Reflection – Chapter 02

By Aurora Eos Rose

Kaji Hikaru

Tokyo Japan- 1997

Kaji was tired. The flight from London had been hell. First, there had been golden hair and brilliant blue eyes dancing in his mind for thirteen hours. He had been trying to avoid thinking about her, but she was everywhere; from the golden sun glinting off clouds to the bubbling laughter of the flight attendant. Turbulence hadn't helped either. In fact, it had given him a nasty stomachache. And despite the passengers being mainly businessmen, there had been one family near the center of the plane with a little dark haired boy in a window seat that had done nothing but cry. Kaji needed several aspirin and a bottle of sake. He moved through the airport, attempting not to be knocked around by the crowd. Narita was jam packed, as usual. At least he wouldn't be having problems in customs: being a Japanese citizen did have some benefits. Kaji pulled out a pair of dark sunglasses and put them over his bloodshot eyes. He really didn't want to deal with his father tonight, or actually today, with the time change. After clearing all the metal detectors and gates and guards, he picked up his bags and headed for the nearest cab. What he needed right now was a clean room and sleep.

The cab driver took him to a small, but clean hotel. He paid for several days, and asked the housekeepers to ignore the room. He slept, dreamlessly, deeply, for two entire days. Kaji woke up feeling much better, and more ready to take on the world. He pulled a suit out of his garment bag. He hadn't worn one in four years. Actually, he only had this one left; the rest had been thrown out or sold. He almost growled at the thought of stuffing himself inside one again. He had never wanted to return to days of being trapped in a tiny cubicle with a too tight necktie and a suit that never seemed to fit across the shoulders. But fate seemed to have a sense of humor. Either that or the higher power controlling his destiny just liked to torture him. Kaji pulled on the old suit, not surprised at all at how tight it was, but secretly happy for the fact that it wasn't too wrinkled. He paid for another day's use of the hotel room on his way out the door.

Kaji exited the cab slowly, his eyes drawn skyward by the tower of metal and glass. Hikaru LLC looked exactly the same. The building was an old-fashioned skyscraper, complete with too many windows and a tendency to sway in heavy winds. Kaji doubted it would last through even a tiny earthquake. The front doors were the same. He smiled, fondly recalling a time when he'd spun around endlessly in the revolving door as a child. He walked through the lobby slowly, grimacing at the tacky furniture and the subservient female receptionist. The carpet was a bit worn, the chairs were dingy. In fact, the entire building seemed to have an air of despondency. The lobby was practically deserted even though it was almost ten o'clock; the building seemed deadly quiet. Kaji felt like he was in a tomb. He pressed the up button for the elevator, chuckling a bit when the light didn't change. The elevator dinged once and the doors slid open slowly with a loud creaking sound. Kaji looked at the dingy interior and headed for the stairs.

Sixty floors until he reached the top. Not a huge building by any means, just adequate. Kaji moved up the stairs swiftly, his breathing slowly speeding up. He had missed his morning exercises. The impromptu stair climb would have to work. He pushed all his nervousness out, attempting to clear his mind and soul. He concentrated completely on putting one foot in front of the other, lost in the physical action. And then the climb was over.

He opened the doorway and stepped into central office. Everyone immediately became silent. Kaji ignored the stares. He looked up at the wall on the right. There his picture hung, right beside his father's image. Probably still up by his grandfather's request. Kaji allowed a small smile. The old man had always been chained to the past. He was obsessed with honor and family tradition. Kaji didn't believe in tradition or family, not since the night his mother had been found dead in the bathroom, a bottle of pills in her hand. Kaji felt that path slam shut in his mind. He never thought of his mother...why had she suddenly come to mind? Maybe it was building pushing unpleasant memories to the surface. Kaji shook his head slowly, forcing his thoughts back on course. He headed for the executive office, past the rows of staring employees. His father wouldn't have changed much in four years. He'd still be at his desk at eight, and stay there until noon. And Kaji wasn't one to hesitate or wait patiently. The time had come to confront his demons.

He didn't knock. Kaji turned the knob, knowing it wouldn't be locked, and moved into the outer office. His father still had the same ancient secretary, pecking away at an antiquated typewriter. She looked up and her eyes went wide. Kaji put a finger to his lips. The woman's face remained white but she made no move to warn Kaji's father. Kaji opened the door quietly. His father's chair was turned toward the window. There was a moment of silence so dense Kaji could feel the tendrils of suspense creeping down his arms. He cleared his throat loudly.

"I knew you'd come back." The voice was soft, cultured. Kaji stood in front of the desk, his hands clasped behind his back. He had hoped to have his visit be a surprise, but Kaji had always known that despite his father's old-fashioned attitudes, the man was remarkably well informed. His father turned around slowly in the chair. The man's steel gray eyes were hidden behind gold-rimmed glasses. His hair was almost as long as Kaji's, but black. Kaji continued to stand, waiting silently. His father stood slowly. The older man took a step forward, head tilted back to meet Kaji's eyes.

"You've grown, I see." Kaji was now much taller than his father, a fact that seemed to surprise both of them. Steel gray eyes met gunmetal gray for a long moment. Kaji was the first to look away. His father grunted and began to stalk around Kaji, examining the prodigal son. The older man circled like a hawk. Kaji didn't falter. He hardly even breathed. Finally Kaji's father stopped. The two locked eyes again. Kaji's father blinked rapidly, as though something were caught in his eye. He spoke slowly.

"I hope you've grown as much in spirit as you have in body. I told you that one day you'd return." Kaji stared straight ahead. He felt a strange conflict of shame at having to return, and warmth from the familiar surroundings. Kaji had never intended to come back, and yet somewhere in his heart, he had missed this place. He had missed his cantankerous, old-fashioned grandfather and his stern, over-demanding father. Kaji's father smiled slowly, the man's body relaxing. He chuckled.

"Your grandfather isn't as forgiving as I am, and he won't be as easy to win over. I'm grateful to see you've come to your senses. I always knew you'd come back." Kaji winced a bit at the gloating in his father's voice. The old man dropped a heavy hand onto Kaji's shoulder. "Welcome home. Here's the key to your old office. I'll expect you to get a suit that fits, and enroll in some classes to finish the degree you abandoned. Dinner is at seven. Don't be late." Kaji's father moved back behind his desk and sat down. "You're dismissed." Kaji's momentary burst of warmth faded under his father's cold mask.

"It's nice to see you're still the same cold bastard." Kaji's father turned bright red. But Kaji kept speaking, ignoring his father's blustering. "I don't need someone to tell me every little thing, I decide when I eat, what I wear. And last I checked I own half of this company, father." Kaji spit the words out. "My share plus my mother's. From what I have seen, you've let this place fall into antiquity. I intend to change all that. I have work to do. I may be home tonight; if I finish everything I need to." Kaji turned on his heel and slammed the door, leaving a red-faced, gap-mouthed father behind. And he whistled on his way to accounting.


Kaji was being haunted. He rolled over on his old bed, the past still conspiring to defeat him. He could hear his father moving around in the early morning light. Kaji groaned. He really needed more sleep, but last night all Kaji could think about was a golden haired angel. This was the third night in a row he'd spent locked in erotic, sweaty dreams. He hadn't slept through the night since he had left the hotel. Kaji groaned and stood up. Exercise would help, he hoped. He pulled on a robe and moved through the quiet house and into the garden.

His grandfather was sitting on a bench, eyes closed tightly. The morning sun was filtering through the leaves of a cherry tree behind the old man. Kaji bowed politely to his grandfather.

"Good Morning, Grandfather." The man acted as though he hadn't been spoken to. Kaji sighed and move to an open grassy area, taking his opening stance. It wasn't worth the effort to get the old man to acknowledge his existence. Kaji moved through his exercises, mind focusing inward, and outward. He felt the fatigue and lust slowly draining away. He sensed his grandfather's eyes, but Kaji ignored the careful scrutiny and concentrated on his form. He finished the exercises and bowed again to his grandfather; the old man averted his eyes. Kaji sighed loudly and headed for the kitchen. His grandfather took the idea of a grudge to new heights.

"Good morning, Father." The older man was reading the newspaper. He looked up and frowned.

"Have you gotten a new suit yet?" Kaji stifled a groan. His father was still trying to boss him around. Kaji resisted the urge to lash back and instead headed for the counter. Kaji had discovered the best way to handle the old man was to simply ignore his comments. He really needed to step into the modern world. Kaji grabbed a bag of coffee from the cupboard above the sink. He'd acquired a taste for the stuff in London. His father scowled. "You should drink tea." Kaji shrugged and continued brewing the thick black stuff.

"Coffee is stronger." He sat down at the western style table across from his father. This was the only room in the house western style. The chrome refrigerator and tacky cupboards looked like they stepped out of an old 50's TV show. Kaji felt a smile creep across his face. He could just imagine his angel in a yellow dress and apron, singing to herself as she tried to bake a cake, failing miserably and burning down the house in the process. A low chuckle escaped Kaji's lips. His father glanced over the paper.

"Something amusing? Besides your disrespectful attitude and your penchant for blue jeans?" The man's eyes narrowed at the faraway look on Kaji's face.

"No, just thinking about something." Kaji closed his eyes for a moment, choosing to ignore his father's biting comments. Now she was haunting him while he was awake as well as asleep. Kaji leaned back and sipped at his hot liquid. He forced his mind back to reality. He glanced down at the wide lapels on his father's suit coat.

The house, the way his father and grandfather dressed, the Hikaru building. They were hopelessly trapped in the past. And from the papers he'd looked over for two days, the company was as well. Kaji gritted his teeth. There was not any way the two would simply let him change things. He would have to force them to face reality. Kaji clenched his fists. A ray of sunshine dropped across the table. Kaji closed his eyes, the sight bringing back the feelings he thought were locked away for the day.

He hadn't realized she'd bury herself so deeply in his heart. He reached into his pocket and rubbed his fingers over the red satin ribbon. Maybe she had been there from the moment he first saw her in the sunshine, or maybe she had always been there, even before she had waltzed into his life. The cat clock in the kitchen meowed. Kaji swore and stood up quickly. He still had to take a shower and get dressed. His father's admonition to not be late rang in his ears.


Kaji glanced at the picture on his desk and yanked at his new suit. At least this one fit properly. Kaji had paid the tailor a small fortune to finish in one day because he had an important meeting this afternoon concerning Hikaru's future and had to be dressed for the part. Mina's face smiled from the metal frame, her fingers raised in the trademark V and her hair whipping in some unseen wind. She was with him every day. Kaji wished he had a picture of her special smile. The shy innocent one that made his heart race and his knees collapse. He turned to the papers on his desk. He resisted the urge to pound his fist on the table in frustration. Hikaru was in trouble, and his father and grandfather were too old-fashioned to see the problems. Kaji would have to fight tooth and nail to get anything changed. There was so much to be done, and tine was running out. Kaji was overwhelmed with the pressure of being the only way the company could survive. Maybe he needed a break, a distraction.

He opened the top drawer of his desk and pulled out a plain manila folder. He flipped it open and looked at the pictures. Three pictures, three men, three mysteries. How was he supposed to find these three with nothing more to go on than grainy black and white pictures? He needed help, and he needed it immediately. Kaji picked up the phone on his desk. There had to be someone he could call. Then he remembered an old friend from school. Motoki was now the owner of a chain of video arcades and ice cream shops. And he always had the latest gossip. Kaji smiled a bit and dialed the phone.


Ace Saijou was tempted to let the phone keep ringing. He looked at the stack of papers on his desk and sighed loudly. Running an investigative service didn't exactly thrill him, but it kept the bills paid while he worked on his dream. Some day he'd be able to leave behind the sneaking around and finding lost people and concentrate solely on his career. And then he'd use his stardom to attract people for his talent agency. But right now the phone was ringing and he had two appointments with unhappy spouses who wanted proof of their partner's infidelity.

"Ace Investigative Services. Can I help you?" Ace listened to the man on the phone with half an ear. Motoki had always been a good friend, but he sounded way too excited. Ace resisted the urge to groan. Friend or not, Motoki needed about a dozen tranquilizers. Then again, Motoki also gave away lots of free ice cream, which made him a great friend on weekends. Ace made affirmative noises every so often while he finished filing the latest batch of pictures.

"I'll wait until he calls me Motoki. He may not even take your advice. Yes I know he's rich...uh huh." Ace closed the drawer with a loud bang. "Yes Motoki. Thanks. I'll talk to you later." Ace hung up the phone with a sigh of relief. But he glared when it started ringing again.

"Ace Investigative Services. Can I help you?" Ace was surprised by the deep voice on the other end of the line. He silently went back to filing while listening with half an ear. "Why don't we make an appointment to discuss this in detail?" Ace finished the filing and moved on to the missing person case he had recently finished. That venture had landed him a nice bonus. And then the conversation was finished. Ace leaned back in his chair. Always work to do. He really needed a secretary or some help, but every penny went into his other ventures.

"Kaji Hikaru, 11:30 lunch date, tomorrow. Damn, Motoki, you keep sending me business and I'll never sleep."


Kaji sat quietly in the crowded restaurant, checking his watch every few moments. Mr. Ace Saijou was late, although that didn't surprise Kaji too much. The man had sounded distracted over the phone.

"Mr. Hikaru?" Kaji turned to the voice. A man stood beside the table. Kaji estimated the blonde was several years younger, but the eyes reflected a good deal of maturity. In fact, they seemed cold, cynical, a strange contrast to the youthful body and boyish smile. Saijou had a slightly wrinkled, stained suit on, but he was wearing a Rolex. Kaji felt a strange sense of foreboding.

"Mr. Saijou. So kind of you to join me." Kaji inclined his head slightly and waved a hand toward the seat beside him. "Shall we get started?" Kaji pulled the manila folder from his briefcase and handed it to the young man. Ace flopped down and took the folder. Ace flipped through the pictures, his forehead wrinkling slightly in concentration.

"You'd like me to find these three men?" Kaji nodded slowly. Something about this Ace seemed a bit phony, but he had come highly recommended.

"Yes, as soon as possible." Ace paused for a moment.

"It will be difficult with so little to go on." Kaji hesitated.

"Are you certain you can find them?" Ace smiled.

"Of course I can find them, it just might take a great deal of time and effort." Ace flipped the folder closed, laid it on the table, and leaned forward. His careless manner had been put aside, and his tone was all business. Kaji felt a strange admiration for the man. Ace could be one hell of a negotiator with a bit of practice and training.

"Then all that's left to discuss is my fee." Kaji stood impatiently. The predatory look in Ace's eyes did not escape notice.

"First, I'll expect you do get a decent suit. Secondly, I want you at Hikaru to report every Friday afternoon at 3:00. I also expect some results within two weeks. I'll pay all your expenses that are properly documented, and ten thousand American dollars after each man has been successfully located. If you are as good as the rumors say there may be more work for you eventually." Kaji turned his back on the now speechless Ace and left the restaurant. He resisted the urge to smirk at the astonished look on Ace's face. The slippery devil was used to naming his price, not having orders dictated.


Ace left the restaurant slowly; rage bubbling just beneath the surface. He hated when anyone tried to order him around. Kaji Hikaru was an arrogant son of a bitch, but he was also very wealthy, and not the kind of man to double cross. Ace glanced down at the folder in his hand. Three grainy pictures weren't much to go on, but he'd found people with less information. It was simply a matter of knowing where to look, and who to ask.

The office was dark when he entered. Ace slid behind his desk, his mind moving quickly. Information was a precious commodity in his line of work. He laid the photos on the desk and picked up the phone. Ten thousand a person was great deal of money, and he'd be sure to rack up plenty of "expenses" for the arrogant Mr. Hikaru to cover. He chuckled under his breath.

"This job might be the key to getting out of investigation completely."


Ace resisted the urge to laugh. It had only been three days. Three days and he had located the first of the three men. In fact, Ace had not only located the man, he'd finished an entire background investigation. Kaji flipped through the manila file stoically, but Ace knew that Kaji was pleased. There was something about the way he relaxed in the chair, and the way he sipped his drink. Ace was practically cackling with glee.

"Well, Mr. Hikaru? What do you think?" Kaji lifted his eyes. Ace felt a shudder rip through him. Those eyes were deadly. Kaji had not been pleased by the interruption.

"Impatience is not a virtue, Mr. Saijou, although I am happy enough with the results of your investigation and will let your rudeness slide." There was a chilling and taunt silence. Ace inclined his head slightly.

"I apologize..." Kaji waved his hand.

"Never mind. I'd like hire you for another chore in addition to finding the remaining two men. Your fee will be another ten thousand, cash." Kaji pulled a sheet of paper from his briefcase and scribbled some instructions. Ace took the paper, one eyebrow raised. "I'll expect you at eight sharp...and wear your new suit." Ace leaned back.

"Your wish is my command." Kaji merely slammed his briefcase shut, the new file inside, and left.

"You cold son of a bitch." Ace hissed the words at Kaji's retreating back. He glanced down at the paper again, and couldn't help but admire the tactical abilities of the new Vice President of Hikaru Inc. Ace chuckled a bit. At least this time he didn't have to work so hard for his money.


Hisame Kasumi looked at the information on his computer one last time. The formula seemed to be correct, but something was still missing. Somehow the final product was still a bit off. He turned back to the tiny Petri dish lying on the table. Nanotechnology was so difficult to experiment with. Just developing the procedure to create tiny machines had taken him almost four years. And now when it seemed to be coming together, something was standing in his way. Something called money. Hisame brushed a hand over his sweating forehead. He needed more money to complete his research. But this was Japan, not the United States. Grants for research were not as common or as easy to come back. For the thousandth time Hisame railed against the fates that had stuck him in Japan. A knock sounded at the door. Hisame swore loudly, resisting the urge to bang his hand on the table in frustration. Visitors always made him lose his train of thought.

"I'm coming." Hisame grumbled the entire way to the door. His grant would run out in three weeks. He needed uninterrupted time with his work, not people annoying him. Of course, he had no idea who would bother him here. The old basement rooms were usually the last choice for research areas, but Hisame had needed the solitude. And the insulating properties of the walls had been efficient in the poorly maintained building. The door swung open. The hallway was dark, and Hisame could see nothing except that there were two large bodies outside his door. He felt a shiver of foreboding run down his spine. He adjusted his glasses. "Can I help you?" One of the two strangers stepped forward. The florescent light gleamed over the man's blonde hair.

"I have a proposition for you, Mr. Kasumi."

Hisame felt a twinge of annoyance. He didn't have time for young pretty boys playing at science. But the second man changed Hisame's mind. This one was taller, and had a look that could only be described as serious. Hisame felt a strange pull toward the man. The younger of the two started poking at various items on the table just inside the door. Hisame grimaced.

"Ace." The single word elicited a pout from the blonde, but he stopped tampering with the experiments. Hisame stepped backward, motioning the two men through the lab and into his office. The taller of the two seemed vaguely familiar. The man's eyes were gunmetal gray and very cold. He sat down in the one chair in the room. The diminished position did nothing to dispel the aura of power around him.

"What kind of a proposition." Hisame leaned against an overflowing filing cabinet, his eyes wary. He was worried. These two seemed very confident, and both were dressed in clothing that would have fed Hisame for a month. Or maybe a year. The second man moved behind the first. The smirk on the blonde's face made Hisame's blood boil. There was a long moment of silence. Hisame simply waited. Finally the taller of the two leaned forward, his eyes boring into Hisame's.

"I'd like to hire you, Mr. Kasumi." Hisame's eyes narrowed.

"Why?" Hisame knew the two could tell he was obviously suspicious. It emanated from every pore, soaking the room in mistrust.

"Let's just say I have an interest in your work. You have some very interesting theories, and aren't afraid to push the boundaries of what people say should be science. You're also not afraid to push ethical and moral boundaries. Both are things that a company looks for in a head research scientist. I think that Hikaru LLC would do well with you in the lab, and I'll give you anything you ask." Hisame leaned forward, his eyes bright. This was the chance he'd been waiting for, a chance to really do his work. He smiled. With the bankroll of Hikaru he could do anything. He was cynical, but he wasn't stupid.

"All right, I'm listening."


Ace grinned at the stack of money on his desk. Mr. Hikaru had paid in cash. And he had been extremely happy with the speed of Ace's first discovery. He glanced down at the other two pictures in the folder. He picked up the paperwork and filed away the first picture.

"Why was Kaji Hikaru looking for a talented but slightly eccentric university student?" Ace glanced over the information on Hisame Kasumi again. Two older sisters, raised in Japan outside Kyoto, middle class parents, extraordinary mind, Hisame seemed like a strange risk to be taking. So far he hadn't finished any of his projects, but they were quite ambitious with the opportunity for great pay-offs. Ace shrugged again. Perhaps he'd understand Mr. Hikaru's search after the other two were found. Ace slammed the file drawer closed and turned to the second picture. Time to call in a few more favors. Ace glanced at the stack of money on his desk. He smiled. This would be his last case. He already had enough money to start on his dream. The Saijou Talent Agency would be up and running shortly. The phone rang. Ace sighed. And he'd hire a damn secretary.


Hisame was in heaven. The basement of the Hikaru building wasn't that much of an improvement from his last lab, but here he had stability. And money, lots of money. He stared around at the room. His equipment had been moved, along with his books and everything else he might need. He had also just finished a categorized list of all the items he'd like. Now all that was left to do was finish his projects. And first on the list from Kaji, organic computer components. Hisame rubbed his hands in anticipation.


Kaji felt dead inside. He stared at the picture in shock. There was his princess, her arms thrown around one of the infamous three lights, Yaten Kou. Kaji growled low in his throat. But it was the little baby cradled in Yaten's arms that had Kaji's heart weeping. He might have tried to win her back from another. Kaji leaned back in his chair. It wouldn't be fair to the little boy, however. Kaji groaned in pain. How long...how long had he waited to contact his princess? How many times had he picked up the phone, and let it fall. Now it was too late. She hadn't waited. But then, why should she wait. He had abandoned her without even a goodbye. And he was no closer to discovering who he was than before. The strange woman had not reappeared since the night he'd left London.

Kaji swore and threw the picture on his desk against the wall. It shattered into a million shards of glass and twisted metal. He turned over the desk and filing cabinets as well. He let his anger loose in a wild, destructive rampage. Then he sunk down to the floor, the magazine article still clutched in his hand.

"Special Delivery. Minako Aino, star of the popular Sailor V children's series, has just given birth to a healthy baby boy." Kaji felt tears swimming in front of his eyes. He looked up at the picture. His smiling golden girl holding a tiny babe, and a handsome silver haired man at her side. Kaji felt a nasty sort of retribution. Mina's new lover looked like a toned down version of his white haired good looks. Kaji swore under his breath.

Yaten Kou. At least they weren't married. That had to give him some kind of hope. Kaji desperately wanted some kind of hope. Somehow he thought his golden girl would be waiting for him, always there for him. He had never imagined her with someone else, much less sleeping with someone else. The anger inside continued to burn. He reached into the splintered desk and took out the small box that had resided in the top drawer since he'd arrived. He opened the box slowly. The ring was still there, the topaz and kunzite entwined into a single heart. Kaji slammed the box shut. He would have her some day, if he had to kill a million men to get to her. And the tears began.


Hisame stared for a long moment at the remains of Kaji's once pristine office. It had been torn apart. Hisame could see Kaji still panting from the exertion. Hisame took a step into the office and crossed his arms over his chest. He knew that Kaji might rip his head off, but Hisame had no choice, he couldn't wait until Kaji calmed down.

"Long day?" Kaji was staring out the window, his hands clenched tightly into fists.

"What do you want, Hisame?" Kaji's voice cracked a bit on the words. Hisame resisted the urge to creep away. Kaji did have a temper, but he rarely let it out, and when it did run free Kaji was careful to direct it only at those who deserved it. Besides, Kaji was his best friend, his only friend. Kaji had taken the time to draw Hisame out of his shell, taken time to help find an apartment, taken time to listen to Hisame's ideas.

Hisame had never been anything but the outsider. Two sisters almost ten years older than him, who he was never close to, and parents who were too distracted with each other to notice Hisame's social missteps. Not that his family life had been bad, just lonely. Never one for sports, school had been his life. Being labeled a nerd and his infernal glasses hadn't helped. And spending more time with the chess team than girls had labeled him as something a little more repellant. Of course, Hisame couldn't even tell himself if the slurs were true. He did feel a strange attraction to Kaji. But then everyone felt that pull. Kaji was a leader, from his soul outward. He did ninety percent of the day to day of Hikaru's operations, even though the two elder Hikaru's still held the strings of power.

Hisame had a feeling though, a feeling that somewhere someone was waiting for him. Somewhere was a person who he could touch soul to soul. Hisame sighed. He had thought he knew every side of Kaji. But this was something entirely new. He'd never seen Kaji like this, positively radiating anger and emotion. Kaji was normally a brick wall. Today Hisame knew that Kaji could become an inferno if things weren't handled just right. But even Kaji's temper could be calmed by talk of business.

"The tests on the new chip just came back. It works. Your father wants it in production in two months." Kaji nodded slowly.

"And my grandfather?" Hisame laughed a bit.

"He insists that all this new technology is a fad and that nothing will come of it. Your father overruled him, however." Kaji let a grim smile spread over his face. Hisame felt a sense of triumph. He could see Kaji's shoulders relax, his fists unclench. Kaji's father was slowly coming around, and the company would soon be back on its feet. But Kaji's grandfather still refused to speak to him.

"Any news from Ace?" Hisame's grin faded, replaced by a sneer. He never understood why Kaji would use such a sneaky bastard, even if the man did get results. Ace had done several investigations for the company, and been successful in all but his original endeavor.

"Nothing yet. He swears he's getting closer though." Kaji ran a hand through his hair. It had been over a year and Ace still hadn't found the second person on the list.

"I'm about ready to kill the bastard. If he doesn't come up with some results very soon I think I'll beat the information out of him." Hisame resisted the urge to shiver at the coldness in Kaji's voice. Hisame knew it was time to change the subject fast. Kaji was far too single minded about some things.

"Are we still on for dinner?" Hisame perched on an overturned file cabinet, his mouth pulled into a mocking grin. Kaji slowly turned around. His features were once again twisted into the stone mask that Hisame was used to. Hisame didn't know whether to be relieved or saddened.

"I don't think so. I'll just head to my place." Kaji left the office slowly. Hisame watched the taller man leave with a curious expression. Something had really upset Kaji, if he was leaving work early. The door closed softly. Hisame glanced back at the window, noticing a crumpled magazine lying half underneath spilled papers. He picked it up slowly, his green eyes scanning the page. They opened wide, surprise lighting up his face. Hisame stared at the beautiful blonde for several long moments. Then he read the article, exhaling loudly at the birth announcement. He flipped through the pictures quickly, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. She had to be why Kaji refused to speak much of his time in London. Hisame stared at a close up of the baby on a blanket. The little boy had his head tilted at an odd angle, and his blue eyes seemed to jump from the page. And Hisame had a rotten suspicion. He did the math quickly. And decided he'd better keep his suspicions to himself. Kaji wouldn't survive that kind of question burning in his soul.

"Minako Aino. Well, Kaji. I think you've been keeping some secrets. But I think your old flame has been keeping a few more."


Tokyo Japan- 1998

Ace handed the paper to Kaji Hikaru, feeling a great sense of relief. It had taken him almost a year. A year of scraping by while trying to run two businesses, a year of Kaji breathing down his neck. But the second man was found.

"Ikusa Kaen. Politician. Two older brothers, all raised in Tokyo, father active in politics as well. You'd think he'd be easier to find considering how visible he is." Ace stiffened at the censure in Kaji's voice.

"I probably would have found him faster, but he's been out of the country for four years now completing his education. He's been to dozens of countries, and now he's set on making it in Japanese politics." Kaji nodded and glanced at the paper again. Then he turned his icy gaze back to Ace.

"Well, I suppose I'll have to pay him a visit then. Try not to take another year with your next assignment." Ace swallowed loudly as Kaji stalked from the office. Then Ace collapsed into his chair and picked up the telephone. If he had learned anything about Kaji Hikaru, it was that the man was not someone you wanted upset.


The quarter flipped over his fingers, twisting and turning, never stopping. Ikusa watched it dispassionately, not really concentrating on what his hand was doing. He really didn't care. This meeting was just a favor for his father anyway. Ikusa scowled. Two older brothers and a father in politics didn't leave much left for him. He wanted more than just the leftovers. He wanted to be known as more than Representative Kaen's brother, or Ambassador Kaen's son. Ikusa slammed the coin onto the table. This could be his chance.

Three men began moving toward the table. Ikusa stared at them, trying to place them. They all wore expensive suits, and they walked with an aura that only came from power. Ikusa felt a shudder of jealousy. His father had that walk. Ikusa looked down at the ill-fitting suit on his own body. He knew he was at a disadvantage. He picked up the quarter and began to fiddle with it as the three moved to stand opposite him. Ikusa didn't stand.

"Ikusa Kaen?" The one who spoke stood on the far left. Ikusa nodded bluntly, almost laughing as the two on the sides looked to the one in the middle for permission to be seated. Ikusa grabbed the quarter in his fist, silently vowing that he'd never let someone push him around like that. The three sat quietly. The restaurant was almost deserted this time of day, only an old man behind the counter and a couple cooing in a corner booth.

Ikusa Kaen stared at the three men across the table with a small grin on his face. He'd heard all about the new Vice President of Hikaru LLC, and how the man had single-handedly turned the company around, while fighting his father and grandfather for every inch of ground. Ikusa appreciated strength, and he appreciated intelligence. And it was obvious that these men could be important for his goals. The money and experience he could get from Hikaru could put him on top. The silence stretched for a few moments longer. Finally Ikusa spoke.

"Good afternoon, gentleman. My name is Ikusa Kaen. What can I do for you?" The shorter man with long coppery-blonde hair leaned back in his seat a bit. He looked over at the tall white haired man in the middle. Ikusa knew only one man who would have that shade of hair. He had to be Kaji Hikaru. Only child of Elise Hikaru, ex-starlet, who died of an overdose at age twenty nine. She had the unusual, white-blonde, almost silver hair that flowed over Kaji's shoulders. Ikusa smirked a bit and leaned backwards in his own chair.

"I'm Kaji Hikaru, Vice President of Hikaru Inc. These are my assistants." Kaji turned to the man with short blonde hair and nodded once.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Kaen." Ikusa smiled. The slightly sly tone, the breathtaking smile. The blonde had to be Ace Saijou. The man had once run a seedy investigative agency. But Kaji seemed to bring out the best in people. Now Ace owned a successful talent agency and worked part time as a negotiator and investigator for Hikaru. Ikusa moved his glass of brandy in a gentle circle, watching the liquid swirl. He knew that this was his ticket to the big time. Why Hikaru had chosen him, as opposed to a better known politician was anyone's guess, but Ikusa was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. Kaji nodded to the other man.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Kaen." Ikusa leaned forward in his seat. The quiet one with long hair and glasses had to be the elusive Hisame Kasumi. Brilliant, quiet, and impossible to control, according to most. Ikusa addressed him next. "Well, now that the introductions are out of the way. I'm very glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Kasumi. It's rumored that you're the one of the most intelligent scientists alive today." Hisame lapped up the praise, his smile growing. Ikusa was laughing inside. He moved in for the kill. "How is your latest experiment, Mr. Kasumi? Still trying to find a way around cloning laws? Or still forging results?" Hisame blinked like a fish behind his glasses, surprised by the attack, but he recovered quickly.

"My experiments are going well, Mr. Kaen. At least they're more productive than your current election campaign." There was a moment of silence. Ikusa smiled a bit. Then he continued on as if Kasumi hadn't spoken.

"I heard that your latest paper on organic components was rejected for faulty scientific methods. I hope all your work doesn't suffer that flaw. It would be a shame if Hikaru couldn't recoup their loss for your employment and equipment." Kaji rolled his eyes.

"Excuse me, Mr. Kaen..." Ace found himself cut off mid-sentence.

"Mr. Saijou, I understand you just lost a second bid for the famous Three Lights. That must be an awful blow to your agency. It must be quite a shock to find that some prefer not to jump on the latest bandwagon. It seems the rich and famous don't find your agency worth the time of day." Ace sputtered a bit.

"Now just a minute, Mr. Kaen..." Ikusa cut off the blonde again.

"And Mr. Hikaru. How nice to see you. You look just like your mother. Beautiful eyes, gorgeous hair, cold smile, empty soul. I hope you have more willpower, however." Kaji's eyes flashed. A light flush crept up his face. But he controlled his temper.

"And you, Mr. Kaen, are nothing like your father. You lack the most basic qualities of common sense, leadership skills, and honor." The quiet tone made Ikusa pause for a long moment, but he never backed down.

"Why would I want to be like my father? If every child were like his parent this world would be a boring place." Ikusa glanced out the window at the billboard displayed so prominently. "Take Ms. Aino for example. Gorgeous figure, a great future ahead of her. She just finished new movie and a spread in some nude magazine. If her new baby was a promiscuous bitch like his mother, what would the world come to?" Hisame's face went white. Ace snorted his drink. Kaji just stared. His eyes were flat now, and his voice was harsh. There was a tense silence. Then Ikusa noticed the red flush on Kaji's face. A hand shot across the table, gripping Ikusa around the throat. He struggled for breath. Kaji spoke, his voice even. The low tones rumbled over the empty restaurant.

"I see you consider yourself witty. That may be useful for politics, but in the world of business men like you are considered a liability." Ikusa began to claw at the hand at his throat. Kaji let go. Ikusa slumped back into his chair, rubbing his red throat with one hand, while reaching for his drink with the other. He took a long swallow and then croaked out a question.

"Then perhaps you can enlighten me, what do you want from me?" Kaji smiled then, but the smile could only be described as evil. It was the look a well fed cat had after devouring the family bird.

"We have an offer for you, Mr. Kaen. It's always good to have well placed friends, both in business and politics. We merely want your friendship." Ikusa laughed harshly.

"I'm always looking for more friends, Mr. Hikaru, as long as they have money. Of course, I don't let my friends dictate my actions, no matter how large their pocketbook." Kaji growled and stood, throwing a pile of bills on the table.

"I don't have time for your little games. You have a choice. You come with me, and I make you the next Prime Minister of Japan, or you stay here and stay an unknown trying to fight his way into power. Just remember, if you go, you do things my way, my timeline, my choices, or you'll suffer the consequences." Ikusa slammed his own glass on the table, his temper showing.

"You bastard. I'm sorry if you don't approve of the common custom of small talk. Men like you are why the world is so fucked up." Kaji merely stood, waiting. Ikusa took several deep breaths.

"Shall we go?" Ikusa could feel his temper boiling. But Kaji simply smiled and stalked from the room, entourage in tow. Ace turned just before they walked outside.

"I've heard rumors about you, Mr. Kaen. About your ruthlessness, your intelligence, and your pride. Well, I think you've just met your match. I have just one piece of advice. If you ever piss him off again, make sure you have a coffin picked out." Ikusa watched the stiff back of Kaji and silently agreed with Saijou's advice.


"The numbers for Hikaru Incorporated are looking great. I'm very pleased with the turnaround you've accomplished." Kaji stood silently, his father's approval seemed rather anticlimactic at this point. He glanced down at his watch. He had an appointment with Hisame and Ikusa in twenty minutes and didn't want to be late.

"I'm glad you approve, father." A soft shuffling sounded from the door behind Kaji.

"I think that you have finally matured enough to take your place, young man." Kaji turned in surprise. His grandfather stood in the doorway. Kaji bowed respectfully. The old man moved forward and sat down. "You have proven that even the most wayward son can take his proper place and bring honor to his family. Today I end my position as CEO." Kaji's eyes grew a bit wide. The old man cackled.

"Did you really think I'd let your father have that position? He makes an excellent president, but the final decisions have always been up to me. Now I give my power to you, young man. I have but one final stipulation." Kaji's eyes narrowed a bit. His grandfather leaned back in the chair, his silver eyes twinkling with mischief. "I want grandchildren. Within two years." Kaji's mouth opened a bit, and then snapped shut. He turned and left the office slowly, ignoring the sound of his father and grandfather's laughter.


Ace knew he was in trouble the minute Kaji entered the room. Kaji's entire body was tense, his eyes cold, his hands fisted. Ace shuddered a bit.

"I understand you and Ikusa have been getting into trouble again." The words were flat, emotionless. Ace groaned. He had been stupid to trust Ikusa with a confidence. He'd been even stupider to go alone with Ikusa's harebrained scheme.

"I didn't know my personal life was your problem." Ace suddenly found himself dangling by the throat, several inches above the floor. Kaji had moved so fast that Ace hadn't seen it coming at all.

"This isn't a game, little man. You and Ikusa are not supposed to be seen together, much less spending time out partying with the elite every night. Ikusa needs those people's influence." Ace shuddered and closed his eyes.

"I didn't think it was a big deal." Kaji let go. Ace collapsed in his chair. There was a moment of tense silence.

"That's because you never think." Kaji sighed again. "Sometimes I think Hisame is the only one of you three with a brain. And you have a job to do. You need to get the Three Lights and Ms. Aino into your agency come hell or high water, or you'll never see the controlling interest again. I'll sell it to your worst enemy. And if you don't finish the very first job I gave you, you'll wish you'd never been born." Kaji stalked from the room, his voice echoing through the door.

"I want him, Ace. I don't care what you have to do. You find him. Now." Ace watched Kaji leave the room.

"I'm trying".


Kaji could feel his blood boiling. The party swirled around him, but he was oblivious. He adjusted the fedora and absently patted the two handguns strapped under his suit coat.

"Really, Kaji. Eliot Ness? Isn't that asking for trouble?" Ace chuckled at Ikusa's snide comment. Kaji merely growled.

"At least he's not dressed like some wild west reject." Ikusa looked down at his chaps and adjusted his cowboy hat. Then he smiled, drawling his sentences with a horrendous fake accent.

"And who's the one wearing the dress, 'lil lady?" Hisame blushed brightly. He hissed from between his teeth.

"I happen to be a samurai, you idiot." Ace laughed. Ikusa turned his venom once again.

"Well, samurai or not, at least you aren't dressed in the flapping robes like some monk." Ace's face grew cold.

"Watch what you say, or I'll draw my light saber and remove your head." Ikusa laughed.

"OK, Luke." Kaji ignored the banter of his friends. He was ignoring the party completely. Even the gorgeous women throwing him inviting glances and the liquor floating around the room failed to catch his attention. This party was purely business. And Kaji had been duped for the last time by the Ryujin Clan. No one tried to blackmail him. No one. And now he'd kill every last one of the members present. He smiled a bit at the thought.

"Remind me again what the hell we are doing here?" Kaji checked his gun for the third time in the past hour. He was about ready to smack Hisame upside the head. The man wouldn't stop whining.

"We are here on business. And since there's often more to business than paperwork and money, we're here." Hisame groaned loudly. Kaji laughed at the sound.

"Why couldn't we just bribe them? Or better yet, just call the police." Kaji snorted.

"Oh yes, Mr. Ryujin. We'd like your son and your gang to join us in our quest for power and money, but we'll be in command. And if you ever try to screw with us again we'll kill the rest of you. That'd go over real well." Hisame sighed.

"Well, it was a thought. A great party and I can't even go after a woman or get drunk. You know, I really hate this." Hisame shifted a bit.

"What's the matter, pansy? Afraid of your gun?" Ikusa pulled his guns and twirled then around expertly. Kaji sighed...with a pistol in each hand Ikusa looked like some twisted James Bond. And he was smiling broadly.

"This is serious Ikusa. No going off on one of your half-baked adventures. This isn't the war with words you're used to. Bullets can kill." Ikusa ignored the speech, preferring instead to flip his weapons in a few fancy circles. Ikusa's rakish smile did nothing to reassure Kaji.

"I don't know why you brought them along, Kaji. They haven't had enough training, and neither of them have any experience." Ace hunched behind a table, his eyes cold and his hands steady.

"We're not taking on the entire Ryujin gang by ourselves, Ace. Maybe you'd enjoy suicide, but I'd like to live another day. Besides, it's about time the two pansies get introduced to the realities of true business. All is fair in love and war, and business is war. And war means using every weapon at your disposal, including a pistol." The four men froze at the sound of voices. Kaji whispered the last instructions. "Remember, you each have your targets. Shoot to kill."

Kaji nodded and the four fanned out, smiling at the group of men approaching.


Raiu knew something was wrong. He tipped his head upward, meeting the gaze of the leader of the group standing directly ahead. Kaji Hikaru was a very rich, very powerful, very dangerous man. It had not been Raiu's idea to double cross the man. But Raiu had no real power. He was nothing more than a servant for his father. The elder Ryujin stood with his inner circle.

"Good day, Mr. Hikaru. So sorry about your lost shipment. But it was a pleasure doing business with you." Kaji didn't move, didn't react to the old man's inflammatory statement. The other old men stood silently. The tension between the two groups could be felt. The partygoers spread out, leaving the two groups in a large circle of empty floor.

"I don't think, Mr. Ryujin, that you understand the true nature of business." The old man coughed a bit. Kaji's eyes had turned deadly cold. Raiu moved a bit forward, but one of the large thugs who were always with his father pushed him back.

"It is you, young Hikaru, who do not understand this business." There was another moment of silence. Then Kaji's smile turned to ice.

The attack took Raiu completely by surprise. One moment he was staring at the ten leaders of the Ryujin gang and their body guards, the next moment five men were dead. Raiu reacted instinctively, pulling his gun and yanking whomever he could grab behind a hastily overturned table. The lights dimmed, the partygoers screamed and stampeded for the door, and there was chaos. Raiu tried to peer around his makeshift shelter, but was met with a hail of bullets.

Raiu almost laughed. Kaji was spraying the room with bullets from a Tommy gun, obliterating his opposition. Raiu should have known that a violin case was a bit too complete of a costume. But Hikaru had never been seen as a physical threat.

Ikusa moved through the maze of overturned tables and fallen decorations. He was humming under his breath, the song floating through the sound and smell of gunshots. He moved quickly around a table and quickly fired off a round. He watched the unarmed man slump over dead. Ikusa smiled. Another one of the fat bastards gone in a puff of smoke. They had tried to sink his campaign, now they were meeting their maker. He felt a surge of power move through his veins.

This was better than politics. Life and death were true power. He headed off, looking for more victims.

Hisame took careful aim and grunted when a loud scream echoed from the back of the room. He preferred the sharp shooting to Ikusa's gung-ho, blazing guns approach. It was more impersonal, requiring more skill. There was no sympathy, no need for seeing the victim. Just murder and power. A great sense of power. He squeezed the trigger again. That was at least seven of the inner circle dead, and most of the bodyguards. He ducked down behind the table he was using as a shield and reloaded.

Ace fired quickly and reloaded. That was three that had gone for Kaji's back now. Three bastards that had met a bitter end for betraying the Hikaru. Ace grinned wickedly. That was what Kaji was now. The Hikaru. Ace grunted softly and quickly reloaded. The tent like top had been a great place to stash rounds.

"Are you out of rounds yet?" Kaji grunted and threw the Tommy gun on the ground, yanking the guns from their spot under his suit.

"Yeah, let's finish this."

Raiu watched the two men approach, and quickly came up with a wild plan. He moved quickly, going for the first man, a smaller blonde man with cold eyes, but he stopped dead at the click and cold touch of steel.

"Do not move, anyone, or I'll blow this one's head off." Raiu couldn't tell who was holding the gun, but he could feel his temper bubbling under the surface. The voice spoke again. "Stand up, all of you." Raiu stood slowly.

"Good job, Ikusa." Raiu felt rather than saw Mr. Hikaru move directly behind his back and take the gun. The one Hikaru had called Ikusa moved in front of Raiu, a nasty grin on his face.

"Next time, little boy, look behind you." Raiu felt the gun push harder into his temple. He didn't move. His father began to speak.

"And what can we do for you, gentleman." There was a harsh cough. Kaji's deep voice rumbled through the room.

"I apologize for the strong-arm measures, Mr. Ryujin, but your little gang doesn't seem to respond to anything else." Raiu's father laughed lightly.

"A very true statement, young man. And what do you want? Money? Power?" Kaji nodded to Hisame. The other man lifted his gun, resting it against the old man's head.

"I want your position as leader of the Ryujin gang. Unconditionally, immediately." There was a long silence, followed by rasping laughter that disintegrated into harsh coughing.

"That's a mighty request young man. What makes you think I'll comply with your wishes?" Raiu found himself spun around quickly. Kaji lifted his weapon.

"Because if you don't, you won't have a son to leave the business." The sound of the gun being cocked echoed in the room. Raiu didn't breath. His father's eyes dropped to the ground. Raiu could see the defeat in them. And his temper broke. He moved backward quickly, knocking the pistol in the same motion. Gunfire immediately erupted. It was chaos and there was no escape. Raiu saw the remaining leaders of the clan felled like wheat in front of careful aim and cool heads. Raiu turned just in time to see the one called Ikusa aiming for his skull. A body rammed into him. Raiu felt the bullet whiz by his head. He reacted instinctively to the attack, shoving the person off him and firing in the same motion. The body fell to the ground as if in slow motion.

"Dad." The shooting stopped, Raiu was the only Ryujin still standing. He lurched to his knees, gathering the still warm body against his chest. The old man lay in Raiu's arms, a trail of blood running from the spot where the bullet had penetrated. The man opened his eyes.

"My son, it is far better to appear to concede, then to lose everything. That temper of yours will get you killed some day." And then there was silence. Raiu stood slowly, his eyes wild.

"You killed him!" There was a moment of silence. Raiu stood, staring at the blood on his hands. He dropped the gun. Tears came to his eyes. And he screamed. "You killed him, you bastards." Kaji's deep voice echoed. He stared right into Raiu's eyes.

"No, foolish one. You killed him." Kaji held out a hand. "Now come, we have a lot to discuss." Raiu hesitated for several moments, and then threw himself at the intruder. Suddenly Raiu was on the ground, his gut on fire. The man now had his hand on Raiu's throat. He struggled for breath. "That was foolish as well. You are beaten. Now you have a choice, join the victors or die a pitiful death." Raiu was silent for a long time. He struggled to bring his emotions under control. And then he relaxed and lifted a hand. He was quickly released and hauled to his feet.

Raiu Ryujin and Kaji Hikaru stared at each other for several long moments. They stood almost eye to eye. Raiu hated these kinds of confrontations. Of course, he hated being backed into a corner at all. But confronting the tiger always took a lot of energy. Kaji was a little bit taller, but not enough to make that much of a difference. The man's eyes were steel, dead and flat, and Raiu was having trouble maintaining the contact. Raiu was the first to speak.

"How much hair bleach do you invest in a year? I think your roots are starting to show." Kaji's eyebrow lifted at the nasty crack. One of the almost identical blonde young men laughed. Raiu's eyes were drawn to the offending party. Kaji glared at the man, and the laughter was instantly silenced.

"What do you find so amusing, Ace?" The blonde man turned his head, a smirk visible on his face. Raiu felt his temper reaching the limit.

"It's just so nice to see that you two get along so well." Raiu snorted at the annoying blonde's comment.

"Considering the fact that you murdered my father, I'd say I'm being fairly cordial." Kaji smiled slightly.

"Very well, Mr. Ryujin. I see you're going to be difficult." There was a moment of tense silence. Raiu's eyes narrowed, anger on his face. Then a fist flew toward his face. Raiu ducked just in time.

"What the hell!" Kaji continued throwing punches.

"You are the reason your father is dead. Use your brain. Where was your father shot?" Raiu suddenly saw his father grasping the hole in his chest. The bullet had come from behind. But Raiu had been holding a gun, turning, panicking. The truth finally hit home. Raiu collapsed to the ground, tears flowing over his cheeks.

"I killed him." The stunned words were greeted by a gentle hand on the top of his head.

"Come, Raiu. We have much to do."


Kaji stared across the rooftops, his eyes dull. He had a letter clutched in his hand. A letter from his angel. He stared down at the words for the thousandth time.

"Kaji,

My psychologist told me that I needed to go back and put an end to the past, so it wouldn't keep haunting my present. I suppose I was too young to see what you really were, but I know I had a hand in our relationship as well. I accept the blame for throwing myself at you, for letting the violence spill over into lust. I know you never gave a damn about me, and that you never really cared. I just wanted you to know that I'm all right. I forgive you for breaking my heart. You couldn't help it; it's your nature.

Maybe I should have done this long ago, but now I have a reason to push you from my mind. I've had someone ask me to marry him, and I've accepted. I don't know why I even bothered to tell you, but I suppose you have a right to know. I waited, I really did. For a word, a letter, something. But you simply disappeared. So this is goodbye, a way for me to end years of uncertainty. I hope you live a good life. Wish me luck!

Minako Aino."

The words leapt from the page, tearing into his soul. She would belong to someone else. And she had waited for him. Kaji threw back his head, letting the wind whip over his skin. If only he had done something, said something. A letter, a phone call. If only...the if only's rolled into a huge rock on his heart, obscuring anything else. He had failed. He'd found the men from his dreams, he'd rescued his father's company, he had friends, money, power, and any woman he wanted in his bed.

He'd become the leader of a notorious gang, he'd avoided any investigation into almost twenty dead bodies. He'd had his revenge for those who had tried to kill him and ruin his company. But there were only two things he really desired in life, and he'd just lost one. The other might be nothing more than a fantasy of sleep, a figure in a tuxedo who called his name late at night...not even his name but a shadowy name from the hidden part of memory. He moved to the edge of the building, staring at the lights below. It would be so easy, so incredibly easy to simply end it all, throwing himself into oblivion. He had no reason to live anymore. He had accomplished it all, and now the top seemed, unfulfilling. Empty.

"But your life is mine, my friend. It has been since the day you were born. In every lifetime you are mine first, and right now, I need you." Kaji whirled around. There were two figures in the darkness. A husky laugh rippled over the wind. Kaji's eyes widened. He knew that laugh.

"I've finally returned, little prince. And you've exceeded my expectations. Then again, you always have done what was asked of you. And now, Kunzite. It is time. Time to take back what should have been ours a thousand years ago." Kaji dropped to his knees.

"My prince." Only the woman noticed the piece of paper slip from his fingers and flutter away on the breeze.