Reflection, cpt 6: Ami Mizuno

Tokyo, Japan-1997

The same night Sailor Moon met Sailor V

The numbers were starting to make Ami's head spin. She added up the column again, but it came back the same. She checked each of the entries; double-checked them against receipts and bills, counted the entries, added again. There was no denying it. They were in trouble.

"Mom, when was the last time you checked your assets?" Ami's mother entered the room, dressed to kill in an expensive cocktail dress.

"I have no idea, darling. Can you fasten this for me?" Ami sighed and put the diamond bracelet on her mother's arm.

"Do you know that your expenditures have been greater than your income for the last five years?"

"I don't have time to worry about this right now. I'm going to be late for the party. Be a good girl, and make sure you get to sleep before ten." Ami's mother kissed her on the head and left the expensive apartment. Ami shook her head. Her mom still treated her like she was ten. Just because she had never been on a date or had a boyfriend, or really done much of anything but get good grades in school. Ami threw her waist length ponytail back over her shoulder. Her mother had been acting very strange lately. Lots of parties, late nights out, dates with strange men. Ami took off her glasses and rubbed her temples. She had a headache brewing, a very bad headache. No matter how hard she tried, the numbers just weren't going to add up. It was impossible. They were in debt, drowning in it. And Ami didn't know what to do. She heard the door closed as her mom left.

"Mom, what have you been doing for the past five years?" Ami looked at the columns again. Dinners at expensive restaurants, far too much money spent on clothes, and some very, very bad investments. "Oh mom, what were you thinking?" Ami looked at the account where her college money was supposed to be held. It was empty. The proceeds all put into some Anderson Corporation. "So much for Oxford or Harvard." Ami looked at the columns again. "Anderson Corporation? Oh no." Ami checked over the balances again, tallying up the columns minus the ones to Anderson. "Oh kami, mother. He's been bleeding you dry." Ami looked at the clock. She did a bit of math in her head…it would be early in the morning but she didn't care. She picked up the phone.

"Hello, I need a number for a Mr. Anderson."

Hisame liked the night. The air was cool, and the city was lit up like the Christmas tree his English grandparents use to put up. Tonight he had his assignment, but he wasn't sure how to handle it. Assassinating a famous research scientist and her daughter wasn't exactly his idea of fun. They drew straws and Arashi got the mother. Hisame always had rotten luck. But Kaji had given him the order, so he obeyed. Sometimes he really hated this half of the job. He'd rather sit behind the lines, analyzing, researching. But tonight his duty was to kill a twenty-year-old girl named Ami Mizuno because her father happened to be a jerk. Hisame laughed bitterly. Life always seemed to throw odd curves. He ducked into a back alley, transforming into his blue tuxedo. Ace had laughed for an hour the first time he had seen Hisame transform, making jokes about the seventies being long past. Hisame had put a laxative into Ace's tea. He was Tuxedo Ice, and the stupid fool could laugh at the color while spending the day on the toilet. Hisame believed in the old adage that it was far better to get even than mad. He had stalled long enough. It was time.

The target lived in a penthouse in an exclusive part of town. Hisame was not looking forward to the several story climb. He jumped up, catching the bottom rung of the fire escape ladder, and started making his way toward the roof.

"Ami. I haven't talked to you in years. But you did pick an odd time to call." Ami held back the tears at the sound of her father's voice. She did catch the nervousness in his tone, however.

"Shut up. I know you've been taking money from mom. Why is she paying you off?" Silence.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Just stop it dad. I know you've been taking money, a lot by my calculations. Why. What are you doing with it?" Again silence.

"I had some bills Ami, and some men who really wanted their money." Ami felt like throwing the phone.

"Why was she paying you off?"

"Ami, I won't let you talk to me like that, I'm your father and…"

"You stopped being my father the moment you left us to go paint your pictures. Why."

"Your mother was part of some illegal actions at the hospital when she was a resident, testing and experiments that shouldn't have been done. She pays me, I keep quiet." Ami felt bile rise in her throat.

"There's more to it than that. She could always have pointed a finger at her superiors." Another lengthy silence. Ami was surprised at how heavy her father's breathing was. "Well, we're broke now. You've bled all of her assets dry. She even took all the money out of my college fund. Go bleed someone else."

"You don't understand Ami, if I don't pay them, I'm a dead man. If I don't pay them, we're all dead."

"Why?" More silence.

"I made some very powerful enemies. I'm paying to keep my past hidden so they can't find you and your mom." Ami pondered his words for a moment. Then she heard a sound in the background. A sound she'd only heard once before, at a shooting range with her classmates. Then the phone went dead.

"Oh kami."

Hisame stood on the roof, letting the night wind wash over him. He was stalling again, and he knew that. But this particular assignment rubbed him wrong. It just seemed superfluous. Killing the girl served no purpose, except to wipe out the entire family line. Hisame had a feeling that this assassination was more of a private nature than public. Somehow the Anderson man had angered Mamoru, a lot. And now he and his family would pay the price.

"Sometimes, Prince, I just don't understand you." Hisame finally moved towards the large skylights over the living room area. He had always wanted to crash into a room through the skylight, like batman or some other superhero. Although Batman never would have been caught dead in a blue tuxedo. Hisame wrapped his cape around him, and jumped.

Ami panicked. Her father was dead, she knew that. And she had a sinking sensation that she was next. Her heart was numb. She had loved her father once, long ago. But he had been absent from her life for so long. It was like losing a distant relative instead of a close friend. Well she wasn't going to be dumb and wait here to be trapped like a rat. She headed for her mother's room, grabbing all the cash and jewelry in sight, and praying it would be enough. Then she headed for the front door, hoping she wasn't too late.

Hisame crashed through the skylight, the cape billowing out behind him, glass spreading everywhere.

Ami had just reached the living room when the skylight shattered. She had enough sense to drop and roll behind the couch, avoiding the majority of the glass, although some still got her legs, and a large piece sliced open her arm. She dropped the cash. Now she just needed to get out alive. She forced her breathing to slow down. "Think Ami, think. If you panic, you're dead." She pushed her terror from her mind and put the analytical portion of her brain to work.

Hisame dropped to one knee from the force of the fall. His tuxedo form had greater powers than a human, but a two-story fall through a skylight still hurt a little. He shook his head, and scouted in the dark for his quarry.

Ami sat behind the couch for a moment calculating. Either the intruder was high on something that gave him super human strength, or he wasn't human. A two-story drop like that would probably have broken something on a normal man, but her attacker had gotten up after just a moment. She debated whether staying still or moving would give her an advantage. She knew the terrain, but he was probably a lot more determined. Then again, he might have studied the building. Staying put would be a trap eventually. She made a decision and started crawling across the floor, her knees getting sliced by the scattered glass.

Hisame stalked through the dark apartment. He checked the bedrooms first, one light was on, but no one was there. Then he moved into the den, the kitchen, and the dining room. For a moment he was afraid his quarry was gone. Then his foot brushed against a pile of money and jewelry behind the couch. He stopped for a moment, thinking. Umino had given them pages of information on their targets. Hisame knew this quarry wasn't your average girl. She was too intelligent. Hisame would have to out think her. Ami might have gone straight for the front door, but that way gave no cover, just open space. But the exit out the bathroom led to the fire escape. And Ami was too smart to go straight down; she'd head for the roof. Hisame cursed and headed for the main stairs.

Ami's lungs were aching and her legs were burning from cuts. She had managed to make the fire escape, but had gone up instead of down, hoping to throw her attacker off. If she hurried she could make the elevator or the inner stairway. She debated for a moment, deciding that the elevator would be the better choice. He'd expect her to use the stairs. The doors opened, and she quickly stepped inside. As a safety measure, she took off the escape hatch and crawled up, ready to run for it if she needed. Then she replaced the hatch.

Hisame waited impatiently for the elevator, his lungs burning a bit from the trip down the stairs. The doors opened silently. The elevator was empty. Hisame stopped for a moment. He was sure she would use the elevator, thinking that he would expect her to use the stairs. Then he walked inside. He knew he had predicted her movements. But she was still a step ahead of him. He turned around once, his brow furrowed. Then he reached up and popped the escape hatch. A pair of long legs greeted his view. She was hurriedly climbing the interior ladder, headed for the next floor. "You clever girl." He whispered under his breath.

Ami had started climbing the minute the elevator hit bottom. She had felt something there, waiting for her, and she knew it wasn't a good thing. She reached the second floor doors, attempting to pry them open.

"Open up dammit." The doors finally slid, and an arm clad in black leather hauled her through the door.

Hisame watched his prey disappear through the door, obviously being helped by someone. Now there was an element of randomness in the encounter. More of a challenge. He was enjoying pitting his skills against this girl. She was everything he had expected, and a bit more. He moved back into the elevator, pressing the button for floor two.

Ami screamed. A strong hand clad in a black leather glove quickly cut off the sound.

"Shh, I'm not going to hurt you." Ami found herself in the arms of a very tall, very beautiful woman, dressed black leather hot pants and a skimpy top.

"Please tell me I'm dreaming." Ami's voice shook a little. She had the insane urge to burst into laughter. Rescued by a girl in an S & M costume.

"I'm Sailor Starmaker, and you leave the guy in the tux to me." Ami scowled and jerked away.

"Who the hell are you and why should I trust you?" The woman sighed.

"If I wanted to kill you I would have done it already. I'm trying to keep you alive. But every second we argue is time for that arrogant bastard to catch up to us." Ami nodded, responding to the reason in the woman's voice, and the stern expression on the woman's face. Ami shoved her fear deep inside and forced her brain back into action.

"Most likely he'll simply use the elevator to get up here." Maker's face brightened.

"You're probably right. And we don't want to disappoint him." Ami watched for a moment as Maker tore open the cover on the elevator and played with some of the wires.

"Come on, he's probably memorized every square inch of this place. We need to get you out of here now." Maker grabbed Ami by the hand and took off down the hallway.

Hisame waited impatiently. The trip up one story should have been over, but he was still moving upwards. Finally the elevator stopped, and the doors opened. He stepped out and swore. He was on the roof.

"Dammit, they're good." He looked over the edge of the building in time to see two figures running out the front door. Hisame swore. He wasn't very good at teleporting, but Kaji would have his hide if the girl got away. He closed his eyes and concentrated. He could feel the girl's presence, even from the roof. He felt his body turn to energy, and then he was in front of the two. Ami's mouth widened in shock, Maker simply stopped in her tracks. Hisame grabbed Ami, pulling against him, and had his cane at her throat in an instant.

"Back off, whoever you are."

Maker felt her blood boil. She hadn't expected teleporting abilities, especially not ones this advanced.

"You'll kill her either way, so why should I bother." Hisame scowled. The girl in his arms stayed perfectly still, her eyes pressed tightly together. She smelled like lemons, though why he'd notice something like that was quite beyond his intellect. Maker put her hands together, and a ball of energy began to form. Ami felt a tickle at the edges of her brain. Her captor was preoccupied with Maker. Ami had stayed perfectly still, hoping for a loser grip, and she had been rewarded. She shoved her hand in between the cane and her windpipe, and at the same time rammed her elbow into the man's solar plexus. Hisame, not expecting the attack, let go of the cane with one hand. Ami wrapped her free hand around the object, wrenching it from his grasp. Then she dropped to the ground and rolled, just in time to avoid the blast of energy from Maker.

Hisame threw his cape up just in time to escape the worst of the attack, but the energy still knocked him backwards, out of reach of his prey.

"Run, Ami, get the hell out of here." Maker readied another attack, but Hisame knew now wasn't the time.

"I'll get you another time, leather girl." Hisame vaulted onto a low building and took off over the rooftops. Maker swore loudly. She had lost both of them.

Ami ran through the streets of Tokyo, still clutching the silver cane. Tears were running down her face. She stopped for a moment. The adrenaline and iron control over her emotions were starting to wear off, her legs were bleeding, and her lungs were burning. She sat down between two dumpsters. Her father was dead. Her mother most likely was too. She was alone. Alone, broke, and so scared. Her hands began to shake, and she dropped the odd cane. And she cried.

Hisame halted just out of sight of the odd woman he had fought. She seemed very angry about something, and took off in the direction the girl had run. Hisame shook his head. Finding the girl in the back alleys of Tokyo in the dark would be impossible. But she had his cane. Hisame closed his eyes for a moment, and then they snapped open. He smiled broadly and headed off in the opposite direction as the strange woman.

In Tokyo the buildings were literally piled on top of each other, with narrow streets and even narrower alleys. Hisame was closed enough to feel the cane now, pulsing just a short distance away. He moved through a side alley. Then he found her. She was fast asleep, curled up between two dumpsters, his cane lying at her feet. Hisame picked up the weapon and drew the sword from the cane. He hesitated a moment. It would be very easy to just kill her where she slept.

"Ami?" The voice came from Hisame's right. He thrust the sword back into its sheath, and picked the girl up in his arms. Then he took off into the night.

Maker saw the flash of blue take off from the alley to her right. She raced to the end, but she was too late. They were gone.

"Dammit. I've lost them." Maker stared at the concrete for a moment. "Kami, don't let anything happen to that poor little girl."

Ami woke in someone's arms. Her head was a little fuzzy, like she had cried herself to sleep. Then the memories hit, and she realized who was holding her.

"Don't move, little one, or I'll drop you, and we're awfully high up." Ami looked down and saw that they were running and jumping across rooftops. She pressed her eyes tightly shut and wrapped her arms around the stranger's neck.

"Where are we going, why haven't you killed me yet?" Ami whispered the words against the man's chest. Hisame ignored the girl. He wasn't sure where they were going yet, or why he hadn't killed her. He simply kept moving across Tokyo.

The trip was the most terrifying thing Ami had ever experienced. She was sure the man was going to drop her during one of his spectacular leaps, leaving her nothing more than a bloody patch on the concrete below. Finally they made a jump onto the roof of a small apartment building. The man put her down. Ami took a step back; both fists clenched, and tried desperately to keep tears from falling.

"Why didn't you kill me?" Hisame stared at the girl for a moment. Her blue eyes were challenging, spitting with anger. Her waist-length black hair rippled in the breeze. Hisame took a step forward, a bit annoyed at the fear in the girl's eyes. He ran a hand down the side of her cheek, amazed at how soft her skin was. His hand strayed over the curve of her shoulder, and ran down her arm.

"You're hurt, I see." Hisame pulled a silk handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped it around the wound. "There's something about you. I really don't know, little Ami." He took another step forward, burying his other hand in the silk of her hair. "I really don't know." He pulled her body up against his, enjoying the way her eyes shone in the moonlight. Then he lowered his lips to hers.

"Get away from her right now." The voice came from directly behind the two of them. Hisame swore and whirled around towards the sound, drawing his sword in the same motion. But Maker was already leaping over him. She scooped Ami up and took off into the night. Hisame just watched them go. Kaji might have his head, Mamoru might rant and rave, but there was something about that girl.

Maker set Ami down on Mina's balcony. "Are you all right?" Maker checked the girl up and down, scowling at the numerous scratches on her legs and the blood soaked handkerchief. Ami nodded slowly.

"Thank you, whoever you are." The woman bowed.

"You are very welcome, Ami Mizuno. My name is Sailor Starmaker, and I'm a Sailor Senshi. I hope to see you again one day." The woman jumped off the balcony, racing off across the rooftops of Tokyo. Ami snorted.

"Oh that helped a lot." She looked into the small, dark apartment.

"I see I've gained another roommate to make up for the one I've lost." Mina stepped from the shadows, hands on her hips. Ami let out a screech and jumped a foot. "Well, at least Maker has good taste. My name's Minako Aino, welcome to your new home." Ami's eyes grew very large.

"Would you mind telling me what's going on?" She said the words quietly, but there was a great deal of frustration and anger in the tone. Mina laughed.

"The Sailor Senshi received a tip that several assassinations were planned for tonight. Some managed to stop their assassinations better than others." Mina sighed and sat down on the couch. "Since we don't know who is committing the assassinations, or why, all we can do is try to stop them. I wouldn't suggest you go back home. You can stay here for a while, but we are going to move you soon. And we'll have to hide you somehow…" Mina noticed the girl's eyes narrow. Mina laughed again.

"Now you're all suspicious of me. Apply your intellect a bit, dear. If I wanted to kill you, I would have all ready. I assure you, I'm just the safe house. And if you haven't heard of the Sailor Senshi before you soon will. Why don't we look at those cuts and get you to bed." Ami gave up, letting the vibrant woman wipe some of the blood off and tuck her into a warm bed, and before she knew what had happened, Ami Mizuno was fast asleep.

Taiki watched the dark-haired girl sleep. "What are you going to do with her, Mina?" Mina sighed and sat down on the couch, massaging a sore ankle. She had managed to land wrong on her flight to keep the three tuxedoes from finding little Usagi.

"I don't know Taiki. I don't even know where Art…Gekko is getting his information. All I know is we were supposed to keep as many people from getting killed as possible. We obviously couldn't stop the hit on her father, which was contracted. How did Yaten do against Tuxedo Storm?" Taiki grimaced. Mina sighed loudly. "So the girl's mother is dead too. Is Yaten all right?" Taiki almost smiled at the worry in her voice.

"Just a sprained wrist and bruised ego." Taiki stood up and started pacing.

"At least Seiya stopped Tuxedo what's his name from killing Senator Hino…I really would like to know how they came up with those stupid names." Mina giggled a bit.

"Well, now I have to find a way to hide the girl." Mina's eyes turned thoughtful. "You know what? I think I know what might work." Taiki's eyes narrowed.

"Don't you dare put her in any danger." Mina laughed.

"A little nervous about something happening to her Taiki?" Taiki looked at the ground. He remembered how wonderful it felt to hold Ami in his arms, even as a woman. She was so intelligent, and beautiful, and he had wanted to rip the creep in the tacky blue tuxedo apart for daring to touch her.

"I just don't like it when you say you have any idea in that tone of voice." Taiki flopped on the couch. "It usually means trouble."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Mina stood up and hobbled into the kitchen.

"The last time you said you had an idea in that tone of voice, you had the three of us dressed in frilly dresses, and marched us through downtown London."

"Well, you got out of London without getting mobbed, got all your shopping done, and I think Yaten kept that green dress I gave him." Taiki snorted. "I was just going to suggest that the best place to hide Ami would be right under their noses."

"And how do you intend to do that?" Mina put the teakettle on and hobbled back into the living room.

"Simple, we get her a job at Terran Eclipse." Taiki stood up quickly.

"No way, that's insane. You are insane Mina." Taiki paced back and forth across the living room rug.

"Actually, if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. A high profile job like that would be the last place our mysterious Tuxedo boys would think to look for her. We'll have to change her looks some. Hmmm, I think we could cut her hair, but no way we could get her to dye it. Maybe some contacts, and different clothes." Taiki stopped directly in front of Mina.

"She will be slapped on every paper in town. How are you going to get around that?" Mina smiled widely.

"That's the point. They won't make the connection. But we will have to give her a different name. Maybe we can keep the Ami, but the last name will have to go." Mina closed her eyes. "Any ideas, Mr. Brain?" Taiki sighed. He closed his eyes for a moment, tapping a finger against his chin.

"Kou." Mina sat bolt upright.

"What did you just say?" Taiki started pacing again.

"We make her a cousin of Seiya. She looks like him with that black hair and the blue eyes. A couple appearances in public with him…it'll throw them completely off." Mina threw her arms around Taiki.

"You are a genius."

Ami woke up with a headache, and a five year old bouncing on the bed.

"Good morning, Ami. Did you sleep well? I kept the nightmares away." The little boy plopped down beside her. "My name's Akira. Mina is my momma." Ami couldn't help the smile that spread on her face.

"Hello Akira."

"Momma went to pick up the twins cause Usagi got a new job and needs a babysitter." Akira leaped from the bed to the floor. "I was supposed to wake you up and tell you to get ready to go out with Mr. Taiki. Talk to you later!" The little boy raced from the room. Ami couldn't help but laugh. She slowly climbed out of bed, grimacing at the blood crusted on her legs and the sheets. But at least all the cuts had closed over. She slowly stood and headed for the bathroom. There were blue towels sitting beside the shower. Ami smiled again. Mina obviously could judge people easily.

Taiki could hear the shower running when he entered the apartment. He took the blue dress and undergarments he had bought that morning into the bathroom. Then he cursed under his breath. The shower had a glass door instead of a curtain. Taiki knew he should leave, but couldn't take his eyes off the figure under the water. Then a hand with long fingernails dug into his arm and pulled him out of the bathroom.

"What the hell were you doing Taiki?" Mina's face was red with anger.

"I was just dropping off some clothes and…" Mina threw her hands into the air.

"Men and their hormones. Well, kind of men. Good grief. Leave her alone until she's done." Taiki sat down on the couch in the living room, his face bright red. He started picking fuzz off the pillow beside him. Akira and Endy flew into the living room, piling onto the couch.

"Good morning, Mr. Taiki." The two said the words in unison, and then started laughing.

"We always do that Mr. Taiki."

"Mina swears we share a brain."

"And we only met a day ago."

"We're going to go play legos"

"Bye Mr. Taiki." The two boys raced for Akira's bedroom. Taiki just shook his head. He couldn't understand how Mina managed to keep up with one, much less two. A little girl raced into the room.

"Wait for me, I want to play too." Taiki laughed at the groan the two boys shared. The doorbell rang.

"I'm coming." Mina raced to the door, still limping slightly. "Yaten!" She threw her arms around the startled young man. "You're early, we're still waiting on Seiya." Yaten scowled.

"Of course we're waiting on Seiya, he wouldn't know on time if it bit him in the" Mina pressed a quick kiss on Yaten's lips.

"Shut up, little ears around." Taiki chuckled at the dumbfounded expression on his friend's face. Yaten slowly walked in the room and sat down.

"We need you around every time he starts complaining, Mina." Yaten socked Taiki in the gut.

"Shut up, overgrown lab rat." Taiki just chuckled some more. Then the bathroom door opened. Ami was wearing a blue sundress, with matching heels and a blue ribbon in her long black hair. Taiki's jaw dropped. Yaten leaned over and pressed Taiki's mouth closed.

"Good morning, Ami. Welcome to the madness. I expect you've already met Akira, but I doubt he remembered to introduce his friends. Akira, get the twins in here." Akira came racing out of the bedroom with the little boy and little girl beside him. "Ami, meet Endymion Tsukino and Usagi Tsukino." The boy bowed, the girl curtsied.

"A pleasure to meet such a beautiful woman." Ami blushed. The boy stood up, his eyes twinkling. "Watch out for Mr. Taiki, I think he likes you." Chibi-Usa giggled loudly.

"Endy." Mina's voice echoed with frustration and embarrassment. The two boys laughed and took off for the bedroom again, the little girl tagging behind. Mina shook her head. "Don't pay any attention to those two hellions. The two sitting on the couch are my friends, Mr. Taiki and Mr. Yaten Kou." The two men stood and bowed politely. "There's a third one but…" the door swung open and Seiya marched into the room. He took Ami in his arms, dipped her backwards, and kissed her.

"Hello, Miss Ami. I am Seiya Kou, and as of now you are my dear cousin." Ami blushed beet red and stammered out a hello. Yaten held onto Taiki, who was ready to rip Seiya to shreds. "Are you all ready to go? We need a haircut for the lady and some contacts before our photo op this afternoon." Mina sighed.

"Ami, meet Seiya Kou. The three of them are also known as The Three Lights…a singing group you may have heard of. Because you two look alike, Seiya's agreed to be your cover. We're going to claim you're a cousin, and parade you around town as such, after a haircut and a pair of contacts to replace the glasses you normally wear." Ami lowered her head for a moment and furrowed her brow. Then she raised her head again.

"That's an excellent plan, Miss Aino." Mina snorted.

"Call me Mina…Miss Aino makes me feel eighty."

Ami sat on the couch; a boy snuggled up on either side of her. The morning had gone very well, and she felt free with her new short haircut and contacts. The Lights had been mobbed, of course, so lots of pictures had been snapped of Ami and the three shopping together. Ami smiled. Taiki had been very polite, answering questions and keeping the worst of the photographers away. And he was so intelligent. It was great to talk to a male who was interested in things like quantum physics and vector calculus. She sighed. She was alone now with the boys. Mina had taken off in a hurry after a frantic phone call from a girl named Usagi. Something about needing help shopping. So now Ami was babysitting. At least the kids kept her mind off the pain. Chibi-Usa was at her feet playing with a Barbie doll.

Ami smiled at the little girl's constant stream of words. She moved her arm and winced at the pain. Her arm was still very sore and her heart, she wasn't sure if that would ever heal. She fingered the handkerchief in her pocket. She had washed it out in the sink that morning. There was a knock on the door. Ami flinched, fear on her face. Akira bounced up to answer it.

"Seiya!" The boy threw himself into Seiya's arms.

"You two want to go outside and run around with me?" The boys raced outside, Seiya close behind.

"Wait for me!" Chibi-Usa discarded her doll quickly, unwilling to miss out on a football game with the boys. Yaten and Taiki walked in and sat on either side of Ami.

"We thought you might be going crazy with the two self winding perpetual motion machines." Yaten grabbed the remote and flipped the TV off. Taiki sat down on the other side of Ami.

"I brought you a book, in case you were bored." Taiki handed the book to Ami, waiting for her reaction. Ami turned the book over twice, and flipped through the pages reverently.

"This is a first edition of Lord Byron's poetry in English. Where in the world did you get this?" Ami looked up at Taiki in astonishment.

"I thought you might appreciate it." Yaten grumbled under his breath about visiting hundreds of stores before they found the book, but Ami ignored him.

"Thank you so much, I don't know what to say." Taiki just smiled.

"Knowing that you enjoy it will be enough." Ami smiled and leaned forward, pecking Taiki on the cheek. His face turned red. The three sat in an awkward silence for several long moments. Then Yaten flipped on the news and started a running commentary on how awful the world was. Ami began to read. Taiki simply watched her. An hour later the door burst open.

"We're hungry. Does Ami cook?" Seiya and the boys tumbled into the room, their clothes a bit matted with grass. Chibi-Usa followed behind, a smug smile on her face, holding the ball. Yaten grinned.

"Who won, Seiya?" The boys faces fell.

"I did." Chibi-Usa climbed onto Yaten's lap. "Boys suck."

Ami smiled and headed for the kitchen.

"I can cook a bit, any suggestions?"

"Chocolate Cake, " from Endy.

"Ice Cream, " simultaneously from Akira.

"Anything Pink!" chimed in Chibi-Usa.

"I'll see what I can come up with."

Usagi sat in the empty office, bored out of her mind, while she wondered what in the world she was supposed to do. Mr. Chiba had returned to his work immediately after showing Usagi to the suite of offices for the personal assistants. Usagi was rather lost. Then the door opened and Mamoru strode into the room. He seemed to take up all the space, swallowing all the air.

"I'm sorry about the delay, I had an important phone call. I'll explain your duties now. You will work closely with me in all of the affairs of this company. You'll need to hire a team of however many you wish to help you in all aspects of running this company, from publicists to computer experts. You will be responsible for arranging my schedule, attending events with me; you will spend most of every day at my side. The only things you will not attend and be part of are the board meetings. I expect you to be well groomed, on time, and prompt. Do you think you can handle the assignment?" Usagi nodded quietly. "Setsuna will be the secretary for both of us. If you have any difficulties don't be afraid to come to me. I think, of course, the first thing you'll need to do is go shopping." Mamoru pulled a wad of bills from his pocket and pressed them into Usagi's hand. "Tomorrow I'll introduce you to the board members. Also place an ad in the paper for the people you'll need, ask Ms. Meioh for help." Usagi's eyes popped at the amount of money in her hand. Mamoru turned to exit the room. His deep voice followed with one last order. "And Usagi? Burn that suit. If you ever wear it again I'll rip it off you."

Usagi felt anger rise with his last comment. But common sense overcame her reaction. She needed this job, even if she was only to be a pretty decoration while the secretary and underlings did all the work. Usagi sighed. Then she lifted her chin. She'd do this on her own. She picked up the phone. "Naru? I really need your help here. Could you give me some advice?" After that phone call, Usagi called Mina.

Mina arrived at Terran Eclipse in ten minutes. She smoothed her perfect suit and hair. Usagi met the two in the lobby, looking frazzled and tired. "Oh god, Mina, I need your help so bad." Mina accepted a hug from Usagi and the two headed upstairs. Mina listened to Usagi's ramblings, and frowned thoughtfully over the description Usagi gave of Setsuna. The two girls walked slowly through the lobby into Usagi's new offices and closed the door.

"Setsuna could be an ally in this, Usagi. She grew up with him, you know. She probably is someone who knows everything about him. But whatever you do you'll have to be careful, she also has a thing for your boss." Usagi turned stunned eyes to Mina.

"How do you know this stuff Mina?" Mina smiled a bit.

"I did move in higher circles when Sailor V was still running." The tone was bitter. Usagi blushed.

"Why in the world would anyone want him? He's insufferable, arrogant…"

"And absolutely gorgeous." Mina smiled at Usagi's surprised expression. "I know what Mamoru Chiba is. He's trouble. And you getting this job makes me worried."

"I don't think I can do this you two, not on my own." Mina smiled brightly.

"I've been offered a couple movies, but nothing that sounds as fun as this. Hire me as your publicist. I can help out with managing the media. But I think you do have what it takes to do this. There's something about you, Usa." Usagi blushed.

"Where do I start?"

"You said Naru gave you some advice and suggestions. We can work on those later. Let's start with Setsuna. We'll need her badly. And you can't afford to have an enemy working for you." Mina looked down for a moment. "I would also suggest we invite her on the shopping trip." Usagi nodded.

"Then let's go."

Usagi, Mina, and Setsuna sat in the limousine full of new clothes. They had gone to so many stores Usagi couldn't keep them straight, and spent more money than Usagi's father made in a year. Setsuna had warmed up instantly when Mina had started discussing how awful Mamoru Chiba was. Sets had even thrown in a few insults of her own. The girls had helped Usagi draft ads for the positions she would need. After lots of milk shakes, hamburgers, and an expensive dinner, complete with wine, the three were a little giggly. Usagi was in new clothes, and there had been several trips to several salons. Usagi felt like a new person. The limousine stopped in front of the building and the three girls tumbled out laughing. Their laughter stopped when they saw a very angry Mamoru Chiba standing in the lobby.

"Where the hell have you been? I've been trying to contact you all day. Why didn't you take your cell phone?" Usagi was feeling a little brave from the effects of the alcohol. She stepped forward.

"I wasn't given a cell phone." Usagi put her hands on her hips and glared. Mamoru's face grew colder.

"Would you two excuse us please? It's five o'clock. I'll see you tomorrow." Mamoru grabbed onto Usagi's arm tightly and dragged her toward the elevator.

"Hey! Let go of me you arrogant jerk!" Usagi turned and half waved to her friends. "Bye Sets. Bye Mina, see you tonight." Mina started after them, but a warning glance from Setsuna stopped her. The two left the lobby with worried expressions.

"She never could hold her alcohol. He won't hurt her, will he?" Mina asked nervously.

"I don't. I don't know him anymore." Setsuna pulled the other girl back into the limo. "Let's drop this stuff off for her."

Mamoru was furious. How dare this little girl treat him like that, and in front of witnesses? He looked back at the girl stumbling behind him. She was wearing a gorgeous white suit, her hair was expertly done, and she was wearing makeup. Mamoru could feel his anger changing into a more dangerous emotion. He halfway threw Usagi into the elevator. She cringed back.

"What the hell do you think you're doing? I'm giving you a chance here. A chance no one else would ever give you."

Usagi lifted her chin. "I merely told the truth. Why are you so mad?" Mamoru leaned down close to her face.

"I ask only two things from my employees, total respect, and total loyalty."

"Sounds like you want a dog." Usagi stared into his eyes. Mamoru leaned closer to Usagi, pressing her against the wall.

"I had an important meeting tonight, that was canceled, because you weren't anywhere to be found. That meeting was worth over three million dollars. Perhaps I should take the money out of your hide." Usagi shrunk back from the look on his face. Mamoru lowered his lips until they were a breath away from Usa's.

"I didn't know about the meeting." She whispered. "You never told…" Mamoru's lips descended on hers. His tongue plunged into her open mouth. Usa gripped the front of his suit. The kiss was hard, meant as a punishment, but Usa couldn't help the shivers that ran through her body at his touch. Then the elevator doors slid open.

"I see you've found someone new to occupy you since your current mistress kicked you out yesterday?" The mocking deep tone sounded oddly familiar. Mamoru pulled back abruptly.

"Stay out of this, Ace. Are the others here?"

"I'm the last one, of course." Mamoru nodded. He glanced down at Usagi's flushed face and far away expression.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Eight am don't be late." Mamoru pushed the lobby button, and then he left the elevator. The silver doors slid shut. Usagi slumped to the floor and started crying. The feelings. They were so familiar. The kiss was familiar. Usagi pushed the dark premonition to the back of her mind. He was just a jerk, just a bastard. But she couldn't stop crying.

Twenty minutes later the seven were sitting in front of the TV, watching cartoons and eating brownies and ice cream.

"You're a good cook, Miss Ami. You want to be my mama?" Akira snuggled up next to Ami again. Endy copied his friend, scooting up to her other side.

"Akira says Miss Mina can't cook at all, and my mama isn't that great of a cook. You sure you don't want to be our mama?" Ami smiled at the questions.

"I don't think I'd make a very good mom. I'd make you do homework and clean your rooms." The boys made faces and turned their attention back to the TV. Then the telephone rang. Seiya was the one to answer it. His face turned from laughing to serious in two seconds, then he sprinted out the door. Yaten grabbed the phone. Taiki frowned.

"Stay right here Ami, I'll be back." Then he ran after Seiya. Ami shrank back into the couch. Yaten stayed on the phone for a while, talking in low tones.

"Ami? I have to go pick up Mina. I'll be back in a minute. Don't go anywhere." Then he left too. Ami hated being alone again. She stared at the two boys, who ignored the chaos around them. She smiled a little. She had friends now, something she'd never had before, and although it would never make up for losing her mother, it helped. Ami sighed and picked up the dishes.

Seiya hadn't responded well to the phone call. Mina had called ten minutes ago, crying about someone named Mamoru dragging someone named Usagi off to who knows where. Yaten had gone over to Mina's house, but Seiya had put two and two together a bit more quickly. He had taken off immediately, heading for Terran Eclipse Headquarters. Taiki now had the wonderful job of chasing the man down and making sure he didn't do anything stupid.

Seiya threw open the doors to Terran Eclipse, ignored the receptionist, and headed straight for the elevators. The doors slid open. Usagi was crumpled on the floor, crying. Seiya rushed forward, helping the girl to her feet.

"Are you all right, Usagi?" The girl turned her face towards her savior.

"Seiya, is that you? How did you…"

"Mina called us. It's all right. Are you hurt?" Usagi clung to Seiya, her tears soaking into his shirt.

"No, no I'm all right. I just want to get the twins and go home." Seiya nodded. Taiki had already called a car.

Mina and Yaten came back ten minutes later. Mina's face was streaked with tears, and her eyes were full of worry. She paced back and forth in front of the couch until Yaten grabbed her and forced her to sit. Mina tried to escape but Yaten held her tightly. Then the war of words began. Ami smiled at the way the two fought. She could see the attraction between them. Finally Mina gave in, laying her head on Yaten's shoulder while he stroked her hair. Ami did the dishes, and then the boys talked her into designing a fort in the living room.

Ami smiled broadly at her creation. With blankets, couch cushions, tables and chairs, the fort had practically migrated over the whole house. Mina and Yaten were secluded in their own little section of the fort, shut off from the prying eyes of little boys. Ami could hear them whispering to each other. Akira and Endy were plotting to takeover the world. Chibi-Usa was plotting to take over the boys. Ami stood near the kitchen. Now that she didn't have something to keep her busy, her memories of last night were threatening to overtake her. She kept imagining her mother dying at the hands of some man in a tuxedo. Her mouth was dry, and she blinked rapidly to keep the tears from falling. The phone rang, and Ami picked it up. It was Taiki.

Taiki sat on the right, Seiya on the left, and Usagi was sandwiched between the two.

"Why didn't you call the limo?" Taiki shrugged.

"This one gets here faster, less trouble with traffic." Usagi just stared straight ahead, resisting the urge to wipe her nose on her sleeve. Taiki noticed her predicament and came up with a handkerchief.

"Thank you. I think I should get one of these implanted, as often as I burst into tears." Usagi blew her nose, rather noisily, and wiped the tears and smeared makeup from her face. Seiya kept his arm around her, humming gently underneath his breath. Whenever she was near, songs seemed to burst into his head. Taiki tilted his head slowly toward Seiya. Then he took out a notepad and scribbled down the notes. Maybe the girl wasn't a bad thing after all, if she could inspire new songs.

"How about dinner?" Usagi tilted her head as if considering.

"I suppose, but won't your friend feel left out?" Taiki sighed and pulled his cell phone from his pocket again.

"Just a moment." He dialed a number, had a short conversation, and then replaced the phone.

"Yaten, Ms. Aino, a friend, and her son Akira will bring the twins and meet us at the restaurant." Usagi's face burst into a smile.

"You're amazing Taiki. You can almost read people's minds, you know that?" Taiki looked down at the girl, and felt the corners of his mouth twitch. Seiya couldn't resist ribbing him.

"Why Taiki, I do believe that's a smile trying to form. Come on, let go." Taiki grunted and sank back into the car's interior.

Mina had the fort packed up and everyone in the car in ten minutes. For all Mina's giggling and air headed comments, Ami recognized a leader when she saw one. The trip to the restaurant went by too quickly for Ami. She was very nervous about going out in public, and about meeting this woman named Usagi, and if she admitted it to herself, she was nervous about seeing Taiki again. The way he looked at her made butterflies float through her stomach. The car rolled to a stop outside the restaurant, and Ami felt tears trying to fall again. This had been her favorite place to eat with her mother. The two always spoke French the entire time they were here.

Mina walked inside, head held high, with the rest of the group in tow. She spoke with the maitre d, and in a moment they were headed for a secluded table with a view of Tokyo Bay. Mina threw herself at a girl with silver hair seated by the window. Yaten and Seiya rolled their eyes and got the children seated. Taiki just stared at Ami. Ami felt her facing turning red, and dropped her eyes, unable to meet his gaze. Endy was the one who broke the moment.

"Mama, Ami cooks lots better than you do." Mina and Usagi pulled away from each other, and turned towards the red faced Ami.

"I'm sorry. Usagi Tsukino, meet Ami Kou." Usagi stood up and hugged Ami tightly. Ami was a bit flustered by the attention, but hugged the woman back. Both felt the tingle go through them.

"It's wonderful to meet you Ami. I see you've met my rude son and his friend." Endy just smiled and went back to a whispered conference with Akira. Chibi-Usa snuggled up on Seiya's lap and started to fall asleep.

The meal went by quickly. Ami was delighted to find that the Lights all spoke French, and Mina could speak passably. Ami spent most of the time teaching Usagi a few phrases, laughing at the way the silver haired girl butchered the pronunciation. The food was wonderful, and the group got along very well. Ami sat back for a moment, simply watching them. Yaten constantly complaining, Seiya flirting with Usagi, Usagi and Mina going on like the best of friends, Akira and Endy whispering before they tripped the waiter for the third time. And Chibi-Usa sleeping like an angel on Seiya's lap. Taiki caught her eye and smiled.

"Sometimes, Ami, people are simply meant to be together." His voice sounded a bit sad. Ami looked down at her plate, trying to push thoughts of the past away. Taiki moved a bit closer.

"I'm sorry about your family Ami, and I would do anything to bring them back. But all of us love having you here. You fit, you're a part of the family." Taiki leaned back in his chair, and watched the thoughtful expression on Ami's face.

Hisame sat at the table, his ribs still sore from the beating Kaji had given him, and his back sore from the beating Mamoru had given him. The girl had gotten away, and although Mamoru really hadn't minded that much, Hisame still had to be punished for his failure. Hisame sighed loudly. Ikusa wasn't here. He was at home, still nursing the broken nose, broken arm, broken foot and three cracked ribs he'd been given. Ikusa's assignment had been a bit more important than a little girl who happened to belong to the wrong family. Mamoru hadn't come this evening, giving some excuse about another merger. Hisame knew what was really bothering him. Everyone knew. It was the girl. Kaji sat across from Hisame, Arashi and Ace rounding out the table. This French Restaurant was one of Hisame's favorite places to go. The food was excellent, and the view was excellent. Then there was a loud crash, some violent cursing in French, and the sound of boys giggling. Hisame sighed. That was the third waiter tripped this evening. He stood, intending to complain about the noise the table was making.

The sun had set recently, so the sky was still tinted with a purple light. The moon hung halfway in the sky, surrounded by a sprinkling of stars. Hisame looked down at the offending table, and stopped cold. The first thing he noticed were the Three Lights. That explained why they were seated at such a nice table, and why they hadn't been kicked out of the restaurant. The second thing he noticed was the silver haired girl that had been haunting Mamoru. She was sitting beside the leader of the lights, and he had his arm around her, and a little girl on his lap. Hisame filed that information away. He glanced quickly around the table, taking in the blonde who had been with the silver haired girl earlier, and the other two lights. He noticed a girl with short hair, who looked strangely familiar.

"Endymion, if you do that one more time I'm going to outlaw ice cream for a week." The name caught Hisame's attention first.

"All right mom." The boy stood and turned towards Hisame. He forgot to breath. The boy was the image of Mamoru; down to the way he nodded his head at Hisame. Hisame took several steps back, walking back to the table in a haze. There had to be a logical reason why the girl had a son who looked exactly like Mamoru. Hisame just couldn't think of it right now. And he couldn't tell anyone about it either. Not until he had all the facts.

Ami felt something. She turned around in time to see a man with slightly coppery blonde hair staring at their table. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. The man fixed his gaze on Endymion, his complexion going white. Ami's eyes narrowed, there was something very familiar about him, but she couldn't remember at the moment. She turned back to the conversation at the table, filing the information away in the back of her mind.

Seiya took Usagi and the twins home, while Taiki and Yaten dropped Mina, Ami, and Akira at the apartment. It was late, and Akira fell asleep in the car. Yaten carried the boy inside, grumbling that no five year old could possibly weigh so much. Mina just smiled. Ami said a shy good night to Taiki, hurrying to the room where she'd slept the night before. She went to sleep quickly, but the man with green eyes and coppery hair haunted her dreams.

Usagi woke up late again. She groaned loudly, ignoring the cat yelling at her to hurry up. At least she hadn't been woken up in the middle of the night to run around Tokyo in a skirt. She made record time in getting ready, and actually made it to Mina's house on time. Mina wasn't any better at getting up however, so they were an hour and a half late when they arrived at the office.

The two walked into the executive office area, ignoring the curious stares from the people around them.

"Something is wrong here, Usagi." Mina took a deep breath, her movie star smile still plastered on her face. Usagi shrugged her shoulders.

"Nothing's wrong. Everything will be all right Mina, you'll see." Then Mamoru Chiba opened the doors and walked out of his office.

"Good morning, Mr. Chiba. I hope you slept well." Usagi's voice was bright and cheerful. Mamoru glared at her.

"It would have been a much better night with you in my bed." The office suddenly ground to a halt. Mina's mouth dropped open. Ms. Meioh looked like he'd just uttered a horrible blasphemy. Usagi, however, didn't seem to notice the comment.

"That's nice. Could you please give me a schedule of when you'll need me today? I need to hire quite a few workers in the next few weeks, so I'll need time for interviews. I need to meet your board, and I need to know any event or meeting you have scheduled in the next month." Mamoru's scowl became even darker.

"Are you aware of the time, Ms. Tsukino?" Usagi kept the innocent expression on her face.

"Early?" Mamoru's voice dropped even lower and softer. It came out as a low growl.

"It's nine-thirty. Do remember what time I told you to get here?" Usagi took a step away from Mamoru, finally realizing just how angry he was.

"Eight" The word came out as a breathless whisper. Mamoru grabbed her arm, yanked her into his office, and slammed the door.

"Oh my god," Mina said in a soft voice.

Mamoru tossed her into a chair in the office and started wearing a path in the rug, while running his fingers through his hair. "I'm not asking for much from you, just some basic respect for the rules around here." He stopped and grabbed the arms of the chair where she was seated. "If you don't follow the rules I'm going to have to start disciplining you." Usa looked into his stormy eyes. The lust she saw there scared her to death.

"Please, don't." Mamoru ignored her. He wrapped the tail of her elegant French braid around his hand and drew her close.

"Don't make me have to punish you, Usagi." His lips lowered over hers in a soft gentle kiss. Then he pulled away. "I don't want to be angry with you all the time." Usa's eyes were wide and had a look of terror in them. Mamoru cursed and let go of her. "I won't need you until two o'clock. Get out of here, and don't be late again." He turned and faced Usagi, flashing her a cocky grin. "You won't like the consequences if you are." Usagi stood and ran out of the room. Mamoru staggered to his chair and collapsed into the soft leather.

Ami Mizuno stood in the lobby and waited patiently. She was dressed in a nice blue suit, perfectly pressed, with a white blouse and blue scarf. Her hair was neatly combed, although the wind had ruffled the edges a bit. She clutched a blue folder tightly in her hand; the white knuckles were the only clue that she was nervous. She stayed in the same position for the entire ten minutes she waited. Mina came down to fetch her. She was the last of the ten women applying for the position as computer expert for the entourage of Mamoru Chiba's new personal assistant. Usagi had decided to see her last on purpose. They weren't sure if the office was being watched or not, so Mina had told the two to act like this was a normal interview. Ami sighed again. She'd never been good at acting.

Ami sat gingerly in the chair across from the elegant woman with silver hair. Usagi finished writing something in a notebook, and then looked up at Ami, offering a warm smile and handshake.

"My name is Usagi Tsukino. It's so nice to meet you." Usagi winked at Ami.

"Ami M…Kou. It's wonderful to meet you." Usagi smiled and continued with the interview. Two minutes into the questions Usagi knew that Ami was the one she wanted. No, Ami was the one she needed. The girl was extremely intelligent, kind, a perfectionist, and very shy when talking about men. But she knew computers, and she was obviously a genius in most other areas. Usagi handed the folder with the resume back to Ami without even looking at it. Usagi stood up.

"Please follow me." Ami did as asked. Usagi led her to a room done all in blues, filled with computer equipment. "Welcome to your new office, Ms. Kou." Usagi wrapped her arms around the girl. "I'm so glad you can be a part of the team. Now quick, you have an hour before we meet the board at lunch. And why didn't you tell me you were so dang smart?" Usagi left the stunned girl alone.

Ami squared her shoulders, and dug into the pile of electronics. She might have been handed the job, but she would do her best. "I can get this up and running in an hour. But I'll obviously need some parts." She got a pad and piece of paper, and started cataloguing.

AN: This was Ami's day to shine. And the starlights are in this one a lot. Don't worry, more generals and others are coming, give me time. Notes:
1. Ami had long hair and wore glasses until Mina got her, Michiru has brown hair, Setsuna's is black…get the drift?- no odd hair colors, this is set in a more realistic world.
2. I don't own Sailor Moon, enough said.
3. This starts partway through the last chapter on the night when Usagi first changes into sailor moon.