So… should we go pick her up? Beryl's reincarnation? What's her name… Anne? Are we bringing her here? What's the next step?

These were James's thoughts as he woke up under a lovely warm comforter. Followed by:

Hino-san. I have to thank her. It will be rude if I don't thank her. I owe her. I should get her a biscuit.

Wait, just one biscuit? No, that's not right…

He blinked and sat up a little, and heard Mamoru say "James, you're awake."

He turned towards the voice. "Master…"

"No need of that," said Mamoru. He smiled at James's bleary expression.

James looked around the guest room. Mamoru's guest room. "This place again… How long have I been out?"

"About eight hours. Don't worry—" Mamoru's touch was light on his wrist— "you haven't missed much. Relax. How do you feel?"

"I could murder a cup of tea." James rubbed his eyes. "Can I walk, or am I an invalid?"

"Not an invalid. Come on."

The day looked brighter already. As Mamoru poured tea, James asked, "Did Hino-san tell you who I… who we met?"

"She did." The corners of Mamoru's mouth tightened. It was a subtle expression, and James found himself committing it to memory, just in case he was called on once again to impersonate his Prince. "She told Usagi and me. No one else."

The cup paused halfway to his lips. "Not even Aino-san?"

"Not even her. We're keeping it quiet for now." Mamoru looked sidelong at James. The grimness around his mouth lifted as he said, "You're very persuasive."

"I wasn't trying," James said flatly. "I just didn't want people hurt without reason."

"I guess it struck a chord with her."

James almost asked Mamoru why that was— but he realized, the person to ask was Hino-san herself. And that did not seem impossible. He felt… energized.

I'll bring her a gift. Something really nice, he thought. Can I buy a horse at this hour?

No, a horse isn't a good idea…

James realized his thoughts were wandering. "So what's the next step?"

"Well." Mamoru paused. "Antarctica is kind of far away."

"I noticed."

"Now that we know about her, about Anne," and James didn't miss the tiny hesitation, "we can keep an eye on her. The day may come when she sets foot in Tokyo and wants to chat with Tuxedo Mask."

"Not alone," said James at once.

"No, I wasn't planning on being alone. But I think space is what B— what Anne needs. And it's the one thing we can give her."

"Sir." There was a word, an English one, coming to James's consciousness. Started with M.

"Yes?"

"You're remarkable," he said, and the words boiled up inside him, a poor expression of what he saw in Mamoru. His fingers were beating a rapid twelve-part percussion on his knees.

"You okay, James?"

He almost had it… not maturity, and not majesty, though that was close… "I just have a lot of energy, sir," said James. "For the first time in… god. The first time since January, I think— I'm not tired."

"Well, that's excellent. Do you care to go for a run?"

"Mercy!"

"Huh?"

James reached out and took Mamoru's hand. "'The quality of mercy,'" he said, "'is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath.'"

Mamoru's baffled expression gave way to smiling peace.

"'It is twice blessed, it blesses him that gives and him that takes. 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes the throned monarch better than his crown.'"

It seemed to James that as he spoke, a shimmering crown fell on Mamoru's hair. It was as though even the humble lightbulbs of Juuban wanted to adorn their sovereign. James concluded:

"... But mercy is above this sceptered sway. It is enthroned in the hearts of kings. It is an attribute to God Himself, and earthly power then does show likest God's, when mercy seasons justice.'" He squeezed Mamoru's hand and let go.

"Thank you," said Mamoru warmly. "That was beautiful."

"The Merchant of Venice," said James, "act four, scene one. And," he added, "I would love to go for a run."

"How do you feel," Mamoru asked, "about running along rooftops?"

"Rooftops?"

"Never a bad time for training."

"Sounds great. Do I get a transformation phrase?"

"If you like."

James picked up his teacup and drained it. "And when the shops open, I have an errand to run."

It was six in the morning. Rei wasn't sure if it counted as the same day as her trip to Antarctica, but it was definitely the day after her trip to Mars and her meeting with Kaidou. Twenty-four hours away from home… all in a day's work for a Guardian in a sailor suit.

As she climbed the slope homeward, her steps were slow. But her head was tilted up.

She had done well.

They had returned to the command center in Tokyo. There, Rei had taken Usagi aside to explain, exactly, who she had met in Antarctica. Usagi's smile had faded as Rei described Anne,

Rei had finished her story by saying, "And then Jupiter messaged me and said the spell had broken… so I left," and it was a little anticlimactic, "I left Anne alive, just standing there in Davis Station."

It went against all the training that Princess Aresyne of Mars had lived through. Don't turn your back on an enemy that you leave alive & free.

But Usagi, the Queen of promised days, had smiled and said, "Oh, Rei. You've done so well."

Not bad for a Guardian in heels.

Phobos and Deimos had accompanied her home, of course. As she entered her kitchen, they swooped around the perimeter, checking on the little keys and cues of their world.

Rei thought she entered the house quietly…

A panel slid aside a little. "Rei? Is that you?"

"Yes, Grandpa." She frowned. "You didn't stay up all night, did you?"

"Eh, I had a good mystery novel." He smiled at her. "Everything well, Rei?"

"Everything's fine. I'll put the kettle on."

"Good girl…"

Rei sighed when the door slid shut. Grandpa needed his rest. He didn't need to stay up all night, certainly not on her account…

It was pleasant, though, to settle back into the ordinary routines. She put the kettle on and donned her shrine uniform.

The broom's handle was smooth in her hands as she swept up the cobblestones. A good, ordinary day was nothing to take for granted. Soon she would take breakfast, and then…

A warning caw from Deimos made her turn.

Kaidou was coming up the walk.

I am so tired, Rei thought. For a moment to Rei it seemed past and present overlaid each other— but Kaidou was dressed for business, and he carried no umbrella. "Rei, good morning."

"Kaidou. Welcome to our shrine. Again."

He did not stop walking until he stood right before her. In a big-brother voice he chided her, "I am not your enemy, Rei."

"No," she said, "you are not. But it is unusual to see you twice in two days." After so many years' absence. "What is your business with my grandfather?"
"Rei, my business is with you."

A brief fantasy: just turn and walk away. But no, better to face this conversation and get it over with.

"You cut out yesterday before I could inform you—"

"I had business elsewhere."

"Business with your friends, yes. But Rei, what I have to say is important."

"You are free to speak."

Kaidou's lips thinned. "It concerns your father."

Rei took stock of the moment: clear air, morning quiet. Phobos and Deimos in the tree overhead, ready for anything. Life changed in moments such as this. "Go on."

Kaidou, so sure of his words, hesitated. "You should send him congratulations. Your father prepares for a wedding."

"A wedding?"

"He is getting married to a young lady of excellent family."

Rei's hands almost hurt as they gripped her broomstick. Mind you don't singe that… "How old is she?"

"Beg pardon?"

"How old is his fiancée, Kaidou?"

"I don't understand—"

"You described her as a 'young lady.'"

"Rei, don't get upset—"

"I asked one question."

Again that trace of discomfiture. For a moment something familiar shone out of Kaidou's eyes. A lost friend— the kind who didn't trade in sugar-coated platitudes. "I don't know her exact age." A glance sideward as he straightened his tie, "He hopes to have a son."

To have a son. To think of it… to think of ritual and a golden ring, all disguising the snare in wait for that poor woman— Rei blinked vigorously and her head tilted up. To herself she said, "She can't be much older than me."

If Kaidou heard that, he gave no sign. "I thought you'd want to know from me," he said. "Not from the newspapers."

It was like dragging herself over broken glass to say, "Thank you, Kaidou." She paused. "Did you tell my grandfather?"

"I told him yesterday."

"Thank you." Grandfather understands, she thought. And then, Damn you, Kaidou, you understand perfectly well. You just pretend not to. A man for painted idols.

"I realize this must be a shock," Kaidou said. "You can keep in touch with me…"

How do I get you the hell off of my family's shrine…

"... Reach out whenever you want. After all, you and I go way back, Rei…" He trailed off. He looked at something over her shoulder and said, in a carrying sort of voice, "Young man, are you lost?"

Rei turned (don't turn your back on an enemy you leave alive & free) and looked.

James Sun was walking along the shrine paths. He didn't look lost, merely a little bewildered. When he saw Rei his pale face brightened. In one hand he held a small paper bag of light blue. He greeted her and— oh no, he was walking this way.

"A friend of yours?" Kaidou asked her.

Rei stood very still. She wondered if she could die of mortification before he reached them.

It didn't work.

"Good morning, Hino-san," said Sun as he stepped into speaking range. "It's nice to see you."

Kaidou gave Sun a cool stare. "And you are…?"
"James Sun," said he. "I'm a friend of Hino-san's."

"A new friend," Rei muttered.

When you looked at them side by side, they were alike, but not that alike, she thought. Kaidou's features were regular, even classically handsome. James had a more idiosyncratic face. Or maybe it was that mischief in his eyes, maybe that cast his features in a devilish light. Sun asked of Kaidou, "Who are you?" while making eye contact that was nearly belligerent.

By the look on Kaidou's face, he was concluding that James Sun had been born in a barn. "I am an old friend of the Hino family."

"Really? She's never mentioned you."

Rei stared into the trees.

Kaidou responded, "My work keeps me busy. I am in politics."

"Oh. That's nice."

"And what about you?"

"Yes?"

"What is your work?"

"I drive buses in Hong Kong. Currently unemployed."

"You… are you playing with me?"

"I must admit, I am." James nodded as if chastised.

For their resemblance, Rei thought, their expressions are so different.

James added, "I'm actually in cahoots with Tuxedo Mask."

A little spasm of disgust crossed Kaidou's face. "Sir," said he. Then he turned to Rei and spoke as if Sun were not there. "Rei, on account of our long friendship, I remind you that I can always make introductions if you wish to make friends of," he paused significantly, "of a good caliber."

Rei stood up a little straighter. She looked up into Kaidou's face.

A kiss comes like the rain, but fades just as quickly.

She said, "Sun is of a decent caliber. Kaidou, I appreciate your message and I thank you. But, of course, being a company man, you must be very busy. I won't take up more of your time."

Kaidou's eyes widened. "You can't be—" he couldn't even finish the sentence.

"You are welcome to visit my grandfather whenever you like."

A small, tight frown. He certainly got that look, Rei thought, from my father.

"Very well," he said. "Good-day, Rei." No acknowledgment at all for James Sun.

And Kaidou was gone.

It took a while for his form to round the corner, but he was gone the minute he'd turned his back on Rei. His will did not abide and his presence had no shadow.

Rei turned to James Sun, whose smile had faded. He was looking after Kaidou with a faint glower.

"You called me decent," said Sun. "I believe I've never had such a compliment in all my…" Only then did he notice the look in Rei's eyes. "Oh, what did I do this time, Hino-san?"

"What gives you the right."

His mouth shut.

"You intrude on a private conversation. And then you play a complete fool, for no earthly reason—"

His expression closed off, except for his eyes. His eyes were— that had better not be a twinkle of merriment.

"Is this funny to you, Sun? Is my life some kind of play that you can just—scribble on, and make yourself the hero?"

He raised his eyebrows. "Never said that."

"No, but you dropped Tuxedo Mask's name to serve whatever little game you were playing—with a man that, incidentally, is my guest."

"Really? Your guest? It looked like—" Sun hesitated. Then, in a rush: "It looked like you needed help."

Rei inhaled.

And exploded.

"How dare you— you haven't got the first clue of who I am, where I've been, what I've done since I first set foot in this shrine. Do you think the luck of being reborn means that you get to write your play with me as the weeping damsel in a tower? You piece of trash, I've been fighting since I was fourteen, all you know is stage combat, and I do not need your help, I never have and I never will. Do you understand?"

Sun's eyes had not left her face. "Perfectly."

Arrogant— insolent— calm— how fucking dare he—

"Then why are you still here? Are you really a useless pretty boy? Is your head too full of your precious Shakespeare to ever really act?" She could not stop herself. Days— weeks— months of pent-up rage were pouring through her. Ever since she'd realized Nephrite was returned.

Ever since she'd realized Makoto would not send Nephrite away.

And Sun was still calm.

"What is wrong with you? Why are you just standing there? Why do you put up with me like this? Are you really so empty-headed and dull? Why don't you scream? Why don't you—"

Without thinking she reached up and seized a handful of his hair.

Horror froze her, every muscle. Her gaze dropped to his collar.

She thought, I've gone way too far. I've lost my temper. This is too far.

But her fury wasn't done. Through gritted teeth, the words ground out: "Why don't you hate me the way I hate you?"

She ought to let go of his hair. But it was smooth in her hand, like silk.

His Adam's apple bobbed; the pulse in the hollow of his throat…

"Hino…"

His voice brought her gaze up— and she was locked in his eyes. Were they always so dark?

Sun's words were soft. "If it helps, I do hate you. I hate you so much I can't bear it, Rei, I despise you."

The shape of her name on his lips… they were even, debts squared… they were…

Crack.

The noise of the broomstick falling to the ground brought Rei back to reality.

Here.

Now.

What am I doing.

Rei let go of Sun and stepped backwards. Almost staggered but recovered.

"Sun."

"Hino." He brushed his mouth with a hand— the same hand brushed over his hair— and then he extended his other arm to hold out a paper bag. Wait, he'd been holding that the entire time?

It was— blue, the bag was blue, and it had the words "Bachelor's Button Confectionary" printed on the side in sweet white letters.

"I wanted to thank you," he said stiffly. "For um. Antarctica. Saved my life."

"I would've done it for anyone," Rei replied, looking deliberately at the bag.

"Yes, but it's still good manners. Thank you."

She reached out and took the Bachelor's Button Confectionary bag from him. "It's um, it's very nice." Her hands were not shaking, thank you very much. "You have good manners, Sun."

"Thank you."

"Thank you."

"I'd, um, I'm going, Mamoru—"

"Yes, yes, go. I'll, um— you'll be back here soon."

"Yes."

"For a Guardian meeting."

"Certainly. Hino— um—"

"Goodbye."

"Yes, goodbye. Be well."

"Thank you."

"Yes."

Finally Sun turned and walked away and Rei looked after him (don't turn your back on an enemy that… oh, forget it) and she realized there was something odd about how he walked and oh it was time to put the broom away and set this from her mind (but she didn't do very well at that).

She found herself seated at the kitchen table, with the confectionary bag sitting before her. Her eyes went to the empty seat across.

It was so easy to imagine Sun sitting there, enjoying some tea, just as Kaidou had done in years gone by…

A realization dawned, something positive that she could hang on to.

Sun and Kaidou. Fair hair and blue eyes, that aura of self-possession. I never noticed their resemblance before, she thought, because they are otherwise so very different. Sun has a center. Kaidou does not.

Rei put the kettle on. She opened the confectionary bag. And then a box inside, so she opened that, and…

She bit her lip.

Oh, damn you, Sun.

A little crow sat on a pastry nest, with its head tilted up in a proud attitude. The black feathers were swooping, sparkling sugar and the beak gleamed. A slip of paper proclaimed the ingredients: black sesame, bitter chocolate, activated charcoal for color. Trick or treat and happy Halloween, the paper added.

Something flared up inside of her; it might have been a curse, but it came out as a laugh.

Now, I can't let Sun know that this is delightful, she thought.

With the laughter came appetite. I could, she thought, devour that bird in two bites…

But that behavior doesn't suit me.

What's in a name? That which we call a kiss by any other name would be as sweet…

Yes, and as impossible to forget… even if it never in fact happened.

Crystal Tokyo suddenly seemed like an extremely long time.

But Rei did not have to fret over the decision. She had already made the choice a long time ago. One day at a time, she thought, I will live. From here to Crystal Tokyo.