ЁHgeocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/1449/advav15.htmlgeocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/1449/advav15.htmldelayedx╣╝╒J                    ╚амўСOKtext/htmlАЪ &С    bЙ.HSun, 23 Apr 2000 22:31:24 GMT3Mozilla/4.5 (compatible; HTTrack 3.0x; Windows 98)en, *╣╝╒JС American Vacation Chapter 15

American Vacation Chapter 15

All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz Communications. Sailor Moon was created by Naoko Taeuchi.
 

                A Different Viewpoint: American Vacation: Chapter 15
 

    < Now what?>  Michael thought to himself.  The message from 'Icequeen' flashed before him, but it wasn't helping him decide.

    * * * * * * * * *

        Subject: RE: More Info?
        Date: Mon, 9 Aug 199* 1:32:22 -0700
        From: <IceQueen@infomail.com>
        To: <M.A.D.@cal.net>

    The Mitshara Lawsuit likely to be settled shortly.  I don't recommend buying their stock at this time.

    Johnathon Tendo recently returned from China, and is on a trip with his new wife.  I can't tell you any more than that.

    I'll look around for a place, how long do you plan to be in town?

    * * * * * * * * *

    Michael scratched his head.  < This isn't like Icequeen.  She didn't even ask me how much I was willing to pay.  Just, "I can't tell you more than that?"  What's going on here?>

    "One thing's certain."  Mike said to the blinking cursor.  "I definitely need to find out."

    He was sitting in the San Francisco International Airport, waiting for his flight, one he'd booked when his brother had informed him of his stay.  It hadn't been easy to move the date up, but Michael had decided the earlier flight was necessary.     < If I'm going to find out what John's hiding from me, I'm going to have to go alone.>  He put his head in his hands.  < I can't believe he lied to me. What's happened to my brother?  This whole situation is strange.  When he looked at me, he almost looked... worried about me.  Why?  Kasumi too... it was easy enough to tell when she was lying... she obviously hasn't had much practice at it.  Let's not forget her sister, and fiancee in law.... Now Ranma's a rotten liar.   But I still have no clue what they were all lying to me about!>

    Mike checked his watch.  < Half an hour till my flight.  I don't feel right about leaving without telling John, but... I'm worried he'd warn the Tendo's about me.  I have to find out what's going on.  My own brother... it's driving me crazy.  John never... NEVER lies to me.>

    He shook his head.  < Well at least he never used to.>

    Mike typed out a final reply to IceQueen.

    * * * * * * * *

    Subject: RE: More Info?
        Date: Wed, 11 Aug 199* 7:38:08 -0700
        From: <IceQueen@infomail.com>
        To: <M.A.D.@cal.net>

I'll be staying for a few weeks at least.  Can you find me a single bedroom apartment in the area? I wouldn't mind sharing the rent with someone.

I'll be flying out tonight.  Is it possible you could have someone meet my flight?  United flight 670 from San Francisco.  I'll be the 6 foot Gajin dressed all in gray.

        * * * * * * *

    Mike sent the message then switched off his laptop and unplugged it from the phone line.  As he put the computer away, he surveyed his fellow passengers.  Most appeared to be Japanese business types, along with a few American tourists.  A large, extremely well built oriental was hanging back a bit, giving him the evil eye.  Mike ignored him.  < Sheesh, what's his problem?>

    Kang Liu gave the interfering fool another hard look.  < If I only catch that fellow in a dark alley... Just my luck we're on the same flight.  Maybe I should stay in Tokyo a few days... just to pay that guy back for loosing me such a cushy job.>  He thought back to the match.  < He looks even more pitiful today... he just got lucky, the bastard.>

    As the second boarding call was made, Mike got up, relieved to notice the fellow wasn't following.  < At least we're not seated near each other... that guy gives me the creeps.>

    On board the plane, Mike relaxed.  < I'll just get some sleep on the flight.  I hope I'm not getting in over my head.>

        *********************************

    Nabiki put down the phone slowly, a pleased expression on her face. < Diana is at Mamoru's place.  Very interesting.  I thought they were close, but I figured they were both too involved with Usagi... well I guess it's a three-way.  Kinky.>  She turned to Nodoka.  "Auntie, I'm going out now."

    Nodoka nodded.  "All right, Nabiki dear, but would you take Ryoga-kun with you?  He hasn't been outside in days."

    Nabiki frowned slightly to herself, but nodded, putting on her cheerful face.  < When will she stop matchmaking?>  Nabiki walked into the living room and tapped Ryoga on the shoulder.

    He was sitting in there with a bored expression on his face, watching Genma and Soun play Warlords on Johnathon's computer.  Nabiki frowned at the duo.  < How do you cheat at that?>  As if to demonstrate, Genma asked her where she was going, and when Soun looked up to acknowledge her, skipped Soun's turn.  Nabiki shook her head and tapped Ryoga again.  "Come on Ryoga-kun, we're going."  She looked at her father, who was trying to return to a saved game behind Genma's back, and shook her head again.

    Ryoga followed her out of the room.  "Huh?  Where are we going, Nabiki?"

    Nabiki didn't answer until they were outside.  "To the airport, Ryoga.  I've got a... client I want to get a look at today."

    Ryoga nodded.  "OK I guess.  But why am I going?"

    Nabiki shrugged.  "Call it the duty of a Martial Artist.  Who knows, I could get mugged, you know, a girl alone in the streets of Tokyo?"

    Ryoga nodded again.  "Oh... OK, sure.  The airport right?  I've been there."  He started to head back into the dojo."

    Nabiki grabbed his arm, and when that didn't stop him, whapped him in the ear with her hand.  "Ouch!  Ryoga, you idiot, just follow me, alright.  I want to be at the airport today, not next year."  < Mental note, do not slap Ryoga!  He's head is made of rock!>

    Ryoga looked back at her.  Nabiki was rubbing one hand and glaring at him.  "Ah... not this way, huh?"

    Nabiki just shook her head.  "If only we could patent your sense of direction Ryoga... we'd make a killing selling it to the weather prediction people.  Random numbers galore!"

    Ryoga blinked, not understanding a word.

    Nabiki just sighed and grabbed his hand.  "This way, all right?" She led him down the street towards the train station.  < Oh brother. Ryoga and me?  Never.>

        ********************

    Mamoru pulled into Tokyo Airport's main parking facility 30 minutes before the gajin's plane was to arrive.  Luna was remarking from the passenger seat, "What kind of a name is Mad?  That's his whole name?" Mamoru had made up a sign at Nabiki's request with 'M.A.D.' printed on it.

    Mamoru looked down at the moon cat and shrugged.  "I don't know, Luna.  Maybe those are his initials."

    Luna frowned.  "And maybe he's... you know... 'mad'."  She looked at Mamoru in concern.  "It means angry in English you know... or crazy!"

    Mamoru had to laugh.  "This is a business contact of Nabiki's, not a agent of the Dark Kingdom, Luna.  I'm sure he'll be perfectly normal. People use all sorts of nicknames online these days."

    Luna sighed.  "I guess your right, Mamoru-san... oh look, a parking spot!"

    Mamoru looked, and nodded.  "Right."  He pulled into the place and parked.  You want to wait here?"

    Luna shook her head.  "Too boring.  Wait a moment... why don't you just carry me in under your coat, if it won't be too much trouble?"

    Mamoru shrugged.  "Sure.  I don't think that will be a problem."

    He slid his jacket on and picked up Luna.  "Now don't move around too much."  He said as he placed her inside.

    "I know that."  She protested indignantly.

    He grinned at her tone, got out of the car and headed into the airport.  First he checked the incoming flights.  "His flight is on
time, Luna.  We have plenty of time to get to the exit though."

    He headed towards the customs area.  "We'll just wait for him here."  Mamoru picked up a paper laying nearby and sat down to wait. Time passed slowly for Luna, she occasionally peeked out of Mamoru's jacket, but not too often, so she wouldn't be noticed.  Finally the flight they were waiting for arrived.  Mamoru stood up and held out the sign in plain view of the debarking area.  Luna peered out from below the sign, examining each person as they exited the plane.  Her surprise at one of the passengers was so great she said his name out loud. "Johnathon Dwire?!"

    Indeed it appeared to be the lanky English teacher, dressed all in gray, turtleneck and jeans in Johnathon's distinctive style.  He looked up as she said his name, and nodded to Mamoru.  Shortly he had cleared customs and was headed their way.  "Well, I'm glad to see you."

    Luna said softly.  "Johnathon, where are the others?"

    He blinked and stared at Mamoru.  "Is there something... ah, do you know my brother then?  I thought you were here to pick me up?  I'm Mad."

    Luna and Mamoru stared at him.  < Gray outfit... 6 foot tall gajin... answers to MAD.>  Nabiki's description was going through Mamoru's head.  "Ah... Johnathon-san, what's going on?  Why are you here without everyone else?  And what's this about a brother?  I didn't know you had a...."

    The tall gajin was shaking his head.  "You do know John, but you don't know me.  'I' am John's brother, Michael Alan Dwire, at your service."  He frowned.  < What's wrong with this guy's voice?  It sounded a lot higher a minute ago.  Shock, I guess.>  "Are you alright?"  Mike asked solicitously.  "You look a little pale."

    Mamoru was feeling a bit of shock, as was Luna, who was trying to snug deeper into Mamoru's jacket.  < Did he see me?  Is this some kind of joke?  Did Nabiki put Johnathon up to this...?  Nabiki doesn't know about the Sailor Senshi, does she?>

    Mamoru shook his head slowly.  "I'm fine, really.  You're Johnathon Dwire's brother?"

    Mike nodded.  "Twin brother.  The good looking one."  He grinned laughingly to conceal inner turmoil.  < What now?  I didn't expect to run into one of John's friends so soon.  I'd better make the best of it though, and see how much he knows.>  Mike swallowed imperceptibly.  < Here goes, I'll start with an easy one.>  "So, how did you meet my brother?"

    Mamoru blinked.  "Oh I met him..."  He paused and paled slightly.  < I can't tell him I met him on a rooftop, trying to see Sailor Moon!>  He thought frantically.  < Where have I meet John that wasn't Sailor business?>

    Mike noticed the reaction his simple question had gotten.  < Oh no. Not here too.  How big is this secret?>  Outwardly he just smiled and waited.

    Mamoru shook his head.  "It's been awhile.  I think I met him first at... the dojo!  Ah, yes, I've been taking classes at the dojo John-san stays at.  That's how I met him."

    Mike smiled brightly, not showing his disbelief in his face.  < Oh great, the first lie.>  To distract the other man, he looked around. "So, you're here to pick me up?  What a small world."  < I wonder how close to Johnathon the Icequeen is.  For her to chose one of his friends to pick me up... can't be a coincidence.>

    Mamoru nodded, thinking much the same thing.  < What's going on here?  This can't be an accident.  Is this really Johnathon's brother, or Johnathon himself?  Why didn't Nabiki tell me if I was going to recognize him?>

    Mamoru decided to call Nabiki.  < If this isn't a joke, she should know about it.  Maybe she'll tell me why she asked me to pick him up.> "Let's go get your luggage, Mike-san."  He said.

    Mike shook his head and said, "That's OK, I have it all here."  He gestured with his leather briefcase at the day pack he was wearing. "I'm all ready to go."  He shrugged.  "I tend to travel light.  By the way, are you my new landlord as well?"

    Mamoru nodded slowly.  "Nabiki told me you needed a place to stay... I could use the rent."

    Mike blinked.  "Nabiki?  I see."  < Is that Icequeen's real name? Nabiki, Nabiki... where have I heard that name recently?>  He shook his head finally.  < I can't remember, it must not be too important.>  He looked up at Mamoru.  "Shall we go then?"

    Mamoru gestured towards the exit.  "My car's this way."  < I guess I can call her when we get back to my apartment.>  He led Mike towards the parking structure, and got out his keys as he saw his car.  < Now how am I going to sneak Luna into the car...?>  He paused in front of the trunk, an idea forming.  He paused to unlock the trunk.  "You can put you bags in here."  He said to Mike.

    Mike nodded.  "Thanks.  This is a nice car you have.  A Z right? It's in good condition."  He took his pack off and placed it in the trunk.

    Mamoru opened the driver's door and slipped Luna inside as Mike closed the trunk.  "Yes it is, I try to keep it in good shape, I'm very fond of this car."

    Mike went around to the passenger door while Mamoru slipped inside. He closed the driver's door and whispered to Luna.  "After I take him home, I think we'll drive to another phone and call Nabiki, so stay in the car when we leave."  He then reached over to open the passenger door.  "Here you go."

    Mike climbed in, carrying the black briefcase with him.  He sat uncomfortably, his knees almost touching the glove compartment.

    Mamoru noticed his passenger's discomfort.  "The seat adjustment is right beneath the seat."

    Mike sighed in relief as he pushed the seat back.  "Ah, thank you, that's much better."

    Mamoru shook his head.  "I should have adjusted it for you.  Usually my girlfriend sits there."

    Mike chuckled.  "I see.  Don't worry about it."

    Mamoru started up the engine, and turned on the radio as they exited the parking structure.  He concentrated on driving, and Mike did not disturb him until they pulled into the parking lot of Mamoru's apartment.

    Mamoru was the first to speak.  "This is my apartment building.  I have a 2 bedroom apartment on the first floor.  I haven't cleared out the second bedroom yet, I hope you don't mind.  I wasn't expecting anyone so soon.  I can have it ready for you by this evening, certainly."

    Mike nodded.  "Ah, I'm sure that will be fine."  Mamoru parked in his usual spot and got out of the car.  Mike followed him as he headed into the apartment building.

    Yusaku exited his apartment as the two men came towards him.  "Ah, Mamoru-kun, your back.  Who's your friend?"

    Mamoru sighed inwardly, but smiled and introduced them.  "Yusaku, this is my new roomate, Mike.  Mike, this is my next door neighbor and classmate, Yusaku."

    Mike bowed slightly.  "A pleasure to meet you, Yusaku."

    Yusaku bowed back, a look of mild surprise on his face.  "Ah, yes, a pleasure certainly.  I'll look forward to meeting you again."  He looked questioningly at Mamoru, but didn't say why. Finally he turned back to Mike.  "Well, nice meeting you.  Good day."  He walked away, giving a glance over at Mike as he turned the corner.

    Mamoru shook his head slightly.  < I wonder... I guess Yusaku is curious about my second house guest of the day.>  He walked up to his door and opened it.  "Here we are."

    Mike followed him inside.  "Ah, very nice.  I like the view too."

    Mamoru glanced out the front window at the garden, illuminated under the streetlights.

    Mike set his briefcase down next to the sofa.  "That's a lovely rose bush... what is it, a London, or Heart's rose?"

    Mamoru shook his head slowly.  "No, a local variety.  I'm glad you like them  Will you be all right here for a little bit?  I have a little errand to run, but I'll be back in a few minutes.  Make yourself comfortable."

    Mike nodded.  "I see.  All right then, thank you."  He walked around the living room and sat down on the couch..

    Mamoru shut the door and hurried back out to his car.  Luna was waiting for him.  He sat down in the driver's seat and closed the door before she could say anything.  "So, where to?"  He asked her.

    Luna frowned.  "I don't know.  I suppose we can ask the girls if Johnathon ever mentioned having a twin brother."

    He nodded.  "All right.  We can go to Rei's shrine and call the other's from there."

    Luna looked up at him.  "Why don't you just use... oh you don't have a communicator, do you."

    Mamoru chuckled.  "It would look a little strange for me to carry around a compact, don't you think?  I think the phone will be quick enough."

        ***********************

    Later, at the shrine.

    "So can anyone remember Johnathon-san saying anything about having a brother?"  Luna said after everyone was seated.

    Ami shook her head.  "No, I don't think so."

    Artemis spoke up.  "The closest he came to that, I think, is when he said that hanging out with us was like finally having a kid sister." There were nods around the room.

    Minako said.  "It really seems suspicious.  Luna, is anyone watching him?"

    Mamoru stood up.  "No... and maybe I should be getting back.  I don't want him wondering what's happened to me."

    From near Rei, a querulous voice cried out.  "Oh no!  What if he's a Youma?  My Mamo-chan could be going into danger!"

    Everyone sweat dropped.  Usagi was listening in by communicator, since she was still grounded.

    For once, Rei seemed to agree with Usagi.  "She's right, Mamoru, you can't be too careful.  He could easily be a monster in disguise."

    Luna spoke up.  "I don't think so Rei, I didn't sense any negative energy coming from him... then again..." She mused suddenly,  "I didn't sense much of anything at all from him."

    Usagi grouched.  "That doesn't mean anything, Luna you though Ami was a Youma at first!"

    Luna frowned.  "Well, she was giving off negative energy, how was I supposed to know it was from the disk?"

    Makoto piped up.  "What about Allen and Ann?  You didn't sense they were aliens either."

    Artemis spoke up.  "Now that's not fair.  They were shielding themselves when they were transformed into human form.  We couldn't have sensed anything from them then."

    Usagi cried out.  "I knew it, he is a monster, Luna!  That's why you didn't sense anything about him!"

    Luna sighed dramatically.  "Now, Usagi,  there could be any number of reasons I didn't sense something from him.  He may be perfectly normal.  Has anyone called Nabiki yet?  She may know something about him."

    Rei walked over to Mamoru and handed him the phone.  "Why don't you call before you go, Mamoru-san."

    Mamoru nodded and sat down.  He dialed the Tendo residence.

    The phone rang twice before it was picked up.  "Hello, can I help you?"  It was an older woman's voice.

    Mamoru asked, "Ah, yes, is Nabiki home?"

    "Whom may I say is calling?"  The woman asked politely.

    "I am Mamoru Chiba, I take a class at the Dojo...."

    "Oh, I see.  Nabiki, can you come to the phone dear...?  Here you are."  There was the sound of the phone being passed.

    "Hello Chiba-san."  Nabiki said.  "What's up?"

    Mamoru answered hesitantly.  "Nabiki-san, about this fellow you had me pick up at the airport?"

    Nabiki said, "Uh uh?"

    Mamoru paused, but Nabiki didn't say anything else.  "Ah... how well do you... know him?"  He grimaced.  < This will sound really dumb if it is Johnathon.>

    Nabiki didn't answer right away.  "... I've corresponded with him off and on for a few months now.  Why do you ask?"

    Mamoru shrugged, Nabiki, as usual wasn't giving away any unnecessary information.  "Do you know... what his name is?"

    Nabiki's pause was longer this time.  She sounded almost embarrassed over the phone.  "Ah... excuse me Mamoru-san, I didn't quite catch that?"

    Mamoru sighed.  "He says his name is Mike Dwire.  He claims that he's Johnathon Dwire's twin brother."

    Nabiki's voice came back cheerfully.  "Oh really?  Ah... Of course, I should have told you what I knew.  I suspect it was quite a surprise to you."

    Mamoru grimaced. < Did she really know who he was before he arrived?>  "I was just... curious, Nabiki, why he isn't staying with your family."

    Nabiki's shrug was almost audible.  "Why, I don't know, Chiba-san. He didn't tell me why he was in town.  I suppose that he didn't want to impose."

    Mamoru shook his head.  < She's making this up.>  "Thank you, Nabiki-san.  Do you have any messages for him?"

    Nabiki spoke after a short pause.  "No.  Thank you for calling, Chiba-san."  Then she hung up.

    Mamoru repeated the odd conversation to the others.

    "It sounds like Nabiki was as surprised as we were."  Luna said.

    Rei nodded. "I definitely think we should keep an eye on him. Mamoru-san, if he goes out, or you have to leave, call one of us, OK?"

    Mamoru nodded.  "All right."

    "And be careful!"  Usagi's voice wailed.

    "I will, Usa-chan.  Don't worry about me."  With that, Mamoru got up.  "I really should be going now.  Luna, I'll leave the kitchen window open for you."  He headed out the door.

    Luna called after him.  "Don't leave any open water out this time!" Mamoru could be heard chuckling as he walked down the hallway.

    Artemis spoke next.  "While I'm sure Mamoru-kun can handle himself, we can arrange to watch him.  After all, even if he is Johnathon-kun's brother, his motive for being here might be bad.  At the least, we should try to keep him from learning anyone's secret.  I'm sure Johnathon would agree, at least until we can ask him about this 'brother' of his."

    "Right!"  Makoto answered.  "Who gets to watch him first?  Does he really look like John-san?"  She had a happy tone, and a smile on her face.  Ami frowned, and Mina shook her head.  Makoto was saying, "Cause he really reminds me of...."

    "Your old boyfriend!"  They all chorused back at her.

    Minako added.  "Besides, if he's John-san's twin brother, he'll be ancient, 26 even!"

    Makoto sniffed.  "It's all right for the guy to be older.  Just look at our example, hmm?"  She gestured idly at Rei's communicator.

    Usagi apparently agreed.  "My Mamo-chan's never too old!"  The other girls sighed.  Usagi added.  "Makoto can watch him first then.  Luna can call Makoto when he's ready to go out in the morning."  Usagi paused for a moment.  "Besides, we've got practice tomorrow, right?"

    Luna nodded.  "You're... right Usagi-chan.  We shouldn't skip that class.  Pluto seems to think it's important, so we'd all better attend as often as possible.  I'll tell you what, I'll watch him during class. I can spar with Artemis later, since we're using the same sort of weapons."

    Everyone nodded at this.  Usagi seemed to think it was all decided. "I'll see all you guys there!  Goodnight!"  The communicator deactivated.

    The other four girls and their two cat guardians talked for a few more minutes, but nothing else was decided, so everyone went home.

************************************************

    Luna saw that the light's were off at Mamoru's place when she arrived, so she leapt up to the kitchen ledge and headed cautiously inside.  She could hear movement from the quest room, and could see that the light was on inside, so she crept up to the door to listen.

    Mamoru's voice was the first she recognized.  "Just set it down there.  OK, how does that look?"

    "Fine.  Do you have any sheets for it?"  It was Mike.

    Mamoru answered.  "I think so, in the hall closet."  He opened the hall door, Mike followed him.  Luna ducked into the living room, but Mike caught a glimpse of her.  "You have a cat?"

    Mamoru nodded.  "Well, yes I do."

    Mike sighed.  "I should have mentioned..."  He shook his head.  "Oh well, too late now I suppose."

    Mamoru looked concerned.  "You have a problem with cats?"

    Mike shook his head.  "Oh, not exactly.  I like them fine, I've just got a bit of an allergy to them."  He glanced about the apartment again.  "Well, the wood floor should help.  I'll let you know if it becomes a problem."

    Mamoru started getting out the sheets from the hall closet.  Mike held his arms out and Mamoru laid the sheets in them.

    As they went back into the guest room, Luna could hear Mike asking. "Ah, Mamoru-san, I wasn't... exactly expecting to meet any of John's friends so soon.  Could you do me a favor?  My being here is... something of a surprise, and I don't want to spoil it, all right?"

    Mamoru nodded slowly.  "Ah, I see."  < He's up to something all right.  If he is John's brother, he has to know his brother's still in America.... and if he's in America, what is this guy doing here?  What ever he's up too, it's no simple visit.>

    Out in the living room, Luna was thinking much the same thing.  < I wish I could warn Johnathon-san... this doesn't sound right.>

    As the two men finished getting the room ready, Mike inquired, "So... you told me you met my brother at the dojo he's staying at?"

    Mamoru nodded.  "Right."

    "Well, I figured you were a little old to be one of his English students."  He paused in reflection.  "The... Tendo Dojo right?"  He glanced at Mamoru, who was making busy with the corners of the sheets. "Who do you train with?  I mean, Ranma and Akane are simply incredible martial artists.  I suppose whoever trained them must be even better."

    Mamoru shook his head.  "Actually, Ranma is the main teacher, as far as I can tell.  He's supposedly picked up his training from dozens of martial arts masters, and equaled or surpassed each of them.  His father was Ranma's primary trainer, but Mr. Saotome's not really a match for his son these days I hear."  Mamoru stopped himself suddenly.  < Why am I talking about all this?  I don't even know for sure who this person is.>  But his new roommate had an innocent, honest expression that made
it hard to distrust him.  < Those are always the worst.>  He thought sourly.  < I've seen too many Youma with that same sort of innocent look.>

    Mike didn't seem to notice Mamoru's self absorption.  He was waxing poetic about Ranma's skill.  "... and I've never seen anyone move like him, like a force of nature, something elemental in his actions, almost unstoppable...."  He paused mid stream.  "I'm sorry, I'm boring you aren't I.  He is your teacher after all."

    Mamoru shook his head.  "No, I understand.  Actually, a Ryoga Hibiki has been our instructor for the last few sessions."  Mamoru studied Mike's face as he said, "Ranma and Akane went with your brother and Kasumi to America."

    Mike didn't seem to notice Mamoru's gaze.  He smiled politely. "Yes, we had a very nice time.  Now I'm here to return the visit."  He yawned suddenly.

    Mamoru got up.  "You must be very tired from your flight.  I'll
leave you then."

    "Well, thank you." Mike said, "That's very thoughtful."

    "Goodnight."  Mamoru said, closing the door.  < He knows I was testing him... now what?>

    "Goodnight."  Mike said softly to the closed door.  "He was testing me."  Mike said under his breath.  "This is going to be a lot harder than I thought."  He lay back on the futon, considering his options.  < Since I don't know where the Tendo Dojo is, I think I'll visit John's school tomorrow.  Maybe that will give me a lead.  After all, he must have given a reason for his long absence to them, right?  Somehow, I know those missing eight months conceal the secret... whatever it is.> He yawned again, deeply.  < Boy... I am tired.>

    Out in the living room, Luna and Mamoru were whispering.  "I think I can see why Nabiki put him here."  Luna was saying.  "It's all the way across town."

    Mamoru nodded.  "Maybe so she'd have plenty of warning if Mike decided to pay a visit."

    Luna paused in thought before replying.  "I think Nabiki must know some of the answers.  She must have put him here for a reason."

    Mamoru frowned,  "I suppose... but I still think she was surprised to hear that he was John-san's brother.  I just wonder what her motives are.  Do you suppose she wants to know more about me?"

    Luna shrugged.  "It fits the others' description of her.  Nabiki probably suspects Akane and Ranma know you better then you've said, and I'm sure she's curious... but I don't see how putting this fellow here is going to help her."

    Mamoru shrugged.  "You're right.  Unless they're working together...."

    Luna sighed.  "We'll just have to see what we can find out.  Maybe When I follow him tomorrow I'll get a better idea of what he is up to." She glanced at the clock.  "Well, it's getting late Mamoru, don't you have to work in the morning?"

    Mamoru grinned to himself.  "Yes mother."

    Luna frowned.  "Hey..."

    Mamoru got up and hurried into his room.  "Goodnight Mom."

    Luna hissed.  "You take that back!"  But Mamoru had shut his door. Luna fumed silently.  < He seems more like Usagi sometimes... I guess he's just making fun of me.>

                End Chapter 15
 


Hot Links

Previous Chapter

Main Page
Next Chapter





I hope you liked it. C&C is always welcome!

                                If you have comments or suggestions, email me at tagan1@hotmail.com
 
 

This page created with Netscape Navigator Gold