Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Eternally Damned ❯ The Past Forms Bitter Circles... ( Chapter 2 )

Eternally Damned

Chapter 3

By Ryu Niiyama

~~~~~~~

“Usagi? Where are you hiding now?” The woman called out as she walked through her private gardens. `Something doesn't feel right…'

 

Crimson eyes widened as the displacement of air caressed sensitive ears. With blur of motion her shibasaya was unsheathed and the blade sang as it crossed with another. With a small grunt the would-be victim shrugged off the assassin. Not willing to give up the hunt so soon, the attacker rushed again and their blades danced in a deadly waltz. The assassin's prey smiled in smug satisfaction; while the assassin possessed youth and untapped potential the strikes being parried were far below the skill of those being meted out. After two more abortive attempts to drive other swordswoman to the ground, the assassin fell back in exhaustion, waiting for the death that accompanied failure.

 

“You are getting better little one. But you still broadcast your moves too easily.” The swordsman purred in a silken alto. With a huff the assassin removed the black mask, revealing sapphire eyes that glared in indignation at the teacher.

 

“Setsuna-san! How did you know it was me? I actually tucked all of my hair into this thing!” The assassin huffed before tossing the mask away in disgust. Lilting laughter filled the gardens, sweeter than the birds chirping nearby.

 

“I would know you anywhere little one. Although I must admit it was a valiant effort. Haruka informed me of your presence, but no one could seem to find you. Far be it for me to think that you were planning my demise.” Setsuna told her charge, her eyes dancing in mirth. With a fluid motion the Lady sheathed her sword and held out her hand for the younger woman to take.

 

Sighing in mock frustration Usagi grasped the hand, never ceasing to marvel at the effortless strength that flowed though the Lady of the Meioh house. She sheathed her own sword and looked down to straighten her hakama when the beautiful Lady released her hand. The scent of a rose caught her attention and she looked up. Before her, within the delicate hand of the dark haired woman, was a rose, white save for the tips of the petals which seemed to have been dipped in blood, for so dark was the color.

 

Usagi blushed and took the proffered flower, accidentally pricking her finger. She moved to bandage the wounded digit when Setsuna's slightly cooler hand covered her own.

 

“Let me…”

 

Usagi nodded her consent and let out a shuddering gasp as she felt the older woman's warm mouth envelop her finger. Another shudder coursed through her system as she watched, mesmerized by her mentor's eyes which seemed to glow with their hunger. Setsuna swirled her tongue around her charge's offered finger letting the taste fill her being and stoke her need. She could feel the overwhelming love and burning desire, which she carefully kept in check save when the two of them were alone, consume her.

 

With one final lick the dark haired Lady moved back from the woman she loved. She knew that her eyes painfully broadcasted her desire but she would not act upon it yet, she was a Lady after all. Even if she was a Lady madly in love with the young woman before her. Languidly she let her crimson eyes drift over Usagi's form taking in the confidant stance, the disheveled hair and slightly open pouting lips, a look Setsuna found unbearably sexy…. the newly healing scar above the young woman's left eyebrow…

 

Gasping in shock and mortification, the Lady reached out a dusky hand to cover the wound. “Oh Usagi, I'm so sorry! Have I hurt you?” Immediately Usagi removed her mentor's hand shook her head. “Of course not Setsuna-san. I was fishing with Chichi today and Faore and his brood played a prank and rushed me off the boat.”

 

Setsuna raised an eyebrow when her usually talkative lover fell silent, refusing to elaborate. “And?” Delicate fingers reached out and caressed Usagi's face, the girl leaned into the touch purring softly. “Little one, you know you can tell me anything, I won't pry if you feel you must keep your own council, however. But I would at least like you to know that I am here when you need me…” Usagi pulled away, shamed by the pain she could hear within her beloved's gentle voice. `She's only worried about me… I mean why wouldn't she be, it's not like I show up with new scars everyday or something.' Yet the blonde also knew that the Lady's words rang true; she would not go where Usagi did not call her… she respected the girl too much for that. The knowledge of such devotion shamed Usagi, who didn't feel very worthy of it at the moment.

 

“My foot got caught in the net and dragged my body against the hull.” The blonde whispered quietly, yet not quietly enough, as Setsuna inhaled harshly, her eyes widening at the admission.

 

`That little bastard! I swear if I hadn't vowed to never take another life his skin would make a lovely tatami! What could he have been thinking? She could have been killed!' So busy mentally raging at her love's attacker she barely noticed when Usagi pulled away. Now conscious of the injury the young girl sustained she could see the slight pain each movement caused.

 

“It's my fault really. I'm so clumsy Setsuna-san, not much of a samurai huh? Not like you… Maybe Faore is right. Perhaps I should just become a wife… that is if anyone would want me….” Usagi smiled brokenly, turning her back to the older woman so she would not be a witness to her tears. Feeling the blonde's self depreciating remarks stab at her soul, Setsuna quickly turned the younger woman around, causing her to stumble into deceptively strong arms. The tall noble drew her charge into her embrace, her eyes searing in their intensity, as she drowned in endless pools of blue.

 

“I want you. Never forget your worth Usagi Tsukino. Do not let the words of a BOY who knows nothing about what it means to love a woman and is too foolish to recognize the most beautiful woman in the world when he sees her. If I had an eternity to tell you all the things that endlessly endear you to me it would never be enough. I will love you forever. Never forget that. Never forget that someone sees you for who are.”

 

“Setsuna-san…” The blonde gasped in shock. She knew that she loved the woman who held her with every fiber of her very being but to see that love reflected in achingly open scarlet eyes overwhelmed her. Before Usagi could finish her thought the older woman claimed her lips. Setsuna groaned in the back of her throat, when in the presence of this beautiful, intelligent and wonderfully sweet girl the Lady could not keep her wits about her. She ached to bury her hands in a sea of gold and bind the younger woman to her forever. Needing to drown in Usagi's essence, Setsuna pulled her closer, only to release her immediately when the blonde cried out in pain.

 

“Usagi! I'm sorry!” Blinking back tears the olive skinned woman drew the injured blonde into her protective embrace. “Setsuna-san! Where are you taking me?” Shaking her dark tresses as she carried her charge, Setsuna headed towards the inner sanctions of the gardens, where not even the woman in her arms had stepped foot. “My love, look.”

 

Usagi gasped at the sight that greeted her. A waterfall cascaded into small basin with two levels. The first level collected the cold water and through a small path deposited the water into a hot spring about six feet below cooling the water slightly. The waterfall was surrounded by sakura trees and a massive weeping willow stood guardian to the entrance, its drooping branches beckoning her to take comfort in their strength. A light fog never seemed to lift from the secluded grove shrouding the place in mystery. `Much like its mistress.' The blonde thought jokingly. Setsuna, still carrying her charge entered the veil of the willow and sat her upon her feet. Walking over to the trunk, the enigmatic Lady pulled out a soft futon and spread it upon the dry earth.

 

“My lady?” Setsuna invited her love with a grin. Echoing the older woman's smile Usagi walked over and gingerly sat down upon the futon. The dark haired woman removed her outer kimono and folded it to form a pillow, placing it behind the younger woman's head before she lay down beside her. With a chuckle Setsuna realized her love had not relinquished the flower within her hand.

 

“May I?” The verdant haired woman questioned nodding at the rose. Usagi smiled and offered the flower to her lover. Taking the offered rose, Setsuna slowly ran it's petals along her beloved's face, a wistful smile tugging at her lips.

 

“I love you Usagi, with all my heart.”

 

“And I love you Setsuna-san more than words can express.”

 

With those words their lips met again though Setsuna made sure she stayed beside her lover. Feeling Usagi's hand spear through her hair and draw her closer, the Lady gasped and dropped the rose beside the futon. Intent on the kisses they shared, Setsuna carefully began to slowly strip her charge of her clothing. Once nude, Usagi groaned and reached for the folds of the kimono which separated her from the flesh of her beloved. Breaking their kiss, Setsuna pulled back, to the blonde's consternation.

 

`Bastard. How much pain have you been in little one? How long did it take you to school your features throughout every movement before you came here today?' Setsuna was livid as she took in the bruises that marred her beloved's porcelain skin.

 

“Setsuna-san?” Usagi questioned, uncertain as to why the enigmatic woman pulled away. Setsuna's eyes were ablaze, but not with desire, anger and disgust flared behind her eyes. Suddenly self conscious Usagi reached for her clothes only to be stopped by her lover. Crimson eyes had softened once again in love and Usagi realized her anger lied with Faore.

 

“Never feel that you have to hide from me little one.” The older woman murmured before rising from the futon and heading outside of the willow's protective covering. After a few minutes the taller woman returned with a bowl and a cloth.

 

Setting down the items and removing her own clothes she motioned for the blonde to lie on her stomach. Carefully straddling the younger woman's buttocks, Setsuna began to massage the liquid contents of the bowl into her lover's bruised body. After making sure that she'd covered every wound on the younger woman's body the purely clinical touches gave way to sensual caresses, as she teased Usagi's body to a fever pitch.

 

“I love you…” The Lady murmured before pulling the blonde into her embrace. Her touch was both gentle and fierce, passionate and possessive, as she drew moan after moan from Usagi like a finely tuned instrument. She made love to her young charge until the blonde's body fell away from her in sated exhaustion, no longer able to keep up with her more experienced lover. Within the late night hours, Setsuna watched her love sleep, sated and content, and prayed that with every shuddering moan and gasp she'd drawn from the blonde erased any doubt of her love. Abruptly, the verdant haired woman doubled over slightly as an incredible hunger stole over her form. Carefully removing herself from her lover's embrace, the Lady grabbed her inner kimono and her sword and quietly left the grove.

 

Usagi never knew she left.

 

The sun was to rise in an hour when Setsuna retuned to her manor. Seeking only to return to her lover's side she hurried through the house, only to pull short at a voice.

 

“Meioh-dono! I trust your hunt went well?” The olive skinned woman stifled a sigh. She knew Haruka meant well but she ached for her lover, not a talk with her sandy haired servant. “Yes Haruka-kun it did, and I compensated the farmer for the loss of his pig.”

 

Haruka chuckled. “You are far too generous Meioh-dono. And our young guest? I did not see her leave.”

 

Setsuna rolled her eyes. She knew Haruka could smell Usagi's scent thoroughly mixed with her own, but decided to amuse the gossip hound. “She sleeps. I must return to her.”

 

“Wore her out did you?”

 

A dark eyebrow rose in response. “She gave as good as she got.” The stoic Lady deadpanned though she could not keep the smirk from her face. Haruka echoed it for an instant before she sighed in frustration.

 

“My Lady, why do you insist on stringing the poor girl along? She suffers ridicule from the villagers because she has not married. When will you make her apart of the Meioh household permanently?”

 

Setsuna's eyes closed in pain and this time she could not stop the tears. “I love her Haruka-kun. But she does not know my true nature, the only secret I've kept from her to protect her.”

 

“My Lady, you already make love to the girl! She is yours in every right save a legal bonding! Any woman, any warrior of your stature should protect the woman she loves by keeping her nearby! Or will you wait until she's ripped from you, married off to some whelp whom will shatter her spirit?” Haruka demanded, her concern for her mistress and her young charge apparent.

 

“Of course not! I love that woman with such fervor I would rend this world asunder to keep her by my side. That is what I fear Haruka-kun. What if she can not accept me… if… if she leaves me? I could not bare it. I will not force myself upon her! If she wants a mortal lover, I will stay with her until she leaves me… until she hates me.”

 

“And yet you want her as your wife…”

 

“Yes. Yes I do.” Setsuna smiled weakly, attempting to inject some cheer into an increasingly depressing situation. “Honestly Haruka, you sound as if you actually care… or is it that you want Usagi out of the way?” The sandy haired servant sputtered uncertainly her face flushing crimson. It was no secret that Haruka's loyalty to her mistress was colored by attraction as well as respect. Recovering her composure the servant reached out and took her Lady's hand. “Setsuna-dono, I wish for you to be happy. I know that I don't always come across that way, but…” Haruka trailed off and she seemed distressed at her inability to voice her concerns. Her mistress took pity upon the flustered blonde.

 

“I know Haruka-kun, and I thank you for your concern… perhaps if I complete my gift, a life shared by my side won't seem so… daunting.”

 

“Perhaps.” The blonde whispered to the empty foyer. With a sigh the servant went back to her duties.

 

“Good morning little one….” Usagi heard whispered into her ear as the taller woman behind her tightened her hold. Usagi turned a bit so that she could see her lover's ruby eyes.

 

“Setsuna-san! Ohayo!”

 

“So beautiful… My beloved Usagi.” Were the last words the dark haired woman whispered before drinking deeply of her lover's lips.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

]“Serenity-sama!”

 

The vampire jumped at the sound of her title and turned smiling at the newcomer rushing towards her. The newest Ruin, like all who came before her never seemed to remove the priest's robes. They were symbol of their commitment and it didn't surprise her to see the young woman in them now.

 

“Hai, Ruin-san. What's wrong?” the blonde daywalker questioned as Ruin caught up with her. Beaming broadly, a becoming blush tinting her cheeks the young woman replied some what breathlessly. “Not much, Serenity-sama. Do you mind if I walk with you for a bit?” The vampire shrugged nonchalantly and resumed her stride. With a yelp Ruin quickly fell in step.

 

`Gods above. She's so young. She's what, twenty two? Barely older than I was when I…' The vampire's blonde head snapped up when she realized that Ruin was speaking to her. “I'm sorry Ruin. Did you say something?” Ruin only smiled in return, though her eyes clouded over in concern.

 

“Hai, I was wondering when you planned on seeing the others.”

 

“Oh. Well I had intended to see Mimir, but since the biscuit-head moved I suppose I'll wait until later this week…”

 

“Really? Actually Stargazer-sama called mama this morning. She's come back to Tokyo.” The blonde raised an eyebrow in surprise, as she turned to greet an incoming breeze basking in its caress.

 

“Is that so? Well I guess I'll stop by later today. What hotel is she staying in?” The vampire questioned lightly.

 

“She's staying with Deathhearald actually. She was called in for a case. She did want to speak with you however, but you were still sleeping.” Ruin replied, her expression sardonic as she gazed at the vampire from under the brim of her hat.

 

“Hey! I get the point! I'm the laziest vampire that ever walked the earth, are you happy?“ Usagi questioned, her musical laughter wafting about the trees around them. Ruin marveled at the numerous facets that made up her charge. How a woman with such a dark burden could still find joy in the most simplest of things, made the vampire all the more alluring. And Ruin wasn't sure she wanted to resist.

 

“Well Ruin, you know all about me, but I know nothing of you. Tell me about my new partner.”

 

Ruin blushed under her hat at the thought of being the focus of the conversation and attempted to divert the vampire's interest. “There is not much to tell I am like any Ruin…“ The young woman's tirade was silenced by cool fingers brushing against her lips and her hat being slowly removed.

 

“Then tell me of Naru Osaka.”

 

“Oh. Uh, well I'm twenty three, and umm I have a masters degree in business and computer science, I did both in the in the hopes that I could follow in my mother's footsteps… for whichever path that may have been.” Ruin finished her voice finally gaining strength as she continued.

 

“Perhaps you can follow in both. From what I have heard you have quite the eye for business, and your family has been in the artisan field for generations… especially jewelry. As for the other Osaka holdings… well you are your mother's daughter it would seem. There's something about you, a fire if you will, that would serve you well. Speaking of which is the Umino family still working with you?”

 

Ruin nodded, thinking of Gurio Umino, a computer expert that handled the more technological facets of her family's business. Her child hood friend had grown from being a gangly nerd to being a gentle and attractive one. Except, when he put on those god awful glasses of his. Yet Ruin's thoughts strayed from her friend as the depth of her charge's words washed over her in a torrent. Her ears burned from the praise from a woman whom she'd only met once as a child but had admired all her life. And if she was willing to believe what her heart had been telling her since she'd first heard the stories of Serenity from her mother, then it was more than admiration that stained her cheeks. “You've heard about me Serenity-sama?” The auburn haired woman stammered out uncertainly, her face becoming redder at each word. Usagi smiled, oblivious to the other woman's discomfort. “Of course Ruin-chan, your mother speaks of little else.”

 

Ruin stopped walking, an expression of shock displayed upon her features. `Oh Kami-sama, I hope she hasn't said anything embarrassing!!' The young Ruin stammered briefly before attempting counter the daywalker's innocent façade.

 

“With looking after you Serenity-sama I think I have my hands full! So… so any talents that I posses have been honed to baby-sit you!” The auburn haired woman laughed, hoping her remark would garner a rise out of the day walker and shift her attentive gaze from herself. True to form, the blonde rose to the bait. With a raised eyebrow Usagi looked offended for a few moments before joining in. “I suppose I'm not the easiest to work with as a charge, eh? But hey how many people do you know that can put `works well with the supernatural' on their job applications?” The daywalker's laughter increased in volume as she took in the incredulous look of her `watcher'.

 

Patting the younger woman's shoulder the vampire began heading back towards her hostess' house.

 

“Come on wise ass.” The daywalker taunted before sticking out her tongue and taking off running.

 

“HEY!!!” Ruin yelled placing her hat back upon her head before she ran after her charge.

~~~~~~~~

“Detective Chiba, you have a phone call on line one.” Officer Takehara called to his superior. The woman looked up from her reports and gave him a curt nod. The blonde haired man blushed slightly before backing out of the office and closing the door. He wasn't really sure why he'd entertained his crush on his superior for so long. Despite her beauty and successful track record most thought of her as a cold fish, yet Takehara couldn't make himself believe that. Chiba was the youngest detective in the precinct, at twenty she'd earned her current title and had the reputation of being something of a supercop, for so high was her arrest rate. Yet in the three years he'd been in the precinct since her promotion he had yet to hear her laugh, to see her smile. The command mask she wore never lifted. He'd heard a story that Chiba had been in a terrible accident, and that was when the stoic officer he'd come to know (or not as the case may be) began her self imposed war on crime.

 

“Chiba speaking.” Detective Usagi Chiba answered the phone, toying absently with her pen, while her eyes scanned the remainder of her current report.

 

“Hello, Usa-chan.” A rose colored eyebrow arched in recognition before a small smile, the greatest indication of life she'd allowed herself to show when working, curved her lips. “Diana-chan… what do you want?” the detective asked without preamble.

 

“What do I… Honestly Usagi-chan what would make you assume I wanted something?” Diana asked defensively, though Chiba could clearly hear the nervousness lacing her voice. Usagi made a small sound of amusement in her throat and decided that she would have a little fun at her friend's expense. “Well Diana, if you don't want anything then I will see you a practice tomorrow…”

 

“No, no! Damnit Usagi-chan why can't you act like a normal oblivious person for once?” Diana asked a little miffed that she could not even evade her friend when they were not face to face. Usagi snorted in indignation as if the very idea of such were ludicrous. “Simple. It's not in my job description. Now spit it out Diana-chan or I will hang up on you.”

 

“Ok. I need you to escort our new violinist to the gala for Megami Shino's art exhibit. I know you hate these types of things but I can't go because my brother and his girlfriend decided to visit me… for the rest of the week. Please?” Diana Mau was a second chair oboe and the major score composer for the Tokyo Symphony. While the lavender haired, smoky eyed woman was five years Usagi's senior and her list of `favors' grew every month Chiba genuinely enjoyed her company. The older woman was witty and charming however since she'd taken a liking to the pink haired detective since they'd first met Diana had been as endearing and overprotective as an older sister.

 

Detective Chiba sighed softly knowing that somehow no matter what she said she would end up going, Diana had a way with blackmailing people; especially her friends. “Michiru-san? I'm sure she won't be needing a babysitter, Diana-chan. Not to mention it will keep me from having to mingle with an upstart snob with nothing better than to gloat about how well she paints.”

 

“Michiru-san? Since when was she called Michiru-san, do you know her from somewhere?”

 

“Yes if you must know. She and I worked the beat when I first started out before she transferred to the 23rd.”

 

“Oh, she didn't mention having worked as a lowly cop like yourself. Besides Usagi-chan, I thought you liked Shino-san's work. What better way to truly understand the passion that drives the art then by getting to know the artist?”

 

“Spare me. Just because I like her work doesn't mean that she'll be a decent person to be around. She's a hermit for goodness sake! The woman probably has no social skills whatsoever and even less of a personality.” Usagi huffed out, determined not to be baited into accepting. She could feel Diana's disappointed glare and the detective tossed her pen behind her in surrender. “Oh alright! But you owe me Diana! Big!”

 

“Thank you Usagi-chan! I'll talk to Takeshima-sama about moving you up to first chair. You sound way better than Elios Yumemi anyway. Have a good day!”

 

“Yeah, yeah, yeah….” Usagi shook her head in mirth, hanging up the phone. Diana would come through with her promise, and Elios would most likely bore her to death with some long winded speech on how his music interpreted the dreams of the listeners and his rightful place was first chair… or something like that. At least she always kept her gun handy. The thought of shutting the self important wind bag up for good brought a rare smirk to her face. Now if only she could finish her reports and keep her mood intact… Crimson eyes drifted over the neat and orderly desk until they lighted upon a picture.

 

“Rika…” Usagi reached out and grasped the frame, held captive by memories of the love that she'd lost. Rika Fujimiya, had been both her rival and lover and though the two worked together at the same precinct they had not been partners, contrary to the rumors. `Strange, you were my rival in everything but love. We were equals in that.' Chiba covered her eyes replacing the picture as the pain of her loss stole over her… and the guilt. Yet even still she could feel the piercing violet eyes of the one she'd lost upon her trembling frame. Sighing to calm herself, the detective gathered her files and laptop before heading to her car; she needed more dismal surroundings to fit her mood.

 

~~~~~~~~~

 

Ami tried not to hover, but everything about Taiki Kou fascinated her. Her every movement captivated the blue haired doctor's attention, and Ami found herself waiting with bated breath to feel the intense analytical gaze of beautiful amethyst eyes or hear that throaty alto caress her ears. She tried desperately to focus on the task at hand, those cell samples were truly remarkable, but instead Ami's gaze was riveted to the way the geneticist's casual jeans griped strong thighs and a shapely backside as she examined the samples.

 

The brunette rose, her long hair now bound in a ponytail and turned to the doctor behind her. “I've never seen this type of degradation in the cell structure Mizuno-san. I've seen something similar, but this… disturbs me.”

 

Ami offered the specialist a tired smile and placed a tentative hand on the taller woman's shoulder. “It's alright Kou-sama. I didn't ask for your help because I thought you could give me answers right away… We haven't tried radiation bombardment yet… perhaps that will shed some light on this.” The taller woman smiled even as she shifted away from her companion's gentle touch. “I'll just put these on ice.” Taiki murmured, gathering her samples and leaving the room. For a moment, Ami examined her hand as if it had been burned, wondering why the specialist's actions bothered her so. `What am I doing? I don't believe this, I've just met the woman and now I'm… I don't even know what to call it. Get it together Mizuno!'

 

Taiki re-entered the room just in time to see her colleague's dejected posture. “Ano, Mizuno-kun I'm a bit famished and unfortunately I haven't been to Tokyo in a while. Would you mind recommending a suitable restaurant?” Ami whipped around at Taiki's voice, obviously startled by the sound even though they were the only two in the facility. “Sore wa… sure Kou-sama I know a great place. Let me just write down the address…” Ami moved to the nearby table and tore off a sheet of paper and pulling out her pen to write down the information… The pen never reached the paper. Ami gasped as she felt the warmth and the full curves of the specialist at her back, both her hands held in Taiki's gentle grip. Ami's head swam as her body sent far more sensory information than she could process, Taiki's nearness threatening to discombobulate her altogether. `I…I didn't ever hear her move.'

 

“Forgive me Mizuno-kun, I believe that I worded my intentions wrong. What I meant to say is: Would you mind having dinner with me?” Taiki questioned, her warm breath caressing Ami's ear as she leaned in to speak. The brunette released her hold on the doctor trapped between the table and herself and stepped back to allow the blue haired woman to speak. Running a shaky hand through her hair, Ami turned around and nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Taiki smiled at the flustered doctor and reached for her heavy black trench coat. “Shall we?”

 

“S…sure.”

 

Fifteen minutes later, the two were in line waiting entrance to the most popular restaurant in Japan: Jupiter's Cove. “It does not appear that we will be able to get in Mizuno-kun, perhaps we should pick another restaurant…” Taiki began only to trail off as her companion shook her head. “We just got here Kou-sama, if you'll excuse me for a moment. Russet eyebrows furrowed in confusion, as Taiki watched her companion exit the line and walk up to the maître d'. To her amazement the two began talking adamantly and within minutes, Ami waved to Taiki, signaling her to come forward.

 

Taiki looked around in astonishment as they were seated at the best table in the house and a waiter appeared promptly by their table, despite the vast crowd already present. “M…Mizuno-kun, how did you…?” Ami smiled at her flustered companion, the action causing an already confused Taiki Kou to blush unexpectedly. “Simple Kou-sama, I know the owner… in fact so do you.”

 

The brunette furrowed her eyebrows in confusion for a moment before enlightenment dawned in her mauve eyes. “Ahh, Kino-san… correct?” Ami winked at her companion and nodded. “Bingo. Makoto-chan is quite the chef… I'm surprised that you haven't heard of her.”

 

“As am I.”

 

The two doctors whirled around in their seats to see the chef in question standing behind their table. “Ami-chan, I was beginning to think that you no longer liked my cooking. As for you Kou-san, it is good to see you again. But tell me do genetic specialists not have the faculties to enjoy a well-prepared meal? Or is cheap take-out all you can afford with that fancy job?” Makoto Kino questioned the other brunette with a saccharine smile. Ami looked at her friend horrified. “Makoto-chan! You're being rude!” Before the chef could defend herself to her friend, Taiki waved away Ami's concerns with a laugh.

 

“She's not being rude Mizuno-kun. Are you Kino-san?” Taiki asked her voice cheerful, but the chef could hear the steel lacing it. She chose not to heed the warning. “Of course not Kou-san… but you still haven't answered my question.” Again the specialist's seductive trill filled the air around them, and to Kino's horror a slight blush began to stain Ami's cheeks at such a display of confidence. “And I must say it is quite a legitimate question Kino-san. In my line of work, being a hermit is a part of my job description. Although I do read the ICG Cutlery, I don't remember coming across your name. Besides I much rather cook for myself.” The specialist explained off handedly. Makoto made a small sound in her throat, but managed to play it off as a cough. The International Cooking Guild Cutlery is the holy book of the chef. Even its subscription is limited to the very elite of amateur and professional chefs. Kino knew for a fact that her name was listed, but Kou's comment served a both a jibe to the chef's culinary skills and as an homage to Taiki's for whom cooking was not a livelihood.

 

“You cook Kou-sama?” Ami asked delightedly, as Makoto forced herself not to cringe at both the honorific and the pleasure evident in the blue haired woman's voice. Although Ami herself was a terrible cook, Makoto knew the double meaning of Kou's comment was not lost on the genius. Taiki favored her companion with a look that managed to look both smug as well as humble. “Well, I have yet to poison myself Mizuno-kun. Although aside from myself, and a few friends, I've had no one else to judge my efforts at cooking. Perhaps you would let me prepare a meal for you sometime?” Taiki replied silkily in what was obviously a lie in light of her previous revelations, but Ami didn't seem to notice. Although the now completely ignored Makoto did. She found herself almost trembling with rage as she watched the byplay between the two doctors. With a start she noticed the piercing mauve gaze of the specialist upon her. For a second she debated being afraid as the charming specialist focused upon her with the look of a predator with the intent to kill. However before the chef could decide what to do, the look was gone, as quickly as it appeared.

 

“But I digress, Mizuno-kun, Kino-san. Mizuno-kun, you brought me here with the intent of sharing a well-prepared meal. Kino-san, I trust you can do so with efficiency?” Taiki asked, her smooth alto a caress as she favored Makoto with a less obvious emulation of the cocky saccharine smile the chef had produced earlier. Unfortunately the brunette specialist had maneuvered Makoto into a position that to attempt to parry Taiki's charm with outrage or bitterness would only serve to further alienate Ami and endear Taiki even more to the azure haired woman. With outraged submissiveness Makoto bowed to both women and handed them a menu. She nodded to the waiter who had wisely stepped aside when he saw his boss first approach the table. “Shingo-kun, I'll handle this. Thank you.” The waiter nodded gratefully and scurried off to wait upon a less hostile table.

 

“What will you ladies have?” Makoto questioned, attempting to keep her voice level. Ami went through the menu for a few seconds and placed her order. Taiki turned to their waitress and smiled handing her the menu. “I'll have the roast pork house special, please. Rare.” Shocked Makoto dropped the menus and a choking sound issued from her throat. “Kou-sama? That is a four person meal!” Ami whispered to her companion in shock. Taiki smiled again as if nothing was wrong and leaned forward to return the blue haired doctor's response. “I'm a growing girl Mizuno-kun.” Taiki said in a stage whisper. The way the brunette specialist was leaning over the table gave the blue haired doctor a good view of cleavage straining against the button down shirt that hugged her large svelte frame, and a blush flared full force upon her cheeks. The good doctor found herself straining to remember her name much less what her companion had ordered for dinner. “That you are Kou-sama.” With a smile Taiki leaned back into her seat and straightened her shirt inconspicuously.

 

“Kino-san, if you don't mind.”

 

“Of…of course Kou-san.” `Damn you woman, this isn't over.' Makoto replied before stalking away. Taiki reveled in the victory she'd won over the arrogant chef, although she couldn't figure out why it had seemed so important to show up Kino. Then her eyes lighted upon Ami, who was currently downing her glass of water as if her throat was the Sahara. A small smile curved her full lips. `Why indeed. I wonder Ami Mizuno what is it about you that seems to have ensnared Kino, and perhaps myself as well? Perhaps this visit to Tokyo won't be as abysmal as I thought.'

 

“So tell me Mizuno-kun do you like Chinese Opera?”

~~~~~~~

 

Elsewhere the night found a young woman seated in the protected haven of a tree branch. With a sketch pad in her hand and a pen tucked behind the shell of a delicate ear, the woman attempted to beckon her muse to her tonight. It was a gloomy night, the moon hung pregnant in the sky as the stars were obscured by dark clouds, and a faint fog covered the ground. It was normally here nested in the embrace of her favorite oak in the long abandoned park, that the woman found solace. And yet tonight the feeling eluded her. Instead restlessness and anticipation clawed at her soul

 

“Ah my friend you are truly my only comfort… and yet why do I feel as if I will crawl out of my skin at any moment?” As the woman questioned the night she felt her unease return to her at such a force it nearly knocked her from her perch. Looking around wildly, as if she could find a tangible source for her discomfort, keen violet eyes lighted upon a young woman seated upon the stone fence lining the pond nearby. A soft growl rose in the secluded woman's throat as she felt a hunger gnaw at her with such an intensity she'd only vaguely remembered experiencing before. The source of her discomfort was hauntingly beautiful; silky thick rose hued hair flowed down her back, only to be restrained in a braid that gently whispered against her calves. Thick bangs fell into crimson eyes that allowed one a glimpse of an exquisite soul chained by melancholia. The moonlight softly caressed the woman's face giving highlights to a delicate nose, classically formed cheekbones with the barest hint of dimples, full sensual lips shaped in a forlorn pout and a proud chin. As the artist looked upon her unexpected guest she felt her elusive inspiration return to her, guiding her hands to sketch this weathered goddess.

 

The sketch did not take long to finish and yet it was done in painstaking detail, almost doing the subject justice… almost. The artist found herself compelled to meet such perfect manifestation of inspiration. Quietly, and nimble as a cat, the young woman vacated her perch and began to walk towards this fallen angel. Yet her arrival did not go unnoticed as she expected, as the rose colored head lifted slightly, although the woman did not turn around. `How did she even hear me?' Intrigued by this most splendid enigma the artist chose not to move any closer, noting that the casual posture merely covered up a readiness to strike. This woman seemed to be as powerful as she was beautiful. `A most intoxicating combination.' Cocking her head, the artist gestured to the moon as she spoke; “I often come here to find the peace only the night can bring. But what reason does a goddess like yourself have to seek the embrace of darkness?” The young woman remained silent for a few moments before turning around and hopping off the fence so that she could lean against it.

 

Ruby eyes met inquisitive lavender and for a few seconds the woman forgot what she intended to say. Casually, yet thoroughly she took in her newfound companion's appearance assessing whether the strange young woman was a threat. Her form was willowy but laced with lean quicksilver muscle, belying the frailty that her appearance first presented. She was about three inches taller than the rose haired woman, yet the most captivating features of the artist were her eyes. Ancient violet, haunted yet mischievous at the same time, this seemingly young woman had a past, a potentially dark one, yet there seemed to be a sense of wonder still swirling among the hard earned wisdom. Liquid onyx was shorn mid length down her back and for a moment the woman wondered what it would be like to bury her hands in its length. Would those captivating eyes flutter closed, and would a sigh of ecstasy issue forth from those perfect lips?

 

Shaking herself free of such thoughts, the ruby eyed woman crossed her arms assessing the dark interloper's form once more, this time checking for weapons. She found evidence of none yet for some strange reason felt the woman did not need them. There was something about this woman, something hypnotic as well as repulsive, and she both longed and feared to find out what it was. “So tell me, was that your idea of a pick up line? If it was, I must say it was pretty horrible.” The dark haired woman only smiled. “Not at all, fair goddess. I was simply making an observation; the darkness does not suit such an exquisite creature.” The ruby haired woman sighed softly partially flattered and partially annoyed, and the young artist fought down the growl of desire that threatened to rumble from her throat.

 

“Things are not always what they seem.” A russet eyebrow arched sharply as the woman responded. She gestured to the sketch pad. “Do you always sketch random strangers before you approach them?” Violet eyes twinkled as the artist shrugged gently. “Of course not detective, I only sketch those whom invoke an irrefutable sense of inspiration within me. Besides such pain as great as your own worries me; as I said it does not suit you.” A bitter chuckle issued from the detective's mouth, before she resumed her perch upon the fence. “It does in my line of work. Besides how did you know?” The artist sat beside the rose haired detective and again smiled. “Being observant is a part of my job description. Besides, you are in plain clothes, yet there is the outline of a gun within you jacket, and now that I can see the butt of it I suspect that you have a good amount of leverage, as that is not a standard issue gun. Besides regular beat cops are required to lock their guns in the gun safe in their lockers before leaving correct?” The detective grinned at the artist's very accurate assessment of the situation, but not before adjusting her leather bomber jacket. “Very good, if that wasn't such a good sketch, I'd say you had a career in law enforcement. But I don't like holding a conversation in the middle of the night with someone I don't know. Name's Usagi Chiba.”

 

The artist nodded, watching the detective, wondering if she should push just a little bit more before letting the detective have her prize. “Do you always introduce yourself to strangers, Detective Chiba?” The rose haired woman seemed unperturbed as the artist deliberately avoided the offered prompt. Shrugging her shoulders lightly, Chiba focused her crimson eyes upon the tortured lavender of the elusive artist. “Well, I can always opt to shoot you at any time, you know.” This teased a bark of laughter from the dark haired woman. “Oh really? And how would you explain it on the report?” Again the detective shrugged, a smirk tugging at full lips. “I'm a cop. Everything is self defense.” Chiba offered with a grin, as the artist began to laugh again. Shaking her head in mirth, the dark haired woman held up a hand. “Fair enough. I am…. Hotaru Tomoe, Detective Chiba. Pleased to meet you.”

 

“Hotaru… Tomoe.” Usagi echoed, savoring the taste of the name upon her lips. She found it to be exquisite. “So tell me Tomoe-san, you say the darkness doesn't suit me, but you have no problem finding solace in its embrace. What makes you so special?” Usagi questioned, her posture and tone casual but still ready to strike should her newfound `friend' turn out to be an enemy. Hotaru pursed her lips and leaned against the fence looking into the detective's eyes as she formed her answer. `Kami-sama, she's exquisite. And yet there's something about her… something not quite mortal that lurks behind those pools of crimson. What secrets do those eyes hold Detective?' “I, Detective Chiba, am…. a child of the night.” Hotaru pushed off from the fence and walked in front of her rose haired companion, bracing her hands on either side of the seated woman's hips. Slowly, carefully the artist leaned in between Usagi's parted legs, not giving the detective any avenue of escape, save falling backwards. “Mysterious, dark…” Hotaru trailed off as her prey moved even closer, their lips a whisper apart, their eyes never breaking contact.

 

“Sensual…” Usagi whispered.

 

Hotaru only needed to move forward slightly and then she could partake of those alluring full lips, she leaned in slowly, violet eyes fluttering closed as she felt delicate hands bury themselves in her hair… before a white hot bolt of pain seared through her system forcing her to jump away. Usagi let out a yell as she fell backwards toward the pond, but in an amazing show of dexterity the detective grabbed the ledge, tucked her legs under herself and vaulted back over the side. Usagi looked around wildly as the sense of “wrong” sounded klaxons in her ears. Hotaru it seemed didn't fair much better as the dark haired woman kneeled holding her head, her face lost in the raven cascade. Grabbing her things, the detective felt awful about abandoning her friend but if she was needed it couldn't be helped. “Hotaru, I am sorry, but I must go. I… hope that we can meet again.” Hotaru looked up from her agony as the detective turned and ran, grateful that the other woman could not see her face… for she doubted that it looked very… human at the moment. Shaking her head and gathering her own possessions, the artist leapt into the night heading towards whatever it was that set her senses ablaze.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

AN: I had thought about extending this one, but I have a few plans for the next chapter so I didn't want it to seem rushed. As always let me know what you think, feedback is the life's blood of the bard. As for any confusion for identities, as I've had a few people express that concern… it's intentional, so you'll have to wait until I clear everything up.