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 63 - Weathering the Tempest <
It was early morning. Atana was preparing breakfast while Rei sat on the floor, reciting her morning prayers before a small, portable prayer shrine she had brought with her. She finished and closed up the shrine, then switched on the television. A scowl spread across her face as she saw a picture of her father on the screen.
"There are new developments in the contest for the leadership of the Progressive Reform Alliance," the reporter said. "A joint story between All-Japan Television, the Tokyo Morning News, and The Rising Sun weekly has uncovered evidence that Alliance leadership candidate Hino Tadamichi has been accepting bribes for at least the past five years, when he first joined the Alliance. A spokesman for Representative Hino immediately denied the allegations, but financial records show considerable sums being received by Hino's campaign organization, and identical sums being subsequently transferred to Representative Hino's personal accounts. None of these sums were reported as campaign contributions, as required by law, and Hino reported the money received in his personal accounts as honoraria received for public speaking engagements. The financial records show that money originated from a variety of political interest groups, and a few individuals. In each case the donations preceded a decision on a issue of importance to the donor, with Representative Hino making a public stand in support of the donor's position usually within a day or two of the donation."
"I don't believe it," Rei gasped.
"Another scandal centering on your father?" Atana asked.
Rei nodded. "I hope it's true," she said softly.
"Current Alliance leader Toichi Yukio declined comment on the specific allegations, saying only that members of his party would have to weigh this in making their decision," the reporter continued. "Representative Akamatsu Masahiko, one of the prime critics of Toichi's recent leadership, issued a statement that Representative Hino has clearly misled the party about his finances and can no longer be considered a viable alternative for the party leadership. Other Alliance members are already saying that if the charges prove correct, Hino must resign or be expelled. It remains unclear if the leadership election, scheduled for later this morning, will go forward as planned or be postponed..."
Just then, Kara emerged from her bedroom. Rei hurriedly muted the volume on the television.
"Mommy!" Kara cried, throwing her arms around Rei.
"Did you sleep well, honey?" Rei asked, embracing her.
Kara nodded, kissing Rei's cheek.
Rei kissed her in return.
Atana crouched down next to them, embracing them both and kissing his daughter. "Are you ready for some breakfast?" he asked.
"Yes please, Daddy," Kara said.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mamoru dialed Kobayashi's number.
"Good morning, Mamoru-san," Kobayashi greeted him.
"Good morning," Mamoru replied.
"I've been watching the news," Kobayashi said. "Quite a mess for the Alliance, but it is good to see Chiba Media having the lead on this story."
"Yes, it is," Mamoru agreed. "But, that is why I called. I'm afraid I had to take some involvement in that."
"Indeed?" Kobayashi asked.
"Tagawara-san of All-Japan Television didn't want to participate. He said he felt the timing made it far too political to touch, no matter how solid the story," Mamoru said. "He wanted cover in the form of approval from higher up."
"So, how did you become involved?"
"Tsukino Kenji, and Kuromi-san of the Tokyo Morning News, tried to contact Go and Ichida of Chiba Media, but neither could be reached. They then tried to call you, but couldn't reach you either," Mamoru said. "After that, they called me as a last resort. I told them to go ahead."
"I see," Kobayashi said quietly. "That makes for an awkward situation, Mamoru-san. You realize that you yourself face a conflict of interest situation."
"Doubly so," Mamoru said. "Hino Tadamichi's daughter is a close friend of my fiancee."
Kobayashi whistled softly.
"Do you think it was wrong to let the story go forward?" Mamoru challenged.
"No," Kobayashi said. "The story looks sound. But it was wrong for you to be in this position."
"I think it was wrong that Tagawara made it necessary at all," Mamoru countered. "The three managing editors should have been able to work this out themselves. There should have been no need to call the heads of Chiba Media, let alone you or me."
"That's true," Kobayashi conceded.
"Tagawara seems to have been more concerned about avoiding risks than in reporting the truth," Mamoru said. "I know my grandfather was an ardent supporter of freedom of the press, and he never would have condoned such conduct."
Kobayashi sighed. "You're right. He would not have. I shall have to bring this to the attention of Ichida-san and Go-san. The three of us, or at least the two of them, may want to discuss this with Tagawara-san."
"There is still the matter of formal approval for the collaboration on this story," Mamoru said.
"I'll take care that," Kobayashi said. "But for the next few weeks, please do try to avoid such a blatant conflict of interest situation, Mamoru-san."
"I wasn't trying to get into this one, Kobayashi-san," Mamoru protested. "It was dumped on me after the rest of you were unavailable. I didn't have the option of turning it over to someone else."
"I understand that," Kobayashi said.
"I have to go now," Mamoru said. "Give my best to Natsumi-san."
"I will," Kobayashi said.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Rei's cell phone rang as she was working to get Kara into her school uniform.
Atana picked up the phone. "It's your grandfather," he said, reading the display. He pressed the button. "Good morning, Hirano-san."
"Good morning, Atana-san," the older man said. "Is my granddaughter there?"
"Yes. She's getting Kara dressed," Atana said. "She'll be a minute or two."
"Thank you."
Atana stood at the door to Kara's room, seeing his daughter bouncing on the bed as Rei worked to button her shirt.
"Kara, please settle down for a moment," Rei exclaimed.
With a smile, Atana stepped forward. "Here, let me trade you. You take the phone, and I'll take our little squirm-worm." As Rei took the phone, he lunged forward and started tickling Kara.
"Daddy!" she squealed, collapsing onto her bed and rolling up to try to protect herself.
"Hello, Grandfather," Rei said, moving back to the hall.
He chuckled. "Sounds like you have your hands full."
She shook her head. "Someone just didn't want to get dressed this morning," she said. "But Atana seems to be taking care of that... or just tickling her into submission. I'm not entirely sure which at the moment."
Her grandfather laughed. "I'm sure I wouldn't know anything about that, granddaughter," he said. "It's not like you ever behaved that way for your mother or for me."
She rolled her eyes, knowing she had more pressing matters to deal with than hearing another way in which Kara took after her. "Oh, of course not," she said. "But we do need to be going fairly soon."
"I understand," her grandfather said. "Your father called here early this morning."
Rei clenched her fist and moved away from Kara's door. "And just what did he want?"
"He said he would be picking you up at school this morning," he said. "I told him you wanted nothing to do with him, but he just cut me off and demanded that you be there."
"That bastard!" she growled, keeping her voice low.
"I've already called your school to let them know that Hino Tadamichi was not welcome, and that he has no parental rights and no right to take you off school property," he said.
"Thank you for that," she said. "But given the news this morning, that bastard will probably show up with a bunch of reporters chasing him."
"That occurred to me also," he said. "I wouldn't ordinarily suggest this, but in this case I will understand if you would prefer not to go to school today."
She nodded. "And I'm sure the faculty would prefer it if he wasn't able to make a scene."
"It is your decision," he said. "But I don't want you making a habit of it."
"Of course not," she said. "But I think I will stay home today. By tomorrow, the bastard should have his hands full just trying to stay out of jail."
He sighed. "You know I do not care for you speaking of him that way, granddaughter. He is still your father, and you should show at least a little respect."
"And he should do at least a little something to earn it first," she countered. "He didn't do a thing when Mom died... and the few times he's even wanted to see me since, it was just part of his political agenda. I'm sorry you disapprove, but to me he will always be a heartless, conniving bastard."
"Alright," he said, after a long silence. "I'll call your school and let them know."
"Thank you, Grandfather," she said.
"Take care, granddaughter," he said. "And give my best to young Kara-chan."
"I will. Thank you," she said, pressing the button on her phone. She set the phone down and returned to Kara's room, finding her now sitting in Atana's lap, fully dressed, as he brushed her hair. "Well, this is quite a change."
Atana smiled. "We came to an understanding. If she would agree to sit still and get dressed, I'd stop tickling her."
Rei grinned. "I guess that works." She crouched down and kissed the daughter of her past self.
"What did your grandfather have to say?" Atana asked.
She looked up at him. "Let's discuss that later," she said softly.
He nodded. Setting the brush down, he gave Kara a hug. "Are you ready to go, honey?"
Kara looked up at him and nodded.
"I'll be right with you," Rei said. She stood up and returned to the bedroom she shared with Atana.
"Rei?" He moved to the door, seeing her hurriedly removing her school uniform. "Why are you changing?"
"I'm not going to school today," she said quietly.
He frowned. "You know skipping school is not a good idea. Your grandfather..."
"He was the one who suggested it," she said. "My father called him, saying he intended to pick me up at school this morning. Grandfather called my school and told them that bastard has no business there. And I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of a confrontation, particularly not when he's sure to be followed by a horde of reporters."
He sighed and nodded. "I understand. I'm sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion, darling. I should have known it had to be something like that."
She smiled as she slipped on a new blouse. "That's alright, my love," she said. "You had your hands full with Kara."
He grinned. "She is a handful. Just like her mother."
"I thought you liked that," she whispered.
"Oh, I do," he said. "Most definitely." He leaned forward and kissed her. "You are the most wonderful woman ever."
"And you are the most wonderful man," she said softly. She then stepped into her new skirt and pulled it up.
"Mommy?" Kara called, appearing in the door. "Are you changing?"
"Yes, honey," Rei said, fastening her skirt. "My grandfather called, uhm, because there's been a change in my schedule for today... and that means I need to wear something other than my school uniform."
Kara nodded, accepting the explanation.
"But we need to get going," Atana said, grinning at Kara. "Or someone is going to be late for school."
"Yes. We can't have you being late, honey," Rei agreed.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After taking Kara to school, Atana and Rei returned to the bus stop.
"So, where are we going?" he asked.
She smiled, holding his hand. "I thought I'd show you one of the few surviving old parts of the city," Rei said. "Asakusa. It's northeast of the Imperial Palace. There are several gardens there, and Tokyo's oldest temple."
"Sounds like fun," he said.
She nodded. "And it's a good place to stay out of the way while the press is chasing after that bastard who happens to be my father."
The bus arrived and they climbed aboard. They took the bus to the train station, taking the train to Asakusa. From the Asakusa station, they walked along the street to the huge, bright red Kaminarimon Gate. A giant lantern hung from the middle.
"Wow. That is big," he exclaimed.
"Yes," she agreed. "It marks the approach to the Sensoji Temple, which is in the park at the end of the Nakamise Dori, the pedestrian lane beyond the gate."
As they moved forward, he looked at the statues inside the gate. "Are these figures here as protectors?"
"That's right," she said. "The one on the right is the god of wind, and that's the god of thunder to the left."
He nodded. "Those who positioned the gate here knew what they were doing. Even after so many centuries, there's still a strong concentration of magic here."
"Yes. I can sense it too," she said.
As they passed through the gate, his perceptions of the Nakamise Dori changed. In addition to the chaotic swirl of the people walking the lane, visiting the many small shops on either side, there was a strong, clear ribbon of natural energy running straight along the lane to another gate at the far end. He paused, turning to look back at the Kaminarimon Gate. "That is really impressive. Even though it's completely localized, the magic of the gate almost completely masks that of the lane and the temple beyond. And it's something that I bet almost no one in the city is even aware of anymore."
"I wouldn't be surprised," she agreed.
They walked slowly along the lane, looking at the shop stalls along the way.
"It looks mostly like souvenir shops," he commented.
She nodded. "But I guess it embodies modern Tokyo. The temple was founded in the seventh century, predating the rise of the Tokugawas by a thousand years. So, you have the sacredness of the temple next to the secular commercialism of the modern city, and also the ancient alongside the new."
He nodded. "A thirteen hundred year old temple in a city that has been almost completely rebuilt since 1945." He looked around. "And yet, the magic is still here, and is even older than the temple. That supports my theory that Tokugawas settled here because of the magic. And the temple was probably placed here for the same reason."
"Our beliefs accept that there are many spirits and powers in nature," she said. "This would be one of them."
At the north end of the Nakamise Dori, they approached the Horizon Gate and the five story red and gold pagoda. Atana's attention was immediately drawn to the pagoda.
"What's the story on the pagoda?" he asked. "On the surface it looks very traditional, but unlike the gate, it is not in tune with the magic in this place. I mean, the gate just seems to glow, but the pagoda... nothing."
"I'm not surprised," she said. "This pagoda was built in the 1970's. It is a replica of one that had been built on the same spot in the 17th century."
"Ah. That explains it," he said, nodding.
She gestured to their left. "There's a garden over here. It's part of the grounds of a monastery. Most people don't even know it's here."
"Is it open to the public?" he asked.
"Not really. You have to get permission," she said. "But as long as there isn't a special ceremony or function going on at the monastery, it's supposed to be just a matter of signing a register."
She led him into a building connected to the pagoda and down a hallway. Seeing a sign on the door, she opened it, finding a man inside. They stepped in and bowed.
"Is it possible to see the garden today, sir?" she asked.
The man stood and bowed in return. "Certainly," he said, opening a registry book. "If you and your husband would sign here, please."
Rei smiled at Atana. After he had signed, she took the pen, carefully signing 'Rei Magi' in western script.
The man glanced at the names, then handed them a map. "This shows you how to reach the entrance to the garden, and shows the layout of the garden itself."
"Thank you," she said.
"Thank you for stopping in," the man said. "Enjoy your visit."
"Thank you," Atana said, as they turned to leave.
The map directed them back along the Nakamise Dori to the first street, where they turned right. The second gate led them into the Demboin Garden.
"It really is lovely," he said, looking across the small pond at the center. His senses found the garden to be a place of tremendous balance. The pond flickered with life, which he quickly determined were fish and turtles. "The designer was a true master."
She glanced at an informational page attached to the map. "It says the garden was designed in the 17th century by a landscape gardener who also designed a garden for the shogun's palace."
He slipped his hand back into hers and they slowly walked along the path through the garden. "Have I told you lately that I love you, Mrs. Magi?" He leaned over and kissed her.
She nodded. "But I love hearing it, my wonderful Mr. Magi," she said. "As much as I love telling you that I love you."
He smiled. "This was a really wonderful idea. Thank you."
"I can't think of anything better than spending a day off with the man I love," she said.
He kissed her again.
"And with all the media frenzy, I much prefer being able to spend the day as 'Rei Magi' than as 'Hino Rei'," she added.
"I understand," he said quietly.
"But it does make me long for the day when we can make that official," she said softly.
He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Me too, my darling. Me too."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Having made a slow, leisurely tour of the Dembion Garden, Rei and Atana left through the gate, returning to the street and making their way back toward the pagoda and the Horizon Gate.
As he held her hand, a smile spread across his face. To his senses, the very air seemed alive with the magic that welled up around them from deep in the earth. Ahead of them, it only grew more intense as they approached the old temple. Even the magic of his home in Hawaii was not so strong. He hadn't felt anything like this since the time of the Silver Millennium, when the planet had radiated such intense magic that had allowed wonders to become commonplace, and had supported a civilization that was now remembered as nothing more than purest myth. Turning his head, he saw the beautiful young woman he loved so entirely. As with all living beings, the energy of life glowed within and around her, but his highly attuned senses also recognized the faint, largely hidden traces of a very powerful fire within her, a fire that was not native to this world.
Glancing over at him, she smiled as well. She could also sense the magic of nature swirling around them.
"Just incredible," he said softly, as they reached the Horizon Gate, entering a square filled both with people and pigeons. "I didn't think I'd ever find a magic point this strong again." He looked around. "But I can see why I couldn't localize it from Hawaii. The bustle and 'noise' of the city really hides it."
"I don't think this is the only one," she said. "But it probably is the most powerful."
He turned his attention to the Sensoji Temple ahead of them. "Any idea what is in there?" he asked.
"According to tradition, two fisherman pulled a small golden statue out of the sea," Rei said. "The statue was of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Kannon's statue is kept deep inside the temple, stored in three boxes. It is never displayed, but many people still come to offer their respects."
He nodded. "Well, whatever is here, it is certainly very powerful." To one side, he saw a small crowd gathered next to a large incense burner. "I presume that is for spiritual cleansing."
"Yes," she said. "It is also supposed to have healing properties."
They continued toward the temple. As they climbed the steps, they passed through a curtain of energy. The bustle of the city immediately faded away, kept outside. Within, there was a tremendous feeling of peacefulness and calm. A crowd waited ahead of them, but even they seemed to sense the change. Moving slowly forward, they found many of the people were gathering at a counter. A young woman dropped a coin into a wooden box and shook it. Eventually a bamboo stick came out through a small hole in the box. The woman giggled with delight, holding up the stick. Her friends laughed with her, and one of them dropped a coin in the box.
"What are they doing?" he asked.
"Purchasing fortunes," Rei said. "You drop a hundred yen coin in the box and shake it. The stick that comes out has a number on it which matches one of the drawers over there. You go to the drawer and take out a slip of paper that has a fortune written on it. If you like it, you keep it. If not, you tie it to one of the wires strung outside and leave it for someone else."
"Your grandfather's temple doesn't sell fortunes, does it?"
She shook her head. "No. Grandfather doesn't care for vague fortunes," she said. "Besides, Hickawa Temple has long been known for charms. Grandfather prefers to let people ask for what they want, rather than just relying on chance."
He nodded in understanding. "Being able to name what you want is a major step toward achieving it."
"That's what Grandfather thinks," she said.
He gestured toward the counter. "Do you want to get a fortune?"
"No, thanks," she said, squeezing his hand. "I've already discovered who I'll be spending my future with."
"Most definitely," he said softly.
They moved away from the commotion around the counter. Rei stopped to offer a prayer, while Atana quietly kept a respectful distance.
After she finished, they went back outside. Both felt the change as they passed through the energy curtain, returning to the chaotic swirl of energy that filled the city. They walked around the building of the Sensoji Temple, seeing a small orange shrine.
"What's this?" Atana asked.
"It's the Asakusa Jinja Shrine," Rei said. "It commemorates the two fisherman who found the statue of Kannon."
They continued past the shrine, crossing the open grounds of the Temple property. A small amusement park stood just ahead of them.
"An amusement park?" he asked. "Is that part of the Temple as well?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "Of course not. That's Hanayashiki. It's probably the oldest amusement park in Tokyo, but it's pretty outdated now." She paused for a moment. "I remember Mom bringing me here once... just before..."
He squeezed her hand. "So, you're saying we'd do better taking Kara to Tokyo Disneyland?" he asked with a smile
She looked at him, then grimaced. "She'd probably enjoy it... but it seems a waste," she said. "There's nothing Japanese about it."
He laughed softly. "Except for all the computers and electronics that make the entire park operate."
She shook her head, but laughed with him. "Come on. Let's go."
They again felt the change in the surrounding energy as they left the Temple grounds.
He looked around as they walked. "So, is there anything historic about this area?"
"Ah... well... I don't know if you'd call it really historic," she said. "But this an area of some of the older, uhm, pleasure houses..."
"Pleasure houses?" he asked.
She nodded. "There are a number of bars, and small theaters, and some strip shows around here," she said. "And of course, a number of 'love hotels'."
"Those are the ones that rent rooms by the hour?"
"That's right," she said.
He glanced at his watch. "Wow. It's later than I thought. Would you like to think about some lunch?"
"Sure," she said. "I've heard there are several nice restaurants at the Asakusa View Hotel, which is only a few blocks from here."
"Lead on, my beautiful Mrs. Magi," he said.
She laughed softly. "You are such a wonderful man."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It was early afternoon when Rei and Atana left the restaurant, having enjoyed a relaxed and unhurried lunch. As they walked toward the main door of the hotel, they saw a television was turned on in the lobby. A picture of Hino Tadamichi was on the screen.
"What has that bastard done now?" she muttered softly, drawing Atana closer to the set. The picture changed to footage of Rei's school. "Oh, gods," she exclaimed quietly.
"Police escorted Lower House member Hino Tadamichi away from the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Minato-ku," the reporter said, as video showed a ring of police surrounding a very angry Hino, marching him away. "Hino, whose challenge for the leadership of the Progressive Reform Alliance was thrown into considerable question this morning with the release of allegations that he has been accepting bribes on numerous occasions over the past five years, arrived outside the school complex late this morning. Although his arrival was apparently unannounced, school authorities had already closed the gates. As the reporters following watched, Representative Hino angrily demanded admittance. A school representative, and a senior priest with the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus, which administers the school, both requested Hino to leave. When these requests were refused, and with several cars of Hino's supporters arriving, the police were summoned. Representative Hino refused to explain his presence at the school, saying only that it was a personal matter. Hino initially refused the police order to leave, but backed down in the face of the threat of arrest. As he was being led away, Hino shouted to the media following him that this was part of an orchestrated political campaign to ruin him." The video showed Hino's car being escorted away.
"Shortly afterward, Alliance leader Toichi Yukio made a statement," the reported continued.
The video showed Toichi addressing a group of reporters. "No matter what Representative Hino Tadamichi's motives may have been in this unfortunate display, the Progressive Reform Alliance does not endorse such behavior in any fashion." The Alliance leader was clearly struggling to control himself. "This is just the latest in a series of events which the members of our caucus I trust will carefully consider as they make their decision on the future leadership of our party."
"The members of the Alliance caucus went into their party conference amid considerable conflict," the reporter said. "A disheveled Representative Hino arrived at the last minute, narrowly missing being excluded from the closed-door session where his leadership bid may be decided."
Rei shook her head in disbelief. "I'm still amazed that he actually did it."
Atana nodded, slipping an arm around her.
The story ended and the network anchor appeared on the screen. "At this time, the Alliance party conference continues. The leadership election to decide between Toichi Yukio and Hino Tadamichi had been scheduled for late this morning. The fact that the conference is still on-going suggests the election may have been postponed."
Atana gave Rei a soft pull. "Come on. Let's head back," he said softly.
She nodded, letting him steer her toward the door.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
At the Hickawa Temple, Yuuichirou was setting a series of sticks in the ground along the path from the ceremonial gate and the steps from the street. On each stick was a small scroll. Finishing, he returned to the building, where several large barrels were placed on either side of the steps leading up to the shrine.
"I've placed them just as you said," Yuuichirou told the older man. "But why are we doing this?"
Hirano Masahiko smiled. "I'm just trying something my old master taught me a very long time ago," he said. "I expect we will have visitors soon who will not be here to offer prayers, I'm afraid."
Before Yuuichirou could ask another question, Masahiko turned and walked back inside. With a sigh, the younger man picked up the broom and turned his attention to sweeping the path. As he moved along the path, he had to admit that most people would hardly give any thought to the sticks bordering the path. Returning to the building, he heard a commotion from behind him, seeing a small group of reporters, photographers, and television cameramen coming up the steps. He was about to rush inside when he saw Masahiko coming out, now attired in his formal robes.
The reporters immediately began to cry out, shouting questions. Masahiko ignored the cacophony, instead moving calmly to the shrine where he lit several candles and rang the prayer bell. Taking a step back, he lowered his head and began to slowly clap his hands. Even though it was hardly the correct pattern for offering prayers, it did get the attention of the reporters, who quickly quieted down out of respect. He rang the bell once more, then turned. The questions immediately started again.
"Is it true your daughter was married to Hino Tadamichi?" one called.
"Have you heard from Hino recently?" another shouted.
"Do you know why Hino was at the St. Thomas Aquinas School today?" still another called.
Masahiko brought his hands together, put on his best smile, and turned to faced the reporters. He had purposely left his glasses inside and now exaggerated his squint. "Welcome to Hikawa Temple," he called. "All who seek enlightenment and to offer prayers are welcome here."
The reporters quickly resumed shouting their questions.
Mashiko raised a hand. "My dear daughter has gone to be with the spirits of our revered ancestors," he said. "The rest of these things are outside the concern of those of us dedicated to the ways of the Temple."
"Have you heard from Hino Tadamichi?" a reported shouted again.
"You may join me in prayers for a return to harmony," Masahiko said, ignoring the questions. He gazed skyward. "Revered ancestors, join with us in praying to banish those spirits sowing discord!" Just then, he pressed a small remote control concealed in his belt. With a sudden whistling noise, a number of small rockets shot up out of the barrels, bursting overhead. The older man suppressed a grin as, even without his glasses, he could see the reporters ducking their heads.
The reporters turned and hurried away as more rockets burst skyward. Yuuichirou followed, stopping at the top of the steps. Below, he could see the reporters complaining to each other about the strange behavior of the priest. One of the cameramen was looking into the viewfinder of his big video camera. A look of shocked frustration crossed his face.
"My camera didn't record any of it!" he exclaimed. "It's like the battery died... but I didn't get any battery warning while we were up there, and it reads fine now."
One of the other cameramen shook his head. "You should always check your equipment before going out," he said smugly. "Now, mine worked just fine." He raised his camera and pressed the play button. His eyes widened and he muttered a curse.
"You were saying?" the first cameraman asked.
A puzzled frown crossed Yuuichirou's face as it became clear none of the video cameras had worked. He turned and made his way back into the building, where Masahiko was removing his outer robes. "Uhm, excuse me. It, ah, it seems none of their video cameras worked just now. Do you have any idea what could have caused that?"
The older man, now with his glasses back on, just looked at him. "You're asking me? Those video recorders you and Rei each have are a mystery understandable only by the gods," he said. "How should I know?"
Yuuichirou shook his head, recalling the one time Masahiko had tried to program a VCR. He had come back from running errands to find the old priest had covered the machine in charms and was preparing for a full-scale exorcism.
Masahiko turned. "Besides, my young apprentice, the gods work in very mysterious ways," he said with a soft chuckle. As he laid his ceremonial robes out on a table and began carefully folding them to be returned to their drawer, he smiled with a feeling of satisfaction. Silently, he offered a prayer of thanks to the spirit of his old master.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kenji tapped at Yamashita's open office door.
Yamashita looked up from his computer. "Ah, Tsukino-san. Please come in." He started to stand.
"Please. There's no need to get up," Kenji said. "Do you have a minute?"
"Of course," Yamashita said. "Is there a problem?"
Kenji eased the door closed behind him, then took a seat in front of Yamashita's desk. "You might say that," he said. "I've had a call from Go-san. Investigators from the prosecutor's office will be here sometime this afternoon or this evening, concerning the Hino story... and we are to share our files with them."
Yamashita's eyes widened. "You've got to be joking!" he exclaimed. "What happened to press freedom? If we start sharing everything we know with the prosecutors..."
Kenji raised his hand. "I agree with you completely on this one," he said. "So does Go-san. He's been arguing this with Kobayashi-san since late this morning, saying that the media shouldn't be pressed into service whenever the police and the prosecutors drop the ball."
"That's absolutely right," Yamashita declared.
"But Kobayashi-san overruled," Kenji said. "He says that if Chiba Media doesn't share what it knows, Hino Tadamachi will almost certainly be able to beat any criminal charges that might be brought against him."
"Damn it all," Yamashita cursed, shaking his head. "We found the records. Why can't they? Afterall, we've told them where to look."
"Apparently the police raided Hino's campaign organization, by coincidence about the time Hino was making a fool of himself outside that Catholic school," Kenji said. "Hino's staff had already destroyed their records."
"So? They can get the finance records from the banks," Yamashita said.
Kenji nodded. "I've asked Sutomi-san about that." Sutomi was the legal affairs editor. "He tells me that the prosecutor's office will need some very compelling evidence to convince a magistrate to open those financial records."
Yamashita groaned. "Let me guess. Now the only ones who have that evidence are us, the Tokyo Morning News, and All-Japan Televison."
"Just so," Kenji confirmed.
Yamashita leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. "Just great," he muttered. With a resigned sigh he leaned forward again. "Alright. I'll break the bad news to Nagata and Genda. They're not going to like it."
"None of us do," Kenji said.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mamoru sat in the student union. By chance, the television was set to the All-Japan Network's all-news channel. He glanced up as he heard the anchor mention Hino Tadamichi's name.
"Today's much anticipated party conference of the Progressive Reform Alliance finally ended this afternoon, after running much longer than had been expected, and saw Alliance leader Toichi Yukio narrowly retain his job," the reporter said. "According to members of the Alliance caucus in attendance, the main items of discussion at the closed-door meeting, as expected, were the leadership election and the bribery allegations against leadership challenger Hino Tadamichi." Video showed a tight faced, plainly angry Hino storming out of the room. "Members reported that, after lengthy and heated discussion, a number of the Alliance representatives demanded Representative Hino withdraw his candidacy. When Hino refused, the members report that a rare procedural provision in the party's rules was invoked, allowing the members to refuse the entire slate of leadership candidates. It was further reported that a motion immediately followed to suspend the rules to allow incumbent party leader Toichi Yukio's name to be placed in nomination for a new slate, which was approved. A similar motion to allow Hino Tadamichi to be renominated was also offered, but failed. An angry demonstration from a small group of Hino supporters followed."
Video showed Hino addressing reporters. "Today, the Progressive Reform Alliance has abandoned its constituents and allowed itself to become a pawn in an organized and deliberate campaign of slander," Hino said, his voice ringing with anger. "Since nearly all the leaders of our party allowed this travesty to occur, I call on them to take full responsibility for their complicity and do the honorable thing by resigning."
The reporter continued. "Representative Akamatsu Masahiko, lately a critic of both Toichi and Hino, responded to Representative Hino's call."
"Representative Hino's call for the entire leadership to resign is disingenuous, and borders on hypocrisy," Akamatsu declared. "Many of us made a similar call to him in the conference, asking only that he stand down from the leadership race to permit a more viable candidate to take his place, yet he refused. I think his actions speak far more strongly than his words. I am far from pleased with the outcome today, but at least we had a reasonable choice."
The reporter resumed his coverage. "The choice which Representative Akamatsu referred to was the nomination of deputy party leader Yamagata Isao to challenge Toichi Yukio on the new slate. Party caucus members reported that Hino continued his struggle to get back on the ballot, while his supporters tried to add another candidate more to their liking. Both efforts were blocked when the members voted to close the nominations. More demonstrations followed, but the election was finally held, with Toichi winning with 21 votes, to 18 for Yamagata. Five members abstained."
The video showed Toichi addressing reporters. "I am deeply honored to have been reelected to the leadership of the Progressive Reform Alliance. I am well aware of the deep divisions that remain within our party, which must not be masked by the conduct of certain individuals. I share the disappointment of all members of our party at the recent turn of events in the coalition, but now it seems clear we must turn our attention to the future, and specifically, must look to the next election. The Alliance can do this far better by remaining in the coalition, than by joining the opposition."
"Just what role the Alliance will have in the coalition remains to be seen," the reporter continued. "And there is still no word as to whether or not Hino Tadamichi will continue to hold his seat in the Lower House and his place as a member of the Alliance. There are also reports that prosecutors are actively investigating the allegations against Representative Hino. If he should be charged with bribery, the Alliance's ethics rules would require Hino to resign his seat or face expulsion from the party."
Mamoru sighed. Seeing the time, he put away his books and stood up.
"Why do they waste our time with this nonsense?" one of the older students asked. "Let's have the report on the Fukuoka Sumo tournament!"
Mamoru closed his briefcase, then indicated the remote control on the table. "Try one of the sports networks," he suggested. "The coverage might still be on."
The older student glanced at his watch. "You might be right. Thanks."
Mamoru bowed politely, as was expected in the presence of an upperclassman. He then turned and left.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A large black car pulled up the driveway of the Hickawa Temple, its wheels spitting gravel before it lurched to a stop. The door burst open and Hino Tadamichi stepped out, his face still aglow with anger.
Yuuichirou met Hino as the older man stormed up the path.
"May I help you, sir?" Yuuichirou asked.
"You may not, boy!" Hino declared angrily. "Get out of my way."
"I'm sorry, sir," Yuuichirou said. "This part of the grounds is not open to the public."
"I am an exception! Now, I said get out of my way!"
As Hino pushed forward, Yuuichirou deftly stepped aside, but suddenly grasped Hino's hand and pulled hard on his arm, sending the older man crashing to the ground.
In pain, Hino struggled back to his feet, finding Yuuichirou once again blocking the path. "You little piece of shit!" he growled. "Get out of my way!"
Yuuichirou shook his head. "You have no business here, sir. If you will not leave, we shall have to call the police. And they do not take kindly to those who would disturb a shrine or temple... no matter who the person might be."
Hino lunged forward again, but Yuuichirou suddenly dropped into a crouch, then thrust a shoulder into his ribs. Hino gasped in pain, finding himself being almost effortlessly flipped over and crashing hard to the ground. He struggled for breath, the wind having been knocked out of him.
Yuuichirou stepped back lightly, keeping a wary eye on the older man. Hino's suit was now dirty and badly wrinkled, while the seam at one shoulder had begun to split. He saw Hino starting to move again, but the older man's motions were slow and awkward. Yuuichirou easily avoided him, watching as Hino climbed to his feet again.
In a blind rage, Hino hurled himself toward this young man who stood in his way. Once more, Yuuichirou ducked away, and Hino gasped in pain as his momentum carried him into a tree. Spinning around, he took a step toward Yuuichirou when suddenly something cracked hard across the back of his head.
Hirano Masahiko held his bamboo staff firmly as Hino collapsed to the ground.
"He seemed quite determined to get into the private grounds," Yuuichirou said.
Masahiko nodded. He could still feel the man's dark nature surrounding him like a cloud, even blacker and thicker than it had been when he had last seen Hino in person six years ago.
Hino groaned in pain and rolled over, one hand grasping the back of his head. His eyes slowly focused on the diminutive figure of the old priest standing before him, holding his staff like a samurai's sword. "Where is my daughter, Hirano?" he growled, deliberately omitting the 'san'.
Masahiko remained silent for a moment. "You have no daughter," he finally said, keeping his voice calm and steady through a considerable force of effort. "My daughter's will made that clear."
Hino started to move, but gasped as a sharp pain radiated from the back of his skull. "Don't... mess with me... old man," he declared through clenched teeth. "I am Rei's father... and that must be respected!"
Masahiko shook his head. "Such respect must be earned. There is more to being a father than just the biology of reproduction," he said. "You had the option of making something good of yourself fifteen years ago. You chose a different path. Now you must face the consequences."
"You have no right to lecture me, old man," Hino hissed. "I have seen and done far more than you could ever hope to achieve."
"So you think," Masahiko said, shaking his head again. "And at what cost? You have sacrificed your honor for your ambition. But without honor, there is nothing. And so, now you have nothing."
"You understand nothing," Hino growled. He started to move, but Masahiko's staff struck his arm just hard enough to send him back down.
"I understand much more than you would imagine," Masahiko said.
Just then, another car was heard pulling up the drive.
Hino's driver came running up the path. "Hino-san! Hino-san!" He stopped in his tracks when he saw Hino flat on the ground with a staff leveled at him.
Two police officers came up the path behind the driver.
"They're attacking him!" the driver shouted to the officers.
The police officers pushed past him. "I don't think so," the first officer said. He turned his attention to Masahiko. "Did you call concerning an intruder, sir?"
Masahiko nodded, slowly drawing his staff away. "Yes, officer. My apprentice confronted him when he tried to force his way into the private part of the grounds."
Hino started to rise. "I am Representative Hino Tadamichi," he declared. "You have no basis to hold me."
The officer took hold of Hino's arm. "I didn't say anything about holding you, Hino-san... At least not yet." The officer studied Hino closely. "And just why were you trying to get into the private grounds of the temple?"
"I do not need to explain myself to you," Hino said angrily. "Now, unhand me!"
The second officer was calling in the report on his radio. He listened closely to the response, then gave a brief acknowledgment. "It seems, Hino-san, that the prosecutors in the Justice Ministry are interested in speaking to you," he said. "We've been instructed to escort you in... so that you don't get lost."
"You can't do this!" Hino protested, starting to struggle. "You have no right!"
The first officer twisted Hino's arm painfully. "That is something for you to discuss with the prosecutors," he said. "You can come along in comparative comfort, or in handcuffs, Hino-san, but either way, you are going to come along."
Hino glared at the officer, but finding him unyielding, turned to his driver. "Call my office. Have my lawyer meet me at the Ministry," he instructed curtly.
"Yes, Hino-san," the driver answered with a bow.
Yuuichirou turned away, a smirk on his face. "I'm surprised he didn't salute, the way he snapped to attention," he said softly, struggling to suppress a wave of laughter.
A faint smile flickered across Masahiko's face.
As the first officer held Hino, the second stepped forward. "Do you wish to file a formal complaint, sir?" he asked Masahiko.
The old priest shook his head. "That's not necessary," he said. "No harm was done. And it sounds like this man has more serious concerns to worry about just now."
"Very well, sir," the second officer said. "Good day."
Masahiko bowed, then stepped forward, slipping a small carved wooden charm into Hino's pocket.
"What's that?" Hino demanded. "A curse?"
Masahiko smiled. "For someone in your position, perhaps it is," he said. "It's a charm for fair and just treatment."
Hino muttered a string of obscenities as the police officers led him back to their car.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Usagi switched off Mamoru's cell phone as he parked the car in the basement garage.
"Well, I'm glad Rei didn't have to be there when her father showed up at her school," she said. "She said she and Atana spent much of the day in Asakusa."
Mamoru nodded. "That's a nice place to spend the day. And the news coverage made it look like a real circus at her school. I feel sorry for the other students there."
"Yes," Usagi agreed. "It's a pretty big campus, with an elementary school, junior high school, and high school all right there. And there's a wall around the entire property, but there's no way the students inside could have missed all the commotion."
They stepped out of the car and, after he locked it, they walked to the elevator. Her hand slid into his as the elevator took them to the top floor.
"I know this is hard on her," Usagi said softly.
"I'm sure it is," Mamoru said. He sighed, then shook his head. "I just can't imagine how someone could be that self-centered. She's his daughter, and yet he doesn't seem to give the slightest thought to her feelings."
She nodded. "But I know you could never be like that, Mamo-chan. That's why I know you'll be a wonderful father."
"And you'll be a wonderful mother, Usako," he said, leaning over to kiss her.
The elevator stopped and the doors slid open. They walked along the hall to their door. He retrieved his key, unlocking the door and they entered their apartment.
"Luna?" Usagi called. "Are you here?" She slipped off her shoes, then moved into the hallway. "I don't see any sign of her. She must be out again."
"She's been out quite a bit lately," he commented. "I hope that doesn't mean there's some new source of trouble developing."
"So do I," she said with a slight shiver. "I just want to enjoy a peaceful life with the man I love."
"And our baby," he said, kissing her again.
"Yes," she sighed. "I love you so much."
"I love you," he said softly.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Back at their apartment, Rei and Atana had finished dinner. They had kept the television turned off to avoid the news as Kara played after school.
Kara sat on the floor in the living room. "Mommy! Watch this!" she called excitedly.
Rei sat down. "I'm watching, honey."
"Mommy! Watch!" Kara cried again.
"I am watching, Kara," Rei said.
Kara nodded. The little girl took a breath, then began softly chanting.
Rei's eyebrows went up in surprise. From her memories of her past life, she vaguely recognized the words, while she could sense energy beginning to swirl around Kara in a definite pattern. As the energy grew stronger, the little girl began to float just off the floor.
"Do you see, Mommy?" In her excitement, Kara nearly lost her focus.
"Careful, honey," Rei said. "Yes, I see. That's very good."
Kara grinned, now rising a bit higher. "You try it too," she called. "Please?"
"Me?" Rei asked, a bit taken aback. "But honey, I don't know how."
Atana sat down next to her. "It's not that hard," he said softly. "And you used to do it... before."
She looked at him surprise. Seeing him nod, she slowly cleared her thoughts, employing her meditation training to bring out more memories of Princess Rei of Mars.
"Just do what I do, Mommy," Kara said. She started to repeat her chant.
"Slowly, honey," Atana said softly.
Kara slowed down, and Rei began to repeat what she was chanting. As she did so, more memories of her past life welled up. Rei found the words forming in her mind. She could sense energy swirling around her and through her. As memories surfaced, she felt the energy responding to her much as it did when she fashioned one of her anti-evil charms, but now in a much different way. She drew on the surrounding energy, slowly and carefully, amazed at what she was doing but knowing not to force it. Suddenly, she realized she too was floating just off the floor, and with no help from Atana.
"You did it, Mommy!" Kara cheered.
Atana smiled at her. "Very nice," he said softly.
As she floated there, Rei felt a tremendous sense of familiarity about this from that part of Princess Rei that still survived in Atana. Very gently she settled back to the floor.
Kara descended to the floor, then threw her arms around Rei, while Atana embraced both of them.
"You both did very well. I'm proud of you," he said. "But now it's time for your bath, honey."
Kara frowned. "But, Daddy..."
Atana shook his head. "It's getting late, Kara. And you have school in the morning."
Kara sighed, rising slowly to her feet.
Just then, Rei's cell phone rang.
"Come on, honey," Atana said to Kara, steering her back toward her bedroom.
Rei reached for her phone, again seeing Mamoru's name and number on the display. She pressed the button. "Hello, Chiba-san."
"Good evening, Mrs. Magi," Usagi greeted her. "Enjoying a quiet evening at home with the family?"
"Of course," Rei said. "Kara's been teaching me levitation."
"Levitation? You're serious?"
"Certainly," Rei said. "It helps that Princess Rei was pretty good at magic too."
"Now that you mention it... I do seem to remember something about that," Usagi said thoughtfully.
"I assume you were calling for something in particular," Rei said. "I have a little girl who is about to take a bath."
"Sorry," Usagi said. "I take it you haven't been watching the news."
Rei sighed. "No. Of course not. Kara doesn't need to see that."
"I understand," Usagi said. "According to the news reports, your father tried to barge into the private grounds of your grandfather's temple."
Rei clenched a fist. "What happened?" she asked tightly.
"The police arrived and took him away," Usagi said.
"Took him away? You mean, like arrested him?"
"Not quite. But the Ministry of Justice is investigating his political activities... and decided to bring him in for questioning."
"Are they still holding him?" Rei asked.
"I don't know," Usagi answered. "I haven't seen any reports that he's been released... but I guess he could have been."
"So... they haven't actually arrested him yet," Rei said.
"No, I don't think so," Usagi agreed.
Rei nodded, sighing again. "I hope they throw away the key... I really do," she said softly. "He never made even the slightest effort for me, and now that I have a family with Atana and Kara, I don't want him anywhere near us. Especially after what he tried today."
"I understand," Usagi said quietly.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"How did she take it?" Mamoru asked.
"She wants him out of her life for good," Usagi said. "And nowhere near Kara."
"I can't really blame her for that," he said. "Having a family makes you feel a lot more protective." He slipped an arm around her and hugged her.
She nodded. "She has a wonderful family. I know that's what she's always wanted." She gazed into his eyes. "And I have the most incredible man ever."
"You're pretty incredible yourself, my lovely princess," he said, kissing her lips.< To be continued >
* * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: I have to give special credit to my copy of Frommer's Japan (4th edition), published by Simon & Schuster's MacMillan Travel, both for the specifics on the walking tour of Asakusa and that there really is a Sumo Basho held in Fukuoka in November, when this chapter is set. As always, very special thanks to my lovely wife, Hopeless Romantic, for all her support and encouragement. 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.
-08.31.2003