Aino Minako sat in her neglected office located at Abstergo Industries' Japan headquarters. Even before becoming a templar she knew of Abstergo. It was nearly impossible not to.
Abstergo was behind every technological breakthrough of the last century. Their main claim to fame was the development of the Animus; of which there was a commercial version available to the general public. It had its limitations compared to what the templars used, and cost more money than what a middle class family earned in five years, but it gave the company's stocks unprecedented leaps and enough clout to open every door imaginable.
Abstergo had so much capital, they began branching out into other sectors to further spread their influence. Which is where Sailor V came in. Her record company was now under the umbrella of Abstergo Entertainment, which owned and operated every mainstream record label and entertainment streaming service.
Only a select few were made privy to Abstergo's true motivations.
Minako had been blissfully ignorant of the centuries-old struggle between the assassins and templars up until the day of her fateful accident.
She usually didn't reflect much on her current situation. The decision had been made, and while she sometimes doubted the templars' motives and wished she wasn't involved, those thoughts quickly vanished when she reminded herself she would no longer be performing if it weren't for their assistance.
Averting her gaze from the pile of neglected paperwork, she signed onto her desktop and waited for it to boot. Due to her busy schedule of touring and recording her new album, Minako hadn't so much as looked at her emails. Given the nature of their New World Order plan, the templars were cautious to the point of not allowing any of their operatives access to their emails outside of Abstergo facilities.
Minako didn't care about all of that very much, anyway. She showed up at the office once a month or so because it was expected of her, and it gave one less reason for her superiors to be calling and checking up on her.
After failing to capture Hino Rei yet again, any day Minako didn't hear from Hino Takashi or Kaiou Michiru was a good day.
Minako mentally scolded herself for allowing her thoughts to wander to the young assassin once more. She hated to admit how often she thought about Rei. Or rather, fantasized about, if she were being completely honest. Instead of wondering why Rei pushed her out of the other assassin's line of fire, her thoughts wandered to the depths of her dark purple eyes, and how Rei's body felt while she was straddled on top of it.
Rei had been so easy to seduce. It was… odd, Minako considered. Given that she was an assassin, trained since birth, and exuded a serious aura that dispeled any notions of the sexual sort.
No, that wasn't true.
Minako made a satisfied sound deep in her throat. If that were true, Rei wouldn't have continued to eavesdrop on her the night she pleasured herself in her hotel room. Rei had maintained her discipline and refrained from joining her, but the popstar liked to think the initial crack in Rei's hard, porcelain exterior occurred that night.
The puzzled popstar absently stroked Artemis' fur. He lounged on her lap as she stared off, thinking about the assassin.
"Hello, Aino-san," someone greeted while letting themselves into Minako's open office.
Deeply entranced in her salacious thoughts, Minako jumped in surprise. Hoping her expression didn't give her away, Minako cleared her throat and welcomed her friend.
"Hi Ami! And for the hundredth time, just call me Mina." Minako knew it was a futile effort, but she tried again anyway. Mizuno Ami, Vice President of both the history and science departments, was the closest person Sailor V had to a friend; templar or otherwise.
Ami adjusted her glasses and shut the door behind her without dropping the books in her arms. Mina had never seen her without either a pile of books or a tablet in her hands. As befitting for her job titles, Ami was a bookworm and genius. In fact, the popstar wasn't sure how they managed to be such close comrades, considering how little they had in common.
Ignoring Minako's statement, Ami gestured to the only chair in the office. "May I?"
"Oh, yeah." Minako nodded. She shuffled her loose papers aside to make room for Ami's books. As her friend got comfortable, Mina jump started the conversation. "So what brings you here?"
"I spend eighty hours a week here, silly."
"Yeah, yeah. I meant in my room. Miss me so much you come by my office every day to see if I'm here?" Minako teased.
Ami furrowed her cerulean eyebrows in confusion. "Why would I do that when I could just call you and ask?"
Mina deflated with a sigh. With her joke having gone over the intellectual's head, she decided to change the subject. "Gonna tell me all the latest gossip so I don't have to spend hours reading my emails?"
While the scientist wasn't a gossiper, she was aware of everything that happened in the building, including coffee break talk and all the latest developments with Abstergo, as well as any covert operations the templars were undertaking.
"You and Hino Takashi's daughter, of course." When Mina stared back in shock, Ami continued. "As far as gossip, I mean. But more importantly, we've gained an amazing lead on the Lost City of—"
"Wait, back it up!" Minako interrupted. How were she and Rei were the focus of office gossip? Had the tabloids someone snapped a picture of her and Rei together?
Minako shook her head. Surely Michiru would have ripped her a new one if that were the case. "I, um, can't imagine how the two of us could be the topic of any gossip."
Ami pushed the bridge of her glasses higher up her nose. "Many are speculating as to how you were able to evade Hino's daughter multiple times, seeing as how she has taken out several of our allies in one week. I've argued that, despite only having a year or so of training under your belt, that you are still a formidable opponent. And that your Piece of Eden could, perhaps, be credited with assisting you in overpowering—"
"She saved me, Ami," Minako couldn't help but interrupt her friend's monologue, even when she was being given undue credit. There was the matter of Rei having murdered a few templars since they last saw each other, which Minako hadn't heard before now, but that was a different matter. "Like, pushed me out of the way saved me."
Now it was Mizuno's turn to stare in befuddlement.
Unnerved by the silence, Minako dropped her guard and let all the stray thoughts she had bottled up over the last week pour out. "At first I thought she was like, the worst assassin in the world. I mean, yeah, Artemis and the Piece of Eden helped. But she followed me around Paris for days without making a move. We even talked in one of my hotel rooms and she didn't try to hurt me. Even though I was totally asking for it. I called her bluff and got lucky, really! Instead of slitting my throat, she left. Then at my meet and greet she saved me! Pushed me right out of the line of fire! Why would she do that?"
Minako stopped to catch her breath. She silently thanked the small remnants of self control she still held for not divulging more than she already had. Especially the sexually charged parts.
"The only way to gain an answer to that question is to ask her."
Ami's logical answer, which she delivered with a straight face, made Minako break into a fit of laughter.
"Hahaha! Right! I'll just waltz into her house and ask her!"
"Why not?" Ami countered, still no trace of amusement on her face.
"Uh, hello! She's an assassin. I'm a templar. Not to mention she lives in a very well known, well protected assassin base."
"Which also happens to be a very public shrine," Ami reminded her. "It is open to the public for several hours a day. It is one of their main local sources of revenue. Go in, find her, and speak with her."
"We're enemies. I can't do that."
"There is nothing stating we cannot speak with-or even be friendly with-assassins. As a matter of fact, in the 1700's—"
"Okay, okay. I believe you," Mina interrupted. She had no desire to listen to one of Ami's historical factoids. "I can't exactly sneak in, you know. I'm a famous idol! I cause a scene everywhere I go!"
If Ami noticed the singer's complete lack of humility, she gave no indication. "You also never go undercover. Hide your hair under a hat. Wear sunglasses. Wear plain clothing. Leave Artemis at home."
Minako dramatically swooned. "Dress plainly? Hide my beautiful hair? You wound me, Ami-chan!"
"Something tells me you'll do so for a chance to speak with Hino's daughter again. Now, if you'll excuse me…" The scientist stood and gathered her books.
"Wait! What do you mean by that?" she challenged Ami's suggestive statement. When the scientist only shrugged a reply as she left, Minako had a thought. "Hey. How do they know it's Rei who's been killing templars?"
"Her crows were spotted at each scene. They are among the most intelligent animals in the world, you know. Now read your emails." Ami smiled as she left.
Minako hadn't known that.
Now that she did, a plan began formulating in her mind.
—-
Minako stood just outside the Hikawa Shrine grounds, waiting for Rei's crows to deliver her message. She had taken Ami's advice and worn black sunglasses, a large hat, and boring jeans with an equally boring pink t-shirt. She left Artemis at home, as difficult as that had been. The beaded chain, which served as both an accessory and a weapon, was also home. Her other defining accessory, the Sailor V mask, was being delivered to Rei inside the shrine at this very moment.
A smile crossed her lips as she imagined Rei's stern violet eyes widening in disbelief when one of her birds dropped the glittering mask into her lap. Then she imagined the annoyed scowl after reading the note Minako had given to the other bird.
They truly were amazing, those crows. They detected her long before she breached the property, and when she flagged them down and instructed them to deliver the items to Rei, it was as if they understood everything she said.
The idol stood at the shrine's main entrance. Minako stared up the white steps leading to the shrine, people watching as covertly as possible. She thought her disguise was convincing, but she avoided making eye contact with everyone to be safe.
Her patience was eventually rewarded. Within a few minutes, a cross Shrine Maiden with crows perched on each shoulder was glaring down the steps at her. Shrine guests walked around Rei, who was standing like an indomitable statue.
Minako couldn't help but grin. Her first thought was that Rei looked absolutely stunning and comfortable in her hakama. Her pale complexion, long raven hair, and serious demeanor fit the Shrine Maiden role perfectly. Then, Minako had to swallow her amusement when the scowl she anticipated stared back at her.
Hino Rei was so predictable.
Unmoving, the couple stared at each other for a long minute. Eventually, Rei gave her a curt nod and turned around.
Realizing that was the closest thing to an invitation she was going to get, Minako didn't waste any time. She took a deep breath and sprinted up the stairs, ignoring comments from the other visitors about her behavior.
After breaching the top of the staircase, she looked for Rei. The sakura trees scattered throughout the property permeated the air with their sweet scent. A couple with their children stood by a nearby koi pond. There was a small crowd standing around an amulet stand, discussing the different talismans and their meanings. Minako saw an archery range in the distance. She looked to the dojo's front entrance, but Rei's red hakama was nowhere to be seen.
Turning her head just in time, Sailor V caught the ends of Rei's locks billowing behind her while turning a corner at the rear end of the building. Minako sprinted again, following the side of the dojo and turning the corner.
Behind the large dojo was a humble domestic dwelling. It was not small, by any means, but she could tell funds were not appropriated to its upkeep as religiously as the rest of the grounds. Standing in the sliding doorway was Rei, impatiently waiting for Minako to catch up.
Smothering her self-satisfied grin, Minako approached Rei. The Shrine Maiden leveled her with a subtle glare before stepping aside and permitting Mina entrance. Once inside, she removed her shades.
Both crows, still perched on Rei's shoulders, affixed her with curious, beady eyes.
Rei slammed the sliding door shut and turned to her. "What the hell are you playing at?"
Oh, she was angry. Seething, even.
Refusing to meet her anger, Minako wagged a finger. "Come now, is that how you greet a guest?"
Rei inhaled a slow, meditative breath. Between clenched teeth, she asked, "where are my manners? Would you like some tea?"
"Hmmm. No thank you," Minako declined. She waltzed around the low table in the center of the room before seating herself on top of a cushion. Mina felt Rei's temper and confusion permeating the space between them.
Rei refused to sit. She stood at the opposite side of the table and held up the handwritten letter her crow delivered.
"'Come out and play,'" Rei quoted. She didn't mention the cute smiley face and peace sign Minako also drew on the letter, which was a bit of a letdown.
"And you accepted!" Minako stood straight up.
"It was difficult not to. Considering this." Rei reached into the folds of her white top and revealed the Sailor V mask. "Why?"
"Why what?" Minako feigned innocence.
"Why give me this?" Rei challenged. Her tone was overtly combative, and Minako had to remind herself not to fight back. She was going to lose the game if she couldn't control her temper.
The idol shrugged. "You followed me to Europe to get it. Now you're looking a gift horse in the mouth?"
Rei gave her such a queer look, she thought she'd gotten the phrase wrong. Mina had a habit of doing that.
"How do I know it's real?"
Minako smiled. "Put it on."
Rei's already terse brow furrowed even more. Minako delighted in guessing what was running through her mind. She was looking at the mask as if it were about to explode.
Unable to help herself, Minako burst into a fit of laughter. When Rei glared at her, she shook her head. "It's not a bomb, for god's sake. Just put it on already!"
Throwing caution to the wind, Rei settled the mask on the bridge of her nose. She reeled back, unaccustomed to the ancient technology thrumming from it.
"What do you see?"
"I see you. Except…" Rei closed her eyes and tried again. "You're glowing. Almost like a thermal image. But your shape is orange. No, it sparkles like gold."
"Interesting." Minako abruptly stood and made her way to the exit. She opened the door, stood on the other side, then slid it shut. "How about now?"
"I can still see you." Rei's serious voice turned awestruck.
The mask's sight power worked on her, too. And it showed her in an orange-gold light. Happy to have an answer to that question, despite having no inclination of what that meant, Minako let herself back into the study.
After shutting the door, she shrugged. "So. Now you know."
Rei's befuddlement morphed back to anger when she realized what Minako meant. The templar prepared herself for a verbal, or physical, lashing.
Instead, Rei's shoulders shook with silent laughter. "So this is how you bested me in battle? And here I thought your skill surpassed mine. When it was magic aiding your senses."
One of the crows cawed as if laughing along with her. Rei's sardonic laughter didn't reach her eyes.
"Well that's silly. You've been training to be an assassin your whole life, right?" Minako asked. She already knew the answer. All of the templars did.
"Yes." Rei took the mask off of her face but didn't relinquish it. "Is that why you've come? To confess you cheated with your Piece of Eden?"
"No. You can read, can't you?"
Rei arched an eyebrow. "You want to play? With no weapon?"
"What if we were both unarmed?" Minako suggested.
Before she could blink, Rei was standing before her, holding the mask between them. Minako could feel the heat radiating from her body. The scent of sakura and heady, smoky incense tickled her nose.
"This is not a game. And I don't play."
"Are you always so serious?" Mina swiped the mask from Rei's grasp as if she were stealing a lollipop from a child.
Rei blanched and stared at the empty space where the mask had been. Her comical reaction made Minako laugh. "So serious but so quick to drop your guard."
"Are you leaving yet?" Rei growled.
"Ow, Rei! That hurts!" Minako clutched her chest. When Rei turned away, she slid the mask into her purse and dropped the embellished pout. "And no. Not until I get an answer."
"Yes, I am always this serious." Rei's back was to her. She was patting one of her crows on its little, bobbing head.
Sailor V rolled her eyes. "Not that answer."
"What, then?"
Being saved from Rei's stern, judgmental stare helped give her the confidence she needed to ask her question. Minako took a deep breath. "I want to know why you saved me."
Rei's body somehow grew more tense. "Don't play dumb! You brainwashed me with your Piece of Eden!"
"It doesn't work on you!" Minako rose to match Rei's volume after promising herself she wouldn't.
The admission deflated Rei's anger. "What do you mean?"
The singer sighed. "People like you. People who it allows me to see… I can't sway their thoughts."
A skeptical glare crossed Rei's features as she tried deciding whether to believe her or not. Rei turned her back to Minako, hanging her head as if in shame.
Awkward silence followed, so Minako began to rant. "At first I thought you were like, the world's worst assassin or something. You kept, just, not doing anything. But then you saved me from that other assassin… And I just found out you've killed a bunch of other templars recently. So whatever you're doing with me, it's intentional. And I wanna know why!"
"The sacred flames predicted my actions. And still, I was blind," Rei whispered.
"Sacred flames?" Minako echoed.
A crow flew from Rei's shoulder as she turned to glance at Minako. All traces of frustration and anger were gone, replaced with chilling melancholy.
Minako was beginning to think she would rather have Rei mad at her.
"I am a fire reader. Sometimes the kami deign to gift me with… signs."
"Signs? Like premonitions?"
Rei sighed. "Not exactly."
She spoke like someone who was tired of explaining her supernatural gift to nonbelievers. Minako didn't necessarily not believe, but she was rather curious. However, the assassin was already at the end of her rope and she didn't want to push her luck.
"Have the flames said anything else about us?" Minako playfully asked.
"Why did you do that?" Rei turned around, facing Minako again.
Minako didn't need to ask for clarification. She knew exactly what Rei was referring to. If she had thrown anything else at the idol, she would have insisted on an answer first. But she was floored. Minako hadn't expected Hino to have the courage to address the elephant in the room.
"I…" Mina had no idea what to say. The truth? Lie? Be vague?
Nothing she could say would make the distant, temperamental assassin happy. "I wanted to lure you into my room?"
"Leaving your hotel window open wasn't an act of complete carelessness?"
Minako blinked. Was Rei smirking?
"It was intentional!" Mina crossed her arms over her chest and puffed. "I'm offended, you know! That's twice now that you've spurned my advances."
Rei minicked her, crossing her arms over her chest as well. "Not used to rejection?"
Minako was, just not the sort of rejection that came along with being an attractive celebrity. Not that she was going to tell an assassin every detail about her tumultuous relationship with her parents. "I've never played this game before. And I don't think you have, either."
Rei bristled. "I told you, I don't play games."
The popstar couldn't say why she loved getting on the assassin's nerves so much. Every time Rei frowned or growled at her, a twinge of satisfaction filled her. "Sweet Denial. That's the title of my latest single, you know."
After receiving no response, Aino sauntered up to Rei and tapped her button nose. Even with the small bit of contact, Mina could feel her unnatural heat.
Rei snatched Mina's wrist. "You need to leave."
"Why? Feeling threatened?" Minako purred.
"Annoyed," Rei flatly answered and released her wrist. "And don't return."
Minako dug into her purse and put her shades back on. She wasn't put off by Rei's tone in the slightest; in fact, the more she got a rise out of the assassin, the better. Minako couldn't say why she enjoyed this so much. Perhaps she missed the chase more than she thought. Perhaps it was the idea of wooing the most infamous assassin to her side.
Or, perhaps, she was beginning to feel things for Hino Rei that she had only sung about.
"You haven't seen the last of me!" Minako playfully threatened.
The corners of Rei's lips subtly curved into a sarcastic grin.
It wasn't much, but it made Minako's heart skip a beat.
"We'll see about that."