Love Hina: Once Again
Forty-one
"So... can the cloaking magic be undone?" Utena had to ask, the two in their rooms at the Hinata Inn. She had just got back from the mission with the Phantom Quest Corp...
Anthy made a face, "It was largely Akio's doing."
Utena cursed softly.
"I am sorry. I should have at least told you about it sooner," Anthy conceded.
Utena smiled at her a bit sadly as she said, "It's okay, I'm not angry any more."
Anthy got up from the bed and hugged Utena gently, and Utena hugged her back. Both sighed as tension eased from their bodies.
"If you go see anyone effected by the magic," Anthy explained later, "they should regain their memories. People who knew you before Ohtori too, should be fine."
"Which is why my Aunt remembered," Utena nodded.
"Exactly," Anthy said dryly.
"You really don't like her," Utena noted mildly.
"I don't trust her. Relatives popping back into your life for no reason is suspicious," Anthy said to her firmly.
Utena paused as she wondered what sort of family Anthy had had. Her parents, her piece of garbage brother... what experience did she have, otherwise? Plus seeing the mess of relationships the students had gotten into at Ohtori. It really was not surprising that she'd distrust blood relations...
"What?" Anthy asked as Utena paused thoughtfully.
"I promise I'll be cautious dealing with her," Utena reassured her.
Anthy gave her a thoughtful look, but nodded.
Utena's stomach gurgled.
Anthy had to giggle softly. "Come on," she took Utena's hand, "let's get you something to eat."
"Shinobu said she was saving something," Utena agreed as they walked together.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
The next morning it was raining, but like good responsible adults everyone headed off to work and/or schooling.
"You want me to look into Ms Tenjou?" Ami asked dubiously.
Motoko nodded as they walked together. "Most of us aren't exactly tech literate," the tall, black haired woman admitted sheepishly.
"I could do something," Ami admitted, "but I'm no expert." She paused, remembering Usagi's slightly creepy computer geek friend...
"We're just concerned for Utena," Motoko shrugged.
Ami gave her a look, "You DO realize that Utena very likely would be very annoyed at us poking into her business?"
Motoko looked sheepish, "Well, yes."
Ami thought about it. She did consider Utena a friend, after all. She then said, "I know someone who might be able to. No promises though."
"Thank you," Motoko smiled.
"Have I mentioned I read your story in Wildrose, yet?" Ami added smiling.
Motoko went a amusing pink.
"Not used to it yet?" Ami asked mildly.
"No, not really," Motoko admitted. "Did you like it?" she wondered.
"It was very sweet," Ami reassured her. "Are you writing more?"
Motoko blushed again, amusingly. "Yes, but for a different magazine," she admitted.
Ami looked at the blushing woman and decided not to push it.
"I remember you're studying medicine," Motoko changed the subject, "but I don't remember your specialty."
"I'm actually starting in general service," Ami admitted, "I intend to become a medical researcher, eventually."
"The course load must be heavy," Motoko noted.
"Yes, and I'm doing a accelerated program," Ami added mildly, "I intend to finish in two years, rather than three."
Motoko just kind of LOOKED at her.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Tennyo Masaki shook the other woman's hand, "Thank you for coming to our company, Miss Hazuki. I hope you'll be satisfied with our work."
Shizuku Hazuki smiled back, "No, thank you. We needed to remodel, and your designs were excellent."
Tennyo normally worked in building design, but the video game company Eagle Jump had needed a building's interiors re-designed. Tennyo, along with the company, had helped figure out how to best use the space while keeping the historic exterior intact.
"I'll recommend your company if it comes up," Shizuku added as she left.
Sitting down Tennyo sighed. It was always nice to have a satisfied customer...
"Ms Masaki," her secretary Azusa Aizawa smiled, "did you want me to send out for lunch?"
"Please," Tennyo smiled, "I forgot to pack one. Order something for yourself too."
"Thank you," Azusa smiled as she left.
Azusa had been a corporate drone, and Tennyo met her on a job. Impressed with how organized she was, Tennyo convinced her boss to hire the woman. She often joked that Tennyo had saved her from a life of servitude...
Tennyo had the ODDEST feeling she had changed the woman's fate, actually. But that was impossible, wasn't it?
Checking her appointments, Tennyo noted she only had one more client, and otherwise could work on her drafting.
"Food's here," Azusa called, and brought in a bag.
"Ah, thank you," Tennyo smiled.
Tennyo went to work, finishing up a series of designs she had been working on. Her afternoon appointment went well, the client happy with the work so far, then she packed up to go home.
"Azusa, we're done for the day. Go home," Tennyo ordered, finding her secretary still at work at her desk.
"But I...," Azusa started.
"GO HOME," Tennyo ordered. "You can cover it tomorrow."
"Yes ma'am," Azusa gave in.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Mutsumi smiled warmly as the boys drooled over her.
"Look, but don't touch," Kitsune reminded one of the horn dog teenagers.
Shinobu was working in the kitchen, and nodded as Mutsumi entered with a tray of plates. "Does that bother you, since you and Tennyo...?" she asked.
"Not really," Mutsumi shrugged, "it's not like they're doing anything but looking."
"Fair enough," Shinobu agreed as she dished up more food.
Ema was doing dish washing, for spending money. She had a scholarship, as far as that went, but you always needed extra.
"This sucks SO bad," Ema sighed.
"Sorry," Kitsune said as she took a customer's order. "Su keeps saying she'll build us a new dishwasher, but..."
"I'm not sure I want to see what she'd build," Mutsumi noted.
"Agreed," Shinobu nodded.
Out in the main part of the cafe, the usual crowd of boys were there, along with Su and Sarah, who were getting lunch.
"It's too bad Kitsune won't take me along on Phantom Quest jobs," Su complained.
"I think she thinks it's too unsafe," her friend Sarah noted.
"Still! I could help!" Su pouted.
"That Proton Pack you built EXPLODED," Kitsune noted as she walked by them.
"So it had bugs to work out," Su shrugged.
"Ugh, no," Kitsune sighed as she went to help another customer.
"And it didn't explode," Su said sullenly, "it melted down."
"Isn't that just as bad?" Sarah had to ask.
To be continued...
Notes: Shizuku Hazuki is from the anime New Game, and Azusa Aizawa is from I've been Killing Slimes for 300 years and Maxed out my Level.
In her canon fate, Azusa basically worked herself to death. In this universe, Tennyo derailed that.
Forty Two
"Hot springs! Hot springs!' the little blond sang as the group walked up the steps to the inn.
"You haven't been to a hot springs before, Lotte?" the light brown haired girl asked.
"No, but I've always wanted to, Ushio!" Lotte beamed.
The small group of highschoolers reached the top of the stairs, and the Hinata Inn itself. All were carrying small bags for their overnight visit, and looked a bit tired from the long stairs.
"Argh, what a climb," Miyako Taema groaned, the short brown haired girl standing beside her girlfriend.
Tomoe Hachisuka, a taller black haired girl, patted her lover's arm as she said, "Well. We made it and can relax, now."
"Sumi! Are you okay?" Ushio asked as Sumika Murasame also caught up with them.
The tall, black haired girl in glasses didn't even look winded by the climb as she shrugged, "I'm okay. Let's get checked in, huh?"
"Just two rooms?" Kanako Urashima asked as they registered.
"Yes, it's a club excursion for us," Tomoe explained.
"Ah, Karate Club," Kanako noted, interested. "We have several martial artists living here, actually. Maybe we could do a bout."
"Sumika?" Tomoe looked at the tall girl.
"I suppose?" Sumika said a bit sheepishly.
"Only if you feel like it," Kanako added mildly.
"Let's get to our rooms then do the hot springs," Lotte said eagerly.
"No running, Lotte," Sumika chided mildly as the group walked off.
Everyone put their stuff in the rooms, then headed out to the springs. Just wearing long towels, the five women settled into the soothing waters.
"Ahh, that's nice," Miyako sighed happily.
"Hmm, yeah," Ushio sighed, laying back.
Sumika VERY MUCH pretended she didn't notice Ushio's breasts bounce as she soaked.
Tomoe gave her a sympathetic look, which Sumika also ignored.
"Sumika, did you want to do a practice match later?" Lotte asked her adoringly.
Sumika shrugged slightly, "Well, we'll see."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"There's THREE swords women living here?" Setsuna Sakurazaki blinked as she chatted to Kitsune over at the Hinata Cafe. The tall, black haired girl had her hair tied in a side ponytail, and was dressed in loose, comfortable clothes.
"Yes, Motoko, Tennyo and Utena," Kitsune told her. She paused and added, "But don't try to spar with Utena."
Setrsuna tilted her head, the black haired girl nodding. She had been through... stuff herself, so she could understand that.
Kitsune continued, "I know Motoko probably would like to spar with you. I'm not sure about Tennyo, though."
"I'm sort of on a training journey," Setsuna admitted, "so I would appreciate it."
"Set-chan!" a cheerful voice called as another woman entered.
"Konoka," Setsuna smiled at her warmly.
Konoka Konoe hurried over, beaming at her girlfriend. "Did you find who you were looking for, Set-chan?" she asked.
"I think so," Setsuna smiled. "Did you find the shrine you wanted to visit?" she asked.
"Shrine?" Kitsune checked.
"Yes, my Grandfather sent me to meet with Ms Kagome. We're interested in networking with people like us," Konoka explained.
Kitsune found herself wondering how she might react to meeting Anthy and Utena. Well, either way it wasn't her business, really.
"Did you want a iced coffee too?" Kitsune asked Konoka.
"Please!" Konoka smiled.
Both girls settled at a corner table, and pointedly ignoring the boys that seemed intrigued by the two newcomers.
"Another couple?" Shinobu asked Kitsune as she carried out food from the kitchen.
"Looks like it," Kitsune agreed.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"Miss Konoe, please stop trying to pet Inu-Yasha," Rei Hino scolded.
"But he's so CUTE!" Konoka cried.
"Get her off me!" Inu-Yasha complained.
Reluctantly Konoka let him go, and the half demon boy bounded off, disappearing into the nearby trees. "Oh poo," Konoka pouted.
Kagome looked more amused than anything else. "So you're from Mahora Academy?" she asked, looking over the letter Konoka gave her.
"Yes. My Grandfather, the Headmaster, wants to try to network magic users in and around Japan," Konoka explained.
'Wonder if that applies to magical girls too?' Rei wondered.
"I'm more a spiritualists, but it does sound interesting," Kagome admitted.
Konoka turned to Rei, "You're not on my contact list, but I can sense a impressive amount of magical energy from you. Would you be interested?"
"I'm kind of tied up with other commitments," Rei said diplomatically. She paused then added, "A question: what about Magical Girls?"
"We're looking into contacting them," Konoka admitted, "the disguise magic most of them have makes it complicated."
"Makes sense," Rei agreed. She made a mental note to talk to Usagi and the others about this. It was interesting...
"Do I need to commit to this now?" Kagome wondered.
"Oh, no," Konoka said quickly, "no pressure. We're still trying to get whatever this ends up being organized."
"It's stupid," Inu-Yasha scoffered. "You can only rely on your own strength, not these fools."
"Inu-yasha!" Kagome ordered, "SIT!"
The magic necklace he wore kicked in, slamming him down into the ground.
"Poor thing," Konoka said gently. She paused, "Can I try it?"
"Hey!" Inu-Yasha protested.
"It only works for me," Kagome explained.
"Awww," Konoka pouted.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Kanako had to admit, she was impressed.
Symika and Kanako exchanged a flurry of blows and kicks, striking and blocking gracefully.
"Holy...," Tomoe blinked.
"They're both very good," Motoko agreed, the tall swordswoman watching.
"Fist of the North Pole?" Kanako asked as they paused the fight a moment.
Sumika nodded, "And that's Urashima school."
"My Grandma, Hina, taught me," Kanako agreed. "Shall we step it up a bit?"
"Of course," Sumika agreed, then they became a blur of flying fists.
"Oh fuck," Miyako blinked, the girls barely able to keep up with the fight.
"Go Sumika!" Lotte cheered.
"Kick her ass, Kanako!" Kitsune called, also watching from the sidelines.
"Who do you think will win?" Motoko asked Tennyo curiously.
The (much) older Tennyo frowned thoughtfully. "Both are very good," she mused, "but I think Murasame has the edge."
"Really?" Kitsuna asked.
"I think I even see bits of Chinese Amazon in her fighting style," Tennyo added.
Suddenly Kanako staggered, then dropped.
"What?" Kitsune yelped.
"Pressure point attack," Motoko realized. "How...?" she wondered.
"Well THAT was embarrassing," Kanako muttered.
"Here, I'll undo the effect," Sumika said, gently pressing points in her arms.
"Could you show me how to do that?" Kanako asked as the smaller girl recovered.
"We'll see," Sumika smiled faintly.
To be continued...
Notes: Sasameki Koto/Whispered Words appearance.
Negima more or less exists in the same universe as Love Hina, in my canon at least.
I do need to decide what happened to the mages from Negima over in my Crystal Tokyo canon. Will have to think about it...
Forty Three
Ami Mizuno met with Kanako, Motoko and Kitsune that evening, several days after Motoko had asked her to look into Chiho Tenjou, Utena's Aunt.
"So?" Kitsune demanded.
Kanako poked her in the side, "Easy."
"Sorry, that was a bit demanding," Kitsune admitted.
"Well, my friend did some digging," Ami waved some paper around, "and some of it I think was illegal, but there was no red flags relating to Utena."
"Really?" Motoko asked, surprised.
"Chiho is financially sound, in fact quite well off, and she clearly doesn't need Utena's money." Ami said calmly, "The only red flag that comes up is she's the lawyer for the Oedo Group."
"Huh?" Motoko blinked.
"They're a yakuza family," the somewhat more worldly Kitsune told them, "one of the more honorable ones, as far as it goes."
"So she's just worried about her niece?" Kanako suggested.
"This doesn't prove she doesn't have other reasons," Ami cautioned before adding, "but there's no obvious motive."
"Fair. Thank you for your time," Kitsune told her, shaking her hand.
"You're welcome," Ami shrugged.
After that Kitsune and Kanako walked off together as Motoko headed outside for her evening sword practice.
"Should we keep an eye on the Utena situation?" Kanako asked mildly.
Kitsune nodded, "Yeah, just in case."
Kanako gave her an amused look, "You're such a den mother."
"Oh shut up," Kitsune chuckled.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"Thank you for eating with us," Shinobu smiled warmly at the recent guests along with all the inn regulars.
"Thank you," the kids chorused.
"Let's get cleaned up," Mutsumi said warmly as they cleared the table.
"You don't have to help...," Shinobu protested.
"It's fine," Mutsumi said, "I'm waiting for Tennyo to get back, after all."
"Okay...," Shinobu conceded.
Ema Maeda was working on her computer nearby, the young woman typing away. "Hey, Su. Are you done homework?"
Koalla Su chuckled, "Of course!"
"Still working on those mech suits?" Ema asked. She added, "Once they're done I want to put it on my website."
"Cool!" Su agreed, scampering off.
"Does that girl worry anyone else?" Shinobu wondered aloud.
"Ditto," Mitusmi sighed.
"Hey!" Tennyo waved as she came in, still dressed in her 'business wear,' a sleek pantsuit modified for ease of movement.
"Tennyo!" Mutsumi rushed over, hugging her. They then kissed, lingeringly.
Shinobu felt an odd pang of almost jealousy. It had been a VERY long time since she had a crush on anyone, really...
"Let me get out of this suit," Tennyo smiled.
"I could help," Mutsumi toyed with her tie.
'Could you NOT?' Shinobu sighed mentally, then decided she was being a grump. 'I need a date,' she decided.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Setsuna Sakurazaki was used to thinking of herself as one of the best swordswomen around. Certainly she had been best at her school...
"Hyaaa!" Motoko Aoyama cried out, her wooden sword flashing as she actually drove Setsuna backwards.
'She is FAST,' Setsuna thought, speeding up too. She wasn't entirely human, and really should have been out-powering this woman, but apparently not.
"Go, Set-chan!" Konoka cheered.
"Kick her ass!" Kitsune yelled.
"God's Cry School?" Setsuna asked as she deflected a strike.
"Hmm," Motoko nodded slightly. "I've never seen some of your moves," she admitted.
'Because a lot of it is from the Magical World,' Setsuna thought. Yet the woman kept blocking her! Somehow.
"You're very good," Setsuna conceded.
"Not good enough, apparently," Motoko smiled wryly.
They fought back and forth across the lawn, wooden swords crashing together. Motoko was tiring, but not THAT much.
"Stone Splitting Sword!" Setsuna finally used one of her special moved, though she restrained it's power.
Motoko's wooden sword exploded, as the force drove her backwards.
"HEY!" Kitsune yelled in alarm.
"I'm okay, I'm okay...," Motoko shoot off the dizziness.
Setsuna hurried over, "Are you all right? I thought I had pulled it enough to keep you safe..."
Motoko stood up, swaying a bit, then smiling wryly as she said, "I'm fine. That was a really powerful effect."
"Hold still," Konoka rushed over. She gestured, "Heal."
A soft glow enfolded a surprised looking Motoko.
'Well, it wasn't like we were trying to be that secretive,' Setsuna thought wryly. "Konoka," she scolded mildly.
"Sorry, but we ARE responsible for her being hurt," Konoka noted.
"Well, yes," Setsuna conceded. Thankfully none of the other guests had been hanging around watching the fight, too.
"Thank you," Motoko bowed slightly to Konoka.
"Next time, you should use your special attacks," Kirsune noted to Motoko.
"Next time?" Motoko shrugged, "We'll see."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"WOW," Ushio blinked, her and Sumika having seen a bit of the crazy sword battle.
"You've seen me fight," Sumika noted, the taller girl pushing up her square glasses.
"Still! I'm used to seeing you do that," Ushio noted.
"Well true," Sumika admitted.
Sumika was the heir of the Fist of the North Pole school of Martial Arts, and could do some exceptional things. Still, watching the glowing swords and flying leaps of the two women, she was left just a bit in awe.
"We should TOTALLY name your special attacks!" Ushio suggested excitedly.
"Oh no," Sumika shook her head.
"Meanie," Ushio pouted adorably.
"Hey!" Lottie called as they neared the group.
"Hi, we were just exploring the grounds a bit," Sumika explained.
"Can we do the hot springs again, before we leave?" Miyako suggested.
"Sure," Tomoe agreed. She added, "I wish we could stay longer."
"School," Sumika shrugged eloquently.
"Ugh," Ushio made a face while everyone chuckled.
As they walked, Tomoe gave Sumika a questioning look, wondering if she and Ushio had gotten closer while on their own.
Sumika shook her head no.
Tomoe sighed.
To be continued...
Notes: The Oedo Yakuza appear in the anime Gokusen, about a Yakuza Princess trying to pose as a 'normal' school teacher. I featured them in a few fics, might use them here eventually.
Sasameki Koto/Whispered Words has Sumika constantly trying to get Ushio to realize she loves her, while Ushio remains mostly clueless.
Forty Four
"Thank you for visiting!" Kanako smiled as the group of teens checked out.
"We are DEFINITELY coming again," Tomoe declared, the older girl grinning.
"And hopefully you and Miyako won't get caught sleeping together again," Sumika sighed, the girls looking sheepish.
Both Tomoe and Miyako blushed a bit. They had... gotten carried away and forgot to lock the door, and poor Shinobu had walked in on them when it was time to change the sheets etc etc etc. Not that the Inn minded them doing that, of course, but they appreciated them locking the doors...
"Maybe you can book the honeymoon suite next time," Kanako offered mildly.
"I am SO embarrassed," Lotte sighed, blushing furiously.
"Over the lesbianism?" Ushio asked cautiously.
"Over KNOWING my senpais have sex...," Lotte groaned.
"Well, that's fair," Sumika conceded as they headed off.
"So, is Shinobu still blushing?" Kitsune asked the manager cheerfully once they were gone.
"Poor girl," Kanako chuckled softly.
"So we need to clean the bedrooms... anything else to do?" Kitsune checked, being one of the residents who got a discount for working the Inn.
"That should be it," Kanako agreed, "any Phantom Quest Corp jobs coming up?"
"Just the usual may or may not be haunted houses," Kitsune admitted.
Kitsune had not expected to get into realty work, but there were a surprising number of houses with a reputation to be haunted. Her team went in and confirmed if they were or were not haunted, and tried to deal with it if it was.
"Let me know when you go," Kanako added, "I want to make sure you get back alright."
"Will do," Kitsune waved.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
The young man had SHOCKINGLY dark red hair that flowed down his back. He was also dressed VERY well, in a fine business suit and carrying a briefcase.
"Trouble?' Tennyo Masaki mused as she saw the pretty boy.
"Hello," he smiled charmingly, "This is the Hinata Inn, yes?"
"Yes, this is," Tennyo agreed, the white haired woman asking, "Mr...?"
"Kiryu," he smiled, "Touga Kiryu. Charmed."
Tennyo looked unimpressed, "What can we do for you, Mr Kiryu?"
Touga flipped his long hair back dramatically, "Well..."
"YOU," a furious voice declared.
Utena strode out of the building, almost simmering with anger.
"Ah,. Utena, it's been..." Touga started.
SLAP! The blow staggered him, but he stayed up.
"I probably deserved that," Touga admitted, rubbing his jaw.
"Utena!" Tennyo started, then wondered if it was a good idea to get between them.
Touga held up his hands, "I deeply regret how I treated you and Miss Himemiya. I... well, would like to make amends."
Utena looked profoundly dubious, "Oh really?"
He looked at Tennyo then back at Utena, "Could we speak privately?"
Utena puffed out a sighed, "Fine."
The two strode past Mutsumi, who was going out to meet with Tennyo. "Who was...?" she asked Tennyo curiously.
"Not sure, but apparently he knows Utena," Tennyo noted a bit dubiously.
"She has interesting friends," Mutsumi noted mildly. She changed the subject and asked, "Are we going out or...?"
"Out," Tennyo agreed, "I was thinking the Locket, maybe..."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"Hey, Ayeka! Been awhile," Kitsune nodded as she recognized the pretty redhead who was waiting at the Hinata Cafe. Ayeka Kisaragi was the head of the Phanmtom Quest Corp, as well as a pro occultist.
"Kitsune," she smiled a bit tiredly.
Kitsune noticed the normally very energetic woman looked very down. And, oddly, she was dressed much more sedately than usual. Very odd.
"Are you all right?" Kitsune asked the slightly older woman gently.
"I look that bad?" Ayeka asked mildly.
"Honestly? Yes," Kitsune said. "Can I get you a coffee or something?"
"Coffee. And I need a favor," Ayeka admitted.
Kitsune returned with two coffees, and asked Shinobu to take over a few minutes. Thankfully it was mid-day and things were slow.
"Thanks," Ayeka took her coffee.
"Favor?" Kitsuna asked curiously.
"Yeah," Ayeka took a drink, "I kind of need to take a break from work, for personal reasons."
"Hmm," Kitsune nodded. "I heard you and Nabiki broke up..."
Ayeka winced. She had broken up with her former boyfriend, took up with Nabiki Tendo, they dated a bit, but then she hooked back up with him... without tell Nabiki first. She didn't take it well.
"How far has the gossip spread?" Ayeka asked, resigned.
Kitsune sipped some coffee, "Most of the Arisugawa Locket regulars, I think. Several staffers are NOT happy with you."
"Argh," Ayeka moaned, thumping her head on the table.
Kitsune fwelt a twinge of sympathy for the other woman. After all, everyone fucked up some times. Of course, in this case Ayeka had hurt others too...
Kitsune asked, "So you want me and my team to cover for you for awhile?"
"Yes," Ayeka admitted, "there's a ongoing contract with the Japanese Government I'd rather not risk. And a few others."
"Hmm," Kitsune looked over the paper she handed her, "I think we can do it. I see there's that asshole Izaya Orihara..."
Ayeka made a face, "I heard he tried to use you to try to get the Dullahan?"
Kitsune nodded, "Yeah, I do not want to get tangled with him, again."
"Fair. He is useful to know, however," Ayeka shrugged.
Kitsune grunted as she went over the list, "The Living Environment Division? That's the branch that works with Misaki Saiki?"
"You've met her?" Ayeka asked archly.
With a shrug Kitsune noted, "She was tangled up in that Dullahan mess too. And stopped in at the Inn later too."
"Anyway. Would this be okay?" Ayeka asked.
"How long, exactly? I don't want to handle your jobs and mine indefinitely," Kitsune said.
"A month or two, at best," Ayeka said.
"All right," Kitsune agreed, "for the usual fees."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Later that evening, they had a quick meeting. "I REALLY wish you'd asked us all before agreeing," Rei Hino noted, frowning. "I don't know if I can do more exorcist jobs, with school and my local temple duties."
"Ditto," Motoko agreed, "and my writing."
Ema Maeda, who often covered the group for her website, nodded. "Mind you, I kind of want to see what cases in Tokyo come up," she added.
"Sorry I'm late," Anthy hurried in, Utena following.
"Everything okay?" Kitsune asked, having heard about their visitor earlier that day.
"A old friend visited," Utena waved it aside, "long story."
Rei explained about how Kitsune had agreed to cover work for the Tokyo Phantom Quest Corp.
"... That could be complicated," Anthy admitted, frowning.
"I'm okay with staying busy," Utena noted, "so I don't have a huge issue with it."
Rei puffed out a breath, "Well, why don't we see how it plays out?"
"Please," Kitsune smiled a bit sheepishly.
"But if things get out of hand, we need to have a plan," Motoko added seriously. "Maybe call in backup, or something..."
"I'll figure something out," Kitsune sighed.
To be continued...
Notes: Ties in to early Arisugawa Locket chapters. I had a subplot on Ayeka from Phantom Quest Corp...
OMAKE!
"You may notice that a chapter of this fic was removed." Kanako said calmly.
*crickets chirp*
"Anyway... after some though the author has decided to scrap that storyline. A new chapter will be posted to replace it soon." she sighed.
"WHY did the hack writing this take it down?" Kitsune wondered.
"Calling them a hack is harsh," Motoko noted.
"Yeah yeah," Kitsune sighed.
"I'm SURE we'll get a better chapter later," Shinobu said hopefully.
To be continued...?
Notes: Yeah, I decided 'Kanako goes to Tokyo to get Laid' was NOT a good idea.
ADDED NOTE;
Writing is kinda going poorly. Decided to reformat chapters on this fic instead.