The English Way of Death.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters depicted herein.

Chapter One: Today, a beautiful day…

Michiru watched the scenery unfold in front of her eyes as the train wound it's way through the English countryside.

It was a warm and beautiful summer day, and the fields were a lush, vibrant sea of color.

Beside Michiru, in the window seat, her daughter Hotaru sat with her face pressed against the glass, staring in wonder at the sight before her. Michiru smiled and reached over and stroked her daughter's hair lovingly, which caused the young girl to turn around and smile.

Hotaru then rested her head down on Michiru's shoulder with a contented sigh. Her mother smiled warmly and put her arm around Hotaru's slim shoulders and they looked out at the scenery together.

A few months ago, Michiru had received an invitation to perform an international classic music festival that was held in England. The festival was an annual event (this was the 23rd year) held on the estate of one of the wealthiest families in the country, near a town called Causton.

Ever since she had first heard of the festival when she was 12, Michiru had wanted to go and perform at it, but performing at the festival was by invitation only. This year, much to her surprise and delight, she had received an invitation for her and her family. Michiru had talked it over with Haruka, Setsuna, and Hotaru, and all of them had enthusiastically agreed.

Originally, the four of them had planned a trip to America together, but when the invitation came, they decided to go on a two-month tour of the United Kingdom instead. The plan was to attend the 3 day festival, then spend the rest of the time sightseeing around England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

Once their friends, Usagi, Ami, Rei, Makoto, and Minako, found out about their plans, they begged them if they could come along as well. Michiru had smiled apologetically and told them that the invitation was only for the four of them. She even showed them the engraved invitation as proof.

Undeterred, the quintet whined, begged, pleaded, and cajoled, but they finally gave up. Michiru compromised by asking them to housesit for them while they were gone, which the five of them agreed to wholeheartedly. They agreed on several conditions like keeping the place clean, no wild parties, and several other things comprising a three-page list, which Michiru made them all sign. She also insisted upon daily email updates from Ami.

Unfortunately, certain events conspired to keep the four of them from spending at least the first week or so together.

First, Haruka had to travel to America to participate in a few races to keep her standing, so she wouldn't be joining them for a week or so. She tried to get out of it, but she was informed that not only would she lose her standing, but a few of her sponsors as well. Losing a large bit of their income was sufficient to motivate Haruka to go to the USA.

Second, a few problems at the fashion shop where she worked delayed Setsuna until at least Saturday, so she would miss at least one full day of the three day event. So, for the moment, it was just Michiru and Hotaru.

Truth be told, Michiru didn't actually mind in the least. It was odd, at least to Michiru, that she saw Hotaru every day practically, but hardly seemed to spend any time with her. Michiru was determined to do just that, even if it was for only a week or so.

"This is going to be so much fun Michiru-mama." Hotaru remarked with a smile, her violet eyes were almost glowing. "I can't wait to get there."

Michiru smiled warmly and hugged her daughter closer. "Neither can I, Hime-chan, neither can I." She kissed Hotaru on her forehead and they both sat back quietly to watch the scenery.

The conductor walked down the aisle announcing that they would be arriving at their destination in 30 minutes, so they straightened up and prepared to disembark.

As promised, 30 minutes later the train pulled up at the Causton Station and the two of them disembarked from the train with their luggage. Michiru had sent the majority of their luggage ahead to their hotel, but they each kept their violins, an overnight bag, and Michiru's laptop computer.

A small group of people awaited them at the platform with a large banner saying 'The U.K. Welcomes the Musicians of the International Classical Music Festival!'

An energetic blonde-haired woman in her early 50's led the procession. "Hello, my name is Joyce Barnaby, one of the chief organizers of the festival, and your official guide. On behalf of the people of Britain, I welcome you to our country. If you'll just give me your names as I come up to you, we'll have you squared away and delivered to the hotel in no time." She flashed a brilliant smile at them as her spiel was repeated in several languages. Both Hotaru and Michiru found themselves warming to her already.

She went up to each of the 40 or so assembled musicians and checked them off on her list. Several nations were represented here. Michiru could pick out a German or two, an Australian, a Chinese couple, and a few Americans. As soon as they were checked off, the musicians were escorted to the bus, which would take them to their hotel.

Michiru and Hotaru were halfway down the line. Joyce asked for both of their names and was delighted when both of them answered in fluent English. "Kaioh, Michiru, and this is my daughter Tomoe, Hotaru."

Joyce gave Michiru a look that said; 'you're a bit young to have a 14-year old daughter aren't you?" It was a look that the 23-year old Michiru knew well. She smiled a little more and told her that Hotaru was her adopted daughter.

Joyce nodded in understanding, then smiled down on Hotaru. "Is this your first trip to England then, love?" Joyce asked.

"Yes it is Miss Barnaby." Hotaru replied politely.

Joyce laughed a bit. "It's Mrs. Barnaby actually, but you can both call me Joyce. I have to run along now, but I'll see you both at the festival on Friday. I'll also introduce you to my husband, Tom."

"We'd both like that very much, thank you. It's nice to meet you Joyce." Michiru said.

"A pleasure meeting the two of you as well. Must run now, bye!" Joyce grinned and moved off down the platform to the next few musicians.

"She seems like a really nice lady." Hotaru remarked.

"Yes she does." Michiru replied. "Anyway, let's get to the hotel and get settled in. We have a lot of practicing to do before Friday."

Mother and daughter boarded the bus together and sat down. Once the rest of the musicians were aboard, they were off to their hotel. The Faversham Arms, as the hotel was called, was an elegant 4-star hotel located in the town's center. The Faversham family, who were the main sponsors of the festival, owned it and it was on the grounds of Faversham Manor that the festival was held.

It was late on Wednesday afternoon by the time Hotaru and Michiru reached the hotel. They checked in and were taken up to a set of adjoining suites on the 6th floor of the 9-story hotel. Setsuna would be joining them by Saturday, they told the receptionist, and Haruka by the end of next week.

The suites were lavish affairs with a living room area, two double beds and a wardrobe closet each, and a full sized bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Both rooms sported a magnificent view of the countryside, and Michiru made a mental note to pick up some more art supplies soon.

Their luggage was there as promised so they busied themselves unpacking and making plans for tomorrow. After dinner they sent an email to Ami and the others to tell them that they arrived safely and that they would be sending a few pictures from their digital camera soon. Setsuna sent an email indicating that her work was almost done, and she might be there earlier than she thought. No word from Haruka yet, which was disappointing but not entirely unexpected.

Tomorrow morning would be spent in practice for the opening day of the festival on Friday, and some of the afternoon would be spent sightseeing around Causton. With a bit of shopping thrown in as well.

Both Michiru and Hotaru agreed that they were going to have a lot of fun during their stay in England. With that happy thought they turned in early so they could get in as much practice as possible tomorrow.