Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Her Battle ❯ Kaeri ( Chapter 17 )

Konnichiwa, minna-san. Time for chapter 17, but before that a few comments to my reviewers.

 

fan-rei - I know I'm evil, and it's just so much fun too. You have every right to be worried about Rei, because if you think I've been torturous to her thus far, you haven't seen anything yet. As for your other comments, you have some interesting theories there but I won't make any other comment on them other than that.

 

Hofftailing - You like how I've portrayed Minako? Thanks, I thought she was due to show a side of herself that is rarely portrayed (in the anime or manga). I felt that I needed to throw in a few lighthearted moments, but they will be very rare from this point on. I did a quick run through of the last chapter and fixed some noticeable mistakes, but I'm sure I still missed some. After I finish this story, I intend to revise all the chapters, because I know some are in desperate need of revising.

 

LightningStrikes - 13? Damn you're a youngster, I'm 21 so I guess I'm my age is just showing through : P I can't answer your question, but it will play out eventually ;)

 

nightshade - Domo. I didn't want this to be predictable and from what you said, it isn't, but I think I threw in some clues here and there (just not enough to correctly guess what's going to happen). Thanks for appreciating the fights too. They are not easy things to write, which is likely why most writers don't do them. With the entire cast of SM that's a total of 10 to 11 fighters and that's not even taking into a count the enemy's numbers.

 

Before I start this chapter, I want to say this chapter mainly focuses on Rei and Usagi. If I devoted time to everyone else here, it would make this very long (as if it wasn't long enough). Just about everyone will be involved in the next chapter though.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Chapter 17 - Kaeri

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Rei groaned and her hand went instinctively to her head. `Why does my head hurt?' Rei asked herself and pulled herself into a sitting position. She felt a little dizzy when she sat up, but that went away after a few moments. Rei investigated her surroundings, `How did I get back into my room?' Rei thought when she heard her bedroom door slid open.

 

“Good to see you're awake.” A voice said from her doorway.

 

“H-Haruka?” Rei asked confusedly, as if not believing her eyes.

 

“The one and only.” Haruka said and smiled warmly. “Here take this.” Haruka said, offering Rei a cup. Seeing Rei give her a curious look Haruka explained, “It's herbal tea and it should help you feel better.”

 

Rei took the offered cup, “Thanks.” She said and put the cup to her lips.

 

“I don't know why you would put such a strain on yourself right now. Couldn't a fire reading have waited? I know the enemy is a problem, but what good will you be if you end up hurting yourself?” Haruka asked and looked to Rei for her answer, but merely saw the girl staring off into space. An irritated looked crossed Haruka's features, but she didn't say any thing, instead she waited patiently for Rei to take a few more drinks before speaking again, “You know we should really stop making this a habit.”

 

“Making what a habit?” Rei asked unconcernedly.

 

“Me…carrying you around everywhere, people will start to think something is going on between us.” Haruka said only half seriously.

 

Rei nearly choked on her tea, but Haruka patted her on her back and sat beside her. “Wh-what?!” was all Rei could manage to get out.

 

“Good, now I know you're at least paying attention to me.” Haruka said.

 

“I was paying attention to you.” Rei insisted.

 

“No, you weren't. You may have heard me, but you weren't listening to me.” Haruka said, sounding a little irritated.

 

“I'm sorry. I just have a lot on my mind.” Rei explained and took another sip of tea.

 

“I can understand that, but can you tell me what happened? Your grandfather told me you were meditating and when I came inside, I saw you on the ground and only partially in the fire room. I carried you in here before your grandfather could see that you had passed out.” Haruka said.

 

“Thanks for doing that.” Rei said gratefully.

 

“You don't need to thank me. I couldn't very well leave you on the floor, could I?” Haruka said.

 

“No, I suppose not.” Rei responded.

 

“Do you remember what happened? What caused you to pass out?” Haruka asked concernedly.

 

“I…I was doing a fire reading and I passed out.” Rei said simply, but noticed that Haruka didn't seem too satisfied with that answer, so she added, “I may not have recovered enough to do a fire reading, so my body just gave out.”

 

Haruka still looked dissatisfied by Rei's response, “Are you sure that's all? You didn't see anything?”

 

“What do you mean?” Rei asked curiously.

 

“I mean, you were mumbling something when I brought you in here and even up until you woke up.” Haruka said.

 

“Mumbling something?” Rei repeated.

 

“I'm not her.” Haruka said quietly.

 

Rei's eyes widened slightly, “I said that?” she questioned.

 

“Yes.” Haruka said simply. “So I'll ask you again, did you see anything?” Haruka asked expectantly.

 

“I don't know what I saw exactly myself.” Rei said as she recalled the vision. She could already feel her headache returning. She placed the cup on the ground and started messaging her temples.

 

Haruka noticed the girl's discomfort and asked, “Can I get you anything? An aspirin or something?”

 

Rei shook her head a little, “No, it won't help this.”

 

Haruka eyed her uneasily, “Is it like this after every fire reading?” she asked.

 

“No, but it'll pass. I just need a little time.” Rei said shut her eyes. She did her best to think about other things when a thought struck her, `How did Haruka know I was at home anyway? If what Usagi told me was true she should think I was still over at her house.' Rei opened her eyes and looked at Haruka, “Haruka?”

 

“Yes?” Haruka responded.

 

“How did you know I was back home and not at Usagi's?” Rei asked curiously.

 

Haruka smiled slightly, “Setsuna hinted as much.”

 

“I see.” Rei said quietly.

 

“But even if she didn't say anything, I could sense that little light show you put on. I assumed you wouldn't do anything like that in Usagi's house.” Haruka said and laughed a little at the end.

 

Rei's eyes widened, `If she could sense that does that mean the others could too? Could Usagi?' “Do you think the others could have sensed that too?” Rei asked cautiously.

 

Haruka thought about what Rei asked for a few seconds before answering, “I can't really say for sure one way or another. I'm sure Michi and Setsuna could, but I'm not sure about everyone else though. We, Michiru, Setsuna, and I, are more atone to this sort of thing then you and the rest of inners are.” Haruka said and paused for a short time before speaking again, “Usagi might have though. Setsuna once told me that she shares a connection with all of us; it's different for each of us. If any one of us were to die, she would know no matter how far away we might be from her because that connection, that bond would be broken.”

 

“Oh.” was all Rei could manage to say. `I never knew that, why hasn't she ever mention it?'

 

“Is something wrong?” Haruka asked.

 

Rei shook her head, “No, was that why you came here?”

 

“No, that wasn't my reason for coming here.” Haruka answered.

 

Rei looked at Haruka curiously after what Haruka had just said she assumed that to be her reason for visiting. Rei couldn't help but ask, “Why then?”

 

“I knew you were the only one home beside Setsuna and myself so decided to come tell you this in person and you can spread the word to the others.” Haruka said a paused to prolong the moment.

 

Rei couldn't tell whether Haruka's pause was good one or a bad one. Rei found Haruka to be hard to read sometimes, not nearly as hard as Setsuna was, but hard at times nonetheless; at least when she wanted to be. Growing frustrated with Haruka's less than forthcoming answer she decided to urge Haruka on, “Tell the others what?” she asked cautiously.

 

A wide smile spread across the blonde's lips, “Michiru's coming home this after noon.”

 

Rei let out a relieved sigh, `some good news at least.' “That's great, Haruka. When are you going to go get her?”

 

“As soon as I leave here.” Haruka responded.

 

“I didn't mean to keep you here so long. You can leave if you want to.” Rei said and started to get up, but Haruka stopped her.

 

“Hey, where do you think you're going?” Haruka asked as she stood in front Rei, preventing her from getting up.

 

Rei looked irritated when she looked up at Haruka, “I'll walk you out. If you're going to get Michiru, I won't keep you.” Rei said and renewed her efforts to get up again, but Haruka stopped her again.

 

“I didn't say I was leaving right now. So don't try to rush me out of here.” Haruka said.

 

“I'm not trying to rush you out of here.” Rei denied and stopped attempting to get up.

 

Haruka sighed, “It's not just that, Rei. I know you want me to leave so that I'll stop questioning you about your vision.”

 

“Haruka if I learned important information about our enemy, I would tell you. I don't even know if it was related to our enemy or if it was something…something else.” Rei said honestly.

 

Haruka raised an eyebrow at what Rei just said, “What do you mean something else?” Haruka asked.

 

“I don't know” Rei lied. She noticed that Haruka had an expression that told Rei she didn't believe her. “I'm sure if I meditate I can get a clearer answer about what I saw.” Rei said, hoping that would be enough to assure Haruka that there was nothing to worry about.

 

“Rei you can't meditate so soon, you haven't even healed fully yet.” Haruka protested.

 

Rei sighed audible, “I didn't mean I was going to go meditate as soon as you turned you back.”

 

“That's good to hear.” Haruka said sounding relieved.

 

“You really don't need to stay Haruka. I'm not going to do anything stupid.” Rei assured her friend.

 

“Can I really trust you when you say that?” Haruka asked.

 

“Yes!” Rei said a little louder than she intended. Rei sighed again and spoke softer as she said, “I swear I don't know how Michiru is going to put up with you if you make such a fuss over something this small.”

 

“Well I don't have to fight with her over these things because she knows I have her best interests in mind.” Haruka replied.

 

“Why don't you put that theory in to practice?” Rei asked.

 

“It's not `theory'.” Haruka said. “I feel sorry for who ever has the courage to put up with you because they will really have their hands full.” Haruka added jokingly.

 

“Very funny.” Rei said dryly. “Seriously though, I'm fine and if I figure out anything more about my vision you'll be the first to know, ok?” Rei said.

 

“Okay, I should be going anyway.” Haruka finally admitted. “Alright I'll leave you alone for now, but get some rest. I'll let your Grandfather know I'm leaving and that you are resting so no one bothers you.” Haruka said and made her way to the bedroom door.

 

“See you later.” Rei said as she watched Haruka leave her room.

 

Rei was relieved to be alone again. It wasn't that she didn't like her company or that she didn't appreciate what Haruka did for her, but she really wanted to be alone to think. `That vision…was she me? Or did I will that image myself in order to deter me from telling Usagi? To protect myself. Was it a warning of will happen if I tell her…or if I don't tell her?' Rei thought, but there were not clear answers to her questions, at least none that she could come up with. It was certainly possible that her fear could have conjured up that image, she pressed for some sort of message from the fire despite knowing better than to do that. Her experience told her that the fire gave information that it wished to, not necessarily what she wanted. `The person I saw might not even be me.' Rei thought. It was possible after all; she wasn't the only person with dark hair and dark eyes in Japan.

 

`That person's eyes were darker than mine too.' She thought as she started to remember the vision more clearly. `That's right her eyes were black, mine aren't black. I'm sure it was someone else.' Rei told herself, `I could never be so…evil looking.' She thought for lack of a better word, but evil seemed to suit that person from her vision. `No, that wasn't me.' Rei told herself convincingly.

 

Rei laid back on to her futon, her tired body finally demanding her to take notice of exactly how tired she felt. `Haruka might be right, a little rest can't hurt. Yeah, I'll rest for a bit and then go to Usagi. I'll tell her today, nothing is going to stop me; not a tired body, not some vision I conjured up myself, nothing.' Rei thought and shut her eyes lazily. After that thought, Rei felt as though small weight had been lifted from her shoulders, `I'm really going to tell her. I don't know how she's going to react, but telling her is the only way to know if I stand a chance or not. I hope you'll tell me you feel the same way, my princess.' Rei thought with a smile as she fell into a peaceful sleep.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Usagi made it home from school in record time; she even surprised herself that she could avoid the Crown and the latest Sailor V game. There more important things on her mind than playing video games. Seeing the large Sailor V poster in one of the windows of the Crown did cause her mind to drift to her blonde friend. Minako was Sailor V after all, but it's been a long time she went by that alias. Really though it wasn't that long ago, it just felt like it was a long time ago. Usagi could still remember how she idolized the superhero she even would imitate her. Of course, all of that was before she met Luna and became a superhero herself. Honestly, Usagi has never seen herself as a `superhero'. Sure, she fought creatures that normal people couldn't and even had abilities that most people could only dream of, but she didn't see herself as a superhero. She never asked for the title of Sailor Moon or heir to the Moon Kingdom, but she couldn't walk away from it either because too many people depended on her to protect them.

 

Minako was different from the other inners because she had experience under her belt by the time she joined up with everyone. Usagi looked up to Minako not just, because she was Sailor V, but because she always seemed to know how to handle herself in any situation. Which is why Usagi couldn't help but be a little worried as to why Minako came to her for help? She was grateful that Minako felt she could come to her, but it got her thinking that maybe Minako wasn't as in control as she always seemed to be. `Minako seemed genuinely worried about what the future might hold her.' Usagi thought as she slipped off her shoes and left them by the front door. `I can't accept that I'm the only one due happiness.' Usagi thought and announced to her family that she was home and going up to her room. `Is my future so certain though? I haven't seen or even spoken to Mamo-chan in such a long time. Can I just sit back and rest assured that everything will turn out as I saw in future? Is it even right that I should know what the future holds for me, while my friends don't? I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for all of them, their strength has made me stronger. They've given their lives for me, more than once and I don't think I could stand it if they had to sacrifice they're happiness for mine. I can't believe that will happen because everyone is destined to find someone.' Usagi made it to her room as she finished that thought.

 

Usagi open the door and put her backpack on the ground by the door as she stepped into her room. She quickly looked around the room for the black cat in hope that she returned. She didn't have to look very much because curled up on her bed was the very cat she was searching for. Usagi put her school bag down and walked over to the cat and sat on the edge of her bed, “Hey Luna, you awake?” Usagi asked loudly.

 

Luna looked up groggily to see who was disturbing her sleep, she saw her charge smiling down at her, “Oh Usagi, I didn't expect you to be home already.” Luna said as she got up and stretched.

 

“Well I wanted to get home quickly so I could go out and look for Rei again.” Usagi explained. Even though she knew Rei was at the park at one time, that didn't mean she was still there because that was hours ago. “If you're here Luna, does that mean you already know where Rei is?” Usagi asked. `That could be the only reason she wasn't still out searching. She did promise me that she would look for her.' Usagi thought.

 

`Should I tell her?' Luna thought as she debated with herself about what to do, Usagi looked at her expectantly, `I can't lie to her.' Luna finally thought. “She went back to her home, like she said she was going to do.” Luna said.

 

“Did she tell you why she left like she did this morning?” Usagi asked.

 

`I knew that question was coming.' Luna thought. “No, I didn't actually speak with her. I just confirmed that she did indeed go back to the shrine.” Luna said.

 

“Why didn't you say anything to her?” Usagi asked curiously. Usagi figured Luna would like to know the answer to that question as much as she would.

 

“I didn't want her to run away again. She might have done that if she realized she was being followed.” Luna said convincingly. That may not have been Luna's real reason, but she hoped Usagi would accept that as her reason. `It was a plausible reason, after all.'

 

Usagi seemed to think about what Luna said for a few moments. It did make sense, why risk Rei running off again when it was important that she at least knew that Rei was at the jinja and that she was safe. “I'm glad she didn't run into any trouble and made it home safely.” Usagi said, sounding relieved.

 

“What are you going to do now?” Luna asked.

 

Usagi stood up and walked over to her dresser. She pulled out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before proceeding to change out of her school uniform and into some more casual clothes. “I'll go and see if she's alright. Then I can ask her why she left in such a hurry this morning.” Usagi said once she finished changing. `Maybe I can even find out what she and Minako were talking about too.' Usagi thought hopefully.

 

“Are you sure?” Luna asked.

 

“I'm sure. I want to hear her reason for doing that. I'm sure I won't be too long, that is if I leave now.” Usagi said as she was already moving to the door.

 

“I understand.” Luna said quietly.

 

“I'll see you later, ok Luna?” Usagi said and opened the door. She was already out the door without waiting for an answer from the black cat.

 

`Will you be mad if Rei says I was the reason she left?' Luna thought as she watched Usagi leave. `I guess I'll know the answer to that in a short time. The only thing I can do is wait.' Luna thought and laid back down.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

“Are you ready to go?” Haruka announced as she entered the previously silent hospital room.

 

“I've been ready for sometime now. Where have you been?” Michiru asked.

 

“Visiting my other girlfriends. Jealous?” Haruka joked and moved close to Michiru for a quick kiss that Michiru willingly accepted before hitting Haruka's arm. “Oww, what was that for?”

 

“I was being serious. I was starting to get worried.” Michiru said.

 

“Alright, I went over to the shrine to check on Rei. When I got there she passed out from a fire reading.” Haruka explained.

 

“Is she alright?” Michiru asked.

 

“Yeah, after a little rest she was better. I swear that girl is the most stubborn person I know.” Haruka said and pushed her short blonde hair back.

 

“I think you could give her a run for the money in that category.” Michiru teased.

 

Haruka laughed at her comment before continuing, “Well maybe, but she refused to let me help her. Her vision, what ever she saw frightened her. I could see that, but she wouldn't let me help her.”

 

“It frightened her?” Michiru questioned.

 

“Yeah, but I couldn't do anything to help her because she wouldn't tell me anything about it.” Haruka said and sighed, “I don't understand why she feels that she must bear this on her shoulders alone.”

 

“Is it possible you're reading too much into this?” Michiru asked.

 

“Anything's possible, but I'm sure you felt Rei using her powers earlier; she used enough for any of us to feel that.” Haruka said and Michiru nodded her head, “Then you know that she must be worried about more than her vision because that happened well over an hour before she did her fire reading. So what ever her reason for doing that earlier and for refusing to tell me about her vision makes me worry that she's take on too much.”

 

Michiru thought about what Haruka just said and what she said made her concerned too, “I think you might be right. Do you thing we should keep an eye on her?” Michiru asked.

 

“I'm not sure if we should go that far yet, but I don't want to rule that out either. I'll trust her judgment for now, but if she does anything else that is out of the ordinary I say we watch her to make sure she isn't over doing it.” Haruka said and just when she finished there was a knock of the door, followed by a nurse entering the room. “Let's talk about this later.” Haruka said. Michiru nodded her head in agreement as the nurse started to explain the terms of Michiru's discharge.

 

~~~~*******~~~~

 

By the time, Usagi made it to the jinja it was already starting to get dark. `Hopefully Rei won't be too upset that I'm coming by uninvited.' Usagi thought as she started to make her ascent up the many stairs of the jinja. Usagi couldn't imagine having to go up this many steps everyday after school or after a long night of battles with youma, `It must be tiring.' Usagi thought. Since she was only half way up the many stairs, she decided to quicken her pace. It didn't seem to take as long if she didn't actually think about how many stairs she was climbing. One time she even tried to count how many stairs there were, but she lost count at a hundred and eleven. After a little more climbing, she finally reached the top. Since the shrine was still open, the main gate was still open for anyone who wishes to visit the shrine, so Usagi just went right inside. She was nearly at the entrance to the building where Rei's room could be found when Rei grandfather stepped out from the building.

 

“Hi Ojii-chan! How are you?” Usagi asked cheerfully.

 

“Hello Usagi-san. I'm fine, how are you?” Grandpa Hino asked.

 

“I'm good.” Usagi said and looked around the yard, “Is Rei around?”

 

“Yes, she's resting in her room.” Grandpa Hino replied.

 

“Oh, if you don't mind I'd like to go see her.” Usagi said.

 

Grandpa Hino thought about it for a few moments before he answered, “I don't mind, but Rei might still be sleeping. I'm not sure she'll be very talkative when she's sleeping.” He joked.

 

“If she's still sleeping I won't bother her, but I was hoping to talk to her. I can always come back again tomorrow after school if I have to.” Usagi said and made her into the jinja.

 

Once inside Usagi made her way through the familiar halls of the jinja. The Hikawa Jinja was like a second home to her, for all the senshi really. They all routinely met at the jinja for the senshi meetings or study sessions normally at Ami's insistence. They even had a few slumber parties at the shrine, since it was a big place with a number of rooms that could be used as spare bedrooms. Rei was noticeably lonely at times when she had to be at the jinja alone, it didn't happen often but it did happen sometimes. Those were usually occasions when they would have slumber parties. Rei's mood always seemed to brighten up when she was in the company of her friends.

 

Finally, Usagi reached the room she knew to be Rei's so she slid up the door quietly, so as not to wake her if she was indeed still asleep. She entered the room just as quietly as she opened the door. Once inside she spotted Rei laying on a futon in the center of her room. Usagi didn't expect Rei to still be sleeping, she expected her to yell at her for coming into her room without knocking or yell at her for coming uninvited to her home, but she didn't to either; she was sleeping soundly on the ground.

 

`She must have really been tired to still be sleeping.' Usagi thought as she looked at her friend. She was still dress in her miko kimono; she hadn't even bothered to cover herself with a blanket. `I should cover with a blanket at least.' Usagi thought and went to Rei's closet to see if there were any blankets inside it. As she walked to the closet, she saw the clothes she lent Rei earlier that day folded neatly on top of her dresser. She didn't dwell on the sight, instead she just continued to the closet. She opened it and quickly spotted one thin blanket on the floor of the closet. She searched around for another, but came up empty. `I guess this will have to do.' Usagi thought as shut the door and made her way back to Rei.

 

`She looks so elegant. Was that the right word? Could someone look elegant as they sleep?' Usagi thought as covered Rei with the blanket she found and knelt beside the sleeping girl. `She looks nothing like me when I sleep. I'm always sprawled in one direction of another, but not Rei.' Usagi thought as she looked down at her sleeping friend. `I can't wake her, she's sleeping so peacefully. I came here to make sure she was fine and I know she is now. There's plenty of time to ask her what it is she was discussing with Minako; or to be more precise, what is she wants to tell me.'

 

Usagi tucked some stray hair that hid Rei's face, behind her ear. “Sleep peacefully Rei-chan. I'll see you tomorrow, ok?” Usagi said quietly. She started to stand up when she felt a hand grab her arm. Usagi turned back to Rei and was a little surprised to see her eyes open and looking up into her own.

 

“Usagi?” Rei whispered uncertainly. Rei blinked a few times, `Is she really here?' was all she could think.

 

“Yes, it's me.” Usagi said, seeming to notice the girl's confusion.

 

“What are you doing here Usagi?” Rei asked and sat up. She could help but ask she didn't expect Usagi to be in her room when she awoke. Rei planned to go over to Usagi's and speak with her, not for her to come visit her.

 

“I-I just wanted to make sure you were alright.” Usagi said a paused for a moment, “You really worried me, running off like that this morning.”

 

Rei hung her head, “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you.”

 

Usagi looked at Rei curiously, `Rei apologizing for something? That's not something I hear from her very often.' Usagi thought but she didn't really think about it. “I'm just glad you didn't run into trouble when you ran off like that.” Usagi said sounding very relieved to Rei's ears. Rei lifted her head to meet Usagi's gaze and her warm smile; Rei couldn't help, but smile in return. Her smile faded when she spoke again, “Rei?” she said seriously.

 

“Yes?” Rei asked in return, her smiled also fading when she noticed the seriousness in Usagi's voice.

 

Usagi felt she had to ask one thing that had been bugging her since Rei had fled her home earlier that morning, “Can you tell me why? Why did you rush out of my house like you did this morning?”

 

Rei wasn't surprised by that question she expected it, in fact. She didn't want to just blurt out the real answer, but she figured it might be a good place to start. “I'm sure you want an honest answer, but frankly I'm not sure where to start.” Rei said after a few moments of thought, she wanted to word everything perfectly. She didn't have a lot of experience with expressing her emotions, especially this emotion, and much to her annoyance sleep did little to help with this.

 

“Of course I want an honest answer Rei, that's all I really want.” Usagi said openly. There was obviously more to her reason than she expected. She suspected the reason she gave her originally wasn't her real reason. Usagi knew that Rei would want to assure her grandfather that she was fine, but that couldn't have been her only reason to leave because she could have easily went back home later in the day. Then there was the fact that she didn't actually head straight home as she said she was doing, a fact that Usagi knew but didn't intend to let her know that she knew. Usagi didn't know how Rei would react to hearing that she eavesdropped on a very private conversation between her and Minako and she didn't have any intention of finding out how she would react. A thought crossed Usagi mind, `Maybe her reason for leaving has something to do with what she was talking to Minako about?' A part of her wished she had heard their entire conversation, but another part of her felt guilty for even listening to a part of their conversation.

 

Finally, Rei spoke again, “It's only right for me to tell you, but do you mind if I ask you something first?”

 

“Sure, what is it?” Usagi asked curiously and a little eagerly as well. She didn't know what Rei had to say, but she was filled with a cautious excitement. She didn't really understand why because she could only guess at what Rei had to say.

 

“Could we take a walk as we talk?” Rei asked.

 

“If that's what you want, I don't have a problem with it.” Usagi responded.

 

“Thanks.” Rei said. She didn't know what caused her to make this request, but for some reason it just struck her as a good idea. `The sun will be setting soon. Maybe that's why. A declaration of love under the moonlight was romantic. Is that the mood I'm going for? Yeah that must be the reason.' Rei reasoned with herself. “Let me just change into something more casual than my kimono.” Rei said and stood up.

 

Usagi stood up as well, “I'll give you some privacy then.” Usagi said and started to make her way to the bedroom door.

 

“Usagi?” Rei called before the blonde could leave the room.

 

“Yes Rei?” Usagi replied.

 

“Thanks for coming here; you saved me the trouble of going over to your house.” Rei said as she walked over to her dresser and opened the top drawer.

 

“What do you mean?” Usagi asked curiously, she couldn't help but ask her what she meant.

 

“I was going to come over and apologize for the way I left this morning.” Rei explained. It was only the partial truth, but it was better than saying nothing. She did plan to apologize, but that wasn't what she planned on go over there for. Her primary reason was to tell Usagi about her feels for her, but thankfully, Usagi saved her the trip.

 

“Okay.” Usagi said, seeming satisfied with Rei's answer.

 

“I'll be out in a few.” Rei said and picked out her desired outfit. Usagi gave her a nod and left the room.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Saburo watched the Hikawa Jinja with interest, for his two targets dwelled inside that shrine. He decided that he would wait until they emerged before doing anything. Burning the building to the ground would be too easy and besides that, he wanted to see their faces as they perished. `I'm going to enjoy this.' Saburo thought when he heard someone approaching him from behind.

 

“Saburo!” Ryuji called.

 

Saburo turned around to see Ryuji walking up to him, “What do you want?”

 

“I merely came to give you this.” Ryuji said and held out a black ball to Saburo.

 

“What is it?” Saburo asked as he cautiously inspected the sphere. `I wouldn't put it past him to give me something that would kill as soon as I touched it.' Saburo thought.

 

Ryuji smiled at Saburo's fear, “Just an object that may help you against the Sailor Senshi.”

 

“Explain.” Saburo demanded.

 

“If you get into trouble and need to incapacitate one of the Sailor Senshi, just throw this at the one you wish to incapacitate.” Ryuji explained.

 

“Why would you give this to me?” Saburo asked and cautiously took the sphere from Ryuji.

 

Ryuji smiled again, which caused Saburo to trust the demon even less. “I just think you will need this if you wish to have a chance in this battle.”

 

“I think I can take care of two Sailor Senshi without your assistance, but if you are offering this as a token of good faith I will take it.” Saburo said and the black ball disappeared with a snap of his fingers.

 

“You would do well not to underestimate these two. I say this not because I give a damn about you, but because I want these warriors dead.” Ryuji said and turned away from Saburo. Saburo watched as Ryuji left him, he didn't know whether he could trust him or not but he wouldn't know until he gave that black ball a shot.

 

`I've done as you requested.' Ryuji said mentally.

 

`Good. Now just watch as I instructed you to do.' A voice replied. Ryuji smiled as he stepped into tree-covered part of the street and blended in with the darkness that was slowly covering the entire city.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Neither Rei nor Usagi said much other than letting Rei's Grandfather that they were going to be gone for a little while; that was until they made it to the bottom of the steps. Rei finally decided to speak up, since she was the one that wanted to talk in the first place, “Usagi, to tell you the truth, I'm not really sure where to begin.” Rei said, but kept her eyes averted from the girl she was speaking to.

 

She was met with silence for a few minutes, while Usagi thought of the best way to respond. Finally, coming up with something Usagi broke the silence, “Just start from where ever you want. The beginning might be a good place to start.” Usagi said thoughtfully.

 

`The beginning huh?' Rei thought to herself, “This may take a while then.” She said aloud.

 

“That's ok. Something we do have is time.” Usagi said. Even if it took all night, Usagi was determined to hear what Rei wanted to say because it was obviously something very important to her.

 

“Ok, but first can you promise me something? Promise me whatever I say won't hurt our friendship.” Rei asked.

 

“How can anything you say affect our friendship?” Usagi asked curiously.

 

“Please Usagi. Your friendship is very important to me.” Rei pleaded.

 

Usagi looked at Rei, `She's seriously worried about this.' “Whatever you tell me won't hurt our friendship.” Usagi said honestly. She didn't know what Rei could say that could hurt their friendship, but she knew whatever it was couldn't make her feel any different about her. They'd been friends for so long and she couldn't imagine not being friends with her. Usagi decided to add more to assure Rei that she could tell her anything, “You're important to me Rei; as are all of my friends. I want you to come to me if you need to talk about anything. Even if you think, it may damage our relationship. I believe I told you this before but if I haven't I will now, anything you tell me will not make me think less of you.”

 

“Thank you Usagi, it means a lot to hear you say that.” Rei said and looked over to Usagi again, she was smiling at her again. Rei couldn't help but return the gesture. Her expression turned serious again, `It's time I stop stalling and get to business, so to speak.' Rei thought. Minako's words echoed her mind before she started, `Just do what you feel is right and you'll be fine'

 

“Usagi do you remember when you first showed up at the Jinja?” Rei asked.

 

“Yeah, you put an ofuda on my head.” Usagi said and rubbed her head to emphasize her statement.

 

Rei blushed as she recalled her embarrassing mistake, “That wasn't exactly what I was talking about, but there's as good a place to start as any.” Rei said and waited to see if Usagi had anything to add before continuing, “That day really changed my life, you know?”

 

“Of course you first became Sailor Mars then.” Usagi chimed in, causing Rei to laugh. “What's so funny?” Usagi asked curiously.

 

“It's true that was when I first became Sailor Mars, but again I wasn't really talking about that.” Rei said and stopped walking.

 

Usagi stopped as well and stared at Rei, “What do you mean then?” Usagi asked.

 

Rei turned to Usagi and took her hands in her own and smiled, “I met you that day.” Even with the only light from streetlights, Rei could see Usagi blush at that comment.

 

“Rei wh-what…” Usagi started, but Rei cut her off.

 

“Come on, I know a nice bench in here where we can sit and talk.” Rei said and pulled Usagi into the same park Usagi remembered Rei was in earlier that morning. The further they traveled into the park Usagi started recognize this to be the same path she took to find Rei earlier. Usagi was too flustered to put up any arguments, so she just let Rei led her to whatever place Rei was headed. Usagi had a good idea where they were headed though. Finally, after a fair amount of walking, the girls reached an area that was free of trees, but it did contain a bench in the center of the treeless area.

 

“This was where…” Usagi started to say, but stopped herself.

 

“This was where what?” Rei asked Usagi curiously.

 

Usagi shook her head, “Nothing.” Usagi hit herself mentally, she almost let it slip that she knew Rei was at this spot earlier that day and she didn't want to explain that to her. Rei was going said something and Usagi feared she was going to ask something more about what she was going to say, so she decided to ask a question instead, “What did you me by what you said before we entered the park?”

 

Rei blushed a bit, even though she tried to hide it, “Let's sit down first.” Rei said and motioned to the only bench in the vicinity. Rei walked over to the bench and sat down; Usagi followed closely behind her and sat down beside her. “It's a nice night don't you think?” Rei said and looked up at the stars.

 

Usagi didn't know where Rei was going with all of this, but she followed along, “Yes it is.” She said and looked up too.

 

“You know what shines brightest in the night sky, don't you?” Rei asked and continued looking up.

 

Usagi nodded her head before answering Rei's question, “The moon.”

 

“Yeah, the moon.” Rei said, while she kept her eye fixated on the sky. “You're like that too, you know? You shine brighter than anyone here. Maybe that's part of what makes you so special.” Rei said and took a quick glance over to Usagi to see her reaction; she smiled when she saw a blush spreading across her cheeks before looking back up at the sky again. “Earlier I told you that your friendship was important to me, but it's more than that…you're important to me.” Rei said honestly and looked over to Usagi again, but didn't turn away this time.

 

“R-Rei, what a-are you…?” Usagi stuttered.

 

“Usagi I'm saying…” Rei began, but she had to force herself to stop. `Something's coming this way, really fast. I have to act just as fast then.' Rei thought. She quickly picked Usagi up and ran a couple feet before driving the ground, covering Usagi with her own body.

 

“Rei, wh…” Usagi started to say when Rei picked her up, but the question she was going to ask was answered a few moments later.

 

A red ball of energy collided with the bench the duo was sitting on only moments before. The bench was turned into nothing more then a few pieces of wood scattered across the ground. The energy attack left a good size hole in its wake as well. “Are you ok?” Rei asked concernedly.

 

“Yeah, but what was that?” Usagi asked Rei quietly.

 

“A youma.” Rei responded. She released Usagi and pulled herself up. Once she was standing she offered a hand to Usagi, which she accepted and Rei pulled her to her feet. Rei turned away from Usagi and focused her attention to a wooded area of the park, Usagi did the same but she wasn't exactly sure what Rei was looking at. “Come out and fight face to face instead of cowardly attacking us from the dark!” Rei called into the darkness.

 

“Nice reflexes…for humans.” A voice said from somewhere in the trees in front of Rei and Usagi.

 

Rei looked over to Usagi, “We need to transform before he attacks again.” Rei said quietly. Usagi nodded and took her crisis moon compact into her hand while Rei took her henshin stick out of her pocket.

 

“MOON CRISIS, MAKE UP!”

“MARS CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE UP!”

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

A short distance away from Juuban Central Park a motorcycle stopped in the middle of a street, causing all of the vehicles behind it to slam unto their brakes and nearly causing a major traffic accident. The biker was met with many curses from fellow drivers, but the biker ignored their comments. Biker started up the motorcycle again and did a quick u-turn. The motorcycle was now heading in the same direction Rei and Usagi currently were in.

 

End Ch. 17

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

See I wasn't lying about a wait, was I? I hope it was worth the wait though : ) I hope there weren't many mistakes in here, I made it a point to go over this chapter better than I did the last one because as was pointed out to me I notice a number of very clear errors. I'm curious; does anyone know what the title is in English? It makes sense with what happened in the chapter ; ) but it would give way too much away if I said it in English

 

I'm not sure if I'm going to make the next chapter two parts or not, because I have feeling that one can take me a while to write if I just make it one part. I may make it two if that is the case. Right now, I have to say I'm leaning towards making it two-parts. Either way I'll do my best to get that one (or two) done as soon as I can. Thanks for reading this and drop me a review if you have the time. It's a really joy reading everyone's feelings/thoughts on this. Until next update, ja minna-san.