all."
"Right, have you gotten ahold of anyone else?"
"Haven't tried lately. Lemme see."
There was a pause for a moment, then the precise, clipped tones of Ami Mizuno came onto the line, "I've linked my computer to a map of Tokyo. Rei can tell me what direction he's going, and I can plot that. All I need is his current location, and I think i can give you up to date locations and directional patterns."
Mamoru dove faster after his elusive prey, "We're somewhere near the center of the city." He dodged around a skyscrapper and then rattled off an address. "Hurry, I don't know how long I can keep up with him."
I focused on an outcropping and found myself making a hard midair right turn down a narrow city alleyway. The sheer concrete walls on both sides left little room for error. I turned my head slightly to see a caped figure turn and follow me.
I laughed out loud and then twisted in mid air until I faced him. I focused again on a building behind him, and then abruptly jolted to a stop before rocketing back past Tuxedo Mask. He seemed stunned for a moment and then turned around to pursue me.
Mamoru's expletives filled the air as Ami tried to supply directions and locations. "Okay, he's doubling back past the park. I think you can cut him off at...no wait, he's changing directions again. Back towards you."
He lowered his gaze, "I see him. I can;t keep up with this guy, so what should I do?"
Rei bit her lip, "Can you down him with a rose? Without hurting him, I mean."
"Well, yes...but they're offensive weapons. I may miss."
Ami hissed softly, "It's up to you, but I think you should do it."
Mamoru took a deep breath, "Alright."
In a lightning quick movement, Mamoru pulled out a rose and hurled it at the cloaked figure hurtling towards him.
Time seemed to slow as a dagger appeared in the figure's hand. The dagger intercepted the rose in midflight, chopping it in half and deflecting it away from his body.
And just like that, the chase was over. The prey was simply too fast to be caught. "Okay guys, I'm giving it up. There's no way I can catch him."
A sigh of exasperation, "Alright, we'll have to find some other way of getting to him. Thanks anyway."
"Besides, I don;t think he's the evil type. He sliced up my rose pretty good, but left me alone."
"We've got to be cautious anyway. Things are starting to get weird around here."
I downed a cup of coffee and winced as it burned down my throat.
"You gotta watch that boss." Dana sipped her own coffee demurely and turned to gaze at the clock. It was 6:00 AM in the morning and the work day was already in full swing.
Dana flipped through a pile of personnel reports, marking each one. She had taken easily to her new job, although still crippled by language deficiencies. That would be mended with time. "So how's Rei doing?"
"She likes her job, but I think she wants more."
Dana smiled coyly, "More?"
"Not that, you sicko. She should be working as a consultant or an investment banker."
Dana shrugged, "That's the job market for you. The same thing happened with me."
"I know...it just seems like a damned waste."
"Tell me about it." Dana continued to mark her reports. "You know, you never told me about Rei. You two seem to get along well enough."
Dammit. "I thought we had a deal."
"Well, I'm curious. And now that you two get along so well, I just want to know."
The room was silent for a moment, "I don't think I can tell you. Not yet."
She shrugged, "You and your secrets. Sometimes I think you're holding out on me."
I smirked and then moved to change the subject, "So how are you doing?"
"Fine, dodge the question. Anyway, there's a really, really cute Chinese guy living next to me."
I lifted an eyebrow, "High tolerance for pain right?"
"Shut up. He's working for Morgan Stanley right now, so he has pretty odd hours."
"So has he asked you out or are you courting him from afar?"
Dana threw a pencil at me, "We're actually going to dinner tonight. If you want, you can join us."
I shook my head, "No thanks, I've got to pack for tomorrow. I'll be meeting with Dan from Blackstone to discuss the public offering."
"How much do you think they'll charge?"
"Probably ten percent. Not great, but we're pretty high risk to them still."
"Bastards. Oh well."
"We'll survive. We need that cash. It'll be nice to have some manuevering room."
"Kaitou-san?"
I looked up at Rei, "Hai?"
"When did you get this?" She traced a finger along my forearm, below my rolled up sleeve.
It was a souvenier from the previous night, as a shard of deflected rose had scratched me pretty badly, leaving a long, thin scar. "Just an accident last night. Clumsy me."
She winced in sympathy, "It must have hurt."
I laughed, "I've been through much worse. It was pretty bloody, but mainly superficial. I don't worry about it."
Rei pointed to its long, straight shape, "I've never seen a scar quite like that. How'd you get it?"
I lied easily, "Funny story at that. I was hanging some pictures and all of a sudden, I trip over my own feet. Now, while I'm trying to grab something, the nail that I had just hammered into the wall got a little more of me than I would want. End of story, I washed it off and so far it seems to be healing pretty quickly."
She smiled wryly, "So no hidden self mutilation? The stress of being a corporate leader too much for you?"
I leaned back languidly, "Could you mutilate this perfect body? It would be a crime against humanity and females everywhere."
Rei smirked, "Indeed it would, sir. Okay, you need to go over these profit reports before your executive cram session today."
"Right. Oh, could you book a flight for me?"
She looked up, "Can I come?"
I laughed softly, "Unfortunately, you can't this time. You have to keep this company running. I'll be in California for three or four days."
"You're leaving me alone? What a horrible fate."
I took the reports from her, "The next week is pretty uneventful. In fact, today is pretty clear. You want an early day off?"
"Am I salaried or am I paid hourly?"
"Didn't you read your contract at all?"
For the first time in our association, she looked sheepish, "Not really. People told me to sign on the dotted line. I did. I remember seeing something about the severance payment."
I sighed, "You free next weekend?"
"Yes, why?"
"I've got a golf game with a couple of business partners."
"So?"
I grinned, "I've learned that pretty girls tend to addle the minds of the most calculating of men."
Rei planted her hands at her side, "You can't be serious."
"Unlike most of the time, I am completely serious this time. I hate to say it, but business is a men's world. Use what advantages you have to win."
"But doesn't that reinforce their beliefs?"
I shrugged, "People listen to power. If you have the power, they will listen, whoever you are."
"Couldn't you volunteer Dana for this?"
"She's already in a position of power. Dana's already routed a bunch of very talented people to them for middle and upper management. They value and respect her now as a colleague. It's a very far cry from even several months ago."
A cheshire grin creased my face, "Besides, men will talk in front of you occasionally without thinking. It's been a most effective method of getting the information I need."
Rei sighed, "I'll need an advance to buy clubs and stuff."
"Ask Dana about it. She'll get you through payroll quickly."
"Good. I'll see you in a bit."