Title: His Love By The Phoenix - Chapter 1 Author: Viper Inferno E-mail: viperdvman@hotmail.com Genre: Action Romance Rated: PG-13 Howdy Sailor Moon Fans. Welcome once again to the World of Y2V. I'm back from a nice little absence from fanfic writing, and back with a new fanfic featuring our original hero, Hino Kyodai, and our favorite little bookworm, Mizuno Ami. The genre says "Action Romance", and that's what I felt was the most appropriate genre for this story. This is only the first chapter of a story that'll only get better and better, and more complex as the story goes along. If you ain't much for waffy stuff, bear with it. I promise it won't stay that way. Oh, and a little heads up, this is the second story in the "Psychic Inferno Anthology", so that'll tell y'all it ain't all waffy romance, y'all can bet what's coming. Here's the Y2V... ...Disclaimer: As usual, Sailor Moon and most of the characters ain't mine, but to Naoko Takeuchi. And God bless that woman for creating such great entertainment for all of us with a lot of free time on our hands to enjoy. The English dub belongs to DiC Entertainment and Cloverway, and all I thank them for is bringing' it to America, nothin' more. But Russell Hino/Hino Kyodai, Tuxedo Inferno, Titanius, and Deanna Kokorono/ Kokorono Meijin are MINE (in a growling voice). So, please don't sue me. I'm just a lonely man who ain't got anythang but his pride. Well, y'all enjoy this fanfic and e-mail me. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- His Love By The Phoenix By Viper Inferno Chapter 1: A Lonesome Man, A Lonesome Girl Park... Spring, the blooming season. A time where all of God's creatures, plant and animal, returned to the open world from their winter's sleep. A time of awakening, a time of birth, and a time of new beginnings. A time when Mother Earth renewed her beauty after a year of trial. It's beauty, rivaled only by the glamorous display of color the autumnal season brings about, was sure to bring about the spirit of love from both man and beast. Spring has been seen as the most romantic of the seasons, when an age old display of romance in the hands of a tender man would blossom for a dashing young woman's eyes to gaze upon in awe. Spring was also the time for new beginnings for all the other things in life. For Hino Kyodai and Yoruno Obake, spring was the beginning of spring training, preparing their minds, hearts, and bodies for the trials the autumnal season would bring them. It was in the autumnal season where they, along with a small army of other men, pitted themselves in a battle of speed, strength, and wits against another army of men. Soccer was a sport both Kyodai and Obake enjoyed, a sport they both poured their hearts into. Though Kyodai spent much of his energy in academics, his dream to win the World Cup for Japan and even participate in the Olympic Games was what kept him motivated in soccer, what motivated him to rise above and beyond the challenge his competitors brought on. And Obake, though he too was good at soccer and concentrated much on it, he took Physics classes on the road to achieving his dream, going into outer space as an astronaut. Their dreams were opposite, but that only kept them close as not only soccer buddies, but also as friends. And as friends, they often trained together in their times off from school and soccer practice. It was their biggest way of bonding. It was at the park on the lakeside trail where they trained for the day, jogging the lake's perimeter. During their jog, they not only kept themselves conditioned for all the running they would be doing for 90 minutes a game during the fall, but they also used the jog to clear their minds and discuss the many, and the few, events of their lives. "So you're now dating another one of your sister's friends," said Obake, commenting on Kyodai and Ami being together, "Must be your sister's taste in friends." "Well, one was just a girl striving for attention," Kyodai explained, referring to Minako, "and the other became more to me than just a girl to date." "So when did you finally come out of that shell and start dating anything on two legs?" Obake sarcastically asked, holding back a slight chuckle. "Funny, very funny," Kyodai commented, "You know, I still don't date girls much at all." "But you have that Mizuno girl now," said Obake. "True, but I don't date her as often as I want to," said Kyodai. "Oh? What is it? She studies too much? She always hangs with her friends too much?" Obake asked. "Something like that," Kyodai answered as both men continued their jog, "It's like we're both too busy to even think about being together. I study and practice for soccer, while Ami studies and keeps up with her chess club." "Hey Kyodai-kun, don't worry about it too much. I myself don't have much of a love life. Guys like us just don't have much time in the world for it," Obake explained. "Yeah, maybe you're right," said Kyodai, "But it would be nice if I could just spend one whole day with her. That'd be good enough for me, just one whole day." "So would I, Kyodai-kun, just one whole day with a girl," Obake agreed. Both men continued their jog down the trail, keeping their blood pumping, the blood that not only gave them their energy but also cleansed their minds and cleared their thoughts as they concentrated on the run itself. Though the thoughts about girls remained on their minds, their run kept them focused on the coming soccer season and kept their opposite dreams as something to look forward to. Hikawa Jinja... With Kyodai away with his spring conditioning, Yuuichirou away with Grandpa undergoing some off-the-wall torture as part of his training, and Romano and Gabianni out just to escape the imprisonment indoors can seem like, the temple was a quiet place. The fire in the worship room shed its light silently, the crows outside spoke amongst themselves with an occasional caw, and the wind chime outside jingled lightly with the gentle breeze. The mild sounds of a normal day brought on a subtler ambiance, perfect for a group study. So with the others gone, Rei had decided to call her friends and have them come over for a little study session. Upcoming exams for most of them made for the perfect excuse for the 5 to come together, even if it was merely for studying. Studies also gave Mizuno Ami the perfect excuse to visit Rei and the others. Sure she usually spent most of her time in the books, but even Ami sometimes felt lonely at her house. With her mother almost constantly on call at the hospital, often sleeping over there rather than at home, the empty house usually made for an easy place to study. But even Ami was loved studying with others, especially if those others were her closest friends. Today, the group was studying multiple subjects since they had tests in Math, Japanese, and Science, 3 subjects in which Ami was very skilled at. Ami didn't really need the studies, being a few chapters ahead of her class in all 3 of the subjects in question, but it made her feel good inside for her to be there and help her friends when they needed it. "C'mon Mako-chan. It can't be that bad," said Rei, commenting on Makoto's apparent dislike toward and struggle with Science, "At least it's just Science you're having problems in. It doesn't mean you're going to end up like Usagi and fail all your tests." "Hey, I resent that," Usagi immediately scolded, "At least I'm here trying to get some studies in." "All you ever do while we're studying is fly off to dream land and think about Mamoru," said Rei. "Umm... Rei-chan? We're trying to keep ourselves from failing here. Please leave Usagi alone and lets study," said Makoto. "And I could use a little help in Math," Minako added, "Isn't that right, Ami-chan?" Ami had immediately tuned herself out right when Usagi and Rei had started trading insults. Bit it was Rei mentioning Usagi's love for Mamoru that had sent Ami herself on dream street as thoughts about her own love, Hino Kyodai, began to dominate her mind. She thought about the moment that had first brought her and Kyodai together in the first place. It was funny to think that it was a study session, much like this one only it was just him and Ami, that had brought them together. And now she thought about him during this study session, something Ami thought she'd never catch herself doing, especially in front of the others. 'Usagi, so carefree with her love for Mamoru. And with her attitude, her desires, her romantic dreams, she'll be able to spend much of her energy on love,' Ami thought to herself, 'But me... sure I have Kyodai, sure I found my love, but both he and I worry more about our studies and our separate dreams than romance. My career as a pediatrician is important to me, but sometimes... I'd rather be studying with Kyodai. It'd be something he and I can do together, reaching for our separate dreams. Better yet, I want to spend more time with him... in something other than academics, something romantic. One day... just one day with Kyodai is all I want. Just one day.' "Ami-chan?" Ami's train of thought broke as Makoto addressed her. "Umm... yes Mako-chan?" Ami replied immediately after breaking from her trance. "I was asking about the Earth Sciences," said Makoto, while at the same time wondering what had entranced Ami, what had distracted her, "Are you okay, Ami-chan?" "Yes, just pondering... that's all," Ami meekly replied. "Usagi and I need help with Chapter 14 on the Atmosphere and Chapter 15 on Weather," said Makoto as she showed Ami the textbook. "Oh, the Earth's Atmosphere will be easy for you by the end of the day," said Ami with confidence, "Give me a half-hour and you'll ace that exam with no problems." That little bit of enthusiasm always gave her a little pride. Bit it made her feel even better inside to be helping her friends to excel in their academics. That was Ami's strength. Not only was her academic strength contagious, though it seems slow to infect Usagi, but she made her friends feel loved and cheerful just by her being in their company. She only wished she had Kyodai's company to fill her with joy and make her feel less lonesome. Later that afternoon... The residential streets between the temple and Ami's house were rather tranquil for a Friday afternoon. Few children played in their front yards, few cars passed them by on the streets, and even the dogs in the yards were scarce. In their minds, Ami and Usagi guessed it was probably an upcoming ice hockey game. Or maybe it was a concert that Usagi never heard was coming, which Ami rarely ever cared about. "Or maybe it's just the weather," Ami thought out loud, commenting on the unusual hot weather for being early spring. "Maybe everyone's at the park enjoying the nice weather," Usagi added. "Or perhaps," Ami paused for a moment as a thought struck her mind, "Everyone's going to the water park to be with their sweethearts." "The water park?" Usagi asked, wondering why a bookworm like Ami would bring up recreation for romantic purposes, something Ami liked to keep to herself about. "Of course, what better place to spend a hot day like this?" said Ami, with her usual cute smile. Usagi remained silent as she walked the neighborhood with Ami, deep in thought. Ami usually never minded the silence, but Usagi was the type of person who was often bothered by it. But this time, it was something on Usagi's mind that drew her into silence in the first place. "Ami-chan?" said Usagi, breaking the silence. "Yes?" Ami replied. "Today's study session..." Usagi began to say before pausing. "Yes, what about it?" Ami asked. "Well, I was a good girl and actually paid attention to everyone when I wasn't busy trading insults with Rei," said Usagi. "That's great, Usagi-chan." Ami complimented with a slight grin, "Our study group does you a lot of good when you let it." "Yes, it was a good day for me," Usagi said, remembering what had drawn her into that silence in the first place, "But you seemed to be having a bad study day. That's unusual for a girl who studies like it's nothing." That immediately got Ami's attention as her eyebrows perked up, 'I knew Makoto wasn't the only one who noticed.' "What do you mean?" Ami evasively asked, "I did help you and Makoto out, didn't I?" "Yes, but before that, after Rei and I finished our little bicker session, I noticed you were in some kind of a trance, like something was really on your mind," Usagi explained. "Oh, I was just... pondering," said Ami, holding back the truth from even Usagi, someone she was really close to, "...that's all." Ami tried not to blush, hang her head, or even look like she was the least bit bashful. But Usagi sees everything in people, for she saw right through it by the look in Ami's baby blue eye. "Ami-chan, you never let things distract you from studying," she said, right before her more cheerful personality kicked in, "C'mon Ami- chan. You can tell your ol' friend, Usagi." That big, beautiful sunshine smile had defeated Ami's denial. Ami closed her eyes for a moment, thinking about how to ay it. But no version of the truth would keep Ami from falling victim to Usagi teasing her about it. Simply put, Ami was not very well known for thinking about guys, especially during studies Ami only hung her head and sighed before letting out her explanation. "Well... something was on my mind. And..." Ami paused for a moment, with her mind literally flying, "...actually it was... I was kind of thinking about... Kyodai." Ami immediate gasped, hand over her mouth in a modest way, expecting Usagi's response. Ami's anticipation didn't fail her as Usagi immediately drew a shady grin, "Oooh, Ami-chan thinking about guys." Ami only glanced down at her walking feet, blushing like nothing else. 'I knew she'd say something about it,' she thought to herself. "Ami-chan, you do thing about romance," Usagi commented with a flamboyant burst of joy, "I knew you weren't just a pure bookworm. I've noticed that about you since you and Kyodai started dating." "You notice everything about people," said Ami. Usagi's teasing stopped as she changed to a more serious, heart- to-heart attitude, "So, what about Kyodai?" Ami pulled herself together after enduring Usagi's friendly teasing. 'Okay now, it's only Usagi after all. Not like everyone's hearing this,' she thought to herself. "Come on, Ami-chan. I was only kidding you know," Usagi begged. "Well, I thought about Kyodai, about how he's Prince Ramón, my lover from the Silver Millennium, like Mamoru is your Prince Endymion," said Ami. "Yeah," Usagi sighed, looking down at the sidewalk in front of her, "I haven't even gotten the chance to date Mamoru yet. I just wish he gets his memory back, remembers his love for me." "I do love Kyodai. It's odd really, I like a guy who's just as shy, if not more so, on romance as I am. Sure destiny from 1000 years ago has brought us together, but it doesn't always seem like I've found my prince," Ami explained. That last sentence grabbed Usagi's attention like a slap in the face, "No way! Are you saying you don't love Kyodai like you want to? Don't tell me you were thinking about leaving him." Ami vigorously shook her head, "No, no, it's not like that at all. I'm far from wanting to leave him. Kyodai and I do spend time together. We both study together sometimes, visit each other on occasion, talk about our futures, his World Cup winner, and mine as a pediatrician. But that's about all we do. He studies a lot and practices his soccer game. And you know me, always the bookworm." "But you want more," Usagi added. Ami nodded in response. "We've only been on one date, even though we've had a few romantic moments. I just want to be with him more, without worries about our studies and achieving our separate dreams. I want it to be just us... together... for just one day," she explained, with a slightly sadder expression. "Well, Ami-chan, I just might have the answer for you," said Usagi, zealously showing her enthusiasm, "You really need to get away from those damned books for a day anyway. I can't even study for a whole day, so it won't be much for you." "But what if Kyodai's busy that one day?" Ami asked. "Oh don't worry about Kyodai now," said Usagi, very determined with her imminent scheme, "Trust me, I'll get you two together." "But how?" Ami questioned, skeptical. Usagi just struck her superhero pose, "Just call me 'Usagi the Matchmaker'. I'll talk to Kyodai and make him go out with you." "You would really do that, go through the trouble, for a bookworm like me?" said Ami. Usagi only laughed with joy, "Of course. You're my friend, and I want to see you happy. I'll get you two together on a big date. Just watch me." With that last comment, Usagi turned around and made her way back toward the temple, "Bye, Ami-chan." Ami turned and waved back before making her way back home. 'That would be great...' Ami thought to herself, '...one day with Kyodai. I really hope Usagi can help make it happen.' Ami smiled to herself, with that thought on her mind, the whole way home. Just one day, it's always just what it takes to make a person happy. Hikawa Jinja... Usagi arrived at the steps of the Hikawa Jinja, and a lot quicker than she had left there too. She was playing matchmaker. It was her job to get Ami and Kyodai together on just one date. She had remembered the conversation she had with Kyodai a few weeks ago, about the same thing she and Ami were just talking about. Both felt they weren't seeing each other as much as they wanted to, and both wanted to truly show their love for one another, but they both worried more about their studies than anything. They had mutual feelings, mutual desires, even mutual worries, and it was up to Usagi to bring them together on this date. Rei was at the front porch of the temple setting up a few plants and temple décor for an upcoming Shinto gathering. Then she caught Usagi approaching with the corner of her eye. "Hi there, Usagi," she greeted with a big wave. "Hi Rei-chan. Is Kyodai back home yet?" Usagi immediately asked, as if Rei was merely the temple's butler. Rei only hung her head in response, hanging sweatdrop, sigh, and all, "Yes, Odango. He's in his room." Not a moment too soon, Usagi was inside, leaving Rei disappointed. "Now how do you like that?" Rei commented to herself as she continued on her decorating, "Usagi usually comes over to study, chat with you, or bitch to you. But no, she comes to see your brother. For what reason, God only knows." Meanwhile, Usagi had slowly made her way down the hall of bedrooms, her socks making it an even quieter approach. Finding Kyodai's room, she paused for a moment. 'Alright Usagi, their feelings are mutual. It's time to get the ball rolling,' she thought to herself. But just as she was about to knock on the door, it slid open right in front of her. There in the doorway stood Kyodai, still in his jogging clothes and with sweat-soaked hair and a towel over his shoulders. "Umm... hello, Kyodai-san," she meekly greeted. She merely stood there, still startled from the sudden opening of the door. "Hi, Usagi-san. What are you doing still here? Aren't studies over?" Kyodai asked, surprised himself not only to see one of the girls still here, but the fact she was standing right there when he opened his door. Yet, he was relieved as well, 'God, am I glad I wasn't in my skivvies on my way to the shower... or worse yet, butt-naked.' "Actually, I came here to talk to you," Usagi replied after quickly recovering from her shock, "if you're too busy." "Not at all, come in. Make yourself comfortable," Kyodai offered, wondering what was on Usagi's mind. His shower can wait until after she spoke her mind. Sure it wasn't that often that Usagi would come to him for anything, whether it was about Mamoru, Rei, or Ami, but he was there for her and open to anything she had to say. It must've been one of those good friendship qualities he shared with his sister that made it easy for him to be so open to her, and Usagi so trusting of him. "So, what's on your mind?" Kyodai asked after he had pulled up a chair from his desk. Usagi took a seat on the foot of Kyodai's nicely made bed, knees together and hands rested neatly on her lap. "Do you remember when I asked you what it was like dating Ami?" Usagi asked. Immediately, the thoughts of his loneliness and his desire to spend just one day with Ami returned to him. It was a thought that even a 90-minute run with Obake couldn't clear. It had returned to him with a vengeance. Kyodai paused for a moment as that thought brought with it what Usagi had asked about. "Yes, I remember saying that with our constant studies, academics, my sports, and dealing with Meijin gave me little time to spend with her," Kyodai explained, "She's my girlfriend, but as little as we go out together, even see each other, it doesn't seem much like we're in love." "You must really be lonely, studying all the time, practicing soccer, being a superhero..." said Usagi. "Yeah, I guess so," Kyodai agreed. "Then why don't you spend a little more time with her?" Usagi asked, "If Mamoru remembers his love for me, I would be spending as much time as I could with him on dates, or just with him." "But I', not you, Usagi-san," Kyodai replied back, "You're a person full of life and love, and live with the desire to share it with that special someone. I, however, spend much of my time and energy on academics and athletics. Don't get me wrong now, I like girls and want to be with one just as much as you want to be with a guy. I just spend all my energy elsewhere, wanting to live my dream as a World Cup and Olympic athlete. I have to be the best, you know. Not like you, you don't have to worry so much about academics, except when you fail an exam." Sweatdrops immediately hung from Usagi's head, "You and Rei really are kin to each other. What's next, my hair? Me being late to everything?" "Sorry, couldn't help myself," Kyodai chuckled. "But don't you have the same desire to share your world with Ami?" Usagi asked after giving up on the insult, remembering why she was visiting him. Kyodai found it more difficult to fight it, even a little friendly insult that his sister tended to give her couldn't keep it all hidden. Usagi was going to keep going until she had gotten him to tell her what was really on his mind. 'Damn, she's persistent. Rei was right about her, won't stop until she hears the truth. She can't be a very good friend otherwise," he thought to himself. "I just want to spend more time with Ami. I want to have a day with just her and me, that's all," he said, pausing for a moment. "You want 'just one day' with her, don't you?" Usagi finished with a little more of a mellow tone. 'She took the words right out of my mouth. What did she do, read my mind?/ Kyodai thought to himself, 'Just one day with Ami. But how?' "You're right, Usagi-san. But how and where do I find one day for her. I have my studies for Particle Physics and Advanced Calculus over the next few days, plus my conditioning runs," Kyodai explained. That last comment not only frustrated Usagi over his constant studies, a quality he clearly shared with Ami, but it lit the light bulb in her mind, as the answer struck her brain like savage lightning. That threw her into a more light-hearted mood. "Well then, Usagi has your answer. If you're anything like Ami, you're ahead of the rest of your class. Now isn't that right?" "Well, yes... sorta... yes," Kyodai hesitated to reply. "And you just ran today. Makoto told me you should take a day's rest between runs and let your body recover from it," Usagi added. "Yeah, I guess you're right," Kyodai more willingly agreed, "And you actually remembered something like that too." Usagi held the frustration back. "Actually, I think Makoto only said it so I would stop running to places so much," she said, laughing it all off. "No, no, you were right. I am trying so hard that I lose sight of everything else, and I spend a lot of time doing it. When I do have days when I don't have to worry about it all, Ami is the one studying and everything. The same is also true with Ami's times off," Kyodai explained. "Well, she's with us too on her days off a lot," said Usagi, "But a day off from athletics and academics? You can take one now. You need it. Why don't you spend it with Ami? Call her and ask her out." "But what if she's busy studying or doing something else and such?" Kyodai argued, "I won't want to drag her away from it." "Don't worry about Ami, alright? Just call her and ask her out on a date. Trust me, I don't think she's busy tomorrow. I'm sure she'll say 'yes'," said Usagi, remembering her recent conversation with Ami. "You really think so?" Kyodai wondered. Usagi nodded in response. "Okay, Usagi-san. You've convinced me," Kyodai said as he stood up from his chair, "I'll go ahead and call her right now." 'Yes, perfect,' Usagi thought to herself as she had struck the bull's-eye. She then stood from Kyodai's bed, "I'll go ahead and go so you can call her. Besides, I need to be home anyway, or Mother will worry." "Thank you, Usagi-san. You do give out good advice on romance," Kyodai complimented. Usagi blushed at his romance expert crack, "Yeah. I just hope it works on Mamoru." "It will," Kyodai reassured. Both made their way out Kyodai's door, oblivious of what was outside as Usagi walked right into Grandpa as he was walking down the hall, coming from his own room. "Oh, I'm sorry," Usagi apologized. "Oh, it's alright," Grandpa responded before he realized who it was, and realized he was glancing right up the skirt of her school uniform, white lace slip, white hearts panties and all. He immediately jumped up before Usagi had a chance to catch him looking up her skirt, then he realized whom she was with, "Hey, Kyodai has a girl over. Kyodai, I knew you could do it. I knew you'd bring some girls over." He then turned back to Usagi, with that lovely up-skirt shot he had gotten a short glance at in his mind, "So tell me, now that Kyodai's brought you over, how about you and me... spend a little time together, eh?" Just as Grandpa took one step closer, Usagi gave him a good slap in the face, "Back off, you pervert." "Grandpa, leave her alone," Kyodai scolded, "Besides, she's one of Rei's friends." He then turned to Usagi, "I'm so sorry, Usagi-san." "Oh no, it's fine. He does it to the others and me all the time. Not the first time he's gotten a glance up my skirt," Usagi explained, "You better go call Ami. I'll see you later. Bye, Kyodai-san." Usagi rounded the corner and disappeared from the temple. Grandpa then turned back to his grandson after he had finished ogling at Usagi. "So she's Rei's friend and not yours, huh? You cheated. Bringing Rei's friends over doesn't count," Grandpa sarcastically commented. "Hey, I'm spoken for, you know," said Kyodai. "Well, I don't see you bringing her over," Grandpa poked as he continued down the hall, "Call me when you bring her here, will 'ya?" "Grandpa, you really haven't changed, have 'ya?" said Kyodai, sweatdrop hanging, "Just as perverted as ever." "Hey now, don't tell me you haven't fantasized about seeing under the skirts of girls yourself," Grandpa again poked, laughing as he made his way into the living room. Kyodai still stood there in disgust with his head hung, hanging sweatdrop and all. He then let out a sigh as he shook the feeling off, "Well, I might as well trust Usagi and give it a try." So Kyodai walked down the hall and into the living room where the phone was. Memorizing Ami's number, he dialed it in and waited, hoping she was home to answer. "Please let her be home," he said to himself. The phone clicked, signaling the answer he had hoped for. Now the question was, was this Ami or her mother. Was Ami even home? This was another thing Kyodai wondered about as it all flew in his head at lightning speed, all before the person on the other side of the line even spoke. "Hello?" Ami's voice sounded, answering all questions and defeating all worries he had in his head. Ami was definitely home, and then came the tricky part for Kyodai. "Ami-chan, it's Kyodai," said Kyodai. "Oh hi, Kyodai-chan. Did you just come back from your run?" Ami asked. "Yeah, not too long ago," Kyodai replied, "Actually, I called to see if you were busy tomorrow." "Um, I really don't know," Ami replied, "Why do you ask?" 'This is it, Kyodai,' he encouraged himself in his head. "Well... I was wondering..." Kyodai paused for a moment, wondering how to ask her. Kyodai was never any good at asking a girl out on a date. He usually had girls asking him out when he was in high school. This was new to him. 'What the hell are you waiting for? Just say it, dammit,' he thought to himself. "Wondering about what?" Ami asked. "I was wondering if you would like to spend the day with me," said Kyodai, "Just you and me, no books, just us on a huge date." 'Way to go, Kyodai, I couldn't have done it better myself,' he praised in his mind, 'God, I hope this works.' "You mean a whole day? Not just the dinner date we had a couple weeks ago?" Ami asked with a little bit of enthusiasm, obviously holding back on it a little. She couldn't let Kyodai know she knew about Usagi's matchmaker plan, you know. "Sure, the whole day," Kyodai answered. "Then yes, I'd be glad to," said Ami, "I'm way ahead in my studies anyway. I could use a day off from it. Tomorrow sounds fine with me." "Excellent! Then I'll see you tomorrow," said Kyodai, "I love you Ami-chan." "And I love you too, my prince," Ami said before Kyodai hung up the phone. He then leaned back against the wall with a smile on his face, "Usagi-san, you're a real miracle worker." He then left the living room and went into the shower, as he had intended to do in the first place before Usagi came to visit, and freshen up after his run, with thoughts of his big date on his mind. Later... All freshened up, and dressed casually with a white polo shirt and khaki slacks, Kyodai was ready for a relaxing walk out to town. This walk for him was going to be one of a mood setter, and of an escape. For this night and all of tomorrow, he would escape the chains his studies and sports practices had him bound in. He was to enjoy the rest of this day out in the warmer-than-usual springtime weather, with only tomorrow's big date and his beloved Ami dominating his mind. The sound of Kyodai's car keys prompted Yuuichirou to emerge from his bedroom. "Kyodai-kun, is that you?" he said before entering the living room. "Of course it's me," Kyodai replied, "I didn't see Gabianni's car when I returned." "Where are you going?" Yuuichirou asked, wondering why he'd go out again after a hard run rather than rest it off. "Out for a nice walk," Kyodai replied, "Get myself in a better mood. 'Ya know, enjoy the spring weather." "You look like you're in a good enough mood already," Yuuichirou commented, "Why would you want to be in a better mood?" "Oh, let's just say it has to do with a certain Mizuno Ami," Kyodai subtly answered. "Oh I see, you got a date with her," said Yuuichirou, reading between the lines, "It's about time you go out with her on one." "About time is right," Kyodai agreed. "And here I am working my ass off just because Grandpa knows I like your sister," Yuuichirou commented. "Nah, you're just his favorite pupil. That's all," said Kyodai. "So, you celebrate your upcoming date with a walk, eh?" said Yuuichirou, getting back to the subject. "Of course," Kyodai replied, "What better way to get in the mood for romance than a nice, relaxing walk." "Well, just be careful out there, man. You must've had one helluva run," said Yuuichirou as he headed back to his room. "I'll be fine, trust me," said Kyodai as he walked out the front door and by his sister. Later, in a residential block a short distance from the temple, Kyodai enjoyed the open air on this warmer-than-usual day. The open air gave him that relaxing and free feeling that driving his car would've made more difficult. The fresh scent of newly blossomed trees and flowers only further immersed him into romantic thought. Even the occasional passing by of cars didn't distract him from his thoughts of his date with Ami, one of those rare moments he would finally get to experience with her. '"Hello, Kyodai,"' a girl's voice said to him, seemingly from out of nowhere as he had rounded a corner. Quickly, he looked behind him, expecting someone he knew to be back there, greeting him. Maybe Ami had also taken a walk and they had crossed paths, or some other girl he knew was playing some mischievous trick on him. But all that was behind him was a child's tricycle sitting next to the sidewalk at the corner. '"It's been a while since we met like this,"' the girl's voice said again. Kyodai this time looked all about, looking for some girl he somehow knew. The voice wasn't that of Rei's, Ami's, or any of the other girls. It could've easily been that of a girl he knew in high school. Yet, he knew something about both the voice and the environment was familiar, something had told him so. But when he looked into the streets, the only thing familiar to him was one of the cars. It was red, a 4-door, and fairly sporty. Then, Kyodai's eyes widened when he saw Nissan Cefiro markings and a familiar license number on the back, knowing his sense of familiarity didn't fail him, "That's Meijin's car." "I see you've gotten to remember my car," that confirming voice said from behind him, this time sounding more real. He turned around only for that suspicion to be proven true as the well-dressed, purple- haired girl stood right there in the middle of the sidewalk. Her red and black coat, black mini-skirt, and black high-heeled boots came as no surprise to him either, as another sense of familiarity. "I tend to remember the little things," said Kyodai, "Besides, what are you doing around here anyway?" "I was only driving through when I saw you walking down the sidewalk," Meijin replied, "It's been a while since we even met outside of our classes." "So you decide to meet me now, huh?" said Kyodai, "That still doesn't tell me why we're standing here now, why you decided to stop when you saw me." "You do remember the last time we met like this outside of classes... don't you?" Meijin asked. "Actually, I remember quite well," Kyodai answered, "We were at the park, I challenged you to a duel, and I won." "You remember well, Kyodai. And you also remember that your victory was only the beginning of our meetings, our competition..." said Meijin before she deepened her tone, "...our battles." "So you stopped your car when you saw me just because you saw a perfect opportunity to go another round with me?" said Kyodai. "There is still much more to explore between us," said Meijin, "Strategies, strengths, weaknesses, powers, all things that are a part of us that we have yet to prove." Meijin paused a moment, deepening her tone again, "Kyodai, I challenge you to a battle." "I was in such a good mood until you showed up," said Kyodai as he took a fighting stance, "I accept your challenge." "I'll let you transform," said Meijin as she waited. Kyodai gladly took her fair play gesture and raised his left hand in the air. As the powers from his ring ignited his hand in an aura of fire, he grasped the air, instantly surrounding his whole body in flames. Moments later, the fire subsides, revealing the masked man in the maroon tuxedo. "I kindly accept your gesture with many thanks," said Kyodai, tipping his hat. "How gentlemanlike," said Meijin as her eyes glowed bright blue, "just like your friend Mamoru." With that, she threw both arms forward, sending a wave of telekinetic energy at her stylish opponent and sending him bowling over the child's tricycle. Tuxedo Inferno stood up from his collision almost effortlessly and kicked the tricycle into the yard at the corner. "That certainly wasn't very ladylike," he said before jumping into the air. He pulled his right arm across his body and charged his attack. "Inferno Blaze Wall!" he summoned on his way down as he waved his arm out, sending a wall of flames at Meijin. Meijin reacted quickly and crossed her arms in front of her face, also throwing her psychic aura up just in time to block the onslaught of fire. With his attack blocked, Meijin dropped her guard and immediately charged her counterattack, only to find Tuxedo Inferno not there. Right there and then, a burning force struck her from behind, knocking her on her face and sending her sliding. She rolled over on her back to see her opponent with his hands engulfed in flames. "Very impressive," she said as she casually made it to her feet. She realized what had just transpired. Tuxedo Inferno's wall of fire was merely a diversion since he knew she would've blocked it. That allowed him to land a blow with his burning hands from behind before she had a chance to fight back. It was a tactic that surely deserved Meijin's praise. "I see your skills haven't diminished in the last couple weeks," Meijin observed, "But let's see how you handle this." Immediately, she disappeared into thin air. 'I wonder what she's up to,' Tuxedo Inferno thought to himself as he took guard. But from out of nowhere, Meijin appeared right in front of him with eyes glowing. Before he could react, he found himself barreling down the sidewalk and slamming into a street sign, nearly toppling it. 'Damn,' he said in his mind as he made it to his feet. He had barely gotten his bearings when a light began to shine from behind him. He quickly turned, only to be met by a beam of psychic energy. As quickly as he had turned, he was sent on a ride back down the sidewalk the sidewalk, past the corner, and into a small coupe parked near the intersection. 'This is really starting to piss me off,' Tuxedo Inferno thought to himself as his anger helped him to quickly stand back up. He glanced past the same corner and down the sidewalk where the beam originated, expecting to see Meijin standing right there, only to find her gone yet again. He then began looking about the intersection, seeing only the parked cars and a lone pedestrian who looked nothing like his opponent. "Dammit Meijin, where the hell are you?" Tuxedo Inferno shouted in frustration. Luckily for him, that lone pedestrian was walking away from the battle, oblivious to the beating Meijin was giving him. '"Such language, Kyodai, is hardly gentlemanlike,"' Meijin said telepathically. No sooner than her words had echoed in Tuxedo Inferno's mind, he was thrown across the street by an invisible force. 'Persistent, isn't she,' he thought to himself, making it back to his feet yet again, 'I have to find a way to stop her.' He stood on guard, looking around the entire intersection and the surrounding areas. Meijin was nowhere to be seen, so he let his guard down and patiently waited for her. He figured that she had to reappear somewhere nearby to attack him. Then, a sense struck him like a hammer on a nail, screaming to him not only what to do next, but also where. On impulse, he swiftly turned around with his hands engulfed in flames, just in time to see Meijin teleport right where he was aiming. With a powerful thrust, his burning hands struck Meijin in the chest with an added explosive force, knocking her down that sidewalk and nearly connecting with her own car. Meijin, with the front of her coat covered in soot from the fiery blast, arose from her ride down the sidewalk and near collision. "I must praise you, Kyodai," she said as she began dusting herself off, "I see your faith in your ESP does you much credit." "You're not so bad yourself," Tuxedo Inferno replied, "You always manage to pull a rabbit out of your hat. Now, let's stop admiring each other and finish this." Meijin's eyes immediately glowed bright blue in response, "I agree." Meanwhile, Minako was passing by that very street after enjoying a sweet vanilla ice cream cone on this warm day. She too had decided to take a walk to escape the chaos of home life, and to check out any high school and college guys hanging out. Who could blame her for being away from home? She enjoyed the outdoors whether it was for athletics, guy hunting, or just hanging out. But today was a day full of drama, and Minako was about to take her place in it, just as Usagi has. But her place was to be different than Usagi's was, because what had just caught Minako's attention was not Kyodai and Ami's feelings toward one another, nor the desire to see them happy. Her eyes widened as she saw, down the street, Tuxedo Inferno take a blast from a beam of energy, courtesy of none other than the girl whom she and the Sailor Team had met a few weeks ago. "What the...?" Minako said to herself in shock, "Damn, this is a day filled with love, I just know it. Of all the things that could ruin it, it just had to be Meijin." Quick to react like a true veteran Sailor Senshi, Minako snatched her henshin pen from her overalls pocket. "Venus Power, Make-up!" After transforming, Sailor Venus pulled out her communicator. "Everyone, transform quick and get out here to the neighborhood outside the Juuban district. Meijin's back and is after Kyodai," she said before putting her communicator away. She then turned her eyes down the street, right at the unsuspecting Meijin. "Alright, Meijin. I'll teach you not to spoil the love on this fine spring day has blessed us with," she said before jumping into the air. While airborne, she aimed her pointer finger at Meijin, "Crescent Beam!!!" With Tuxedo Inferno grounded from her psychic blast, Meijin began to walk slowly to her downed opponent. "Your skills have improved, Kyodai, but you are right in that we should just end this battle. You fought well, but not well enough to defeat me," she said. Just as her eyes glowed bright blue, charging up her final blow to ensure her victory, a bright beam of light struck her in the side from out of nowhere and gave her some good frequent flyer miles. That turn of luck not only saved him from a loss to Meijin, but also gave him an opportunity to capitalize and claim his second victory over her. But it was his curiosity that had overtaken his desire for victory as he turned to the person from whom the light originated. There in the middle of the street stood the Sailor Senshi of love and beauty, with a very stern look on her face and her pointer finger still aimed at where she had fired. "Venus-san?!" Tuxedo Inferno exclaimed, "How did you know we were fighting?" Sailor Venus lowered her arm as she responded, "Oh, I was just passing by." That answered it all for him. "Thanks," was his only response to the veteran senshi's interference. He was just completely astounded and didn't know what to do or how to react. "So..." was Meijin's word that immediately turned both their heads, "...the veteran Sailor Senshi has decided to join our little contest. Well, Sailor V, is that all you have?" "No," Sailor Venus responded without any second thought, "I won't let you ruin Kyodai's day, nor mine, with your pitiful fights." "Such proud words from the once-great Sailor V," Meijin commented as her eyes glowed bright blue, at the same time lifting Sailor Venus off the ground with telekinesis, "This battle is between me and Kyodai alone. I suggest you leave." Just as she was about to send the meddling little Sailor Senshi on a ride, a ball of fire struck her from behind, knocking her to the ground. At the same time, Meijin lost her telekinetic grip on Sailor Venus, dropping her on the pavement. "Meijin!" another familiar voice shouted, grabbing Tuxedo Inferno's attention, "How dare you pick a fight with my brother, especially when he was in such a romantic mood." "Rei-chan? You too?" said Tuxedo Inferno, seeing his younger sister on the other side of the intersection and wondering who else was going to show up, "How did you know I was in a romantic mood?" "Usagi told me when she left," Sailor Mars replied, "She told me about you and Ami." She let out a smile to her brother before turning back to Meijin, who was again getting up from taking that hit. This girl just wasn't going to stay down. "Your sister too?" Meijin presumed, "Somehow, I have the feeling the rest of the Sailor Team is going to show up." "You're damn right, you selfish bitch," a different voice said, just before Meijin received a nasty shock from a lightning strike. Meijin fell to her hands and knees, smoking from the electrocution. "Sailor Jupiter," she said to herself, knowing all too well whom it was that threw that blast of lightning at her. She then began to push herself to her feet. But before she could make it all the way up, she was struck in the back, laying her out back on the pavement. She lay there on the pavement, piecing together what was going on with this onslaught of different attacks. After quickly regaining her bearings, she teleported away and reappeared in the exact same place, back on her feet. It was then that she saw the legend herself don her tiara. "Sailor Moon, only you could get lucky with that tiara of yours," she commented, "Pathetic." "You're the pathetic one, Meijin," Sailor Moon argued back, "You pick fights with Kyodai, you drag us into it, and all at your own convenience. This was supposed to be a day full of love for him. Don't know that spring is the season for love?" She then struck her trademark battle pose, "In the name of the Moon, you'll be punished." Meijin just stood there with thoughts of the situation on her mind. Yet, she still wondered about one thing, "Well, where is Sailor Mercury?" As soon as she had asked, she felt another presence in the area, the one that more than answered her question. She turned her head around to see the senshi of water with a rather combative look. If wasn't only that, but she was also charging her attack. "You leave Kyodai alone. I won't have him upset on our date because of you," she scolded as she finished charging, "Shabon Spray... Freezing!" With that, she waved her arms out to her sides and sent a spray of water and bubbles flying at Meijin. But unlike with the other 4 senshi, Meijin actually saw this attack coming with her own eyes, and it wouldn't catch her by surprise. So Meijin threw her palm up, with her eyes glowing bright blue, and stopped Sailor Mercury's entire volley inches from her outreached palm. There the volley of water stayed, levitating under telekinetic influence. All 6 warriors stood awestruck, as Meijin seemed to make freezing an attack in place so easy. There was not as much as a strain or even a flinch on her face. Then, terror struck as the volley of water froze like its namesake. Then, Meijin bent her outreached arm back and snapped her fingers at the senshi of water, sending the barrage of deadly spires of ice flying at her. "Ami-chan, watch out!" Sailor Moon screamed. "Get down!" Sailor Venus also yelled. Instinctively, Sailor Mercury threw her self to the ground. Letting the volley of icy blades fly over her. With the volley past, she quickly jumped back up to retaliate. But just as quickly as she stood up, her eyes widened, immediately followed by an intense piercing pain surging throughout her chest and back. She never saw that last spike coming. But when she glanced down at her chest, there it was impaling through chest like a nail in a board with blood pouring from the massive wound. She then glanced back up, with her eyes glazing over. "Kyodai- chan..." she barely gasped with a tear in her eye, her summon cut short as blood began pouring from her mouth. The eyes of the other 5 warriors widened in utter fear and worry as Sailor Mercury's bloodied, lifeless body fell back to the pavement, shattering the part of the spike that had protruded from her back. "Oh my god," Sailor Mars gasped. "Son of a bitch," Sailor Jupiter interjected, completely frozen in awe. "Ami-chan!" Sailor Moon screamed as she ran to her wounded friend. "God, Ami-chan, NO!!!" Tuxedo Inferno yelled as he joined Sailor Moon by his lover's side. "Please, Ami-chan, you can't die on me now," Sailor Moon whimpered, nearly breaking out in tears as she placed her fingers on Sailor Mercury's neck. "She's still alive, thank God, but we've got to get this spike out of her," she whimpered, relieved that her friend still had life in her. Tuxedo Inferno immediately grasped the spear of ice and pulled it out of her chest with much strain. Sailor Moon squinted, cringed, and turned away as the now exposed wound poured out even more blood, staining Sailor Mercury's fuku and pooling on the pavement where she lay. Tuxedo Inferno merely stood up and turned to Meijin, who was still standing in the same place. With much anger burning inside of him, he threw the icy spire down and began stomping toward her with vengeance on his mind. "Wait," said Meijin, stopping Tuxedo Inferno in his tracks, "That wound to Sailor Mercury is mortal. She will die in a matter of seconds. You have two choices. You can either try to save her, and I know you are capable with that phoenix of yours, or you can act on vengeance and fight me, leaving her to die. The choice is yours." Tuxedo Inferno turned to Sailor Moon, who had her hand over Sailor Mercury's wound. And aura of light shone from her hand as she used the power of the Silver Crystal to try and heal her friend. "Kyodai-san, I can't heal her," she cried. He then turned back to Meijin, with the rage still burning inside. He hesitated for a moment before turning back to Sailor Moon. "Please, Kyodai-san? I can't hold her much longer," Sailor Moon yelled, trying desperately to keep her friend alive. Tuxedo Inferno then turned back to Meijin. "Well?" Meijin urged on. Tuxedo Inferno closed his eyes for a brief moment. '... she will die in a matter of seconds... you can try to save her... or... leave her to die,' those words echoed in his mind striking him like lightning. His anger and rage burned inside still, but a more familiar feeling, his love toward Ami, burned brighter. He wanted Meijin to pay for hurting the girl he loved, but what if he had no Ami to love and protect. "Damn it," he said as he turned and ran back to where Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury were. "Wise choice," said Meijin before she teleported away and into her car. She then casually started the engine of her sporty sedan. '"We shall met again,"' she said to everyone through telepathy before driving off, leaving Tuxedo Inferno to tend to his dying love. "Your phoenix can save her, can't it?" Sailor Moon asked. "Yes..." Tuxedo Inferno replied as he placed his hand over Sailor Moon's and over the massive chest wound, "Yes it can." Sailor Moon removed her blood-soaked hand and let Tuxedo Inferno try and save Sailor Mercury. "Please, Ami-chan, come back to us," she said as she clasped her hands together and held them to her chest. Tuxedo Inferno closed his eyes and charged up his power of fire, "Inferno Phoenix, Revive!" With those words, a fiery bird descended from the spring sky. As the phoenix neared Sailor Mercury, an aura of fire began to form around her. Tuxedo Inferno then removed his hand as the phoenix became fire itself and bonded with Sailor Mercury, healing her wounds and restoring her life energy. When the flames subsided, Sailor Mercury lay there on the pavement with her wounds healed and completely unharmed, save the bloodstained fuku. Exhausted from both the battle and using such a power as his phoenix, Tuxedo Inferno dropped to his hands and knees, breathing heavily yet relieved when Sailor Mercury's eyes opened. "Kyodai-chan..." she said, struggling to get to her feet. Those words drew a smile from Tuxedo Inferno. His beloved Ami was going to be just fine. It also drew in a tight embrace from a joyous Sailor Moon, with the other 3 Sailor Senshi joining in. "Easy, Ami-chan," said Sailor Moon as she clutched her friend close, "You're pretty weak from that beating you took." Sailor Jupiter then took Sailor Mercury by the hand, "Don't worry, Usagi-chan. That bitch is gone now, so we won't have to worry about her. Let me take her home." With that, Sailor Moon let go of Sailor Mercury as Sailor Jupiter helped her to her feet. If it weren't for her lending a shoulder, Sailor Mercury would've fallen back to the pavement for sure. "Please, Mako-chan, mane sure Ami makes it home alright," said Tuxedo Inferno after making it back to his feet. "Don't worry, Kyodai-chan," said Sailor Jupiter with a wink, "Trust me." Sailor Moon also turned to Tuxedo Inferno, "Yes, Kyodai-san. Because of you and your love for her, she'll be fine. Thank you." "I agree, Kyodai," said Sailor Mars as she laid her hand on her brother's shoulder, "Let's go home. It's all over now." Tuxedo Inferno smiled as he turned and joined his sister in a nice stroll back to the temple, with the beautiful sunset to try and restore his romantic mood. But Ami was in no shape to even spend a day with him. Not only did she cheat death, but that and the battle had broken her from her romantic mood as well. Kyodai felt that his plans for his date for tomorrow had been foiled, foiled by his archenemy's competition with him. This thought also dominated Ami's mind. Tomorrow was supposed to be just her and Kyodai enjoying each other's company, sharing with each other their love, and not worrying about things such as studies and fighting. But today's battle with Meijin ruined that all. She was worried about how Kyodai felt. Yet, one question remained on her mind, so she shrugged Sailor Jupiter off and jogged over to the man in the maroon tuxedo, "Kyodai-chan, wait." "Ami-chan," Sailor Jupiter yelled as she tried to catch Sailor Mercury, surprised tat a girl as weary from battle as she was could muster up such energy without falling back down on the pavement. Tuxedo Inferno turned around to find out what Sailor Mercury wanted, "Yes, Ami-chan?" Sailor Mercury stopped, breathing heavily from that sudden burst of energy. Then, she turned to Tuxedo Inferno, "Tomorrow... is our date still on?" That took a load off of Tuxedo Inferno's shoulders. Ami wasn't worried about a ruined weekend, and now he no longer had a reason to worry. This date tomorrow would work out just fine for them both. "Yes, my love. Of course it's still on," he replied with a smile. With that reply, Sailor Mercury threw herself into his arms and placed a deep kiss onto the masked man's lips. Then, she ran back to Sailor Jupiter. Tuxedo Inferno smiled again as he watched Sailor Jupiter walk his beloved home. "Kyodai-chan," his sister said, giving both his shoulders a sisterly squeeze and resting her cheek against one of them with a big smile, also happy to see that their date was still on, "Come now, big brother. Let's go home." ------------------------------end of chapter 1------------------------- See, I told y'all it wasn't all waffy romance. But, where does Meijin fit in this love story? That'll be answered come the next chapters, that's where the real story will all start coming together. Keep your eyes out for it, along with my other fanfic projects. Visit my website at: http://viperdvman.tripod.com All my fanfics are found there, as well as a whole site with everything you could find in a Sailor Moon website, from profiles, to image galleries, to sounds, to music, and especially a whole section on the Russell Hino Epic. Y'all go there, and I hope y'all enjoyed this fic. Have fun Sailor Moon fans, Viper Inferno