Love Hina: Once Again
Fifteen
The ghost wailed sadly, shimmering in the cold fall night as the members of the Phantom Quest Corp watched. "So...," Kitsune hesitated, "how do we handle this?" The sandy blonde haired woman was unusually sober, her normal impish air almost gone as the spirit's deep sorrow touched them all.
Motoko frowned thoughtfully, her long black hair tied back in a neat ponytail. "I can banish it with a God's Cry technique," she said, looking up at the young woman's ghostly form with a bit of sympathy.
"Can we do something a bit more... gentle first?" Ema asked tentatively, the young woman looking at her computer where she had put together a background on the haunting.
What they had learned so far about the spirit was enough to tug at anyone's heart strings. As best as they could deduce, this was the ghost of Ayame Harada who died nearly fifty years ago, when her family forced her separation from her beloved and she had committed suicide. It appeared that the pain of loss had bound her spirit to this spot down through the years.
"I can always try something," Rei Hino offered, dressed in her traditional shrine maiden's outfit. The black haired woman's hair shimmered as she added, "I think a exorcism might be a more peaceful way to go..."
The spirit cried out once more in grief, Ayame's long hair shimmering mist-like in the light of the lamps. Something seemed to catch her eye as she looked down at them, and her sorrowful cry faltered for a moment. It was almost as if she recognized something she had not seen before...
Kitsune's eyes widened, "She's looking at me..."
The ghost was in their midst almost before they could react, her etheral form sending a chill through them as she passed. "You!" Ayame exclaimed, gazing at Kitsune in wonder.
"Don't hurt her," Motoko commanded the ghost grimly, the intense young woman holding her sword at the ready.
A nearly transparent hand reached out hesitantly to Kitsune as Ayame murmured, "You look like my lover, gone so long ago..."
"Wow," Ema murmured, typing away madly on her laptop computer as she recorded the events unfolding in front of her.
"Uh," was all the response Kitsune could manage, gazing into those unearthly eyes.
Ayame hesitated, looking oddly shy as she murmured, "I know it's time for me to go... but before I do, could I have a favor?"
KItsune realized the ghost was talking to her and cleared her throat nervously. "What is it?" she asked warily.
"Could I have," the ghost looked like she wanted to blush as Ayame asked, "a kiss before I go?"
"Ah, I'm a girl," Kitsune said hesitantly in case the ghost didn't realize.
"So was my love," Ayame smiled sadly, "will you?"
Kitsune swallowed and summoned up her courage, "All right, I'll do it."
Ayame's ghostly form swirled before Kitsune then reached out, cupping her face with hands that left her skin tingling oddly. She moved forward as strands of her hair drifted oddly then pressed her lips to Kitsune's for a moment.
"Thank you," the ghost murmured as she released her. Ayame turned to Motoko and Rei as she said quietly, "I'm ready."
Rei began to chant softly as fire danced around her, then the ghost began to shimmer and fade. Kitsune looked at her disappearing as she said, "I hope you find her over there."
"Me too," the ghost managed to whisper before Ayame finally disappeared.
"That was incredible," the young man who owned the house shook his head in awe. His brown hair fell in a messy tangle into his face as he pressed a envelope into Kitsune's hand, "Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome sir," Kitsune nodded seriously, "and please call on us if you need assistance with supernatural matters again."
"No disrespect intended," he laughed a bit uncomfortably as he said, "but I really hope I don't have to call on you again."
"We get that a lot," Motoko said wryly as they packed up to go.
The Hinata Inn's van was cold as Kitsune started it up, cranking up the heater to warm the shivering occupants. Ema barely noticed the cold as she huddled over her laptop, running through the images the camera caught. "This is going to make a great update," she murmured, "even the pictures of the ghost came out well."
"Don't put her full name in the article," Kitsune cautioned Ema, "she might have some still living relations."
"Wouldn't they want to know?" Rei Hino wondered, leaning forward from where she sat in the back seat.
Motoko sat in the front beside Kitsune, carefully polishing the katana she carried. "Possibly," she agreed, "but I think Kitsune would prefer to be cautious."
"If the family gets annoyed by the article we could be sued," Kitsune shrugged, "I'd really rather not take the chance."
"All right," Ema conceded as she typed.
Motoko looked out the window, feeling her emotions rolling around uncontrollably. She was used to maintaining a certain level of control, but somehow the events she had witnessed had ripped that control away. When Ayame had approached Kitsune Motoko had been shocked by her surge of fear and when they kissed... Motoko had found herself burning with jealousy.
'Why did I react like that?' Motoko wondered. She valued Kitsune as a close friend, yes, but she had never really considered her in a romantic way. Well, there was that one time when she had been in Kitsune's body, but...
"Motoko?" Kitsune looked at her strangely, "Rei asked you a question."
"Oh, sorry," Motoko looked sheepish as she turned to Rei, "What?"
Rei gave her a thoughtful look then asked, "I was curious if you knew the origins of the God's Cry techniques?"
"Not really," Motoko admitted, "they've been passed down in my family for generations, but how they were created has been lost to history."
"That's too bad," Rei said honestly. "I've been... looking into a clan of demon hunters from the warring states era of japan, and according to the stories their swordsmen could do similar things."
"Really?" Motoko looked surprised, "Which clan?"
"The Sango-Miroku clan," Rei explained, "named after their founders, I understand."
Motoko's eyes widened slightly as she conceded, "I've heard of them." She frowned thoughtfully, "I'll ask my elder sister about it, if you like."
"I'd appreciate it," Rei said with a faint smile.
'I wonder why she's looking into it?' Motoko wondered as she turned to look out the window. 'Is it connected to the shrine she's training at?'
"Just about there," Kitsune called as they chugged up the hill, eventually pulling up behind the Hinata Inn. Several women waited for their arrival, huddled together from the cold.
"How did it go?" Shinobu called as the dark haired younger girl helped unload the van.
"Did you bust any ghost?" Koalla Su asked eagerly.
"Rei," Ami Mizuno smiled as she swiftly hugged her lover, "I'm glad you're all right."
"It was strictly routine," Rei reassured her.
"With this bunch," Ami smiled fondly, "it's never just routine."
"Hey!" Kitsune protested, chuckling.
To be continued...
Sixteen
Mutsumi Otohime knew she wasn't the sharpest person in the world, but she wasn't stupid either. The busty, brown haired woman might have lacked academic skills but she was good and getting better at reading people and understanding their motivations.
For instance Mutsumi had seen the stirring of attraction between her friends Motoko and Kitsune from almost as soon as she met the two of them. She was also aware of how the inn's manager Kanako was becoming more attracted to Motoko and how that might complicate the whole situation. She knew that Su was cheerfully omni-sexual and had considering jumping Shinobu, only holding off because of her friend's shyness. She watched the relationships and lives of everyone in the Hinata Inn and Dorm, and lately had spent even more time watching a certain recent arrival.
Tennyo Masaki was both a source of endless fascination for Mutsumi as well as great frustration. Almost as soon as she met the slim, white haired young woman she had felt a odd attraction to her, one that she was almost certain Tennyo returned. So why didn't the other woman do something?
After a few more days of feeding Tennyo at the Hinata Café and Mutsumi came to a certain revelation. Tennyo was, despite her occupation and sword skills, a shy woman. For whatever reason it seemed she was unable or unwilling to make the first more.
'Either that,' Mutsumi thought wryly as she used a old fashioned broom swept up outside the café, 'or Kitsune warned Tennyo off.'
Mutsumi loved Kitsune like a brother, but the young woman was often overprotective. In fact Kitsune really did remind Mutsumi of a big brother, willing to stand up for her 'little sisters' but like a brother occasionally going a bit far. She had seen Kitsune take Tennyo aside with a serious expression on her face, and both of them had looked at her while trying to act like they weren't looking.
"Hello, Mutsumi," Shinobu smiled up at her, the black haired girl carrying a basket of ingredients. Her eyes moved to Mutsumi's large breasts concealed behind her dress and apron, then she blushed and looked away.
'Poor thing,' Mutsumi thought sympathetically as she picked up the leaves. The girl had been flat for years, but thankfully she was starting to fill out a bit. "Back from shopping?" she asked cheerfully, gesturing to offer to help carry.
"Yes," Shinobu said as they started towards the café, both of them falling comfortably into step by long practice.
As Kitsune had divided her attention between managing the café and running her Phantom Quest Corps, she and Mitsumi had gradually come into more responsibilities in the café. Now, one would probably expect that as the elder Mutsumi would have put herself in charge, but she and Shinobu quickly realized that way lay disaster. Instead Mutsumi concentrated on her gifts, customer service and hosting the store while Shinobu handled some management jobs and cooked. It was a odd arrangement, certainly, but both found it quite satisfactory.
A faint blush colored Mutsumi's cheeks as she asked, "Did you see Tennyo coming here on your way back?"
Shinobu smiled back as she warmly answered, "No, not yet. But we both know she can get pretty busy at her job."
"That's true," Mutsumi admitted. She sometimes fretted over Tennyo's job, knowing the architect spent a lot of time in her office dealing with various people. She was sure some man or woman would see how good looking Tennyo was and start actively chasing her.
They entered the café together, the building deserted in the lag time between lunch and dinner. Shinobu headed for the kitchen as Mutsumi did a quick walk around, checking for anything out of place and generally tidying up. Meanwhile as Mutsumi cleaned Shinobu laid out the plan for tonight's meal then began to prepare the ingredients.
"Do you think we can get Kitsune in here later to give you a break?" Shinobu asked as she gracefully chopped vegetables.
Mutsumi gave her a thoughtful look, "And why would we want her to do that?"
Shinobu winked, "Why, to give you a chance to eat with her, of course."
"What is it with you and matchmaking?" Mutsumi shook her head, chuckling. "First Anthy, now me?"
Shinobu smiled at her as she carefully separated out the vegetables for each dish. "I like my friends to be happy," she explained, "and I think Tennyo can do that for you."
Mutsumi felt choked up a bit as she reached over to pat the other woman's head. "Thank you," she answered softly, "but I think it'll happen in it's own time."
"What'll happen?" Kitsune asked as she strode inside, the slim boyish blonde smiling at them cheerfully.
"Mutsumi finally asking Tennyo out to dinner," Shinobu said, giving her a look that was slightly scolding.
Kitsune looked just a bit sheepish, privately confirming to Mutsumi she had warned Tennyo off. "You know, I like Tennyo a lot," Kitsune said as she walked by the tables towards them, "but the woman's hiding something."
Mutsumi nodded slightly, acknowledging the point. For a person who claimed to be just a simple architect she knew a awful lot, including sword skills on the same level of the God's Cry school. She clearly had a very interesting past, and so far no one had wormed it out of her.
"Maybe so," Mutsumi looked at Kitsune with a slight smile, "but I've never pressed you about why you were living here as a author for years. Nor do I ask Anthy who she really is, too. If we extend those rights to you and her, why not Tennyo?"
Kitsune smiled wryly, acknowledging the point. "All right," she sighed, "I guess I'm just worried she'll hurt you."
"Don't we all take that chance?" Mutsumi shrugged eloquently.
"That we do," Shinobu agreed. She gave Kitsune a dangerous look, "So no more interference from you."
"Yes, yes," Kitsune nodded, chuckling softly.
As Shinobu turned back to the kitchen Mutsumi whispered, "She can certainly be fierce."
:That she can," Kitsune agreed, "she can back it up, too. She threatened me with stopping cooking once... it was terrible."
"And I'll do it again, too," Shinobu laughed.
The evening crowd began to arrive, locals and guests of the area spas looking for dinner. Not long after Shinobu took over cooking word got around about how good the food was, and soon the café was filling to near capacity. Sometimes Mutsumi missed the intimacy of the old days, but on the other hand the extra money from the café came in handy.
Mutsumi was clearing a table when she heard the door open, looking up to see Tennyo Masaki walk in. Every time she saw her she was struck by her unusual attractiveness, her regal bearing and beauty. Long white hair shimmered down past her waist as she strode inside, her woman's business suit hugging her athletic body.
"Tennyo," Mutsumi smiled as she walked up, her briefcase held in one hand.
"Evening," Tennyo smiled back, adding "you look nice in that dress, Mutsumi."
Mutsumi felt herself blush at that casual compliment, "Thanks."
Looking out from the kitchen Shinobu called, "Do you want your regular?"
Tennyo smiled as she said, "Yes, please."
Kitsune cleared her throat, "If you want, you can take a break Mutsumi."
'Oh, very subtle,' Mutsumi fought back a chuckle. "I'm going on my dinner break," she told Tennyo, "would you mind if I join you?"
"I'd like that," Tennyo answered as they moved off together, walking to the corner table usually reserved for staff. "Here," she pulled out a chair for Mutsumi.
"Thank you," Mutsumi blushed again as Tennyo pushed the chair in for her.
"She's certainly a charmer," Kitsune admitted as she picked up the food from Shinobu.
"That she is," Shinobu agreed as she watched the two beginning to talk.
To be continued...
Seventeen
Kanako Urashima felt oddly shy as the black haired young woman pushed open the door to the shop, the bell above the door softly chiming. "Welcome," the boyish young woman behind the counter called out cheerfully.
Visiting Tokyo was a treat Kanako only occasionally allowed herself, and this visit to Shinjuku and Ikebukuru was a new experience. Her first stop had been to the infamous 'Otome Road' in Ikebukuru where she had furtively purchased several yuri and yaoi dojinshi. Lunch was taken at a popular maid cafe, and Kanako had been distracted by the mental image of the cafe Hinata staff all dressed in maid outfits. One of the maids noticed her blush and winked at her impishly, making Kanako blush even harder.
"Anything I can help you find?" the woman asked as Kanako looked around the Shinjuku based alternative bookstore.
"Ah...," Kanako hesitated shyly. Ordering books on lesbians had been easier on-line, especially when she wasn't dealing with a young woman Kanako considered rather handsome. 'She looks a bit like Kitsune,' she admitted, taking in her short black hair, t-shirt and stylish pants.
"I won't bite," the young woman promised with a gentle smile.
Kanako found herself smiling back as she admitted to her, "I'm looking for the lesbian publishers, please."
"Right this way," the clerk answered as she walked Kanako to a set of shelves over to the side. "I'm Shana," she added as they reached the books.
"Kanako," she introduced herself, amused by the young woman's unconscious charm. She pointed out several books she had enjoyed, then hesitated. "Yes?" Kanako asked.
Shana actually blushed a bit as she admitted, "We have a few more books up behind the counter, but they're somewhat more... erotic."
"Ah," Kanako felt herself blush slightly too. "I'd like to look at them later," she admitted.
"The latest magazines are over here," Shana said as she excused herself, the bell above the door signaling another customer entering.
Kanako occupied herself with flipping through books, skimming through summaries and a few pages until she picked out three. Then she looked over the magazines, noting several yuri quarterlies and a literary dojin or two. Flipping through them she found a short story collection, several of which sounded interesting, then blinked as she recognized a name in the table of contents.
'Motoko Aoyama?!' Kanako blinked, rather stunned to see the quiet, intense swordwoman's name in the authors' list. Without thinking about it too much she added the magazine to her pile, then decided to talk to the cashier again.
"Made your picks?" Shana asked as Kanako set the books down on the counter.
"Pretty much," Kanako agreed. "Could I see those other books you mentioned?" she asked with a faint blush.
Shana got the more adult books out, passing them over with a smile. Deciding it might be tactful not to disturb Kanako she let her look through them on her own, eventually picking one out of the stack. "Shall I ring them up?" she asked.
"Please," Kanako nodded, glad that the woman was maintaining a casual tone. 'Though I guess she's used to it by now,' she thought.
"How long have you been interested in women?" Shana asked her gently as she rang through all the books and magazines. Her instinct was that Kanako was new to the whole scene, but she wanted to be sure.
"Not very," Kanako admitted. "I'm still coming to grips with the whole idea."
Suddenly a cat stuck it's head out of the bag she carried, looking around curiously. "Where's the catnip?" Kuro asked.
"Later," Kanako ordered the cat firmly.
"It talks?" Shana blinked.
Kanako winked at her as she said dryly, "Ventriloquism."
"Right," Shana smiled, giving her a skeptical look. "Anyway," she said briskly as Kanako paid and she put the items in a bad, "there's a new women's only nightclub in the area you might be interested in."
Kanako looked rather intrigued, "Really?"
"Arisugawa's Locket," Shana smiled, "I can give you the address if you like."
"Thank you," Kanako agreed.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"Juri?" Utena blinked in surprise as the tall, orange haired woman was lead to their room in the Hinata dorm. The pink haired woman had been visiting the dorm regularly, almost living there with her girlfriend Anthy.
"Thought I'd see how you two are doing," Juri nodded respectfully after she thanked Su.
"Have fun," Su smiled, the dusky skinned blond heading off.
"Would you like some tea?" Anthy asked, smiling warmly at the other woman. Since Juri had set out to open a night club they had stayed in touch, Juri occassionally coming to her with questions requiring her unique talents. In return Juri offered much needed romantic advice, Anthy being rather inexperienced in that area.
"Please," Juri smiled warmly. She settled down by the kotetsu as Utena relaxed nearby. "What's this I hear about you two ghost-busting?" she asked.
"More like monster hunting," Utena grinned. "It's actually kind of fun, especially considering the odd members of our crew."
"Odder than the Duelists?" Utena raised her eyebrows.
"Nearly," Anthy offered, laughing. "Have you met any of the residents?" she asked.
"Does being attacked by a crazy lady with a sword count?" Juri asked wryly, then recounted what happened as she arrived there...
Approaching the buildings Juri had come across a tall, black haired woman doing sword practice. She looked up with a piercing gaze, her hair blowing wildly around her. Without thinking about it Juri responded to that challenging gaze by taking up a on guard stance.
"You are a sword fighter?" the woman demanded, lowering her wooden practice sword.
"Yes," Juri conceded, blinking in surprise as the woman tossed her a sword.
"Practice with me," the woman asked, smiling slightly as she studied Juri intently.
Juri picked up the blade, her owl instincts rising. She never could refuse a fight... "All right," she took up a fighting stance.
With a cry the strange woman leaped, and Juri was stunned to feel a wave of 'chi' energy radiating off her. Thankfully, Juri had spent some time training in the Anything Goes School of martial arts and could counter 'chi' attacks, at least somewhat. They still hurt, but not as much.
"Well done," the woman smiled warmly. "Now, let's continue..."
"...anyway," Juri sighed, "that's why I was late getting up here."
"I should have warned you about Motoko," Utena admitted. "She's a perfectly nice woman, but can be... kind of extreme with the sword fighting."
"I noticed," Juri said dryly. "This is the first time I've lost a sword fight since Ohtori," she admitted with a grimace.
"And knowing you," Anthy smiled gently as she offered Juri a plate of cookies, "you want a rematch."
"Well, yes," Juri admitted as she looked at the cookies cautiously.
"Don't worry, Shinobu made them," Utena laughed softly. Anthy was... very dangerous in the kitchen. Her curry had exploded once. Literally!
To be continued...
Notes: This episode is set before Kanako first shows up in Arisugawa's Locket. That's also where I first introduced the idea Juri was a martial artist too.
Eighteen
The demons charged forward, howling their fury as the dozens of misshapen beasts bubbled up from the broken seal in a old shrine in the middle of Tokyo. The night was lit up by a ugly red glow as the demons tore apart construction equipment and the remains of the old seal stone. The evacuation was going as quickly as possible, the members of the Phantom Quest Corp and the local police pulling people out of nearby homes just in case.
"Move, move!" Kitsune yelled as she guided people out of the probable danger zone, silently cursing the construction company that had called her only a hour before they knocked the old shrine over a day early. She had warned them that something was sealed away under there, but could they listen to her? Of course not!.
"Come with me, ma'am," Anthy bodily picked up the granny as they hurried away from the demon gate, her purple hair flowing as her short skirt seemed to shimmer, becoming a longer dress before shrinking once more.
Ema blinked in surprise, wondering how such a small woman could be so strong, then decided to worry about it later as she stuck another talisman on the wall. Using her cellphone she reported, "I've placed the wards, Miss Hino!"
"Thanks, and just call me Rei," she answered as she snapped the phone shut, chanting softly as she activated the talismans. In seconds they sealed three sides of the area the monsters were emerging from, leaving them one avenue to move. She looked at Kitsune, "It's ready."
Kitsune dialed her phone, watching the creatures charge off before saying seriously, "They're on their way. Be careful, okay?"
Rei still wasn't sure about trusting this to Motoko and the other swords women, but she was reassured to know there was backup around if needed. Ami would have already called the other Sailor Senshi and the Outers about this, and she had also called Kagome too. Inu Yasha probably wouldn't get along well with Sailor Moon, but she was confident they could work together in a crisis.
"They're coming," Motoko flipped the phone shut as she hefted her wooden blade, the air around the black haired young woman shimmering with power.
"I know," Utena Tenjou agreed as the pink haired woman took up a dueling stance, her ornate sword held at the ready, "I can feel them."
"Would I regret asking where you got that sword?" Tennyo Masaki asked, her silver white hair flowing around her. Like Motoko she hefted a wooden blade, but hers had a strange, glowing green gen set in the hilt.
"Long story," Utena answered grimly as the first demons roared towards them.
"God's Cry Technique!" Motoko swept her sword around, "Demon banishing sword!" There was a wave of swiftly traveling air shimmering with 'chi' that struck the front rank, pulverizing them as the rest piled over the gory mess.
Tennyo cut down the first demon that reached her, moving on to the n ext before the first could even finish falling. "Come on, then," she growled as she chopped off another one's arm then sliced it right across the middle.
"For the revolution of the world!" Utena called out her strange battle cry as she attacked the next ones, her sword seeming to blaze with silvery fire as she destroyed the first demon that reached her and burning the wound closed so they weren't splattered with blood..
Soon the three women settled into a pattern, Motoko launching long ranged 'chi' attacks while Utena and Tennyo did the close in work, swiftly becoming like a demon killing machine. The beasts mindlessly charged in to kill and instead were killed, destroyed by sword, chi or mystical force.
"Incredible," Rei murmured as the last of the demons fell, leaving three wounded and very weary looking warriors knee deep in the muck and blood.
"Is that all of them?" Kitsune asked as they hurried over to the three fighters, wishing she had some kind of offensive ability..
Rei nodded seriously, "Yes, that's all the lesser servants. There's still a malicious force in the old shrine itself, but Kagome and I can restore the seals on it."
All three women were scratched up and bloody, but were otherwise largely unharmed. "Let's not do that again anytime soon," Tennyo sighed tiredly as she leaned on her sword, blood seeping down her arms from multiple claw cuts.
"Seconded," Utena agreed with a groan as Anthy hurried over.
Anthy looked her over before puffing out a sigh of relief. "They're mostly shallow," she said as she washed Utena's wounds with water from a canteen.
"Are you all right?" Kitsune asked Motoko, forcibly pushing up the woman's billowy sleeves to check out her cuts and wounds.
"Nothing serious," Motoko answered her calmly, "my elder sister would be ashamed if I was injured battling such minor demons."
"Your sister is nuts, Kitsune pointed out as she cleaned and bandaged a deeper gash on her arm that was leaking blood.
"And what do you mean, MINOR demons?" Tennyo asked as both Utena and she looked at Motoko, aghast.
"Well, individually minor, anyway. As a group they were somewhat more challenging," Motoko clarified her point.
"You're as crazy as your sister," Kitsune sighed as they headed up to the old shrine to help with the final sealing. And to make sure there were no more nasty surprises, too.
A tall police woman was getting statements up by the shrine once they finished the sealing, her long brown hair flowing in the faint breeze. Kitsune recognized the man she was talking to and growled, stalking over towards them.
"Ah," the president of the construction company smiled weakly, sweating, "what a pleasant surprise seeing you here, miss..."
"Why?!" Kitsune yelled as she punched him in the face and sent him sprawling. He gibbered as he tried to get away but she stalked after him, "Why the hell did you have your crews try to knock over the building now of all times? After I warned you there was something in there!"
Kitsune moved to kick him someplace delicate and he blurted, "The preservation society was moving to stop work and save the shrine! I had to knock it down now!"
The police officer watched Kitsune haul him up, then moved forward with a smile. "Could you let him go?" she asked politely. Looking over at him she said, "You are under arrest for demolitions without a permit, endangering the public and whatever else I can come up with."
"You can't!" be tried to bluster.
"It's come downtown with me," she said and nodded towards where a clearly pissed Kitsune and several area residents who were pissed off about being kicked out of their homes this late were gathering, "or stay here and deal with them."
He looked over at the glaring people and gulped loudly. "Please," he held out his hands, "take me downtown."
A young police officer took him away as the crowd grumbled in disappointment. "Thank you, Officer Futaba," Kitsune said as she read the woman's name tag, "I'm not sure what I would have done if you hadn't stopped me."
"Call me Aoi," she smiled as she put away her notebook. "I wanted to slug him, too," she admitted, "as unprofessional as that sounds."
Kitsune sighed, "I'd better hope he doesn't press assault charges."
Aoi winked as she said, "I didn't see anything."
As the police and clean up effort finally wound down, the women piled into the Hinata Inn van and took off. Rei grinned as she looked over at Kitsune, "That officer was totally hitting on you."
"She was not," Kitsune blushed, focusing on her driving.
"She came back to talk to you twice," Utena looked amused from where she sat in the back, "and even gave you her card."
Kitsune slumped in her seat, "Yeah, well..."
"Uhm," Ema looked up from where the girl was updating her paranormal website with details of tonight's adventure.
"Yes?" Anthy looked at her, having learned the quiet girl was good at finding things out.
Ema blushed as she noticed almost everyone was looking at her. "I was talking to one of the other officers," she said, "Aoi apparently is a guy."
There was a long beat of silence then Kitsune blurted, "What?!"
Ema shrugged as she relayed the story she heard, "He started dressing like that in doing the anti-pervert patrols on trains and eventually started dressing as a woman full time."
"Wow," Motoko shook her head ruefully, not having seen through the disguise.
Rei looked over at Ema curiously as she asked, "Do you think the officer made that up?" She smiled slightly, "I've seen a few crossdressers before, but I never spotted Aoi..."
"I think he was trying to pick me up," Ema said dryly, "I doubt he'd say something I could catch as a lie later on."
The teasing of Kitsune immediately stopped only to focus on Ema, while Kitsune concentrated on the road. "What a night," she sighed.
"We did pretty well, though," Motoko offered was they drove on.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"Well, that was a waste of time," Sailor Moon muttered from where they waited on a rooftop not far away from the shrine. The blond was dressed in a modified sailor fuku/leotard which didn't do much to stop the winter cold.
"Sorry everyone," Sailor Mercury apologized as the blue haired girl ran scans with her mini-computer. "The gate is sealed," she reported, "it looks like we won't have to do anything."
"Too bad," Inu Yasha sighed, the white haired half-demon crouching nearby. "Too bad we didn't get here earlier, I'd have liked to join in the fighting," he complained.
"Don't mind him," Kagome apologized, "he just hates to miss a fight." The black haired girl shivered in her street clothes, "Can I go home, now?"
"Thank you both for coming," Mercury bowed as Inu Yasha carried Kagome off, bounding away at high speed.
"This really wasn't such a waste.," Sailor Pluto offered as they prepared to go, her long green-black hair flowing in the breeze.
"Oh?" Sailor Moon looked at her curiously.
"We've learned about a potential new ally and even know what they're capable of," Sailor Pluto smiled as she added, "not bad for a night's work."
"True," Sailor Uranus conceded thoughtfully, "very true."
Mercury smiled as they bounded off the roof, "See you later, I need to get back to the Hinata Inn before Kitsune and the others or there are going to be some very curious people there."
"See you," Sailor Jupiter waved as they split up.
To be continued...
Notes: Aoi Futaba is from You're Under Arrest and is in fact a he. In fact Aoi is also one of the most feminine characters in the series, which is often played for laughs. Was Aoi hitting on Kitsune? In my fanfics I've featured Aoi as a 'male lesbian' in that he thinks of himself as a woman but still chases girls. Canon is less clear in that in the manga series Aoi doesn't date, nor does she in the first anime series. In the latest one she's seeing a guy online, but no other data...
Nineteen
Kanako Urashima walked around the site of the proposed Hinata Inn, feeling a surge of impatience as she checked out the now cleared location. Hauling out the wreckage of the old annex had taken a lot of time, as had getting clearances from the town to build here. Unlike updating the dorms it had taken a great deal of paperwork and consultations, but at last it was nearly time to begun.
The architect Nobuyuki Masaki pushed up his protective work hat, his black hair falling into his eyes a bit. Tennyo had recommended him to her and so far she was quite impressed with his work. "As requested," he smiled as he unrolled the plans onto a old picnic table left up there, "I've stuck with a fairly simple design."
"Hmm," Kanako murmured as she looked over the design. As requested he stuck with a simple 'u' shaped design, with the offices and entrance in the middle. Each 'wing' would have both standard and larger rooms, intended for singles, doubles and 'honeymoon suites. "It looks very good," she smiled, "thank you."
"You're welcome," Nobuyuki smiled.
Rea Masaki, his secretary/assistant and now wife, poured them all tea from a thermos, her glasses gleaming in the sun. She had slapped her husband upside the head when he tried to get fresh with Kitsune, bu other than that he had stayed on his best behavior. "I hope things are going well?" Rea asked politely.
"Quite well," Kanako smiled, "thank you for the tea."
"You're welcome," Rea smiled. She gave her husband a fond look, "Typical man, he forgets things like this when rushing to work."
"Yes, well," Nobuyuki smiled bashfully.
Kanako was still trying to figure out how he was related to Tennyo, too. They said that he was her uncle, but somehow they seemed to have a closer relationship than that. Tennyo scolded him like a daughter at times, or maybe a sister. It was all very strange.
Finishing walking out the site the three headed down the hill towards the old Inn, talking quietly. "Uhm, I was wondering," Nobuyuki smiled shyly as he asked her, "how is Tennyo doing? Is she settling in well?"
"I think so," Kanako answered him honestly, "she's made several friends among the residents, and personally I rather like her."
"Good, good," Nobuyuki nodded, "she had been living abroad so long, I wasn't sure how well she'd fit in around regular Japanese."
Almost on cue there was a loud boom from the upper floor of the Inn, loud enough to draw all their eyes to the building. All three gazed in shock as what appeared to be a giant turtle mecha launched, engines blazing as it shot up into the blue sky.
"Wha...," Rea blinked.
Kanako laughed, "We're not exactly regular."
Meanwhile back at the Inn Ema Maeda was typing away at her ever present laptop, working on a update to the Phantom Quest Corp web-page that she had designed. In addition to a report on their stopping a ogre in a nearby district, she was writing up a series of agent biographies to add to the site. They were pretty much just name, nickname if applicable, background and special skills, but it was interesting to do.
"Kitsune," Ema stuck her head into the cafe even as she was writing the listing on Mitsune Konno, "how would you describe yourself in one sentence?"
"Small business woman and freelance writer," Kitsune answered as she helped deal with the morning rush at Cafe Hinata.
"Got it," Ema typed that in. She looked up and impishly asked, "Do you want me to put your measurements on the site?"
"Hell no," Kitsune laughed, "a woman has to have some secrets."
Ema laughed as she walked out, not mentioning she was using a bikini clad pic of Kitsune for the site. 'I'll let it be a surprise,' she mused, 'besides, it'll increase my site hits.' Leaving them to their work she went looking for the other members of the group.
Motoko Aoyama was off at school today, studying at Tokyo U. The tall black haired woman was
a imposing figure at the best of times, even more so carrying her sword. Deciding to be safe she put a more modest photo of her up, along with the description, 'student and practitioner of ancient sword fighting style.'
Also absent was Anthy Himemiya, a woman that Ema still couldn't quite get a grip on. With violet hair and dusky skin Anthy was clearly a foreigner, yet she spoke Japanese with no accent. Sometimes she seemed to need the glasses she wore, and sometimes she casually discarded them. And there was a odd feeling of power about her, along with a lingering sorrow.
For simplicity Ema just posted a picture taken from Anthy's ad on a esper website, adding on to it the description, 'resident psychic of the company.' It was nowhere near a accurate summation of the young woman, but it was the best Ema could manage so far, sitting on the steps leading up to the inn as she typed away
"What are you working on?" a voice asked as someone looked over her shoulder curiously, the shadow falling over her keyboard.
"Miss Tennyo," Ema smiled up at the older woman. It was hard to guess the white haired woman's age, it could be anywhere from twenty to forty, and her face was unlined. Her eyes twinkled with amusement but also could seem very wise and knowing, too.
"Well?" Tennyo Masaki smiled.
"Kitsune asked me to update the website with short bios of her crew," Ema smiled, "I'm just working on those now."
"Interesting," Tennyo noted as she pushed her white hair back, "better add me in there. Kitsune talked me into being a spare sword, somehow."
"Kitsune is really good at talking people into things," Ema noted wryly.
"I've noticed," Tennyo laughed as she swept her hair back and sat down comfortably beside her on the steps, being careful not to wrinkle her dress pants too badly. She wore a suit jacket and carried a briefcase, indicating she was getting back from a office visit.
Respectfully Ema asked the older woman, "What would you like me to put down about you?"
Tennyo scratched her head thoughtfully then offered, "Part time office lady, trained in the Misaki style of swordsmanship?"
"I'm sure you're more than just a office lady," Ema protested, having peeked in on Tennyo working in her home office. She was some kind of industrial architect, Ema thought, or similar job.
"True," Tennyo laughed, "but your website doesn't need to know that."
Ema's future librarian side felt a pang at that, but she drove it down strongly. Besides, Tennyo had every right to say what would be said about her on the site. "Uhm, Tennyo?" she smiled shyly, "Can I ask you something?"
"You just did," Tennyo leaned back, enjoying the sunlight, "but go ahead, ask another."
"I saw you and Mutsumi kissing," Ema blushed sweetly, "are you two...?"
Tennyo actually blushed too, the fair skinned woman looking a touch embarrassed. "I'm not sure what we are yet," she admitted.
"Huh?" Ema blinked.
"I like Mutsumi a great deal, and she seems to like me," Tennyo elaborated, "but she's a bit young for me. I'm taking it slow, just in case."
Ema blinked at her, "You're not that much older."
Tennyo gave her a mysterious little smile as she told her, "You'd be surprised." Before Ema could form a reply Tennyo got up, dusting off the seat of her pants. "See you later," she smiled, walking up to the inn.
"Bye," Ema waved, wondering if she offended the other woman, somehow.
Deciding to worry about it later Ema went back to the biographies. Rei Hino was fairly easy to add, as she was a part time student and shrine maiden. Sadly Ema didn't have a good photo of her yet, so she put up one of her with the rest of the group.
For good measure Ema added a listing on Su, since she provided their technology, not to mention going out on missions with her ghost-busters equipment. The idea of walking around with a nuclear device on your back gave Ema the willies, but Su seemed perfectly fine with it.
"I guess it takes all kinds," Ema murmured.
Kanako smiled as she escorted her guests back to the car, bowing slightly to both of them. "Thank you for your efforts," she said politely.
Nobuyuki bowed back and stood up. "I'll work in the modifications you suggested and fax back the designs," he said.
"I appreciate it," Kanako said.
"You have a lovely location," Rea added as they left, "once you've finished building, I'll try to get us booked there."
Kanako waved goodbye, "I'll appreciate that."
AS they drove off a familiar bus pulled up at a nearby stop, and a tall, dark haired figure walked out. Seeing her Kanako waited, and in a few moments Motoko Aoyama had joined her by the steps. "Morning," Motoko nodded politely, her ever present wooden sword slung over her shoulder, a school bag at her side.
"Welcome home," Kanako said as they went up the steps.
"Thank you," Motoko said as they walked, the woman a model of serenity and grace.
Looking at her Kanako thought of her recent shopping expedition, and the magazines she had bought. One of them, a romance title, had featured a story with Motoko's name attached, a beautiful modern romance about two office ladies. Kanako had been deeply touched by it, and found it almost impossible to imagine the stoic woman beside her writing it.
Motoko gave her a thoughtful look, "Is something wrong?"
"Uhm," Kanako hesitated then asked, "have you heard of a magazine called WildRose?"
Motoko went bone pale. "How did you...?" she yelped, looking at Kanako with surprise.
Kanako put a reassuring hand on Motoko's arm, "I bought a copy when I was in Otome Road." Gently she added, "You're a very good writer."
Motoko blushed, looking away, "Thank you."
"Where did you get the idea?" Kanako asked as they walked along together.
Motoko looked sheepish, "From books I've read, that sort of thing." She blushed as she admitted, "I haven't had much experience, personally."
Kanako chuckled, "Me too."
To be continued...