Chapter Two: The Water Spirit, the Fiery Miko, and the Little Sister

000

Note: We borrowed 'Piffle Princess' from Clamp, and decided that Hina actually looks like a young Tomoyo. Not actually a crossover.

Motoki was working at the arcade when Mamoru and Reika arrived, right after class. His face lit up when he saw them. "Hey, you two. What are you up to?"

"Nothing much," Reika answered.

"It's been pretty slow here today too. Just Usagi-chan and her friend right now."

Mamoru glanced over at the blonde. He had not seen Usagi since her first night as Sailor Moon – and yes, he was certain that it was her. Who else would wear their hair like that? She looked a little more confident than she had their first meeting, which made Mamoru happy. But what she did as Sailor Moon was risky and he was not so happy with that.

He hoped that as Tuxedo Mask, he could protect her on those occasions.

He wasn't getting anywhere fast finding the Mystical Silver Crystal though. It was troubling in many ways, not the least of which were the strange monster attacks around Tokyo, and now Usagi's involvement.

Mamoru turned his attention to her friend. Like Usagi, she radiated power. But rather than moonlight, it reminded him of waves breaking gently on a beach. She also had far better mental shields, and a fierceness even she was not aware of.

"The friend is new," Motoki confided softly. "She's never been in here before."

They watched as the blue-haired girl whizzed through the game. "She's doing well," Reika commented.

Mamoru nodded. The screen was already flashing, indicating that the girl had an extremely high score. As she reached the complete end of the game – very quickly – it was revealed that her score was the highest on record.

Usagi was beaming from ear to ear, clearly also impressed. "Wow, Ami-chan, you're so cool!"

The girl—Ami—was obviously surprised when, as she finished, the machine emitted a prize through a slot at the bottom. For some reason, Mamoru hadn't noticed the slot before.

"Games still give prizes?" she asked, startled.

Motoki was frowning. "No, it doesn't."

Ami held up a pair of blue sunglasses for them to see.

Reika seemed the least bothered, after Usagi, like this were some interesting new mystery to puzzle over. "Huh, weird."

Usagi pouted. "Aw, I want a prize too."

Ami shyly offered to try and win her one as well, which Usagi was immediately hopeful and happy about the idea.

Reika handed Ami some tokens. "Here. I'm interested too."

Mamoru raised an eyebrow, wondering over the redhead's interest. Reika was often interested in younger woman, but he hoped that this time, she wouldn't be chasing away one of Usagi's friends. The girl already looked attached to Ami.

Motoki quickly stepped in to introduce them. "Ami-san, this is Nishimura Reika and Chiba Mamoru, my friends."

"Ah! Nice to meet you. I am Mizuno Ami."

The girl flushed prettily, and with the blue hair, she fit the very image of a water spirit, but sweet and gentle as well. Plus there was a definite intelligence behind that soft stare, an eagerness to learn. This and her kind nature made her a good friend for Usagi. Mamoru was glad they'd found each other.

As the game resumed and the girls were distracted, Mamoru got a closer look at the glasses Ami had already won. They were a slim pair of sunglasses. The lenses were the same blue as her eyes, and the rims were golden and decorated on each side with peculiar symbols. They did not look like the cheap prize jewelry one would normally get out of a machine.

"This is kinda hot," Reika whispered in his ear.

Mamoru rolled his eyes and proceeded to ignore her. At the end of the game, the machine dispensed another prize. This time, it was a sparkly pink pen which Ami gave it to Usagi.

"Aw, cute," said the blonde. "I like the little jewel on the end, it's shiny!"

Ami smiled. "I'm glad."

Usagi hugged Ami from behind, as if they had been friends forever, and they both nearly toppled over. "Thanks, Ami-chan!"

Motoki still looked troubled. "I'm going to have to get the manual for this one. I'm sure there weren't supposed to be prizes."

"How odd," Mamoru murmured.

He suspected that what was going on had to do with Usagi's identity as Sailor Moon, and the talking cat with a crescent moon bald spot, but he couldn't very well mention it to Motoki. It would bring up all sorts of questions he wasn't prepared to answer. He didn't want Reika or Motoki to know about his problems or that he occasionally robbed jewelry stores while wearing a tuxedo.

Reika was smiling. "Hey, the girls are happy. That's what matters, right?"

Mamoru raised an eyebrow at her silently.

Her expression was innocent. "Yes, Mamo?"

"No."

"Aw. I wasn't gonna. Can't I just want to make new friends?"

Mamoru raised his other eyebrow, but before he could get more out of her, Usagi spoke.

"All three of them are in college already. Isn't that great, Ami-chan?"

"Oh!" Ami suddenly looked around until she found the clock on the wall. "Oh no!"

"Ami-chan? Oh! Your cram school, I'm sorry!"

Nodding absently, Ami stood and reached for her bag, slinging it over her shoulder hurriedly. "I have to go!"

"Do you need a ride?" Reika asked, concerned, but she was also fighting off a pout.

"I'll take you," Mamoru offered immediately, thinking it better to head off Reika's crush while he still could.

Ami blushed. "Oh, I couldn't ask…"

"It's no trouble," he assured gently.

The girl, embarrassed, gave into her panic and agreed. Mamoru ushered her out of the arcade to where his car was parked.

It would have been more practical in Japan to take the train, but he had the money; besides, he liked his red Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. Ami, for her part, didn't bat an eye at the expensive vehicle, but whether that was because of her upbringing or because she was in a hurry, Mamoru wasn't certain.

He waited until she was buckled in before sliding the car smoothly into traffic.

"Usagi-chan said you attend college, Mamoru-san?" Ami asked after a few moments, over the low sound of the radio playing.

Mamoru guessed small talk was a way of easing her nerves over being late, so he answered. "Yes. I'm a med major at K.O. University."

His eyes on the other cars, he could hear her surprised smile in her voice. "I want to be a doctor too."

"It's a rewarding career path," he answered neutrally.

"My mother is a doctor. I've wanted to be one too since I was very small."

Ah, that was a bit close to home. "She must be very proud of you."

"I hope she is."

A silence stretched between them that was only mildly uncomfortable, but it didn't last too long. Mamoru pulled in front of her cram school, following Ami's directions, with a couple of minutes to spare. "Here you are."

She slid out of the car gracefully, smiling shyly. "Thank you again, Mamoru-san."

"You're welcome."

He watched her rush into the building, frowning at the sign on the building. It was a cram school that was garnering a lot of press lately. They advertised a computer program that helped students study ten times better than when they started.

It made him suspicious. Mamoru decided to stay and investigate. He pulled into the parking lot and waited, arms folded over his chest.

Not more than an hour later, Usagi rushed into the building – disguised as a nurse – her cat following loyally behind. Mamoru sighed and slid into the backseat to change into Tuxedo Mask again.

Inside, he was able to help Usagi save Ami, and they watched as a transformation pen appeared before her.

Ami, like Usagi, was a Sailor Senshi, protected by the planet Mercury and controlling the power of water. The new sunglasses acted as a pair of goggles that helped her see in a fog she created.

As he quietly slipped away from the scene, Mamoru felt a little more optimistic, which was rare for him. It seemed Usagi would have companions that would help keep her safe on this dangerous mission she had gotten involved in.

But one day, he was going to have a long talk with that crescent bald spot cat for getting her into this mess.

Chiba Kenji, Mamoru's adoptive father, had remarried a couple of years ago to a much younger woman. She truly liked neither of her stepchildren, nor they her, but they made good fronts for Kenji's sake. He wasn't a bad man, Mamoru reflected with no small fondness, just very busy and distracted by his libido. He provided for both Mamoru, his adopted child, and Hina, his real child, the same. When he was around, Kenji was perfectly supportive and caring to his children.

Mamoru loved his stepfather and Hina dearly, for his did not remember his real parents, so they were the only family he had ever known. Or else he would never have attended Yoko's birthday party. For Kenji, not only was it an excuse to rub elbows with his fellow businessmen and politicians, but it made Yoko happy to be in the center of attention (and to be given so many expensive presents).

His stepmother was indeed a pretty woman, but Mamoru couldn't stand to be near her for long stretches of time, and he didn't consider her his mother. He had only one mother, and it wasn't the real one that he couldn't remember, and it certainly wasn't going to be Yoko.

Mamoru remained to one side of the sophisticated crowd, mingling only when he had to, keeping Hina close to his side protectively, and hiding her from the members of the press and their flashing cameras.

The spitting image of their mother, Hina's dark hair, brown eyes, and pale skin garnered her much attention. She was a little princess in her frilly pink gown, picked out by Kenji himself.

She shifted uneasily. "This dress itches."

"I know, Imouto." He squeezed her small hand gently.

Hina was much more comfortable in her stylish street clothes than in fancy party dresses. He knew she would rather be in the dance room practicing her ballet or watching a Disney movie for the millionth time. But with family came obligations, whether the Chiba children liked them or not.

Finally, a familiar and welcome face appeared in the crowd and Mamoru's spirits lifted.

Motoki looked incredibly good in his tux, though extremely uncomfortable, and his attractiveness and blond hair earned him quite a few stares.

His parents had money, but thought it was better that their son earn his share, and Motoki had grown up with a charming middle-class mentality that Mamoru loved so much. Motoki wasn't snobbish and he never put on airs. He was just Motoki.

"There you are," said the blond as he met them. "With so many people, I was lost..."

Hina smiled sweetly. "Hi, Toki-nii-san."

Motoki's expression melted, as it always did with Mamoru's sister. It was the same look he got with Stalker. "Hina-chan, you turn more into a beautiful lady every time I see you." He offered her the white rose from his lapel.

She giggled sweetly, charmed by the chivalrous gesture. "Thank you."

"Here." Mamoru gently took the rose and wove it into the braided crown her hair had been coiled into earlier.

She turned to look at her reflection in the balcony doors, smiling. "I look like a princess."

"You are a princess."

"The princess of Piffle?"

Piffle Princess was the company their father owned. It did fairly well as the trademark for many children's toys, clothes, and theme parks.

"Mm-hm." He bent down to kiss her braided hair. "Want something to eat?" He eyed the desert table. "Something healthy."

"Yoko-san might get mad."

"She'll never notice. Come on."

Still holding her hand, he led the way toward the kitchen instead of the desert table. There, he and Motoki got her a sandwich and milk, and only one of the pasties the catering company had brought. The milk, of course, had to be chocolate. It must have tasted weird with the tuna sandwich but she devoured the food ravenously.

"You're like parents!" she told them.

"Because we got you food?" Motoki asked, puzzled.

Her legs swung back and forth on the stool. "Because you take care of me!"

Mamoru supposed this was true. Keiji was busy and Yoko didn't care, so she was either taken care of by the servants or he and his friends. Thinking of himself and Motoki as Hina's true parents did funny, pleasant things to his chest, however.

Motoki melted again, which didn't help. Then he stifled a yawn, and Mamoru noticed how tired he looked again. It was easier to see in the brighter light of the kitchen.

"Still tired?" he asked, frowning.

Motoki blushed sheepishly. "Yeah."

"Still having nightmares?"

He nodded. "Same one. The only time I've had a decent night's sleep was at your place the other night."

That was, as of tonight, a week ago. "That's not good."

Mamoru closed the distance between them, feeling Motoki's temperature with his palm. The blond's forehead felt a little warm.

"Does Toki-nii have a fever?" Hina asked between bites of her sandwich.

"A slight one."

"He should lie down," the girl said matter-of-factly.

He nodded in wholehearted agreement. "Servant's stairs," he directed, taking hold of Motoki's elbow to guide him.

The servant's stairs were a cramped staircase that led up to each floor of the Chiba home, so that the help could avoid their employers. The Chiba family home was a fairly large estate, though the size wasn't the reason Mamoru lived in an apartment in town.

Yoko made being at home very difficult.

"Your father won't approve," Motoki protested weakly.

"You're more important!" Hina said firmly. "Papa would understand."

Mamoru nodded and led his friend upstairs.

Motoki didn't fight, but he pouted. "Didn't even get to see Hina give the Queen her macaroni necklace."

'The Queen' was Reika's nickname for Yoko, among many others that weren't nearly so flattering. "I'm sure that someone will videotape it." He led Motoki to his old bedroom.

Hina helpfully switched on the light as he got Motoki get into bed. Mamoru walked into the small adjoining bathroom and looked in the medicine cabinet. There he found some painkillers for Motoki, which he gave the blond with a glass of water. "Take this."

He could tell when Motoki began to relax, though that might have to do with the familiarity of his bedroom than anything else. The blue walls and martial arts trophies hadn't changed a bit since they were children.

Motoki took the pill obediently. "Yes, mother."

Hina giggled, but Mamoru made a face at him, not liking that at all.

Almost as bad as 'Master.'

Motoki winced guiltily. "Sorry."

"Mm-hm." He knew Motoki hadn't meant to remind him of his mother, but it happened fairly easily in the best of times. "Come on, Hina, we'd better go back."

Hina made a face, but she came along obediently. Mamoru felt just as reluctant, but despite his worry and general dislike for Yoko's society gatherings, they had to return to the party.

"Rei, darling, please be polite," her father murmured through gritted teeth.

Hino Takashi seemed to be holding onto the last shred of his usual insurmountable calm, not a feat his daughter was taking lightly tonight.

Takashi was a politician and loved to come to these social events, hobnobbing with various other politicians and gathering support for whatever bills he planned to pass in the future. It was disgusting to watch this side of her father, though it was the one she saw most since her mother's death.

Since she had become a 'beautiful young lady' he had insisted on dragging her to the functions as well. Hino Rei would rather scrape up crow poop on a hot day.

That she actually stood there in the large room with its grand furnishings was more a testament to her father's machinations than to any forgiveness she could have in her heart. There could never be forgiveness, and he would never be able to penetrate the thick wall around her heart. She felt nothing for him but apathy, the hatred and hurt from her younger years draining away, for all its futility.

That was not what occupied her thoughts now, and she tuned out her father's pleas. At the moment, there was something more important calling her attention: a mysterious power.

After her mother died, she had gone to live with her fraternal grandfather in the Shinto shrine. While she still attended the Catholic school that Takashi had wanted her to got to, she trained with her grandfather to hone her considerable priestess skills. Her father did not know about her ESP, and Rei preferred to keep it that way. Takashi would have probably stuck her in an asylum, or worse, asked her for stock market advice.

Rei looked around the crowded room, trying to sense that strange power. Someone at this party was very strong and she had to find them. It took a few moments, ignoring her father all the while, but eventually she caught the signature for that special wave of power and followed it to its source. Takashi tried to draw her back, but she quickly lost him in the crowd.

An attractive young man, who many of the partygoers seemed to recognize and enjoy talking to, drifted through the crowd. He seemed to charm people with his polite smile alone, but Rei could sense his power behind it as well.

Rei stood nearby, watching as the man unobtrusively, studying him and his power. There was a pretty little girl by his side, holding his hand, but she didn't seem to have any power of her own. Rei was startled from her thoughts by a girl with long red hair stepping up to her.

"I wouldn't waste my time, sweetie," the redhead said conspiratorially.

Rei blushed at her proximity. "Eh?"

The girl was a little older than Rei, and her dress was designer, but a little more toned down than the rest of the ladies there. She tilted her chin, indicating the young man.

"He may be cute but he doesn't date."

Rei felt her face grow hotter. "No! I wasn't—!" She quickly lowered her voice, noting the attention her shout had gotten. "That wasn't why I was watching him. He has an... unusual energy." It was hard to explain her ESP to strangers when she wasn't wearing her Miko clothes.

"Is that what the kids are calling it these days?"

She quickly felt herself grow more flustered from the strange girl's attention. "I wouldn't know. I don't date either."

"Here." The redhead hooked her arm around Rei's, pulling her along. "Mamo-chan!"

"Let me go, you crazy woman!" Rei hissed, but it didn't seem to matter.

The redhead kissed the young man's cheek and they seemed very friendly toward each other. Rei sighed and wished she could have excused herself from this whole mess entirely.

Mamoru smiled faintly as Reika kissed his cheek. "Hey. You're late."

"Got distracted by this little cutie." Reika pulled the beautiful girl closer to her shamelessly. The poor thing seemed very embarrassed. "Where's Toki?"

Hina spoke up and explained what had happened with Motoki earlier. Mamoru had begun to wonder where his other best friend was, and thought that she truly had been distracted, but probably by far more girls than just the one on her arm now.

Reika seemed concerned by what Hina told her. "Oh no, I should go check on him. Watch my date for me? Thanks." She nudged the girl she had kidnapped at Mamoru before taking off for the servant's stairs.

The girl was understandably mortified, and she smoothed down her red dress and raven black hair with some irritation. "I am not her date, and I am not attracted to you!"

"Good to know," Mamoru replied, amused. "I'm Chiba Mamoru, nice to meet you." He brushed a genteel, functionary kiss over the back of her knuckles.

She blushed more. "Hino Rei. I'm a Miko at my grandfather's shrine."

He managed to place the name quickly. "Hino Takashi's daughter." A politician for the Liberal Democratic Party that liked to look good in front of the media; his daughter's presence tonight was most likely a contributing factor in that.

She grimaced, confirming his theory unintentionally. "Not by choice."

"I see." Mamoru looked around briefly and spotted Senator Hino slithering his way toward them. He decided to buy the girl some time, feeling sorry for her. "Would you like to dance?"

Rei was surprised. "I… guess?"

She let him draw her to the dance floor, though she was obviously not very keen on it, even though Mamoru was very gentlemanly about the whole thing. He led the Miko through a simple waltz.

Eventually Rei spotted her father and realization dawned. "Thanks," she murmured.

Mamoru smiled conspiratorially. "No need, I understand."

Her smile was faint. "Good. I wouldn't want to give my 'I don't need men' speech in the middle of this crowd."

Mamoru let out a soft laugh. "Honestly I don't have much use for women."

Rei relaxed enough to almost let out a giggle, and to confide something else. "You have a strange power. It draws people to you, makes them love you."

"Not quite." He wasn't surprised she had noticed, having sensed she was a Reader, like himself. Perhaps not as powerful, but she would grow in time.

She felt like Usagi and Ami. She felt like fire, warm and passionate and angry in his arms. Strength poured out of her with every step she took, every swish of her hip, every time she curled her hair behind her ear. If she ever found someone to protect, someone to love fiercely, then she would prove to be a formidable young woman. The kind of power she had was that of a protector, but Mamoru sensed that she had yet to find anyone worthy of that feeling.

"Oh?"

Mamoru merely smiled as Kiss From a Rose came to a close. "I should return you before your father decides to cut in."

She grimaced again. "Yeah. Thanks again." She waved goodbye to both him and Hina before her father tugged her away.

Mamoru couldn't hear what Hino Takashi said to his daughter, but he seemed highly displeased.

"She seemed nice," Hina commented.

"Yeah." Not the kind of person that really belonged at this kind of function. Then again, neither did Mamoru, Hina, and their friends.

He was distracted from his thoughts by his sister tugging on his hand. "When is Yoko gonna open her presents?"

"In a few minutes. Want to watch?"

She gave a big yawn. "Want to sleep."

Mamoru picked her up, her weight slight in his arms. "I've got you. Sleep."

Hina yawned again, cuddling against Mamoru's chest, the most adorable thing in the world. He held her protectively, feeling a calmness settle over him as Hina relaxed, drowsing against him. He watched with disinterest as Yoko started opening her presents.

Reika found him again a few moments later. "Hey." She had enough sense not to ask what happened to Rei.

"How's he doing?"

"He's sleeping, he seems alright though."

Mamoru relaxed marginally. "He hasn't been sleeping well, apparently."

They watched as Kenji urged Yoko to open Hina's present. It was a homemade macaroni necklace, held together with colorful yarn and decorated with glitter.

"How… nice," Yoko managed.

Kenji was beaming, unaware of her displeasure, which Mamoru sensed clear as day. "Isn't that sweet, love?"

To her credit, Yoko's smile was seemingly innocent. "It's lovely."

Kenji helped her put it on and she bore it with grace, though it clashed horribly with her gown, and got glitter on it. Mamoru could tell she was mentally cringing over the thought of her picture on the internet within seconds.

Reika was amused, naturally, and took a few pictures with her digital camera for Motoki. It would amuse him as well, and Motoki probably needed to be amused right now.

Mamoru wished he knew what was making his friend so stressed that he couldn't sleep. And those dreams—Motoki had very little psychic ability, but was it possible he was picking up on some of the same energies that Mamoru was? It would explain why Motoki's dreams had sounded so much like some of his own.

Hina slept on peacefully, undisturbed by all around her, and Mamoru eventually slipped away to put her to bed. She remained asleep even as he changed her out of the itchy dress, into pajamas, and tucked her in.

Reika had followed him up. "She's worn out."

"Mm-hm, probably all the fuss for the party." He closed the door quietly on Hina's very, very pink bedroom. "Want to stay?"

Reika grinned. "Sure. Let's have a sleepover."

"Or we could be grownups and you can take one of the guest bedrooms." Mamoru was rather tired himself, and he really didn't want Motoki to be woken by the sound of Reika playing video games all night.

She pouted. "Oh, fine. Spoilsport."

He ruffled her carefully styled hair. "You can scandalize Yoko by walking around in my clothes and letting her think we had sex."

The redhead beamed, and he knew he was immediately forgiven. "Okay."

Mamoru shook his head, fondly amused. "Come on." He led her to his bedroom.

"Or we can put Motoki in your clothes too and let her think we had a night of kinky threesome sex."

"But then we have to wake him to change his clothes."

Reika pulled a pair of his pajamas out of the dresser, having done this a few times in the past. "I'm sure you can change him without waking him up."

"No way. He's dead weight."

"Alright." She leaned up to kiss his cheek. "I'll take the room next door. G'night."

"Night," he responded, waiting until she sauntered out before changing out of his dress clothes gratefully. He was glad to be calling it an early night.

No bank robberies or damsels fighting for justice tonight, either.

His other best friend stirred sleepily in the bed. "Wha's goin' on?" Motoki slurred.

"Reika's crashing."

"Oh…" A wide yawn. "Stay?"

"That's the plan." He finished changing and flipped off the lights.

He received a sleepy smile as Motoki lifted up a corner of the blanket.

Mamoru would have felt like he was taking advantage of his friend's state, but they had done this all the time in their childhood, even a few times in recent years. Besides, Mamoru was tired himself and so let himself pretend he was climbing in beside his lover Motoki, not just his friend Motoki.

This imagining was helped by Motoki cuddling close as soon as he was lying next to him. There was plenty of room in the king sized bed, but the blond instinctively pressed close to him.

Mamoru smiled faintly in the dark and drifted to sleep easily.

TBC.

Finally edited on 1/21/12. New chapters hopefully forthcoming soon.