A Vow of Chastity
Written by Aries Fortuna (080707)
01 : Memory
"Like a star in the night,
I believe that everything will change and begin to walk down the sidewalk.."
The wings of the doves seemed so pure against the summer blue sky; the brilliance made her squint her eyes momentarily. Her gaze trailed to the moon, the dim presence that stayed in the sky-- even during the daylight. A half smile curved her lips, a breeze combing cool fingers through her long hair; a soothing feeling that only slighted aided in calming her emotions. The sound of cheering and laughter drew her attention back to the scene before her.
White gown and black tuxedo, they stood side by side; beautiful, handsome, entirely in love. Words of 'congratulations' were exchanged between the newlyweds and their friends-- Minako, Ami, Makoto, even Haruka and Michiru. When wide blue eyes met hers, worry momentarily dimmed the happiness that sparkled like crystal. "What?" Usagi mouthed, tilting her head at her close friend, her sister. 'Nothing,' the young woman shook her head and smiled, watching as the bride approached her.
The corners of her lips twitched when the blond narrowly missed a sudden meeting between the marble floor and her face. (Some things never changed.) "Rei, I am so glad you made it! I thought you had work?" All of those bright feelings, those pure emotions that made Usagi whom she was, could not be suppressed nor hidden on this day-- her wedding day. For a moment, Rei Hino did not speak, her violet eyes once again wandering over her friends, Mamoru, and then back to the bride-- her best friend.
"Like I could miss your wedding, dummy," she lightly scolded, then leaned closed and hugged the bride. She wanted to hold that happiness, if only for a moment. Usagi remained ignorant, grinning and squeezing the taller woman tightly. She didn't even complain that Rei had once again called her a name; childish though it was. "Thank you for coming, Rei. Thank you," the tears could be heard in her voice. When the smaller woman pulled away, her eyes were indeed teary and sparkled even more in the sun.
Rei would not have ever admit it aloud, but she was envious, jealous, and feeling guilty. This was the first wedding she would attend for her friends, and surely not her last-- Minako was already engaged and Ami would surely be following in her footsteps. Love-- everyone around her seemed to have it. Freely, they could devote themselves to their soul mate, their husband, their lover, without guilt or concern. She was only twenty, but the guardian senshi of Mars knew her fate, her future-- a loneliness that could not be filled by her friends or her work.
As the others celebrated and danced freely beneath the white streamers and balloons that decorated the pavilion, she sought sanctuary away from the happiness. The rolling sound of thunder did not pull her from her reverie as she quietly slid away from the group, mentally apologising to her friends. Rei wasn't usually one for self-pity, but as she grew older, this one word continued to assault her.
Chastity.
The summer sky was hidden by the grey clouds of despair, the crisp wind of oncoming rain warning the city. Then, it was pouring, a steady shower of water that drenched her white jacket and the red summer dress that she wore beneath it. She hadn't bothered to purchase the cheap 300 yen umbrellas that were for sale, her red heels clicking against the wet pavement as she walked towards the subway. Her feet stopped at a traffic light, waiting for the flashing light that would allow her to cross. But her mind had once again wandered to the memory she had regained a long time ago, a memory of the Moon Kingdom.
---
"And you, Guardian of Mars, will you swear your loyalty to the Moon Kingdom, to Princess Serenity?" The figure before her, she could not see clearly, but she saw the kingdom's cherished princess, standing quietly off to the side. Standing tall in her fiery red gown, proud and determined, the Guardian of Mars looked around her slowly and carefully. To her left and to her right, she could feel the steady, calm presence of her guardians, Phobos and Deimos, patiently waiting for her decision.
Violet eyes lifted and focused intently upon Princess Serenity, her will and determination apparent in every long stride towards the white blossom of the Moon Kingdom. "I am the Soldier of Flames, the Guardian of Mars, the sole heir of Kaisei. Princess Serenity," she did not falter as she invoked the name of her princess, "On this day, I pledge my loyalty to Princess Serenity. I give a vow of chastity so that this will remain my only purpose in life, to protect the life of the Princess of the Moon Kingdom."
The symbol of Mars, a faint mark hidden behind ebony bangs, glowed gently in acknowledgment of the promise sworn by the Princess of Mars. In exchange for the trust she would receive as a Guardian Senshi, the passionate raven of Kaisei had surrendered romance and love for any man. An undying loyalty that would persevere and never falter-- an allegiance that could not be broken. A life that the Princess of Mars had forsaken for the sake of the duty. The soft words of the princess, dressed elegantly in white, resounded throughout the soul of the Mars' heiress. "All right."
---
"...chastity..." Rei whispered the word, and took a step off the sidewalk.
She never saw the car coming.
The quote in the beginning is from Kuraki Mai's song, Like a Star in the Night. It's a pretty song.
No sign of any of the boys yet, but don't worry, they'll make their appearance. To the Usagi fans, don't be upset that I paired her with Mamoru-- it's just the way this story goes. I realize Rei may be a bit out of character, so I hope everyone will be patient and forgive me. I haven't written in a LOOOOONG time. XP I hope if you're reading this, that you will also comment/review and continue to support me in the future. Thank you. :P
All Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon characters are copyright of Naoko Takeuchi.
All Mobile Suit Gundam Wing characters belong to their respected owners. I claim no right to these characters.