It was a perfect evening. The sky was clear, there wasn't a lot of wind, the weather felt cool; it was simply the perfect time to spend a pleasant moment outdoors.
Everything seemed to be in his favor; after months of painstaking planning, sleeplessness, stress and gallons of coffee, finally his favorite night in the year had arrived.
Since he was a little kid, he was always fascinated by the stars, by the secrets they hid and the beauty that they held; there was nothing he loved more than to lie on the grass and look at the sky, wondering if there could be life beyond... he remembered his father who in endless camping nights, he listed one by one the different constellations in the sky, and the various legends behind each one.
His father was an educated man, a man with understanding of the world, and with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He was the one who incited him to learn more and more about everything that interested him... and when the time came, the one who wholeheartedly supported him when he decided to study Astrophysics.
He could still remember the excitement he felt during his first year of College; he could still recall the fascination that his Applied Physics classes produced him. With a sad smile, he also remembered how all this happiness did not last as long as he would have wanted. A few months before finishing his second term of classes, a car accident claimed the life of his father, leaving him in a coma for about six months.
Closing his eyes in disgust, Satoru remembered, perhaps too vividly the strange dream that constantly repeated itself in his mind during those months. He saw himself as a warrior and as a king, in some kind of ancient kingdom, swearing allegiance along with three other men to a fourth one; he saw trainings, action in battlefields or them laughing happily in what he was certain was a great palace. However, he could not make out their faces... perhaps during his slumber he could discern them, but once he awoke, he just remembered silhouettes or shadows... shadows of all but a strange redhead with a sadistic smile that starred the last images of his strange dream... images that were strong enough that ultimately woke him out of the coma.
Coma recovery was slow, and the consequent depression, immense... for the first time in his life, Mori Satoru was completely alone.
For some time he felt lost, all his illusions and ideals lost their previous appeal, not to mention the emptiness he felt deep down in his soul. He knew something was missing ... but did not know what.
Between career friends and some girls who sought to gain his attention, he was slowly recovering his footing, those circumstances leading to today, when he now became the head of the Science Diffusion Department of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
Focusing again in his current work, while coordinating the correct distribution of the event, the proper installation of telescopes and the snacks that would be offered to the visitors, Satoru wondered... What am I looking for this time around?
He had dear friends, friendly colleagues and although he did not have a special someone, that was not something he worried too much about..., he knew that the right one, if she existed, would eventually come when the time was right. So... why did he still feel that strange emptiness in his soul? Emptiness that also came rigged with a strange need to look for something; need that he considered as insane, because as we already stated, Satoru was quite content with his life.
- You seem distracted, Sempai– Asanuma Ittou, a young physicist, from the observatory addressed him.
-It's nothing, just mentally reviewing the "to do" list – he said smiling slightly, while seeing as his young companion materialized out of nowhere a little red book, in which he constantly wrote down everything that interested him.
-By the way, do you know who will be your special guest or guests?– Satoru said while arming the latest telescopes. With this the tasks of the day were over, at least for the young Asanuma; Satoru on the other hand, should still inspect that the event went flawless.
- Yes,Mamoru, a former high school friend and his wife Usagi, I also invited Makoto and my brother, but neither of them has confirmed though.
-Your old Sempai, the beautiful Makoto, and your elusive older brother? This sounds promising! I hope this time I finally have the pleasure of meeting those important people in your life, boy!.–
- Mori-san! Besides... there's nothing that could happen between Makoto and me... she is part of something bigger and more important...- with a distant gaze finally Asanuma was silent... pretending to be busy with something else, leaving an intrigued Satoru behind.
Huh?
It was all Mamoru could muster to answer his wife... then again her request was completely unexpected.
Asanuma's invitation to the Night of the Stars had been in their plans for weeks, Usako could not stop talking about it, and how excited she was to go to said event. That is, until a few days ago, when Makoto hinted about her possible attendance after being invited by a very nervous Ittou himself. Since then, his little wife looked thoughtful, and seemed to have a thousand questions in her mind, questions that she seemed afraid to ask ... until now that is.
The moment he arrived home, he knew something was up ... Usagi was a mess in the kitchen, and yet there on the table was what seemed like a delicious dinner, then looking to the kitchen, it was unharmed...
The fact that there was wine on the table lit all of his internal alarms. But when dessert came in the form of a fabulous chocolate mouse, he immediately knew that whatever it was, he would not like it at all.
That was why, when his beautiful Usako began to question him about Asanuma and his intentions for Makoto, Mamoru could not help but say a simple "Huh?"
It is true that for a moment, he was relieved that it was only that, but after a brief moment of reflection, he realized that in fact, did not know how he could answer her. He had always known that his friend had some sort of admiration and respect for the lady in question, however he did not know whether that was just admiration, or if he secretly harbored some kind of affection towards the warrior.
Explaining her that, and suggesting to simply leave things alone and look how things would unfold, Mamoru continued to enjoy the exquisite dessert... and the company of his lovely wife; later they could prepare themselves for the event in question.
When they arrived at the event, Usagi and Mamoru realized that there were many more people than expected. However, thanks to the VIP tickets Asanuma had given them, they could access more quickly; Not to mention that such tickets would serve as access pass to a couple of specialized telescopes that were part of the observatory equipment.
They would be seeing Makoto somewhere near the entry point, though after fifteen minutes of waiting, they decided to send her a text message asking her to warn them upon her arrival and that they would be close by, seeing some exhibitions.
They started looking at some art, this ranging from beautiful paintings to strange sculptures, and they also briefly approached one or two of the workshops.
They were about to enter a tent that was announcing a special conference which took Mamoru's attention, and that would be given by M.S. Mori Satoru, when Makoto's arrival message came to Usagi's mobile.
She noticed that this conference was important to her husband, so cheerfully she told him that she would go and find her friend, and that he could stay and listen and when it was over, he could call her.
Upon entering the auditorium, he noticed that the place was pretty full, situation that actually no longer surprised him; whoever was responsible for the diffusion, he did an excellent job.
He settled for a standing space in the background, and after a few minutes, it finally began. One by one the scientists who presented the conference appeared, some older than the others, but which was later identified as Satoru Mori was the one that most caught his attention ... there was something about the long brown wavy haired man that disturbed him; when the conference began, the voice of the scientist talking about stars and comets spooked something at the bottom of his memory... but he opted to leave it alone and just enjoy the conference.
Unaware of this, said scientist, for the first time in many years, felt a strange nervousness going through his being. He did not really know why, he knew the information inside out and he was certain that the event was a success. Strangely, said nervousness was forgotten when he stepped on the podium and began his speech.
The conference was fabulous. The young scientist had an excellent command and instead of using big words that only the scientific community would understand, his speech was full of simple sentences and clear examples for any audience.
Mamoru left the auditorium with a huge smile.
Just as he was about to call his wife, a familiar voice stopped him. Asanuma had found him, and being full of enthusiasm, he literally dragged Mamoru to meet a great friend of his from the Observatory.
While waiting for whoever Ittou would like to introduce him to, he finally took notice of the absence of the two missing females, Mamoru's wife and her friend. Just when he commented that the first went in search of the second and that they would find each other later, the same young scientist from the conference approached them.
Tall, reddish brown hair, deep green eyes, wearing a pair of gray pants and a black shirt, Mori Satoru was formally introduced to a now speechless Chiba Mamoru.
After his encounter with Hiroshi "Kunzite" a couple of months ago in the hospital, the possibility of finding again his old Shittenou morphed from a dream or some silly desire, to a great possibility. Having his General of the North American Regions in front of him, was like a dream come true.
For his part, as he approached his companion, Satoru felt that strange nervousness return, but when being face to face with the former superior of his friend, something inside of him finally made sense and relief overcame him. Departing from its temporary stupor, he shook the hand that the other offered him, but something inside him asked him to do something more, so he laced their arms in a different greeting, causing a gasp of surprise on Mamoru, who clearly remembered this as the private greeting between him and his Shittenou.
Seeing the surprised reaction that his own surprise caused, Mamoru smiled and tried to clear the awkward moment, praising his work and congratulating him for the awesome conference, the other man answering with gratitude and also jumping into the conversation, one that went from their common friend, i.e. Asanuma, to personal interests and religious and political beliefs.
Anyone who saw them would think they were long time friends... and not that they had just met. Then again, maybe they were, although one of them was unaware of it.
Unfortunately the talk had to come to an end because one's attention was required in a tent, while the other, had a wife to find.
The night had finally come to an end. The only ones there were the organizers who were making the final evaluations and obviously putting away all the materials used in the workshops and public exhibitions.
- It seems I'm a bit too late. – A young blond with blue eyes, and average height approached them with a mischievous smile. For a moment the closer scientists looked at him with suspicion; that is, until the cry of "Brother, you came!" by a cheerful Ittou relaxed them.
Behind him, a curious Satoru approached them; the oldest of the Asanuma's was one of the two important people for his friend who he hadn't met tonight, the mysterious Yusaku had a reputation that preceded him, ittou kept talking about him, however, no matter how strong efforts were made, it was very difficult to have both brothers to meet in any circumstance and place. The fact that the older one had managed to get to the event, even if it was when it was over, spoke volumes of the greatest affection he had for the younger.
-You must be Mori-san; my little brother cannot stop talking about you. Nice to meet you, I'm AsanumaYusaku – he outstretched his hand and put a smile on his face; Yusaku decided to introduce himself before someone else did. Taking the offered hand, and answering the smile with one of his own, Satoru responded – Indeed I am, and it happens that also Ittou usually talks a lot about you, but please call me just Satoru.
Both looked up, and when they did, something inside them was set in motion; a spark of energy ran through them and they somehow knew that this was not the first time they had seen each other, and neither would be the last. They did not know exactly what happened, but whatever it was, in seconds it was over.
Finally looking away, Yusaku asked his brother if he was ready to leave, he wanted to treat him to dinner somewhere. After receiving the approval from his peers, both retired, but not before the oldest one of the Asanumas sent a last inquisitive look at the scientist.
I did it! I did left Makoto and Satoru's encounter for another time. I simply did not find a proper place in the story for it to happen smoothly, but don't worry, it would eventually happen.
Well we had two important encounters this time, both of them answering your requests of bringing Nephrite and Jadeite in to the open. Well here they are.
Jade's appearance was brief, but don't worry, he will have his own chapter.
References:
Ittou Asanuma is a Character from Sailor Moon Manga, he is friends with Mamoru and yes, he is the one I referred to in chapter one.
The Night of the Stars is an event that at least here in my country is celebrated each year. The Astronomy Institute is the one hosting and coordinating it along the country. It is supposed to be held internationally.
M.S. is the abbreviation for Master in Science.
Hope you enjoyed the Reading, I would love to know your opinion.
Special thanks to Bin82501, Isis Aurora Tomoe, kera69love, LoveInTheBattleField, Antoinette Veronica, moonalice, Blind Bird, El Jord, Fai Gensou, for either reviewing, following or favoring the story