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Chapter 18
For the first and possibly last time in my life, I saw Prince Endymion go pale. It is a tribute to his self control and reckless bravery that he managed to recover in less than a minute.
He lifted a cautious finger at me, "You're supposed to be dead."
I nodded in agreement, "Indeed I am."
"But you're not."
I smiled sarcastically, "You're two for two. Care to try for three?"
He grinned in spite of himself, "What the devil are you doing here?"
I moved to the side and glanced down at the street, "Well, the senshi are done. I think that I had better make my leave. If you are personally curious," I pulled out my wallet and took out a business card to scribble down an address, "You can find me there in an hour and a half."
Mamoru glanced at the card and then back up to see that the familar face was gone.
The glitz of the night spot burned into my eyes and I felt a huge fatigue come over me. I had slipped in through the back, getting there a few bare moments before she showed up.
"Rei-san! I was getting worried! I broke out into a sweat thinking you might not come back!"
Rei blushed, "Sorry, personal emergency. But I'm starved. Let's eat!"
I essayed up my most charming smile, hiding my unease at the ordeal ahead. But, a soldier's instinct took over and I elected to push those worries from my mind. Warm food in my system and something to keep me awake. Everything else was of secondary importance.
We made small talk for a while and I noticed Rei glance down at her purse a couple of times. She was worried about a follow up attack. For my part, I was a little too tired to care.
I poured myself a large vodka, and gulped it straight down. I hadn;t slept in nearly 36 hours, but sleep would not come until the confrontation was over. I glanced at the clock. 2:00 AM in the morning. My hands shook for reasons that I could not explain. Best solution.
Lighting a cigarette, I breathed in the nicotine and felt a little energy return to my bones. A tentative tap came at 2:03 and I knew the test had begun. I shuffled over and opened it.
Chiba Mamoru stood in front of me, looking suspicious as ever. I inclined my head and he walked in slowly, looking from side to side. I recognized his careful motions and laughed quietly, "Relax, there are no traps. No one here except you and me."
He pursed his lips, "Forgive my suspicion. I do not like walking into the den of an enemy without being somewhat cognizant of what I am getting into."
I raised one eyebrow, "I am not your enemy, Endymion-sama."
Mamoru replied urbanely, "Call me Mamoru."
"Mamoru-sama."
He chuckled tiredly, "No, just Mamoru."
"Fine then 'just Mamoru.' Can I get you something to drink? A glass of wine? Whiskey?"
He looked at me to gauge my intent, "I'll have what you're having."
"Large vodka it is." I walked over to the bar, feeling my feet drag every step of the way, "So, how shall we start this?"
"How about I ask questions, and you answer them. Assuming I can trust your answers, I think they ought to be most interesting."
I nodded, "Fair enough. Fire away."
Mamoru scouted out a comfortable looking easy chair and leaned back, "Now please correct me if I'm wrong, but you are Jadeite, formerly of the Dark Kingdom and one Queen Beryl's employ, yes?"
I grinned, "That sums it up quite well, yes. I am actually rather surprised you recognized me. No one else had."
He shrugged, "I remember the energy signature rather well. You know, that energy draining attack you've always liked. Lest we forget, you were the first bad guy I ever beat. Such things make for long memories. Additionally, I believe you were once part of my Royal Guard."
"Ah, so many years ago. Truly, I miss those days," I made my way back with the drink and handed it off to him before sitting down across on a long sofa, "But I digress. Please continue."
Mamoru's gaze shifted ever so slightly, "How are you still alive? After you failed, Beryl didn;t kill you?"
"A little caprice in her part. I was entombed in a rather thick crystal for what was supposed to be an eternity. Luckily, Beryl, as with many of her endeavors, was not particularly thorough. With the collapse of that dimension, I was conveniently freed and used what I thought was the last of my magic to provide me passage to one of my safehouses here. I had a fake identity and decided to start anew."
He smirked, "You expect me to believe that?"
I shrugged, "What reason to do you have not to?"
"True. What else is there....oh right. Why should I not kill you right now?" A rose appeared in his hand and his eyes took on a murderous glint, "You are a war criminal by any human standard. You led an invading army, and nearly succeeded in enslaving the human race."
I grimaced, "Truthfully, you have little reason to trust me at all. But, think of it this way. You've seen me. I am not hurting you, nor your loved ones. I only wish to live my life quietly." A quiet grin creased my face, "Besides. I can always move back to the States."
"Ah, so that is an American accent I detect!" Mamoru laughed, "Don't worry Jadeite. I did not come here to start a fight. But I am curious as to why you came to Japan. Surely, you knew we were here."
I coughed, "Call it an indiscretion on my part. I was offered a better job here. And besides, I like the city. I was hoping to avoid unpleasantries like this, but I am not going to let my fears dictate my life."
Mamoru nodded, "You are a brave man then. Braver than I gave you credit for before. You know, Rei thinks you're incredible."
"Excuse me?"
He smiled easily, "Come now. Rei is in the employ of a blond American businessman surnamed Kaitou. The business card you so conveniently gave me, bears the same name. I do not believe in coincidences, Ryan."
The affirmation of my first name put me at ease, "Rei is a wonderful person. I wish the best for her. She deserves so much more than being my secretary."
"I want you to know that she does not agree. You're a good example. If a slightly tainted one."
I glared at him, "Look, bad influences at the time. You may not remember the last days of the Silver Millenium. I do."
The man leaned forward, "Only a few scattered dreams. I'm not sure if they're accurate."
I waved it off, "For another day. When I'm not as drunk."
Mamoru set his drink aside, "So...you still seem to have your powers. And you;ve been rather effective at fighting enemies. And I suppose I have a soft spot for you. If you had ever killed an innocent, I might not be able to forgive you."
I laughed out loud, "My incompetence at evil saves me yet again!"
The rose disappeared from his hand and Mamoru took a sip of the vodka, "Indeed."
We chatted for a few more moments until I brought the issue of information exchanges. Mamoru looked a little sour, "There are certain difficulties in that. We need a plausible way to meet."
"Hmm. I know an American bar nearby. Plays satellite American football and stuff. We could have met there."
"Wait, an actual American bar with football?"
I looked a little puzzled, "You know the game?"
"I LOVE the game! Niners all the way."
I laughed derisively, "Dammit, the 49ers aren't going anywhere. Raiders is where its at."
"Rich Gannon isn't good anymore!"
I chuckled, "Okay, we met there. But to inagurate this new relationship, we ought to exchange what we know."Mamoru looked around for a pen and paper, "Sounds fine to me."
I found him the materials and sat back down, "They're reptilian primarily. They use teleportation to get around. And from what we've seen tonight, they are capable of coordinated assaults."
"New warlord type thing?"
"Something like that. Have you noticed any uniforms or anything like that?"
"Nope. Nothing conspicuous at least."
I grimaced, "Not much to go off of is there?"
"Not particularly. Perhaps we ought to go into another line of work."
"Why, when we're having so much fun here?"
Mamoru left Ryan apartment, weary but heartened. The King of Illusions, with his disarming smile and copious amounts of alcohol, had taken him into his confidence and given him hope through humor. While waiting for the elevator, he reflected on how easily Jadeite had affected the mannerisms and actions of a typically overly loud American. Yet, according to Rei, he moved with Tokyo's highest circles competently, the odd foreigner among them.
'A dangerous man, then.' Mamoru thought. But that would deny the honorable spirit he sensed beneath the lacquered charm. 'A good ally then'
Yet, that still was not fitting. Jadeite still retained his energy draining powers, and apparently found few obstacles in employing them. Mamoru was not a stupid man. Those draining powers could easily be turned against the wrong people and he did not completely trust the stability of his former general.
'A wild card.' It was an ugly term, bespeaking randomness and lack of control, which contrasted terribly with the suave and put together facade of Ryan Kaitou. Somehow, though, it was the only one that could work under the circumstances, inauspicious as they were.
'Wild card, it is.'
Chapter 18
For the first and possibly last time in my life, I saw Prince Endymion go pale. It is a tribute to his self control and reckless bravery that he managed to recover in less than a minute.
He lifted a cautious finger at me, "You're supposed to be dead."
I nodded in agreement, "Indeed I am."
"But you're not."
I smiled sarcastically, "You're two for two. Care to try for three?"
He grinned in spite of himself, "What the devil are you doing here?"
I moved to the side and glanced down at the street, "Well, the senshi are done. I think that I had better make my leave. If you are personally curious," I pulled out my wallet and took out a business card to scribble down an address, "You can find me there in an hour and a half."
Mamoru glanced at the card and then back up to see that the familar face was gone.
The glitz of the night spot burned into my eyes and I felt a huge fatigue come over me. I had slipped in through the back, getting there a few bare moments before she showed up.
"Rei-san! I was getting worried! I broke out into a sweat thinking you might not come back!"
Rei blushed, "Sorry, personal emergency. But I'm starved. Let's eat!"
I essayed up my most charming smile, hiding my unease at the ordeal ahead. But, a soldier's instinct took over and I elected to push those worries from my mind. Warm food in my system and something to keep me awake. Everything else was of secondary importance.
We made small talk for a while and I noticed Rei glance down at her purse a couple of times. She was worried about a follow up attack. For my part, I was a little too tired to care.
I poured myself a large vodka, and gulped it straight down. I hadn;t slept in nearly 36 hours, but sleep would not come until the confrontation was over. I glanced at the clock. 2:00 AM in the morning. My hands shook for reasons that I could not explain. Best solution.
Lighting a cigarette, I breathed in the nicotine and felt a little energy return to my bones. A tentative tap came at 2:03 and I knew the test had begun. I shuffled over and opened it.
Chiba Mamoru stood in front of me, looking suspicious as ever. I inclined my head and he walked in slowly, looking from side to side. I recognized his careful motions and laughed quietly, "Relax, there are no traps. No one here except you and me."
He pursed his lips, "Forgive my suspicion. I do not like walking into the den of an enemy without being somewhat cognizant of what I am getting into."
I raised one eyebrow, "I am not your enemy, Endymion-sama."
Mamoru replied urbanely, "Call me Mamoru."
"Mamoru-sama."
He chuckled tiredly, "No, just Mamoru."
"Fine then 'just Mamoru.' Can I get you something to drink? A glass of wine? Whiskey?"
He looked at me to gauge my intent, "I'll have what you're having."
"Large vodka it is." I walked over to the bar, feeling my feet drag every step of the way, "So, how shall we start this?"
"How about I ask questions, and you answer them. Assuming I can trust your answers, I think they ought to be most interesting."
I nodded, "Fair enough. Fire away."
Mamoru scouted out a comfortable looking easy chair and leaned back, "Now please correct me if I'm wrong, but you are Jadeite, formerly of the Dark Kingdom and one Queen Beryl's employ, yes?"
I grinned, "That sums it up quite well, yes. I am actually rather surprised you recognized me. No one else had."
He shrugged, "I remember the energy signature rather well. You know, that energy draining attack you've always liked. Lest we forget, you were the first bad guy I ever beat. Such things make for long memories. Additionally, I believe you were once part of my Royal Guard."
"Ah, so many years ago. Truly, I miss those days," I made my way back with the drink and handed it off to him before sitting down across on a long sofa, "But I digress. Please continue."
Mamoru's gaze shifted ever so slightly, "How are you still alive? After you failed, Beryl didn;t kill you?"
"A little caprice in her part. I was entombed in a rather thick crystal for what was supposed to be an eternity. Luckily, Beryl, as with many of her endeavors, was not particularly thorough. With the collapse of that dimension, I was conveniently freed and used what I thought was the last of my magic to provide me passage to one of my safehouses here. I had a fake identity and decided to start anew."
He smirked, "You expect me to believe that?"
I shrugged, "What reason to do you have not to?"
"True. What else is there....oh right. Why should I not kill you right now?" A rose appeared in his hand and his eyes took on a murderous glint, "You are a war criminal by any human standard. You led an invading army, and nearly succeeded in enslaving the human race."
I grimaced, "Truthfully, you have little reason to trust me at all. But, think of it this way. You've seen me. I am not hurting you, nor your loved ones. I only wish to live my life quietly." A quiet grin creased my face, "Besides. I can always move back to the States."
"Ah, so that is an American accent I detect!" Mamoru laughed, "Don't worry Jadeite. I did not come here to start a fight. But I am curious as to why you came to Japan. Surely, you knew we were here."
I coughed, "Call it an indiscretion on my part. I was offered a better job here. And besides, I like the city. I was hoping to avoid unpleasantries like this, but I am not going to let my fears dictate my life."
Mamoru nodded, "You are a brave man then. Braver than I gave you credit for before. You know, Rei thinks you're incredible."
"Excuse me?"
He smiled easily, "Come now. Rei is in the employ of a blond American businessman surnamed Kaitou. The business card you so conveniently gave me, bears the same name. I do not believe in coincidences, Ryan."
The affirmation of my first name put me at ease, "Rei is a wonderful person. I wish the best for her. She deserves so much more than being my secretary."
"I want you to know that she does not agree. You're a good example. If a slightly tainted one."
I glared at him, "Look, bad influences at the time. You may not remember the last days of the Silver Millenium. I do."
The man leaned forward, "Only a few scattered dreams. I'm not sure if they're accurate."
I waved it off, "For another day. When I'm not as drunk."
Mamoru set his drink aside, "So...you still seem to have your powers. And you;ve been rather effective at fighting enemies. And I suppose I have a soft spot for you. If you had ever killed an innocent, I might not be able to forgive you."
I laughed out loud, "My incompetence at evil saves me yet again!"
The rose disappeared from his hand and Mamoru took a sip of the vodka, "Indeed."
We chatted for a few more moments until I brought the issue of information exchanges. Mamoru looked a little sour, "There are certain difficulties in that. We need a plausible way to meet."
"Hmm. I know an American bar nearby. Plays satellite American football and stuff. We could have met there."
"Wait, an actual American bar with football?"
I looked a little puzzled, "You know the game?"
"I LOVE the game! Niners all the way."
I laughed derisively, "Dammit, the 49ers aren't going anywhere. Raiders is where its at."
"Rich Gannon isn't good anymore!"
I chuckled, "Okay, we met there. But to inagurate this new relationship, we ought to exchange what we know."Mamoru looked around for a pen and paper, "Sounds fine to me."
I found him the materials and sat back down, "They're reptilian primarily. They use teleportation to get around. And from what we've seen tonight, they are capable of coordinated assaults."
"New warlord type thing?"
"Something like that. Have you noticed any uniforms or anything like that?"
"Nope. Nothing conspicuous at least."
I grimaced, "Not much to go off of is there?"
"Not particularly. Perhaps we ought to go into another line of work."
"Why, when we're having so much fun here?"
Mamoru left Ryan apartment, weary but heartened. The King of Illusions, with his disarming smile and copious amounts of alcohol, had taken him into his confidence and given him hope through humor. While waiting for the elevator, he reflected on how easily Jadeite had affected the mannerisms and actions of a typically overly loud American. Yet, according to Rei, he moved with Tokyo's highest circles competently, the odd foreigner among them.
'A dangerous man, then.' Mamoru thought. But that would deny the honorable spirit he sensed beneath the lacquered charm. 'A good ally then'
Yet, that still was not fitting. Jadeite still retained his energy draining powers, and apparently found few obstacles in employing them. Mamoru was not a stupid man. Those draining powers could easily be turned against the wrong people and he did not completely trust the stability of his former general.
'A wild card.' It was an ugly term, bespeaking randomness and lack of control, which contrasted terribly with the suave and put together facade of Ryan Kaitou. Somehow, though, it was the only one that could work under the circumstances, inauspicious as they were.
'Wild card, it is.'