Sailor Moon Expanded : The Next Generation presents

Version 2.0
by Mark Latus

4. True Confessions

     Contrary to his younger sister's most earnest belief Aino Alan was not
an idiot.  While certainly obsessive this didn't prevent him from being an 
excellent student, continually scoring in the high nineties in all his courses. 
If he was a fool was a separate issue as this is a matter of behaviour rather 
than intelligence.  Still such an assessment was perhaps unduly harsh as he 
was not foolish all the time.  He noticed more than his sister believed and 
this was the source of his current concerns. 
     Having completed his day's classes at CTU Alan was wandering the campus 
aimlessly as he brooded over what to do if certain suspicions were correct.
As he often did he missed the admiring glances that followed him from some of 
the female students.  
     While it might amaze the girls and women of the bratpack who had suffered 
Alan's interest with quite limited patience he had quite a following at CTU.
As he had during his school days.  Still it should be no surprise that the 
combination of tall, dark and handsome complimented by a chivalric nature with 
brooding poetic undertones along with a tendency towards mysterious exits and 
entrances topped off with prominent family connections was appealing to some.  
The fact it was so hard to engage his interest often added a bit of spice to 
the mix and made those interested redouble their efforts.
     These efforts did not always go unheeded as in between bouts of 
heartbreaking rejection and a fresh obsession Alan was approachable.  In fact
the number of rejections he had received from those he pursued most ardently
meant Alan had not lacked for girlfriends.  Sadly (especially in the opinions 
of the female bratpackers) while pleasant enough none of these relationships 
had lasted more than a few months at most.  As far as Alan could tell it 
wasn't though any fault of the girls but somehow there was always something 
missing.  A spark of some sort.  His own theory was he sought the fire that
burned in the eyes of those women born to be warriors.  Without that there was   
something lacking.  That was what he needed and why he must continue in his
quests of the heart.  Those friends and family he had explained his theory to
had inevitably pointed out the one flaw with this theory.  Namely the total
lack of success in those pursuits.  However as this would equally inevitably
lead to Alan quoting extensively from, "The Taming of the Shrew" the next time
he mentioned his theory they simply nodded wisely and wished him luck in the 
pursuit of whoever had been unfortunate enough to engage his interest this
time.
     At one point or another Alan had suffered heartbreak at the hands of 
every one of the female bratpackers.  Initially he had lost his heart to
the younger Rhiannon only to discover her preference for girls.  Bouncing back
from that he had set his sights on her sister, named for his aunt Titanite. 
When that didn't work out he had begun chasing Princess Usagi with somewhat
limited success.  In between bouncing between the two he had also been known 
to flirt with his cousin Hematite though that was more for practise than in 
hopes of a serious fling.  Besides the bratpack's bookworm looked very cute 
when she blushed.  
     Unknown to him (not to mention Haruka and Michiru) both Hematite and 
Usagi had considered distracting him by revealing the Golden Millennium 
project as he would have undoubtably gone after the other Younger Senshi.  
Fortunately commonsense and a desire to avoid their sister-in-arms vengeance 
for siccing him on them prevailed.  Still even knowing how he acted they had 
both been surprised when they heard Sylvite was the current object of his 
attentions.  True the girl looked as old as them but she was still in her 
early teens chronologically and mentally.  They had been relieved to find he 
wasn't doing anything too serious, more planning for the long term.  Still 
Usagi found his continual comparison of their relationship to her own parents 
in their pre-regal days more than a little irksome.  For her part Hematite 
was sick of Alan bringing up the centuries that seperated her own parents.
     Meanwhile another Aino was wandering the campus grounds for the first  
time in quite a long time and drawing a more than fair share of interest  
from the female students.  Not to mention a lot of scowls from their 
boyfriends.  As always it amused him how his delicate features seemed to
fascinate women.  Many of his brothers had complained bitterly about fate
gifting such a power of attraction on the one of them least interested in
using it.  Such is karma.  He felt a familiar presence and without much 
surprise noted Alan heading his way. 
     The two greeted each other with an easy familiarity that might have made
some of those watching them jump to conclusions and suffer broken hearts.  At
least until Alan was overheard addressing the silver eyed newcomer as elder
brother.
     Aino Daisuke didn't look like much of an older brother as he didn't 
appear to have many years on Alan.  A reasonable assumption but an error as 
Daisuke was nearly 500 years old.  It would have been equally easy to assume 
that a stiff wind could snap the almost ethereal young man in half.  An 
assumption a number of criminally inclined people and tough guys looking to 
test his reputation as a martial arts master had made to their sorrow.  Alan 
could testify to both his brother's skill and strength.  Even without his 
ability to focus destructive energy (though he usually referred to it as 
spiritual power) through his limbs he was a formidable opponent.  Actually as 
far as Alan and a lot of other people were concerned he was an unbeatable 
opponent.  Since they were outside the dojo Alan did not address him as sensei 
knowing his brother preferred that.  Though what he couldn't understand was 
why they were meeting at all.
     "I was not expecting to see you visiting these hallowed halls of 
higher learning.  Why have you ventured forth from your sanctuary?"
     "Alan, I'm not exactly a hermit.  I don't spend every minute at the   
dojo ... okay I admit I can be a bit reclusive but I've got a lot to do.  As
for why I'm here you'd left a message you wanted to have a few words so I
figured I could use a change of scenery."  He glanced around.  "Campus looks
pretty much as I remember it but things do have a way of enduring in Tokyo.
Buildings do anyway, I guess the trees have all been replaced since I was a 
student."
     "I would suppose so, trees that lived so many centuries would be too
massive for the campus.  About my message ... I hadn't intended to disturb
your routine, merely to have a few words at my next lesson."
     "I know but I got the idea you wanted more of a brother to brother talk
than a student to sensei."
     "You are correct."
     "Thought so.  So I figured meeting on neutral ground would keep you from
getting too stiff and formal."  He thought about that.  "Or at least you'd be
as casual as you get."
     "I bow to your wisdom elder brother.  Perhaps we could find a more 
private spot, there are far too many spectators at the moment."
     "I noticed.  Looks like you've developed a fanclub."
     "As have you."
     "Yeah.  Girls ... lotta good that does me.  Seriously, call me Daisuke 
okay?  Elder brother sounds a bit too stilted."
     "As you wish eld ... Daisuke."  With that Alan lead the way to the Drama
Club's headquarters.  It was currently deserted though obviously had been
in use recently.  The door opened at Alan's touch so Daisuke guessed he must  
be one of the officers.  So he wasn't surprised that most of the posters on
the walls were for Shakespearean plays.  He wondered if the club did anything 
else with Alan in its ranks.
     "So what's up?"
     "It is a personal matter.  As I could be wrong I would prefer not to 
indulge in wanton speculation but since there will be consequences if I am
right I thought to ask your advice before proceeding to verify my hypothesis."
     Daisuke took a moment to untangle that.  "You're trying to decide if it's
better to let sleeping dogs lie and think I can help you?" 
     "That is what I said."
     "But you don't want to get to specific about what this is all about?"
     "Again you strike to the heart of the matter."  Daisuke sighed.
     "Okay, but that's going to make any advice I give pretty general.  So 
what can you tell me?"
     "I would like to begin with a question."
     "Feel free."
     "When did you first realize your interest in our own gender."
     Daisuke blinked, rather puzzled by the question.  "When?  That's hard to
say.  It wasn't like I suddenly woke up one day and decided I liked men.  It
was more gradual, a lot of little things adding up over time.  I suppose it
started sometime in my teens.  I was sixteen when I put it all together and 
broke the news to mom and dad." 
     "How did our parents react?"
     "Well Mom went ballistic.  Said I'd been looking bishounen for so long 
I'd started to take it seriously.  I had a new wardrobe and hairstyle before     
I knew what was going on.  When that didn't work she got worse and before I 
knew it I had dates lined up with every eligible girl in Crystal Tokyo.  At 
least that's what it felt like."  He sighed remembering the ensuing chaos when
that hadn't changed his mind.  "Mom's got some definite ideas about her kids.
The boys are girl chasers, the girls are boy crazy.  Most of all we're all 
heartbreakers. I didn't fit the pattern and she didn't like that.  Then when I 
started making my own dates things got worse.  I wasn't exactly amenable at 
the time either.  I basically told her if she couldn't accept me or my 
lifestyle then too damn bad.  Things got pretty frosty between us for a few 
years despite Dad playing peacekeeper.  Soon as I got the chance I moved out."
     "I was unaware mother held you in such disregard."
     "This was some time ago.  As in a few centuries before you were born.
It didn't last.  She came to accept the way things were a lot quicker than
I forgave her disapproval.  But I was stubborn and wasn't interested in her
overtures even with Tachi telling me to forgive and forget."  Daisuke's  
gaze slipped from the present back to a gray day long ago.  "I fell apart
when I lost him.  I was a basketcase for weeks, hell for months after the
funeral.  Guess who took care of me and put up with my miserable, whining 
self?"  He sighed.  "I don't think she ever stopped loving me.  It was just
... she was disappointed in me."
     "Then the rift has healed long since?"
     "Yes ... she did wince a little when I took up with Jonathan but she
never said anything.  By the time Stephen came along ..."  His voice wavered 
but Daisuke kept going, "... she didn't turn a hair."
     Alan frowned.  "I am a little surprised at mother's attitude.  She's 
always seemed ..."
     "Tolerant?"
     "Yes."
     "There's a big difference between tolerance and acceptance though with
hindsight I can't blame her.  She grew up back in the twentieth century and
she's still carrying a lot of attitudes from back then."  He shrugged, "Same 
as all the immortals, to them the old days aren't the ancient past, it's the 
times they grew up in and that shaped who they are.  Not that they've been
frozen since them but you can't escape your past.  So no surprise Mom can be a
bit old fashioned.  Same as Dad's still carrying a lot of emotional baggage 
from the Dark Kingdom."
     "Speaking of whom how did he treat your announcement."
     "Well you know Dad can be hard to read but far as I can tell it was more
or less irrelevant to him.  Just a detail like the colour of my hair or eyes."
Daisuke chuckled, "It upset Mom that he didn't freak out with her.  Upset me
a bit too now that I think of it.  I think I sort of wanted to be rebelling
against him.  But he just took it in stride.  It wasn't until I read Azurite's
book that I understood."
     "Fair Sylvite's mother has written a number of books.  To which do you 
refer?"
     "'Kingdom of Darkness'.  Apparently being gay wasn't looked on as any
sort of big deal in Shaziaar.  With two of the five immortals who ran the 
place in a same sex relationship for centuries generations of youma lived and 
died unable to avoid acknowledging them.  Add in their habit of frying anyone 
outside of Beryl or the other generals who made disparaging comments and you 
get a society based on evil, treachery and domination with extremely liberal 
views on sexuality.  She had a theory that having Neptune and Uranus around 
Crystal Tokyo for centuries had a similar effect on this city though that's 
questionable.  People around here tend to be more openminded than the norm
anyway."
     Alan nodded and Daisuke added, "By the way, 'Fair Sylvite'?  Haven't you
given up yet?  Not only can't she stand you she's a little young for you 
anyway."  He had the sudden horrible feeling he was going to trigger one of
Alan's "love conquers all" speeches.
     "The founders of our glorious metropolis overcame a similar gulf between 
why should we not do the same.  Indeed did not our beloved aunt choose a
lover centuries her junior?  I am patient, in time she will understand my 
feelings and reciprocate.  After all time is one thing neither of us lack."
There was an odd emphasis on this last part that puzzled Daisuke.     
     In answer to the unasked question Alan asked, "Tell me Dai, how many 
times has eldest sister Kimeko wed?"  Daisuke shrugged.
     "Beats me I've lost count of most of the clan's marriages.  Too damn 
many to remember.  Beside Kimeko was married god knows how many times before 
I was born."
     Alan nodded, his voice was soft as he continued.  "We Ainos are an odd
lot, none of us have yet died of old age and it is estimated our eldest sister
could live another 4 or 5 centuries.  Our children live about a third of our 
span and our grandchildren not even two centuries.  Further generations must
make do with a lifespan not much longer than the human average."
     Daisuke tried to follow this.  "You're hardly the first to make that
observation.  First generation Ainos will outlive most if not all of their
offspring ... unless they can find another very long lived family.  But angsty 
dialogue aside the general consensus is we like having centuries ahead of us.
There hasn't been one of us yet who could honestly say they'd trade it for a 
regular span.  Though you're a little young to be worrying about this.  
Usually we get about a century behind us before we go into the 'I am apart 
from humanity and alone forever, boo hoo' phase.  Believe me it never lasts." 
     "You miss my point.  There is an inevitability in losing our loves to the
great thief time.  Unless you can find a partner who will stride the centuries 
with you."  Such as a full blooded renegade youma was left unsaid but obvious
to both.
     Daisuke blinked.  "You're kidding.  You're after Sylvite solely because 
she won't die on you?  Alan, you can't be that scared of winding up alone!"
     "I am not, she has much that commends her to me.  Beauty, vitality, 
courage and wit.  I merely point out that it is a definite added attraction."
Without thinking he added, "Even had fate not taken them time would have 
stolen your lovers.  Would you not have welcomed the chance to avoid that?"
     Softly Daisuke whispered, "That's below the belt, little brother."
     Alan bowed.  "You are correct and I apologise.  My words were hasty and 
ill chosen."
     "Yes ... but you're not wrong.  If I could have spent centuries with 
them ..."  He sighed.  "But even if they'd had my longevity they'd be just as
dead.  Having the potential to live for centuries is hardly a guarantee."
     "I will remember that.  Though I still intend for Sylvite to take me 
into her heart."  Daisuke gave a harsh chuckle.
     "In a way we're alike.  We're both hopeless romantics.  But when your
heart gets broken you just get depressed for a little while then someone 
catches you on the rebound.  Then before too long you've found another one
true love.  Me?  When my heart gets broken I go brood for decades convinced 
I'll never love again.  Then one day, wham, there he is and I've fallen for
someone else.  I never learn"
     Cautiously Alan commented, "I have not suffered tragedies like yours and 
cannot say I would have coped any better in your place.  Still I would hold
by the ancient truth, 'better to have loved and lost ...'"
     "'Than never to have loved at all.'  I agree, grasshopper."
     "Thank you o wisened sage."
     "Heh.  Look getting back to what we were talking about why were you
asking about that stuff?  I know you well enough to know that you're hardly
about to drop the same bombshell on Mom but I can't figure why any of this 
would matter to you."
     "I cannot tell you yet.  I promise I shall as soon as I can."
     Daisuke frowned before answering. "All right, I'll accept that."  Then
smiled, "In the meantime think I'll cruise the campus.  I've been on my own
nursing my Byronic grief for perhaps too long."  With that he excused himself
and headed off with a spring in his step.
     Behind him Alan commented to the empty room, "T'would seem his mourning
is finally coming to an end.  I am happy for him.  As for me I now know I
will not be creating any long lasting rifts if my investigators bear fruit.
So I can proceed in good conscience."  With that he began to make some calls.  
He would have to drop by at the appropriate time.
     That afternoon found Alan at his parents' apartment within the Palace.
No one was home.  His parents were attending their duties while his sister
had joined Sylvite for another of Aunt Titanite's training sessions.  Though 
she was still in the Palace he doubted she would interrupt.  After the recent 
fiasco he rather expected his aunt to work them both into the ground in 
retribution.  
     The door open at his touch.  It was still coded with his handprint, after
all it hadn't been that long ago that he lived here.  Technically he supposed 
he still did as his current dwelling was only his as long as he remained a
student.  He closed the door behind him hoping his guess about his sister was
correct.
     Meanwhile just outside the simulator room Sylvite and Kodachi were 
talking.
     "You think she's still mad us for the haircut?"
     "What do you mean us?"
     "Hey if you hadn't tripped ...!"
     "Okay, okay.  Let's not go into that again."  Sylvite sighed then
ventured, "Think we should tell her she looks good with short hair."
     Kodachi shook her head.  "I think that would be pushing it.  Well time's 
a wasting and we don't want to keep her waiting.  We're lucky she's still
willing to train us."
     The two stepped inside to find Titanite waiting for them in her Polaris
costume.  "Welcome ladies.  Now if you'll just change we'll begin today's
exercise.  This is a test of your speed, balance and dexterity.  I want you  
to retrieve the boxes on the other side of the moat.  There's a teleport 
blocker so you'll have to do it on foot.  All you have to do is make your way 
over this pit of muck via these rotating, greased logs while dodging the 
randomly swinging sandbags and of course any hidden booby traps on the other 
side.  Or you can refuse and we can halt the training for good."
     Sylvite looked at her friend.  "Lucky, you said?"
     "Luck is relative."  She paused.  "I'd say she's still mad."
     "I think you're right."  They both sighed and activated their costumes
and began a very long and messy lesson.  Particularly for the already 
balance challenged Sylvite.
     Unaware his sister was currently clambering out of a trench dripping goo 
with every step Alan stood before her room.  He noticed her old nameplate was 
gone. In it's place was a sign reading, "Sailor V's Headquarters.  Trespassers
will be vaporized."  Inside the room looked more or less as it had last time
he'd seen it.  Posters of the senshi as teens (all autographed), books,  
stuffed animals and a complete collection of senshi dolls (including the 
Saturn and Pluto ones never sold to the public) both regular and chibified.
He noted with amusement the addition of a dartboard with his photo taped to
it.  Noticing something odd he took it off its hook and turned it over to find
a different picture on the back.  It took him a moment to identified the hole
filled photo as the younger brother of Artoo and Threepio.  Odd, he would have
assumed Luke was a friend of his sister's.  Replacing the board he crossed to 
the desk.
     He ignored the diary recorder.  In his experience those who had them 
would just turn them on and say whatever came into their heads with the  
result they were unorganized collections of what was mostly drivel.  He 
kneeled down and located the supposedly secret drawer.  How secret it was 
when all of this design had one there was open to question but it was good
enough for kids.  It only took a moment to pop the drawer and remove the 
book within.
     He looked over the locked but otherwise unadorned book and the pen 
clipped to it.  This was more likely to yield what he wanted.  Journals were 
a fad that came and went.  Unlike diaries it took effort to make entries, you 
couldn't dictate instead you had to sit down and write.  But the primitivism 
of it was the attraction factor.  The theory was as it took effort to make  
entries the writer would organize their thoughts and only make meaningful
entries.  At least that was the theory, how well it worked depended on the
individual.
     He remembered on his last visit home while his parents prepared dinner he
had called his sister to join them.  Receiving no answer and opening the door
he had seen her slam this journal close and lock it before telling him to get
out of her room.  Of course that didn't change the likelihood it was trivia
or bad poetry but it was a place to start.  He had a quick bout of conscience
then jimmied the lock and flipped through.  Initially the dates were sparse
but in more recent days the entries grew longer and more frequent.  While
keeping part of his attention on listening for anyone entering he devoted
most of his concentration to reading.  Before long all his attention was 
focused on the book.
     That evening two aching but freshly cleaned girls staggered out of an 
icecream shop into the nearest park having already grabbed a takeout dinner.
Both were in a good mood having (eventually) beaten the challenges so their
instructor was required to deliver a less vengeful lesson next time.  High 
on their triumph they both felt this was a great day and nothing could
spoil that.  They were both about to find out they were wrong.
     Kodachi spotted her brother ambling towards her and whispered, "Romeo at
six o clock."
     Sylvite sighed then blinked as she realised Alan was dressed casually for
a change.  Lately it seemed every time she saw him he was wearing that tuxedo.
But not tonight.  
     Kodachi took a step forwards and tried to stare her brother down.  "We're
in a good mood and don't need you spoiling it.  So bugoff!"
     She wasn't too surprised when he didn't budge though she was a little
surprised when he said, "Ill met by moonlight.  I am sure you treasure the
chance to be alone with Sylvite so I will not intrude long.  Though I thought
I might impart a little advice before I left."
     "Fine.  Say your piece and get lost."  For some reason Kodachi felt a  
certain apprehension.  Which increased when Alan looked past her to address
Sylvite.
     "My lady I know you have been less than receptive to my attentions ..."
Sylvite couldn't suppress a snort.  "... still the path of true love is far
from smooth and I believe that you will come to understand and return my 
feelings in time."  She considered commenting but decided that might prolong 
things so she simply nodded an acknowledgement.  "As I do not wise to overstay
my welcome I will simply add one thing more.  I have never been less than 
honest with my feelings.  Unlike the other suitors who pursue you I have
never mislead you about my aims and intentions."  Sylvite didn't necessarily 
consider this a virtue but kept quiet.  Alan turned to his sister and casually
commented, "I dropped by home today", and produced a locked book.   Sylvite 
couldn't understand why Kodachi suddenly went very pale.
     Kodachi grabbed her journal, her heart suddenly pounding like a 
jackhammer.  Alan didn't resist but quietly told his wild-eyed sister, "I've
read it.  Will you tell her or shall I?"
     "YOU BASTARD!"
     Alan looked unruffled.  "I regret having to violate your privacy but
truth will out."  He dodged his sister's wild swing.  "Had I been wrong I
would have let you strike me but as I was correct I believe my actions
justified."  His voice hardened, "You are the one taking advantage of her
trust and I will not permit it to continue.  Either tell her your feelings or
I shall."
     "GET OUT OF HERE!"  She swiped at her brother and he faded back into
the trees like a ghost.  She tried to spot him but there was no sign.  Not
that she doubted he was out there.  Waiting to see what she would do.  And
say.  She shuddered, closed her eyes and hugged the journal to her.
     She felt a hand on her shoulders.  "Hey, are you okay?"  She opened her
eyes to see Sylvite looking both concerned and confused.  "I don't know what
Alan said but you're really shaking."  She glared at the trees and held her
free hand as if gripping a bat.  "Maybe I should go whack him for you."
     The thought cheered Kodachi but it wouldn't solve anything.  Not to 
mention when Sylvite next met Alan he might tell her ...  Kodachi took a deep  
breath.  It would be a lot worse if she heard it from him.  Nothing to do but 
play the hand she was dealt and hope for the best.
     "Maybe later but first ... there's something I need to tell you."  She
had Sylvite's full attention, she was curious and eager to know why Alan had
acted so strangely.  Sure Kodachi and Alan sniped at each other all the time
but it was always semi-civilized.  Never like that.  Kodachi tried to organize
her thoughts, an impossible task as she had still been worked out how and when
to say this.
     "That book Alan was waving around ..."
     "It looked like a journal."
     "It was.  Mine.  He borrowed it and read it."
     Sylvite looked shocked.  "What a creep!  If anyone read mine I'd die of
embarrassment.  They're for real personal stuff ... I can't believe he'd stoop
so low!"
     "He thought he had just cause ... he didn't!  Even being right's no
excuse!"
     "Huh?"  
     Kodachi took a deep breath.  "For some time I've been aware of certain
feelings I have ... it's ... complicated.  I didn't want to tell anyone 
because I was still working it out but now I've got no choice ..."  She  
trailed off looking uncertain.  Sylvite took a guess and grinned.  Probably
she'd decided she liked some boy and was embarrassed Alan had found out.
So now he'd read her journal the secret was going to come out so she had no 
choice but to reveal it before Alan did.  She wondered who it could be and  
if it was doubly embarrassing to Kodi that the first person she told was a
confirmed boy hater.  She resolved not to laugh or get negative whoever it
was.  Meanwhile Kodachi seemed ready for the big revelation.
     Kodachi gathered her courage and said in a rush, "SYLILOVEYOU" then 
waited for an explosion.  Nothing happened except Sylvite was watching her  
with a very confused expression.
     "Uhm ... well I love you too but what's that got to do with anything?"
     Kodachi's heart started to soar and she started towards Sylvite ... at
which point reality set in as she noticed Syl didn't look the way she should
following a declaration of love.
     "You do?"
     "Sure.  We've been best friends since ..."
     "You love me 'cause I'm your best friend."
     "Yeah."  Sylvite was perplexed.  Why did Kodachi suddenly sound so down. 
She looked so happy just a moment ago.
     "That's not how I meant it."
     Sylvite's puzzled expression remained for a few moments longer.  Then the
penny dropped.  "You're saying ... you love me like Alan loves me?"
     "Uhm ... well, kinda.  Without all the bad poetry ..."  The joke trailed
off as Sylvite's face went blank.  Kodachi stepped forward and took her hands.
"Syl ..."
     "TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF ME!"
     Kodachi stepped back involuntarily.  She'd never heard Sylvite sound so
cold before.  Her heart sank as she saw the anger on her friend's features
and in her voice.
     "That's what Alan meant by that stuff about being honest with me!  He's
never pretended to be my friend to get close to me!"
     "IT'S NOT LIKE THAT.  Syl, I am your friend!  It's just ..."
     "It's just that's not good enough, is it?  Like all those jerks at school 
who decide they want me so they'll grab me.  It's never enough!  When were  
you planning to tell me?  Next time we had a shower together.  Oh I forget, we 
already did that today.  Joke's on me, isn't it?  That'll be something to
impress the idiots in my fanclub with.  Hell, maybe you can take pictures
next time!"
     "Syl, you're not making any sense.  I didn't plan this, it just happened 
..."
     "Just happened so you detailed it in your journal.  What's in there, all
your fantasies about me?"
     "No ... well some of my dreams ... WAIT!  I was just trying to work out
it out and I couldn't tell anyone ... it's just me trying to sort my feelings 
out."  Kodachi held out the journal but Sylvite batted it away.
     "I don't care!  I thought Alan was a jerk and you were my friend except
he's the one I can trust to stand up for me!"  Kodachi tried to protest but
Sylvite wasn't listening.  Her eyes filled with angry tears she demanded, 
"Everything was perfect.  Why did you have to spoil it?  Why can't any of you
ever be satisfied with the way things are"  Without waiting for answer she 
vanished leaving the desolate Kodachi stuttering denials to the empty space.
     Alan slipped away, his mission accomplished.  He felt a certain relief
having had an unacknowledged fear that Sylvite might return his sister's
feelings.  Silly of him to be worried, he knew Sylvite's heart better than
that.  Sylvite was upset but in the long run she would be better for knowing 
the truth and his sister better for not suffering a hopeless passion.  He was
in many ways a benefactor to both girls.  However he suspected his sister 
might not see it that way so a strategic withdrawal was in order.  In fact 
from the way he heard his sister starting to bellow and crash through the 
underbrush he was certain leaving was a wise idea.  It seemed his sister's
heartbreak had not manifested itself in the soul rending depression he had
half expected.
     Meanwhile Kodachi's mood had swung from misery to the other end of the
scale.  She was furiously stalking through the park barely noticing her
surroundings as she angrily replayed the scene.  She wasn't really hunting for  
Alan anymore, most of her attention was on how she had been wronged.  She 
didn't even notice the brightening glow around herself or that people were
getting out of her way.
     How dare Alan read her journal!  Even if he'd been right that was no 
grounds for violating her privacy!  Besides what difference did being right 
make?  It wasn't as if she'd done anything wrong!  Sylvite had no reason to 
blow up like that.  Why should she apologise for how she felt?  It wasn't as
if she'd planned this.  She hadn't suddenly got up one morning and decided to   
fall in love with Sylvite.  It had just happened.  If anyone was to blame here  
it was Sylvite.  Leading her on by saying she doesn't like boys but freaks 
out when she finds out a girl likes her.  If she couldn't handle that then why
didn't she go get herself a boyfriend and stop whining all the time?  That
stiff necked bitch, how dare she judge her!  
     This started her thinking about Sylvite again and the feelings she had
been covering with anger erupted.  If anything this got her angrier as it
became harder to keep raging with a broken heart.  A new thought intruded, 
maybe Sylvite was playing hard to get.  Maybe she should have followed her?  
But how do you follow a teleporter?  Okay maybe Syl just needed a little time 
to come to terms with her declaration of love.  After all it had been sudden 
and she did hate boys ... except Luke.
     Remembering him started depression seeping in again.  Kodachi rallied by
visualizing her brother.  The anger came back and she wished he was nearby.
Pounding on him would make her feel a lot better.  She started glaring at her
surroundings but there was no sign of Tuxedo Moron.  Not surprising.  Even if 
Alan had felt like gloating he had better sense than to stick around when she 
was in this bad a mood.  In fact she was radiating hostility and energy so 
openly that all the parkgoers in the vicinity had decided a change of scenery 
was in order.
     Alone and without a target for her rage Kodachi began muttering the 
worst curses she knew ... which were pretty mild by the standards of any other
city but that's another side effect of growing up in a near utopia.  She was 
also becoming uncomfortably aware that she needed to release the power she
had generated soon or she might have an involuntary discharge.  She could 
just blast straight up but there was no saying what was overhead.  Taking out
a plane would be very bad for her image.  Blasting the ground would be a lot 
less risky but who knew what was kind of infrastructure was threaded beneath 
her feet?  With increasing desperation she began searching for something that 
wouldn't be missed.  Nothing but trees (which could fall any which way when 
severed) and park benches in sight.  This wasn't good!  Then a stroke of luck 
as her eyes felt upon a small cluster of boulders arranged in a grouping 
judged aesthetically pleasing to visitors by suggesting a harmony with nature.  
Perfect targets.  They'd absorb the blast, no one was around to get hit by 
shrapnel and she'd feel better for having destroyed something.  Even if they 
were only rocks.  Visualising her brother's face she raised her hand and 
pointed.
     "I wouldn't."
     Guiltily Kodachi snatched her hand back and tried to look innocent as she
turned to face the intruder.  Then developed a large sweatdrop as she 
recognised her. 
     "Aunt Rei!"  She noticed the uniform and narrowed eyes, "That is, Sailor
Mars.  Uhm ... hi ... I was just uhm ..."  She noticed Rei's lips move but 
didn't hear a sound.  Rei abruptly beckoned her forward and Kodachi 
automatically stepped out from under the trees.  
      "Hold it.  Fine, now point straight up ... I said ... Good!"  Again her
lips moved a little without any sound and Kodachi realized she was using an  
unseen and unheard communicator by subvocalising.  "NOW!"   Startled Kodachi
blasted an energybeam into the evening sky then stood their goggling at how
powerful it had been.  "Alright, you can relax now."  Kodachi blinked then
the words penetrated and she lowered her hands.  Rei gestured towards a
bench and Kodachi sat down watching her carefully.  A moment later Rei joined
her.  Looking a lot more at ease Crystal Tokyo's Internal Security Director
casually asked, "So what's got you so worked up?"
     Not wanting to answer and a little puzzled at the coincidence of their
meeting Kodachi tried her own question.  "What makes you think I'm worked up?" 
Rei snorted.
     "The manaboard lights up and you think we're not going to notice?"
     "Huh?"
     "Your father's never mentioned it?"  She smile at the headshake.  "I 
imagine he's got his reasons.  Well it's not common knowledge but not really a 
secret that these days we track all the powered folk in CT.  Since the war 
we've been upgrading security.  It's primarily to spot paranormal intruders 
but it also IDs and tags friendlies as well.  In case we need to track down   
anyone in a hurry.  Normally it's a passive system, friendlies don't display
unless it's requested to find them.  Except that we have a few specially
marked." 
     Kodachi felt a certain sinking feeling, "Specially marked?  Who ...?"
     "Ainos have been causing me headaches for centuries.  Especially in their
teens."  Rei shook her head.  "I remember the number of times I blew up when
I was your age.  Luckily back then I had to consciously invoke the change so
I'd blow my stack as Hino Rei not Sailor Mars.  Which was bad enough for
causing trouble.  Now if I'd had innate powers from birth like you and your
siblings ..."
      "You track the bratpack?!"
      "Yes and No.  The board tracks you same as everyone else but again it 
doesn't display.  Unless you breach the parameters by radiating high energy 
levels.  See we've found it's in the teens we have to keep an eye on you.
Powers frequently manifest with puberty which is far from the best time but
that's biology for you.  So until they hit 21 the board watches paranormals
for high power levels.  For example I can plot every route you've taken to
school in the morning (Kodachi blushed), Sylvite's morning workouts and so
on.  As those are routine we've reprogrammed the system not to notify us 
though it still tracks you.  But when it's not routine we check where you 
are and what you're up to.  Since you were outside the Palace "holodeck"
in a public park and radiating enough power to cause real damage I came to see 
what you were playing at.  I may not be able to teleport under my own power
but there's nothing to prevent me doing it artificially.  First order of 
business was taking care of the charge you were carrying so I checked it was 
clear overhead and had you ditch the power.  All of which brings us up to now 
and I'm well aware you haven't answered my question yet."
     Kodachi mumbled, "It's kind of personal ..."
     "Uh huh.  Look believe it or not I'm not one to pry into people's lives
without cause.  However when their personal problems endanger others ..."
     "That won't happen again.  I swear.  I was just ... I've never done 
anything like this before, right.  I promise it's a one time thing!"  Kodachi  
flinched as Rei locked eyes with her terrified that cool gaze was judging her
and finding her wanted.  Then suddenly she realized Rei wasn't studying her 
anymore, instead the fire senshi was leaning back against the bench looking
satisfied.  
     "I'll be holding you too that."  Kodachi began babbling a thank you but 
cut off as Rei turned back to her.  She still wore her fuku but she looked
different.  She was Aunt Rei again not Sailor Mars.
     In a warmer voice she asked, "Do you want to talk about it?  My 
speciality is spiritual matters but I've you'd be surprised what I've been 
through in the past 1000 years." 
     Kodachi was about to refuse but hesitated.  She did want to talk to
someone but ...  "I ... that is .... thanks for the offer but ..."
     "But you don't know me well enough to lay whatever it is on me?"  At her
nod Rei shrugged.  "As you wish but I'd advise you to talk to someone.  A 
close friend might ..."
      "I just alienated my best friend!"  Rei blinked at the terse tone.
      "Got anyone else?"  Kodachi thought about it.  Sylvite was ... or at
least had been her closest friend.  As for other names that came to mind,
Mara was too mercenary, Luke a potential rival and she wasn't close enough to 
Leia.  Everyone else was more of an acquaintance.
     "Not for this."
     "I see.  How about a relative.  One thing Ainos don't lack is brothers 
and sisters."
     "That's sort of true ..."
     "I sense a 'but' coming."
     "But it's kind of hard to relate to people centuries older as brothers
and sisters.  I mean after Alan the next youngest is Aunt ... sister Ruby
and she's got a century on him.  So I sort of think of them more like aunts
and uncles."  She thought about Daisuke then rejected it.  She didn't really
know her older brother, besides one similarity didn't make really make him an
ideal candidate.
     "You've still got Alan though from that glare you're not to happy with
him right now."
     "That's an understatement."  The anger vanished and the girl snapped
back into her funk.  Rei sighed.
     "Kodachi, this is Crystal Tokyo.  Nobody's alone unless they really want
to be.  Now if you want someone to talk to I know several people who'll listen
without passing judgement ..."
     "I don't know I'd be comfortable talking to a stranger ... There's always
Mom I guess but I don't know ..."
     "Why not Minako?"
     "It's just ... Mom's always said I can talk to her about anything but I 
kinda feel this might be pushing the limits."
     "How about Calcite?"
     "Dad?"
     "Why not?  He's pretty unshockable and loves you as much as your mother
does so whatever's wrong he can handle it.  Probably Mina can too, after all
she's had no shortage of daughters to deal with."  To herself she added, the
only time I saw Minako lose it with one of her kids was over Daisuke and that
didn't last.  That made her speculate but kept it to herself.  Leave the
rumour mongering to Margrave, she dealt in facts.  Besides even if she was 
right, so what?  Should it really matter to anyone except Kodachi?  Speaking
of whom the girl looked thoughtful.
     "I guess maybe Dad would listen ... you really think he's unshockable?"
     "Well except when Minako puts on that nurse costume, yeah."
     "Huh?"
     "Long story.  Seriously have a word with him.  He's probably seen it all  
before."
     "I guess."  Kodachi rose and bowed, "Sorry to drag you out here."
     "Forget it, first alert we've had in weeks.  A good test that my people
are still on their toes."
     Kodachi bid her a farewell and headed towards the nearest transit 
station.  Rei considered offering her a quick lift back to the palace but 
decided the girl looked like she wanted the time to think over what she was
going to say.  Besides since she never travelled with Sylvite to school, 
preferring to barell through everything between her and it, she might be 
phobic about teleportation.  Speaking of which ...
     Rei summoned the remote from subspace and clicked the return switch.  An
instant later she was back in the situation room which was all quiet 
again.  The board was dark and she considered ordering it to actively track
Kodachi.  Then shook her head.  No longer her business and office cartoons 
aside Big Sister was not watching you.  She wasn't a voyeur, just a 
peacekeeper and all was quiet.  Which, complain as she might about things 
being dull, was the way she liked it.

End of part 4

Next - Sylvite finds out a few things about her mother that rather surprise
       her when she goes looking for sympathy in

Part 5 : Motherly Advice



On to Part 5

Back to Part 3