Here we go... A Project A-ko (only) fic!  Haven't see too many of these,
so I thought I'd take a stab... This was the second Anime series I ever
saw, and it helped make me the Anime-niac I am today.

Please let me know what you think!!  Part One of Six.  If you haven't
read the three Prequels to this series, let me know and I'll send them.

Okay... Legal stuff first:

            ******************************************
            * Project A-ko and all original          *
            * characters Copyrighted by              *
            * Soeishinsa/Final Nishijima,            *
            * Central Park Media Corp., and          *
            * Island World Communications Ltd.,      *
            * and are used without permission,       *
            * hopefully to entertain and promote     *
            * this excellent animated series.        *
            ******************************************

Nuff Sed... Let's get on with it!
Coutuva.

++++++

**Author's Note!  < > indicates someone speaking in other than
their native, normal or usual language.**



Renewed Acquaintances - Part 1
A Plan Conceived
---------------------------------------------------------------------


	It was evening now, and as Shiko watched the sun slowly dip closer
to the horizon, she felt her heart sinking right along with it.  Since she
had invited her new assistant over for a swim a few days ago, and reveled
in the memories that watching a young, red-haired girl in a pool stirred
up,
she had endured an ache in her soul that she couldn't dismiss.
	Sighing, she knew that she had to do something about the current
situation, or she was going to end up going crazy from the pain.  An idea
had come to her earlier, but she was still hesitant about acting on it...
the last she had heard, Eiko had vanished without a trace after her husband
died, taking her young daughter and moving away from Japan entirely.  That
told her that she probably didn't want to be reminded of her past, and that
sending a ship to pick her up might not be well received.
	In her hand, she held the last picture she had of the woman she
loved, and glancing down at it, she had to smile wistfully at the happy
expression on Eiko's youthful face.  The shot had been taken as the two of
them were about to spend a day off together, and as usual, she was hugging
Eiko's arm tightly and grinning excitedly.  She missed that feeling, but
despite how desperately she wanted to have it again, she was afraid of
upsetting Eiko with any attempt to contact her.
	Hugging the picture tightly to her chest, she rose from her seat
on the window alcove and slowly walked toward her massive bed.  Rolling
herself into the middle of the soft, expansive mattress, she lay on her
back and held the picture up before her for a few moments, then hugged it
once again.
	"Dammit, Eiko... I miss you."  she whispered, closing her eyes
tightly against the advance of her tears.
	The next morning dawned brightly on the slumbering Shiko, and as
she gradually roused herself, she noticed something hard and uncomfortable
under her chest.  Pulling out the picture she had taken to bed with her,
she had to grin at herself for finally sleeping with Eiko.  Sighing, she
slid the picture onto her nightstand, then kissed her fingertips and
touched
Eiko's face.
        "If only..." she thought to herself wistfully, and slid off the
bed. 
        As she walked past a large mirror on the wall, she glanced at
herself
going by and noticed a red mark across the top of her breasts.  Looking
closer, she discovered a pressure mark in the exact shape of the picture
frame emblazoned across her entire chest.  Starting to laugh, she chided
herself for being so careless... had today been a business day, she would
have had a hard time explaining herself.
        After her shower and bath, she rang for her breakfast and awaited
it
patiently at her dining table.  When the server arrived, she greeted her
warmly, asking about how the weather was shaping up outside.  That started
a merry discussion about outdoor activities and children, and eventually,
Shiko invited the server to join her for coffee.  When the young woman
recovered from her shock, she hesitantly accepted, wondering why her Queen
would want to spend time with a commoner like her.  Shiko could sense her
apprehension, and assured her that she just enjoyed her company and
conversation.
        Eventually, the server had to return to her duties, and Shiko was
left wondering what was on her schedule for the day.  Usually, she had some
official function or other to attend, and anticipated that today would be
no different.
        Sitting in her private office, she activated her PIM terminal and
asked for her itinerary for the day.  Much to her surprise, it was
completely
clear.  Frowning, she noticed that there had been events logged, but they
had
all been rescheduled to later dates.  She was just wondering why when she
heard the soft ping of the admit bell from her outer office.
        Opening the doors from her desk panel, she waited patiently to see
who her visitor was.  Within a few moments, the Royal Advisor stepped
through
the door and bowed respectfully.
        "Greetings, Majesty.  May I request an audience?"  the aged woman
asked politely.
        "Greetings, Maaja.  It just so happens, my schedule is clear
today."
Shiko replied, somewhat sarcastically.
        "Yes, Ma'am.  That was my doing.  I apologize for not notifying you
first, but I have to discuss a matter of some importance with you."  the
Advisor responded, regarding Shiko levelly.
        "Very well, then.  Please, be seated.  What do you wish to
discuss?"
        "Majesty, since your return to our world, there has been one major
concern that Council and the people have had..."  she began, watching
Shiko's
eyes for a reaction.
        "I know what you're asking, Maaja.  They want an Heiress."  Shiko
interrupted, sadly.
        "Yes, Majesty.  The concern is that your childbearing years are
waning... if you wait much longer, you may not be able to be impregnated.
And that could ultimately result in Civil War."  the woman added, her voice
rising slightly in timbre.
        Shiko lowered her head and sighed aloud, then slowly rose from her
desk.  "You're right of course, Maaja... the people do need an Heiress.  I
guess I can't put it off any longer, can I?"  she began quietly, sitting on
the corner of her desk nearest the Advisor.  "I've tried to avoid it, but
'Duty before All', correct?"  she concluded, smiling half-heartedly.
        "Majesty... why does continuing your lineage trouble you so?  One
would think it would be of prime interest."
        "It's simple, really..."  she stated, turning to regard the Advisor
resignedly.  "I don't know how to raise a child, Maaja.... I'm deathly
afraid of it."  she admitted, sadly.  "And yet, I would not condone my
child being raised by nurses and tutors, either.  Can you understand my
dilemma?"
        "Indeed I can, Majesty.  I raised three daughters... it's not a
task
to be taken lightly.  But I'm sure we can provide assistance for you with
anything you desire."
        Shiko's eyes opened wide at the Advisor's last statement.  "Provide
assistance..."  she echoed, her voice trailing off into her thoughts. 
After
a few seconds, she smiled happily, then quickly dashed back behind her
desk.
        "What is it, Majesty?  Do you need something?"  the Advisor asked
worriedly.
        "No, Maaja... in fact, you can arrange for my conception as soon as
possible.  Today, even.  I've just thought of someone who can help me
though
this."  Shiko replied giddily, scratching out a note on her PIM.
        The Advisor sat silently for a moment, mouth slowly dropping open
in amazement.  She had cleared both of their schedules for the entire day,
expecting a lengthy, emotional discussion about this issue, only to have it
resolved in less than ten minutes.
        "By the Holy Mother..." she finally breathed, a smile of pure joy
parting her aged visage.  "Are you quite sure, Majesty?  Today?"  she
continued, insistently.
        "Yes, Maaja... Today will be fine.  Make the arrangements, and I
will
be ready."  Shiko assured, smiling brightly.
        The older woman's face positively beamed with emotion.  "Thank the
Mother of us All... Your Highness, you have done your people and your World
a great service this day.  Allow me to be the first to thank you, and the
first to wish for a strong Heiress." she continued, rising from her seat to
bow deeply to her Queen.
        Shiko smiled bashfully.  "Thank you, Maaja.  I will try not to
disappoint my people.  Please, make the preparations before I change my
mind
again." she intoned, winking.
        The Advisor reacted as if she had been slapped.  "Yes, Majesty.
Immediately!"  she replied, slightly panicked at the thought of a false
alarm.  Bowing again, she hurriedly took her leave.
        Shiko snickered to herself as she happily continued to scrawl out
the message she was working on.
        "That certainly made her day..." she thought to herself happily.
"Well, it'll all be worth it if this works.  I just hope Eiko takes the
'bait'." she continued, giggling aloud at the prospect of seeing Eiko
again,
face to face.
        Finishing her message, she sent it out and leaned back in her
chair,
still grinning happily.  In her mind, she briefly tried to visualize what
motherhood would be like, and kept remembering how much of a brat she used
to be.  She certainly hoped her daughter would not be like she was... that
would be enough to test anyone's resolve.
        Rising from her seat, she headed back into her private chambers and
opened one of her wardrobes.  In the back corner, still wrapped in it's
protective covering, was the ceremonial conception gown presented to her
when she took over the Throne.  Removing it from it's neglected corner,
she held it up before her and looked it over intently.
        "Humph.  Never thought I'd be doing this willingly..." she said
aloud, smirking to herself.
        Removing the covering from the garment, she walked back to the
large
mirror on the wall and held the gown beneath her chin to see how it looked.
She was startled to discover that it was not just a fancier version of an
earth-style hospital gown, but a richly tailored flowing garment,
meticulously decorated with hand-sewn designs.  The rich pastel colors of
the material made it seem so soft and delicate, yet she could feel the
superior quality of the material.  It was such a beautiful gown that she
hated to hang it up, but she knew it would have to be altered slightly,
so she didn't dare put it on quite yet.
        Picking up the house phone, she asked that a seamstress be summoned
to fit her as quickly as possible, and when she told the girl what it was
she was having fitted, the scream that erupted from the handset almost
straightened her hair.
        Wiggling a finger in her ear as she set the receiver down, she
thought to herself that having an Heiress was obviously pretty important
to her people... a lot more important than it was to her.
        She felt a bit sad about the prospect of raising her daughter for
the specific purpose of replacing her one day, especially considering the
tedium of the position.  But, like she had said during her conversation
earlier...'Duty before All'.
        Just at that moment, she heard the trilling of her phone behind
her,
and quickly picked it up.  Listening intently to the voice of her Advisor,
she smiled happily.
        The Advisor, still excited herself, informed Shiko that her wishes
had been carried out, and the staff would be along very soon to prepare her
for the ceremony to come. The great event was set for the early afternoon,
so she would have time to rest prior to announcing the successful
conception
of a new Heiress.
        Upon hanging up, Shiko walked back over to the edge of her bed and
picked up the picture she had slept with.
        "I hope you appreciate what I'm going through for you."  she
admonished, smiling.  "And I hope you'll come and stay with me..." she
added,
softly.


        Back on Earth, the former Eiko Magami sat in her lounge chair as
per
usual, enjoying the sun, her daughter, and a good cup of tea.  She had just
returned from the shopping, and had decided to take a little breather
before
starting supper.  Her daughter Kikuko played happily with her friend Sarah
in the yard nearby, and Eiko couldn't help smiling.
        Setting her teacup down, she picked up the day's paper and scanned
it quickly, not noticing anything in particular until she came to the
business section.  There, a small headline grabbed her attention... not so
much for what it said, but who it mentioned.
        The headline read "Daitokuji Head takes Hiatus.".
        Eiko frowned at the name, still feeling the old emotions that it
invoked.  If there was one person that she definitely didn't want to see
again, it was Biko Daitokuji.  Inwardly, she still blamed Biko for the loss
of her teenage years to their constant fighting over her best friend Shiko.
Especially when, once Shiko had left, Biko confessed that the only reason
she wanted Shiko in the first place was because she was Eiko's friend.
        Eiko's frown deepened as she recalled those days, and she silently
praised her decision to leave all that craziness behind.
        Folding up the paper, she picked up her cup of tea again and
finished
the last few sips.  In the yard, the girls sat across from one another,
acting as if they were Princesses preparing to go out on the town.  Eiko
listened to their conversations, and suddenly found herself thinking about
Shiko again.
        It had been just over ten years since she had seen her little
blonde
friend last, and even after all that time, Eiko still missed her.  They had
been inseparable all through their public school years, and it was during
that time that Eiko suspected that Shiko actually fell in love with her.
        That suspicion had strengthened during their time in high-school,
as
Shiko had told her several times that she loved her,  but always in ways
that
had kept her guessing.
        Eiko had to smile as she thought happily of all the hugs, glomps
and
snuggles they shared during those days. After a few minutes however, she
had
to shake her head to snap herself out of her reverie... before her cheeks
got any hotter.
        As she wiped her perspiring forehead, she heard her favorite voice
calling from across the yard.
        "Mommy!  Mommy!  Can Sarah stay for supper, Mom?"  Kikuko asked,
her
eyes sparkling with anticipation.
        "Has she asked her Mom yet?  She has to get permission first, you
know."  Eiko replied, smiling and wagging a finger at them.
        "Can she use our phone?"  came the instant response.
        "Hai, Kiko-chan.  Haiyaku." Eiko allowed, immediately chiding
herself
for speaking Japanese.  She hated it when she slipped like that,  since she
didn't want to attract any undue attention.  She was fortunate that she
didn't look Japanese... speaking it was her only obvious connection to her
homeland.
        Glancing at her watch, she sighed resignedly and gathered up her
teacup and paper, then headed into the kitchen.  She still hadn't even
decided what she wanted to make for supper yet, and it looked like she may
have a guest.


        Shiko had sat patiently through all the hair styling, makeup and
dressing for the ceremony, and was beginning to get anxious.  It was only a
matter of minutes before she would get the word to begin, and the staff
that
had helped her get prepared were still fussing over details.
        Sighing, she stood up out of her makeup chair and walked to the
window, gazing wistfully into the bright afternoon sky.  She knew it could
be a few weeks or so before she would hear anything back from her request,
but she was already excited about it.  A tug on her gown brought her back
to
the present, just in time to hear a sputtered apology from the staffer that
had disturbed her.
        She just smiled in response, and turned back toward the window.
        Before she could get lost in her thoughts again however, the signal
came through indicating that it was time to start the ceremony.
        Shiko was escorted to the outer chamber of her quarters, and helped
aboard a specially prepared sedan chair.  From there, she was carried past
all of the cheering household staff and servants and down the main hall to
the house Clinic entrance.
        She was then helped from the chair and offered an exotic drink,
designed to ease her anxiety and promote fertility.  Accepting the large
flagon, she drank it dry in her nervousness.
        The leader of her people's religion then stepped forward and
offered
her a blessing of health and vigor, and silently prayed for her conception
to be blessed by their Gods.  Shiko bowed in respect, and was then led
through the doors of the Clinic, leaving all others but the clinic staff
behind.
        She was then laid out on a lavishly appointed ceremonial bed, her
legs apart and knees up.  The drink she had consumed was starting to make
her feel somewhat sleepy, but she was still very nervous.  A very pleasant
young nurse walked up beside her and held her hand gently, speaking in
soothing tones of how short and utterly painless the procedure was.
        Shiko smiled up at her, grateful for her presence.  Queen or not,
she was very intimidated by what was about to happen to her.
        The Doctor that headed the team then appeared at the foot of her
bed,
greeted her with a cordial bow, and advised her that they were about to
begin.  Motioning to someone Shiko couldn't see, the Doctor called for a
monitoring device to be brought in and placed in position over her lower
abdomen.  It resembled a flat screen held out on a boom, and was ringed
with
pads and controls.  Once it was positioned, the Doctor activated it and
looked up at Shiko.  With a nod to the nurse, the Doctor then gently lifted
the hem of the Gown over Shiko's knees.
        At that same moment, the nurse began to speak again, asking Shiko
how she felt, and then commenting about how thrilled she and all her
friends
had been to hear the news.
        Despite listening intently to the nurse, Shiko could feel the cold
instruments invade her privacy, and she gasped out loud at their icy
caress.
The Doctor immediately apologized, but continued none the less.  After a
moment, the Doctor looked up at Shiko over her mask and nodded happily. 
She
had determined that Shiko was in fact ovulating, and chances were very good
for a successful conception.
        As Shiko accepted the congratulations of the surrounding staff, the
Doctor resumed her work, and again Shiko winced as she felt another
incursion, only this time much deeper.  The nurse noticed her discomfort
and
squeezed her hand supportively, explaining that the sensations she was
experiencing were due to the instruments having to enter her womb and
fallopian tube.
        That understanding did nothing to help Shiko's discomfort however,
but since she had an image to maintain, she kept a brave face.
        Much to Shiko's relief, the instruments were all withdrawn a few
moments later, and the Doctor commented that she had handled herself and
the
procedure very well.  Shiko smiled in response, and asked the Doctor to
make
sure she still had her watch.

        Once back in her own bed, Shiko breathed a deep sigh of relief that
it was all over.  Her tummy was a bit sore, but otherwise she felt fairly
good and very tired.  Closing her eyes, she smiled to herself, actually
feeling a bit excited at the prospect of having a child of her own.
        Rolling on her back, she gently placed a hand on her tummy and
closed her eyes again, trying to picture herself as a Mommy.  As the images
began to play through her thoughts, the excitement and the experience
finally
caught up with her, and she drifted off into a deep sleep, a happy smile
still gracing her peaceful visage.




=========================================================================
END - Renewed Acquaintances - Part 1    A FanFic by V. Coutu.


Comments Welcomed - Flames Extinquished!
coutuva@vecdev.com
coutuva@hotmail.com



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Main Address: coutuva@vecdev.com
Backup Address: coutuva@hotmail.com

"No, we don't broadcast animation live anymore... it puts too
much of a strain on the Artist's wrists."