(Steve Stachowicz)
gerrek@hotmail.com
(Matthew Frey)
mafrey@charter.net
Webpage: http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/shores/2307
Swords of Destiny
By
Eric Thorsen and Stacko
LEGAL STUFF:
** The characters and concepts used here are the property of those people
and companies holding the copyrights to the respective storylines, series,
and movies. The only exceptions are those created by the demented minds of
authors of this story. The use of this material should be seen as the sign
of respect that it is. Besides, suing either of us would be a waste of time
since we don't have any money to begin with.
We hope you enjoy the story.
*************************************
CHAPTER EIGHT: A time of peace
*************************************
"No!" Kevin yelled. "That's all wrong. You're supposed to complete
the parry, and then press your own attack. You're leaving yourself wide
open!"
"What the hell are you talking about Kevin?" Makoto yelled back in
annoyance. "I did finish the parry. Besides, no one could use that small
of an opening."
"Oh really?" Kevin laughed. With a sudden burst of speed he lashed
out with a series of slashes at her head, which she blocked quickly, just
as she had before. Everything was the same as the first time, until Kevin
forced his way past her parry and ran his sword through her stomach. With
a gasp of agony, Makoto doubled over, and then collapsed.
With a sigh, Kevin rolled her onto her back and used a clean white cloth
to apply pressure to the wound. Once it had stopped bleeding, he removed the
cloth and used it to clean his sword. Then he sat down and waited for her to
become conscious. Five minutes later she did, with a pain filled groan.
"Now do you understand why I was telling you over and over to finish
your parries?" Kevin asked softly, helping her sit up. "If you leave
yourself open like that, someone will use it against you, and you're dead,
permanently." Makoto looked up at him sadly, and then nodded.
"I see now," She said. "I see that I'm dead no matter what I do. I work
out with you and Scott everyday before and after school, even holidays, and I
never get any better." Her discouragement was painfully obvious to Kevin as
he watched her.
"Actually you're improving faster than we expected." Scott said as he
came into the dojo. "Normally it takes someone three or four years to learn
what you have in the last two months. In fact, I think you're almost ready
to start learning the 'Way of the Storm'."
"What's that?" Makoto asked in confusion.
"That's the style Scott and I use." Kevin replied with a laugh. "It
has the strength of a hurricane, the speed of lightning, and the persistence
of a monsoon."
"Actually, Ziggy just thought it sounded cool so we called it that."
Scott laughed, and Makoto joined him. "By the way Ziggy, your teacher says
you're failing history. Care to explain that?"
"What?!" Makoto gasped in shock. "How can you be failing History? You
lived it for goodness sakes."
"That's just it." Kevin sighed in annoyance. "I did live it, so I know
exactly what happened. The problem is that what happened is different from
what the history book said happened. Trying to convince our teacher of that
is nearly impossible though."
"So let me get this straight." Scott said in amusement. "The
reason you're failing History, is that you are putting down what really
happened, which is completely different from what your history book says.
One would think that after eighty years in schools all over the world,
you would have figured out that giving the teacher the answer they want
would be a better choice." When Makoto saw Kevin's stunned expression,
she started to roar with laughter.
"Okay, okay. I guess I should have thought of that myself." Kevin
grumbled self-consciously. "Shall we get on with Makoto's training?"
"Sure." Scott chuckled. "Why don't you go get the books, while I
warm up. Makoto can workout with her foil to keep loose."
Makoto nodded, and Kevin left the room. After Kevin had made several
trips, returning each time with a tall stack of books, Makoto stopped
practicing and just stared at the growing pile. When Kevin returned, she
was about to ask him what the book were for, but Scott called her attention
back to her training. For the next four hours, she was too busy to ask any
questions. Scott guided her through several pattern attacks, beginning slowly
and speeding up as she improved. Just as she would be about tire out, he
would give her a break and demonstrate a new pattern with Kevin. Then she
would be rested enough to continue. When she made several simple mistakes,
he called an end to practice.
"Very good Makoto." Scott said with approval. "You continue to amaze
me with how quickly you're learning. In fact, now it's time to teach you the
beginnings of the 'Way of the Storm'."
"I thought you said we were done sparring for the day." Makoto said in
complaint. The vision of taking a nice hot shower vanishing from her mind.
"We are." Scott laughed sympathetically. "The beginnings of the 'Way'
aren't techniques, though these are many of those. The 'Way' is more of a
pattern of thinking. It is a means of analyzing your opponent to determine
their weaknesses and strengths, then using that information against them."
"So what are all of the books for?" Makoto asked, staring at them in
dismay.
"Most of them are techniques and counters we've developed." Kevin
chuckled. "They are what most of our students thought made up the 'Way'.
In reality though, they are all worthless unless you also have the ability
to determine which would be most useful. In fact, it can be deadly for someone
without that ability to attempt any of them in real combat."
"So how many of your students have been able to learn these skills?"
Makoto said nervously. "I mean, how hard is it to learn the 'Way of the
Storm'?"
"For those who can, it only takes a month to reach the necessary state
of awareness." Kevin said considering. "Then it's just a matter of
technique, which can be learned much faster."
"What I meant about the beginning of the 'Way' was studying the means
of reaching the necessary state of awareness." Scott sighed. "I would like
you to take this book, read it, and see if you can perform some of the
centering exercises." He handed her a thin book with a soft leather cover.
"Okay." Makoto said with a shrug. "It sounds like some of the things I
learned when I studied Kung Fu."
"The techniques are very similar." Scott agreed. "But the main
difference is that these are just the beginning of the mental exercises.
Back in the Silver Millennium, I had to master several hundred mental
exercises before my instructor would allow me to touch a sword. Most
Immortals simply don't have that luxury, so we taught you enough to survive
against most opponents. Now you're going to learn how to beat people like
Damian."
"Just who is this Damian you keep talking about?" Makoto asked. "You
mentioned him a couple of times when we were chasing Annie, but you never said
who he was."
"Damian Rochefort is the most psychopathic Immortal you will ever meet."
Kevin replied heavily. "He also happens to be one of my students. Almost
three hundred years ago, after I left Japan, I met Damian shortly after he
became Immortal. He had died in a battle in France during the Hundred Years
War, and survived mainly because he had been an expert swordsman before he'd
died. Like me, he had been abandoned in a forest and discovered by a minor
nobleman.
"Unlike me however, he had been taught that everyone who was weaker than
he was, existed only to serve his ends. This attitude resulted in his assumption
that normal humans are inferior to Immortals. I thought I could train him, and
teach him how to look at people, not as inferior or superior, but as equals. I
even thought I was succeeding, until I found out that several girls had disappeared
from the nearby villages only to be found dead, murdered in the most horrible ways.
I first suspected Damian when I heard from my bailiff that he had been seen in
company with several of the girls shortly before they had died. I had him followed,
and learned about his little 'diversions'."
"That's sick." Makoto gasped. "What kind of animal is this guy?"
"A very clever one." Kevin sighed. "When I confronted him about it, he
didn't deny anything. He even left the castle without any argument. But when
I was called away to deal with a land dispute between two of my freeholders, he
came back one more time for revenge."
"Michiko." Makoto said in sudden understanding.
"Exactly," Kevin replied. "After that, he and I have been at each others
throats. I spent thirty years hunting him, always a little behind, always just
missing him. Then I got tired of traveling and settled in France. I guess he
lost track of me for a while, because nothing happened until after Scott showed
up."
"Unfortunately, even that wasn't by chance." Scott disagreed. "Damian
went looking for me, and with a very different story, told me where he had last
seen you. I followed you trail from there until I found you in Paris."
"And this is the guy who told Annie to kidnap Hotaru and Chibi-Usa?"
Makoto asked in horror, just realizing what might have happened.
"No, kidnapping isn't Damian's style." Kevin said, shaking his head.
"That was Annie's idea, probably with a little help from Jarosite. After I
broke up her spy ring, she has always been trying to get her revenge. What
I want to know is how they hooked up with the Negaverse. I thought Beryl was
locked up until a little while ago."
"Very true." Scott said, thinking about it as they finished cooling down.
"The only thing that makes sense is Damian contacting them, then bringing the
others in. Annie may want revenge, but I doubt she would get involved with
someone like Beryl. The rest of Damian's people have less initiative than a
clump of jellyfish. None of them would try to set up something without Damian's
approval."
"Okay, so Damian contacted the Negaverse." Kevin said thinking hard.
"He disappeared in 1912, so that gives us a time frame. But was it before or
after Titanic sailed?"
"You'd have to ask him." Scott laughed. "Though I doubt you'd get the
chance. From what I've seen, neither of you is very big on social niceties
when you're around each other. He wouldn't give you the time of day on a clear
day at noon."
"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I need a shower." Makoto said,
walking toward the door. "I'll see you at dinner, and don't forget our rematch
tonight. I won't have you complaining about me having too much practice this
time." Her laugh could be heard as she walked down the hall. Scott and Kevin
looked at each other in confusion, then shrugged and went to take showers as well.
* * * * *
Jeremy Haasbroek smiled as he watched Makoto taking her shower, completely
unaware that she was being watched. "Not surprising that O'Connell is interested
in this girl." He muttered to himself, and then ducked instinctively as an angry
female voice came over his headset.
"You're up there to see who it is you're up against, not to get your
jollies!" Annette Mouliere yelled. "So get the hell down here."
"Yes ma'am." Jeremy sighed, and then started slowly down the tree. He spent
another fifteen minutes negotiating the security system, and eventually passed over
the wall.
"So what do you think of your target?" Annette asked as he slid into the
rental car. "Can you take her?"
"If what I saw in the dojo is any indication, easily." Jeremy said confidently.
"Of course to make it fair, I'll have to give her a few days to practice. She was
simply pathetic."
"Don't underestimate Kevin's teaching ability." Annette cautioned. "He can
teach someone a lot in a few days."
"So why is this girl's death so important to Damian?" Jeremy asked as they
drove away. "You're one of his best agents. I would have thought he'd have something
important for you to be doing."
"Making Kevin O'Connell suffer is important." Annie said angrily. "Just make
sure you do your job. Damian doesn't take failure well."
"Okay, boss lady, don't get up tight about it." Jeremy sighed. "I'll make sure
Mr. O'Connell suffers enough."
"See that you do." She growled. "See that you do."
* * * * *
"Any rules or limitations?" Kevin asked as the three friends stepped
into the 'War Room' in the castles basement.
"Four ships, armament level four." Makoto said eagerly. Kevin looked
at her suspiciously, and then shrugged.
"Any problems with that?" He asked Scott, who shrugged as well.
"Fine with me." Scott laughed. "Not that it will save you from my
wrath."
"Yeah, you and what armada." Kevin laughed as he started up the game
and the lights in the room came down. In the center of the room, which was
dominated by a huge lens set into the floor, three starships appeared and began
maneuvering. Suddenly one of the ships vanished, and Makoto giggled.
"Ah, so you finally found out how to cloak your ship." Kevin said in a
message from his ship. "But two people can play that game." Another ship
vanished and the third radically changed position. The next fifteen minutes
saw several furious exchange of fire, as several planets were rendered lifeless
by missed shots.
* * * * *
Marcus Sorenson shut the door to his private jet, and then smiled at his
wife. "Don't worry honey, we'll only stay at the cabin until I finish my book."
He said reassuringly. "I'm sure Kevin was exaggerating when he said we shouldn't
go anywhere without telling him."
"I hope so." Emily Sorenson replied nervously. "It's just that he seemed
so emphatic about it. Maybe we should have called him before we left."
"I hardly think he's going to want us checking in with him for our vacation
Emily." Marc laughed. "Besides, what could happen?"
* * * * *
Myhrdral chuckled with pleasure as he thought of the favor he was
about to gain with his information. One of Kevin O'Connell's friends had
slipped out of the protective net he'd woven around them, and become
vulnerable. If Lord Damian played his cards right, he might even be able
to eliminate the entire family. Myhrdral was so caught up in visions of
impending glory; he scuttled into the throne room without waiting to be
announced.
"This had better be important, Myhrdral, or I'll feed you to Millicent."
Damian growled angrily, pointing to the rock wolf sitting next to his throne.
"My apologies my Lord, I meant no disrespect." Myhrdral said, groveling.
"I merely wished to inform you that Marcus Sorenson and his family are
vulnerable."
"Are you sure?" Damian demanded.
"Of course my Liege, would I have dared come into your presence otherwise?"
Myhrdral groveling lower.
"Excellent, prepare a Negabomb." Damian said with a demonic grin. "We
are going to give a gift to our enemy."
* * * * *
"Hey dad, where is that bookmark thingy uncle Kevin sent you?" David
Sorenson asked, coming onto the command deck. "I thought he said you should
keep it with you everywhere you went?"
"Ahh, sh ... I mean darn it, I forgot about it completely." Marcus
groaned. "Oh well, no help for it now. Hopefully nothing bad happens."
"What good would that thing do anyway?" Emily Sorenson said coming in
from the passenger cabin. "It was pretty, but I don't see how Kevin expected
it to protect us. I mean, all it was, was a piece of paper with Japanese
characters painted on it."
"I don't know, Emily, I really don't think Kevin would say something
like that if it wasn't important." Marcus replied nervously. "Kevin was
never the kind to worry unnecessarily."
"Well, it's too late now." Emily said with a shrug, and then walked
back to the galley to make lunch. Just as she reached the main cabin, she
screamed, dropping her tray as a Negabomb materialized in the middle of the
cabin. David ran back to see what was going on, and arrived as the bomb
exploded.
The Drakken Avionics Tsunami disintegrated into a ball of green fire,
littering the Dakotas with fragments. A weather satellite, and a geophysics
satellite were the only witnesses to the Sorenson's tragic deaths.
* * * * *
"How did you do that?" Kevin demanded as his fourth and final starship
exploded into sparkles of light. "I could have sworn there was no one around
there."
"Exactly, and that was what I wanted you to think." Scott laughed.
"You have a tendency to think that cloaking devices are the only way to hide
in this game. Black holes work well too."
"You hid near the black hole?" Makoto asked in shock. "I thought
they messed up your ship if you got to close?"
"They do." Scott said with a laugh. He was about to continue when
the intercom came on.
"Master Kevin, Franklin Dean is calling from Los Angeles on the secure
line." Jervis said evenly. "He says it is extremely urgent."
"I'll take it in my office, Jervis." Kevin replied, getting to his feet.
"I'll be back in a bit guys." He walked out of the room as Makoto and Scott
continued the game. When Kevin returned, Makoto was arguing with Scott, accusing
him of cheating. They both fell silent when they saw the stricken look on Kevin's
face.
"What's happened?" Scott asked bluntly.
"Marc Sorenson's plane just crashed in North Dakota." Kevin
replied somberly.
"Wasn't he using one of your new 'Tsunami's'?" Scott asked in
surprise. When Kevin nodded he whistled. "They figure out who wanted
him dead?"
"How can you say that?" Makoto gasped in shock. "Planes crash
sometimes. That doesn't mean someone made it crash."
"With a Tsunami involved, it just might." Kevin replied, considering
the possibilities. "But I'm at a loss as to who would want Marc dead. He
was an aide to the CO at Hill Air force Base, but I doubt anyone would kill
him as any kind of political statement. Criminally, he was so clean I doubt
he even had a police record."
"So what about connections?" Scott asked. "Did he have any friends
with enemies who would do something like this?"
"Not really." Kevin said, and then blinked. "What am I saying?
He was my friend, and Damian is probably very pissed at me currently.
Though how Damian managed to get into the US, I have no idea since his
picture is in every post office, police station and immigration checkpoint
in the country."
"We shouldn't underestimate that rabid weasel." Scott admonished.
"Remember, he's allied with the Negaverse now, so there is not much he
can't do."
"What do you mean?" Makoto asked in confusion.
"Getting past border posts in easy when you only have to teleport
into the country." Scott replied. "Besides, all he needed to do was
get something on the plane, like a bomb."
"Then why did they say the plane crashed?" Makoto asked. "That
doesn't make sense if it exploded.
"Very true." Scott replied thoughtfully.
"Well, let's see what Big Brother saw." Kevin said, shutting
down the game. With a flurry of keystrokes, he had brought up a menu
of satellites then swore. "Just wonderful. All we had up there at
the right time was a weather satellite and a twenty-year-old Geology
satellite. Oh well, I guess we'll have to enhance the geology images
and see what we can find." He brought up several fuzzy images, and
then typed in a command.
"Hey boss, what can I do you for?" Vernon Comrie said, his image
appearing in the holo-tank.
"One of out 'Tsunami's' went down an hour ago in North Dakota."
Kevin said shortly. "I need all of your processing power to clear up
some images from an old geo-sat."
"How clear do you want them, boss?" Vernon said, his voice showing
his concern and intensity.
"I want to see the plane as clearly as I can." Kevin replied.
"The images are pretty fuzzy, but there's some kind of green flare in
two of them. Check that out as well as the planes location."
"I'm on it boss." Vernon said with a nod. "I'll give you the
preliminary report in about two hours."
"Thanks Vernon, I'll be waiting for your call." Kevin sighed,
then sat back deep in thought.
"How are you doing Kevin?" Makoto asked in concern. "Your not
normally this quiet."
"I'm okay Mako-chan." Kevin said, sliding his arm around her
waist and pulling her into his lap. "It's just that I should have
expected something like this. Damian is always trying to do something
to get to me, always attacking my friends."
"How do you know its Damian?" Makoto asked, snuggling into his
chest. "Couldn't it have been an accident?"
"It could have been." Kevin conceded, not looking comfortable with
the idea. "I pray it was, otherwise Damian has found a way to get past
some of the most sophisticated security systems on the planet." As he
finished saying that, the intercom rang again.
"Master Kevin, Franklin Dean is on the line again, he says that it
is urgent." Jervis said, his voice showing his sympathy. "Shall I patch
him through to you there?"
"Go ahead Jervis." Kevin said with sigh, shaking his head and tightening
his grip on Makoto when she made to get off of his lap.
"Kevin I have some good news and some bad news." Frank Dean said, his
voice coming over the loud speaker. "The bad news is that both Emily and
David were on board when the plane left Salt Lake. The on site team verified
that in the flight plan."
"What about Wesley?" Kevin asked heavily. "Was he there too?"
"No, that's the good news." Frank said, his voice becoming more positive.
"Wes was at Military School in North Dakota, near their cabin. They were probably
going to pick him up when summer break started in a month."
"Thank goodness for small favors." Kevin said with a relieved sigh.
"Has anyone told him yet?"
"Not yet." Frank Dean replied. "They're waiting for your go ahead."
"Mine?" Kevin asked in surprise. "Why are they waiting for me?"
"As his legal guardian, you have the right to tell him yourself or
have them do it." Frank said. "Do you want the job or should I let the
headmaster do it?"
"I'm stuck here trying to figure out how a Tsunami exploded Frank."
Kevin said uncomfortably. "Besides this is something you have to do in
person. Let the Headmaster do it."
"Will do." Frank said, his voice filled with understanding. "Make
sure Tanaka doesn't admit to anything though, the FAA are threatening
everyone they can to get someone to talk, and Hiroshi Tanaka may know a
lot about administration, but he couldn't talk his way out of a wet paper
bag. If they get hold of him before Natsuko does, well it doesn't bear
thinking about."
"Old Hiroshi retired last Friday Frank." Kevin said with a laugh.
"The announcement should have been in the Wall Street Journal this morning."
"So who's the senior VP of Avionics?" Frank asked in surprise.
"How am I supposed to protect your interests if you keep me in the dark,
Kevin?"
"The reason I didn't tell you was because the new senior VP wanted
to let you know herself." Kevin laughed. "Natsuko was very adamant about
that." The line was silent for several seconds, and then Frank could be
heard laughing on the other end.
"Sorry, I should have guessed from the cryptic message she left
with my secretary when she got back." Frank said finally. "At least
that's one less thing to worry about. I'll let you know the instant
anything changes on this end."
"Fine Frank, just remember to act surprised when she tells you."
Kevin said with a chuckle. "I really don't want to deal with an irate
senior VP with something this important going on."
"Promotion? What promotion?" Frank laughed, and then hung up.
Almost instantly Vernon Comrie's face appeared in the holo-tank.
"Boss, you won't believe this, but Mable just finished your
photo's." He said in excitement.
"In ten minutes?" Kevin asked in shock. "I know the set up down
there is good, Vernon, but that's pushing it a little."
"It might be because of the Tsunami's weird design, Boss." Vernon
replied his own shock obvious. "All I know is that I put one of the worst
shots in, and she gave me this three minutes ago." The image was of a
forward-swept wing aircraft flying over open rangeland.
"Any luck with the other's?" Kevin asked incredulous, noting the
lime green air force insignia on the wings of the craft. Vernon was about
to answer when someone said something near him.
"The other's just finished, sir." Vernon said staring at something
just off screen. "You'll have to see if you can make any sense out of this,
cause I sure can't." His image was replaced by a series of images with time
indexes. They were all completely clear.
"Thanks Vernon, I'll take it from here." Kevin said storing the
images by their time index numbers. When he viewed them in order, the
fate of the plane was obvious. "But what would make a green fireball?"
He asked in confusion.
"I can think of one thing off hand." Makoto said, fear in her
voice. "And it definitely confirms Damian and your theory about the
Negaverse, a Negabomb."
"And all he'd have to do is teleport it in." Kevin growled.
"Damian is a dead man."
Scott glanced at his watch, and then sighed. "I don't know if
you care Kevin, but it's 12 am. You and Makoto have school tomorrow,
not to mention the fact that I've got another shipment of those antiques
I told you about, coming in."
"We need to go tomorrow Kevin." Makoto said in agreement. "We've
got four exams. We can't afford to miss them."
"You'll get no argument from me." Kevin replied standing up after
Makoto climbed off his lap. "I've done everything I can tonight anyway.
Life must go on, even if Damian is getting away with murder yet again."
"Only for now Kevin." Scott said putting his hand on Kevin's shoulder.
"But he will pay eventually, there is no way he can escape that."
"Thanks Scott." Kevin acknowledged as his friend nodded. They all
went slowly to the east wing and went to sleep.
* * * * *
TWO DAYS LATER
"Are you all right, Wesley?" Mr. Davidson, the Headmaster of
Wellington Academy asked for the fifth time that day.
"I'm fine sir." Wesley replied, shying away from the man's
outstretched hand. "I just wish this was over with. Who was that
woman who forced her way passed the gate, demanding to see me?"
"She's your step grandmother." Mr. Davidson explained. "She
was married to your mother's father. Her name is Lucinda Bradley-Spires."
"I've never heard of her before." Wesley said in surprise.
"What does she want?"
"She was demanding that we release you into her custody, claiming
to be your guardian." Mr. Davidson replied. "Since Mr. Dean, your
parent's lawyer, is the executor of your parent's will, I asked him to
come a little early to clear this up."
"So the reading of the will is today." Wesley sighed, tears in
his eyes. He rapidly blinked them away, then turned to the older man.
"What if she's right sir? I don't want to go with her. I want to finish
at least this semester here. Have you heard anything from my uncle Kevin?"
"Mr. Dean is also Mr. O'Connell's lawyer, Wesley." The Headmaster
replied. "He informed me that Mr. O'Connell is too involved in a delicate
business transaction right now to come. He did agree to send him your
message though."
"I see." Wesley said with another sigh. "When is the reading going
to be held?"
"In about ten minutes." Mr. Davidson said after glancing at his watch.
"Are you ready?"
"As I'm going to be." Wesley said, coming to his feet and putting
the red beret that marked him as a sophomore on his head. He followed the
Headmaster to the student council room where the meeting was to be held.
"Good grief, he's huge." A high-pitched female voice said as Wesley
came into the room, earning her a glare from the weasely looking man next
to her. The woman was in her late forties, with obvious good looks and an
unpleasant gleam in her eye that made Wesley nervous.
"Hello Wesley, my name is Franklin Dean." The other man, only a
little shorter than Wesley himself said. "Shall we get this over with?"
"It would be better done quickly." Wesley quoted absently. Mr. Dean
nodded and motioned him to a chair opposite the woman.
"Now that we're all here, I'll begin the reading of the will." Frank
Dean said and began reading it. The Joint will of Marcus Sorenson and Emily
Spires-Sorenson was very straight forward and left all of their property to
all of their children still living, with the exception of one dollar, which
was left to Mrs. Bradley-Spires. Her outrage at that insult was minor compared
to her reaction to the guardian appointed for Wesley.
"Why that ungrateful little wench." Lucinda shrieked. "After all I did
for her, this is how she repays me! We'll see about that." She stormed out of
the room and was closely followed by the weasely looking man.
"Detestable woman." Frank Dean growled. "I'm sorry you had to be subjected
to her presence Wesley, this letter was included with the will in the event of your
parents death in such circumstances. It's from your father." He held out a sealed
envelope.
"Thank you sir." Wesley replied taking the envelope. "When
will I be moving to Japan to live with Uncle Kevin?"
"As soon as arrangements can be made." Mr. Dean replied with
a smile. "Mr. O'Connell said your wishes were to be taken into account
though. Is there anything you'd like to do first?"
"If I could finish the year at Wellington sir?" Wesley asked.
"There's only a month left before summer term. Then I'd like to go
through our old house to decide what I want with me."
"I can understand." Frank said with a reassuring smile. "I don't
see why Mr. O'Connell should refuse that, so I'll leave instructions to
that effect with Mr. Davidson."
"Thank you sir, I appreciate it." Wesley said. "If I may be
excused?"
"Of course, go ahead." Mr. Dean said, and then watched as Wesley
left the room. Shaking his head as he put his papers into his briefcase
he sighed. "I hope life turns out better for you than it has so far kid.
No one should have it this rough."
Wesley walked down the hall, saluting upper classmen in their blue
and purple berets automatically as he made his way back to his room. He
flopped down on his bed and tore open the envelope. An old looking photo
that looked like his father and a friend in really old uniforms fell out,
and he picked it up before he started to read the letter.
Dear Wes,
If you're reading this letter, it means your mom and I are gone.
You can't understand how sorry I am that I won't be able to see you again, but
I want you to know that I love you son ...
Wesley flung the letter at the wall and burst into tears, smothering
his sobs in his pillow.
* * * * *
"Hi Frank, what's up?" Kevin asked three days later. "Anything new
on the crash?"
"Nothing on the crash I'm afraid, but I think we have a problem." Frank
replied. "Lucinda has filed for custody of Wesley, on grounds that you live in
Japan and he's an American citizen."
"So she's at it again, eh?" Kevin growled angrily. "Does that woman
never get enough money? I'm telling you Frank, we're not settling with Lucinda
again. If she wants a fight, we'll give it to her."
"She's got a point Kevin." Frank said uncomfortably. "It'll be rough
on him to try to adjust to a completely new environment. The fact that Drakken
Avionics is currently under investigation doesn't help any."
"I understand Frank, I really do." Kevin replied softly. "But I promised
Marc that if anything happened to him, I would take care of his family. If that
means I have to shift my base of operations, then so be it, but I'll be damned
if I'll let that witch Lucinda dictate terms. I'll send you a packet of
information Emily put into my keeping about twenty years ago in case Lucinda
tried anything. From what I've seen, there's enough to make it impossible for
her to raise her own children, let alone get custody of Wes."
"Hey Kevin, calm down, I'm on your side remember." Frank said in response.
"Why is this getting you so angry?"
"Part of it is why Emily put that one dollar clause in the will."
Kevin growled. "Twenty-one years ago, Lucinda used a loophole in New York
probate law to steal Emily's inheritance. I won't go into the details, but
finally Emily had to give up on getting anything her father left her. While
her father was still alive, Lucinda made Emily's life a living hell. That's
what was meant by 'All of the Kindness she has shown me in my life'."
"So neither parent would have wanted Lucinda to have custody, especially
not Emily, if that right?" Frank asked.
"Absolutely not." Kevin laughed. "From what I saw, the woman has the
compassion of a piranha. Emily couldn't stand to be in the same room with her."
"What's in this packet of Emily's?" Frank asked curiously. "Nothing
obtained illegally I hope."
"Nope, it isn't illegal." Kevin sighed. "Its just documented proof
that Lucinda is unfit as a parent or guardian. It includes a signed statement
by three different doctors, describing the injuries Emily received from Lucinda
before she ran away from home and a couple of other things. It didn't help back
then, but I included some information I've had people collecting just in case.
I don't think Lucinda has a prayer."
"What about the transition to Japanese schools?" Frank asked in concern.
"That's the main weakness in our case from my viewpoint. From What I saw, he
wasn't doing very well before he transferred to Wellington."
"Your right, he wasn't." Kevin replied, completely unconcerned. "He was
bored out of his mind. What with going to school in Japan for the first three
years and then changing to American Public School, it was easy, too easy. He
didn't really feel like he was being challenged at all. That was why Marc and
Emily agreed to let him go to Wellington's prep school three years ago. He's
done great ever since."
"You said he'd been in Japanese schools for his first three years?"
Frank asked in interest. "Just how much Japanese does he remember? That
was the other problem I saw coming." Kevin was silent for a while, thinking.
"I don't really know." Kevin finally sighed in frustration. "I
haven't been around them that often lately. David was doing well, and
Wesley was completely fluent at seven. Emily had learned a lot too, but
I don't know if they kept up. One thing I know for sure though is Wesley
is heavily into Anime, a real Otaku. He even took lessons in Japanese
again so he could watch the ones that were only available here."
"Hmm ... that might help sway the Judge, if he still understands
Japanese." Frank said finally. "I'll keep you posted on what's happening
here."
"Do that." Kevin sighed. "But don't forget to start handling things
over there Frank. I'll need Natsuko here almost constantly after August to
help with the negotiations for those JDF contracts for Project Grendel."
"That shouldn't be a problem, though I may be commuting here once a
quarter to see how things are going initially." Frank replied with a laugh.
"Kiersten is excited about the move too. She can't wait to see her cousin."
"I can imagine." Kevin laughed, remembering that Usagi's mother,
Ikuko, was Natsuko Dean's sister. "Anything else?"
"Not really." Frank said, irritation creeping into his voice.
"Senator Feinstein is still stonewalling us in the special committee
hearings about the crash. The FAA won't let our technicians near the
debris they've collected, but thanks to the satellite photos you sent
them, we know for a fact that only some kind of bomb could have caused
the plane to explode where it did. That's all though, and until we get
a look at the actual debris we won't know what kind of bomb it was."
"Thanks Frank, keep up the good work." Kevin replied. "I'll
see what I can do at my end to get our people on site. May have some
favors I can call in. Talk to you later." After Frank said good-bye,
Kevin shut his cell phone off and addressed himself to his lunch, after
thanking Makoto for making it. She had just left to speak to one of
their teachers when several guys came over and surrounded him.
"I hear that you live in the same house as Makoto Kino." Their
leader said, smiling at Kevin knowingly. "So how good is she?"
"What do you mean?" Kevin asked, already knowing the answer and
slowly getting to his feet.
"C'mon man, she's puttin' out, right?" The leader asked in disbelief.
"Or aren't you man enough to get any?" He and his friends laughed coarsely
at his 'humor'.
"I don't have time for you, Yoshihiro." Kevin sighed, trying to keep
control of his temper. "What Makoto and I do or don't do is none of your business.
Even if things were like that between us, I wouldn't tell you about it."
Kevin tried to walk away, but two of Yoshihiro's friends grabbed him and
dragged him deeper into the forest next to the school. Yoshihiro and his
other friends followed, making threats.
"So, Gaijin, you think you're better than us?" Yoshihiro growled,
his friend's grumbling in anger. "You think that you can date one of the
hottest babes in our school and cut us out of the action? Well?!"
"Makoto makes her own choices Yoshi." Kevin said with a smile,
completely calm. "If she was interested in Neanderthals like you, I'm
sure she would have let you know, but since she has better taste than that,
why don't you just take it like a man?"
"You're a fine one to talk, fag boy." Yoshihiro said, then
stopped when he heard someone calling Kevin's name. When one of his
friends told him it was Makoto, he gave an evil laugh. "Well well,
how fortunate. Please invite her to join us Kenjo, and don't take no
for an answer."
"Leave her alone Yoshi." Kevin growled. "If you want to mess
with me, that's one thing. But if you mess with Makoto, All I can say
is your medical coverage had better be paid up, cause you'll need it."
"Big words, Little Man." Yoshihiro laughed. "My friends and I
are going to show Miss Kino what a real man's like, and lucky you, you
get to watch. Who knows, she may even get to like what we do to her."
Kevin began to struggle with the two toughs holding him, but Yoshihiro
punched him in the stomach, knocking the breath out of him."
"What the hell is going on here?" Makoto demanded, then screamed
when Kenjo and another of Yoshihiro's friends grabbed her.
"We're just having a little friendly chat with your boyfriend."
Yoshihiro laughed coarsely, looking at his friends who chuckled. "Now
we'd like to have a much more intimate conversation with you, Makoto-chan."
"Listen Yoshihiro, I told you two years ago what you could go do
with yourself and your obsession." Makoto said angrily, glaring at
Yoshihiro. "Why don't you let us go and we'll let you leave in one piece."
"You don't seem to understand the situation Makoto-chan." Yoshihiro
said with an amused look at his friends. "My friends and I are going to
entertain you while your boyfriend watches. By the time we're done, you
won't be fighting anymore."
He smiled and reached his hand into her blouse and squeezed her
breast, then tore her shirt open, to the applause of his friends. Makoto
screamed as four of Yoshihiro friends dragged her to the ground and laid
her spread eagle on the ground with her skirt up around her waist. As
Yoshihiro loosened his belt he heard some of his friends start swearing
and spun to gape at the glowing apparition behind him.
* * * * *
Kevin struggled against his captors as Makoto came into the clearing.
As Yoshihiro's friends grabbed her, his struggling intensified but he still
couldn't break free. When he saw Yoshihiro manhandling her, a berserk rage
consumed him like nothing he'd ever experienced. A green haze settled over
his vision and he stopped moving. Then he felt a shaft of terror, he
realized somehow was coming from Makoto. The terror combined with his rage,
making it stronger until finally he himself started glowing a dark green.
When Yoshihiro turned around, Kevin smiled at him viciously.
"Yoshi, do you know what real fear is?" Kevin asked in an icy tone.
"Real fear is knowing that nothing on this Earth can save you from the
punishment you deserve, and I will show you real fear." With what looked
like a shrug, Kevin flung his captors two meters from him and stepped toward
Yoshihiro.
"You better freeze, whoever the hell you are." Kenjo said, holding a
knife to Makoto's throat. "One more step and she's dead man." Yoshihiro,
who had been about to run in panic, smiled, his confidence returning.
"What are you going to do, fag boy?" He laughed, and edge of hysteria
in his voice showing his fear. "If you move, she'll die, if you don't, you
have to watch as we rape her." His friends gave an ugly laugh and moved
toward Makoto. In a blinding flash, Kevin was beside Kenjo, and flung him
high into the tree. The rest of Yoshihiro's friends charged him and he
grinned as he turned to meet them.
Ten minutes later, Kevin and Makoto were the last people standing
in the clearing as the principal and dean of students arrived, lead by a
student who had seen a strange light coming from the woods.
"What happened here, Mr. O'Connell?" The Dean, Mr. Fujiwasa,
demanded. "Who did this to these students?"
"I did sir." Kevin replied, steel in his tone. "Yoshihiro Tanaka
and his gang attempted to rape Makoto, and attacked me when I tried to
stop it." Makoto shrank into Kevin's arms with a soft cry.
"Tanaka, you were warned what would happen if anything happened that
we could prove." Mr. Fujiwasa said with a grim smile. "While your injuries
are severe, they won't keep you from standing trial. I wouldn't be surprised
if this wasn't your first either. Just be grateful we are not in Malaysia,
or you would be castrated instead of merely imprisoned."
"What about him?" Kenjo demanded, pointing at Kevin. "He broke Yoshi's
jaw and both of his legs and arms! Isn't he going to be punished?"
"It is true that Tanaka's injuries are severe, sure." The Dean said gruffly
to the Principal, Mr. Yashihara. "It would be unfortunate if the students came
to think violence was acceptable because of this incident."
"True, but we also don't want students to think that we'll punish them
for defending themselves." Mr. Yashihara replied, thinking deeply. "Quite
a dilemma ..."
"If I may sir," Kevin said softly. "If you think it necessary, I
would be willing to remain at home on suspension and recover from my
injuries."
"And what injuries would those be, young man?" Mr. Yashihara
asked. "You seem uninjured to me."
"I am sir, but if you suspend me, but also state that the suspension
will only last until I recover, you will convey the message that while my
actions were warranted, violence will not be tolerated." Kevin said with
a smile. Mr. Yashihara laughed at the idea, nodding in approval. Mr.
Fujiwasa, who had been calling for an ambulance on his cell phone, returned
at this moment and gave them a questioning look.
"Mr. O'Connell and Miss Kino will be going to the hospital as well
Mr. Fujiwasa." The Principal informed him. "From there they will return
home to recover from their ordeal. Miss Kino may return to school tomorrow,
but Mr. O'Connell must remain home on suspension until his wounds, however
minor, are healed. How long do you feel that will be, young man?"
"A week should be sufficient sir." Kevin said with a smile at Makoto,
who hugged him tightly as she shivered under his jacket.
"I look forward to seeing you return." Fujiwasa said with a smile.
"Especially to hear you explain how you destroyed seven armed thugs by
yourself with only minor injuries."
"Oh ... umm ... that ... ahh ... I really don't know, Mr. Fujiwasa."
Kevin said uncomfortably. "I've taken martial arts classes for a while now.
But when I saw what they were doing to Makoto, I just snapped. After that,
I really don't know what happened."
"You make an unconvincing liar, Mr. O'Connell." The Dean chuckled.
"But we shall leave it alone for now. I have a feeling that when these
young criminal's families discover their condition, I will have sufficient
work for the next several weeks."
Several sirens could be heard approaching the clearing at this point,
and it soon became a hive of activity as the thugs were loaded onto gurneys
and taken off to several hospitals as the police took Kevin and Makoto's
statements, then let the paramedics check them over. After a short disagreement
where Makoto refused to be separated from Kevin. The paramedics allowed them
to travel together to the hospital.
Kevin was waiting outside the examination room where the trauma
specialists were taking photographs of Makoto's injuries for evidence
when Scott arrived.
"What happened, Ziggy?" Scott asked in concern. "Your message
was pretty cryptic."
"Thanks for coming Scott." Kevin replied with a smile. "Yoshihiro
Tanaka and his gang started hassling me about the fact that Makoto was
living with me, then when I tried to leave, they got ugly. They must
have originally been planning just to rough me up a bit, but Makoto
showed up and they decided to try their hands at gang rape instead."
"I hope you tore them apart." Scott growled, clenching and unclenching
his fists. "How is Makoto?"
"She's fine, they never really got started on her." Kevin replied
with a sigh. "That's when the weird part started though. When they started
hurting Makoto, I saw green."
"Don't you mean you saw red?" Scott asked in surprise. "That's
what most people say when they go into a berserk rage."
"From what I can tell, I was never in a full berserk rage, Scott."
Kevin said, a little confused. "I definitely saw green, then I felt this
surge of power flow through me like nothing I've felt before. I must have
looked pretty strange too, 'cause when Yoshi turned around, his eyes bugged
out pretty well. I was always in control though."
"You're positive it was green?" Scott said, considering the possibilities.
After Kevin nodded, Scott's brow wrinkled as he thought harder. "Was it any
particular shade of green? When did it happen precisely?"
"Umm ... it was a kind of dark sea green." Kevin replied after thinking
for a couple minutes. "I don't know why, but I'm positive it was that color.
I started seeing green when Yoshi reached inside Makoto's blouse, then tore
it open. When his pals dragged her to the ground, I felt how scared she was
and that boosted the power a lot. I also became very calm, which is the
exact opposite reaction I normally get if I go a little berserk. From then
on, I was taking them apart and they couldn't touch me. It was surreal Scott."
"I can imagine." Scott said smiling as he realized what Kevin was
describing. "I wouldn't be too worried about it though, it was a perfectly
normal reaction." Kevin was about to ask what Scott meant when Makoto came
out with the doctor and a police officer.
"You can both go now." The officer said as the doctor wrote out two
prescriptions for Makoto. "If we need to question you any further, we will
notify you." He nodded gruffly and took the camera from the doctor.
"The first one is a mild sedative in case you have trouble sleeping
over the next few days, which isn't uncommon." The female doctor explained
to Makoto. "This last is a pain killer in case you experience any pain from
your breast. That animal only damaged it a little, but it will get pretty
painful before it gets better, so don't be afraid to take these. They won't
make you drowsy though." She smiled reassuringly at Makoto then left.
"Take me home Kevin." Makoto said in a shaky tone, fear in her
eyes as she glanced around her. "I hate hospitals."
"No problem, Mako-chan." Kevin said, giving her a hug, then
leading her after Scott, who had started down the hall. After checking
both of them out of the Hospital, they walked to Scott's car and got in.
As Scott drove them toward the castle, Makoto huddled in Kevin's arms.
* * * * *
"Are you really okay Mako-chan?" Kevin asked her, sitting on the
edge of her bed. She was barely visible in the huge four-poster bed she
had loved when she'd toured the house when she moved in. She hadn't said
a word since leaving the hospital. "I've never seen you like this before."
He heard a muffled sob, and swore as he felt a surge of fear and
self-disgust pour into his mind, some how knowing it was coming from
Makoto. He got onto the bed and dragged Makoto into his arms, his love
for her and his desire to protect her filling his mind. She initially
tried to pull away, but slowly she relaxed in his arms until she turned
into his chest and sobbed like a hurt child. Kevin simply held her,
massaging her back comfortingly until her sobs stopped, at the same time
the feelings of fear and self-disgust were replaced with a surge of desire
and Makoto surged up and started kissing Kevin wildly.
Kevin was surprised for several seconds, but sanity returned when
Makoto broke contact and started dragging her nightshirt over her head.
Swallowing and forcing his own desire down, he stopped her and pulled her
nightshirt back down. Her questioning look quickly gave way to tears and
another surge of self-disgust.
"Stop it Makoto." Kevin growled, shaking her. "It's not your fault.
There is nothing wrong with you."
"Then why don't you want me?" She demanded hysterically. "It's
because of what happened today, isn't it?"
"No it's not." Kevin said, concern filling his mind. "I do want
you Mako-chan, more than you can possibly know. But now is not the time
for us to get involved sexually. You're still in reaction to Yoshi's
attack. I love you very much Makoto, so much so that before we get that
involved, I want you to have the wedding of your dreams. It's hard for
me, but I'm willing to wait however long it takes."
"What if I don't want to wait?" Makoto asked petulantly, not really
meaning it. "What if I want us to get that involved now?"
"We'll have to talk about it." Kevin replied seriously. "I would
prefer to wait until after we're married, but than I'm pretty old-fashioned
about things like that." Makoto laughed as she recognized his unintentional
joke.
"Practically medieval." She chuckled. "But that's part of why I
love you so much. I'm willing to wait if you want, but I'm telling you
right now that our engagement is going to be very short."
"What engagement would that be?" Scott asked coming in the door.
"Did I miss something?"
"You sure did, old buddy." Kevin said chuckling at the situation
he'd just gotten himself into. "I just got myself engaged without even
thinking about it."
"And I'm not letting you out of it." Makoto said with a lofty grin.
"You can't get a girl's hopes up, then expect to be able to back out.
We're going to get married before school starts for next year, so start
getting ready now." She got out of bed and walked into the bathroom grandly.
"Looks like you're stuck Kevin." Scott laughed as then left
the room. "I doubt she'll even let you postpone the wedding, let
alone cancel it. Any ideas on what kind of wedding you're having
in August?" He burst out laughing at the stunned expression on
Kevin's face.
"I ... ah ... well ... I guess we'll have to discuss that
tonight." Kevin said with a glazed look.
"You'll have to do it without me then." Scott replied, and
then laughed at Kevin's betrayed look. "Did you forget that today
I'm going to Ami's apartment to meet her mother? Ami will kill me
if I miss this date. You'll have to deal with the situation on your
own, old buddy. But I'd suggest letting Jervis and Ms. Meeps know
soon, or your retainers may come out in revolt."
"Okay, I can do this." Kevin said, more to himself than Scott.
"It can't be that hard to plan a wedding, can it?"
"Don't ask me." Scott laughed. "The only wedding plans I've
ever had anything to do with, are so out of date, it's unbelievable.
I wouldn't even know how to start. Maybe Claire knows, since she
stocks and designs both Western and Shinto wedding costumes."
"I hope so." Kevin said as they came to the Library.
"Well, I have to change and head for Juuban, so good luck
Kevin." Scott said as he went up the stairs and waved. Kevin
went into the Library to look for information on wedding planning.
After twenty minutes, he slumped back in his chair, swearing about
how complicated wedding plans were.
* * * * *
Scott rang the doorbell, and smiled at Ami when she answered the
door.
"Right on time." She said with a return smile. "Dinner is almost
ready and mother is in excellent mood, though she's been talking about
something happening to Makoto today, but she refuses to tell me about
it until after dinner." Scott looked at Ami in shock that her mother
knew about what happened, but he recovered quickly.
"That's surprising, Makoto seemed fine when I left the castle.
She was a little quiet, but nothing abnormal." Scott said. Ami was
about to respond when a warm alto voice Scott thought he recognized
came from the living room.
"Ami, where are your manners." The woman said, half scoldingly.
"Invite the young man in. He is here to meet me after all." Ami
blushed and led Scott to the living room, where Dr. Mizuno was waiting.
"Mother, this is Scott." Ami said by way of introduction.
"Scott, this is my mother, Dr. Kitomi Mizuno."
"We've met before, haven't we?" Dr. Mizuno asked, puzzled.
"Yes, Ma'am," Scott replied with a smile. "At the hospital
this afternoon."
"Of course, you gave that young man and Ami's friend Makoto
a ride home." Dr. Mizuno said then fell silent. After a few moments,
she looked at him questioningly. "Just how old are you, young man?"
"I'm twenty-two Ma'am." Scott lied blithely. "Why do you ask?"
"Mmm ... No reason really, the question just popped into my mind."
Dr. Mizuno replied. "Just what are your intentions toward my daughter?"
"Mother!" Ami gasped blushing hotly.
"Don't worry about it Ami." Scott replied with a chuckle,
completely at ease. "It's a valid question. My intentions are
entirely honorable Ma'am. Currently Ami and I are only dating, but
if we find that our goals, our personalities, and our emotions are
compatible, we will most likely decide to get married, but I do not
see this occurring for at least two years, with your permission of
course."
"I see." Dr. Mizuno said, smiling at his scientific phrasing.
"So what you mean is that your only dating right now, but if you find
that you're compatible and fall in love, you'll get married after Ami
graduates from high school. I can accept that provisionally." Ami
stared from her mother to Scott in confusion until Scott winked at her.
"Oh you!" She growled, punching him in the chest as her mother
chuckled. "What if I decide not to marry you?" She asked loftily.
"Then I would accept your decision, but your mother might have a
problem with us continuing our relationship under those circumstances."
Scott said soberly. Dr. Mizuno burst into laughter at Ami's surprised
expression, and Scott joined in a little later, followed by Ami.
"Very well handled, young man." Dr. Mizuno said, and then wrinkled
her nose in distaste. "That makes me sound like I'm old enough to be
your grandmother."
"You could never be that, Ma'am." Scott laughed. "But if you
like, you may call me Scott, as my friends do."
"Thank you, Scott, I think I'll do that, and you may call me Kitomi
if you wanted to." Kitomi said nodding. "Shall we go in to dinner? It
should be ready by now." Scott and Ami followed Kitomi into the dining
room and took their places. After the meal was served, Ami's mother
turned to Scott again.
"What do you do for a living Scott?" She asked in an interested
tone.
"I work in an Antique Shop near here." Scott replied. "We
specialize in weapons and relics recovered from shipwrecks, as well
as other more common place items."
"How interesting." Kitomi said. "What exactly do you do
there?"
"Pretty much everything." Scott replied with a laugh. "I do
the inventories, purchasing, sales, displays, research ... I manage
the shop as well. The owner, Devon Knight, isn't around much." Ami
looked at Scott strangely, wondering why he was lying about the shop.
"I see." Kitomi said nodding. Conversations changed to more
general topics for the rest of the meal. As Scott was leaving, he
noticed something that caught his interest.
"Are you part of one of the Samurai clans?" He asked, walking
over to look at a mask and seal sitting on one table.
"Why yes, how did you know?" Kitomi asked in surprise. "My
family is part of the Tamagiri Clan."
"According to this, you are not only a member of the Clan
Tamagiri, but the head of the clan." Scott said in amazement.
"These are the clan tokens. Quite valuable in fact."
"I can believe everything but that last." Kitomi said with
a sigh. "I had the family relics valuated ten years ago to finance
the last of my studies. I did not receive anywhere near as much as
I expected and the evaluator told me these two items were worthless."
"Priceless would be a more accurate term." Scott said in surprise.
"Who did the evaluation, if I may ask?"
"An American, his name was Simon Astor." Kitomi replied. "Does
that help?" She was shocked by his angry expression and his muffled
curse.
"In more ways than one." Scott growled. "Simon McMasters, alias
Simon Astor, was a crook and a swindler of the first order. I did a
paper on conmen in college and he was one of the best, or worst depending
on which side of the law you happen to be on. Mr. Knight actually
purchased a large number of items from him until he became aware of his
tactics. One of my first jobs for Mr. Knight was to go through his
inventory and find all of the names of the original owners and then give
them the actual fair price of the items or return them to them. Some of
them were not there though. May I ask what you sold him?"
"Umm, I think four swords, a couple of suits of armor and some jade
statuettes." Kitomi replied intrigued. "I think they were lions."
"Were they a light gray-green color, with strange blue streaks?"
Scott asked, almost certain of the items she was describing. The collection
had included the clan sword of the Tamagiri family, not something anyone but
the clan leader would have, and he had never been able to find out if they
had all died out, which would be the only reason that sword would be for
sale.
"Yes." Kitomi gasped, surprised that he knew. "He said that it
was a flaw and reduced their value."
"He would." Scott chuckled. "What he didn't tell you was that
those figurines were made of Dragon's Blood Sapphire, making them examples
of an extremely rare and valuable stone. That does not take into account
their value as antiquities though. Your collection is one of the ones I
could not find the owners of Ma'am, that is how I know about these items."
"Are you saying I was cheated by Mr. Astor?" Kitomi asked in shock.
"How much was the collection worth?" Scott consulted the PDA Kevin had
given him the year before at Christmas, then smiled when he retrieved the
information.
"Based on the return of your clan sword, which Mr. Knight was
adamant about, and the three figurines, which are much too valuable for
you to part with, Mr. Knight is agreeable to the sum of seven hundred
and fifty ..."
"But Mr. Astor gave me seventy thousand for it." Kitomi said in
confusion. "Why are you offering less?"
"Ma'am, the offer isn't seven hundred and fifty yen, it's seven
hundred and fifty million yen." Scott explained. Kitomi stared at him
for several seconds, then her eyes rolled back in her head and she fainted.
Scott had caught her before she hit the floor.
"Well, I must admit she took that rather well." Ami said as she
helped Scott move her mother to the couch. "Was all that old stuff
really worth that much?"
"To a collector like myself, absolutely." Scott said, sitting
across from the couch. "It contained four authentic 14th century swords
in mint condition, and three suits of armor unlike any recovered to date.
Even the National Museum didn't have any in that condition." Kitomi began
to recover and Scott walked over to her. "Are you all right, Ma'am?"
"I think so." Kitomi said holding her head. "I had a strange dream
that you told me that all that old junk I inherited from my uncle Wataru
was worth seven hundred and fifty million yen."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but that wasn't a dream." Scott
replied, and then helped steady her when she almost fainted again. "Are
you all right Ma'am? This is not a normal reaction."
"I'm very tired." She murmured distantly. "Double shift, three
days."
"You should be asleep Ma'am." Scott said shaking his head. "If
I'd known, I would have rescheduled with Ami. "I'd better be going so
you can get your rest. I'll talk to you later about the return of your
items and/or the transfer of money into your account."
"I'll show you out." Ami said after helping her mother to her
room.
"I know the way Ami." Scott laughed as they walked toward the
door. "You don't need to show me."
"Maybe not, but I want to know what happened to Makoto today."
She replied standing in his way.
"Yohihiro Tanaka and his thugs tried to gang rape her today at
lunch." Scott said soberly. "Kevin beat them up pretty badly but not
before they had her shirt open, and her pinned to the ground. She's
okay, but she might be a little jumpy around guys for a while, though
if anything, she and Kevin are closer than ever."
"Poor Makoto." Ami said in sympathy. "Was that what my mother
was going to tell me?"
"I don't know, but probably yes." Scott replied. "She was working
in Trauma when they came into the hospital, so they assigned her to Makoto.
We met when I came to pick them up."
"Thanks, Scott." Ami said with a smile, then giggled. "By the way,
Mom told me we had her permission to date more seriously as she was falling
asleep."
"A good sign." Scott laughed as he opened the door. "I'll see
you tomorrow at the meeting. Don't forget, Makoto will probably need
some help tomorrow, because Kevin will be on suspension until next week."
"That's unfair." Ami said, angry at the injustice, then she
growled as Scott tried to leave. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"What do you mean?" Scott asked in confusion.
"Mother gave us permission to date, which means you're officially
my boyfriend now." Ami said, tapping her foot in fake aggravation.
"I'm waiting for my goodnight kiss."
"As you command." Scott said bowing in a courtly manner. What
he intended to be a short kiss became something vastly different when
Ami wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into it.
"That's just to help your memory next time." She laughed as she
slipped away from him, and shut the door between them.
"Wow." Scott thought as he walked to his car. "Who would have
guessed she could kiss like that? Wait a minute ... she was like that
back then too." He laughed and unlocked his door. After he drove off,
a shadow moved.
"Dating mortals Gerrek?" Hawks said, shaking his head. "You
have definitely changed." He turned to look up at Ami's window, and
then walked down the street toward the hotel where he was staying.
* * * * *
Hotaru and Chibi-Usa chased each other down the street ahead of
Makoto and Usagi as they walked toward the Hikawa Shrine, after school.
"Why are you being so quiet Makoto?" Usagi asked in concern as
they approached the Shrine. "Normally you at least comment on the guys
as they walk past."
"I hate guys." Makoto grumbled, then squealed and ran toward the
shrine. Looking around in confusion, Usagi didn't notice Kevin until
Makoto tackled him and started showering kisses all over him.
"You sure have a strange way of showing it Makoto." Usagi said
to herself with a giggle and reached them just as Kevin convinced Makoto
to let him get up again.
"Hi Makoto." Rei said, amusement all over her face. "That was
an interesting way of greeting your boyfriend."
"He's MY boyfriend." Makoto said loftily. "I can say hello to
him anyway I like." She walked into the shrine with her nose in the air,
as the others laughed at Rei's shocked expression.
"Makoto is sure acting weird." Usagi told Rei as they followed
after her. "She's been grumpy all day, and now she's all over Kevin.
Any time a guy came near her, she either panicked or she became angry
at them for no reason."
"That doesn't sound like Makoto at all." Minako said in confusion.
"What happened to her?"
"I'll tell you once the meeting is started." Scott said as he and
Ami came up behind them, startling them. "Shall we go?" They all filed
into the dojo and sat around the table Rei had moved there.
"All right, what is the situation with the Youma?" Haruka asked.
"I haven't seen any for a month. What are they up to?"
"We don't know." Luna said uncomfortably. "Central doesn't know
why they're not attacking. It doesn't make any sense."
"Unless you know the brain behind them." Kevin growled, then
smiled when everyone stared at him. "Damian Rochefort is not your normal
enemy. If he feels the time is wrong to attack, he'll conserve his strength
and let you think he isn't there. Once he feels you're not expecting it,
he'll hit you so hard you'll think a cargo ship fell on you."
"What do you mean, Kevin?" Michiru asked. "You sound as if this
is more personal than before."
"It is." Kevin sighed. "Damian isn't your normal power hungry
maniac. He is very cautious, even if he has huge power reserves. Also
he has a tendency to forget about his goals and put all his power into
getting revenge if you make him look bad. I've been fighting him for
almost three hundred years now though, and this kind of silence isn't
like him. Someone has a plan that they have convinced him needs the
element of surprise."
"What might that be?" Artemis asked. "Usually the Negaverse uses
overwhelming numbers and massive amounts of power to get what they want.
Subtlety isn't really their strong suit."
"Kevin is right about Damian though." Scott acknowledged. "He
often throws his plans out just to get revenge. An example is something
he did this week." Everyone looked at him questioningly, but he looked
at Kevin, who was shifting uncomfortably.
"Five days ago, he bombed a plane belonging to one of my old friends,
killing his entire family, except for the oldest son." Kevin explained
angrily. "His biggest mistake was that he used a Negabomb to do it,
otherwise we wouldn't have known it was him."
"He would do something like that just because you got him mad?"
Michiru demanded in shock. "What kind of sick lunatic is this guy?"
"The kind that's survived for three hundred years and thinks normal
humans are cattle to serve our whims." Kevin replied seriously. "He'll
probably go back to his plan now that he's paid me back for rescuing
Hotaru and Chibi-Usa."
"And what are we, chopped liver?" Haruka demanded. "We helped
rescue them too." Kevin looked at her in disbelief, and then started
laughing.
"If you think you can handle someone who has been training for
over three hundred years for the purpose of killing people with similar
experience, be my guest." Kevin said, laughing at Haruka's shocked
expression at the reminder. "But I think Michiru might just have a
problem with you committing suicide. Besides the reason Damian
disregards you is the same thing that bites him in the butt every time
he gets involved with Mortals. They make choices he can't understand,
because they don't make sense to him."
"You make him sound like some kind of Alien monster." Minako
giggled. "He's really that bad?"
"Bad but true." Scott said with a chuckle as Kevin groaned.
"But enough of him, how have the patrols gone?"
"No activity at all." Rei replied as everyone else nodded.
"It's like they are completely ignoring us. Where are the legions
of Youma?"
"Two possibilities come to mind." Ami said, thinking hard.
"First he doesn't have very many, so he's conserving his strength.
This would be the most pleasant and unpleasant possibility at the
same time, because it would mean he's not ready to fight us now,
but he may be waiting until he's sure he can win."
"What's the other possibility?" Usagi asked hopefully.
"In some ways, this one is worse." Ami warned Usagi, who
groaned. "It's possible he's still operating somewhere else in
the world. We wouldn't know about it unless it was on the news.
I hope that's not the way it actually is, but it's much more likely."
"I hate to think that he's attacking defenseless people and
stealing their energy." Minako said with a shiver. "But what can
we do? We can't even tell if he's coming out of a portal somewhere."
"All we can do is keep patrolling Tokyo and hope he isn't
attacking anywhere else." Scott replied, his annoyance with the
situation obvious.
"I agree." Haruka said, also annoyed. "We can't protect
the whole world by ourselves. If we knew where he would be, fine.
But as it stands, we can't go chasing this Damian guy and his
flunkies all over the world. They just have to open portals and
walk through to get away. We have to stay here."
"We don't have any choice." Usagi said finally, with a deep
sigh. "We have to control the node points here. Is there anything
else anyone would like to add?"
"Kevin and I are getting married in August." Makoto blurted
out, shocking everyone, including Kevin.
"When did you get engaged?" Rei asked in surprise. "Why
all the rush?"
"I want to spend as much time with Kevin as I can." Makoto
replied. "Not that it really matters, but we got engaged yesterday
afternoon." Ami glared at Scott, who motioned that he would talk to
her after the meeting.
"Congratulations you two." Chibi-Usa said enthusiastically,
everyone agreed with varying amounts of approval. "I get to be Makoto's
flower girl." Chibi-Usa shouted and ran out of the room with Hotaru hot
on her heels.
"Hotaru seems to have changed a lot." Rei said, watching the two
girls run out the door. "Is it a good idea for her to be running like
that?"
"From what we can tell, there was a beneficial side effect from
that treatment the Negaverse gave her." Michiru said with an expression
that said she really didn't understand what was going on. "All we really
know is that ever since she's been back, Hotaru is a lot healthier. We
had Ami scan her last month to see if she could see why, but all she saw
was that her energy signature was stronger." Everyone looked at Ami,
who nodded.
"Well, it seems everyone's just full of good news today." Minako
giggled, then sobered. "I just hope this isn't a bad sign." The others
agreed and the meeting broke up. Scott and Ami walked to his car and
while they drove to her apartment, she turned and glared at him.
"Why didn't you tell me Kevin and Makoto got engaged yesterday?"
She demanded.
"I could lie and tell you I didn't know, but the reason was that
I was hoping Kevin would change her mind." Scott said honestly. "I
don't think they're ready to get married yet."
"But you do think they should get married?" Ami asked. "Why not
now?"
"Mainly because Makoto hasn't finished her basic training yet, and
the next few lessons Kevin has to give her are very rough." Scott replied,
shaking his head. "Once they're over, it won't really matter, but that
won't be until January at the earliest, even as quickly as Makoto has been
learning. I have my doubts about mixing training of the necessary intensity
and intimacy of any kind. Mostly it goes dealing with the teacher/student
relationship, a conflict of interests."
"So you would rather she postpone the wedding until next June?" Ami
asked, her own ideas forming. "Would you like me to talk with her? Maybe
I can change her mind."
"That would be a big help." Scott said, relieved. "Have you decided
where you want to go on our date today? You've been keeping me in suspense
for almost a week."
"I'll leave it to your imagination." Ami said with a coy smile. "Just
remember to be here at seven."
"Okay, I'll be here." Scott replied, glancing at his watch to check
the time. "It's only an hour and a half away though." Ami smiled and waved
goodbye as Scott drove off. He went to the Shop to check on some inventory,
then up to the apartment above the shop. As he was changing, he noticed a
note that had fallen out of his pocket.
Dear Scott,
Please wear casual clothes for this date. It isn't a dressy thing.
Ami.
Scott laughed at the hint she was giving, more because of the fact that
she was keeping the date to herself than anything else.
"I wonder what it'll be?" Scott asked to himself as he put on jeans, a
black silk shirt, and leather boots. Grabbing his leather jacket on his way out,
he chose to take his Porsche this time, since Ami had never seen it. He smiled
to himself as he pulled smoothly into traffic.
* * * * *
"How many times do I have to tell you?" Hawks demanded of Damian, glaring
at the man. "If Kevin and Scott think that you're still active, they won't leave
the Senshi alone and our plan will be at a stand-still. What's with blasting that
plane with a Negabomb? Couldn't you have used something harder to trace? If
O'Connell has any sources with satellite capability he'll know it was you. In fact
he probably already does."
"Be careful, little man, right now your help is valuable to me. But if you
go to far, that will change." Damian growled in annoyance. "O'Connell cannot be
allowed to frustrate my plans without suffering the consequences."
"Fine, you have your revenge." Hawks growled, ignoring the threat. "Will
you try to keep these impulses under control? My plan is almost ready. Bannon
has been soaking up evil energy like a sponge. All I'll need soon is a place to
send my weapon."
"Get on with it Hawks." Annie said angrily. "All this posing and babble
is giving me a head ache."
"Are you sure it isn't our enemy's little protégé?" Hawks asked
with false sympathy. "Hasn't your boy toy taken care of her yet?"
"He'll do it." Annie spat. "Before the week is out, Kevin O'Connell
will be hurting more than he has ever before."
* * * * *
"I thought it was the guys who picked horror movies for the clutch
factor?" Scott asked Ami as they came out of the theater. Ami was shivering
and wide-eyed with fear and refused to let go of Scott.
"I-I-it is." Ami said and she was beginning to calm down. "I thought
this was a love story, I mean that's what it was advertised as."
"Didn't the title clue you in a little?" Scott asked sympathetically.
"I mean 'Graveyard Love' isn't your normal name for a love story."
"I didn't really think about it." Ami said as they sat in the car.
"Can we please talk about something else? I'm trying to forget that movie."
"Sure." Scott replied patting her shoulder sympathetically. "Where
are we going next?"
"I made reservations at Christoffe's for an hour from now, but I don't
think I could eat anything after that film." Ami gagged with a shiver.
"Do you have any suggestions?"
"First, I think we'll call Christoffe." Scott said, as he dialed a
number on his cell phone. After a short conversation in Greek, he hung up.
"Our reservations have been moved back. Now what I think you need is a long
calming drive along the coast."
"That would be great." Ami sighed, leaning back in the leather seat.
They headed out of Tokyo, heading for the coast. They soon reached a small
coastal road off of the main highway and they followed it, listening to one
of Michiru's more soothing CD's.
"How are you feeling now?" Scott asked, pulling into a side
lane. "Are you more relaxed?"
"Definitely." Ami sighed in relief. "Remind me not to try
surprising you with a movie again, okay? I seem to be unable to
choose good ones."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that, just that you may need to look into
the movie a little more deeply." Scott chuckled at her disappointed
expression. "You did very well, in fact, I loved the movie, especially
when you jumped into my lap." Ami blushed, and then started laughing
along with Scott.
"Hadn't we better be getting back?" Ami said after another few
minutes of silence. "Our reservations are in half an hour and it took
us forty-five minutes to get here."
"We'll make it." Scott replied confidently. "We just may need
to bend the law a little doing it."
The Porsche took off in a shower of gravel and raced to the highway.
Ami was amazed at how calm and effortless the high speed they were at seemed.
They made it easily to Christoffe's and after an excellent traditional Greek
meal; they drove back to her apartment. After another lingering goodnight
kiss, they said good night and Ami went in.
"Did you have a good time tonight?" Her mother asked when she got
home from the hospital later on. "What did you do?"
"We went to a movie, then we drove along the coast a while." Ami
said eagerly, which her mother smiled to see. "After that, we had the
best meal at Christoffe's."
"What did you have?" Kitomi asked, then laughed as her daughter's
blank stare. "Don't tell me you've forgotten already?"
"Umm ... I ..." Ami said trying to remember what she'd had. After
several moments she slumped in defeat. "I don't remember."
"That's strange?" Her mother replied in concern. "What do you
think made you forget?"
Ami thought about it for a short time before she realized her mind
kept skipping to their goodnight kiss. When she glanced up and saw her
mother waiting for an answer, she blushed hotly.
"I ... umm ... it was ..." She stammered, embarrassed. Her mother
sat down next to her and gave her a hug.
"Did he kiss you?" She asked, smiling when Ami blushed and nodded.
"And you can't get it out of your mind, can you?"
"How did you guess?" Ami blurted out, surprised.
"I was exactly the same way after your father kissed me at the end
of a date." Kitomi chuckled. "It got so bad during school, that I had
to make a rule that he couldn't kiss me the night before a test. After
we got married, it went away, but not until two years later."
"Do you mean I might be ..." Ami couldn't finish her sentence and
her mother chuckled in sympathy.
"That you might be in love with Scott?" She asked. "It's very
possible, but I wouldn't run out and marry him based only on that. How
does he make you feel around him? Not when he's kissing you, but when
you're just sitting there?"
"Well, I'm very comfortable." Ami replied, thinking about it.
"I don't have to pretend around him or be careful what I say. I feel
like he accepts me exactly the way I am. I also feel safe when he's
around, like, if anything ever went wrong he'd do everything he could
to protect me."
"Hmm ... you do love him, don't you?" Kitomi chuckled, smiling
when her daughter blushed. "This is wonderful Ami, not something to
be ashamed of. But do you know if he feels the same about you?"
"I think he might, but it's like he's fighting it, holding himself
back." Ami said, her frustration showing.
"Why would he hold back?" Her mother said, trying to guide Ami's
thoughts. "What could he be afraid of?"
"Well, he has been hurt pretty badly in the past." Ami began, then
remembered something he'd said when Luna had mentioned their engagement
after they'd met at the Nashimoto Shrine. "But I think it's more that
he's afraid of pushing me and influence my feelings."
"Very likely, especially since he's older than you are." Kitomi
said with another smile, missing her daughter's smile at knowing how
old Scott really was. "My next question is do you want him to be in
love with you?"
"More than anything." Ami sighed, and then blushed when her
mother chuckled.
"If I had any doubts before, you laid then to rest right there."
Kitomi said, hugging Ami. "Congratulations Ami, you are definitely in
love with this young man. So how do you propose to get him to admit
his feelings for you enough to ask you to marry him? I assume that is
what you want of course."
"I don't know." Ami sighed. "The worst thing I could do is throw
myself at him, since it'll drive him further away. The problem is that
I can't just leave it alone either. How would you do it?"
"My method is a little unorthodox." Her mother warned as she
came to her feet and walked to her room, coming back with two official
looking documents. She handed them to her daughter and sat silently as
Ami looked at them.
"Your marriage certificate and my birth certificate, what ..." Ami
froze and checked the dates, then looked up at her mother. "You trapped
Daddy? Unorthodox doesn't come close mother."
"I'll admit I was a little worried how my plan would work out,"
Kitomi said, blushing a little. "He left me no choice though. He was
planning on going to the US for his residency and I was already doing
mine here. I was desperate, so I took desperate action. I had been
taking birth control pills for several months just in case, so one night
I decided on my course of action. I stopped taking the pills, and gave
myself a fertility shot. Then after a couple of days, when my basal
temperature told me it was time, I seduced him."
"Mother, how could you?" Ami demanded in shock. "What if he
denied that he was the father? Your life would have been ruined and
so would mine."
"You forget dear, I knew your father for twelve years before
that." Kitomi chuckled at the memory. "I knew him and his sense of
honor well enough that I was positive we would get married. The only
thing that worried me was that he would be angry and never forgive me
if he found out he was set up. Funny enough, he asked me to marry him
before I found out I was pregnant for sure. So no, I did not trap him
in the strictest sense. I just got a little insurance which, thankfully,
I didn't need."
"I don't think I can take that kind of chance with Scott." Ami
said with a shiver. "He'd probably stand by and help if it happened,
but I doubt he would forgive me easily."
"That's why I wouldn't suggest it, except as a last resort."
Kitomi chuckled. "What I would suggest is spending some time with
him and doing everything you can, short of stripping naked and jumping
him, to get your message across. Besides that, try to show him that
the age difference doesn't matter to you. Just in case though, I would
suggest that you take that prescription I wrote out for birth control
pills and get it filled tomorrow. You never know if something might
happen, and an unplanned pregnancy can ruin your life more than a planned
one." Ami blushed then nodded.
"Thank you mother. This has helped a lot." Ami said, giving her
mother a hug.
"Glad to help, Ami-chan." Her mother laughed, returning the hug.
"If he does ask you though, yes, you do have my permission to marry him.
He's to good a catch to let slip away." Ami and her giggled together for
a few minutes then went to bed.
* * * * *
"Are you done wasting time Jeremy?" Annie demanded angrily as she
stood under the tree Jeremy Haasbroek was in. "You've been watching this
girl for eight days, haven't you made your decision yet?"
"Watch and learn, boss lady." Jeremy said with a smile.
With graceful ease, he jumped to another branch, much closer to the
window. When he saw Makoto start undressing, he dove through the window.
He chuckled at the shrieks of fememine horror, but was surprised at Makoto's
reaction to his intrusion in the girl's locker room.
"You dare invade this place?" She demanded, presenting an amazing sight
in only her bra and panties. "You can never be forgiven for this. In the name
of Jupiter, I will destroy you." Glancing around to make sure everyone else
was gone, she pulled her henshin pen out of subspace and transformed.
Jeremy stumbled back in shock at this turn of events, and then
growled in frustration when he heard Annie demanding what was going on
over the radio. His opponent smiled viscously when she saw his surprise,
making him angry. "I am Jeremy Haasbroek, Viscount of Mittrestern." He
bit out, drawing his long sword.
"Makoto Kino, Princess of Jupiter." She replied, summoning her
sword from subspace and saluting him. "Shall we dance?"
Without waiting for a response, she lashed out with a viscous lunge,
which Jeremy parried. His counter attack scored a hit on her right leg
when she found her sword blocked by a locker. Looking for more room, she
dove out the window he came in, with Jeremy right behind her.
"Damn it, Jeremy, don't let her get away." Annie shouted over the
radio. "We're too close to success."
"Chill out, boss lady, she's not trying to get away." Jeremy replied,
respect for Makoto in his tone. "She's looking for a better place to fight.
That locker room was too cramped."
"Well, make sure this ends here." Annie demanded. "I don't want to
have to explain any delays to Damian." Jeremy laughed as he continued the
chase through the trees, which finally ended in a clearing.
"Ahh ... much better." Jeremy said as he landed several meters away
from where Makoto was standing. "Shall we continue?"
Without waiting for an answer, he charged Makoto, smiling when she
came to meet him.
* * * * *
"Kevin, there's an Immortal after Makoto." Ami said over Makoto's
cell phone. "She says his name is Jeremy Haasbroek." She was running
through the forest as Sailor Mercury, with some of the other Senshi close
behind.
"I'm on my way, just remember, no interference." Kevin said, starting
his motorcycle. "Where did she say she was going?"
"She was busy running as she called over her communicator, but she
called it Yoshi's Clearing." Ami said in confusion. "Does that make any
sense to you?" Kevin swore as he spun the bike in a skew turn.
"It's the clearing where Tanaka attacked us two days ago." He ground
out as he headed in that direction. "If he cheats, you and the others can
help, but as long as he plays by the rules, so do we."
"Hurry Kevin." Ami said as the clearing came into sight. "Makoto
needs your help." Kevin swore helplessly as he drove through the gate of
the school and turned toward the clearing.
* * * * *
"Hello Senshi, fancy meeting you here." Annie said from the opposite
side of the clearing as Mercury and the others arrived. "I hope we won't
have a repeat of the last battle your friend had. It would be unfortunate
if you were to interfere."
"We won't interfere Annie." Sailor Mercury said, taking up a
position with a clear line of sight, as did the others. "But if you do,
it will be even worse for you."
"Brave words little girl, but do you have what it takes to back
them up?" Annie said, energy crackling between her hands.
"She doesn't need to Annie." Kevin growled, coming into the
clearing. "I can do it for her."
"Ah yes, the great Kevin O'Connell, come to save the fair damsel
yet again." Annie laughed mockingly. "Unfortunately, if you do, you
sign her death warrant as well as your own."
"I know as well as you do the penalty for a violation of the
rules Annette." Kevin said, summoning his sword. "I'm just here to
make sure it's a fair fight." Annie ground her teeth at his mocking
stare and turned back to the fight.
"Why are you doing this?" Makoto demanded, parrying another
attack from Jeremy. "What did I do to deserve death?"
"It wasn't what you did, it was O'Connell." Jeremy replied,
pressing his attack. "He betrayed Annette and left her for dead in a
mountain pass. He must be punished."
"And you punish him by killing me?" Makoto demanded counter
attacking with one of Kevin's special attacks. Jeremy stumbled backwards
in surprise, barely parrying the attack. "Are you crazy or just gullible?
Annie is using you to get her own revenge against me for a fight she
couldn't finish."
"Silence!" Jeremy yelled, launching an energy blast at Makoto,
who jumped away easily. The other Senshi started to move, but Kevin
waved them back, shaking his head. Makoto fired a Thunder Dragon in
response and knocked Jeremy to the ground.
"If you promise to go away and never return, I'll let you leave
with your life." Makoto said calmly. Jeremy spat at her and lunged
in desperation. Purely by reflex, Makoto parried the thrust and
beheaded him. Mists began to gather as Makoto and the body was lifted
into the air. Makoto was engulfed in the Quickening as shivers of
painful pleasure ran through her body.
Kevin turned toward Annie, as Makoto was lifted into the air,
only to find her gone. Cursing vilely, he banished his sword and
waited for the Quickening to subside. Makoto stumbled as the Quickening
left her, wide-eyed at the shocks of pleasure she had experienced. She
shook her head to clear it several times, then looked at Kevin in
amazement.
"No wonder some people become Hunters." She gasped, licking her
dry lips. "What was that?"
"That was the Quickening." Kevin explained, coming up to her
slowly. "And you're right, it is why some people become hunters.
That was another reason Scott started you on those centering exercises,
to keep you from becoming one of them. But you and the others might
want to change, because unless I miss my guess, Mr. Yashihara will be
here soon to investigate. Before you change though, Haruka, could you
get rid of the body? I don't think any of us want to explain that."
She nodded and incinerated the body so quickly, it didn't leave any
smell, and then they all transformed except Makoto, who blushed.
"I'm only wearing a bra and panties." She explained. Kevin
nodded and ran to his motorcycle, rolling it into the clearing.
Putting his helmet on, he threw Makoto a black over coat from one of
the saddlebags. She wrapped it around herself and transformed, tying
the belt tightly. Kevin gave her a helmet, and with her riding
sidesaddle behind him, roared off passed the started principal.
"What is going on out here?" Mr. Yashihara demanded of the four
girls in the clearing. "Who were those people?"
"We don't know sir." Ami replied innocently. "We saw a strange
light out here and came to find out what it was. Those people rode
out of here just as we arrived."
"Then why didn't I see you as I was coming out here myself?"
The principal asked in confusion.
"We were on the sports field when we saw the light." Usagi
said, pointing opposite to the way he had come. "We really should
be getting back sir." The others nodded and left with the principal's
permission.
* * * * *
"Annette, you have failed me yet again." Damian growled angrily
from his throne. "Why is it that you find it impossible to kill one
young girl?"
"Sir, she is one of the Senshi." Anne said, pleadingly. "That
gave her an advantage over Jeremy. She is also a natural swordsman,
better than anyone I've seen before."
"Excuses Annette?" Damian spat in disgust. "I thought better
of you. Myhrdral, take her to the edge of the crystal wastes and
strip her naked. Then let the wastes have her."
"At once, my liege." Myhrdral said, motioning to the two Youma
holding Annie. They followed him, dragging her from the Throne room.
"A little harsh Damian." Hawks said, coming from behind the
throne. "She is an excellent operator, you just gave her an impossible
mission. Kevin O'Connell could train a potato farmer to beat any of us
who are under one hundred. With someone of this girl's ability, his
job is made easier. Sending Haasbroek to kill her was an excerse in
futility even to contemplate."
"What would you suggest, Oh Font of Answers?" Damian laughed
mockingly. "You have yet to show me one concrete particle of an idea,
let alone anything resembling a plan, except for Bannon, who is a
waste of space. When are you going to make good on your promises?"
"All in due time, Oh Important One." Hawks laughed in return.
"All in due time." He vanished into the shadows, his mocking laugh
lingering.
* * * * *
"What did you want to talk about Ami?" Makoto asked as she
let her into her room in the castle. "It sounded urgent."
"Not as urgent as it may have sounded, but very important."
Ami replied, setting her book bag down. "I understand that you want
to marry Kevin in August, but would you consider changing that to
next year if I can show you the benefits of waiting?"
"Why wait?" Makoto asked confused. "I've already waited
two thousand years."
"So have I Makoto, but I am willing to wait until I've graduated
and start university before getting married." Ami said calmly. "What
I had in mind was a one year engagement for both of us, ending in a
double wedding in July. We would get all of the advantages, including
intimacies, from then until the wedding, and we'd be able to get closer
to our men in the mean time."
"What will your mother say about this plan of yours, Ami?" Makoto
asked, a little dazed. "I doubt she'd go along with it."
"On the contrary, she already gave me the go ahead." Ami chuckled
at Makoto's shocked expression. "She gave me a prescription for birth
control pills last night. As of this afternoon, I'm on the pill. I'm
sure she'd do the same for you if you asked."
"So we seduce them and live with them for the next year, then
get married?" Makoto asked uncomfortably. "I doubt Kevin will go
for that, and Scott will probably feel the same way. How do we change
their minds?"
"First, by a little change in latitude." Ami said, dumping
several brochures about Hawaii on the bed. "Scott has a cabin on the
Island of Oahu that he's promised to take me to someday. We'll take
them there and get to work. By the time we're finished, the poor babies
won't know what hit them."
* * * * *
"Scott are you here?" Chibi-Usa shouted as she and Hotaru came
into the shop.
"I'm in the back." Scott voice said, and the two girls followed
it to the restoration lab Scott usually kept locked. "What can I do for
you ladies?" He asked, never taking his eyes off of the delicate cup he
was cleaning with a low-pressure water jet.
"We presented our project today." Hotaru said shyly. "We wanted
to show you what out teacher wrote on the report." Scott turned off the
water jet and locked the manipulator arm in place, then took off his
viewing goggles.
Let's see." Scott said, taking the well-bound report from Chibi-
Usa. Skipping the title page where he knew the grade would be, he read
through it, smiling at the number of quotes and historical facts he had
given them that they had used. He also noted the way they had labeled
each quote for the bibliography. With a smile, he closed the book and
handed it back to Chibi-Usa. "I'd say she gave you an 'A+' and complimented
you on how well research and put together the report was."
"How did you guess?" Chibi-Usa gasped, looking at the title page
that she knew Scott didn't look at.
"It was only to be expected, with eight high school students helping
you, one of whom was actually there and owns that scabbard." Scott chuckled
with a smile for them.
"What are you cleaning?" Hotaru asked, looking into the tank. "It
looks like a tea cup."
"It is." Scott replied, a confused expression on his face. "A
friend of mine sent it to me when his research ship docked a week ago,
asking me to clean it up and see if I can tell which ship it's from. He
couldn't do it on board his ship because of a storm, but why he didn't
want the labs in the US to do it, I don't know."
"Isn't that a dolphin on the side of the cup?" Hotaru asked, looking
through the goggles. Scott took them back and smiled.
"You're right, Hotaru, it is a dolphin, but I've never seen one that
looks like that before." He said, turning the video monitor on so they
could all watch. The water jet came on and more of the crest became visible.
Scott rotated the cup a little and directed the jet very carefully and was
surprised when a flowing artistic form of Cyrillic became visible.
"Russian?" Scott said, turning off the jet again. Turning to his
computer, he linked into Kevin's main network database and requested all
of the available details on the ship. Under it's name was a photograph of
the crest from 1918. "Nicholas' treasure ship?" Scott gasped after reading
the last entry. "Marc, since when are you a treasure hunter."
"What ship is it from?" Chibi-Usa asked excitedly, trying to see for
herself.
"Its name was The Dolphin or rather it's Russian equivalent."
Scott replied. "It was a cargo ship home ported in Murmawsk. In 1918,
it was given a royal commission by the last Russian Tsar and sailed in
early October of that same year, carrying three anonymous passengers
and a large cargo. According to port records, the ship landed at Belfast,
where the passengers disembarked, then continued toward South America.
Neither it nor it's cargo were heard of again."
"So your friend found this ship?" Hotaru asked. "How exciting."
"More than you realize." Scott began, and then stopped when his
telephone rang. He walked to the office wondering who it could be.
"Moshi, moshi ... Oh, hi Al, what's up? ... Oh, Jeremy Haasbroek. Yesterday
about 2 pm ... can't help you there Old buddy, I wasn't a witness. I
know someone who was though, and she might actually solve this double
duty problem of yours too ... Where do you want to meet? ... Okay, I'll
see you in about three hours then ... bye."
"Who was that Scott?" Chibi-Usa asked curiously.
"Just an old friend of mind." Scott laughed, and then smiled at
them. "How would you like to help me close up shop?"
The girls cheered eagerly and raced around the shop following his
instructions as he typed up the report on the cup for his friend. After
encrypting it twice, he e-mailed it to his home computer, with a warning
to be very careful. The shop was closed up twenty minutes later and Scott
offered them a drive back to their houses. Before they left, Hotaru asked
Scott if she could talk to him about something real quick.
Hotaru asked him if he could be her second father. Scott asked her
what brought that up and she explained that she had Michiru and Setsuna as
mothers to her, and only Haruka as a father. The only problem being that
they were all female, and she had seen all the other girls with their fathers
that she felt a little left out. Scott had stopped her from giving more
reasons, saying that he could see what she was getting at. He felt honored
that she would ask him and accepted her offer. He then drove the girls home
is his Freelander, then drove to the castle for Makoto's practice. He was
surprised to see Ami there watching.
"This is a surprise?" Scott said as he sat down next to her. "To what
do we owe the pleasure of your company?"
"Makoto and I wanted to talk to both of you together about summer break."
She replied with a smile. "Do you have time after her training?"
"I may need to reschedule an appointment, but I don't see any problems."
Scott said with a laugh. "What about summer break?"
"It can wait until practice is done." Ami laughed with a smile.
Scott grumbled for a few minutes, then went to change clothes. After
calling Al and changing the arrangements, he came back down and continued
Makoto's training where they had left off on Tuesday. Two hours later,
they all met in a sitting room and Ami laid out her plan for the trip to
Hawaii, leaving out the part where she and Makoto seduced Scott and Kevin.
Both men liked the idea and agreed readily, Scott even volunteering his cabin
without being prompted. Ami gave Kevin the list of Concerts and shows she and
Makoto had complied, so that he could get the tickets, then followed Scott out
when he asked her for a word in private.
"What is it Scott?" Ami asked. "Is there something wrong with the shows
we wanted to see?"
"No, not at all." Scott assured her. "I was just wondering if you'd
like to come with me to meet Al."
"That guy you were talking to on your phone in Okinawa?" She asked,
excited. "I can meet him? I definitely want to come then."
"Okay, I'll let Kevin know not to wait for us for dinner, and we'll
be on our way." After a short conversation with Kevin, Scott led her out
to the Freelander and headed for the secluded coastal restaurant where the
meet was to be.
* * * * *
"Hey Scott, long time no see." Jeff Mercer, the owner of 'Sea Cliffs'
laughed in greeting. "Is this the lovely lady that's been keeping you away?"
"Absolutely Jeff." Scott laughed as Amy blushed. "Is Al here yet?"
"Got here fifteen minutes ago." Jeff replied, pointing to a door marked
private. "He's in the library."
"Thanks." Scott said with a smile and directed Ami through the door and
down a passage to the left. When they came to what looked like a dead end, he
pushed three blocks on the wall and a panel slid to the side. As they stepped
into the room, a smiling man with glasses greeted them.
"Ami, meet Alan Seeger." Scott said by way of introduction. "Al, this
is Ami Mizuno, the person I was telling you about." They shook hands, and then
sat down around the table.
"The reason I asked you here was to make a suggestion." Scott said to
Al once they had sat down. "You've been complaining for the last month and a
half that you've had to do double duty and that Makoto keeps disappearing on
you. I can't explain to you how she does it because of security reasons, but
what I can tell you is that she can't avoid Ami. Don't ask us how, because
we can't tell you, but it will work."
"You want me to make Ami a Watcher?" Al asked in shock. "Are you
sure she's up to the job?"
"Why don't you ask me?" Ami said, a little annoyed at being
discussed as if she weren't there. "What would being a 'Watcher',
whatever that is, require?"
"I'll let Al explain that to you, since I'm not suppose to know
this, I will step outside for a moment." Scott replied and before Ami
was able to comment, Scott was out the door, so she turned back to face
Al.
"You'll have to keep track of Makoto and keep a journal of her
life." Al replied seriously. "You'll have to write about everything
she does and everyone she fights as an Immortal."
"You want me to spy on her?" Ami asked in distaste. "She'll
have to know I'm doing it or it's a no go. I will not do that to one
of my friends."
"I wouldn't ask you to." Al replied, impressed by her integrity.
"But also know we also have our 'security reasons' when dealing with
Immortals." After her nod, he started asking her several questions about
codes and encryption schemes. He discussed her future plans and smiled
when she said she wanted to be a doctor. "That would actually be very
useful. Now for the most important question. Will you be completely
unbiased in your historical entries?"
"If you mean, will I report what actually happens, instead of
what my preconceptions tell me happens, then yes, absolutely." Ami
replied. "Because of those security concerns we were discussing before,
my histories will have to be sealed for a while. Is that all right?"
"Of course, but no one but Watchers have access to our records
anyway." Al said, and then held up his hand when she protested. "If
the need for security is that important, don't worry about it. I'll
make sure they stay sealed until you agree to unseal them or your
successor needs to see them."
"All right, then what do I need to do to become a Watcher?" Ami
asked. When she was told about the tattoo, she flinched, but agreed to
it as long as Scott held her hand. Once the tattoo was done and a bandage
was over it, they all went out and had dinner. Jeff raised his eyebrows
at the bandage on Ami's wrist, and then winked at her when he brought her
food.
On their way to the cars, Al handed her a list of contact numbers,
a website address, and some books dealing with 'How to' books on being a
Watcher. He informed her to expect a package about what Watcher
headquarters will expect of her and so forth. After making her memorize
a series of fifteen numbers, he smiled at her.
"Welcome to the Watchers, Ami." Al said.
* * * * *
TO BE CONTINUED ...