That Special Magic
-by: the Yarnspinner-
the_yarnspinner@yahoo.com
http://
strands-of-moonlight.my3gb.com
-or-  http://strands-of-moonlight.6te.net

A Sekkushiaru Roman
featuring characters from the anime "Sailor Moon"

> Chapter 61 - Following the Heart <

        Grey clouds hung low over the city and a cold rain fell. Atana pulled his car into the driveway of the Hikawa Temple. Turning the engine off, he turned up his collar and stepped out of the car. As he looked toward the buildings, another wave of hesitation swept through him. He took a breath, then started up the path.
        It had been a little over a week since their return from Hawaii, but the temperature change was dramatic as the start of winter was only a few weeks away.
        Atana mounted the steps, seeing Yuuichirou carrying a large sack over one shoulder.
        "Greetings, Magi-san," Yuuichirou said.
        "Good afternoon, Kumada-san," Atana replied. "Is Hirano-san here?"
        Yuuichirou grinned and nodded. "Yes. He's in there," he said, gesturing behind him. "But you might not want to go in just now. He's practicing."
        Atana raised an eyebrow curiously. "Indeed?"
        Yuuichirou simply nodded.
        "Well, I think I'll take my chances," Atana said.
        "Your choice," Yuuichirou said, shaking his head. "Have a good day."
        "You too," Atana replied, as Yuuichirou continued on his way.
        Atana stopped at the door and listened for a moment, then slid the door open. He stepped inside, sliding the door closed behind him. "Hirano-san?" he called. Receiving no response, he slipped off his shoes and moved forward from the small entry hall.
        He entered the main room and turned, suddenly being met by the older man hurtling toward him with a long bamboo staff. Hirano gave out a loud cry, swinging the staff over his head. Atana stood his ground, opening his senses to see the swirl of magic energies around them. There was a surprising calm about Hirano Masahiko. He seemed to have achieved an amazing degree of harmony with the energies around him. Yet, as he hurtled forward, there was no intention of threat or harm in him. The staff swung down in a sure arc, stopping just centimeters away from Atana's head.
        Masahiko grinned and laughed. "Most impressive, Magi-san! I've known of students who after many years still could not place such trust in their master's skills."
        Atana nodded at the compliment. "Kumada-san said you were practicing. I hope I'm not interrupting."
        The older man shook his head. "Not at all," he said, setting his staff down. "Maintaining physical health and harmony is just as important as the spiritual."
        "It certainly is," Atana agreed, observing that Masahiko was only mildly perspiring after what had a clearly been quite a rigorous workout.
        Masahiko wiped his face with a towel, and then slipped on a pair of glasses. He looked up at Atana, studying him closely. "Does this have something to do with my granddaughter?"
        Atana nodded. Rei's grandfather was very sharp. "Yes. It does."
        Remaining silent for a moment, Masahiko continued to study the younger man closely. "Does she know you're here?"
        "No," Atana said softly.
        Masahiko shook his head. "Keeping secrets is not good for a relationship."
        "That's true," Atana agreed. "But concerning this, I won't have anything definite to tell her until after I've spoken with you."
        The older man sighed, then nodded again. "I was under the impression that the young man coming to speak to the girl's father, or grandfather in Rei's case, was no longer in fashion in Western culture."
        Atana hesitated, a bit taken aback by his bluntness. "Yes... But this is not a usual situation."
        Masahiko nodded, but remained silent.
        "Rei is very special," Atana said. "And she and I have become very close."
        "Yes. I've noticed," Masahiko said. "She's very close to you and your daughter."
        Atana nodded. "That's very true," he said.
        "And there is a very powerful bond between you," Masahiko added.
        Atana stared at the older man, stunned.
        "My granddaughter is not the only one with a special awareness, Magi-san," Masahiko said.
        "I see," Atana said softly.
        "That is why I have allowed this to continue," Masahiko added.
        Atana nodded. "Thank you, Hirano-san," he said. "Rei and I are grateful for that... But she is still underage, and, uhm, if this is to, ah, to continue to progress, we need your permission."
        Masahiko took a breath, already anticipating what Atana was likely to request. Knowing it was meant to be didn't make it any easier. "Go on," he said.
        Atana paused, considering carefully. "Rei and I... care for each other very much," he said. "She has become as important in my life as my daughter is, and Kara and I both greatly value having Rei with us."
        Masahiko nodded again, remaining silent.
        "I'm sure it is a credit to the upbringing you and her late mother have given her that she is so very mature for her years," Atana said.
        A faint smile crossed the older man's face at the compliment.
        "Already, she has become a true partner to me, and even though I've told her she didn't have to, she has begun to assume something of a parental role towards my daughter... and is proving to be quite a natural at it."
        Masahiko was a bit surprised by this. "Was it wise to let that situation develop so quickly?"
        Atana nodded. "That was a concern of mine at first," he admitted. "But Rei has taken to it quite naturally. Kara is very attached to her, and is clearly benefitting from a female presence in her life. And I greatly appreciate having someone to share in Kara's upbringing, someone whom I know I can trust absolutely."
        "I assume you anticipate some permanency in your relationship then," Masahiko said.
        "Yes," Atana said. "It may seem a bit impulsive, particularly considering her age, but there are times when one must ignore such outward forms and follow what the heart says is right."
        The older man nodded. He was unable to argue with that point, having been taught the same for much of his life.
        Atana paused for a moment, to see if Masahiko would say anything. "We're both convinced beyond any doubt that this is meant to be, and we both know with certainty that we need each other." He paused again. "I... asked her to marry me... and she said yes."
        Masahiko stiffened, even though this was what he had anticipated. "So... you wish to marry her."
        "Yes," Atana said. "But that doesn't have to be right away."
        "Then, what are you requesting?"
        "I wish to give her an engagement ring and make it generally known that she is my fiancee," he said.
        Masahiko nodded. "I see... But I suspect that is not all."
        "No," Atana agreed. "I would like her to live with me... full time."
        The older man took a breath, struggling with conflicting emotions. A part of him wanted to refuse outright because she was too young. Yet, he also remembered a lifetime of teaching, and what the spirit of his own late daughter had said, along with what his own insights had shown him. Rei's destiny was inextricably linked with this man, and to stand in the way of that would only bring her suffering. "She must continue her education," he finally said.
        "Of course," Atana agreed. "I don't think she would even consider leaving school."
        "What about children?" Masahiko asked.
        Atana looked at him in surprise. "Children?"
        "Are you and Rei planning on children of your own?"
        Atana hesitated. "Well... we, uhm, we really haven't discussed that yet... But I'm sure we'll want to have children eventually."
        Masahiko frowned. "Before she reaches adulthood?"
        "I really couldn't say," Atana replied. "We haven't given it any sort of serious discussion."
        "What about your daughter?"
        "Actually, she says she's anxious to have a little sister," Atana said.
        Masahiko studied him closely. "So... there might be an incentive there not to wait."
        Atana shook his head. "Not if Rei isn't ready for that," he said. "I would never push her on that. And we will make sure Kara understands it isn't happening right away."
        The older man nodded again. His own wife had not yet reached twenty when they married, and she had had a strong desire to start a family right away. It had been very important to her, and he loved her too much to refuse. He knew Rei also wanted a family, which he suspected was one of the reasons she was so readily taking an active role with young Kara. With a sigh, he resigned himself to the probability that they would decide not to wait until Rei was twenty. Turning his attention back to the young American, Masahiko focused his own perceptions. To his surprise, he experienced a sensation of almost timelessness, of a sort that he had only known from his old master. The bond that linked him to Rei seemed equally timeless. As inexplicable as this was, he could still sense that Atana Magi was a very responsible and sincere young man. Unlike his former son-in-law, Atana was clearly a man of honor, and one who cared very deeply for Rei.
        Atana could sense the conflict within Rei's grandfather. "My apologies if I have overstepped the bounds of proper etiquette, Hirano-san," he said.
        Masahiko waved a hand. "You have shown no disrespect, Magi-san. None to me, and far more importantly, none to my granddaughter."
        "I could never show her disrespect," Atana said.
        "That is very good," Masahiko said. "But I must ask you to forgive an old man who is struggling with the prospect of letting go."
        "There is nothing that requires forgiveness, Hirano-san. We're all of us only human," Atana said.
        Masahiko nodded and sighed. He looked up at Atana, his jaw set. "Many years ago, a high school girl was determined to marry a Shinto priest, even though he was a good deal older than she was... Her father did not refuse me, and I can see that you are an honorable man who cares very much for my granddaughter, so I shall not refuse you now."
        "Thank you, Hirano-san," Atana said, bowing.
        "But I am not yet giving up guardianship," Masahiko added. "I am only consenting to her living at your apartment if that is her wish. Anything more we shall have to discuss further, sometime in the future."
        "I understand," Atana said. "Thank you."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Atana was waiting for Rei as she came out of her school building. It was still raining and the temperature had fallen. He would have preferred to meet her at the door, but the staff was no more welcoming of strangers than those at Kara's school, and he did not want to create difficulties for Rei.
        She waved to him, pulled her jacket tight, and sprinted towards him. He opened the door and she slid into the seat next to him.
        "Hi, beautiful," he said, leaning over to kiss her. "How was your day?"
        "It was OK," she said, pressing her lips to his in return. "But it's much better now."
        He smiled. "Yes, it is," he agreed. "I've missed you, Mrs. Magi."
        "I always miss you, Mr. Magi," she said softly, a bright smile on her face.
        He started the engine and slipped the car into gear.
        "How was your day?" she asked.
        He nodded, directing his attention for the moment to pulling out into traffic. "Not bad," he said. "I went to see your grandfather today."
        Her eyes widened and she looked at him. "Grandfather?"
        "Yes," he said. "I... I went to tell him that we're engaged... and to ask his permission for you to come live at our apartment."
        She gasped in shock. "And you didn't bother to tell me any of this beforehand?" she demanded.
        He glanced over at her, hearing in her voice that she was upset. "I'm sorry," he said softly.
        "Just dropping this on him... I can't imagine anything worse," she exclaimed. "This could ruin everything."
        He placed a hand on hers and squeezed it reassuringly. "It did not ruin everything," he said firmly. "In fact, I think he appreciated the gesture."
        She stared at him incredulously. "He what?"
        "As you've said before, he seems to understand a great deal more than he might let on," Atana said. "He said he knew there was a powerful bond between us, and that you aren't the only one in the family with special perceptions."
        Rei leaned back in the seat and shook her head.
        "He's an extraordinary man," he said. "Just like his granddaughter."
        A faint smile crossed her face. "But you could at least have told me."
        He nodded. "I didn't want you to worry about it... or to try to talk me out of it."
        She rubbed a hand across her face. "I can't believe this," she groaned.
        He looked over at her. "I'm very sorry for not talking this over with you, darling. That was wrong of me," he said softly.
        "Yes. It was," she declared sharply.
        He winced inwardly at the tone in her voice.
        She took a breath, immediately regretting her outburst.
        "What do you think he said?" Atana asked.
        "I'm sure he wasn't pleased," she said.
        He nodded. "Not entirely, that's true," he conceded. "But beyond that?"
        She shook her head. "He probably said I'm too young," she muttered.
        "No," he said. "He recognizes that we care for each other very much."
        She looked at him, remaining silent.
        "He gave his permission for you to live with us," he said.
        Her eyes widened. "You're serious?"
        "Completely," he said. "You can now live at our apartment."
        She struggled for breath, hardly able to believe it. "That's wonderful!" she finally exclaimed.
        "I couldn't agree more," he said.
        She took several slow breaths, feeling flushed with an incredible exhilaration. "But... that still doesn't make up for you not telling me," she said.
        He nodded, remaining silent. At the next intersection, he turned, taking them towards the park.
        "Where are we going?" she asked. "We have to pick up Kara."
        "I know," he said. "But we need to stop first. There is something else we need to discuss."
        "What do you mean?"
        He pulled into the parking lot and turned off the engine. "Let's go for a walk," he suggested, opening his door.
        She looked at him for a moment, feeling confused. "Alright." She opened the door.
        He slipped his hand into hers as they walked through the trees, finding shelter from the rain in a small picnic pavilion.
        "What did you want to discuss?" she asked.
        He smiled. "You are the most beautiful young woman," he said softly.
        She smiled in response.
        "As wonderful as it will be to have you living with us, my darling, there is something else that I want to go with that," he said softly. "If you're willing."
        She nodded. "Anything with you."
        He squeezed her hand gently. "This is a big step. If you're willing, I'd like to be able to acknowledge to everyone that we're engaged."
        A bright smile formed on her face and she threw her arms around him. "Oh yes, you wonderful man! Yes!" She kissed his lips.
        As she drew back, he reached into his pocket, retrieving a small case.
        Her eyes widened and her breath caught as she realized what it was.
        "I must ask your forgiveness," he said softly. "This is something else I did not discuss with you... but I wanted to give you this, as an expression of my love." He opened the case, revealing a superbly crafted ring with a small but brilliant blue-white diamond at the center, flanked by two small rubies that seemed to glow from within.
        Rei gasped as she looked at it, blinking away tears of joy. "It's incredible," she gasped.
        He took her hand and gently slipped the ring onto her finger. "I love you," he whispered.
        She embraced him tightly and kissed him. "I love you... so very much!" Stepping back, she gazed at the ring in wonder. "It's incredible," she said again. "Where did you find it?"
        He smiled. "You don't recognize it?" he asked softly.
        She gasped as a memory surfaced, looking up into his eyes.
        He nodded. "I've had this for as long as I've been in Hawaii. I'd always thought it belonged to Kara's mother, and just before we returned to Tokyo I regained more of my memory, discovering I was right."
        She continued to stare at him, unable to speak.
        "I gave it to you once before, on the same night we conceived our daughter," he said. "You insisted on giving it back when I took Kara to safety. I'm just returning it to where it belongs, my darling."
        Tears flowed freely as she stared at this ring that had once graced the finger of her previous self. She looked back up into his eyes and threw her arms around him. "You are such an incredible man," she whispered.
        "And you are the most incredible young woman," he said softly, embracing her.
        She pressed her face to his chest, breathing in his scent, and thrilling to the feel of his strong arms around her. There was now a true harmony in her life, as she had found her soul-mate and the daughter of her past self, and now was going to spend the rest of her life with the man she loved. "You make me so happy," she whispered.
        "I'm glad," he said, running a hand along the soft, raven strands of her hair. "You make me just as happy."
        They kissed again, slow and lingering.
        "Come on, my beautiful Mrs. Magi," he whispered. "We have to pick up our daughter."
        She nodded and kissed him again. "She's a wonderful girl," she said. "And she has such a wonderful daddy, Mr. Magi."
        He smiled. "And she has a wonderful, and very beautiful mother," he added, sliding his fingers softly and lovingly along her cheek. "I'm so glad to have my family complete again."
        "I love having a family," she said with a smile. "And I love you... more than anything."
        "I love you," he said. "You are a most wonderful partner to me, darling, and a superb mother to our daughter."
        "Thank you," she said softly. "But I still feel really inexperienced, in both roles."
        He shook his head. "You're a natural in both roles," he said. "And we were both inexperienced when we had Kara, you know."
        She looked up at him uncertainly. That was a previous life for her, and Princess Rei of Mars was not the same woman as she was. Nevertheless, she now had many of the memories of Princess Rei, and cared just as strongly for this man as she had, being just as much Atana's soul-mate as Princess Rei had been. A part of Atana that had existed in the princess of Mars had been reborn in her, and a part of Princess Rei had survived in Atana, now only strengthening her feelings for him. With the combination of her own feelings for Atana, that part of Rei of Mars that was in him, and the memories she had inherited, there was no doubt in her mind that, even as young as she was, she belonged with him. Likewise, it no longer mattered to her that Kara had not come from her womb. The young girl accepted her as her mother without reservation, and just as she was unquestionably Atana's soul-mate, Rei no longer had any question that she was Kara's mother in every meaningful sense. That responsibility still filled her with uncertainty about her own ability to live up to it, but Atana always demonstrated his complete and unswerving confidence in her. She was grateful for his confidence. "I'm glad I have your help," she said.
        "You'll always have that, my darling," he said. "We're partners for life."
        "That we are," she agreed, kissing him. "And I couldn't be happier."
        "Me neither," he said. "Let's go pick up our daughter. She'll be thrilled to hear the news."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Kara was bouncing excitedly as Atana opened the door of their apartment.
        "Welcome home," he said quietly.
        Rei smiled up at him. "Our home," she said.
        "And you're always going to live with us, right Mommy?" Kara asked again, tugging at Rei's hand.
        "Yes, honey. Forever and always," Rei said, finding herself nearly as excited as Kara.
        Kara threw her arms around Rei's waist and hugged her.
        "Come on, honey," Atana said. "Let's get your jacket off."
        Kara nodded, unzipping her jacket.
        Atana slipped the jacket off of his daughter and hung it up, then removed his own.
        Rei slipped off her jacket and removed her shoes.
        Kara grabbed Rei's hand again. "Mommy, will you help me change? Please?"
        Rei glanced over at Atana, who smiled at her lovingly. "Of course I will, honey," she said, letting the girl pull her toward her bedroom.
        Atana smiled as he watched the two most important people in his life. Already, he was greatly enjoying the new sense of permanency in this situation.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Atana and Rei had just finished cleaning up after dinner when the doorbell rang. As Rei observed Kara sitting on the living room floor watching a video, Atana walked to the door.
        "Hirano-san. Good evening," Atana said.
        "Grandfather?" Rei wondered aloud, turning.
        "This is a surprise," Atana continued. "Please. Do come in."
        "Thank you, Atana-san," the older man said. "I hope I am not disturbing you."
        "Not at all," Atana said.
        "Good evening, Grandfather," Rei said, giving him a hug. "Thank you so much."
        "You are welcome, granddaughter," her grandfather said. "I trust you will be happy."
        "I already am. Very happy, thank you," she said. She looked at the large bag he had brought with him. "What is this?" she asked.
        "I brought a few of your things," he said. "And I brought a gift for the young girl, if that meets with your approval, Atana-san."
        "I have no objection," Atana said. "Thank you."
        Kara peered shyly around the corner, a smile spreading across her face as she recognized Rei's grandfather.
        "Hello, Kara," Masahiko said, switching to English for Kara's benefit.
        "Good evening," Kara said in Japanese, with a bow. She then burst into giggles.
        "My, such a proper, well-mannered young lady," Masahiko said, still in English. He carried his bag out of the entry hall. "I brought you a gift."
        Kara continued to watch, grasping Rei's hand.
        Masahiko pulled out a child's yukata, grinning as he saw Kara's eyes widen. "Rei had one just like this when she was your age," he said, holding it up.
        Kara grinned, glancing up at Rei. "Did you really?"
        Rei nodded. "My mother gave it to me."
        "Can I try it on? Please?"
        "Of course," Atana said.
        "Will you show me how?" Kara asked Rei.
        Rei nodded. "I'd be happy to." She took the yukata. "Thank you," she said again to her grandfather.
        Kara hurried toward her room. "Come on. I want to try it on, Mommy!"
        Masahiko stiffened and looked at Atana.
        Atana caught the older man's reaction, inwardly cringing at Kara's slip. "Kara insisted on calling her that when we told her we were engaged," he explained. "It was Rei's decision to go along with it... but Kara's supposed to be more discreet about it."
        Masahiko nodded. "It is still a bit fast."
        "Perhaps," Atana conceded. "But... Rei is the only mother figure she's ever known in her life. And they've taken to each other so very well. I know I can trust Rei's judgement completely."
        "I see," the older man said slowly. "I hadn't realized you all had already developed so much into a family."
        "Yes, we have," Atana acknowledged. "It has been very good for all of us."
        Kara emerged from her bedroom, holding Rei's hand. Her hair now hung straight down just past her shoulders.
        Masahiko's eyes widened as he was struck by the resemblance between Kara and Rei. Except for Kara's hair being shorter and her skin being just a bit darker, he could very easily be seeing a vision of Rei at that age.
        "She looks very nice," Rei commented. "Doesn't she?"
        "Definitely," Atana said. "You look beautiful, honey."
        Kara grinned happily. Rei tapped her shoulder softly. Kara looked at Masahiko. "Thank you very much."
        "You're welcome," Masahiko said. "You are a very pretty girl."
        "Thank you," Kara said again.
        "Thank you, Hirano-san," Atana said. "Your gift is most appreciated."
        "You are welcome," Masahiko said.
        "Do you like it, honey?" Rei asked.
        Kara nodded very emphatically. "Yes, I do." She threw her arms around Rei and hugged her.
        Rei embraced the little girl in return, smiling at her happiness.
        Masahiko gazed thoughtfully at the scene in front of him, realizing Rei was now quite a bit like her own mother. As he observed Rei and Kara together, he found himself still more certain it was the right decision to allow Rei to live with Atana and Kara. He turned back to Atana. "I do not wish to intrude any longer," he said. "I bid you a good night."
        "Thank you, Hirano-san," Atana said. "Thank you again for the lovely yukata for Kara."
        "It was my pleasure," the older man said, moving back to the door.
        "Thank you, Grandfather," Rei said, still holding Kara.
        Masahiko nodded, slipping his shoes on. He slid a hand into his coat pocket. "Oh! I almost forgot... I have one more gift," he said, withdrawing a small scroll from his pocket. "I know you are a Christian, Atana-san, but please accept an old priest's blessing."
        "Thank you," Atana said. As he took the scroll, he could sense a natural energy tingling in it. He opened the scroll, finding it was a charm for happiness and prosperity. "Thank you very much."
        "You are welcome," Masahiko said. "Good night."
        "Good night, Grandfather," Rei called.
        "Good night, granddaughter," he said. "Good night, Kara." He waved to them both, then stepped outside, closing the door behind him.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Rei slipped off the long shirt she was wearing and, naked, slipped into bed alongside Atana.
        He kissed her. "Did you get your studying done?"
        She nodded sleepily. "It's just a little tough when I couldn't even start until Kara went to bed."
        "Yes," he agreed. "And she was a bit excited tonight, now that she has her mother here full-time."
        "I know," she said. "And I love it too... I feel so very at home here with you."
        He slipped an arm over her and pulled her close. "I feel complete with you here, darling. I love you so much."
        "I love you," she sighed.
        "And it will get easier," he added. "Remember Hawaii? We'll reestablish a more regular pattern soon enough. And Kara will adjust to you always being here."
        "I know," she said softly, resting her head against him in contentment. "We were all excited."
        He nodded, kissing her cheek. "I love having you here, Mrs. Magi," he said.
        "I love being here," she said. "With the man I love... and our daughter."
        He smiled. "And it will get easier with Kara. Just like Hawaii, she'll get used to you being here, and she'll stop being so clingy. Then I can keep more of the load off you when you need to study. Parenting is a joint effort."
        She nodded. "Just living together is a joint effort."
        "Very true," he agreed. "And we are partners, my darling... forever."
        "I'm so glad I've found you, you wonderful man," she sighed.
        Her eyes were already closed and she had snuggled still closer to him. He sighed happily at the feel of this young woman next to him. Not wanting to disturb her, he silently cast a spell to turn off the light. His own eyes drifted closed. "I love you," he whispered.

< To be continued >

* * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: More to come.

Hopeless Romantic and I now have a message group to notify our readers when we post new stories/chapters. Those who are interested can sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/strands_of_moonlight/ .

Always remember, good gentles, that a yarnspinner works from and within existing legends and stories. The characters of "Sailor Moon" belong to others. In spinning my yarns, I do not seek to infringe on their rights of ownership, but merely to join with other fans to spread the legend still further. "The moonlight carries a message of love." Enjoy.

-07.26.2003
 

Free Web Hosting