Chapter 8

Sol felt like his heart was going to pound out of his chest at any minute. As soon as Makoto had walked into the small cafe his heart started to race and hadn't slowed. Somehow he was able to maintain conversation with her and put forth a calm confident image of himself. Inside he felt like he was barely hanging on, like he was going to say something dumb at any second, ruining any chances he still had with the green eyed beauty that had amazingly said yes to his awkward invitation.

Street lights lit the way toward his house as they walked together. She had been very adamant that she walk him home and not the other way around. Sol didn't argue he was just glad to get to spend some more time with her. They had been walking in silence for a few blocks now, Sol contemplating whether or not he should take her hand in his. Her hands are so soft. He could still recall the feel of her slender hand in his back at the cafe. What if he grabbed her hand and she thought he was moving too fast? What am I thinking? It's not like I'm trying to kiss her. So that settled it. He was going to walk the rest of the way to his house hand in hand with Mako-chan. Now he just needed to do it.

Almost as if she could read his thoughts, she turned to him looking sideways through the corner of her eye, a sly grin appearing on her face, and she took his hand in hers. Sol's already pounding heart beat a little faster. His mouth went dry, and he felt like he was falling. Makoto noticed his stunned face and took her hand away, apologizing. "Sorry, I kind of jump into relationships like this with both feet. I shouldn't rush things like this." It's like she knows exactly what to say and when to say it. Sol took a deep breath and laughed to himself. "Actually I've been trying to work up the nerve to grab your hand for the last three blocks."

Makoto's emerald green eyes went wide, a slow smile lighting up her face. Sol reached his hand out to her and she accepted his outstretched invitation. He felt her soft gentle grasp wrap around his as his heart seemed to settle down. Sol waited for her to take a step in the direction they were headed, and then he pulled her close, embracing her with his other arm. "Whoops! You almost tripped there. Good thing I was here to keep you from falling" Makoto's laughter was like music to his ears as she let him pull her close. He waited for her to pull back but when she didn't he rested his head on top of hers. This is really familiar...

The brown haired girl pulled her head back from his chest, smiling up at him. "It's nice to have a taller boy ask me out. I've always been... Bigger and I think it scares most boys away." Sol gazed deep into her brilliant green eyes, and without thinking leaned in and put his lips against hers. He felt her tense up at first, but she relaxed quickly and started to kiss him back. He felt his heart start to beat rapidly again as she pulled away, blushing fiercely. She smiled brightly and stepped back away from him. A hurt look started to appear on Sol's face as she turned and ran, laughing.

It took Sol a couple seconds to realize she wanted him to chase her, and she had already gone about half a block. As he started to run after her, he felt laughter come from deep in his chest. A laughter and carefree happiness he had thought he would never feel again. Sol couldn't stop himself from giggling as he closed the distance between them. Once he was close enough, he wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up off the ground so she couldn't run anymore. Makoto yelped in surprise as laughter billowed forth. He gently placed her back down as the two settled down to catch their breath. "Mako-chan have you ever lost anyone close to you?" Sol asked, turning serious. Makoto's carefree attitude disappeared instantly, looking at Sol intensely. "I lost both my parents in a plane crash when I was very young."

"Oh my god Mako-chan, I had no idea. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry" Sol blurted out quickly, thinking he had just ruined the entire night. There was fire in that stare, and most likely anger. He hung his head, cursing himself for saying something to ruin a perfectly good night. Makoto moved close to him and took his head in her hands softly, making him look at her. This feels familiar too...There wasn't any anger, nothing resembling angst towards him. "It's ok Sol-kun. They have been gone a long time now. And you didn't know. I can't blame you for something you had no idea about."

"How did you deal with that? Losing both parents at the same time?" Sol asked breathlessly, finding he was losing his voice. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat, fighting back the tears. She took her hands away from his face, and placed them into his own hands. "You take it one day at a time. Just breathe in and breathe out. The pain goes away, eventually. I miss them every day. Sometimes I get angry. Angry that they were taken from me at such an early age. But I have great friends now; they have become my new family." All Sol could do was nod. If he spoke, he feared he wouldn't be able to stop the outpouring of emotion that was washing over him. She knows exactly what I'm going through. Through all the pain and despair he felt at losing his own parents, he couldn't help feel sorry for her. Having lost her own parents as a young girl made his heart break a little more if that was possible.

Makoto took his arm and placed it around her shoulders, and guided him down the street, walking slowly in silence. They were almost at his house and he cleared his throat. "I had fun tonight" Makoto looked back up at him brightly and smiled "I did too. This was probably the best date I've ever been on." As the approached his walkway that led up to his house, Sol took her hands in his once more. "I would like to go out on more dates with you" he said quietly, looking down at his feet, shifting awkwardly. Makoto leaned in and kissed him on the cheek "I would like that as well" she whispered into his ear. She started to step back from him, making their arms reach out to their limit. He held her hands a little tighter, to stay in her grasp just a little longer. She squeezed back, and smiled as she tilted her head to one side. A stray strand of chest-nut brown hair fell over her face. Finally Sol exhaled and let her out of his grasp. He watched as she turned back the way they had come and walk with her hands behind her back, looking up at the stars filling the night sky.

As he turned and started up the short walkway to his door, he felt an overwhelming numbness come over him. Each step was like adding another weight to an already unbearably heavy load. It seemed to take an eternity just to make it to his door. He stood in front of the dark house, breathing heavily. Sol reached up to grab the door knob and his hand shook. Letting his arm fall back down, he took a few deep breathes, trying to calm himself. One day at a time he told himself as he opened the door.

Yesterday when he had walked through this door he was greeted by a couple of uniformed police officers. They had told him cleaning crews had gone through the house, putting it back to its original state. They had learned from eye witnesses on the scene what had happened, and didn't try tracking him down as they knew he was in good hands with the Sailor Senshi. So instead officers took shifts waiting for him to return. The taller, darker officer had started to mention something about all the blood, when he was elbowed in the ribs by the other. The shorter officer apologized quickly and asked if he needed anything else. When Sol told them no, they bowed slightly and exited the premises.

Now here he stood, in an empty dark house, alone. Closing the door behind him, he proceeded into the living room and turned the lights on. Staring into the corner where he had last seen his dead mother sent a shiver up his spine. He gave himself a shake and reached for the remote, turning the TV on as he sat down on the couch. A news broadcast was already in progress as the blank screen came to life, a reporter with a microphone in her hand "...As police in numerous cities around the world try and determine what's causing these attacks on seemingly random people. The victims are described as being mauled and in some cases ripped apart. Police are baffled as to what could be doing such harm. None of the victims in corresponding cities have any connection to one and other that authorities have found thus far. Here is what the police chief in Madrid Spain says about the attacks taking place in his jurisdiction..."

Sol only half paid attention to the news broadcast as his eyes roamed around the room. He turned it on more for background noise than anything. The once warm and inviting walls of pictures of him and his parents now seemed to be a sick mockery of something he once had. As his eyes drifted past the portraits and onto the bookshelf, a long white, narrow object piqued his interest. Sol stood up and walked over to the bookshelf which row was devoid of any books to make room for the ceremonial Samurai sword his father was presented upon arriving in Tokyo with his new job. His eyes traced the intricate sword sheath as he remembered what the presenter had told his father as Sol translated for him.

"This is a gift from our company to welcome you here. It was forged by a man who is proficient in the ways of Masamune. This blade is of high quality and is a great honor to behold. We humbly wish you would accept this as a gratitude for traveling so far from your own home." The man had said. Sol's father had accepted it with a smile and bowed as the other man held it out to him. After everyone had settled into the house, Sol's father had shown him that the blade was at least sharp, and it looked very nice. They didn't know anything about metallurgy, so they had to just take the man's word on the quality of the blade.

Coming back to reality Sol picked the katana up by the handle, still in its sheath. The handle and sheath were adorned with white leather, crisscrossing their way back and forth over the entire length. Small black diamond shapes ran up the length of the handle. Sol reached out with his other hand and grabbed hold of the sheath. Taking a deep breath he pulled the katana out. The metal sang as it was exposed from the scabbard that once held it in place, the blade gleaming in the light.

I could use this to fight those monsters. The length of the blade seemed a tad long, but he figured a longer reach could work in his advantage. The weight of the blade felt perfect in his hand as he swung it side to side casually. Pushing the blade back into its sheath, Sol decided he would go out tonight on 'patrol' to see if he came across anything suspicious. He would bring along the katana just in case things got ugly. But he couldn't exactly just walk around with a three foot long deadly weapon.

He walked back to the front entryway and started to rummage through the closet. He found his dad's long black trench coat still hanging, cleanly pressed and ready for wear. Perfect. Taking the trench coat in one hand and the sword in the other he hurried upstairs towards his mothers sewing room. She always had a sweater or a quilt to knit, so finding the yarn was an easy task. He pulled out what he thought was an appropriate length and cut the strip from the big brown ball. Tying a couple of easy slip knots into either end of the yarn, he placed them over the top and bottom ends of the sheath, pulling them tight.

He quickly realized the sword was too obvious when worn on the hip, so he slung it over one shoulder. He was right handed and tried having the hilt stick up over his right shoulder first but it was too hard to reach down past his shoulder. He couldn't have the hilt sticking up, else someone notice and call the police. So he swung it over his left shoulder and found it was much easier to grab. After a little trial and error while wearing the long coat he finally settled on a good position that didn't give away he was carrying a sword. Reaching over with his right hand, he felt where the handle was and marked a little 'x' on the coat with a black marker on the sewing table. Taking it off and running back downstairs into the kitchen, he grabbed a knife out of the knife block and carefully poked the blade though, cutting a hole over the left shoulder for easier access to the handle. Now all I need to do is reach across with my right hand and pull the blade out.

Felling good about how everything seemed to be falling into place, he strode towards the door. As he walked past the living room, the images on the television made him stop and watch. "...Cities where the frequency of these attacks is highest have people uneasy, some have even started rioting, blaming the police for their inability to even come up with any suspects..." Images of buildings on fire as people threw rocks into glassless window frames. Mobs charging police, attacking with sticks and clubs as fires blaze in the background. Something evil really was taking hold. The images only steeled his resolve as he hurried out the door.

A light rain had started to fall, making the streets glisten in the moon light. Sol took off at a light jog down the way Makoto had gone. If anything happened to her tonight, Sol would never be able to forgive himself for not making sure she arrived safely at her home. In all honesty he didn't know where she lived, but at least he had a general direction. Peering down cross streets as he ran, looking for any sign of the tall brunette that could possibly be in danger tonight.

A high pitched scream pierced through the patter of the rainfall as Sol came skidding a halt, trying to determine where the cry came from. Mako-chan! His eyes search frantically, not seeing signs of any life. He hears another scream coming from his left not far away. Spotting a dark alley entrance way, he surges forward, pumping his legs as hard as he can. Rain peppers his face as he sprints into the small alley. Half way down he sees a dark figure atop someone, raising its clawed hand ready to strike down.

Without slowing Sol reaches for the hilt of the sword hidden beneath his coat. He pulls, but the guard catches on the inside. Damnit! He knows he doesn't have time to pry it free, so instead he leaps forward, dropping his shoulders as he wraps his arms around the assailant. Smashing into its back hard, they both tumble forward into the cold wet pavement, skidding to a stop. Sol stands up quickly and turns to see a woman lying on the ground, a stunned look on her face. Turning back to the attacker he sees a small black skinned monster staring back at him, sharp teeth bared and snarling already on its own feet.

The monster lashes out with its left clawed hand, Sol side stepping easily to his right. Seeing an opening, he throws his balled fist into the creatures black face as hard as he can. It stumbles back from the force of the blow, raising its hand to where Sol's had just landed. The tall boy reaches for the sword again, trying desperately to free the blade, pulling as hard as he can. With a rip the blade comes out, metal singing into the dark night. Grabbing the hilt with both hands he lunges forward, swinging at the creature's neck in a downward diagonal slice. The monsters hands lash out, quick like lightning catching the blade between its palms. Stunned that the monster could move so fast, and be strong enough to stop the full force of the swing, Sol tries to pull it free, but it's like trying to free the blade from concrete. The black creature smiles a wicked smile, exposing sharp teeth as it lifts its leg and kicks straight out, planting its foot squarely into Sol's chest, sending him flying back.

Sol loses his grip on the handle of the sword as he's kicked, slamming into the brick wall of the building behind him. Knowing he doesn't have much time, he quickly shakes his head, freeing the instant cobwebs of the impact. He sees a silver flash coming through the rain and rolls to one side as the katana plunges into the brick wall where his heart had just been.

"Not bad, for a boy" the creature rasps, walking toward him confidently. Never heard them say anything before. It was like listening to nails being scrapped across a black board. The razor sharp claws on the creature's hands extend out, exposing his own deadly weapons. Thinking of his mothers crumpled body on the floor at his house, Sol is overcome by a sudden burning rage. He lifts himself to one knee, grabbing the hilt with his right, pulling it free. Standing to his full height he ready's himself for the next attack, blade out in front of him, both hands on the handle now.

The black monster lurches forward at him, both hands up and ready to strike. Sol turns the tip of the blade toward the ground, raising the hilt up as he pivots on one foot slicing up quickly at one of the creature's outstretched arms. As its other hand sinks itself into the brick wall behind where Sol was just standing, the creature lets a wail escape its hideous lips, severed arm falling onto the wet pavement. Thick black blood pours forth from the amputated stump that remains. Before it has a chance to recover and resume its attack Sol buries the blade into its skull. The monster goes limp as its screams stop, arm still stuck in the wall.

Looking toward the woman Sol sees a figure already tending to her. He can't make out who it is in the darkness so he walks briskly over to where they are. As he gets closer, the familiar face or Tuxedo Kamen looks up at him. "Thank you Sol. If you hadn't arrived this woman would probably have perished at the hands of that monster. The Sailor Senshi and I are lucky to have you as an ally."

"Yeah, well they don't seem to think so" Sol scoffs. The woman in Tuxedo Kamen's care stands up suddenly. She has long bright red hair and an angular face. She's tall, taller than he is, wearing a business suit with a knee length skirt that doesn't appear to be wet. What the hell? Sol notices her dark eyes have no evidence of fear in them as she quickly closes the distance between them, embracing him in a tight grip. "Thank you so much young man" she says breathlessly. She pushes Sol away from her, looking down at him. "How can I ever repay this great deed you've done for me?" She asks calmly.

Her apparent unconcern for almost losing her life bothers Sol, but he can't quite place why. Running his hand through his wet hair looking toward Tuxedo Kamen he shrugs "I don't need anything. But thanks." The woman purses her lips in what Sol can only think is frustration. She's more concerned with some kind of payment, than almost being killed? What's wrong with this woman? She reaches into a purse that Sol didn't even notice she was holding and rummages around for a few seconds. Pulling her hand free she produces a business card handing it to Sol. "Here, if you think of anything, anything at all, call me and I'll arrange for your payment."

Throwing her purse over her shoulder, she walks away quickly an annoyed look on her face. Sol pushes the card into his pocket, not even looking at it. Turning his attention to Tuxedo Kamen he asks "So did I really show up before you, or did you just want to see how this played out?"

"I heard the scream from a few blocks over. I didn't think I would arrive in time, even traveling by rooftop. When I looked down to see what was happening, you were getting to your feet, retrieving the sword from the wall. I saw that strange woman lying on the ground and decided she needed my assistance more than you did." Sol took the trench coat off and pulled the scabbard over his head, placing the tip of the katana into it, pushing the blade home. "So are you accepting my help now?"

"I think with so many attacks happening, we can use all the help we can get. I'll talk to Sailor Moon and the others on your behalf. The only reason they don't want you getting involved is for your own safety. But if you're going to get involved by your own accord, it only makes sense that we all work together." The tall well dressed man responded, extending his hand. Sol reached out then, and took his hand, shaking it in an agreed alliance. "Where I come from, this is your word. And your word means everything to me." Sol said in as serious a tone he could muster. Tuxedo Kamen nodded as he releases his grip and turned to walk away.

Adrenaline still surging through his veins, Sol places the sword back over his head, resting against his back. Pulling the wet coat back over his shoulders, he strides to the end of the alley. Tonight was a pretty good night he thinks to himself, continuing his light jog in the direction Makoto had gone.

-/-*-\-

The woman with the bright red hair walks quickly through the rain. Pretentious little brat! No one brushes me off like that! She thinks to herself in frustration. She was the one who had set up the whole ordeal in the first place, hoping Sailor Moon and the others would show up as he saved her, bringing him into their good graces. An entire night wasted waiting and watching. There will be other opportunities. Koji trusted her enough to work alone. Although she doubted he really trusted anyone. Shortly after awakening, she had sought out Koji having seen images of him while she slept. Whatever it was that had invaded her during the long slumber had wanted them to work together.

She was given a different set of skills and powers than Koji had been given, but she was still quiet deadly. He quickly recognized her abilities to be useful in his quest for world domination. She was only helping him because she felt he had the winning hand in this war that was about to erupt. Sailor Moon was weak in comparison, but she shouldn't be taken lightly. Koji overestimated his own abilities, thinking he could just barge in and kill them all on the spot. Luckily she had a plan and talked him out of his rash decision. Soon everything will fall into place and there won't be anything the Sailor Senshi can do about it. Laughing to herself as the rain fell; she got into a waiting car and drove off into the night.

A/N: Sorry for the long wait again. Next week isn't as busy as this one has been. As always I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and feel free to leave any questions or comments you have.HHH