Butterfly, Unfolding Chapter 1 By: Sailor Jes e-mail: SailorJes@aol.com This fanfic is set in feudal Japan. One disclaimer: while I tried my very hardest to be accurate, I know there are some things in it that will be historically inaccurate. Just remember this is fiction, not history! Enjoy. *********************************************************************** A falling flower, thought I, Fluttering back to the branch -- Was a butterfly. -Moritake *********************************************************************** The sound of children's high laughter filled the garden. Over a dozen youths in bright kimonos ran through the neat, green grass, chasing butterflies and plucking flowers from their beds. "I caught one!" cried one child, with wild golden hair. She gazed in her net with amazement at the butterfly franctically flapping its wings. "Let me see, Usagi!" called another child with long brown hair, running over to her friend. Together the two girls giggled and attempted to grab the butterfly's iridescent wings. "You shouldn't do that," said a boy coming over to the two happy girls. "Their beauty may look eternal but it is frail. It can't last forever." The blonde girl named Usagi, placed her hands on her hips and glared at the boy. Though older and taller (he was fifteen, she ten), Usagi knew that those were just minor details. She possessed all of the real superiority in this relationship. "Don't tell what I should do, Mamoru! Just remember who my father is and then remember who yours is!" she said scorchingly. "You must respect me!" Glaring at Usagi, Mamoru clenched his fists. It was true after all. He was her inferior, even if he were a boy and older. Swallowing back his pride and bitter words, he bowed. "Forgive me, Usagi." "Well," Usagi said arrogantly. "Maybe I won't tell my father how you insulted his first-born daughter if you leave us alone!" Mamoru said nothing. Hardening his eyes and pushing back his shoulders, he nodded, turned, and strode away. "Wow...I wish my father was as respected as yours," Makoto whispered to her friend. Usagi tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Well, he's a great warrior. Probably the greatest in the country. So, not everyone can be him, you know." Wide-eyed, Makoto nodded in agreement before turning her attentions back to the butterfly. Usagi stuck her hand in the net, too, cornered the fragile creature and mangaged to catch hold of one wing. "I got it!" she cried. Lifting her prize from the net, she held it up to the sun. Its wings glittered purple and blue and pink and green and every other color imaginable. "I wish I could be this buutefly. So beautiful..." Eventually, she returned it back to the net, but it wasn't flying as well. The butterfly soon sunk to the bottom, its wings opening and closing laboriously. "What's wrong with it?" Makoto asked. "I-I don't know." Usagi poked the insect with her finger but nothing happened. "It's dying," said a older voice. Looking up, both saw one of the older girls standing before them. "Ami," cried Makoto. "Why?" "You touched the wings," said the learned twelve-year-old. "Although they are magnificent, the buttefly's wings are so delicate that if you hold them long enough, eventually the butterfly will die." Usagi stared at Ami with horror. Dead? But why? Was this what that horrid creature Mamoru had been talking about? Gazing down into the net, Usagi saw the butterly painfully open its wings. Then it went still. The wings flapped no more. ****** Butterfly, Unfolding Chapter 1 By: Sailor Jes ****** "Usagiiiii!" called a voice from down the hall. Usagi looked up from brushing her long blonde hair and groaned in frustration. "What!" she exclaimed. A servant burst into the room. "Usagi, your father requests your presence." "My father? At this very moment?" "Yes, as soon as possible." "Thank you," Usagi said with irritation in her voice as she waved the woman away. The servant bowed low and scurried out of the room. Sighing, Usagi didn't know why her father wished to see her. Even though she was his first child, he barely took interest in her. His attentions focused more on her younger brother, Shingo, who would someday become heir to all of his wealth. Figuring it was something important, Usagi reached for the hair clips her father had given her for her twelfth birthday, two years ago. Quickly, she knotted her hair at the top of her head and stuck the clips in the bun. She strode down the hall and into her father's room. Usagi got down on her knees and bowed low, showing ultimate respect for this stranger that lived down the hall. "Enough, daughter," commanded her father, Usagi's cue to raise her body from the low bow. "Usagi, I have sent for you because there is important news." Usagi only nodded. She noticed there was another man standing besides her father. Usagi didn't recognize him at all, but he seemed worthy of her father's company from the looks of his fine clothing. "This man standing on my right you will someday call 'Father.'" Wide-eyed, Usagi looked at the man again. Her father continued. "It has been arranged that you are to marry Yamato's first son, Ishimaru." Married? Had she heard correctly? Marriage? As this age? To Yamato Ishimaru! Thankfully, Usagi was already on her knees, that way she couldn't have collapsed to the floor. "You are probably thinking that you are too young to marry. So am I. Yamato and I have made arrangements for you to be wed to Ishimaru when you are sixteen. That is a suitable age. In these next two years, Yamato desires that you learn how to become a dutiful wife to his son. What do you have to say to this most generous blessing?" Swallowing the lump in her throat, Usagi cracked a smile. "I...am very fortunate...that I will have two great fathers instead of one." This pleased both men and they smiled at each other. "We will celebrate!" cried her father. "Bring the sake!" A servant entered the room with a jug of wine and two glasses. "Go now, daughter. Continue your day," her father said, waving her off, while pouring himself and the other man a glass of wine. Usagi bowed once more and then quickly got up and exited the room. Once out in the hallway, she leaned against the wall for support. Her knees trembled. Blindly, she sauntered back to her room. ****** "I know I should be happy," she cried to Makoto. "I am marrying the first-born son of one of the wealthiest, most dignified families in Japan, but..." "But, what?" asked Makoto as she ran a comb through her friend's long hair. "But...it is too soon!" Usagi exclaimed. "So, now while you are sitting happily in the garden, living your life, I will be indoors learning how to embroider my wedding dress! It's too horrible!" Placing her face in her hands, she began sobbing. "Oh, Usagi, you feel too much. Just think, there are a thousand girls who would trade places for your situation. Yamato Ishimaru is wealthy and honored. Some say he is handsome. And he is the first born! He will give you many children." "And I hope none of them are girls! I would not wish this heartache on anybody!" she exclaimed. Despite Usagi's angst, it be a monumentous pairing, one the matchmaker would brag about for years to come. Just imagine! The son of one of Japan's oldest, richest, most respected families with the daughter of a legendary war- hero. It was truly a match the gods were smiling down upon. And so, two years before the fact, wedding preparations began in the Tsukino household. Usagi chose the fabric for her wedding kimono, the best chefs in the land were sent for, and auditions for the entertainment were already underway. The next year passed by like a whirlwind for the members of the house. Usagi trudged through it blindly, like a leaf tossed about by a summer gale. ******** One day, only three months before the wedding, Usagi awoke to an eerie stillness in her house. This was unusual lately, especially with the wedding so close. Wrapping her thin nightclothes around herself, she sliiped out into the hallway. There was nobody. She heard the wind rustling the leaves in the trees and the sound of bells signaling morning prayer for the Shinto priests. Then, a servant rounded the corner. "Where is everybody?" asked Usagi. The servant bowed. "I do not know, mistress." "Well, what is going on?" "I do not know-" "You lie! Tell me, what is happening." The servant bowed. "There is trouble. That is all I have been told, mistress!" Quickly, the servant rushed by her. Usagi rolled her eyes at her beligerence. Usagi thought. Continuing her trek through the house, she finally reached the kitchen. Nobody, not even the cook, was there. "No breakfast," she grumbled. "How am I supposed to start my day with an angry, growling stomach?" Suddenly, she heard loud voices emitting from her father's room. She snuck outside and listened. "What do you mean nothing?" he shouted. "That is all that I have been told, Master Tsukino," said a meek voice, that Usagi recognized as one of the lower samurai to the lord. "And what is to become of my possesions, my house, my family? Nevermind! You are worthless! Leave me!" Usagi scurried away before she was noticed. From the way things sounded, this situation seemed terrible. She had to know what was going on. Running to her mother's room, Usagi felt her heart pounding on her ribs. "Mother," she said, flinging herself into the lavish room and bowing on her knees. "Mother, what is happening...?" Usagi looked up to see her mother crying softly on the floor. "Come here, daughter of mine." Usagi crept slowly to her mother and sat across from her. "Mother, what is wrong? Something is happening. What is it?" Her mother sniffled. "Sometimes, Usagi, people posses a great power. Some say one of the greatest. To alter the lives of others. It is not my place to say whether this is right or not. We have always been blessed to live in luxury without any cares in the world..." Usagi swallowed the lump of fear in her throat. "Mother...I don't understand..." "As of last night, our lives were forever changed. Usagi, Master Hamano, your father's superior who provided for us and protected us so that your father and his samurais might protect others was...was...murdered!" Usagi's mother burst into tears again. Sitting there in shock, Usagi whispered slowly "Murdered? But, why? How?" Regaining her composure, the teary-eyed woman continued "This is what we were told early this morning: he owed another land-owner much money and signed a contract with him promising to repay him in full by a week ago. When he did not have the money, this other land-owner vowed to have his money or his life. They dueled and...and...Master Hamano lost." Again, Usagi's mother broke down. "Mother, Mother!" Usagi yelled, shaking the woman's shoulder's roughly. "What does this mean?" "They are seizing everything, Usagi! Our land, our possessions, everything! We are poor! We have nothing left!" sobbed her mother. Usagi had expected this. An overwhelming panic pulsed into her body and she began crying, as well. "What are we to do, Mother?" she sobbed, her voice choked and pained. Her breathing was coming in ragged gasps. Her mother couldn't even speak. The woman wailed loudly and then was silent. She had passed out. Nothing...was all Usagi could think as she curled up into a ball by her mother's side. She closed her eyes. Nothing. ******** Somehow, she had stopped crying. And somehow, she had collected enough strength to return to her room. How long she had been slumped against the wall was beyond her. Usagi guessed, by gazing at the purple streaks in the evening sky, that it had been several hours. She hadn't changed from her sleeping clothes, her hair was hanging limp and oily down her unwashed face. Her spirit felt numb and weak. Walking to the chest that contained her belongings, she caressed the jewled hair clips that her father had given her a long time ago. They were worthless now. Just metal and colored stones. They were useless trinkets that reminded her of what she had always taken for granted. Of what had been ripped away from her. Just then, a knock sounded on her door and it opened, revealing her mother and father. Her mother was as pale as the cherry blossoms that hung from the trees. "Usagi," her father began sternly. He was masking his fear under that harshness, Usagi noticed. His scared eyes revealed all. They were glassy and tired and defeated...somthing she had never before seen from her father. "Usagi, collect your things." "Why, Father?" she asked. "Do not ask why!" he shouted, causing Usagi to jump and her eyes to tear. "You are going to Ishimaru. He will still marry you but you must go to him as soon as possible. We are loading your dowry onto a wagon that will leave for Edo in the morning. Once you arrive, you two will be married. And he will provide for you when...when I cannot." He looked away so his oldest child could not see that he was about to cry. "Come, Ikuko," he said to his wife. She complied silently and then they were gone. Usagi had shed all of her tears in the past few hours so there were no more to fall from her eyes. She would be married in a few days. And not even sixteen yet. Tragedy brings more tragedy, Usagi figured. This was to be her life. Losing everything and then losing some more. Usagi stared at the wooden chest, deciding to leave it and its contents behind. ****** Early the next morning, when fine whisps of color were hanging in the May sky, Usagi set out to Edo. There was no pomp and circumstance. Just her father, her mother, and her brother. All fought to hold back their tears. "I'll write," Usagi promised. They nodded their heads and then she was gone. Sitting in the lushly ornate wagon, Usagi realized that it was a complete lie. The red silk kimono embroidered with flowers and trees, her wedding garb, was a lie. The orchids in her hair were lies. The gold rings, the earrings, the necklace, and bracelet she wore were all lies. Lies scrapped together to make it seem like the life she was journeying to wouldn't seem like a lie. She sat, gazing blankly at the countryside unfolding around her. The farmers in the fields picking rice. Their stooped figures, pathetic and lowly. Usagi knew that was what her family would be reduced to. Depression consumed her. Time passed and suddenly Usagi heard the horses whinny. The wagon stopped abruptly. Loud, angry voices filled the air. "Get down from there! Be quiet!" Usagi peeked out of the window and saw a band of disgusting men surrounding the wagon. She ducked and hid under the seat. "Get everything! Kill everyone!" Tears clouded Usagi's vision. They were going to steal everything! Rob her of the dismal future she clung to! They should just kill her now. But she remainded quiet, listening while the bandits took everything and then drew their swords. Cries of agony told her that they had just killed the driver. "Is there anyone else?" yelled a man. Usagi sucked her breath in. The door to the carriage was open and she heard the breathing of a bandit. It seemed like hours before somebody said. "No, sir, I don't believe so! There are no other passengers." "Good! Take these things to the cart! I'll be there as soon as this thing goes up in flames." She heard footsteps trampling in the opposite direction. Seconds as long as hours passed. Soon, Usagi smelt the familiar smell of...smoke! The wagon was burning! She felt the sudden heat and began choking on the black smoke pouring in. Coughing, Usagi grabbed the silk purse next to her that contained a small sum of yen, a round, decorated mirror, and the clips from her father. She peered beyond the window and saw the man walking back to his cart. Flingling open the door, she bolted out of the wagon and ran down the dark, dusty road. She took one last glance at the wagon, its black smoke slinking up into the vast, starry sky. ******* For half of the money in her purse, Usagi was able to convince a poor farmer to let her sit in the back of his vegetable cart as he rode to Edo. The rest of that night and the next day she sat as if dead, not weeping, not eating, not sleeping, just thinking. She had nothing. She couldn't return to her family. It would kill them to know their only daughter, their last hope for a legacy of any kind, was penniless, robbed of all her eartly fortunes! There was no way that Ishimaru would take her for his wife, poor and disgraced. She was going to Edo. A poor, disgraced beggar in the largest, meanest city in her world. She might be able to hold out until winter but when the snows came she would surely perish. It was all the same to Usagi. Live, die. Wasn't she living death now? At least if she died she would be something more than a dirty beggar. A beggar. Usagi. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined that the she, daughter of Tsukino Kenji, Japan's greatest warrior, could be sitting here, dusty and poor, on the back of a vegetable cart on its way to Edo, alone. ******* Edo, he thought. The most magnificent, exciting city in the world. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would be on his way to Edo And to complete his training with the Emperor's finest samurai masters! "You will be a great warrior, Mamoru. I have predicted this since the first day your father sent you to me. You will have much wealth, and happiness, and respect," his sensei had said. "As my most promising pupil, I want to give you a gift for good luck." The old samurai hobbled over to a wooden chest opened it and took out something long wrapped in a black cloth. Placing it one the floor, he unraveled the material, revealing a polished sword. It was ornately decorated and magnificent. Holding in his breath, Mamoru gazed up at his sensei. "Take it," the old man said. "It is yours." Mamoru wanted to protest. He didn't deserve this treasure. But, gazing up at his aged teacher, Mamoru saw pride and hope in his eyes. His sensei him to have it. So, Mamoru bowed his head to the ground in thanks. "You are our destiny, Mamoru," his sensei had told him before he left. "Protect not only our country, but yourself and those you love as well." Mamoru bowed once again. Lifting the sword up, he marvelled at it before slipping it into the holder. On the back of his black horse, Mamoru gently touched the sword on his hip. He knew his sensei would always be with him as he continued his training with some of the finest warriors in the country. Smiling, Mamoru bade his horse gallop faster, he couldn't wait to get to Edo. ******* It was pitch black when the farmer roughly shook Usagi's shoulder, waking her from her light slumber. She smiled slightly at the old man before hopping off the back of the wagon. It rolled away silently just as it had come. Noticing her surroundings, Usagi saw that she was at the bottom of the hill, a path forking off to both sides. She suppposed since the wagon had taken the right road that she needed to take the left. It was a warm spring evening and the crickets were chirping loudly. Despite everything that had happened, Usagi felt no fear as she walked up the steep, narrow road. Peace filled her veins. The crickets and the wind told her heart to be still. Usagi never realized just how huge the world was until she reached the top of the hill overlooking the most enormous conglomeration of houses, buildings, boats, and lights she had ever seen. So this was Edo. The very sight of it made Usagi catch her breath. Even in the nighttime, it was a kaleidoscope of color and life. Usagi smiled with excitement and trembled with awe. Her new life. Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as she imagined. The slope of the hill carried her down into the streets, empty save for one or two passers-by. Being amongst the massive buildings and smelling the stench of distant sea-water, trash, and fish, Usagi's confidence began diminishing. By the looks of things, she guessed she was not in the nicest part of town. A dirty, old woman stared at her rumpled but still expensive-looking attire with puzzlement and then lust. The cry of a baby wafted through the air. A crazy old man came out to her, babbling nonsense. And, suddenly, Usagi felt awe no longer. She was scared, terrified even. She began running as fast as she could through the dirty streets. Usagi didn't stop until she noticed the her surroundings had changed drastically. Cherry-blossomed tipped trees lined the streets and the air was pleasant and sweet-smelling. Usagi slowed her sprint to a tired walk. The lack of sleep had finally caught up with her. Her body felt like it was hauling a ton of bricks behind it. She thought she would surely pass out in the street if she didn't find a place to rest. And then, as if the gods had finally taken pity on her, Usagi saw the gates to a shrine up ahead. "Thank you," she whispered to the heavens before running towards the gate and up the stairs that led to a shrine. She walked slowly to the altar, rung the bell that called upon the gods, and sank to her knees in prayer. Usagi felt her heavy eyelids droop and then there was only darkness. ******* When at last Usagi's eyelids fluttered open, she found herself in a small, modest room. Her red kimono was gone. In its place was a white and soft blue robe, traditional garb for a Shinto shrine. Usagi sat up on the mat on the floor and looked out of the window. It was late afternoon. How long had she been sleeping? Suddenly, the door slid open and a girl with long black hair, worn loose, walked in with a tray. "You're awake," she said. "That's good. My grandfather and I thought you were going to sleep the day away." Usagi smiled as the girl placed the tray down next to her. "Thank you," Usagi said hoarsly. "We found you passed out on the steps early this morning," the girl said. "Your things are being cleaned." Again, Usagi smiled as she picked up the steaming cup of tea and sipped slowly. "You must have had a difficult time. Your clothes are filthy and you've been sleeping for quite a while now." The dam of her memory broke when the girl mentioned Usagi's "difficult time." The cup of tea was suspended in mid-sip and Usagi looked down into its murky depths. "Oh, I'm sorry," the girl said. "I didn't mean...I'm Hino Rei, granddaughter to the keeper of the shrine." "Tsukino Usagi." "Tsukino...As in the great war hero?" Usagi was about to nod in affirmation, but something stopped her. That's what she to be. "No," she muttered. "Somebody else." "Oh...well, you have beautiful things," Rei said. "You must be very lucky to have them." Usagi nodded but looked away so that Rei wouldn't have to see her eyes becoming glassy and wet. Her chest ached with a clenched sob. "Usagi?" Rei asked, when she saw this strange, tragically beautiful girl's eyes fill with tears. Some thing terrible must have happened to her. And then Rei's suspicions were proved. Usagi broke down into horrible tears. She covered her face so that this girl wouldn't have to see her shame. But Rei felt pity. "Oh, Usagi," Rei said. "Please don't cry...please." Rei gazed quietly at the frail woman while she cried. She felt uncomfortable, not knowing if she should comfort Usagi or leave her alone. Sniffling, Usagi attempted to regain herself. "I'm sorry, I don't...I'm sorry," Usagi whispered. "What happened to you, Usagi? Let me help," she said. "My troubles, I'm afraid, cannot be cared for so easily," Usagi answered. "Let me be the judge of that. Please, tell me your story." Usagi hesitated. She wasn't sure if she should tell this absolute stranger how she had witnessed her life slip from her fingers like dry sand. But she gazed up at those warm, violet eyes and suddenly the words came tumbling out of her mouth. "Well, I had always lived an extremely luxurious lifestyle..." Usagi began. She told Rei of her betrothal, and the loss of her fortunes. Usagi's eyes welled up with hot tears but she kept on. Then, she recounted her leaving her house and the burglary and burning of her wagon, and her escape to Edo. Her story had gone on for over ten minutes. By now, she couldn't hold out and her voice shook with tears. "...And then I came here. But my life might as well end now. I have nothing. No family, no husband, no money, no identity, nothing. I'm nothing." "No, Usagi..." Rei replied after hearing this girl's tragic tale. "You're not nothing just because you nothing. Everybody has a path that leads to their destiny. Maybe these are your first steps down that path." Usagi sniffled and wiped her eyes. "What if it isn't? What if the gods were just jealous of my happiness and had to steal it away from me?" Rei simply stared at her. "Or maybe you weren't truly happy and the gods have now taken off your blindfold." "What? Of-of course I was happy...I had a wealthy family and a promising future...I was happy..." she insisted. "Anyways, I don't know where to begin. I can't even prepare a meal. How can I support myself?" Rei looked down. "I would offer you shelter here but unfortunately, we only have three rooms and they are being occupied by visiting priests at the moment." Usagi nodded. She hadn't been asking for a handout anyways. "But, I have a friend who might be able to help you," continued Rei, I don't even know if I should be telling you this..." "Please, I'll accept anything," Usagi pleaded. Rei bit her lip. "I really shouldn't be advocating this..." "Please." "My friend...she works..." "Yes?" "She's a shirabyooshi." "A shirabyooshi..." The words trailed out of Usagi's lips. She stared at Rei and Rei stared at her. A shirabyooshi...there had been a woman from her village...word had it that she had become pregnant with no husband. Banished from her family, the woman, Usagi heard, had fled to Kyoto, had become a shirabyooshi. In her village, Usagi remembered that they never referred to her by her name; that woman was cursed as "The Whore." Usagi had asked Ami why this was. "A shirabyooshi, Usagi, is the kind of woman who starts off respetable, like us. But then, she falls into ruin and is forced to sell herself for money. It's disgraceful." She recalled being shicked and amazed and disgusted at the same time. Whenever someone brought up "The Whore," Usagi snickered, along with everyone else... "It's all that I can think of," Rei continued. She hoped she hadn't offended this girl of silk and orchids. After all, an aristocrat didn't sell herself to anybody. "They give you food, and shelter, and money. It's all I can think of..." "A shirabyooshi..." Usagi repeated. She twisted her hands and clenched her jaw. But, what else was there? Usagi thought of the woman from her village; somehow she didn't seem as disgusting anymore. Considering her options, she knew they consisted of the gutter, a shirabyooshi, or death. The first and the last were no good. "When can I meet this friend?" "Tonight, if you wish." Nodding, Usagi replied: "I appreciate your help." Rei stood and smiled. "I'll bring you something to eat." Usagi nodded and smiled back. Once Rei walked out of the room, her face crumpled and she began crying again. ******* When Rei and Usagi finally made it safely out of the temple, night had already blanketed the city. There was no moon in the sky. Usagi, still in the robes from that day, trailed behind Rei. The two walked in silence. Usagi noticed that the houses eventually became larger and cleaner. Soon, Rei turned into a tree-lined path and walked up a set of stairs. They led onto a magnificent garden with trees and bushes and even a little pond with a bridge over it. Usagi found it comforting. Rei tread on the grass to the door of a large house. She knocked and they waited. Soon, a tall woman cracked open the door and peered through it. "Rei," she said, opening it wider. "Good evening, Ms. Akiko," Rei replied. "I need to speak with Minako please." The woman nodded and allowed Rei and Usagi to pass. Usagi glanced around. Surprised, she noticed it looked nothing like she pictured. It was very clean and simple. The halls weren't lined with dozens of trashy girls with painted faces. Nevertheless, she was still terrified. Usagi and Rei sat in a small room that the woman had led them to. Then, the door opened and a stunning woman entered. She had blonde hair reaching to her waist and light blue eyes. A green kimono was wrapped around her frame. Upon seeing Rei, she smiled and hugged her friend. "Minako," Rei said. "This is Tsukino Usagi." Usagi formed her lips into a tight smile and bowed politely. Minako did the same. "Nice to meet you," Minako said. "You as well," replied Usagi. "Minako," Rei began. "I need a favor. Rather, my friend Usagi needs a favor." Minako smiled again at Usagi. "Yes, Rei?" "Usagi, um, needs a job...if you know what I mean." Minako's face became serious. "Alright," she said. "Do you have experience with this, Usagi?" "No," Usagi croaked. Exhaling, Minako replied: "Alright...can you sing? Or dance? Can you flirt?" "I can dance...a little," Usagi muttered. "A little," Minako repeated. She sighed. "Rei...I don't know." Furrowing her brow, Rei gave Minako a pleading look. Rei took the blonde's arm in hers and pulled her over to the corner. Usagi saw them arguing in hushed whispers. Crossing her arms over her chest, Minako appeared uneasy. Finally, she nodded and the two made their way back to Usagi. Minako looked at Usagi again. "Usagi, I'll talk to the mistress of the house and see what she can do for you. Normally, we can only accept younger girls, who have been trained. But...Rei is my friend, she explained the circumstances to me. Don't worry. Everything will work out." Usagi down and nodded. Minako said: "Usagi, look up. This is work that may not bring you much respect. When you are in this house, however, you do not hang your head. You endure. And, you learn to become happy. Can you do this? If not, you will never make it as a shirabyooshi." Usagi gazed at Minako and somehow saw herself reflected in her eyes. This girl, not even a woman, sold herself to others. She, too, must have come from a high class family. It was revolting. But, Usagi saw in her beauty and pride that she hadn't seen in ladies with seven times the wealth and respect. "Yes," Usagi replied. "I will. Please, I can do this." Minako smiled. "Usagi, I think you can, too. You have a fighter's spirit, I can tell. Come with me. I'll introduce you to Master Hirogawa. He runs this place. He will explain to you the ins and outs." Usagi smiled slightly and nodded. She looked at Rei who was grinning. "Thank you, Minako. I've got to go now. My grandfather doesn't know I came here. If he found out, he would be displeased. Usagi, please come visit often," Rei said. "I will," Usagi replied. And then Rei was gone. Minako took her by the hand, leading her into the inner workings of the brothel she would now call home. ******* Usagi soon found that her new line of work was nothing like she had pictured. Usually, men would come in, simply seeking a song and a good conversation. Only on special occasions would they request...something else. Usually, it was the frequent customers, who already had their favorite girls, who requested this "something else." Even better, since Usagi had practically no experience, she never had to get her hands really dirty. Minako told Usagi that the best way to learn was to observe. So, almost every night, Usagi would peek into the large commons room where a show would be taking place. She saw how one girl would laugh lightly at some man's insipid remark or how another would sip her tea seductively. It was all very calculated and fake. And, every time, the men fell for it and reached deeper into their pouches for some more money. In Usagi's eyes, it was as if the men were selling themselves and not the other way around. And so this is how Usagi learned the ways of her trade. Eventually, she became very good at it. She had a natural charm that drew people to her. Sometimes, she found herself enjoying what she did. Hearing the men's stories of battles and distant lands that they had seen was fascinating. And knowing that she was surviving on her own, happily even, was liberating. Her heart had never felt more free. There were times, though, that her heart didn't seem so light. But these were moments that she hated thinking of. Usually, when they occured, she would squeeze her eyes shut and think hard of pleasent things: silk kimonos, butterflies, rainbows, anything. And when it was over, she would remain awake in the darkness of her room while her client snored with satisfaction. Those moments were few, fortunately, since she was still inexperienced. Before she knew it, a year had past and Usagi was seventeen. ******** Mamoru and his friend, Motoki, walked through the crowded streets of Edo. The late summer sun beat down on their military uniforms harshly. "It's unbearably hot," Mamoru commented. "I know," replied Motoko. "Hey, there's somewhere close where we can get out of this heat." Motoki turned to Mamoru and winked. "Yeah, where?" Mamoru asked. Motoki replied "It's this really great place with some of the most beautiful girls you'll ever see. The price is reasonable, too. You won't be disappointed, Mamoru. I promise." At first, Mamoru was puzzled but then he realized what Motoki was talking about. "You mean in the "pleasure" quarters?" he asked. "Yes, Mamoru, what else?" exclaimed Motoki. "I've never been to it, you know," Mamoru said. "What! Captain Chiba Mamoru, rising warrior of the Imperial Army, has been with a girl before!" Motoki chided. "I didn't say I've never been with a girl before. I just don't need to them!" Chuckling, Motoki said "Was that an insult? I guess I deserved it. But, really, Mamoru you've never been with a girl until you've been with these ones. They're amazing." Mamoru nodded and laughed. Motoki sure was a live one. It was great having a friend with some character. In fact, ever since he had arrived in Edo his life had been smooth sailing. He had risen to the rank of Captain in a year, something unheard of in the Imperial Army. Women swooned at his feet. Friends flocked to him. He commanded the respect of those above and below him. Yes, life was great. "Here it is," Motoki said, ushering his friend through the arch and into a lush garden. There he spied about three women in colorful kimonos. They were laughing and talking quietly. Mamoru noticed that indeed they were beautiful. "Captain Furuhata," said one, when she saw them. "It's been a long time since you've joined us!" She sashayed over to them and bowed. Looking up, she peered at Mamoru. "I see you brought a friend." "Yes," Motoki replied. "This is Chiba Mamoru. He's also a captain in the Army." "Really!" said the woman with the long yellow hair. "How interesting. You must tell me about it." Mamoru nodded as she glided to a bench in the garden. Motoki and he followed. Glancing over his shoulder, Mamoru noticed one of the girls was staring over at him. He stared back. Her blonde hair was pulled tightly up in a perfect bun. And orchid was set in her left ear. When she saw that Mamoru had caught her staring, she looked away and talked with the other woman she was with. Mamoru noticed that she looked very familiar. The woman he was with now, Minako, chatted with Motoki like he was an old friend. thought Mmaoru. As if she were reading his mind, Minako suddenly called across the garden: "Usagi! Come here!" Usagi. The name resounded in Mamoru's ears like an echo in a deep ravine. The blonde woman turned around when she heard Minako call her. God, she looked so familiar. Swallowing, Mamoru thought The small-framed woman trodding towards them smiled. Mamoru's jaw opened. No... He noticed her features were too small and elvish to belong to a woman. This Usagi couldn't have been more than eighteen. "Usagi," Minako said, once the girl was in hearing distance. "This is..." Mamoru blanked out the words Minako was saying. He saw the smile on Usagi's lips fade. Recognition welled in her eyes like puddles after a rainstorm. "No...It can't be," Usagi whispered. "Mamoru?" *********************************************************************** So what do you think? E-mail me with questions, comments, and compliments. Sailor Moon is owned by Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha, Bandai, etc. This fanfic belongs to me. E-mail me if you wish to use it anywhere.