Gregor respectfully lifted his cup and saluted Suteko. After a sip he put the cup down. "Answers,” he stated gruffly.
Suteko sighed. “To what questions? I have answered all the Princess’ questions.” She picked up a roll and started to slowly dissect it. “Any I haven’t answered my grey guardian has.”
“Not fully. You are holding something back. Something vital to this war.” Gregor almost growled in his frustration. He knew that there was more he wasn’t being told.
Suteko continued to tear apart the roll for long moments. Gregor could see emotions quickly chasing across her face before they were smoothed out. Confusion, longing and a touch of fear all passed almost too quickly to be seen. She snorted softly. “Vital? No, Matten-san, nothing vital to defeating the Shadows. Just some tricks an old man taught his favorite student. Tales he told to teach lessons in respect.” She held up a hand stopping Rage’s question. “No, nothing I can easily teach to strangers. Things that only those of my bloodline can learn.”
Gregor took that with a nod. “All right, that I can understand. We each have our own powers.” He tried a more relaxed approach. “You told us about this Shadow Master and how he gained his power but not how you gained yours.”
Suteko sighed once more. It was getting old being asked so many ways how she could do what she did. “Some were inborn, some were learned and some came with becoming a Star Knight. Which are you interested in?” She took another sip of her tea, slowly rolling the flavors on her tongue and trying to not show how tense Gregor made her by being this close.
Gregor started to respond when he stiffened. Across the street he spotted a familiar shadowless form. He started to get up when he felt Suteko’s hand on his forearm. “Don’t. He has been watching us since the tea arrived.”
“You knew?” Gregor looked surprised. He had just picked up the presence of the Shadow minion and he had the most acute senses of the Kouhei.
Suteko nodded once. Since her first battle with Kaneda’s transformed self, she had been able to sense the living shadow. “He purposely chose his spot. It is too public a place for a confrontation.” Picking up her cup she gestured to the nearby tables. “He knows I can’t fight him in public like this.” She looked about at the families. There were old men sitting drinking two tables over and a woman with her small children across the way.
Aki smiled as he watched the Knight and Kouhei. He wasn’t there to cause too much trouble. It was in his nature to stir up as much trouble as possible for those who were of the Light but today he was there to see if the Kouhei would work with the star Knight. The Kouhei still radiated distrust and it was time to ratchet it up. Floating up to the top of the pole, he gestured and out of the shadows of the alley two creatures formed.
The first was traditional to Japan. A slender womanlike form, dressed in a white kimono, the Yurei was out of place on the busy evening street. Gregor watched as Suteko’s demeanor changed. As the ghost shadow formed she went from relaxed to alert in a breath.
When the second shadow beast formed it was a western werewolf complete with dripping fangs. Though not easily seen, a glow started around the Star Knight. “Matten-san could you please protect the civilians.” Without giving the Kouhei a chance to answer Suteko placed her cup carefully down, kicked her pack below the table and moved. Between one moment and the next the Star Knight disappeared. Matten’s eyes narrowed. That was not a trick that he expected from the woman. As the screams started around him the Kouhei did what was asked. He carefully sheparded the mother and children into the shop, all the while watching for the Knight to reappear. As he moved to the little old men he saw Suteko reappear before the Shadow forms, glowing more brightly but still in her street clothing.
Aki smiled down at She who will be. “So you are using the warrior as a lapdog now?” The Shadow pitched his voice so that the Kouhei could clearly hear him.
Suteko slowly shook her head as she sent a flash toward the two shadow creatures. “How low of you Aki, Matten-san is no lapdog,” she smiled up at her true opponent. “As you well know.” Her eyes stayed on the two creatures who were moving onto the street. A miasma of fear spread out from the Yurei, sending the bystanders fleeing down side streets or into shops that quickly locked their doors and pulled their shades. It seemed that patrons and the neighbors here knew danger when they saw it.
“Why else would the great Sailor Rage be sheparding sheep for you Knight? After all you are not Kouhei, not Senshi. He has no alliance to the Star Knights and no trust of you.” Aki continued to make scathing remarks doing what he could to distract the Knight but Aki soon discovered that Unicorn was not easily distracted from battle. With a grimace he waved the two shadows forward.
With a twist of her wrist Suteko brought forth from no where a plain wooden staff. For a brief moment she was puzzled. This was not the normal manifestation of her stuff but it didn't matter now. Her eyes flickering from side to side she started to twirl, waiting for the creatures to attack.
The Yurei held back drifting, her ghostly kimono floating in a nonexistent current of ecoplasmic water that pooled on the ground beneath her. The shadow wolf man snarled and dashed forward. While a common boogieman in the stories of the place she grew up, Suteko wasn’t frightened. She had fought off the same beast while on the run before. If not for the chance of being seen by innocent bystanders she would have blasted it. As the beast charged she came up onto the balls of her feet and then lashed out, hitting the wolf man in its muzzle, slowing it down. The shadow creature reacted like any wolf would snarling and shaking its head.
Gregor stood on the sidewalk watching the Star Knight in action. Suteko didn’t power up and transform, she didn’t use her light powers other than what seemed an unconscious leaking of light about her and the staff. She was currently striking the wolf man with her staff. The beast was fast and the shadow dripped from it’s fangs and claws as it tried to tag the Star Knight. This beast was bigger than the creatures Rage and Time had cleaned up before. Easily topping eight feet of muscle and fur, the creature looked massive compared to the tiny Suteko.
When Matten had sparred with her he knew she was fast but watching her in battle showed that she had held back. She moved with precision and speed, blocking the Shadow beasts lunges and landing blows to numb it arms and legs. The only problem was that she too focused. Aki smiled and gestured to the Yurei. The shadow ghost inhaled and sent out a discordant cry that pierced the souls of those who heard it. Normal humans were stunned but Gregor merely winced. The cry touched the dark part of his soul but nothing more. He glared at the ghost as it moved forward.
On the other hand Suteko stumbled as the shadow’s cry hit her. Being both bard and light born the cry actually caused her damage. Gregor could see blood flow from her ear. He reached for his crystal. The civilians were all unseeing now and he fought better as Rage. In the time it took to power up the shadow wolf lunged and ended up catching the Star Knight across her cheek, whipping her head back. She stumbled back dropping the staff in surprise.
The Yurei drifted faster her mists enwrapping the Star Knight. Gregor dashed to the street pulling his sword. He skidded to a stop as light flared, causing the mist to rip away. The wolf man roared in pain and the Yurei dashed back, crying out again.
As the mist cleared Sailor Star Knight Unicorn glared at the Shadow born on the pole. “That was low.” Her musical voice soothing the nerves damaged by the Yurei’s cry. She darted a look at Rage and quirked a brow toward the Wolfman. Rage smiled and stalked forward, swinging his blade. The wolf looked to his lord who gestured. With another howl the wolf man engaged Sailor Rage.
The two circled and closed, circled and closed in a dangerous dance. Rage was more powerful in his blows, landing them on the shadow beast. The strength of his blows, augmented by his Rage powers caused a red glow around the blade he carried. Sailor Rage’s in born powers strengthened his
steel along with his muscles. His smile of raw glee would have frightened anyone watching. Shadow wolf and Sailor Kouhei wore matching viscous expressions. Matten was enjoying this battle more than he should but he didn’t care. Battle was his heart and his joy. Fighting the shadow wolf was the most fun he had in over a year. He was almost disappointed when he managed to separate the shadow wolf’ head from its shoulders. As the creature dissolved into the gathering dark, Rage turned to watch Unicorn.
The Sailor Star Knight was face to face with the Yurei. The ghost arms were extended, reaching out to grab the Star Knight but the glow now radiating off Unicorn kept it at bay. The Ghost once more opened it’s mouth and let out its debilitating cry but the result this time was different. While the Star Knight winced and more blood flowed from her ears she spread her hands, eyes closed. A few hummed notes and a harp of light formed. She plucked a simple melody and notes of light formed and drifted toward the ghost. The shadow beast howled louder, trying to back away but the notes swirled around it, keeping it in place. Then Unicorn started to sing. The words didn’t matter it was the pure sound of a trained musician that struck the ghost. Matten watched in reluctant awe as the pure crystalline notes stripped away the shadows that encased the spirit. As her pure voice slowly built in power the ghost became briefly solid and then with a relieved smile it faded away.
Aki cursed softly and faded from sight. His plan had backfired. The Star Knight had defeated the Yurei and had worked well with the Kouhei. His master would be displeased with this information.
Once the Youma faded from sight Rage powered down. He did a quick scan seeing that all the businesses were still shuddered tight. He then turned in time to see Suteko, now back in her street clothes slump to one knee, hands to her head. Her eyes were still closed tight.
He moved to her side and asked softly. “Suteko, can you stand.” He held out one hand to the woman who nodded once. She opened her eyes, looking briefly at his large hand. Wincing she took it. Gregor was surprised and impressed despite himself. The Star Knight was willing to accept the simple helping hand. It was a good sign. Once she was on her feet, she swayed a bit but swallowed and after nodding her thanks to Gregor, she went to pick up her pack. Gregor looked about for the staff the knight had used before. The ability to pull a large hunk of wood from nothing was yet another thing that he wanted to speak to Suteko about.
She came back to his side and softly spoke. “You wont find it Matten-san. I put it away all ready.” Wincing again she started to sway. Gregor placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.
“The ghost’s cry was more than a sound attack wasn’t it?”
She nodded, “Shadow and sound mixed especially to weaken me,” sighing she pulled a tissue from her pack and wiped at her ear. “I need to come up with a counter for that.”
Before Gregor could form another question a long black car pulled up to the curb and the rear door opened.
Setsuna got out and gestured to the two to get in. Acting the gentleman Gregor guided Suteko in, then slid in himself.
He was prepared to be annoyed with Pluto but his jaw dropped when he saw who else was in the car. Shayla smiled at her team mate as she gently pressed a palm to the side of Suteko’s head. “Good eve , Gregor.” A gentle green glow poured from her long fingers and flowed into the Star Knight. While not as dramatic as the Moon Princess’ healing, the cool energy of Sailor Sweet water soothed the damage done by the shadow born to the light bearing Knight.
The tension slowly left her face as her hearing returned to normal and the pain faded. She whispered a thank you.
Setsuna instructed the driver to take them to her home. Gregor sat back, filled with even more questions. How did the Knight pull a staff from nowhere in human guise? How did she disappear and reappear? Where did the harp and music power come from? This Star Knight had more tricks than a magician yet she seemed to have no defense against the shadows but the questions could wait. He had known that Shayla was gong to return but had not expected her to show up in a limo with her royal timeness.
He opened his mouth to start questioning but Setsuna put up a single finger. “No questions Gregor. The answers will be forthcoming, be patient. “ He snarled and switched seats with Suteko.
Shayla spoke quietly as Gregor and Suteko switched seats to give them some privacy. It was obvious that the two Kouhei had not seen each other in years and needed to catch up. Having Rage distracted from his questions was a relief. While she knew she would be bombarded after the two friends caught up, she wasn’t ready to answer the intense Kouhei’s questions.
Sighing softly she watched the friends speak, the obvious care flowing between them sent a pang through her sore heart.
Chapter six
Out of the frying pan and into the fire
Setsuna pulled the heart sore Knight slightly out of sync with the others. As the two Kouhei seemed to pause, the Star Knight turned her eyes to the Senshi of Pluto. Lifting a brow in question she nodded for Pluto to speak.
“You are starting to remember.” Pluto’s enigmatic smile teased wit knowledge that was just out of reach for the Star Knight.
Suteko nodded, “Some. What was I really Pluto? These memories tell me I was not one of the heirs of the Crystal Kingdom. That was my brother.”
“No not an heir but..?”
Suteko closed her eyes and concentrated. “Not one of the heirs but….Sensei?” Images started to flow, not clear but they were there. Some time in the Earth’s distant past she had been the personal tutor to the current Lord of Light. She taught Chi power and more to a student who looked much like the man who ran the dojo. Not a full blood, she was a trusted advisor to a young earnest Prince learning to battle the shadows. Even during the past life she held secrets, things not revealed because they were too dangerous.
Suteko pushed the memories away. They cut her very much the same way her current memories did. Pluto held a crystal out to Unicorn. “This will make the memories easier.”
Suteko reached out and took the clear crystal. As her fingers touched it, it flared with a bright light and a single tone. Startled she nearly dropped it. She darted a look a the two Kouhei and was pleased to see they had not noticed. Turning back to Pluto she slipped the crystal into her pocket and spoke softly. “You know so much Setsuna-sama. Were you there?”
Setsuna just lifted a brow. “There?"
Suteko chuckled softly. “That was too vague, I know.” Looking out into the darkness, she continued. “I know you are part of why I am still here.” She paused one hand still in her pocket caressing the crystal. “I know you can’t or won’t explain but can you tell me something…unrelated to this?”
Setsuna interrupted the Knight gently. ”Your brother is safe at the moment Unicorn. He and his bride are resting peacefully in their home.”
A single tear escaped the large green eyes to slip down her cheek. Once more a flash filled the darkened car, this time softer and the tear dropped to her lap, also crystallized. Suteko scooped it up and looked deep, seeing tiny figures of her family inside. She looked up at Pluto, who shrugged. “You are surrounded by magic child. Be careful of your heart’s desires. They might come true.”
Pluto then snapped her elegant fingers and time went back into sync and Suteko could again hear the conversation between Rage and the woman who eased her injury. Briefly a pain spiked in her head, like an echo of an injury. She shrugged it off.
Setsuna spoke up then “Gregor, don’t you think an introduction is in order? After all Shayla has all ready treated Suteko.”
The pretty blonde turned her blue eyes back to the dark-haired woman she had just healed. "I am sorry we were so rude. I feel like I all ready know you thanks to Hana.” She reached out a hand. “I am Shayla, once know as Sailor Sweet Water.”
Suteko looked at the hand extended and reached out her own. Callused from harp and staff, her f
ingers closed firmly about hands that held a slight tinge of green. They were softer than the Star Knight's but still strong. The Kouhei’s ability to heal rang clean with Suteko. She too had a healing gift but it was useless on herself. “Thank you Shayla-san for removing the shadow taint.” Shayla looked a bit confused. She had only healed the physical damage to Suteko’s ears.
Sitting it was hard to tell more than basics about Sweet water. Her hair was worn pulled back in a long tail as far as Suteko could tell. Dressed in a long flowing skirt and peasant blouse, she looked comfortable. Both top and skirt were delicately embroidered with alternating leaves and native symbols. Her feet were covered in bead trimmed moccasins. It was an odd mix of gypsy and native clothing on a woman who was clearly a descendant of Eire.
Shayla looked at the mysterious Star Knight. Suteko was in her usual jeans, loose t-shirt and battered leather jacket. She wore a simple pair of Chinese slippers on her feet.