Reflection, cpt 7: Rei Hino

Tokyo, Japan-1997

The same night Sailor Moon met Sailor V

Rei set her glass down, attempting to keep her temper under control. She hadn't seen her father in almost twelve years, since the day he'd left her at the shrine. His hair was still black, and his eyes still the same dark brown. He kept glancing at Rei, then back down at his meal. Every five minutes he'd check his watch. Rei avoided snorting in disgust. He was the one who'd ordered her to dinner. She looked into the candle on the table, admiring the way the flame danced. Fire. She'd always felt so at home around fire. Rei lowered her head for a moment, wishing the memories would go away.

The music in the restaurant was low, soothing. She let it caress her soul, but the screams trapped in her mind wouldn't go away. Phobos, Deimos, Grandfather, all dead. And the flames, angry, wild, closing in. Rei closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the heat licking at her skin, burning her clothing away. But it hadn't touched her. Rei opened her eyes and shoved her hand into the candle flame. Her father jumped at the sudden movement, and then yanked her hand away.

"What the hell do you think you're doing? You're going to burn yourself." He turned her hand over, expecting to see a mark. Her skin was unchanged, the same creamy white as her arm and the smooth expanse of her throat. His eyes darted upward, locking with Rei's cold gaze.

"Is there a problem, Father?" She made the word sound like a blasphemy. Senator Hino sighed, letting the girl's arm drop. He couldn't expect one month to undo years of neglect. But he had expected a bit more cooperation. He looked at his watch again. "Are you expecting someone? Or is my company simply unwanted?" Rei's sharp tone cut through the still air of the restaurant.

"I had forgotten what a nasty tongue you had." Senator Hino turned his gaze from his daughter's angry violet eyes. "I'm expecting a visitor, but your company could be a bit more pleasant, since half the people here are observing our every action." He said the words at a whisper, with a broad smile on his face. "You keep your end of the bargain, and I'll keep mine, daughter." Rei's eyes narrowed.

"I apologize." Her voice was smooth, sweet, but her eyes shot fire. She turned her eyes back down at the glass. Then she felt something dark, with an evil intent, coming their way. Rei closed her eyes for a moment, searching. It was directed at her father. Rei was never one to hesitate, and she may have hated the man every moment of every day for the last twelve years, but he was all she had left. "Get down, now."

Rei dived over the table, knocking food over, and her father. She dragged him from the chair, despite his struggles. Years of work at the temple had made her strong. "Cooperate for once, Dad." He stopped for a moment.

"You called me Dad." At that moment, the chair he had been seated on burst into flames. Rei swore loudly.

"Rei!" Senator Hino's eyes popped open. "Where did you learn words like that?"

"We don't have time for this, come on." She helped her father stand. Then the two took off towards the door. A figure stepped from the shadows, blocking their path. He was dressed in a bright red tuxedo and cape. Rei pushed her father behind her.

"Leaving so soon, Senator Hino? You haven't paid for your meal yet." The man took several steps forward. His blonde hair ruffled in a breeze from the open door, his eyes behind the red mask sparkled. He held out a hand and the door to the restaurant swung shut. The people in the restaurant scattered.

"What do you want?" Rei's voice was loud, demanding.

"And I see you have your darling daughter with you. I didn't expect her to survive the fire." His mouth spread into a wide grin. His gaze ran over her body, from her white heels to her hip length black hair. "I'm rather glad you could join us tonight." Rei felt a memory flicker. Almost like a dream, a voice laughing outside the temple as it burned.

"You bastard." Rei took a step toward the man.

"Temper, temper. You should thank me for reuniting you with your loving father." Rei's anger went up another notch. She screamed and kicked at the man. He caught her foot in his palm, inches from his windpipe.

"You really should learn to control that you know. Besides, girls shouldn't fight in skirts and heels." He took a moment to admire the view from her raised skirt. Rei smiled and twisted the shoe, digging the stiletto point into the man's hand. He let go with a curse. Rei yanked her leg free and used his distraction to kick him in the nuts. He leaned over for a moment in pain.

"Why you little bitch." He motioned with his hand, and several more wooden objects burst into flames.

"Nice trick. I have to learn to do that some day." Rei moved closer, trying to get another hit. The man blocked her blows. Rei gritted her teeth, concentrating harder, trying to anticipate his motions. Kick, block, spin, and punch. It was like fighting a mirror image. She could anticipate every motion he made, but he could anticipate her as well. They exchanged blows for a while, and then the man flung his cape over Rei's head. She tore the cape off, but it was too late. He had taken advantage of her distraction. Both her wrists were trapped in one hand, twisted violently behind her back. He wrapped his other arm around her throat. She felt his hot breath against her skin. He ducked his head down by her ear.

"Such an easy catch, firebrand. I won't kill you right away you know." Then he pressed his lips against her jugular, first a gentle kiss, followed by nipping, and then finally biting hard enough to draw blood. Rei bit her bottom lip to block out the strange sensations of pleasure and pain. "You liked that, didn't you my little firebrand." Rei's breathing was now coming in gasps.

"What, were you a vampire in another life?" She struggled against his tight hold.

"Vampires are practically immortal, darling. I just like the way you taste." He forced her to move forward, through the burning tables and chairs.

"Senator Hino, come out come out. There's someone here who wants to see you." Rei struggled to speak, but the man's arm cut off her air. "Bad girl. Don't try to talk. You need that air to breathe." Rei could feel herself starting to pass out. Then the door behind them blew inward.

"Let her go, bastard." A figure in a black leather halter and matching hot pants walked through the door. The man in the tuxedo turned around.

"Who the hell are you." The figure smiled.

"Sailor Starfighter. Who the hell are you?"

"Tuxedo Flame. What kind of a name is that?" Fighter sighed.

"What kind of a name is Tuxedo Fire? Let the girl go before she passes out."

"It's Tuxedo Flame, you idiot." Fighter shrugged. Tuxedo Flame scowled and dropped Rei. She lay on the ground for a moment, gasping for air. Fighter glanced down at the girl. Rei pulled herself to her knees, wiping her neck with one hand. She shot Flame a look of disgust. Fighter smiled. Rei was tough.

"Rei, get your father out of here now. I'll take care of pyro." Rei nodded and pulled herself to her feet. Fighter and Flame circled each other like wild dogs. Finally Tuxedo Flame lunged forward. Fighter stepped away with a grin. Then the two began to fight.

Rei stumbled over to where her father was huddled underneath a metal table. She was a little shaken by the appearance of the girl in leather hot pants, but any distraction was a welcome one.

"Come on dad, we have to get out of here, now." She pulled the coughing man to his feet, ignoring the smoke and flames. The two pushed through the burning restaurant towards the back exit.

Flame got a hit in Fighter's gut. Fighter retaliated with a roundhouse kick. "You're slowing down, pyro." A few more curtains burst into flame. Fighter smiled. "Temper, temper, and you were telling Ms. Hino she needed to control hers." Flame growled and lunged for the taunting female. Fighter stepped out of the way, letting the man smack into the back wall. "Ah, and slow too. Did that kick she gave you injure your brains?" Fighter laughed as the man lunged for her again. She twirled and jumped on top of a burning table.

"Get down here, coward." Fighter's eyes narrowed.

"Well, aren't we getting personal. Enough small talk, time to end this fight." A blast of energy shot from Fighter's hands and knocked Tuxedo Flame out the door. Fighter followed. Tuxedo Flame was on the ground, unconscious. Fighter kicked him to make sure he wouldn't be moving for a while, and then dusted her hands off. "Well, that was easy." Then she took off to find Senator Hino.

Senator and Rei Hino sat with their backs against the wall of an alley several blocks from the restaurant. Rei was gasping for breath, her throat still sore from the bastard who had tried to choke her. Senator Hino was gasping as well, the smoke from the fire still in his lungs.

"We need to get you to a hospital Dad." Rei turned her worried gaze on her father.

"I'm fine." The Senator stopped to let out a few more hacking coughs. "I don't need to go to the hospital."

"I think you should listen to your daughter." The voice came from the dark entrance of the alley. Rei stood up quickly, putting herself in front of her father again.

"Who's there?" The figure stepped closer, and Rei recognized the girl who had been fighting the man in the tuxedo.

"Stand down Rei, I'm not here to hurt anyone. I'm, a friend. My name is Sailor Starfighter, and we need to get your dad to the hospital now, give me a hand." The girl ducked underneath one of Senator Hino's arms, motioning Rei to take the other.

"I'm surprised you're not as bad off as he is. There was a lot of smoke and flames." The two stood, and started moving into the night, an almost unconscious senator between them. Rei narrowed her eyes, and looked at several places where her father's clothing had been burned. She could see blisters staring to rise.

"Fire seems to like me. I don't know why. We can't carry him the whole way, we'll need an ambulance or a cab." Fighter smiled.

"Your wish is my command." The woman spoke into what looked like a microphone attached to her head, and seconds later and ambulance pulled up. The paramedics helped get Rei and her father inside, but the woman disappeared from sight.

"Well damn, I didn't even get to thank her." Rei's eyes clouded over as she looked at her dress. She was surprised the thing had remained on; there were so many holes. And not a mark on her, except the place where the bastard had bit her neck. She laid her head on the edge of the bed where her father was being hooked up to oxygen.

"Are you all right Rei?" His voice came out as a harsh whisper.

"Shhhh, don't talk dad. I'm fine. It's just like before, not even a burn." Rei's eyes glazed over, the memories threatening to overtake her. The flames were licking at her again, like a dozen affectionate kittens. An embrace instead of the threat they should be. And she simply walked through them. Into the cold night air, with her grandfather, laying her in arms burned and choking on acrid smoke. And there was nothing she could do. Then Rei let the tears come.

The police were waiting when the two arrived at the hospital.

"Is he alive, Ms. Hino?" One of the officers immediately cornered her.

"He's fine, no thanks to you. Just smoke inhalation and some burns." Rei slumped in a chair, a little uneasy at the look that passed between the men.

"Ms. Hino. The Prime Minister of Japan was assassinated this evening." Rei's head began to pound.

"Kami, no wonder they were after my father. So he's Prime Minister now." The men nodded. Rei stood up swearing loudly. The younger of the two men forced himself to rip his eyes from the girl in the almost burned away dress.

"Yes, Ms. Hino. Your father is the Prime Minister now. There is someone who'd like to speak to you." Rei nodded. She wasn't prepared for the man who entered the room, however.

"Ikusa Hinode." The sound was no more than a whisper. The handsome young man smiled, extending his hand.

"Rei Hino, a pleasure to finally meet you. Your father spoke so much about you, but forgot to mention how absolutely gorgeous you were." The man took a step forward when Rei didn't take the offered hand. He grasped her limp palm and raised it slowly to his lips, leaving a lingering kiss on it. His brilliant sky blue eyes never left hers. Rei felt a shiver ripple up her spine. This man was trouble.

Ikusa watched the girl. She was fire, living breathing fire. He could imagine her in bed. A woman like that would be alive with passion. She jerked her hand away, eyes spitting again. He enjoyed angering her, watching the red flush creep over her ivory skin. He wondered briefly if she blushed everywhere.

Rei watched the man's eyes. They were looking at her strangely. She had seen that look before. In the eyes of a patron at the temple, right before she'd tossed him over her shoulder, and in the eyes of a couple dates, before she'd thrown them out of her bedroom window and the car door. This man's eyes didn't make her skin crawl though. They sent shivers down her spine. Every single one of her senses was screaming that he was dangerous, a threat to her mind and body. The man sat down in the only chair in the room.

"It seems your father has made some powerful enemies." The girl crossed her arms and glared at him, her glance pinning him to the floor. Ikusa almost laughed at her impudence. "You might want to make arrangements for a bit more protection. It would be a shame if anything happened to this prime minister." Rei didn't like the way he said the words, making them sound like a threat.

"I'll make sure I do that." She spit the words, while tapping her foot against the floor. Ikusa stood, smiling. He took a few steps closer, leaning in by her ear. He ran a finger along her neck, where Tuxedo Flame had drawn blood.

"You might want to get that looked at, human bites can be very dangerous." Rei's eyes narrowed more. His eyes were very familiar, and she didn't like him that close to her.

"I'm fine." She jerked away. Ikusa's eyes narrowed in anger for a moment, but then his face returned to its normal good-natured mask.

"If you ever need any assistance, be sure to ask. I'm sure we can." He ran a hand over her cheek and down her arm. "Come to an arrangement. Until I see you again, Ms. Hino." He leaned closer, pressing a kiss against her bare shoulder, and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

Rei stumbled over to the chair in the corner, her body still shaking from the man's touch.

"Was that a warning, Mr. Hinode, or a promise?" She slumped down on the hard plastic, and let the tears fall again.

Rei stayed beside his hospital bed all night and through the next day. The scene in the restaurant threatened to overwhelm her. But Rei had never surrendered to fear. She glanced at her father's pale face. She watched his chest rise and fall gently and she counted each breath. They would let him go home tomorrow morning. Rei closed her eyes. She could see the pain in her father's face, pain that intensified each time the doctors changed the dressings on his burns. Rei settled back in the chair and waited for morning, ignoring the two soldiers now stationed behind her. Rei wouldn't leave her father though. Even two soldiers couldn't have stopped the madman in the red tuxedo. She needed to stay. She turned her face toward the window, closed her eyes, and waited for dawn.

Usagi was on cloud nine. Except for the incident with Mamoru her morning had been fantastic. She did seem to have a knack for administration. Mina had gone in and confronted Mamoru about wasted money and manpower in the structure of the secretarial workers. Mamoru may have been angry, but he wasn't stupid. Mina had been put to work reorganizing the structure. Usagi had just kind of stared at Mamoru's face. Mina did like to run right over people, and she wasn't scared of anything. Mina was a leader.

Usagi sat down at her new desk in her newly decorated office. It was strangely reminiscent of Mamoru's, only in white and silver instead of black. Usagi went over the appointment book Setsuna had given her. Mamoru's schedule was a little insane. Usagi immediately began rearranging and rescheduling things. She would have liked to delegate some of the workload, but until she met his underlings at lunch, she wouldn't know how much power she truly had. A gentle knock at the door broke her concentration.

"Usagi? It's noon, shouldn't we be going?" Usagi glanced up at Ami, who stood uncertainly in the doorway.

"Oh god, is it that late already? Come on, Ami, let's go." Usagi stood and raced for the door catching Ami's hand on the way out.

The two headed for the main elevator. They met with several handsome young men on the way down. The two groups didn't converse much. Ami was sandwiched between the wall and a very handsome young man with long, coppery blonde curls. She kept glancing at him, certain he was the one she'd seen at the restaurant. Ami felt a sense that something was going to happen, and she didn't like the feeling. Usagi was also shooting glances at the white haired man and the one with sunny blonde hair. They seemed very familiar to her. Finally the elevator stopped and the two groups exited. Mamoru was waiting in the lobby, looking very impatient. Setsuna was standing beside him, her hand on his arm. Usagi felt a pain shoot through her, but ignored the sensation.

"You're almost late." Mamoru's face turn from irritation to a frown. Usagi smiled and held up her watch.

"I still had a minute." She leaned close to him. "You really should smile more." Mamoru was torn between the urge to kiss the smirk off her face, and the urge to simply throw her on the couch and ravish her. He did neither, however.

"Shall we go?" He waved a hand towards the waiting limousine. The five men walked out the door and entered the limousine. Mamoru and Setsuna followed, with Usagi and Ami bringing up the rear. Then a breathless Mina came flying out of the elevator.

"Kami, I made it. So sorry I'm late." Mamoru sighed loudly. The blonde was almost worse than Usagi sometimes. The men in the lobby turned around. Mina's smile faded as quickly as it had come. Steel gray eyes met sky blue.

"Kaji."

Kaji hadn't expected to see her ever again. He thought she was still in London making a name for herself. But now she was standing in front of him. He girlish figure had matured nicely, and her prettiness into classical beauty. He just stared for a moment, unable to breathe, unable to move. Mina broke the standoff. She walked forward and smacked him across the face, as hard as she could. Her eyes were glowing again, all though the spectators were far too busy simply watching the soap opera to notice. Kaji raised a hand to his face.

"I suppose I deserved that." His voice was quiet, flat.

"Actually you deserve much more than that, but violence ruins the appetite." Mina swept past him, heading for the car. Kaji simply followed her with his eyes. Ace smirked at the older man, and headed after Mina.

"Wait, Mina." Mina turned around, finally noticing Ace.

"Kami, does everyone work here?" Ace laughed a bit, and offered his arm. Mina smiled and put her hand in his. Ace flashed a triumphant smile over his shoulder. Kaji felt anger rise in him. Mamoru put a hand on his shoulder.

"Kaji…later." Mamoru walked forward, handing Setsuna into the limo. Ikusa climbed in rather stiffly afterward, followed by Arashi. Kaji took Usagi's hand. Finally only Ami and Hisame were left.

"Shall we go?" Ami blushed and took the man's offered hand, confused by the emotions that ran through her at his touch. Then the last two entered the limousine, and the vehicle took off.

Mamoru ended up on the end beside Setsuna. Usagi was on the seat beside him, with Kaji and Arashi. Ace, Mina, and Ikusa sat across from them. Kaji simply stared at Mina, while she did her best to ignore him. Ami and Hisame ended up on the opposite end.

Ami listened carefully as Mamoru introduced his friends. She was kind of scrunched up next to Hisame. She kept wiggling to try to get away from him. He wrapped an arm around her.

"Shh, it's all right. Just sit still." He smelled like cherry blossoms and sandalwood. Ami gave up and leaned her head against his arm. Something about him seemed, well, right somehow. She pushed her nagging doubts away. She had been far too worried lately. And she'd had little sleep. She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of men's voices raised in conversation.

Hisame looked at the woman sleeping peacefully in his grasp. He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. He had known who she was the minute she walked into the lobby. No other woman had ever made him feel like he did at that moment. He glanced at Mamoru. He wouldn't tell the others yet. The same blue eyes, blue-black hair. The haircut, name change and contacts didn't fool him at all. The girl was Ami Mizuno. This time she wouldn't get away.

Usagi watched her new friend sleep peacefully halfway in the stranger's arms. She felt a feeling of foreboding, as if she had seen this scene before. Mamoru moved away from Setsuna's grip on his arm. He leaned his head closer to Usagi's.

"Are you comfortable?" Usa made the mistake of glancing up at him. He took the opportunity to wrap his arm around her. Usa tried to pull away. "Don't," he whispered in her ear.

"Please don't, Mamoru." Mamoru noticed she called him by his first name, and pulled away reluctantly.

The ride to the restaurant continued in silence. The limousine stopped gently. Usagi reached across to wake Ami up, but the look on Hisame's face stopped her cold. She watched as he gently shook her awake. She smiled sleepily up at him. Usagi's breath caught in her throat at the look that passed between them. She felt tears filling her eyes, and turned away quickly.

The dinner was in an exclusive restaurant. There were very few tables, and they all were full. The maitre d spoke with Mamoru on a first name basis, and the waiters were extremely polite. Usagi found herself seated next to Mamoru again, on his right. Kaji was seated on his left. Setsuna was beside Kaji, followed by Arashi and Ikusa. Mina was beside Usagi, grateful that she couldn't see Kaji, and Ace was beside her. Ami was sandwiched between Hisame and Ikusa. Mamoru ordered for Usagi. She was more than a little annoyed when a glass of milk was placed in front of her, but she smiled.

Ami was a little flustered by all the attention Hisame had shown her. He pulled out her chair, told her amusing stories, made her laugh. He was far too charming, and intelligent. They conversed on every subject from poetry to physics. She found herself opening up and telling him things she wouldn't have told anyone else. And he scared her. She had never felt this pull toward a man before. It was as if something was tying the two together. Even Taiki hadn't made her feel this way.

Ami finally broke. She excused herself and headed towards the bathroom. Usagi headed after her. The two girls never made it however. A harried young woman exiting the kitchen disrupted them.

"And after you deliver that, get back in here and finish that dessert you were making."

Usagi collided with the girl, sending them both sprawling onto the floor, and covering them with food. Mamoru was the first to reach the disaster, followed closely by Hisame. Mamoru's face was red.

"What the hell do you think you're doing!"? His voiced echoed off the walls. The girl tangled up with Usagi cringed at the tone. Mamoru reached down and yanked Usagi to her feet.

"It wasn't her fault, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time." Usagi brushed some of the food off her suit and grimaced. Mamoru turned his gaze back on the dark haired girl still on the floor. The girl stood up, her green eyes flashing.

Mamoru took a step back, surprised at the girl's courage, and height. Then the door of the kitchen swung open and a huge, beefy man stalked out.

"You clumsy idiot! These are my best customers. That's the third tray you've dropped this week." He reached for the girl and swung her into the door. She hit the wood, sending it swinging open. The man tried to push her through back into the kitchen. The girl's emerald eyes filled with anger. She turned around and pushed him back, surprising everyone with her strength. The man moved his hand to smack her across the face. The next few moments seemed a blur. Hisame wrapped an arm around Ami and moved her out of the way. Usagi tried to throw herself in front of the girl. Mamoru anticipated her motion and yanked Usagi backward. The girl didn't take any of the man's bullying. Her first punch broke the man's nose. The second broke his jaw, and the follow through broke his arm. Usagi buried her head in Mamoru's shoulder. She was shocked by the violence

Mamoru pulled Usagi away for a moment. He shook her, hard.

"Don't you ever do anything dumb like that again." Usagi just gave him a blank look.

The cook hit the floor with a bang. The girl grimaced. "Well, there goes another job." Her eyes grew dim for a moment. Then she tore off her apron and headed for the door. Usagi watched her go with a strange look on her face.

"Would you like to go change?" Mamoru's voice was full of concern. Usagi nodded, her mind still elsewhere. Hisame and Mamoru exchanged a look.

"I'll take Ami home, we'll return later today." Ami wasn't even paying attention. The violence had shocked her, bringing back memories of what had almost happened two nights ago. Her body was shaking, and her hands were cold. Hisame wrapped his arm around her.

"Let's go."

Mina ate her meal in silence, ignoring Kaji's piercing gaze and Ace's desperate attempts to gain her attention. She kept glancing at the empty spaces where Usagi and Ami had been sitting. Her mind was turning over quickly. Usagi was Sailor Moon, and there were more Sailor Senshi. Four inners, four outers. Something tickled the back of Mina's mind, like she was supposed to remember something. And she worried. Mamoru rubbed her the wrong way. Actually, something about all of them. Ace was being nice, and he was obviously trying to get her attention, but she knew who he really was, what he wanted from her. Mina looked down at her plate again. The other men, they seemed so familiar. Arashi was the brown haired one. He had launched into a conversation about another takeover with the blonde, Ikusa. Mina found herself glancing at Ikusa often. There was something very familiar about him too. Finally the meal came to an end, and Kaji took care of the bill. The men split up outside the restaurant. Ace was the first to leave, his face full of frustration.

"I'm sorry, Mina. I just signed a big deal with a popular singing group and I have an appointment with them this afternoon." Mina smiled. Score one for the Starlights.

"I'm sure I can get back to the office on my own. Thank you for such a lovely time." Ace's face broke into a wide grin, and then he left. Arashi, Setsuna, and Ikusa bowed and left in separate vehicles, one for the capital building, one for a meeting at another company. Only Kaji was left.

"Mina, we need to talk." His voice was firm, the tone he used to use on her during practice.

"You may refer to me as Miss Aino, Mr. Hikaru." Her voice was icy. Kaji took a step forward.

"Don't you mean Mrs.?" Mina turned to face him, her face alive with confusion.

"I don't know what you're talking about, I never got married." Her eyes were still cold. Kaji took a deep breath.

"Mina, let me explain." Mina's eyes narrowed a bit more.

"I don't need an explanation, I don't need or want anything from you. You said your last meaningful words the night you left a lovesick, pregnant, fifteen year old girl and headed off into the world on your own. You gave up any rights you ever had to your son or me by ignoring us for the past six years. If you don't mind, I need to get back to work." Mina turned her back and headed for the nearest cab.

Kaji stood perfectly still, watching her walk away. Her words took a moment to penetrate his brain. She had been pregnant when he left, and in love. A wave of shame swept over him. He hadn't even considered the possibility. And he had a son. That fact socked him in the gut. The little white haired boy on the news and in papers was his son. Kaji looked down at the phone, which had been in his hand. He had crumpled it into a ball.

"You're still mine, Mina. And anyone who tries to stand in the way will be sorry."

Haruka Tenoh sat across from her father. He was overweight, his face florid from too much drink and food. Haruka knew he wouldn't last much longer, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop her from taking over the company when he was dead. He lit a cigar, let out a loud hacking cough, and then began to speak.

"I've never tried to hide the fact that I wanted a boy, not a girl, to be my heir. But because you're all I have, and I want this company to survive and stay in the family line, I've made an arrangement. I've agreed to sell fifty percent of the company to Terran Eclipse." Haruka started to stand up.

"Sit down and shut up. In return, you will be made a member of the Terran Eclipse board, and control of this company will revert to you completely." Haruka didn't know whether to shout with glee or rail at her father. But he was right, they needed more capital. Either the stores expanded or they'd go under. And Terran Eclipse had a reputation for taking companies and turning them into powerhouses.

"What about your obsession with an heir?" Haruka's voice spat the accusation across the table.

"That hasn't changed. Either you give me a child to hold that comes from your body or the entire fortune will revert to your cousin. But Mamoru Chiba assures me that he has a way to make that happen." Haruka's hands wrapped around the arms of her chair. She bet he had a way. If he tried anything Haruka would knock his head off his shoulders. "One of the Terran Eclipse representatives will be by to pick you up at five for your first board meeting, don't be late." Haruka's father turned around in his chair, ignoring her again. She stood, torn between rage and admiration. The move to join with Terran Eclipse had given her a seat on the most powerful board in Tokyo, and a chance for the company to survive. Her father always was a smart codger. She left the room, slamming the door behind her.

Michiru was waiting outside, her brown curly hair blowing in the breeze.

"How did it go?" Her voice was gentle, washing over Haruka's anger.

"Terran Eclipse now owns half the company, and I have a seat on the board." Michiru's voice softened.

"That sounds wonderful."

"Yes, but my father is still grouching for a grandchild."

"You could always…" Haruka halted Michiru's sentence with a kiss.

"I could never do that to you. We'll find another way. There has to be another way."

Rei ran the brush through her hair one more time. The last two days had been hell. They had released her, moved him into his new residence immediately, and he had given a whole string of speeches. And now they were going out to dinner with Ikusa Hinode. "Flames of War." Rei said the words quietly, resisting the urge to yank the brush through violently. But that would just give her an aching head. "The name suits him."

"Rei, it's time to go." Her father's voice was a little scratchy still. He hadn't questioned her lack of injuries from the night at the restaurant, just like he hadn't questioned how she'd survived the fire at the temple. Rei stood, grabbing her purse from the vanity and her scarf from the bed.

Ikusa waited patiently at the bottom of the stairs, trying to keep the anticipation from his eyes. He was still stiff from the beating Kaji and Mamoru had given him. He had been down an entire day recovering, but they had also accepted his proposal for tonight. His smile broadened as Rei came down the stairs. She was dressed in a violet silk Chinese dress, embroidered with red dragons, with a slit to the thigh on both sides. Her hair was caught back with a violet silk scarf. She looked like a princess. Prime Minister Hino started to step forward, but Ikusa held out a hand. Hino stepped back.

Rei watched the interchange between the two men nervously. Even her father deferred to the impetuous, handsome young man. She forced a smile on her face. Tonight was important for her father, and she would act the part if it killed her. As long as she was there they couldn't kill him.

"You look wonderful this evening, Ms. Hino." Ikusa bowed, and took Rei's hand, placing a single kiss in her palm as he had the night before. Rei felt the sensations sweep through her again.

"Good evening, Mr. Hinode." Her voice was cool, haughty, a princess addressing a common knight. Ikusa tamped his anger down. Tonight was a time for words; he would repay her for her arrogance later, much later.

"Please, call me Ikusa. And what shall I call you?" Rei smiled, a true smile.

"Why, Ms. Hino."

"Rei!' Her face paled a bit at her father's tone.

"I was only joking. My name is Rei." The words sounded sincere, but Ikusa could see the anger in her eyes. She would be a constant challenge. Ikusa smiled. He had always liked challenges.

"Shall we go? The car is waiting."

Ami looked warily at the man driving the car beside her. They weren't headed towards Mina's apartment. In fact, they weren't anywhere near Mina's apartment. Hisame hadn't even asked where Ami lived.

"Would it be any trouble to ask exactly where we're going?" Hisame felt a smile creep over his face. She had been dazed and shaking when he put her in the car, but she seemed better now, much better from the sound of it.

"You can ask all you like." Ami gritted her teeth. First he was totally silent, and now he wouldn't answer questions.

"Will I receive an answer to my questions?" Hisame felt his smile broaden. She was a smart mouthed thing when she had her courage back.

"I suppose you might, if you ask nicely." Ami sighed.

"Would you kindly tell me where we are driving to, Mr. Kasumi?" Hisame smiled.

"If you call me Hisame and say the magic word." Ami felt her temper starting to fray. There were very few people on earth who could annoy her, but this man seemed to know all the buttons to push. Well, she could push a few of her own.

"Hisame, could you pretty please tell me where we might be headed?" Ami said the words in a little girl whine, which set Hisame's teeth on edge.

"If you ask like that, no." Ami scowled and crossed her arms over her chest, muttering something about jackass men under her breath. The two were silent for a while.

"We're going home, Ami." Hisame pulled to the entrance of a large building.

"This is my building. Every member of the board has one, and there is a mansion in the country we share, and an apartment on the other side of town." His voice was smooth and even. Ami just swallowed hard, and brushed at the food stains on her dress.

"I can't go in there like this." Her voice hitched on the last words. Hisame realized she was fighting back tears. He sighed loudly.

"You'll be fine." He opened up the car and stepped out, then walked around and opened Ami's door. She stood up slowly, her face turning bright red. Hisame sighed. "All right, Ami, but you asked for it." He put an arm around her shoulders, and another under her knees. Then she was cradled in his arms as he headed for the door.

Ami kept her face turned against his chest for the entire trip, even when he set her down inside the elevator. Hisame suppressed the urge to chuckle at her embarrassment. The top of her head came to his collarbone, and he resisted the urge to wrap his arms around her. Then the elevator opened.

"We're here Ami, open your eyes." She slowly turned around, and let out a gasp. His penthouse was beautiful. It was done in white, blue, and crystal. It looked like a winter storm. Ami walked slowly into the room, marveling at the gorgeous crystal sculptures and the white marble floors. She turned around to look at him, her face radiating wonder. Hisame felt his breath catch in his throat at her beauty.

"It's wonderful." Hisame walked into the room slowly, watching her explore. As brilliant as she was, Ami didn't know anything about real life. She hadn't even come to the conclusion that she should be a bit worried about being alone in his penthouse. Of course she'd had zero experience with men.

"Why don't you go take a shower?" Ami walked back towards him.

"You don't mind?" Her face was wrinkled into a frown.

"No, I don't mind at all." Ami's face lit up.

"I'll be right back." She raced off to find the bathroom. Hisame took a deep breath and shook his head. This was far too easy. Her naiveté was making his job a snap.

Ami was in a dream. This was the home she'd always dreamed of having. It was like all her fantasies come to life. The colors, the textures. She almost fell over when she found the bathroom, and the indoor pool. She tore off her dirty clothes and immersed herself in the shower, feeling renewed by the water.

Hisame opened a bottle of wine and sat on the couch, wondering how long it would be before Ami realized what was going on. He had left one of his blue satin robes in the bathroom. Now all he needed to do was wait.

Mamoru drove in silence, every once in while glancing at the girl in the passenger's seat. Usagi had her head lowered, her hands folded in her lap. Her white suit was now stained with tomato sauce, and her hair had come halfway unbraided. He was seething with anger. She could find trouble anywhere. He had only known her for two days, but every time she came near him, something happened. And the way she affected him. He had totally lost his temper in front of the office staff, and in the restaurant. When she was near his plans were simply pushed out of his mind, replaced with vivid fantasies of making love to Usagi. On his desk, on the couch in the lobby, on the table in the restaurant, in the backseat of his car. He could imagine what her body would look like underneath him, the sounds she would make. Mamoru shook his head slightly. He would just drop her off at home. The end.

He pulled up outside her house, opening the door for her. Usagi stepped out, her head still lowered. Mamoru's mind warred with itself. He should leave her alone and plan the night's work, but he should also walk her to the door. Usagi started toward the door, slipping on the concrete. Mamoru grabbed her arm, keeping her from kissing the driveway face first. He sighed loudly and took her arm, escorting her to the door.

Usagi was uncomfortable. She didn't like the way this man played with her emotions, the way he made her feel. The way he stood too close, the way he smelled like chocolate and musk. She fumbled with the key to the house. Mamoru sighed and took the key, opening the door in one quick motion. Usagi quickly moved inside, heading for the stairs. She stopped for a moment, looking at a note left on the table. She picked it up with a shaking hand, and then set it back down. Her eyes filled with tears. Then she raced up the stairs. Unable to stop himself, Mamoru picked up the letter.

"Usagi,
Your mother has taken a turn for the worse. She's in the hospital now. Shingo has the twins, no classes today. Mina thinks she's found a steady babysitter. Dad."

Mamoru's eyes narrowed. He hadn't known her mother was ill, in fact, he didn't know a lot of things about her, like who Shingo was, and the twins. He set the letter down and sprawled on the couch, his thorough nature unwilling to let the secret go.

Usagi stripped off her expensive new clothing and quickly unbraided her hair. She showered as fast as she could, the tears still spilling from her eyes. She pulled on a different suit and had started brushing her hair when the car pulled into the drive. The twins were home. She raced down the stairs, colliding with the back of the couch in her haste, and threw the door open. Shingo was there, Akira on one side, Endymion on the other. He was holding a sleepy eyed Chibi-Usa. Then she heard a sound from behind her. Mamoru was still there, sitting on the couch, a picture of her from her high school days in his hand. Then his eyes locked on the little boy in the doorway. Usagi swallowed at the anger she saw.

"Shingo, I'd like you to meet my employer, Mr. Chiba. Mr. Chiba, this is my brother, Shingo, Mina's son, Akira, and my two children, Endymion and Usagi." Mamoru's face turned a little whiter at the boy's name. He stood up slowly, his hands shaking a bit.

"Usagi, could I speak to you a moment in private?" His voice was slow and clipped. She nodded slowly, a bit wary. Usagi started up the stairs to her room, Mamoru following close behind. She sat on the bed, still trying to brush out her damp hair.

"Do you dye your hair?" Mamoru's question seemed a little rude, but Usagi had come to the conclusion that the man was born rude.

"No. It used to be blonde, but after the twins were born the color seemed to leave overnight." Usagi shrugged, ignoring the strange look in Mamoru's eyes.

"You didn't tell me you had a son." Usagi's eyes darkened.

"I really didn't think it was any of your business." She stood up, putting her hands on her hips. Mamoru stood and faced her.

"Who's the children's father?" Mamoru asked the question in a shout, shaking Usagi for the second time that day, ignoring the way her teeth chattered.

"I don't know." The words came out on a sob. Mamoru let go, and Usagi dropped to the ground.

"You don't know? How could you not know?" His voice was no louder than a whisper.

"I don't remember anything about that night. I woke up with blood on my thighs and the twins inside me. I must have been really drunk." The words were full of self-loathing. Mamoru felt like he had been smacked in the gut. He pulled Usagi to her feet, wrapping his arms around her, stroking one hand over her still damp hair.

"I'm sorry, Usako. I didn't know." Usagi listened with only half an ear, her mind still trapped in the past. She had blocked those memories for years now, unwilling to even think of that night. She could see images, hazy images. A man with sapphire eyes giving her a drink, being wrapped in a cape. She called him a strange name. Usagi closed her eyes for a second, the tears stopping.

"Mamo-chan." She pulled away from him swiftly, her eyes wide with shock. Then she headed for the closet, rooting around desperately. She came out with a black and red cape. Mamoru stared at the cape for a moment.

"He's mine, isn't he?" Usagi just sat on the floor, a little too shocked to function. Her mouth opened and closed a couple times before a single word came out.

"Damn."

Ami knew she was in trouble the moment she stepped out of the shower. The water had cleared her head, the haze left after the violent episode in the restaurant washed down the drain. The sun had started to set, soft music was playing in the background, and she knew the robe she had on was his. It smelled like cherry blossoms and sandalwood. She ran the brush through her hair again, her glasses from her purse perched on her nose. The apartment was getting dark, and she felt a shiver run up her spine. This had not been her smartest idea.

"Do you need some help, Ms. Mizuno?" The voice was soft, gentle.

"No I'm fine, I don't need..." Ami stopped suddenly, the brush falling from her hand. The silver clattered loudly against the marble floor. Hisame walked up behind her. He stood very close; she could feel his breath on the back of her neck. But he didn't touch her. Ami looked at his face in the mirror. His eyes were cold, the emotions under a thick blanket.

"Yes, I know who you are. Caught, Ms. Mizuno. You do realize that you're worth a great deal of money right now." Ami swallowed a few times, mentally smacking herself for being so stupid. But the beautiful apartment had thrown her off, and then Hisame had been so nice, and looked so nice, and kami did he smell good.

"What do you want?" She struggled to sound firm, in control, but the words came out more scared than anything else.

"I might be persuaded to keep your secret, if I had a little inducement." The words fluttered against her brain, like his breath against her cheek.

"I'm afraid I don't understand." She gripped the top of the robe tighter together with one hand, the other pushing the glasses back up her nose. Hisame turned her around. Ami took a step back, her body hitting the cold marble of the counter. His tone remained soft.

"I think you do Ami, apply that brain of yours." He reached forward and plucked her glasses off, his light green eyes staring. Ami closed her eyes, unable to think of anything to say.

"What do you want me to do?" Her voice caught on the last word, it came out as a squeak.

"It's very simple Ami." He stepped a bit closer, still not touching her. Ami's mind finally clicked into place...they were home, inducement.

"You want me to move in with you, permanently." Hisame smiled at the anger in her tone.

"I knew you would understand eventually. But I won't force you. It's your choice Ami. I won't let anything happen to you here." He lifted one hand and brushed a stray hair away from her face. "Out there, in the world alone, someone might decide to collect that reward." Ami swallowed loudly. It wasn't much of a choice. But he knew that. Ami closed her eyes for a moment, all her fears and doubts and regrets beating at her brain. Then she lifted her chin.

"Very well, Mr. Kasumi, I accept your offer." Hisame wrapped one arm around her waist and drew her close, the other hand he buried in her hair.

"Hisame, call me Hisame." Then he pressed his lips against hers.

Mamoru paced across the small room, noticing for the first time that it was still decorated like a little girl's complete with hearts on the bedspread and pink stuffed bunnies everywhere. Usagi was still sitting on the floor in shock.

"Do you know how long I've looked for you?" Usagi looked up into Mamoru's eyes and shook her head. "Do you know how angry I was when I came home and you were gone?" He kneeled down beside her, his eyes still stormy. "Why did you run away?" Usagi lowered her head again.

"I was sixteen. I couldn't remember anything. I just wanted to go home." Mamoru stood up, his illusions about that night shattered. She hadn't loved him; hell she hadn't even remembered him. She had just been a drunken little girl. He felt his heart crashing on the floor. Mamoru stood up and started pacing.

"I want my son." Usagi stood up quickly, her eyes flaring to life.

"He's my son and you can't have him. And what about your daughter?" Mamoru smiled, not a nice smile either, but the kind that could send children running and make grown men's hair stand on end. Usagi found herself shrinking back a bit.

"She's mine too, little girl, and I have the money and the means to take them." Usagi's face went white with fear. She threw her arms around Mamoru.

"Please don't, don't take them away. They're all I have, please Mamo-chan." Her voice shook with the tears that were now pouring from her eyes. Mamoru didn't know whether to be touched or annoyed.

"I want to see my children, Usako." He stroked a hand across her hair, marveling at how the gold he remembered was even more beautiful in silver. Usagi pulled back for a moment.

"You could come see him anytime you wanted, I wouldn't stop you Mamo-chan." Mamoru grimaced at the use of that name. It still made his heart feel strange things.

"It's not enough Usagi. I want to put them in bed every night. To be there every morning. One week a summer and every other weekend is not enough for me." She caught her lower lip between her teeth, nibbling on it nervously. Mamoru's eyes were drawn to the spot. He realized he still wanted her. Even with all his illusions shattered, even though she burst into tears at the slightest thing, fell over her own feet, and acted like a child, he still wanted her. He moved a bit closer, pressing his body against hers.

"We may be able to come to some sort of agreement, though." He bent his head, pressing a soft kiss against her abused bottom lip. "All you have to do is say yes, Usako." Then he caught her mouth in a deep kiss, forcing his way into Usagi's mouth. Her thoughts flew out of her head. All she could concentrate on was the man in front of her, the way he felt against her. Mamoru pulled away for a moment. "Your answer, Usako?" Usagi frowned, trying to remember what they were talking about.

"Yes?"

Ami shivered with the force of the kiss. She felt like she was drowning in pleasure. The kiss was not gentle or kind, but desperate, violent. Hisame's tongue plunged into her mouth, his arms holding her tightly against him. She felt him bite down on her lip. It scared her. Ami pushed against Hisame violently, tearing her mouth from his.

"Please, please don't." She was on the verge of tears. Hisame dropped his hands, realizing he'd let his passions take over.

"I'm sorry Ami, I'm sorry. I would never hurt you." His voice swept over her like a spring breeze. She reacted to the tenderness she felt coming from him, leaning against his body and wrapped her arms tightly around him. She buried her face in the softness of his suit jacket, seeking comfort from the person who had caused the pain. Hisame wrapped his arms around her, surprised by her reaction. He simply held her for several long minutes, while she cried. Then he pulled away.

"Are you hungry? I don't thing you managed to eat anything at lunch." Ami nodded, wiping her eyes with her overlarge sleeve. Hisame smiled at the image of her standing against the marble counter, her beautiful body reflected in the mirror behind her, his bathrobe halfway falling off one shoulder. Then he moved into the kitchen.

Ami turned back to the sink and splashed some water on her face, washing away the tearstains. Then she picked up the brush and finished putting her hair in order. She shook her head, marveling at how wonderful it felt short. Then she moved slowly into the rest of the house, clutching the robe at the neckline.

Hisame watched the girl closely while he chopped vegetables. She wandered from the bathroom into the living room, her fingers lingering on some of the sculptures. She looked perfect there, framed by the crystal and blue. Silent, calm, like a still stream or a fountain. She turned and her deep blue eyes burned into him. Hisame dropped his gaze, returning his attention to the stir-fry he was attempting to make. He'd have to move very slowly with her. She was the most innocent woman he'd ever met, and he didn't want to scare her or hurt her.

"Do you want some help?" The voice came from behind him. Hisame swung around, startled. He grabbed the intruder, twisting an arm behind the back, and had the knife at her throat in an instant. Then he realized who it was and quickly let go.

"Ami, don't ever do that again." Her face was very white, and her breathing uneven. Hisame was frustrated. He had just undone any progress he had made in calming her down. "Dammit Ami, you can't sneak up on someone who's had the kind of training I have and not expect a reaction." He turned around, putting the knife in the sink.

"I, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." Her voice was slightly flat, emotionless. Hisame took one look at her face and decided he'd had enough.

"Ami, when are you going to realize I could never hurt you?" He picked the girl up and threw her over his shoulder. Ami screamed and started kicking and pounding on his back. But Hisame was determined. He carried the girl into his bedroom, dumping her on the bed. He turned around and locked the door. It wasn't an old fashioned lock, but rather an electronic one. Ami had quickly gotten off the bed and scampered for the other doors in the room. One led to a huge closet. She backed out of there quickly. The sliding glass doors led to a balcony, which was now dark and cold, and the third led to a bathroom even larger than the one she'd been in earlier. She backed out of there quickly too. Hisame simply stood by the door and waited. Finally Ami walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge, giving in to tears of frustration.

"You could have just asked, you know." Ami turned her gaze up at Hisame's quiet eyes.

"I wouldn't have believed you."

"I know." Hisame moved over to the bed, sitting beside the girl. "Look at me Ami." The girl sat for a moment, not responding. Hisame grabbed her chin, forcing her head up.

"Don't fight me Ami. I don't want to hurt you." He leaned over and put a soft kiss on her lips, pulling away quickly. Then he kissed her eyelids, her cheekbones, and the corner of her mouth. He planted butterfly kisses over her whole face. Then he lifted one of Ami's hands, planting kisses there as well.

Ami felt her pulse speed up at his gentle kisses, and leaned closer to him. Hisame pulled at the robe covering her. It slipped off one of her shoulders, revealing soft skin and one pale breast. He kissed the newly revealed skin softly, his heart threatening to burst through his chest.

"Hisame." Her voice was soft, her eyes pressed closed. One hand was tucked in the pocket of the robe. He pulled the hand out and his eyes narrowed. Clutched in her fist was a pale blue satin handkerchief. He stood up and turned away from her.

"Hisame, what's wrong." Ami had opened her eyes, and they were filled with puzzlement at his odd behavior. He walked to the balcony, throwing the door open. And then he collapsed on the balcony, a pile of limp arms and legs.

"Ami?" She stood up quickly, yanking the robe back over her shoulder. A woman dropped onto the balcony.

"Starmaker." Ami's voice came out both surprised and confused.

"Ami, come on, I have to get you out of here now." Ami took a deep breath and ran for the balcony.

"Is he all right?" Maker gave Ami a strange look, like a cross between confusion and jealousy.

"He's fine, I just knocked him out. Come on, we need to go." Maker held out her arms, and Ami went willingly into them. Then the two were moving over the rooftops of Tokyo.

Maker set Ami down on a different balcony.

"Where are we?" Ami looked around, a bit frightened. Maker smiled a bit.

"You'll be safe here, Ami." The woman ran her hand down Ami's cheek, letting a single finger rest on the girl's lips. "Do you know how beautiful you are?" Then Maker leaned over and pressed her lips gently against Ami's.

AN: This is as much Ami and Usa as Rei, I know, but Rei doesn't have quite as much angst as the others, she's far too forthright. Mako is coming, and more Outers too, just be patient. Notes:
1. The temple burned down a month ago...I bet you can guess who set it on fire.
2. I don't own Sailor Moon, enough said.