Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Lament ❯ Ami 5 ( Chapter 9 )

Love & Lament

 

Chapter nine

 

 

“No… No, get off of… Get away from me… NOOOO!” Makoto shot up from her futon. Her breathing came in short gasps and sweat coated her skin. Images from a nightmare that tormented her sleep for over six years flittered through her mind.

 

“Makoto?” Ami kneeled behind her friend, close but still giving her space. Makoto's muscles were coiled tightly; Ami wanted to keep a little distance in case Makoto was not fully awake yet.

 

Makoto sat there silently trembling; her silence disturbed Ami more than the screams. Not getting an answer, Ami moved closer to her friend. She was careful to approach slowly, like one would a wounded animal. Makoto was hurting and Ami could not be sure that she was awake yet. If Makoto suddenly lashed out, Ami wanted to be able to move quickly away.

 

Ami's heart caught in her throat as her hand came in contact with Makoto's solid, trembling shoulder. Makoto's body tensed suddenly; Ami thought for a moment that she would strike. When nothing happened Ami gripped slightly and spoke softly to her friend. “Makoto, its Ami. Are you all right?”

 

Makoto lifted her arm and wiped it harshly across her eyes, wiping away her tears before Ami could see them. Her other hand covered Ami's and squeezed it tightly. “Yeah Blue, I'm ok.”

 

Makoto tried to say more, but nothing but heavy gasps came out. Ami cautiously moved to sit next to her, close enough so that their shoulders were touching. “Do you want to talk about it?”

 

Makoto tried several times to speak, but her voice never came. Ami waited patiently, concerned by her strong friend's vulnerability. When Makoto was finally able to speak, her voice was strangled and raspy. “I… it's just nightmares. Usually they're not so bad.”

 

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Ami spoke soothingly, maintaining her closeness. She correctly assumed that Makoto needed the contact.

 

Makoto turned to look at her friend. A vulnerable look flittered across her face before a contemplative one settled in its place. “Fiore, he uhm, when he holds me my nightmares never come.”

 

There was something in the way that Makoto was looking at her that prompted Ami's response. “Would you like me to hold you?”

 

Ami knew she made the right decision at Makoto's swiftly hidden look of relief. Makoto nodded slowly, grateful for her friend. Without saying anything Ami settled herself on Makoto's futon. Then, when she was comfortable she drew her friend down next to her. She cradled the much larger girl to her bosom before drawing up a blanket to cover them.

 

Makoto was asleep in seconds. Ami envied the fact that Makoto's nightmares could be cured so easily. Whenever Ami had bad dreams she was rarely able to find sleep again. She wondered, with Makoto's body snuggled tightly to hers, if she would be able to get any more sleep tonight.

 

 

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“Mako, wake up you have got to see this.” Fiore burst into his and Makoto's shared room. He had just returned to the temple less than an hour ago. He had spent the night watching over Mamoru and Usagi, both of whom had been hurt slightly while fighting a Yoma. He did not contact either of them, but he did watch from a distance to make sure that they were safe.

 

“C'mon Makoto, wake up…” Fiore was so excited about what he had seen that he had not noticed that Makoto had company. When he reached to shake Makoto awake, he paused noticing the second figure in bed with her. He was quite surprised to find Ami cradling the much larger teen to her chest.

 

Fiore paused, not wanting to wake them just yet. Not knowing why, he wanted to observe his two friends for a moment. He smiled at the look of peace that covered Makoto's features. A slight pang of jealousy hit him unexpectedly. Makoto had always turned to him to ease her nightmares. He knew, of course, that he had no right to his jealousy. He had after all, rejected her.

 

“Mr. Fiore?” Fiore startled upon hearing Ami's groggy voice. He was embarrassed to be caught staring, but quickly recovered.

 

Hiding his blush and turning away, Fiore replied. “Sorry to wake you so early Miss. Ami. Please wake Makoto up and meet me in the courtyard; there is something out there you just have to see.”

 

“Huh, Whazzat?” Makoto, having slept soundly atop her friend's body, was slower to awaken. She nuzzled around a little bit trying to fall asleep again. “I don wan get up yet.”

 

Ami tensed as Makoto finally noticed her now rapid fire heartbeat. It took her a few seconds longer to realize that the pillows she was nuzzling were actually her friend's diminutive breasts. “Uhm, hey Blue.”

 

“Makoto.” Ami squeaked. The girl's eyes locked and deep blushes simultaneously covered their bodies.

 

Feeling the awkward tension, Fiore retreated to the door. “When you are awake, hurry to the courtyard. You don't want to miss this.”

 

“Oh my God! Was that Fiore?” Makoto groaned in embarrassment. She quickly sat up when she realized she was still lying on top of her friend.

 

“Morning Blue.” Makoto offered lamely, secretly glad that she had worn at least a little bit to bed last night.

 

“Good morning Makoto.” Ami did not know what else to say. She could see that Makoto was uncomfortable, and that in turn made her feel embarrassed. She knew that she did nothing wrong, but her friends reaction stung. The awkward silence drug on as the minutes ticked by.

 

“Uhm, thank you for… for last night.” Makoto mumbled, as she unconsciously drew the sheets around her.

 

“Sorry I latched on to you like that. My, uhm, my nightmares aren't usually that bad.” Makoto's eyes darted everywhere except Ami.

 

Ami could see how upset Makoto was. Her reaction hurt her, but she did not want things to become weird between them. Makoto was obviously a very private person, and Ami was witness to a very vulnerable side of her last night. She knew Makoto's reaction was probably due to a bit of homophobia as well. “I am just glad I could help you.”

 

Ami's theory was strengthened when she reached out pat Makoto's shoulder. Makoto's entire body tensed up at that small bit of contact. Ami smiled sadly to herself, knowing there was nothing she could do about this right now. “We should go see what Fiore was talking about.”

 

“Yeah, good idea.” Makoto jumped at the chance to get out of this uncomfortable situation.

 

Makoto hurriedly gathered her clothes as Ami did the same. They dressed with their backs to each other for privacy. Ami wandered if Makoto knew how much she had hurt her this morning. Because of that, she could not understand why her heart still had not stopped its wild beating. Makoto fought down her blush, angry with herself, and desperate to forget how safe she felt while wrapped in Ami's arms.

 

 

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Fiore stood at the entrance to the courtyard. He had been there for a few minutes waiting for his friends before he finally heard them coming. Not wanting to look away, he motioned for them to hurry up.

 

“Alright Flower Boy, what is it that… you…” Makoto's eyes widened and her questions faded as she saw what had Fiore so transfixed.

 

Ami followed a few feet behind Makoto. She was careful to maintain a distance between them. After the awkwardness of the morning, Makoto seemed to have put up a few emotional walls. Ami did not know how to respond to that, and Makoto was trying her best to ignore it. Ami was lost in her thoughts. It took a minute for the scene in the courtyard to register, but when it did she gasped in amazement at the complex beauty of it.

 

Over five dozen people filled the center of the large courtyard, each of them moving together in perfect synchronization. Their movements were quick and precise as they flowed through a dance like series of combat and defense movements. The crowd was made up of an impressive lot of distinguished looking middle aged and old men, and two or three women. Each of them wore a white or black gi, and all had black belts.

 

Ami recognized Grandpa Hino at the front of the formation. He was also dressed in a gi and a black belt. The agility and grace of his movements shocked the three friends. His skill made it easy for them to assume that he was guiding everyone, until a series of jumps and kicks shifted the formation enough to reveal the true leader of the martial dance.

 

The three friends were shocked when they found that all these men, professionals in their craft, were being led by a slight young woman. From this distance, it was hard for them to get a detailed look at her. From where they stood, she looked beautiful, like a finely crafted porcelain doll. She had pale skin and straight, jet black hair which hung far down her back. From the looks of her, she was much younger than they originally thought, but she exuded an aura and confidence of someone who has seen several lifetimes.

 

“That, that is beautiful.” Ami gasped as she witnessed the dance of masters.

 

“They have been at it since I got back over an hour ago.” Fiore whispered in Ami's ear. He felt obligated to keep his voice down, as if raising it would spoil the magic taking place before them.

 

“Hey, look at Makoto.” Fiore nodded in the direction of his friend. Ami followed his gaze, and smiled at the look of extreme focus she held. It was obvious that Makoto did not see anything else. The scene before her had completely ensnared her.

 

The friends continued to watch the class for another hour. Ami and Fiore sat together in quiet conversation, where as Makoto never moved. Nothing short of Armageddon could have pulled her attention away from the young girl and her students. When the class came to an end all sixty students, Grandpa Hino included, turned to face their young teacher. Everyone kneeled for a few moments meditation before rising and bowing to their sensei.

 

The three friends had to wait another hour before the temple was cleared of students. It seemed as if everyone wanted to speak with the young woman personally. The girl, whom apparently lived at the temple, maintained a serene demeanor as she accepted her student's comments and praise. Grandpa Hino never left her side. He wore a beaming smile, showing obvious pride. He was however much less hyper than usual. That was most likely due to the company.

 

“I've got to talk to her.” Makoto mumbled as the last of the students started to leave. Ami and Fiore shared a grin at her obvious look of hero worship.

 

Once the final student was gone Ami and Fiore moved to speak with Hino, while Makoto made a beeline toward the young master. She had to wait as the young girl picked up a large Bo staff and started a complex series of drills.

 

“Grandpa Hino, that was… Amazing!” Ami exclaimed in awe, failing to find a more suitable word to describe what she had just witnessed.

 

“Ah Miss. Ami, Mr. Fiore, come here.” The old priest grabbed the two friend's hands and pulled them along toward the young master. Ami did not fail to notice the strength in the old man's grip; it was borderline painful. He seemed as hyper and energetic as always, definitely not like he had just spent several hours working out. He reminded her of Juni in that sense and that worried her.

 

Oblivious to Ami's musings, Hino left Fiore and her standing next to an awe struck Makoto. The old man stood in front of the master's drill, watching carefully. After a beat he leapt suddenly in front of one of her swings. Once Hino was there, the young master ceased the practiced routine and started to move freely. She started trying her best to hit the unnaturally spry old man, who was proving to be a very difficult target.

 

The two sparring partners went through a series of near hits and misses. The young master lunged forward, but stopped her momentum half way. Hino, in anticipation of the attack had jumped swiftly out of the way. Her attack was not what he had expected, she stopped her momentum mid lunge and spun her weapon around to knock the old man right out of the air.

 

“Grandpa!” The three friends were broken from the thrall of the display by the way the old man's body crumpled into the ground. Hino calmed them and stopped them from rushing forward with a raised hand, and a hearty laugh. The young woman walked over to Hino and gracefully pulled him to his feet. The three friends stood by as the two embraced and shared a few quiet words. Something Hino said brought a smile, the first sign of emotion, to the young master's face.

 

“Miss. Ami, Makoto, Mr. Fiore, I would like you to meet my granddaughter, Hino, Rei.” The old man smiled proudly as he introduced his daughter's progeny.

 

“It's my pleasure to meet you.” Rei bowed formally to the three friends clustered in front of her.

 

Ami was struck with Rei's beauty, or at least what beauty she still held. Rei's face would have been flawless, except for the fact that it looked like her nose had been broken repeatedly and never quite set right. Her malady did not make her ugly, but it was definitely a bit of an eye catcher. Another thing that caught Ami's attention was her eyes. They were a brilliant violet color, and reflected a depth of wisdom uncommon in most people let alone someone her age. There was something else there too, something carefully hidden that seemed to want to bubble to the surface.

 

Ami had not noticed how long she had been starring when Makoto nudged her in the shoulder with her elbow. Ami blushed and the three friend's returned the greeting and bowed awkwardly. They stood in silence for a few seconds before Makoto finally could not hold back any longer.

 

“Miss. Hino!” Makoto yelled suddenly, falling to her knees in front of the much smaller girl. “Please, please you gotta teach me. Please take me as your student.”

 

Fiore and Ami darkened in embarrassment for their friend who was prostrating herself in front of Hino's granddaughter. Rei did not seem affected at all as she appraised the woman keeling in front of her. “Of course Onee-chan, we will start tomorrow morning at five.”

 

Makoto stood up bowing vigorously while spouting thanks and praises. Even still, Rei showed no emotion. Bowing toward each of the friends, Rei politely excused herself. There was only one small chip in her bearing, one that only her grandfather noticed. A slight blush tinged her cheeks for just a second when she bowed to the temple's blue haired guest. Hino smiled to himself and again shared a few private words with his granddaughter before she took her leave.

 

“Mako, you can stop bowing now, she's gone.” Fiore teased as Hino and Ami joined him in laughing at Makoto's expense.

 

After the laughter and Makoto's blush died down, she immediately assaulted Hino with an array of questions about the incredible young girl. Most of which focused upon the martial arts display. Hino was happy to talk, as it was obvious he was very proud of Rei. It turned out that seven of the students, Hino included, had once been teachers of Rei. When she was under their tutelage it had not taken her long to master their techniques and surpass their skill. Ami asked her age, not able to tell if she was as young as she looked, or as old as the experience in her eyes revealed. It turned out that Hino Rei had turned thirteen in April. Other personal questions they had, Hino insisted they ask Rei in person.

 

“Well,” Hino began as the questions winded down. “I am going to take a bath. If any of you wish to join me, please do.” Hino said with a playfully lecherous grin. Makoto and Fiore had already learned to tune him out, so he turned hopefully to Ami.

 

“What is it Miss. Ami?” Hino asked in all seriousness at the apprehensive look on his young friend's face.

 

“I, uh, I… I need to speak to you, in… In private, if you do not mind.” Ami stammered. Her pulse picked up a beat and she could feel a light sweat on her forehead. She had no idea what to expect from this conversation, only that Computer Juni had warned her to be careful.

 

“Of course.” Hino's voice gentled, feeling Ami's discomfort. “Please, follow me.”

 

The old man led Ami to a secluded part of the temple, so they could converse in private. Hino had no doubt that neither Makoto nor Fiore would hear them, but he had a feeling that this conversation would best be hidden from everyone, just in case.

 

“Now child, please tell me what's on your mind.” Hino spoke smoothly as the two sat facing each other.

 

Ami remained quiet, her mind running through Computer Juni's final words and everything they could implicate. ::Hino… Hino can help explain them, but be careful on how much you trust him.:: Computer Juni had referred to her dreams, but why Hino would know anything about them worried her. Her worst fear was that Hino was like Computer Juni. Her nerves shown plainly on her face.

 

Hino had a good idea of what Ami wanted to talk about. This was a very important subject to broach, so the old man felt the need to start the conversation. “This is about your dreams isn't it?”

 

“What?” As she stared at the old priest Ami's eyes widened in nervous fear.

 

“How… How did you know that?” Ami accused in a trembling voice, already starting to imagine the worst about Hino.

 

The old man saw his mistake and pushed hurriedly to correct it. “Miss. Ami, please calm down.”

 

A lie easily sprang to the lips of Grandpa Hino. It would be easy, a light lie, a bit of a spell, and Ami would be placated. He hesitated, knowing that she would eventually see through his half truths and likely never trust him again. Coming to a decision, Hino firmly grasped Ami's trembling hand and held it until she regained her composure.

 

“Miss. Ami, I will tell you everything you need to know, but I need you to be able to trust me.” Ami was still scared, and it showed; she did not seem like she was calming down.

 

“A lot of what I am going to tell you, you will not want to hear. It will be hard for you to accept my words as truth.” Ami broke eye contact with Hino. After what she had bared witness to the last few weeks, she was not sure she even wanted to hear what Hino was going to say.

 

“Miss. Ami, please look at me.” Hino grasped Ami's chin pulling it down so she would look him in the eyes. He tried to calm her by letting her see the warmth and concern he was feeling toward her. Ami was in a near panic and it showed. “This is something that you need to hear.”

 

“I… I do not think I am ready.” Ami replied, her voice trembling.

 

“How about this.” Hino maintained eye contact with Ami, even though she kept trying to pull away. “Why don't you go home for a few hours and think about it. If you decide you want to hear what I have to say, then bring some things to stay over for a few days. I will be able to explain your dreams, and more.”

 

Ami remained skittish; it appeared as if she might bolt and never return. Before she could think, she was already to her feet and halfway out the door. Hino shouted for her to wait, incredibly she found the will to stop.

 

“Miss. Ami, please do not run from this. I know Garoben probably warned you to be weary of me. You must believe me when I say I only want to see you safe. The information I can give you will help you to understand everything that has, and everything that will happen to you.” Hino waited with baited breath as Ami slowly closed the door and turned to face him.

 

“Garoben?” Hino masked his confusion for the second it took him to understand. “Was that her, was that Computer Juni's name?”

 

“If Computer Juni was the other being living within your lover, then yes; that was her name.”

 

“Will you tell me about her?” Ami asked, equal parts scared and hopeful.

 

Hino nodded slowly. “Her tale in a way, is entwined with your own. I will explain everything. Although, I warn you that it will be difficult for you to accept everything I have to say. It will be harder still to see the rest of your story in your dreams.”

 

Ami was comforted a little by Hino`s sincerity and concern, but was still very nervous and unsure. “Are… Are you like her, like Garoben?”

 

The most difficult question of all was the first she would ask. Hino figured as much, but debated with himself on how to answer. Aside from those of his race, Hino knew of only two people who knew his true identity, Vasile, and his daughter, Michiru Drakul.

 

With a sigh, Hino began to answer, knowing that Ami was not going to be the only one to learn his secret in the near future. “Yes, and no. Garoben and I are both ancient beings of royal blood, though neither of us was born on earth. The difference between us is that she inhabited your lover. I on the other hand am Hino, rather Hino is a mask that I wear.”

 

Ami slowly sat down. “And what, who are you really?”

 

“My true name is JiJi. I am the former Lord of Mars, and leader of the Dark Kingdom's seven deadly shadow warriors.”

 

“Are you evil then?” Ami whispered, not wanting to hear the answer. “Was she?”

 

Hino nodded gravely. “Yes, by nature both of us are evil. The world knows us as demons. Unlike the majority of demons, we have adapted our lives to live among humans. Living as a human leads us to do good things, as well as bad. It tempers us and to an extent balances our evil nature.”

 

Sudden recognition dawned on Ami and her face scrunched up in confusion. “Wait, you said your name is JiJi. But, but that is impossible, you were…”

 

“In your dream?” Hino interrupted. “Yes, I imagine so. That was a very important day for you after all. Well, an important day for Merci. It was also the only time we ever met, although you would later fight alongside my granddaughter.”

 

Ami's head was spinning. “So, these dreams, they are all memories then?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Whoa.” Ami's shoulders slumped as she tried to absorb everything. “I… I need some time. I need to think about this.”

 

“Of course Miss. Ami.” Hino spoke gently and with understanding. The two rose to their feet as Hino walked Ami to the temple entrance.

 

As Ami started down the path leading back to the street, Hino called out. “Remember Miss. Ami, events are unfolding that will make it very important that you understand everything now rather than later. And please believe me when I tell you that I am on your side.”

 

Ami bowed slightly before turning to run from the temple. Hino stood in silence wondering if she would return, and praying that he had not scared her away.

 

“Ojiisan.”

 

Hino turned to see his granddaughter waiting behind him. As always, she showed nothing in her features aside form a calm serenity. Her hair was wet, assumedly from a bath, and she was dressed in the traditional robes of a temple miko.

 

“Ah Rei-chan!” Hino squealed happily. “Did you finish your bath already?”

 

“Yes.” Rei replied softly. “And breakfast, and the dishes.” Although there was no hint of reproach in her voice, Hino felt like he was being chastised.

 

“Yes, yes, you're right. I need to get started on my day.” Hino spoke in a theatrical mournful tone.

 

“Onii-san and Onee-chan have already begun their chores, and I will do the same.” Rei spoke as she stepped past her grandfather to begin sweeping the temple grounds. As soon as the broom she carried touched the ground, two large ravens shot from the trees to land, squawking loudly, on her shoulder and at her feet.

 

“Phobos, Demios.” Although one could not tell by looking, Rei was overjoyed to see her two friends.

 

“Those two were a big help to me while you were away.” Hino chuckled lightly.

 

Rei tossed a few scraps she kept handy to the floor. Her friends hopped happily around her feet, playfully fighting over the meal. “Thank you for helping her Ojiisan. If you were not there, I would have lost her and my sister.”

 

Hino walked to his granddaughter and gently squeezed her arm. “Anything for you, my granddaughter. Besides, they have kept life interesting for awhile.

 

“Will you join me this afternoon, to tell me about your trip?” Hino smiled slyly, before looking around to make sure they were alone. Once the coast was clear he whispered happily to his grandaughter. “While you were away, I have finally grown an unrivaled poppy . I have been working on it for three years, and finally my hard work has paid off! I was thinking you, Makoto, Fiore, and perhaps Miss. Ami, would like to spend a day sharing my triumph.”

 

Rei returned her grandfather's sly smile for a brief second. “We will plan for that in the future, but I returned early to attend to some business.”

 

“You had a vision?” Hino was suddenly concerned. “Is there anyway I can help you?”

 

Rei leaned over to place a kiss on her grandfather's forehead. “No, but thank you for caring. I will just be home late tonight.”

 

“Be careful granddaughter.” Hino said with a tinge of sadness and worry.

 

Rei turned away from her grandfather and began to sweep again. “I'll see you in the morning.”

 

Rei spent the hour after her grandfather left sweeping the, as she felt, neglected courtyard. In truth she was a perfectionist, and no one could clean the way she needed it cleaned. Despite the extra work, she was content, and enjoying the company of her avian friends. Phobos and Demios had missed their human and danced playfully on and around her.

 

“Uhm, excuse me.”

 

Rei looked up from her sweeping. A girl, assumedly a year or two her senior, and an odd looking cat stood at the top of the temple steps. The girl had long black hair tied into two pigtails cascading down her back from two perfect buns on top her head. The unnatural cat was curled atop her left shoulder.

 

“Tsukino, Usagi?” Rei questioned softly, although she was sure that was who it was.

 

Usagi stopped in her tracks, gaping at the young shrine maiden. Luna leapt from her shoulder to stand in front of her, her feline eyes locking upon that of the miko's. Rei locked eyes with Usagi, who squirmed under the scrutiny. After she found what she was looking for, Rei turned her gaze upon the miniature panther like cat.

 

“General Lunari.” Both Usagi and Luna's jaws dropped when the miko kneeled and bowed before Luna.

 

“How do you know us?” Luna asked sharply as she regained her composure after being caught off guard by the young girl kneeling before her.

 

Rei returned to her feet, standing serenely before Luna and Usagi. Phobos and Demios, hopped nervously about her feet, squawking at the strange cat in front of them. “I've known of your coming for several years now. I have seen it in the sacred flames.

 

“I am Hino, Rei, priestess and guardian of the Hikawa shrine. I'm to aid you and Mizuno-san in your trials.”

 

“You know Miss. Mizuno?” Usagi squeaked.

 

“I met her this morning; she frequently stays at the temple. Didn't you know this?” Although she did not show it, Rei was confused and more than a little concerned. Her visions with and without the sacred flames had shown Ami working alongside Usagi. It was plain to see, that his was not the case. The sacred flames had never been wrong before, and her visions had never failed her. This development troubled the young miko greatly.

 

“Before we answer anything, how do we know you aren't an enemy?” Luna eyed the miko suspiciously. The former general hated surprises and wild cards. Right now, Rei was both.

 

Rei focused her eyes onto Luna's, trapping the cat's gaze. Luna's hair stood on end, and she wanted to hiss. It felt as if the young miko was penetrating her very soul. Through the connection, it was suddenly clear to Luna who exactly it was that stood before her.

 

“Soldier Mars!” Luna exclaimed, thrilled at the discovery of another warrior. The whole incident had caught her off guard however, and Rei was making her uncomfortable.

 

Rei responded with a slight nod of her head.

 

Luna closed her eyes and concentrated. Within seconds, a small hole appeared in the air. The rip in the air shimmered brightly as a small red ring fell to the floor. In a literal blink of an eye, Rei snatched the ring out of the air before it had a chance to touch the ground. Luna and Usagi were amazed. Rei's reflexes were extraordinary. No human should have been able to react that fast. Without so much as a glance at it, Rei slipped the ring on her slender finger.

 

“Please follow me. There is a Yoma nearby who has been killing a great number of people.” Rei rested her broom against a tree and shooed Phobos and Demios away, before walking down the stairs leading toward the main road. Luna and Usagi exchanged a bewildered look before cautiously following her.

 

The whole situation angered the feline general. She prided herself on always being in control. Above all she hated having her authority ignored, or even worse, usurped. She had a number of questions for the enigmatic priestess, and she would get her answers and let this soldier know exactly where her place was.