Reflection, cpt 8: Sailor Mercury

Usagi had never seen anyone get stuff done faster than Mamoru Chiba. She had said the word in a haze of passion from his kiss, and suddenly Mamoru was off and running. And Usagi had absolutely no idea what was going on. He left her kneeling on the floor, a flame of desire burning in her stomach, and headed downstairs. She sat there for a moment, in shock. Then she managed to haul herself to her feet and walk down the stairs. Shingo was in the twin's room, packing up their things. Mamoru was sitting on the couch, a little boy on each side of him, Chibi-Usa curled on his lap.

"What...what are you doing Mamoru?" Usagi's voice was so filled with confusion Mamoru almost felt sorry for her.

"I see you found my daddy, it was careless of you to lose him." Endymion's voice had taken the arrogant tone that Mamoru liked to use.

"Now just a minute, I didn't lose him on purpose and you don't take that tone of voice with me, young man." Mamoru's face didn't change. He simply stared at Usagi, something hidden behind his eyes.

"Akira says you know who his father is, Ms. Tsukino." Mamoru's words were light, but his eyes were flat. Usagi nodded slowly.

"Mina told me. But she doesn't want the boy's father to know..." Mamoru stood up and walked towards her, his eyes growing stormier with each step.

"Don't defy me, Usagi. Just tell me what I want to know." He wrapped one arm around her waist, using the other hand to lift her chin. Usagi took a deep breath.

"Kaji, Kaji Hikaru." Her voice was soft, and a little frightened. Mamoru leaned closer.

"Now was that so hard." He pressed his lips against hers, softly. Then he pulled away, smirking at the glazed look in her eyes. "We're leaving for the mansion tonight. I'll send someone by to pick up your things. Endy, Akira." Usagi watched opened mouthed as the two boys rushed to do Mamoru's bidding.

"They never listen to me like that." Usagi's lower lip jutted out a bit.

"That's because you've spoiled them. Come, Usako, its time to go." Usagi lifted her confused face.

"Where are we going? What is going on Mamoru?" She stomped her foot on the ground, looking like a disgruntled teenager. Mamoru sighed again.

"I'm taking Akira to his father, Mina can fetch him later. I'm taking you and the twins home with me."

"But why?" Her voice was still filled with confusion.

"Because you said yes." Then Usagi screamed in anger.

The ride was deadly silent. Ikusa sat back in the plush leather, a half-smile lurking on his face. Prime Minister Hino looked uneasy, his eyes darting about, a glass of brandy clutched in his hand. Rei had declined a drink. She sat across from Ikusa, but watched her father instead. Her arms were crossed over her chest, as if to ward off the looks Ikusa kept sending her way.

The car moved out of Tokyo traffic, headed for the countryside. Rei noticed her father beginning to nod off and plucked the half empty glass from his hand before he succumbed to sleep.

"Where are we going?" Ikusa smiled at Rei's tone. She was obviously worried, but trying to make it sound like normal conversation.

"To the Terran Eclipse Mansion. It's an hour outside of Tokyo. Relax, it will be a long ride." He handed her a class of water. Rei's eyes narrowed for a moment, then she sighed.

"Damn." She glanced at the drink in her hands and threw it back. "Then I think I'll take a nap." Ikusa smiled. The girl had closed her eyes, but her hands were still clenched tightly together.

Ikusa stood up for a moment, and moved Prime Minister Hino to the other seat in the limousine. The man stretched out on the seat, mumbling something about fire. Rei's eyes popped open, but then pressed closed again. Ikusa chuckled. He sat down beside Rei.

"What are you doing?" Her voice was a bit shrill, but she was very nervous around the man.

"Relax, just relax." He moved closer, so she was pressed up against him. "Just put your head on my shoulder." Rei sighed. The alcohol combined with the car's movement was making her sleepy.

"All right, but don't get any ideas." Ikusa laughed as the girl laid her head on his shoulder. Rei's breathing grew soft and regular. Ikusa brushed a silky strand of hair off her face. The drugged drinks had worked nicely. Mamoru would get the Prime Minister under his control, and Ikusa would get Rei. She turned a bit, trying to get closer in her sleep. Ikusa pulled her onto his lap, surprised when she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her head in his shoulder. He felt desire rise inside. This would be a long trip.

Rei heard someone whispering in her ear.

"We're here Rei, wake up." She opened her eyes slowly, surprised to find her face inches away from Ikusa. "Good morning sleepyhead." Rei's mouth opened a bit, she wanted more than anything for him to kiss her...but he simply stared. "You're going to have to move sweetheart, unless you want me to carry you inside." Rei realized she was curled up on the man's lap. She swore and pulled away violently. "That's quite a vocabulary you have there, Ms. Hino." Ikusa's eyes were dancing with humor.

"Just shut up. Where's my father." Rei looked frantically around the vehicle.

"He's already inside, don't worry." Ikusa unfolded himself from the seat and climbed out the open door. He helped Rei exit, laughing a bit when she took a moment to yank her tight dress back into place. She simply glared at him. Ikusa held out an arm.

"They're waiting for us inside, shall we go?" Rei placed her arm in his and the two started up the stairs into the huge, slightly eerie Terran Eclipse Mansion.

"Just who exactly is going to be here?" Rei whispered the words to her escort. Ikusa grinned.

"You, me, your father, Mr. Mamoru Chiba, and his current paramour. I assure you the evening should be fairly pleasant." Rei took a deep breath. She had met Mamoru Chiba before. In fact, she had almost been one of his paramours, but something inside hadn't allowed her let herself be used like that, even for a romp with someone as gorgeous as Mamoru.

"Why do I have a really bad feeling about this?" Ikusa smiled and opened the door.

"Watching too much Star Wars?" He laughed at Rei's angry glare and flushed face. "You're far too easy a target, Ms. Hino."

Usagi was nervous. She checked her reflection in the mirror for the thirtieth time in the past hour.

"You look fine, Usako." She jumped forward at the words, knocking her knee against the vanity.

"Owwwww that hurt." She turned around quickly, her hands on her hips. "You scared me, Mr. Chiba." She sounded like a teacher scolding an unruly student. Mamoru's smiled turned into a frown. He stepped into the room, pushing Usagi back against the wall.

"My name is Mamoru, and if we're to give the appearance of a loving couple, you need to remember that." His voice was very low. Usagi forced air back into her lungs.

"I'm sorry, Mamoru." His smile returned.

"You look fine, Usako." He brushed a hand over her hair, which was hanging, held back by two silver and diamond barrettes. "You look like a queen." Usagi blushed at the complement, but her heart was still pounding from his scolding. She looked down, wringing her hands together.

"Stop that, Usako, you'll be fine. It's just dinner." He grabbed her hands, forcing her to stop. His tone was gentle, but his eyes were harsh. Usagi swallowed loudly. "I'll be back for you in ten minutes, don't move." Mamoru left the room quickly.

Usagi sat down on the bed. Today was just a bit overwhelming. Her mother was in the hospital, her son had a father, and now she was expected to live with the most exasperating, annoying, arrogant man on the face of the earth. Usagi touched the diamond necklace at her throat softly. She had a feeling that he expected more than just someone to sit with at dinner.

"Why in the world did I tell him yes?" Usagi stood up and paced in front of the bed. She closed her eyes for a moment. She knew exactly why she had said yes. He kissed her and every intelligent thought she'd ever had flew out and shattered on the floor. Why did that man affect her like that? She didn't even like him. He was as flawed as a human being could get. Ruthless, arrogant, dangerous, and sometimes just plain cruel. She touched her cheek for a moment, half expecting to find a bruise there. He'd smacked her when she screamed. Not really hard, but enough to startle her. Usagi cringed at the memory. Sometimes that man just scared her.

Usagi sat down again, lost in her thoughts. She didn't even know where she'd be sleeping tonight. One minute she'd been home changing her clothes, the next she'd been thrown in a car, and then a limo, and then a helicopter. Akira and the twins had been taken somewhere else. Usagi held back tears. She didn't even know where her children were tonight. And now she was supposed to be able to attend dinner with the new Prime Minister of Japan. She didn't even know what had happened to the talking cat. Usagi reached inside the small purse she was carrying, pulling out the brooch.

"So I'm Sailor Moon. How am I supposed to be Sailor Moon if I don't have any idea what's going on in my own life." She resisted the urge to scream in frustration. She laid down on the twin bed, curling her legs up near her chest, and waited for Mamoru to come fetch her.

Mamoru was angry. Angry at himself, angry at the girl, angry at life in general. He had found his dream girl, but she wasn't anything like he had expected. All the good traits seemed to have disappeared, and the negative ones seemed to live in abundance. He slammed the drawer shut, swearing because his cuff links were missing again. She cried, she whined, she tripped over everything, she had no concept of what she was supposed to do in social situations…he saw her face in his mind, the instant he had slapped her. Her eyes were so wide, and innocent. He saw fear there, and it excited him. Mamoru swore again, hitting his head on an already open drawer. Sometimes he didn't feel right in the head.

"I heard you found her." The voice came from the bed. Mamoru glanced at the dark shape lounging insolently.

"In a manner of speaking." He rifled through the drawer again, swearing under his breath.

"Don't let her cloud your mind, Prince." Mamoru glared.

"Nothing gets in the way of my plans." He started throwing the contents of the drawers on the floor, desperate now.

"You have a son, I heard she named him Endymion." The voice was thoughtful now, as if contemplating something. "Why would she name him that?"

"Maybe she likes mythology. Where the hell are my cuff links!" Bright blues eyes met his, and the figure leapt off the bed, revealing two shining objects.

"Right where you left them, Prince." Mamoru sighed and put the cufflinks on quickly.

"I should have you shaved." Bright laughter rippled through the room.

"I wouldn't be so beautiful then. Have a wonderful time at dinner."

"If Ikusa's plan doesn't work, I'm going to break more than his ribs." Mamoru left the room muttering the threat under his breath.

Rei watched the couple come down the stairs, a hint of jealousy in her eyes. Mamoru Chiba was absolutely gorgeous, if you liked the dark haired, blue eyed dangerous type. And Rei did. Something about him radiated sexuality. A sharp squeeze on her arm made her tear her gaze away. Ikusa was gripping her arm, his eyes dark with some emotion.

"Rei Hino, Prime Minister Hino, I'd like to introduce you to Mamoru Chiba and Usagi Tsukino." Ikusa's voice was forceful, even, the words rising and falling as though a simple introduction were an important speech.

"It's wonderful to meet you, Mr. Chiba." Prime Minister Hino held out a hand, and was rewarded with a hearty handshake from Mamoru and a shy bow from the woman at his side. Then Rei stepped forward.

"Nice to see you again, Mamoru." Her eyes roamed over his body like a hungry cat's. "You've changed." Mamoru's eyes darkened, but his smile remained fixed in place.

"You have too, Rei." His gaze swept over her body, lingering on the length of leg displayed by her dress. Usagi stood quietly, trying to shut out the feelings that were threatening to overwhelm her. She wanted to take that beautiful woman and shove her head first out a window, hopefully right through the glass. She resisted the urge to smack Mamoru's leering face. The only reason she was here is because she had run into him at a party long ago. She had no claims on him. Rei smiled, her face seductive and sultry, and turned slowly towards the dining room. Ikusa met Mamoru's eyes, and the look that flashed between them could have burned down the building.

"I'd like to speak to you in private, Mamoru." Ikusa's voice was hard. Mamoru nodded.

"I'll be right back, Usako. Go sit down, this shouldn't take long." Usagi nodded and let go of Mamoru's arm.

"Excuse us for a moment, Prime Minister, Ms. Hino." The two men walked towards a room off to the side. Rei's smile turned into a smirk. The little girl on Mamoru's arm wouldn't last long. Maybe something could come out of this after all.

Ikusa wasted no time. The moment the doors closed he plowed his fist into Mamoru's stomach.

"Did you sleep with her you bastard?" Mamoru was a bit surprised by the ferocity of the attack. He grunted a bit from the pain, but quickly recovered. He grabbed Ikusa by the arm and threw him against the wall, hard. Then he pinned the shorter man, twisting both arms behind his back.

"You forget your place. I am your Prince, and I'll have whomever I want. To answer your question, no I haven't slept with her, and I won't until you've finished. I don't screw virgins." His voice was low and harsh.

"You may be my Prince, but she is mine." The words came out at a growl. "Loyalty doesn't always bring respect, don't make me lose mine." Mamoru growled. That particular underling would need to be put in his place. And he knew just the way to do it. He ran a hand through his hair and stepped out of the room.

Usagi looked at her food, pushing it around on her plate. Normally she would have devoured everything in sight, but the tension in the room was so thick, it was ruining everyone's appetites. Mamoru was throwing lustful glances at Rei. She was sitting beside him, practically in his lap. Prime Minister Hino was trying to talk to Ikusa, who was busy glaring at the two sitting across from him.

"I think, Prime Minister, that we should come to the point of this visit." Mamoru turned his gaze away from Rei. "I've invited you here for one purpose, to make a deal. But I think this should be done in private. Usagi, would you please show Rei the gardens?" Usagi stood up, feeling once again like a hired hand. She nodded and motioned for the slightly taller girl to follow her.

Usagi had no idea where the gardens were at, but the black haired woman behind her didn't seem to care anyway.

"How long have you known Mamoru?" The question came out as more of an accusation, but Usagi simply stopped.

"I met him six years ago." Her voice was soft. Rei became a bit more intrigued.

"How come he never mentioned you?" Usagi laughed, the sound bitter and grating.

"I met him five years ago, but he didn't know my name until yesterday." A much less hostile, and far more curious Rei following.

"How is that possible? Why are you with him tonight then?" The girl's voice was curious now, the anger gone from her tone. Usagi sighed and headed into one of the rooms.

"Do you really want to hear this story?" Rei nodded slowly. Usagi rubbed her temples. "Well, I suppose the whole world will know soon enough. I was fifteen."

Ami stood staring off into the night long after the strange woman had gone. The kiss still shook her a bit. Ami had felt desire in that kiss, and the woman seemed so familiar.

"Ami?" The voice came from the dark room behind her. Ami turned swiftly from the balcony.

"Taiki?" He was wearing flannel pants and a matching robe. The robe was hanging open.

"Ami, you're all right." Taiki rushed forward, hugging the girl against him.

"I'm at your apartment?" Taiki nodded.

"I didn't…I mean Maker didn't think it would be wise to have you stay at Mina's after today." Ami looked up at the solemn young man.

"When did you talk to her?" Taiki thought for a moment of changing the subject, but Ami looked so beautiful in the moonlight, he decided that a distraction would work better. He lowered his lips over hers, kissing her softly.

Ami felt herself reacting to the kiss, just as she had to Maker's and Hisame's earlier that day. She felt a bit ashamed of her lack of control, but it felt so wonderful to be held like this. Taiki pulled away.

"Why don't we find a place for you to sleep. You can use my room, I'll sleep with Yaten." Ami nodded, her mind still a bit fuzzy from the kiss.

Rei stood up slowly, watching Usagi pensively. The story the girl told was rather amazing, and very sad.

"So your son, he's five?" Usagi nodded.

"I don't even know where he is tonight." She turned her face away, unwilling to let the beautiful, composed Ms. Hino see her tears. Rei felt a surge of compassion leap through her. No one deserved to be treated the way this girl had. Rei wrapped her arms around Usagi, startled when the girl buried her face in Rei's shoulder and cried. Then Ikusa walked into the room.

"I need to speak with you, Ms. Hino." Rei reluctantly let go of the still crying Usagi, shooting back one last glance.

"I'll call you, Usa." Usagi nodded, wiping her tears away. Ikusa wrapped his arm around Rei, and the two headed back towards the dining room, leaving Usagi lost and alone.

Ikusa smiled. Rei had taken the news exactly how he had thought she would. First she denied everything, then she had tried to argue her way out, then she had taken to screaming, and finally she had outright attacked him. He had defended himself, of course. You couldn't let a black belt beat on you without retaliating. He watched the way her chest heaved, enjoying the feel of her body plastered against his.

"You don't have a choice Rei. You cooperate, or your father dies. It's that simple." Rei felt a shiver run through her body. She tried to convince herself it was revulsion.

"Get off of me." Her voice was softer than it had been. Ikusa raised one eyebrow.

"Do you really want me to?" He grabbed both her wrists in one hand, and slid the other hand over the bare expanse of her thigh. He leaned closer to her, his mouth inches from hers. Rei spit in his face. Ikusa swore loudly, and smacked her across the face. A red mark rose on her skin.

"You'll regret that tonight, Rei. I'll make sure of it." His voice was different from the teasing tone he had used earlier. Rei realized that she had finally made him truly angry, and she didn't know if that had been the best idea of her life. Ikusa stood, pulling a struggling Rei off the floor.

"It's time you learned where your place is." He twisted her arms behind her back, making her catch her breath in pain. "Walk." With that he moved her down the hallway's of the mansion, her terror growing a bit larger with every step.

Ikusa threw open the door to a room in the mansion, throwing Rei inside. She stumbled across the floor, rubbing her arms to restore the circulation. Ikusa turned to the door and locked it, and then he kicked the key underneath. Rei watched him for a moment, a little disturbed by his actions. She looked around the room carefully. It was very large, which was a good thing, because there was a single door, and no windows. The room was painted entirely red. The only furniture was a bed on a dais in the center, and a large armoire. Both pieces were mahogany, delicately carved. Rei stepped a bit closer to the armoire. The carvings were of horses, flames, and scenes of war. She felt a funny sensation in the pit of her stomach.

Ikusa watched the girl stalk around the room. He smiled, and pulled a lighter from his pocket. Then he went around the room lighting candles that hung from the wall in scones. Rei circled the room opposite him, her eyes wary. Finally the last of the candles was lit. Ikusa stood by the door and turned the electric lights off. The room looked eerie, with the blood red walls, dark furniture, and candlelight. Rei found her fear returning. Ikusa shrugged off his tuxedo jacket, letting it fall to the floor in a heap. He continued to follow Rei around the room, while slowly untying his bow tie, removing his cuff links, and taking off his vest. Rei looked at the bed for a moment, her trepidation growing. The cover of the bed was red, but the sheets were white, and shone like satin.

"What are we doing here?" Rei's voice trembled a bit. Ikusa's face erupted into a wide smile. But he said nothing, he merely continued removing clothing. He stopped for a moment and untied his shoes. Rei could feel her breathing getting a bit faster. She was starting to get scared. She had pissed him off royally, and now she was locked, for the night apparently, in a room with him.

"I really didn't mean those things I said. I'm sure you're a nice guy and I probably wouldn't mind being married to you, but I hardly know you and I really don't want to marry someone just because my father says I should." Rei knew she was rambling, but her mouth seemed to have disconnected from her brain. Ikusa stood up and started unbuttoning his shirt. Rei kept moving around the room, trying to stay as far away from him as possible.

"This really isn't a very good idea. You hardly know me and I'm not the nicest person on the face of the earth and I really don't think." Rei took a deep breath as Ikusa dropped his white shirt on the floor. She had to admit, the man was gorgeous. Short blonde hair with a hint of curl, eyes the color of a summer sky, and golden skin. And he was built wonderfully. Rei eyed the muscles that rippled across the man's chest, down his stomach, and across his back. She let out a loud sigh. Ikusa started to unbutton his pants, and Rei felt her mouth go dry.

She looked around the room one last time, and realized there was no way out, no escape. Her father was an old fashioned man. If Ikusa slept with her tonight, that was it, the end. Rei was exasperated. This was nineteen ninety-seven and she was being forced into a marriage like it was medieval Japan instead. She stopped for moment and started to take off one of her shoes.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. I want to be the one to take your clothes off." Rei jerked upright at the sound of his voice. Then she pressed her eyes tightly shut, but not before getting a healthy glimpse of Ikusa's naked body.

"I'll do whatever the hell I want. You can't stop me." The words sounded brave, but Rei knew there was fear behind them, a healthy dose of fear. She could hear the man moving around the room, coming closer to her.

"Just stay right there, Rei." Ikusa's voice held a commanding tone. Rei ignored him for the moment, intent on getting away. She started to step sideways, her eyes still pressed shut.

"Don't defy me, Rei. I'm all ready more than a little angry, it's not a wise idea to prick my temper." Rei swallowed and stopped moving. She had lost. Ikusa moved directly behind her. "I see you've accepted your fate, firebrand." Rei jumped a little at his breath against her ear, and the use of the strange endearment.

"Why are you doing this?" Her voice was a little shaky, the tears starting to come close to the surface. A hand touched her wrist, ran up her arm, and across her shoulder. Ikusa pushed her hair away from the nape of her neck and planted a soft kiss there.

"Because I want you, Rei. You belong to me, you always have. And you want me too." He wrapped an arm tightly around her waist and lifted. He took a few steps forward and threw the girl on the bed. Rei simply lay back on the satin. Ikusa moved beside her, pressing a kiss against the base of her throat, where her pulse was hammering frantically.

"No matter how much you deny it, you like it when I touch you." He ran a hand over some of her exposed thigh. "When I kiss you." He pressed his lips against hers gently. "When I hurt you." He sunk his teeth into her neck, just above the scar from the stranger at the restaurant. Rei felt shivers through her body, and her breathing had turned to soft pants. "You see Rei, your body tells me, you want me, don't deny it." He pressed his lips to hers again, gently at first, then increasing the pressure. Then he forced her chin down with his thumb and his tongue swept inside her mouth.

Ami Mizuno had been fast asleep since the moment she had stumbled into bed almost three hours before. Taiki had tucked her and kissed her on the forehead, but Ami hadn't noticed. She'd been out the moment her head hit the pillows. Someone needed her to wake up, however, and quickly. And to accomplish this the creature used his claws and a really horrible yowling noise.

The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was a white cat, swiping at her toes. Ami sat up in a flash.

"What are you doing?" The creature stopped his scratching and raced up the bed, sitting quietly beside the girl.

"At least you wake up alert." Ami's mouth dropped open for a moment.

"I'm dreaming. I have to be dreaming." Gekko sighed. At least this one hadn't screamed. Ami climbed out of the bed, pinched herself several times, and then ran out into the other room. The cat sighed loudly and followed her.

"Ami, listen to me. I need your help. We all need your help." The girl turned around and gave the creature a death glare.

"Who are you, what are you, and who needs my help?" The girl stuck her hands on her hips. Gekko growled in the back of his throat, turned in a circle, and did a back flip. He returned with what looked like a pen in his mouth. Ami closed her eyes for a moment.

"You talk, you have a crescent moon on your forehead, and you just did a back flip and ended up with a pen in your mouth. Either I'm dreaming or someone managed to slip me some acid." The cat cleared his throat loudly.

"If you're done ruminating on my appearance, I'd like you to raise the pen above your head and say Mercury Power Make-Up." The cat said the words rather pompously. Ami looked at the creature strangely.

"Can you read, cat?" The creature nodded.

"Yes, and my name is Gekko, not cat." Ami crossed her arms in front of her.

"I think you've been reading those Sailor Moon Manga a bit too often..." The cat sighed.

"Just do what I ask." Ami picked up the pen.

"Why not, after all, nothing crazier could happen to me today." She held the pen above her head, but simply thought the words. Gekko grinned. Three down, two to go.

Mina was not having a good day. First had been the fiasco at the restaurant, with Ami and Usagi disappearing, and then her run in with Kaji. Then no one had returned to work, so Mina had made phone calls trying to find everyone. However she hadn't made any progress. Ace had appeared at five, dragging her out to dinner and trying to seduce her, but Mina had been too worried to do anything about it. Then she had returned home, but no one else was there, or at Usagi's. She climbed back into her car, seething at the way things were going.

"One minute everything is up, the next." She pulled into the Starlights drive, glad to see that lights were on in the apartment, even though it was late. "At least someone is home." She barged into the apartment, but no one was there.

"Dammit, could this day get worse?" Mina turned to leave, but noticed a note sitting by the door, attached to a small package.

"Mina, I've awakened Mercury. We left to find Usagi. The starlights went off on another save the senator crusade, but this time together. You can contact us by the device I've left. You need to stop the tuxedo boys from murdering a computer company CEO. We'll meet you at Tokyo Tower at eleven. Art."

Mina swore and crumpled the note into a ball. She checked her watch, and noticed she had less than an hour to get there on time. She pulled her compact from her purse.

"Sometimes this super hero stuff is for the ducks." But for once there was no one around to correct her.

Sailor Mercury touched the small device carefully. "This is a computer?" The animal nodded.

"The most powerful computer ever created by moon technology." Mercury ran her fingers over the smooth case, almost jumping when it popped open. "It responds to your touch. Can you figure out how to work it?" The cat's voice seemed strained. Mercury tucked her tongue between her teeth, concentrating for a moment. Then her face broke into a wide smile.

"I remember doing this, cat. I don't know why, but I know how to work this thing." Her voice was full of pride. "There's more too." Mercury reached up and moved her left earring. A visor popped up. The cat smiled, the expression looking strange on a cat.

"Well done. Can you locate Usagi?" His voice trembled a bit. Mercury turned her head slowly, inputting a few things into the computer.

"Found her." The girl's voice was full of triumph. Gekko nodded.

"Great, now if V would get here."

"I'm here, I'm here." The voice came from behind the cat. Mercury turned around slowly; her mouth opened a bit wide.

"Sailor V is real?" The words sounded like a mouse squeaking. V nodded, smiling and holding up her signature hand gesture.

"In the blood." Gekko groaned.

"Flesh, V, flesh." The girl shrugged.

"Did you find Usagi?" She peeked over the shorter girl's shoulder. Mercury turned her attention back to the computer.

"She's outside of town, here." Mercury pointed to a location on the screen. "Looks like a heavily guarded mansion of some kind. Did you get your communicator?" V grinned and held up her wrist. Mercury nodded. V turned her gaze back to the screen.

"Now all we need is a plan. Kami I wish we had the others." Her voice sounded a bit wistful. Mercury raised an eyebrow.

"Others?" V furrowed her brow.

"We can sneak in there, where that river runs onto the grounds. With you along the water should be no problem." Mercury raised the other eyebrow. V noticed the girl's expression.

"It is so good to have you back, Merc." She threw her arms around the startled Sailor Mercury. "Come on, let's go." She headed off into the night; the white cat and confused Mercury close behind.

Usagi had fallen asleep in the chair. All the crying had made her very sleepy. She woke up when her stomach rumbled loudly. "I didn't get enough supper I think." Usagi sat up, stretching her taunt muscles. Mamoru hadn't come looking for her, and the girl, Rei, probably was on her way home. Usagi yawned loudly. Her stomach rumbled again, this time a bit louder. She stood up, surprised to see that all the lights in the mansion were out. She could see where she was going from the bright moonlight streaming through the windows, however. She moved into the dark hallway, tripping her way over carpets and the occasional table.

"Why aren't there any lights in this house?" She swore when her shin hit another obstacle. "I'm going to have more bruises..." her words trailed off. She could see light shining from the end of the hall. Usagi took off at a run; she was getting a little scared by all the darkness. Finally she burst into the room, surprised to see a white faced Prime Minister Hino and a smirking Mamoru seated around a small table in the kitchen. Usagi started to take a few steps back outside, hoping she hadn't been spotted.

"Usagi, where have you been?" Mamoru's voice was cold. Usagi moved back into the room.

"I, I fell asleep in one of the rooms and..." Mamoru stood up and moved towards her.

"You should be in bed, tomorrow will be a busy day." Usagi looked wistfully at the refrigerator behind the two men.

"I just came to get something to eat." Her voice came out as a cross between a whine and a whisper. Then her stomach rumbled again. Mamoru sighed loudly.

"All right, but hurry up." Usagi flashed a brilliant grin and headed for the fridge. She grabbed a glass of milk, some fruit, and a huge sandwich, along with a pint of chocolate ice cream.

"Where's Rei? She's probably hungry too, I thought maybe..."

"She's none of your concern. Go to bed Usagi." Mamoru shouted the words. Usagi backed up quickly, almost dropping her food. Her face turned deadly pale and she started to tremble. Then she turned and ran.

Rei could feel her blood starting to boil from emotions. Passion, she'd always known that these feelings were locked inside her, but had always been too afraid to let them loose. Now this man, and his talented tongue, was unlocking every wall she'd put around herself. He slipped his hands slowly down her long legs, enjoying every inch. He pulled off her heels slowly, rubbing his hands over the bottoms of her feet. Rei moaned. He slid his hands back up her legs, laughing against her mouth when she squirmed a bit.

"Do you like that?" The question was really rhetorical, so Rei just kept her eyes closed and made a small noise. Ikusa took his time, slowly unhooking Rei's dress. He pulled it over her head, enjoying the way her skin flushed. Then she was clothed only in a black satin bra and matching underwear.

"Black. I didn't expect you to wear anything so, naughty." His voice was teasing. Then he pulled back for a moment. Rei waited to see what he had planned next. Finally she couldn't take the suspense any longer. She opened her eyes. Ikusa sat on the bed beside her, still naked, simply staring at her body. Rei was confused by the emotions reflected in his gaze. There was lust, and admiration, and something else, something a little deeper. Then he noticed her eyes were open.

"Do you want to watch?" His hands moved to her sides, brushing upwards, over her breasts, to her neck, and back down again. Rei watched through half closed eyes, marveling at the way his hands felt against her. They were slightly callused, large, and very talented. They stroked her like a kitten, from the bottoms of her feet, to the sensitive spots on the back of her neck and behind her knees. The Ikusa rolled her over, massaging her back until Rei thought she would fall asleep.

Ikusa felt the girl relax under his touch. He could feel her anger and fear fading quickly. He smiled for a moment. Fear was excellent for arousing someone, especially someone as passionate as Rei. He moved off the bed for a moment, searching for something underneath. Rei was too sleepy to even notice. The first sign that something was wrong was the gentle clattering of metal against metal. Before she could open her eyes, or react in any way, Ikusa had pinned her legs down to the bed with his body and twisted her arms behind her back.

"What are you doing? Let go of me right now." Rei bucked and twisted, but the man practically sitting on her back was much heavier and stronger.

"Shut up, little bitch." The voice dripped like venom into Rei's ear. Ikusa wrapped a metal shackle around each of Rei's wrists. Then he pulled one chain to the post of the bed, which was metal reinforced and bolted to the floor. Then he repeated the motion. He flipped Rei over, the chains untangling themselves in the process, and walked to the posts of the bed.

Rei was both angry and frightened. This man had been so nice a moment before and now he was trussing her up like a Christmas goose. He tightened the chains attached to her arms, stretching them above her head. She tried pulling on the shackles, but only rubbed her skin raw with her efforts.

"I wouldn't do that, unless you'd like your wrists to bleed." His voice was still low, angry, and full of malice. Rei stopped yanking at her restraints, intent instead on keeping Ikusa away from her ankles. He laughed at her attempts to evade him, and quickly shackled both ankles. He tightened the chains, so Rei had to stretch every muscle or be in pain. She gasped when Ikusa climbed up on the bed again, his weight displacing the mattress a bit.

"Please, let me up. What are you doing?" Rei's voice wasn't as steady as it had been earlier. Now the words held a pleading tone.

"I'm doing what I've always wanted, Rei." Ikusa stretched his long body beside Rei's chained figure. He leaned close to her ear. "I'm going to make you bleed."

Mercury stared at the river. The surface rippled gently, as it wound through the narrow valley.

"You can do it, Mercury. This is your element." Sailor V stood directly behind the slightly shorter girl, her arms behind her back with her fingers crossed tightly. "I know you can do it." Mercury sighed and slowly stepped into the river. She could feel the cold of the water even through her thick boots.

The river embraced her body. Mercury felt like she was being caressed, every sense open to the fluid surrounding her. She felt the currents, pushing them to fit her needs. Then she reached the electric fence stretched across the rivers surface. She listened to the water, and spoke to it. The river recognized its mistress and slowly parted, leaving a dry path underneath the fence.

"Come on Gekko, we need to go now." Sailor V sprinted to the now dry riverbed. She ran through the gap and exited the other side, the cat close behind her. Mercury slowly let the river return to its course, while moving herself carefully under the fence. Then she slowly rose from the river, looking like a water nymph come to life. She shook the water from her hair and body, the brisk wind making her feel a bit cold.

"All right, what's next?" Sailor V was crouched in the shadows beside the fence.

"Can you scan around here for guards, sensors, anything like that? And figure out exactly where Usagi is in there." Mercury pulled her computer from the pocket in her uniform and activated the visor.

"I'm sure glad this thing is waterproof, cat." Gekko hissed.

"My name is Gekko and since you are the senshi of water it would be stupid not to make it waterproof." His voice sounded so pompous that Sailor V dissolved into giggles. "Quiet, the last thing we need is to get caught." V clamped a hand over her mouth; the giggles were muffled but didn't stop.

"Found it." Mercury turned the computer around so the others could see. "There are several shifts of guards walking the perimeter, here, here, and here." She pointed to several glowing dots. "Security cameras are mounted every thirty feet along the fence. They're infrared, so the dark gives us little cover." She pushed another button. "The house has laser sensors at every door and window, but I know a trick to get around that." She tapped a few more buttons. "This is where Usagi is right now, and she's awake at the moment, although I'm not sure for how long. There are several other bodies in the house, two here in an upstairs room, and the two here in the kitchen are the only one's awake besides the guards and Usagi. We'll need someone to mess with the cameras and lasers, someone to distract the guards, and someone to get Usagi out of there." Sailor V nodded.

"All right. Mercury, you get tech duty, I couldn't do a thing with the lasers if they zapped me. Gekko gets to head in after Usagi. And I suppose I get the fun job of distraction. Well, I can be very distracting, can't I?" V grinned and took off into the night. Mercury closed the computer with a snap.

"All right then, cat. Let's get going. We need to get close to the window of the room where Usagi is without being seen."

Ikusa laughed at Rei's horrified expression. "Afraid firebrand?" Rei closed her eyes tightly, attempting to block her emotions from his view. "I don't think that's a good thing to do, Rei. Then you can't see what's coming next." Ikusa dropped his head and bit one of her nipples through her satin bra. Rei gasped, her eyes flying wide open. "I told you that wasn't a smart idea, Rei." He ran his hands roughly over her body, desire burning in his eyes. Rei could feel a dampness spreading between her legs, despite her fear. Ikusa pulled something from the foot of the bed. Rei's eyes widened even more. It was a dagger, a beautiful dagger. He laid it across her stomach, his mouth trailing kisses and the occasional bite up her long legs. The cold metal contrasted against the feel of his warm tongue against her skin.

"What is that for?" Rei's voice shook. Ikusa lifted his head. His eyes were dark with passion.

"Fun, Rei, it's for fun." Then he stared into her eyes as he lowered his mouth to her stomach. Her skin jerked a bit at his touch. Ikusa lifted his head again. He took the dagger in his left hand, trailing it over the sensitive skin of her stomach, and over her ribs to her bra.

"I think I want to be able to see you." He slid the dagger under the front, ripping it upwards in one smooth motion. The satin parted, and fell back, revealing Rei's breasts. Ikusa slid the dagger to the girl's shoulders, quickly cutting away the straps of the garment. Then he yanked the satin away completely, throwing it on the floor. Rei jerked against her chains, but succeeded in nothing more than drawing a bit of blood from her roughed up ankles and wrists.

Ikusa lowered his head to her newly bared chest, drawing one taunt nipple into his mouth. Her body responded. She felt the tip of the dagger being moved in circles around her navel. She bucked for a moment, Ikusa retaliated by biting down, almost drawing blood. Rei stilled her motions.

"Hold still, little girl, I wouldn't want to slip." The dagger slid across her stomach again, this time leaving a thin trail of blood from navel to the top of her underpants. Rei jerked in pain, though it was only a scratch. Ikusa slowly moved his tongue along the line, gently licking up the blood.

"You're a bastard, a complete bastard." Rei spit the words, her skin beginning to flush a bright red. She thrashed in his arms for a moment. Ikusa pulled the dagger the rest of the way down, slicing open a small stretch of skin and demolishing her underwear. He jerked them off.

"That was very stupid, little girl. I was going to wait until you were ready for me, now I won't be that nice." He moved over her prone body.

"Feel that, little girl? I'm going to enjoy shoving that inside of you." His hands grabbed her thighs in a bruising grip. Rei felt the scream rip from her lips. The screams continued, as he pounded into her chained body. He moved closer to her. Rei felt a strange sensation building inside her. The pain was still there, from the cuts on her stomach, his grip on her hips, and him pounding into her body, but she started to feel pleasure too. Her hips began to thrust up towards Ikusa.

"You like that, don't you bitch." He leaned down, pressing kisses against the curve of her neck, and then biting into the skin. Rei threw her head back, the pain and pleasure mixing into something frightening and wonderful. Ikusa began to groan.

"You like it when I hurt you, don't you firebrand." Rei opened her eyes, staring into the sky blue ones above her. She did like the feelings flooding through her body. It hurt, but it felt so good too. His head lowered, teeth sinking into the skin around her nipple. Rei felt a shudder rip through her body. And then she was screaming his name as waves of pleasure streaked through her body.

Ikusa lay on top of the girl beneath him, struggling to catch his breath. He pulled away slowly, smiling at the blood on his sex and spattered on her thighs. Rei's eyes were closed, her breathing ragged. Ikusa rolled beside her, gently removing the shackles from her hands and feet. Rei felt tears coming to her eyes. He had hurt her, and she had loved every minute of it. Her hips were sore, the cuts on her stomach burned, and there was a dull ache between her legs. Ikusa threw the shackles off the bed and pulled the weeping girl into his arms.

Mercury took a deep breath and slid the window open. There wasn't a sound. "All right cat, go get Usagi and let's get out of here." Gekko nodded his head and took off into the dark hallway. Mercury sat on the roof, visor up, scanning for guards. "I hope Sailor V is all right."

"You missed, you big idiot." V laughed and did another cartwheel across the lawn. There were three sets of guards after her now. The ones from the front door, the ones she ran into while getting to the front door, and the ones the front door called for backup. She pointed her fingers, letting lose another crescent beam. Gunfire sounded again. V rolled through the grass, ducking behind some shrubs. "Now if I can manage not to run into any of those tuxedo chaps this just might work." V jumped from her hiding place, sprinting for the front porch again. The gunfire followed her, "Thank god they're rotten shots." She slid towards the porch, her heels smashing through the wood. Then she was underneath the huge wooden structure and heading away from the sounds of shouting. "That should keep the knuckleheads busy." She winced and took a moment to check her now sore leg. It had a large scratch running from mid calf to the strap on her heels. "I still want to have a talk with whoever designed these things. Running around in heels. We should all have boots like Sailor Moon."

Gekko moved quickly through the darkened halls of the mansion. "I have never been so glad to be a cat in my life." He managed to find the main stairway, and slowly made his way down. He couldn't remember which room Usagi was supposed to be in, however. A light was on in the back of the house, so Gekko decided to investigate. He slunk into the kitchen and quickly darted underneath a cabinet. Two men were sitting at the table, both silent. Gekko looked at the one carefully; sure he recognized the dark haired dark eyed figure. The other was out of view. A cell phone began to ring.

"Chiba here." The voice was deep and echoed a bit in the stillness of the room. "Yes, I'll be there in a moment." He slammed the phone closed and stood up suddenly. "There's been a disturbance outside, Prime Minister Hino. I'll return shortly." Then the figure left the room.

"Sailor V seems to have done her work." The cat moved carefully across the kitchen, trying not to draw the attention of the old man still seated. Then Gekko noticed the man was crying silently, his hands covering his eyes. The cat bolted into the open, racing for the opposite door.

"Who are you Rei Hino? And why do you seem so familiar to me?" Usagi flipped over, ignoring the dishes that crashed to the floor. She knew the girl from somewhere. A crash and a burst of gunfire echoed from the window outside. Usagi ran over to the window, trying to see into the darkness. There was a girl running across the lawn. She was limping a bit, but still moving very quickly.

"Sailor V, Princess." Usagi ran for her purse and yanked out the small brooch inside. "Don't fail me now." Usagi held the brooch above her head and in moments she was Sailor Moon. Moon walked to the window and tried to open it, then gave up.

"I guess this means I take the stairs." She threw the door open, then stuck her head outside checking for anyone in the halls. No one was there, so Moon headed down the corridor towards the stairs.

"I'm coming V, don't worry."

Mercury noticed a blonde streak racing across the grass, three figures in hot pursuit. The first figure tripped, sprawling face first. Mercury stood up, watching closely. It was Sailor V, and she was in trouble. The girl struggled to her feet, but it was obvious something was wrong by the way the girl was limping.

"I shouldn't have left her alone for so long." Mercury snapped the computer shut and stored it away. "I'm coming V, just hold on a little longer."

Gekko had combed the whole house with no sign of Usagi. He had even found a room with an empty ice cream container, but the girl was gone. Then he heard shouts from outside.

"I'm the champion of Justice, Sailor Moon. In the name of the Moon, I will punish you." The voice came from the front porch. Gekko skidded to a halt. If that was Sailor Moon, he was really going to lecture her about corny speeches. Another voice, deep and masculine, broke the stillness.

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard."

Sailor Moon turned around quickly, almost tripping in her high-heeled boots. The voice came from the shadows of the porch, by the kitchen.

"Who are you? And that is not stupid. It's a great speech. It took me hours to think it up." She planted her hands on her hips, her eyes trying to separate shadow from light.

"I'm Tuxedo Kamen. And you, little girl, are out of your league." The figure stepped into the moonlight. Sailor Moon felt her heart beating a little faster in her chest. It was a man, an absolutely gorgeous man, in a black tuxedo, red lined cape, and white mask. He stood for a moment, simply staring at her. "Who are you, little girl, and why is your skirt so short? Do your parents know you're here?" Sailor Moon gasped in outrage. She stalked forward, not thinking what a stupid idea it was to get closed to the masked figure.

"I'm not a little girl. I don't answer to my parents. And I have no idea why my skirt is so short. The costume came with the job." She took a step forward with each sentence. Then a white figure skidded between the two.

"What do you think you're doing Sailor Moon? Trying to get captured? Go help your friends, now." Moon glanced at the cat, then at the scowling man. The tuxedoed figure lunged for her, but the cat jumped, claws extended. Tuxedo Kamen yelped as the claws found a target, slicing through his left pant leg and sinking into flesh.

"You stupid cat." He reached for the animal, but Gekko had a lot of self-preservation, and was already running off into the night. The masked man turned his gaze out on the elegantly landscaped lawn. Three figures were racing into the night, one with silver hair, one with black hair, one blonde and limping. Tuxedo Kamen gritted his teeth and raced after the three.

Mercury reached Sailor V first. The girl had two of the men wrapped up in her chain whip, but the other one was being rather persistent. Mercury raised her hands. A ball of icy water formed and raced towards the unsuspecting guard. He went down, drenched in cold water. Mercury stopped for a moment, surprise plastered all over her face. "I didn't know I could do that."

"Nice shot Merc. Now get over here and help me up." Mercury helped the limping V to her feet, and the two moved towards the river again. They were stopped by a third voice.

"Come on guys, we'll never get away that way." They turned to see an enthusiastic Sailor Moon motioning them to follow her. Sailor V looked at Mercury, Mercury simply shrugged. The three ran into a darkened garage. Moon flopped into the seat of a jeep.

"Now let's see if I remember how to do this." She fiddled with the dashboard for a moment. Then Mercury pushed the girl into the back.

"I'll do it." She had the car hotwired in two minutes, while V shot crescent beams and Moon threw her tiara to keep guards from getting in the building. Then the engine rolled over and Mercury backed up quickly. She spun the jeep around and started toward the main gates.

"V, you need to take the wheel. I need to get those gates open." V nodded and the two switched places. Moon kept throwing her tiara, smacking guards right and left.

"Sailor Moon, get the tires of the other cars." V screamed to be heard over the gunfire and engine noise.

"I'm on it." Sailor Moon giggled, enjoying the night. "This is so much fun!" A white shape bounded into the moving vehicle.

"Were you planning on leaving without me?" Gekko managed to get the words out between gasps of air. The girls ignored him. Mercury tapped furiously at her computer, swearing under her breath. They were almost to the main gates now.

"You have those tires popped yet?" Sailor Moon threw a saucy smile over her shoulder.

"You bet, I'm getting to be a good shot with this thing." Sailor V kept her eyes on the road.

"Who was that guy back there?" Moon frowned, slicing a guard in half with her tiara.

"Said his name was Tuxedo Kamen. Didn't do much more than threaten." Mercury stopped tapping for a moment.

"I think I've got it guys." The gates swung open, barely missing the front of the speeding jeep.

"Wahoo, we made it!" Mercury grabbed onto the back of Sailor Moon's skirt to keep the celebrating girl from tumbling out of the vehicle. Sailor V kept her foot on the gas and her eyes on the road.

"It's a good hour into Tokyo, and the assassination is set for two a.m. And those goons will be after us. The night isn't over yet girls." Moon sat back down slowly, the reality of the situation finally making contact with her brain. Mercury opened up her computer again, while V just kept driving.

Makoto Kino checked the sight on her rifle one last time. She looked at her watch; the glow in the dark hands telling her it was twenty minutes until the hit was scheduled to take place. She sat back against the rooftop, huddling against the brisk wind that blew along the top of the city hall balustrade where she was perched. She lost another attempt at a real job. Three years, she'd tried to get out of this life for three years now. But she couldn't seem to keep a job, no matter how fabulous her talents with flowers or food. She always seemed to come back.

She checked her weapon again, and used binoculars with night vision to make sure her quarry was where she had left him. He was still in the hotel room across from city hall, screwing the gorgeous blonde. Makoto looked at the fat wad of bills stuffed in her pocket. Ten thousand dollars, just to take the job. And double that upon completion. All she had to do was shoot the bastard when he was done with his whore. She closed her eyes for a moment. This lifestyle made one cold, dead. You had to block off emotions. Tell yourself the bastard deserved to die. After all, his family was sleeping in guest chambers in the mayor's mansion down the road.

Makoto checked the binoculars again. She swept them down the street, looking at the window where the man's wife and three year old daughter slept. Mako resisted the urge to spit, the bile rising in her throat at the thought of the man leaving his family for a cheap one-night fling. Mako closed her eyes, seeing the brown haired cherub in her mind. The girl had thrown her arms around her father just hours ago, before he climbed in the limo for the drive down the street. Mako shut her eyes, forcing the little girl from her mind. She couldn't afford to think of what her actions would cost others. She had a job to do, she needed to pay the rent. This was just business. She kept repeating the lie to herself as the hands on the watch slowly moved.

AN: No flames for the Rei scene, my story, I'm sick. Live with it. Notes:
1. Sailor V knows everyone's identity as senshi and human, but no one else does.