RahXephon Fan Fiction ❯ Compensation ❯ Closure ( Chapter 9 )

Compensation

 

By: A-Z Mark II

 

Notes: Don't own. Rated NC-17/X (depending on your preference)

 

Chapter 9: Closure

-

Maya sat in her large, comfortable chair in her alien office, reading the finalized deployment plans from Kuki. Overall, she was pleased with the plans and contingency plans in place. Breaking the barrier will be the end of them, she thought, curiously devoid of any real emotion. All was ready, and the bonding was nearly complete, running a full three percent ahead of schedule. We will have plenty of Dolems for the attack, and when we deploy our folded cities, there won't be much that humans can do. Her pessimistic side reminded her of the only unknown in the plans: Ayato Kamina and RahXephon. They are the only thing that cannot be planned for or predicted. she frowned.

Setting the report back down on her desk, she picked up a two-page report from her intelligence division. On the cover page was a sectionalized content table, but it was more a waste of paper than anything else - so little was known about the circumstances surrounding the event that it took only one lone page to report all that her agents had managed to learn.

“Asahina.” she breathed, scanning the page for the ninth time. “Was it intentional, or accidental that you called your other self directly to where Ayato and you were?” she asked the dead girl aloud. Not surprisingly, she didn't get an answer. Her agents reported that Asahina's body had been removed by an unknown faction and all traces of her erased. They did, however, discover that Ayato had been removed from the hotel just before they got there and conclusions pointed to him and RahXephon returning to Nirai Kanai.

Maya set the folder back down on her desk and leaned back in her chair. Softly, she hummed an aria, the walls shimmering and turning translucent as she did so, revealing her other self. Feeling the aria permeate the air in her office, she went silent, listening to the self-sustaining echo of the aria. I wonder what Quon is planning? she asked herself. There is no way that she will just sit by as Olin returns from here. And yet, she allowed him to come here in the first place. Her brow furrowed slightly. Is it that she didn't realize what had happened with him, or is it that she is trying to tell me something? worried the woman. “Which ever it is, sister,” she whispered to her twin, “we will soon be left with nothing but the forbidden song to decide the outcome.”

A discordant note intruded itself into her sanctuary. Silently sighing, she cancelled the aria, the walls turning solid once more and her other self falling silent. “Come.” she said. The door opened and one of her senior agents came in. “What is it?” she asked him directly, disliking having her mediation interrupted.

“Ma'am, we have a problem.” he said. Maya waited, silent. Sensing that she wouldn't be pleased if he didn't elaborate, he mentally shrugged and went into more detail. “It's about Torigai, ma'am.” said the man.

“Oh? And what has he done?” asked Maya. The man took a breath.

“He went to confront Ayato.” said the man. Maya's eyes narrowed.

“Why would he do that? I expressly forbid him to contact Ayato.” she reminded him. The man shifted.

“General Kuki left the Asahina report on his desk, and Torigai found it.” he paused, then continued. “Torigai was…upset.” he said. Maya groaned.

“That fool.” she muttered. Pure blood will tell, I suppose. she thought sourly.

“What are your orders, ma'am?” asked the agent, clearly expecting her to order either a retrieval team after him or a supporting element.

“Let him be. There is to be no action.” said the supreme commander of the Mulians. Behind his sunglasses, she knew that he blinked.

“Ma'am…?” began the agent, sure he had misheard her.

“You have your orders.” said Maya sharply, her eyes hard.

“He…took a second level Dolem in addition to his own.” shared the man. Maya sneered.

“Against RahXephon, he might just as well have taken his casket.” she growled. Why is it that pure-bloods can't learn from their mistakes? she wondered icily, conveniently forgetting that she herself was a pure-blood Mulian. At least she and her sister, of all the priestesses, had finally learned their lesson about abusing the powers of a god. The agent debated saying anything more. Sensing this, Maya moved to head off a protest from certain factions that sided with the young hot head. “You have your orders, agent. And tell Kuki that I will tolerate no more failure from him. Is that clear? This mess is as much his doing as Torigai's.” she noted.

“Ma'am.” acknowledged the agent, softly closing the door. Maya shook her head, dispelling the sour mood that had fallen on her with the agent's report. For a few minutes, she was silent and still. Abruptly, she leaned forward and touched her phone. “Shinobu, come to my office. We need to discuss some things.” she said. After the younger woman acknowledged the orders, she sat back. Maybe, sister, just maybe…

-

Haruka hummed softly as she made her way to the office of the commander. It had been five wonderful days since Ayato came back to her, and life was a paradise. In addition to getting some much-appreciated Ayato cock, she had seen Megumi's reaction to his return. I hope that those two take the hint. she thought, finding herself at the Commander's office door.

Entering the office, she saw the enigmatic Ensign Mishima standing silently by the side of the White Snake's desk, clipboard in hand. The albino freak was seated in the chair, reading a report. “Captain Shitow, reporting.” said the woman crisply, saluting. The new commander barely looked up from his report.

“Excellent.” he said. “How are the preparations for the Vermillion teams coming?” he asked her. Haruka glanced at page on her own clipboard.

“Captain Hadhiyat reports that Alpha team is combat ready, while Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo are nearly ready. Reports from the three supporting Vermillion-type squadrons should be ready for deployment in one week.” she reported.

“Excellent.” said the commander, handing the report to Mishima. Rising, he turned to look out the narrow window over the TERRA complex. “I have requested that the UN move the attack date up by five days. We will smash the Mulians in one blow!”
he purred. Behind his back, Haruka covertly changed pages, revealing her doodling page. On it, a coiled snake with Isshiki's face was staring at itself in a mirror, apparently preening. Hearing a soft giggle from beside her, she glanced at Mishima, to see her coving her mouth with a hand. Smiling at the other woman, she titled her board slightly to give her a better view. Maybe she's not so bad. thought Haruka, seeing Mishima tremble with suppressed laughter.

Her attention was pulled back to the White Snake himself by a break in his ranting about his masterful plan. Haruka desperately tried to recall what he had just ordered her to do. Um, I think it was about coordinating with Souichi. she thought. “I'll be sure to brief Major Yagumo, sir.” she said, saluting. Seeing a strange look flit across the commander's face, she wondered if she had guessed wrong.

“Whatever floats your boat, Captain.” he said, making a dismissing motion. “So, I'll see you at seven for dinner, then.” he tossed in. Haruka's lips thinned.

“Sorry, sir, but I have previous commitments.” she managed an even reply.

“Oh?” replied the man. “I would hate to have to throw you in the brig for associating with a Mulian agent.” he threatened her.

“As it happens, I have a dinner date with my sister, sir.” she said tightly, spelling the `sir' with a `cu'. “It's a family anniversary.” she added tightly.

“I'll bet.” muttered Isshiki. “Dismissed.” he said, flipping a hand. Haruka saluted smartly.

“Sir.” she said, spinning and exiting the office. Exhaling as she moved toward Souichi's office, she wondered why the freak was such a sleazy little shit. God knows that Itsuki was nothing like him! she thought. So, how did they both come from the same place, that being the Bahbem Foundation? And more to the point, what is the connection between them and that Helena bitch? she asked herself. Mining Sayoko Nanamori for details had panned out, though the information was not interlocking as smoothly as she had initially hoped. There are a lot of unanswered questions. she thought, pausing in front of Yagumo's office.

When the door slid open, she found Kim sitting on the edge of Yagumo's desk, while the Major was leaning back in his chair. Haruka leered at them. “Well, I'm surprised to find you two clothed.” she sniped. “Or have you already finished for now?” she teased. Kim just smiled back.

“Actually, Haru,” she shot back, “we were waiting for you to join us. Souichi has had this fantasy of you and me double teaming him since the zipper incident…” she baited. Haruka blinked before she came back on Kim.

“Well, let me just lock the door, and we can have a Roman orgy in here!” she suggested, tossing her clipboard onto his desk next to Kim before beginning to unbutton her uniform. Tossing her jacket on top of the clipboard, she glanced at Kim. “Well? You gonna get undressed or what, Kim-chan?” she asked innocently, beginning to work on her blouse. “Or do you want me to help you put on a little show for your hubby?” she asked in a seductive tone, leaning close to Kim, her blouse half-way unbuttoned, giving Yagumo a nice view of her strapless bra and cleavage.

Kim jerked her head back as Haruka nearly kissed her. “God, Haru, what is up with you?!” she asked. Haruka gave a happy little laugh.

“Oh, I think you can guess!” she chirped happily. Her pussy throbbed pleasurable agreement. The two women's gazes touched, and both had the identical thought: Ayato! Pulling herself back into a normal standing posture, she quirked an eyebrow at Kim. “So, are we going to do that threesome or are you getting cold feet, Kim-chan?” she teased.

“You are a nympho, Haru!” sighed Kim. Haruka shrugged.

“So?” she replied unrepentantly. Glancing at Yagumo, whose lips were moving soundlessly, she giggled. “Maybe we shouldn't, Kim.” she said, inclining her head toward Souichi. “He doesn't look like he can take much more.” she relented. Maybe I should see if I can talk Megu into doing this for Ayato. she mused. I know that Ayato can handle us! The smile on her lips was lascivious. Speaking of those two, they must be just finishing their meal. she thought, glancing at her watch.

“Um, Haru?” came Souichi's voice, interrupting her mental review of the `date' the two had planned - no matter how much Megumi insisted that it wasn't a date.

“Hmm?” she replied, not really paying attention to the younger Major.

“Could you…button up your uniform?” he asked her, his voice tight. Blinking in confusion, she looked down to find that she had absently unbuttoned her blouse to her skirt's waistband, the cotton garment hanging loose on her shoulders, displaying her small lace bra and full breasts.

“If you want.” she muttered, swiftly buttoning up her blouse. Kim, watching her friend's distracted actions, wondered if Haruka wasn't all but incapacitated by Ayato's return to her life. Not that I can blame her; he probably fucks her until she can't remember her name every evening and morning! thought the younger Korean woman jealously. A look at Souichi's pants showed her that he found Haruka's display highly attractive. Maybe I should see if I can get some three-some action with Ayato and one of his girls… she found herself thinking. Shaking her head, she tried to dislodge that thought; mostly, she was unsuccessful.

-

Megumi stretched her arms as she and Ayato exited the small restaurant. “Man, I'm stuffed!” she exclaimed happily. Ayato smiled at her.

“You ate like a horse, Megu, so I'm not surprised that your full!” he teased her. Megumi Shitow frowned at him.

“I didn't eat any more than you, Ayato!” she disagreed, disregarding the fact that she had gone back for seconds; twice. “Besides, I don't put soy sauce on my braised chicken like some savages!” she sniffed dismissively.

“Want to be that Haru did?” smiled Ayato insolently. Megumi made a face in response.

“No!” she said snippily, “I wouldn't put it past her. Besides, I never said she wasn't a savage, did I?” challenged the sixteen year old. Ayato shrugged.

“No, not that I recall, Megu-chan.” he answered easily. Megumi smirked at her victory. Glancing at her phone, she saw the time. Grabbing his hand, she tugged Ayato along the street. “What's the rush, Megu-chan?” he asked her, caught off guard.

“The movie starts in twenty minutes!” explained the girl impatiently. “We have to hurry to get good seats!” Ayato lengthened his stride to match her hurried steps. Taking the wrist of her hand that had grabbed his, he pulled her hand off his own before interlacing his finger with her own.

“It's more comfortable if you hold hands like this.” he said simply, ignoring the hint of color on Megumi's cheeks. The two were silent as they made their way to the theater. This is fun, thought Ayato. It also reminded him of his week with Hiroko. But, this is Megumi, not Hiroko. he reminded himself grimly. And I won't let her end up the way that Hiro-chan ended up! he swore silently. Pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind, he concentrated on enjoying the evening with Megumi.

-

Jin sat in his chair, looking out over the bay, a drink by his hand, though it was hardly touched. In the background, the recording of Michie's song played softly. Unlike when Quon played it, it didn't overwhelm him with the emotions of the young daughter who had written it for her father, but it still packed a massive emotional impact. Drinking and listening to her song would be a bad combination. he had thought within moments of putting the CD in the player.

“Jin? Are you home?” came a voice from near his front door. Blinking, the former commander of TERRA rose and made his way to the front door, finding Professor Rikudoh standing just inside his door. Bowing his head briefly, the younger man spoke.

“Sorry, sensei, I was wool gathering.” he apologized. “Please, come in.” he invited the older man. Toeing off his shoes, the old professor accepted the invitation.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Jin.” he smiled. Following the younger military man into his home, he paused, nodding, when Jin lightly shook a bottle of bourbon in his direction. Pouring his old teacher a glass of the potent drink, he extended it to the old man before they settled in his den, where his drink still waited for him. “That's a lovely piece.” noted the old man, settling in a chair as Jin did the same. “Tell me, is that one of Quon's pieces?” he wondered.

Jin flinched. “Sorry, sensei, that was…a reminder.” he said softly, grabbing the remote and shutting off the song. The professor studied Jin for a moment before sipping his drink. Jack Daniels would be more appropriate to this mood. he thought fleetingly. “Quon was kind enough to play some sheet music from a long time ago for me, and that was a recording of her performance.” he explained unnecessarily.

“Ah. I thought that felt like her.” mused the old man. Jin glanced at him.

“'Felt' like Quon?” he wondered. “Sorry, sensei, I am still not quick enough to follow you sometimes.” he requested clarification.

“Each Instrumentalist has a unique…well, `feel', for lack of a better term, to their songs. That one just `felt' like Quon on the strings of that violin.” Jin managed a rueful smile. Will I ever be able to see things like you do, Professor? he wondered, taking a stiff pull from his whiskey on the rocks. Maybe, had I listened to him when I was his student in high school, I would be able to understand what he does about the world we live in today. he mused.

“So, I understand that Ayato Kamina is back.” said the professor. Jin froze for a second.

“Oh? I…hadn't heard.” he said tightly. Professor Rikudoh's expression didn't change.

“No, I imagine you hadn't.” he said obliquely. “I myself only heard about it just a bit ago from my niece.” he offered bait. Though he really wanted to avoid the obvious trap, Jin found he just couldn't resist.

“And which niece shared that tidbit with you?” he asked civilly. The old fox just smiled.

“In point of fact, it was Megumi.” he said. After a brief pause, he continued. “Haruka chose to inform me in a different manner.” he said sly. Jin grimaced slightly.

“How do you do that, sensei?” he asked tightly. The professor took a drink from his glass.

“Do what, Kunugi-kun?” the man evaded smoothly.

“How do you see him as just `Ayato Kamina - boyfriend to my niece'?” asked Kunugi. “He's a Mulian from Tokyo Jupiter!” he added darkly. The professor sighed.

“Jin, you can't live your life in the past. Grow up.” he said firmly. The younger man drained his glass before reaching for the bottle on the other side of his chair.

“That has always been my failing, sensei.” he admitted candidly. “You were right when you told me that my idealistic belief in the veracity of my perception of the world would bring me nothing but pain.” he shared, filling his glass as he did so. It cost me my family, my honor - and mostly, it cost me my peace. he thought darkly. “It doesn't bother you that your only remaining family is…involved with him?” he pressed his old instructor. He had started to say `fucking the Mulian agent', but edited himself before he could say it.

Professor Rikudoh pursed his lips, considering the question. That Jin is unaware of Maya is understandable, though I have to wonder that he has never put the pieces together in regards to Quon and Maya. he thought to himself. I doubt that he knows about Haruka's past with Ayato, so I will just take it at face value. he decided. “No, not really.” he said, speaking just before Jin could apologize for the question. “Frankly, I was beginning to worry about her; a woman her age and looking as good as she does without a love life is worrying to her old uncle.” he smiled slightly. And Megumi is reaching the age where the past will come back to haunt her as well. he thought unhappily. Because of my mistakes, they have to suffer. It was far from the first time that he wondered exactly why he had made such an obvious mistake.

“I just don't understand how you can think of him as just a normal person, sensei.” replied Jin, sipping his drink. Rikudoh silently sighed. Perceptive, yes, but Jin was still as stubborn as ever. If not one way, then another… thought the old teacher.

“Have you ever just talked with Ayato, Jin?” he asked directly, tone slightly disapproving. Jin made no verbal reply. As the hours passed, both men talked of the old days, before the Mu first appeared, when Jin had been an idealistic high schooler, and Rikudoh was teaching archeology, philosophy and history.

-

Ayato smiled slightly as the credits began to roll. Leaning against his shoulder, Megumi was sound asleep. Reaching over with his off hand to avoid waking her, he brushed some hair back from her face. A sudden sense of déjà vu swept though him as he recalled a nearly identical situation with Hiroko Asahina. Reliving his time with Hiro, he inadvertently woke Megumi by bumping her nose with the knuckle of his finger.

“Huh?” she wondered, jerking awake. “What…?” she wondered, before finding herself looking at Ayato, hand still on her cheek, face inches from her own. Megumi's heart missed a beat. He…he was going to kiss me?! she wondered. Sensing him about to move away from her, she seized the initiate and bridged the gap between them, pressing her lips to his own. Both of them weren't anticipating the kiss, but they responded identically.

Less experienced, Megumi nevertheless parted her lips to get a better lock on Ayato's lips, finding herself tingling at her first real kiss. Those kisses with Haru don't count, after all! she reasoned. Unconsciously, her left arm moved over to settle on his shoulder as she shifted to face him more squarely. Beneath her lips, she felt his part slightly, and a moment later, she felt his tongue slip into her mouth.

Ayato was surprised at just how good it felt to kiss Megumi. She tastes…sweet. he marveled, moving his now-free arm around her back, just under her arm and easing her closer to him. Feeling her lips part slightly, he assumed that she was going for a deeper kiss, and accommodated her, parting his own lips as he wiggled his tongue between her lips to play with her oral muscle. Not feeling her tongue immediately meeting his own, he went in search of her tongue.

Megumi's eyes widened in surprise as she felt his tongue worm around in her mouth, pausing only when it found her tongue. She opened her mouth a little wider as his tongue began to slowly, teasingly stroke along her own sensitive member. Gradually, her tongue rose to pet his as his continued to pet her own. I'm can't believe it! I'm already Frenching him! she babble silently.

With Megumi responding to his kiss, Ayato settled in to enjoy himself, patiently guiding her through the little intricacies of kissing. It's a good thing that Say-chan, Kim and Haru taught me so well! he mused happily, moving his free arm to her side. Rubbing her side, he gradually edged toward her breasts. Megumi's slight, muffled sounds were most assuredly not attempts to discourage him.

Both teens jerked apart, however, when the attendant at the theater cleared his throat loudly. Blushing, they looked around to discover that the last of the movie-goers were gone, the lights were up and the staff had paused to watch the two make out. “If I can tear you two away from your diversions for a moment…” said the young man, sending them a knowing smirk. From farther back, the two young lovers could hear some mocking cat-calls and wolf whistles.

Face aflame, Megumi bounded to her feet, grabbed Ayato's arm, and dashed out of the theater, dragging Ayato behind her - much like a rag doll, in fact. She didn't let up until they were two blocks away. Panting, she came to a stop, leaning against the low concrete rail separating the sidewalk from the roadway. Overhead, the stars and moon were bright and clear. Man, I'm glad I wasn't in my uniform! thought Megumi.

Stopping beside her, Ayato was breathing heavily from his unexpected sprint from the theater. She's so energetic it makes me tired just watching her! he thought fondly. If she's this way in bed, she'll be unbelievable! Ayato blinked at that thought. When did I start to think of her in that manner? he wondered. His more reasonable side had the answer: Since I first saw her, really.

“That was so embarrassing!” whined Megumi. And we were interrupted before the good stuff, too! she thought resentfully. Damn attendants! Her thoughts were interrupted by Ayato's voice.

“Things were just getting good, too.” he agreed with her, covertly watching her out of the corner of his eye. Just because she kissed me, doesn't mean she planned to go any further. he considered. The night before, he and Haru had spend a two hours together, so he wasn't so horny that he would jump Megu at the slightest chance, but his dick was still almost completely hard. A slight hint of color touched her cheeks once more.

“Yes, they were.” she whispered, more to herself than to him. Minutes passed in silence before she pushed herself upright and dusted off her skirt. Ayato watched her check her outfit. Megumi had worn an uncommon outfit that evening, most likely culled from Haru's closet, he suspected. The dark skirt was a bit large on her, but since it was loose-fitting, he couldn't be sure of anything but that it looked sinfully good on her. Stopping a generous hand above her knees, it was complimented by a white peasant-type blouse, leaving her shoulders bare, her arms covered only from just past her shoulders to her elbows, the bottom of the minimally-fitted garment not quite reaching her skirt's waistband. Her normal sandals completed the look, accompanied by a small purse.

“You look really good.” he offered her. He had made some sort of similar comment when she had first come down for their `not date', but he felt it bore repeating. Megumi looked up at him, surprised.

“You mean I look good for not being Haru.” she suggested. Ayato shook his head.

“No, I mean you, Megumi Shitow, look really good.” he corrected her. Megumi looked into his eyes intently for several seconds before turning away from him.

“Whatever.” she said softly, her tone sounding strange to him. Before he could ask her about it, she turned back to him, but didn't make eye contact. “Do you…want to walk on the beach with me?” she asked with only a fraction of hesitation. Ayato reached out and put his hands on her bare shoulder, his dick twitching as his hands felt her warm, soft skin under his palms. When she looked up at him, he smiled at her.

“I would love to, Megu-chan.” he answered her before slowly leaning down toward her, giving her plenty of time to back out. Megumi didn't. Closing her eyes and pursing her lips, she shared the second `real' kiss of her life with the young man who had claimed her first `real' kiss.

-

Haruka washed her hands before looking at herself in the mirror. Intently studying her reflection, she caught off guard by Kim's voice. “You look fine, Haru.” assured the younger woman. The two had ducked into the bathroom on their way to eat with Souichi. The young major was springing for their meals at a nice restaurant.

“These long days and the stress are putting bags under my eyes.” groused Haru. Ayato doesn't need to see me looking any older, damn it! she silently complained. Glancing to the side, she saw Kim had turned herself sideways, critically examining her belly. “You aren't really showing yet, Kim-chan.” she reassured the young woman.

“But I will be soon.” said the woman, her tone tight. Haruka paused, debating asking Kim what she wanted to ask her. Before the debate had run it's course, she was already asking her.

“So, are you…I mean, have you and Souichi discussed what to do when that happens?” she asked Kim. Operator Hotal pursed her lips.

“Not exactly.” she admitted. “I…think that I will take a leave of absence from TERRA. Souichi, well, I don't know, but I don't think that he will quit, though I hope he requests a change of posts or duties.” she said.

“He won't.” blurted out Haruka unintentionally. Kim sent her a sharp look.

“How do you know that, Haru?” she asked her friend bluntly. Haru sighed, turning to lean against the counter.

“Because he has invested too much into this to walk away.” said the intelligence officer turned tactical officer. “But, more to the point, he feels that defeating the Mu is the best way to insure your safety - and your child's future.” she said softly. Seeing Kim's even, firm gaze, she gave up her source. “We…talked about it a few days ago, when I was going over the operational outline.” said the older woman.

“Should I be upset that you and he discuss things behind my back, or should I be upset that he's making these decisions without me?” asked Kim, annoyed.

“He just wants to protect you and your child.” assured Haru. Kim grimaced.

“I should have expected something like this, I suppose.” she muttered. “Our…arrangement is based on certain assumptions, so this will have to be a case of give and take.” she muttered, not exactly thrilled by the situation.

“Your `arrangement'…that's a strange way to talk about your impending marriage.” observed Haruka. “Do you love him, Kim?” she asked plainly. Kim considered that.

“I believe I do.” she allowed. “And if I don't love him now, I could easily see myself falling in love with him as we raise my child.” she mused, more to herself than to Haru. “He's a good man, and certainly has the traits I planned on looking for in a husband and father, so why shouldn't I come to love him? Assuming that I don't already.” she qualified. Haruka wasn't sure how to answer that.

“If you are that confident, I wish you the best, Kim-chan.” she managed at last, starting to straighten. Kim's hand touched her arm.

“Haru, while we're talking about this, I wanted to know something as well.” said the younger woman. Haruka waited patiently. “Haruka, why haven't you told Ayato? About your shared past, I mean?” asked the tech bluntly.

-

Megumi had taken off her sandals as soon as they had reached the sand beach, and was reveling in the feel of the warm sand between her toes, the cool surf and - most of all - the warm, firm grasp Ayato had around her waist. This feels so good! she thought happily. If this is what love feels like, I should have started earlier! “Ayato, kiss me?” she asked him.

“You have to ask?” he said humorously, turning her toward him and kissing her leisurely, his hands settling on her thinly-covered rear and pulling her hips tight to his. Megumi silently gasped as she felt his hard length against her belly, from just below her bellybutton to a little below her sternum. My god, is all that his…thing?! she wondered, more than a little scared of the possibility.

Ayato was enjoying himself immensely, as this was his first, honest-to-goodness date, in spite of his healthy love life. Since the first kiss with Megumi, he and she had shared more than two dozen in less than a half hour. Gradually, bit by bit, their make-out sessions had gotten longer, hotter and strangely enough, more relaxed. Now, feeling her warm, soft body against his, he realized something: this is what I want; nothing more. This feeling I get when I'm with Haru-chan and Megu-chan.

Busy with her tongue, the young man didn't realize that he had slipped his hands down to cup her ass, pulling her hips tighter to him as his hands massaged her toned ass. Megumi's arms were looped around his neck, and as he pulled her tighter to him, began to grind her hips against his hard length. Ayato broke the kiss for a quick breath of air and a question. “Megu-chan, do you…?” he began, his voice rough with desire.

Megumi was panting as she answered. “God, yes!” she managed. Beneath the skirt, she knew that her panties were completely soaked. I've never been this wet! she marveled. That's right! My panties! I wanted Ayato to see them! she remembered suddenly. She had deliberately chosen a pair that Haruka had suggested earlier, just in case this situation came up. But it's dark on the beach and… her thoughts were destroyed when she felt his hand move off her ass, down her thigh to her bare leg, then back up. When his hand touched her sopping thong from behind, she decided that his seeing her panties could wait.

Ayato delicately traced his hand back up from the hem of her loose skirt, feeling sparks from the soft, smooth skin of her legs. Reaching her ass, he discovered that she was wearing a thong that night. I never really thought about it, but it fits her - at least right now! a tiny part of his brain thought. His fingers moved between her legs, feeling her shift to spread them for him, and encountered hot, wet Megu. She certainly is in to this, he noted absently, his dick throbbing. Lightly rubbing her through her panties, he felt her entire body shiver.

Megumi let him take the lead. Honestly, he can take whatever he likes! she thought sexily. She spread her legs a bit wider when she felt his fingertips rub her through her soaked panties. As she moaned, his other hand moved from her ass to her side, under her top, to trap a bare breast. Megumi - as she was wont to do - had opted to skip a bra for her date. Feeling the hard nipple being teased by Ayato's experienced fingers, she congratulated herself on her foresight. One less barrier between us. “Ayato.” she whined, feeling a small ball of pleasure building in her pussy.

Knowing the tone of voice, if not the actual request, Ayato forced his libido aside enough to look around. Doing a girl on the beach is romantic and all, but we're in plain sight of anyone who happens to come by, and I'd rather not show off Megu-chan to just anyone! he thought hazily, looking around for someplace more private, but more important, close. His eyes landed on a closed rental shack. With great effort, he managed to pull his hands off her enticing flesh. “Over there.” he husked at her, tossing his head. Megumi was more than happy to agree.

Grabbing his hands, ignoring the slippery girl-cum on his right, she ran for the small shack. Reaching it, she found herself giggling softly. Like most of the small, modest buildings on the beach of Nirai Kanai, this one was not much of a building, being barely more than a frame of aluminum and wood, covered with tied-down heavy tarps. The `door' as it were, was nothing more than a small framed section, tied shut with a simple knotted rope. Ayato swiftly managed to untie it and the two slipped inside, re-securing the door with a hasty square knot.

With the door more or less secured, Ayato turned to Megumi, only to find her impatiently pulling off her panties, her form barely seen in the small amount of moonlight and starlight coming in from gaps in the front and top panels of the shack. Her skirt and shirt were dark, barely-seen splotches on the sand floor. Dimly, he could see stacks of deflated floats, wave boards, folded chairs and umbrellas all around them. There was hardly any room to stand, but at the moment, room was the last thing on their minds.

Megumi lunged at Ayato, grabbing him in a hug as she assaulted his lips with her own. Feeling his hand stroke her sides for a moment before moving between them, she vaguely recalled that he was still separated from her by his clothes. Feverishly, she moved her hands down to help him with that issue, and before she knew it, she was feeling his hard, throbbing dick for the first time.

It felt like a warm, silk baseball bat to her, but her arousal was interfering with her judgment. If I can get it in, it should feel better than anything I've felt before. she reasoned, not seeing any gaps in such perfect logic in her current mental state. Grabbing it with her hands, she began to clumsily stroke it, her nails catching the skin. Hearing Ayato hiss in pain, she froze. “What's wrong?” she asked breathlessly, feeling her juice begin to trickle down her thighs.

“Gentle, Megu-chan, gentle.” he whispered, taking her hands in his and showing her how to handle him so it didn't hurt. After a few minutes of stroking him, she couldn't take it any more. Moving up against him, she tried to figure out how to get his dick to her throbbing pussy. After trying a few different angles, she began to whimper in frustrated need.

Why am I so fucking short?! she silently snarled. Haru wouldn't have had this problem! she thought resentfully. Her anguished thoughts were stilled by Ayato's hands on her bare shoulders. “Megu-chan, let's try a different approach.” he breathed in her ear before gently guiding her to the sand floor of the shack. Kneeling in the sand, she felt him guide her around so she was facing away from him. It took her a moment for her hormone-crazed mind to understand, but when she did, she leered to herself. We're going to do it doggie style for my first time! The girls say this feels so good! she crowed. Impatiently, she felt him kneel behind her.

With the height difference solved, Ayato felt her legs and hips, making sure that she was settled and properly positioned before easing his tip up against her pussy. A low, passionate moan came from her as she felt his tip settled against her tight, virgin passage.
”Ready?” he breathed to her.

“Gentle.” she breathed back. Ayato smiled at her.

“Of course, Megu-chan.” he agreed. I would never hurt you or Haru. he promised himself. Taking a firm grip on her hips, he began to push into her. With experience from Hiroko, he swiftly managed to get his tip in her, luxuriating in the feel of her super-tight passage. Other than some soft, aroused moans, groans and pants, Megu was silent as he worked deeper. Before he knew it, he felt her hymen against his tip. Taking a breath, he jerked his hips, tearing her maidenhead.

“Ah!” gasped Megu, a single twinge in her passage telling her that she was no longer a virgin. Ayato held still for several heartbeats before he felt her being to rock her hips. With her signal to proceed, he went for her deepest reaches, swiftly finding himself nudging the threshold to her womb. With his range determined, he swiftly began to stroke into Megumi, humming softly as he did.

Feeling him reach her deepest areas, Megumi experienced the most powerful, most incredible orgasm of her life. As she slowly recovered, she could feel another building from her pussy as he pumped away in her tight passage. Panting harshly, she surrendered herself to the feeling of their union, her consciousness swiftly fleeing, leaving only the sound of his aria in her head.

-

Itsuki awoke, hearing a sound from his sister's room. Rising, he grabbed his robe before moving to check on Quon. Softly rapping on her door, he eased it open. In the bright moonlight pouring in from the large bay window, he saw Quon, naked, singing an aria. “Quon?” he asked as the aria faded away. “Is everything all right, Quon?” he expanded his initial question.

Quon turned to smile at him. On her stomach, the blue pattern that was her key had expanded to cover her from her breasts to her pubic bone and from one side to the other. “Yes, Itsuki.” said the woman easily. “Everything is fine.” she assured him happily. “Time converges.” she murmured, smiling softly. Olin is ready to sing his song at last. she thought eagerly.

Itsuki moved into the larger room, snagging the soft silk robe as he passed her bed. Reaching Quon, he gently helped her into her robe. “Thank you.” said the woman as Itsuki tied the sash. It was more a gesture than anything else, as the thin, white silk was transparent in the light from the moon that silhouetted her form.

“My pleasure, Quon.” replied Itsuki evenly. After so many years caring for her, he had come to love her like the sister she pretended to be. Isshiki has no clue why she is so important, and for that, I am grateful. he thought. Since his `brother' had taken over TERRA, he and Quon had been all but exiled to the studio, as being near Quon physically pained Isshiki, and Quon made no attempt to hide her dislike of the man. For several seconds, neither of them made a sound, though it certainly seemed that Quon was listening to something he couldn't hear.

Suddenly, Quon giggled softly. It was rare for her to giggle like that, and Itsuki was caught off guard. Quon covered her mouth with her hand, another giggle escaping her lips. “Olin is most considerate.” she laughed, turning toward her bed. This time, I think that the mistakes of the past will finally be made right. thought Quon to herself. We might even survive our penance, sister. she mused. Either way, this time will be the last time; I swear it. she thought grimly, slipping off her robe and easily climbing back into her nest of silk sheets. “Good night, Itsuki.” she said.

“Good night, Quon.” said the man, turning for her door once he had adjust her sheets around her naked form. He was about to open her door when her voice caused him to pause. “You must release the past, Itsuki, for your future to have a voice its own.” she said softly.

“Wha…?” he began, before realizing that she wasn't going to say any more on the issue. “Thank you for that advice, Quon.” he said, moving through her door and closing it behind himself. Halfway to his own bed, he grimaced and changed course, heading for the lower level - and the bar there. She was telling me something very specific, I know it! But, as usual, she makes no sense. he mentally complained. Past experience had shown him that he wasn't going to be getting any sleep now that she had given him her cryptic message.

Reaching the small bar, he clicked on a single, low-light lamp and reached for the scotch. Pouring himself a half glass, he got comfortable on the stool and stared at the lights of Kanai. I must release the past for my future to have a voice its own? What could she mean by that? I can't very well release my past with the Foundation; it is no more possible to change who I am than it is for me to be human. he mused. Could she have meant my research? I have no issues with letting it go, but what would that change? How could that affect my future? And what is `a voice its own' supposed to mean, anyway?

As was his habit, he began to dissect the possible threads of her message, absently sipping from his drink as he did so. Time faded from his awareness as he worried at the problem from various angles and approaches, trying to decipher what he needed to do. Refilling his glass as needed, he was only shaken from his reverie by a muted knock on the door to the lab.

Rising from behind the bar, he went to find out who could possibly be there at that hour. He had to glance at the clock to find out which hour it was, exactly. Two in the morning? he wondered, seeing the clock. Approaching the door, he caught sight of the headlights of a familiar car. What is she doing here at this hour? wondered the man, glancing through the view hole. Come to think of it, how long has it been since I saw her in person? he thought to ask himself. Opening the door, he stepped aside. “Sayoko, please come in.” he said.

His assistant stepped into the studio and Itsuki closed the door behind her. Sayoko was dressed sloppily in pair of sweatpants and blouse. On her feet were some house slippers, and her hair was loose around her shoulders. Itsuki thought he saw some signs that she had been crying, but couldn't be sure. “Sorry to come by so late, but I have to talk to you.” said the woman softly.

“It must be important for you to be up at this hour.” noted Itsuki. “Drink?” he asked her, motioning to the bar. Sayoko shook her head.

“No, I…can't.” she said softly.

“Quon's asleep, so please keep that in mind.” cautioned Itsuki. “Now, what did you need to talk to me about?” he asked her. Sayoko took a deep breath.

“I…have been doing some thinking lately,” began the stacked assistant, “and I realized that there were some things that I needed to do.” she verbally wandered. Itsuki patiently waited for her to reach the reason for the visit. “One of the things I needed to do was be truthful about some things.” said the woman. Itsuki's attention was captured.

“Such as?” he prompted. Sayoko sighed.

“I have had a crush on you since I met you, but you never noticed.” said the woman, her tone tight. “I did everything I could to support you and advance your projects without question or hesitation, including sleeping with men and women, falsifying data, lying to too many people to count, blackmail, hacking into restricted files, leaking data to rival departments…anything and everything, but you never noticed.

“I kept telling myself that you were too busy to thank me for my work, or that I had done such a good job that you never knew that I was doing those things.” Pausing, she took another breath. “But as time went on, I knew, deep down, that you simply didn't care. Instead of doing what I knew I should have, putting my infatuation behind me, I kept plowing ahead, telling myself that you would eventually notice.” she barked a laugh.

“But all you saw was her.” said, her tone thick with bitter regret. “I was busting my ass for you, and all you could do was obsess over Haruka Shitow.” her accusation was pointed as much at herself as him. “It wasn't until after Ayato returned to Tokyo Jupiter that I had the chance to put some perspective on this situation.” said the woman. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she forced herself to continue. “Being with him - at your suggestion, you will recall - allowed me to see some things about my personality that I had never allowed myself to acknowledge before. And now that I can see them, the flaws are too much for me to live with any more.” she slumped slightly.

“Sayoko,” began Itsuki, unsure of what she was saying. Sayoko held up her hand.

“Haruka has moved beyond you, Itsuki.” she said softly. “And I think that I should follow her example in this. I love you, and probably always will, but it's time for me to move on.” said the assistant.

“Move on?” wondered Itsuki. Sayoko nodded.

“I have applied for severance from TERRA.” said Sayoko. “I will hear from the UN on the request within a month. Either way, I will be leaving Nirai Kanai within thirty days. I couldn't leave before I told you everything, so I thought I should do it while I have the courage to do it.” said Sayoko tightly. Holding her breath for a few moments, she looked him in the eye. “Good bye, Itsuki.” she said, her voice quavering. Without another word, she turned and nearly ran out the door and to her waiting car. Itsuki was too shocked to react before he heard her tires chirp as she left at a high rate of speed.

Sayoko is…leaving?! he thought, stunned.

-

You know, I thought Megu-chan would be heavier, but she feels light as a feather. thought Ayato, amusedly, as he carried the sleeping girl up the steep incline to the door to their house. With her having passed out as they fucked in the small shack on the beach, he had thought she would fall asleep, no matter her protests about being wide awake as they had begun their return to their house.

As she had sorted herself out, he had found her panties. Because they had been thoroughly soaked by her arousal, they were now crusted in sand. Attempting to dislodge it hadn't removed enough to make her want to risk wearing them, and oddly enough, the situation with her panties and the sand and the shack had made them both begin to cackle madly. Once they had recovered, Ayato had silently stuffed her panties into his pocket and the two had headed for home, holding hands as they went.

Halfway to the nearest monorail stop, Megumi had been sound asleep, curled up against him in the nearly-deserted train. For some reason, Ayato felt that he had been in this situation before. Try as he might he couldn't recall when he had been in such a situation, but it felt like he had had a girlfriend fall asleep against him as they rode a train before. Train? This is a monorail, not a train. he frowned to himself, unconsciously hugging Megumi closer to him, earning him a content sigh from the sleeping girl.

After several frustrating moments trying to pin the memory down, he gave up, leaning back as he watched the city pass. Softly at first, but gradually gaining volume, he began to hum the tune to the song that Haruka was always listening to. It caught him by surprise when the train reached their stop. Rather than risk waking the young girl, he had simply gathered her up in his arms, making sure that her skirt covered her naked hips, and carried her off.

Now, hiking up the final flight of stairs, he looked at the dark house, noting that Haru's car was in its parking spot. Quietly opening the main door, he worked on getting Megu through the door without making noise or waking the girl. He nearly dropped her when a voice whispered in his ear. “Here. Let me help you.” said Haruka, rising from where she had fallen asleep next to the door.

“Haru-chan?!” managed Ayato in a choked tone, the result of the sudden spike in adrenalin fading before it could run its course. Haru gave him a warm smile in the dim light.

“Surprised you?” she asked unnecessarily. Working together, the two swiftly got Megumi to her room. As Ayato handed Megumi to her older sister so he could turn her bed back, Haru swiftly undressed Megumi, stealthily confirming her suspicious with a soft touch. Feeling the hot, swollen and very wet state of her kid sister's sex, she wasn't sure if she was happy, sad, relieved or anxious. Well, she and Ayato are together now, but where does that leave me? she wondered morosely.

“Here, let's get her into bed.” said Ayato, his arms sliding along her own as he worked them around Megumi, who was still dead to the world. Haruka shivered as she felt his skin touch her own, her groin - always aroused in his presence - beginning to flood.

“S…sure.” agreed Haru, trying to hide her arousal and flustered state. Together, the two gently tucked the younger Shitow into bed. Once she was situated, Ayato touched Haru's arm, inclining his head toward the stairs. Haruka nodded, and the two silently returned downstairs, settling on the edge of the porch. “So, how was your date with Megu?” asked Haruka, trying to break the awkward feeling between them.

“It was a lot of fun, really.” smiled Ayato. Haruka steeled herself.

“Was…she what you wanted?” she asked him softly. “With me, I mean.” she hastily clarified. Ayato pursed his lips. He recalled the conversation that the two had had before about his thoughts about seeing what it was like to be with a virgin, and Haruka's odd response to that.

Since Hiro-chan, however, his views on the matter had shifted - dramatically. Time and experience have taught me a few things about perception and reality. he reflected to himself. And I think I know better which is which now. he thought. “Megu-chan is to my liking; I would never say she isn't.” he said softly, going on before Haru could respond. “But you are just as much to my liking, Haru.” said the young man. Haruka smothered a gasp at that.

“Ayato, I…” she began, but his finger touched her lips.

“Lately, I have been doing a lot of thinking, Haru.” he continued. “Kim-chan is getting married to Yagumo, and Say-chan was saying something about moving away. Both of them are very nice, and I love them - in both ways. But,” he turned to look at her intently. “They are moving in other directions than I am. You and Megumi, however, seem to be following me, all of us heading to the same place.” His fingertip traced from her lips to her cheek. “That…makes me feel better than I can ever recall feeling before, Haru.” he admitted.

“Ayato,” sniffed Haruka, “I will always be on your side. I promised you, remember?” she asked softly, grabbing his hands in her own and squeezing them desperately. Please remember, Ayato! she silently begged.

“I remember that promise, Haru.” he said softly. “And I don't doubt that you will be, but I wonder what will happen now that Megumi is in the picture.” he worried. Haruka smiled at him, unshed tears in her eyes.

“It will work out - I'm sure of it.” she said softly, leaning forward to rest her head against his chest. “You follow your heart, Ayato, and everything else will be all right.” she whispered. Ayato slowly hugged her to his chest. This feels so right, and familiar, but why does it feel so familiar? he once more wondered.

“Hey, Haru,” he said softly, stroking her short hair, unconfined by the headband that she usually used to keep it out of her face. “Want to hear something funny?” he asked her. Feeling her head nod against his chest, he went on. “When we were coming back from the beach, Megumi fell asleep against my side. For some reason, it felt so nostalgic and comfortable; almost like it had happened before. It's that strange?” he asked her.

Against his chest, her eyes were wide open in shock. He remembers! He doesn't know who, but he remembers! Maybe he will return to me after all! she thought, dazed. Ayato, not getting a response from her, was about to ask her if she was ok, but the woman lunged up and kissed him longingly. When she finally broke the kiss, she replied.

“I don't think it's funny at all, Ayato. Maybe…your memory is coming back. Maybe you had that happen with your first love.” she suggested softly. Ayato had forgotten for a bit that his memories were fabricated. Reminded of that, he smiled a little.

“I wish they would come back.” he said. “I'm sure I would be happier with my real memories than with the fake ones that Maya crafted for me.” he whispered.

Aunt Maya; another thing I need to tell him. thought the spy guiltily. Standing, she tugged Ayato up as well. Holding tightly to him, she led him back into the house. “It's getting late, and Megu and I have to work tomorrow.” she said softly. Together, the ascended the stairs. At the top of the stairs, Haruka stopped in front of her door, but didn't release his hand. “Would you…sleep with me?” she whispered to him, feeling her cheeks color.

Ayato had the strangest feeling that there was more to that request that sex or closeness. “If you want, Haru-chan.” he said immediately. She nodded.

“I want.” she said softly, the two entering her room. Less than a minute later, Ayato and she were curled up together on her bed, both naked, but neither initiating anything beyond closeness. Holding each other close, they slipped into a deep, relaxed sleep.

-

“Well, I see that someone is in such a good mood that they are practically floating.” came the teasing voice of Kim from behind Megumi. The younger operator spun lightly to grin at Kim.

“Who do you mean?” she asked innocently. Kim quirked an eyebrow delicately.

“Oh, I don't know.” she played along. “Maybe someone a little younger than me, a little shorter than me, and answering to the name Megumi, perhaps?” she gently needled her friend. Megumi sniffed disdainfully.

“I wouldn't know anything about that, Kim.” she said regally. Kim snorted delicately.

“Of course not.” she agreed insincerely. “So, how was the date?” she asked, seeing Megumi's smile grow wider. “Good, I take it?” she sniped.

“I suppose it wasn't too bad.” allowed Megumi. Kim nodded vaguely.

“Of course not.” she agreed yet again. “Any better and you wouldn't be able to walk this morning.” she sniped. Megumi's mouth dropped open in shock, and her eyes went wide.

“You…! But…! How…?!” she blurted out. Kim smirked.

“Me? Oh, I just noticed you seemed to be walking a little gingerly, and you keep shifting in your station seat, and wincing every time you shift your hips too fast.” explained Kim. “You know, you aren't the first girl to lose her cherry, Megu.” she noted. Megumi's cheeks turned red.

“I didn't want everyone to know.” she muttered. At least she didn't hear about it from Haru, though!

“Don't worry, Megu,” soothed Kim, touching Megumi's shoulder reassuringly, “only Haru and I know. The men haven't a clue.” she smiled. As usual, she added silently. And speaking of Haru… “Slight change of topic, Megu.” she said, the tone of her voice changing dramatically.

“Oh?” wondered Megumi. Kim took her elbow and moved her off down a side passage a ways before speaking.

“Megu, you do know about Haru and Ayato, right?” asked the Korean girl. Slowly, Megumi nodded, remembering the talk with her sister. “Well, I want to ask you for a favor.” said Kim softly. “I want you to make sure that Haru tells Ayato who she really is; before this invasion the White Snake is so hell bent on doing.” said the other woman softly.

“Why…?” began Megu. Kim shook her head.

“I can't really explain it to you, but I can tell you that Haru will never be happy if she doesn't tell him.” dodged Kim.

“Why wouldn't Haru tell him?” wondered Megumi. Kim sighed.

“She is hung up on the idea that Ayato deserves someone better - more deserving - than her. The Mu stole twelve years from her, and now, she thinks that Ayato only sees her as an `older woman'. In her quest to make up the lost time and happiness to him, she…” Kim trailed off, wondering how to proceed. Megumi had heard enough, though.

“She set it up so he and I would end up together, and she plans on bowing out and watching him from the sidelines.” stated the younger Shitow sister. All those talks, all that subtle prodding…it was her plan to make him happy! she thought, irritated. Well, ok, so she was right that I would be good with Ayato, but still! A cold realization slammed down on her growing anger. She is planning on giving up the only thing she ever held dearest! And she is planning to give it to me to make both Ayato and I happy.

Her mind flashed back through all the years, and all the painful nights, crying on her shoulder as Haruka assured her that all would be ok. All the times that she had needed Haru, and Haru had dropped everything to be there for her; the years that she had had with her sister. All those years, stolen from Haru and Ayato, she realized, feeling her heart ache for her sister.

It wasn't until she felt Kim shake her that she realized that Kim had been talking while she had been thinking. Blinking, she focused on Kim again. “What?” she asked brilliantly.

“I said, Haru isn't a bad person for trying to help you, Megumi.” said Kim urgently. “She just wants…” Kim found herself interrupted by Megumi.

“I know what she wanted to do, Kim.” said Megumi firmly. “And, really, I do appreciate you telling me.” she said, pre-empting Kim's reply by bulldozing ahead on top of her rebuttal. “But now, leave this to me.” she said firmly, squeezing Kim's forearm. “This is family business; I'm sure you understand.” she nearly whispered.

“Megumi…!” Kim tried again.

“Kim, you have enough to worry about with your upcoming wedding to Yagumo, don't you?” hinted Megumi evenly. Kim, hearing her tone and wording and looking at her stance, could have sworn that it was Haruka in front of her. “You're inviting us, right?” prompted Megumi, forcing a topic shift.

“Of course I am.” agreed Kim, sighing. “If you don't feel…tense about being there, I could easily make you and Haru my bridesmaids.” she offered. Megumi smiled.

“Sure, as long as you don't pick too hideous a dress for us to wear.” joked Megumi, feeling better, though the issue of Haru, Ayato and herself still writhed in the back of her mind.

“Dress nothing!” joked Kim. “I plan on having you wear that teardrop Brazilian thong bikini again.” Seeing Megumi's face both pale and blush simultaneously was fascinating, but it only fueled her evil delight. “Just think, you and Haru in front of a church full of guests, wearing those swimsuits...” she paused, pretending to think about it. “Maybe a burnt orange one for you, and a deep purple one for Haru - to better play off your hair and eyes. Hmm, I think I'd have to get hitched in a stadium to hold all the men you two would attract.” she teased, licking her lips suggestively.

“You're such a pervert, Kim!” hissed Megumi. An idea hit her. “Well, if we wear those thing, what are you wearing?” she demanded. Kim smiled.

“A wedding gown, of course!” she replied as if Megu were a slow child.

“Certainly not a white one, I hope?” sniped Megumi, claws out. Kim disdainfully tilted her head at that.

“Meow!” she mocked Megumi's out burst. Megumi gave her a smile that would do Haruka proud.

“Tell you what, Kim-chan,” purred Megumi, “we'll wear those things if you wear one.” she challenged Kim. Seeing the Korean girl blink, she smiled thinly at her friend. The friendly bickering was interrupted by the beep of Kim's watch, signaling the end of their break.

-

Megumi yawned as she trudged up to her house. Haru is still at TERRA, though. she thought unhappily. She must be getting really tired, pulling all these long shifts back to back. mused the younger Shitow sister. Her lips twitched into a smile. But, that means that Ayato is all mine for tonight! realized the girl happily.

“Excuse me, miss.” came the unexpected voice from her left, by the railing that followed the edge of the cliff. Jerking in surprise, Megu turned to see a young man standing there, smiling at her benignly. “Sorry, did I startle you, miss?” he asked.

“Uh, just thinking. Can I help you?” asked Megumi politely. Who the hell would be up here? We're the only ones that live this far up the cliffs. she wondered. He doesn't look familiar, but he is kinda…cute; for not being Ayato, that is!

“I was just looking for a friend of mine.” explained the young man, slowly stepping toward her. “His name is Kamina. Ayato Kamina, actually.” said the stranger, stepping closer.

“And what is your name?” asked Megumi.

“Torigai.” he said easily. “I', an old friend of his from Tokyo.” said the young man. Megumi frowned. “I was told that he lived around here somewhere.” added the young man.

Megumi thoughtfully nibbled on her lower lip. Torigai. Where have I heard that before? And he said he was a friend of Ayato's from Tokyo Jupiter? Doesn't that make him a Mulian? Her eyes narrowed slightly. If he's a Mulian, then I could be in trouble! Her hand slowly eased toward her small purse, where her TERRA-issued handgun rested. She had received it when she was made a full bridge operator, and though she had qualified with the gun during training, she had never thought to use it, so she wasn't sure if going for it was a good idea or not. Let's stall for some time and see what happens. she decided. “Ayato lives here, but I'm not sure he's here just now.” she said. “Where did you hear about his living here from?” asked the girl.

“Oh, Jin told me. I figured that since I was in the neighborhood, I would stop by and say `hi'” the young man said, standing nearly toe-to-toe with her. Megumi felt the overpowering urge to retreat.

“Jin?” she asked instead. “Does this Jin guy have a last name?” she asked. Torigai smiled. “And how did you arrive here, exactly?” asked the girl, feeling extremely nervous and tense. Something is wrong - I know it! she decided. “Look, I have to be going now, so I'll let Ayato know you stopped by when I see him, ok?” she said, taking a single step back. Torigai's hand flashed out, grabbing her wrist and twisting it behind her back, squeezing it hard enough to make her cry out and drop her purse, which he immediately kicked over the cliff. With her phone and gun gone, Torigai grabbed her throat with he free hand.

“Oh, I insist that we greet him together!” hissed the young man, his tone angry and mean. “He and I have some things to discuss.” he snarled. Megumi tried to speak, but could only manage some weak, rough coughs because of his grip on her throat. “That is where he will be?” he demanded, tossing his head toward their house. Megumi managed a nod. “Good.” he pronounced. “Let's go see if he's home.”

Dragging the younger girl with him, he made his way up the steep steps and around the side of the building. “Doesn't look like he's home.” muttered the young man. I can't sense his aria, either, but then…he's always been impossible to reliably track. he reasoned. Feeling the girl in his grasp struggle ineffectively, he had an idea. “Tell you what, girl, how about you call him and see if you can get him out here?” he suggested, releasing her throat.

“No way, Mulian!” snarled Megumi, coughing. “I won't do it!” she yelled.

“Won't do what, Megu-chan?” came Ayato's voice. Looking up, they saw the young man standing on the porch by the rear entrance. “Torigai,” he said evenly, “let Megumi go right now.” he commanded.

“I don't think so, Ayato.” replied the other. Ayato stepped down to the grass at the foot of the short steps to the porch.

“Why are you here, Torigai?” asked Ayato, his tone vaguely tired. “I'm not coming back to Tokyo.” he warned his one-time friend.

“You delude yourself, Ayato!” jeered the Mulian. “We have no more use for you.” said the man angrily. Ayato quirked an eyebrow.

“Oh?” he replied simply. “Then why are you here?” he repeated himself.

“I'm here to make you pay for kidnapping Asahina and then killing her!” yelled Torigai. Ayato's expression closed down into a hard mask.

“Hiroko chose to come with me.” he said softly. “She chose to leave Tokyo after you attacked her. She chose to run with me because she couldn't stand the lies any more.” he went on, his voice gaining strength. “She chose to be with me because she thought that the world was dissolving around her in Tokyo. And you know what, Torigai? Her choice gave me the secret to the Dolems!” he finished in a yell, his eyes afire with rage.

“She chose you?!” scoffed Torigai. “She was mine, Ayato! Asahina was my girlfriend! And you killed her!” Against her back, Megumi could feel him vibrating with rage. “So, what should I do?” he demanded. Looking at Megumi, his expression turned thoughtful. “This girl - Megumi, was it? - looks a lot like Asahina. Maybe I should take her as my replacement girlfriend.” he thought aloud. Using his free hand, he reached under her top and groped her bare breasts. “She's a bit more developed than Asahina was, though also a bit shorter.” he noted, moving his hands toward her shorts.

“Keep you hands off me, you fucking Mulian perv!” screamed Megumi angrily. Torigai sneered.

“She's got a lot of mouth on her, that's for sure.” he observed, twisting her head toward his. “I wonder how she tastes?” Megumi bared her teeth as he leaned in to kiss her.

“Try that and I will bite your tongue off!” snarled the girl.

“Leave her out of this, Torigai.” came a dark voice from in front of the two. Torigai snapped his gaze up to pin Ayato, leaving Megumi alone for the moment.

“Leave her out of this?” he barked. “Yeah, like you left Asahina out of it!” he denied. “I think I'll just kill her like you killed Asahina.” he decided, grabbing Megumi's jaw and beginning to twist her head around.

Torigai barely caught the first few notes of Ayato's aria, but when he felt the pressure from the young man, he knew he was out of time. Slamming Megumi to the ground, he jumped back as his Dolem and the second stage supporting Dolem rose from the water. Behind them, he could faintly hear the alarms sound.

“We aren't done yet, Ayato!” he called to his former friend. “I'll be back to finish you once I burn this place to ash!” he promised, flitting off with Vermillion squadron in hot pursuit. Sparing a brief glance at the dogfight between Elvy's team and Torigai, Ayato dashed to Megumi's still form and checked her over.

“Thank god.” he breathed in relief. Only stunned, she seemed to be fine, except for some bruising around her wrist and neck. Gathering her into his arms, he swiftly ran inside and laid her on her bed. Pausing just long enough to kiss her gently, he turned and ran toward the cliff, his eyes turning red as he summoned RahXephon.

Torigai has much to answer for, he thought grimly.

-

“Well, that was certainly unexpected.” mused Isshiki as the destruction of the two Dolems that had suddenly appeared was confirmed. Watching the glowing form of RahXephon sink back into the hanger, he grimaced. Damned Mulians! he thought. “Be sure to have Kamina escorted out of TERRA immediately.” he directed Ensign Mishima.

“Ayato is fine.” replied the girl. Isshiki blinked.

“Yes, I suppose it is of no matter.” he agreed with her. “However, I do need to address that other matter immediately.” he said, his voice hard. “Call Captain Shitow immediately.” he directed.

“She is already on her way here, sir.” said the strange girl by the side of the desk. Isshiki smiled.

“Excellent work as always, Mishima.” he said warmly. “I couldn't have done this without you, you know.” he praised her. She offered him one of her strange, edged smiles.

“I am only fulfilling my purpose.” she said distantly. Isshiki nodded.

“Yes, of course you are.” he agreed with her. A few moments later, his office door opened and Haruka came in.

“Captain Shitow, so good of you to come.” he said sardonically.

“Sir.” said the woman, holding her clipboard as she saluted. “If I might ask, sir, what is it you needed to see me about?” she asked. “There is still a lot of things to do.” she noted.

“Captain, do you remember the conversation we had after your suspension?” asked the White Snake. Haruka frowned.

“Yes, I think so.” she said. Honestly, I didn't pay you much mind, shit head. she left unsaid.

“I think I would disagree.” spat the man. “Your clipboard, Captain.” he ordered. Frowning slightly, Haruka dutifully handed him her clipboard. Flipping a few pages, he turned it back to her, the doodle of him with a snake's body displayed. “Effective immediately, you are stripped of your rank and discharged from TERRA. Do I really need to tell you why, Shitow?” he asked her. Haruka blinked.

The only person who saw that was Mishima! she thought. She sold me out! seethed the other woman silently. The look she sent Mishima spoke volumes, but suddenly, another thought occurred to her. Smirking, she flipped Isshiki the bird. “Fuck you, you little limp-dick albino shit.” she purred sweetly before turning and calmly walking out the door, beginning to hum her favorite tune.

“You are not dismissed, Shitow!” yelled Isshiki angrily. How dare that slut treat me like that! he ranged.

“You fired me, moron!” scoffed Haruka. “Which means, I don't have to pretend to care about your `orders' any more!” The door to his office closed on his enraged reply. Haruka moved to the door to the bridge, shrugging off her jacket. When Yagumo looked up at her, she tossed him her uniform jacket.

“All yours, Souichi.” she said, her smile surprisingly light. “I'm outta here!” she said.

“What?” wondered Souichi. Haruka smiled as she passed him.

“The White Snake busted me and fired me, so now I can catch up on my sleep. Later, guys!” she waved as the door leading out of the bridge closed behind her. Kim and Souichi exchanged looks. Silently, Kim plucked her phone up and dialed a number.

-

“Haru!” came a voice from behind the woman as she exited TERRA headquarters. Recognizing the voice, she turned to find Elvy falling into place at her side. “So, I hear you played with matches once to often.” said the pilot conversationally. Haru grunted.

“Ensign Mishima played me.” she admitted. “Funny thing, though, Elvy,” she said, sounding introspective, “I didn't think she liked him any more than I did.”

“Can't say, as I don't really know who you are talking about.” shrugged Elvy. “But, I thought you could use a drinking partner tonight. You know, blow off some steam?” she hinted. Haruka opened her mouth to tell her no, but then reconsidered.

“Just a couple, Elvy, then I have to get home.” said the older woman.

“You mean `home to Ayato', don't you?” smirked the pilot. “I heard that he and Megu are steady now.” noted the other woman. Haruka smiled.

“Yeah, they are.” she said softly. Elvy gave her friend a curious look.

“Aren't you worried about that?” she wondered. “I mean, Megu's only sixteen, and it was pretty clear to me when we went to Tokyo that you have your eye on him. So, are you really ok with the two of them being together?” she wondered. Haruka sent her a strange smile.

“I'm totally fine with it.” she assured her friend. Even if it is only from the sidelines, at least I will still be with him. she reasoned to herself. Elvy pursed her lips.

“You know, you never did tell me why you are so hung up on him.” said the pilot. Haruka considered that for a few moments. Tossing her head, she indicated a small, familiar bar.

“I'll tell you over some beer.” said the woman. Together, the two ducked into the bar. As they settled in with their beer, Haruka fleetingly hoped that Ayato would take care of Megumi for the next few hours until she talked with Elvy. Maybe I can make sure that the losses from Operation Overlord aren't repeated; at least, not in her squadron. reasoned the former Captain.

-

A soft, light touch on her face awoke Megumi. Feeling her body protest as she moved, she nevertheless managed to open her eyes and sit up, finding Ayato sitting on her bed beside her, having been lightly caressing her face. “Ayato?” she mumbled. What was I…? Shit! “Is the Mulian dead?!” she demanded, only to cough as her throat protested.

“Easy, Megu-chan.” urged Ayato, touching her lips. “You have some bruising on your throat, but nothing serious. Don't try to talk for a while, ok?” he asked her. “If you just have to talk, speak softly to ease the strain on your throat.” he advised. Megumi nodded.

“Ok, Ayato.” she whispered softly, smiling. Ayato smiled back.

“As for your question, he's been…dealt with.” said Ayato grimacing. Megumi picked up on the undertones easily enough. Dropping her eyes from his, she caught sight of a small diary tucked into his pocket.

Seeing her attention, he pulled it out and handed it to her. Megumi immediately identified the blue stains as Mulian blood. “This was Hiroko's.” said Ayato softly. “I've read nearly all of it. She did a pretty good job of chronicling our lived in Tokyo.” An idea hit him. “Since you shouldn't talk, would you like to have me read some of the early stuff?” he asked.

“If you want.” whispered Megumi. “But isn't it…personal?” she wondered. Ayato shrugged.

“It is.” he agreed. “But it will answer a lot of your questions about him, as well as telling you about how I lived my life before…well, before.” he explained. “Besides,” he smiled at her, “we're already pretty intimate, right?” he joked gently, getting a slight blush from her as well as a smile.

“Yeah, we are.” she whispered. “Join me?” she asked him gently, scooting over some on her bed. Ayato turned so he was laying beside her as he opened the diary to the first few pages. Feeling movement beside him, he turned to see Megumi pull her top over her head and toss it to the floor. Getting to her knees, she unbuttoned and unzipped her shorts before pushing them down to her knees, laying back down, and using her leg to toss them to the floor as well, leaving her in panties. Ayato's dick twitched.

Seeing him looking at her, she blushed a little more, but snuggled up to him. “Ready.” she said, laying her head against his shoulder. Ayato took a breath, and began to read.