Disclaimer: The live action series Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon does not belong to me. It belongs to TOEI.
Story's AN [Alert: EDIT on July 3rd 2014]
Echoes of Time is the story that got me writing and join this website. This is a really long story: as of chapter 25, the story is not even halfway through with what I have already planned in mind. While I have the ideas in mind, the writing part has proven to be quite the challenge.
This is the second season of PGSM I've had in mind since 2010. Here are my writing focuses: (1) balance in drama with action and romance. (2) Balance in focus on everyone instead of only Rei and Minako (my OTP)– including the Shitennou. (3) Make things remain realistic and logical, including adjustments made according to the Senshi's age.
EoT is not meant to be as cheesy and cutesy as PGSM had been; there will be more in depth conflicts explored and darker elements.
My grammar sucks, but it was worse back then, before I came to Canada for university. This is why I'm in the process of refining what I've written in the past.
'Gift' (unfinished) is the direct prequel to this story, check author's profile for the whole TIMELINE. Main Story starts on Chapter 3
Ch1: Insight on Rei and Minako's friendship developed through the years.
Ch2: Introduces Rei's grandpa and some fill in moments untold in the Special Act.
EoT starts approx. two years after The Special Act, so the girls are 21 years old.
"I'm home," the priestess called into the hallway as she entered and turned on the light to her living quarters in Hikawa Shrine. It was well pass nine in the night when Hino Rei could finally call it a day and retreat back to the room that belonged to her since the age of six.
"I'm home," she said once again in a softer and gentler voice, this time to her mother, in the family photo she took as a five years old with her parents. On the framed photo was a strong wrinkle that separated her father due to past events when they were at odds, but now everything has been better.
Looking across the room, she smiled as she caught sight of the group photo taken at the Furuhata wedding one and an half year ago. The day when Kino Makoto became Furuhata Makoto was a truly blissful one. Rei remembered how everyone had laughed so much, how Makoto cried tears of joy, leaving her past of loneliness behind… she also remembered that the bride's groom actually cried more than the bride.
In the photo, Makoto and her husband, Furuhata Motoki stood in the middle hugging each other. On Motoki's left, stood Chiba Mamoru and Chiba Usagi, formerly known as Tsukino Usagi, also in each other's arm. Beside the Chibas is yet another couple, unmarried, Matsumoto Akai and Mizuno Ami with their hands held in each other's. While on Makoto's left stood Rei herself with Aino Minako, and Minako's left is Luna in her human form, with Artemis in her arms. They all looked extremely happy and at ease. Usagi, Luna, Makoto and Motoki all have smiles as big as their facial musical would allow, while Mamoru and Rei had a gentler but truly happy grin on their faces. Akai showed his rare smile while Ami has a shyer but also very happy grin. Artemis… is a plush cat, so not much could really be said. Last but not least, Minako had a grin on her face, different to the profession ones Rei sees plastered on magazines or on TVs nearly every day. Rei recognized and knew that happy face she was looking at now is 100% genuine.
Rei focused looking at the pop idol, at how they had linked their arms in the photo. Normally, Rei would have objected to such action, but Minako had insisted upon it just before the cameraman had started to shout "one, two, three!"
"Okay! Everyone in their positions!"
Rei stepped up, taking the spot beside Makoto, facing the camera. She nearly jumped when a hand snuck up and claimed her left arm.
She turned to see the idol beside her and raised her eyebrows in question.
"Well, all the others are paired up, and Luna took Artemis. You wouldn't dare let world's beloved idol feel left out, right?" Minako winked at Rei, then turned to face the camera before Rei could respond.
Rei smiled at the memory and wondered how Minako is doing in her world concert tour. The last time she contacted Rei and the others was two months ago via postcard, all having a different view of Vienna on it. According to what she wrote to them, the idea of ending her world tour bombastically in Vienna – the city of music was made by, unsurprisingly, Saitou Sugao.
Saitou Sugao has been Minako's manager ever since the latter started her idol career. He was always full of surprising ideas that serves well for both Minako personally and professionally. Rei had only meet Sugao in person a handful of times, but Saitou Sugao, as Rei came to realize long ago, cares personally for Minako very much, more like a brother-sister… or a father-daughter relationship—she never got to figure out Sugao's age; and Rei had been more than grateful on multiple occasions that Minako could have someone as trustworthy as Sugao to be by her side. Along with Artemis of course!
According to Minako's message in the most recent postcard, she would be ending her world tour and be back in Japan in about another half-month time. The world tour had been on for a bit longer than two years. When Minako graduated from her high school, she immediately focused everything onto her career and started her world tour. She only came back on two occasions: first was Usagi's wedding ceremony, which Minako stayed in Tokyo for two weeks, partly due to the Kuroki Mio incident; second was Makoto's wedding ceremony, which she stayed for only five days. During her tour, Minako would contact them mostly via postcards, which she sent one to each of them whenever she arrive a new place. Each postcard had a beautiful view of the place she was staying in; she explained that it's her way of sharing what she was seeing even if she wasn't with them in person. In return, the fours girls would always take some photos of their daily lives and send it to the idol along with their individual response letter, arranged by Usagi and Luna.
There would also be a few occasional phone calls and gift exchange between the five of them, such as during Christmas and their birthdays. It has become a tradition for them to gather at Karaoke Crown to celebrate their birthdays, which Minako would always be on the phone with them and chat for at least one good hour. Though they have all grew up and do not see each other as often, they are still in contact and bonded in ways. Rei was grateful for that.
'She's back.'
Without any warning, it came to her, pulling her away from her thoughts. Rei concentrated on the feeling, confirming it.
It was not a prediction, but a sensation of a presence.
'She's here.'
"Why?" Rei wondered out loud.
"'Why' what?" A sweet voice came in reply.
"Why are you here when you should still be in Vienna?" Rei answered as she turned around, not needing to look in order to confirm the identity of the owner of the voice. "And above all, why are you here in my room without any invitation?" Rei asked, sounding irritated. She took a few steps closer to the pop idol currently leaning against the wooden pocket door.
"For your information, technically I'm not entirely in your room, one of my feet is still in the hallway," Minako pointed out with a grin, straightening herself when the shrine priestess stopped three steps away from her.
"Aren't you glad to see me, Mars Reiko-san?" Minako leaned forward. Rei shuddered inwardly at the mention of that nickname Minako made for her.
"I would be gladder to see you if you didn't break into people's home when you told them you won't be there till another half a month later. The doors were locked, how…" Rei stopped in mid-sentence, knowing the answer fully well to her own question. It was from experience, mostly.
"I still have a few tricks up my sleeves from my Sailor V days, they come in quite handy from time to time. I thought you would know that by now, or have you become absentminded these past months without me to supervise you?" teased the idol.
"No, I mean, the doors were LOCKED, does that not tell you anything? You could have just called me on my phone to come get you," Rei scowled.
"Have you not heard something called a "surprise" before? Or are you saying that you would always welcome me here even in extreme short notice?"
Turning red at the remark, Rei turned around and went to her wooden coffee table to the side of her room. Sitting down, she looked back at Minako, the blush disappeared. "Well, if you were thinking of a surprise, it didn't work, I sensed you since five minutes before you sood by my door, but I am surprised you're here when you told us you won't be back."
Understanding that Rei was silently inviting her to come in, Minako dropped her small luggage bag and sat down beside Rei, breathing in the familiar comforting smell of bamboo that fills the room.
"Tsk, that's no fun, and I even went through the trouble of suppressing my aura more than usual. Guess I didn't work hard enough," Minako pouted lightly.
"No, you suppressed it well actually. If it was Makoto or Usagi instead, I would have sense them when they took their first step on the front staircase of the shrine. It's just that my senses are too strong," Rei said with a hint of pride in her voice – her way of taking a playful revenge on Minako for making fun of her.
Minako knew that all too well. "Stop sounding so proud, Reiko, and also stop sounding so irritated. I know you are happy to see me, and for your information, I'm glad to see you well too."
Rei softened at the last part of the sentence. "Well, I am glad to see you too. It's been quite a while since we last talked. You look well too, if not a bit exhausted."
The genuine concern was evident in the priestess's words to the idol, even though Rei refrained to let it show. She admired Rei's observation, for not many people could see through her public mask. As an idol, she had learnt how to compose herself and put makeup on to hide signs of exhaustion, but as usual, nothing gets pass the young priestess.
"You're worrying too much. I'm fine Reiko, really. Thanks for caring though."
Rei snorted. "Who said I'm worried, I'm just stating what I see."
"Here we go again," Minako rolled her eyes. "I know what you are feeling, okay? Your emotions never lie."
"Stop feeling my emotions, I taught you how to control your empathic power so you won't be feeling every single person's emotions on the street. I didn't teach you to pry on people's feeling," Rei complained, a bit annoyed.
"Okay, okay. Sorry, I know that. I can't help it though because you always try to hide yours," Minako surrendered, but not sounding the least bit apologetic. "Plus, it's too tempting to make fun of you."
Rei huffed.
Pause.
"Welcome back, Minako," Rei said gently, breaking the silence. This time, she allowed her happiness to show, a smile dancing on her lips.
"I'm back," Minako replied with equal gentleness, which would have formed a very comforting atmosphere… if she hadn't added "Mars Reiko" to the last bit.
"Minako!" Rei's protest was instantly drowned by the idol's laughter. "Urgh, when are you gonna stop calling me that? Now that really irritates me. You know I hate it," she already missed the very brief moment of tranquility between them. Oh well, it couldn't be helped that Minako was the kind who enjoys fun more than anything, even given by her past record.
"Are you back for good this time? You last concert of the tour ended already, right?" Rei asked as Minako's giggle finally calmed down.
"Yes and no. I will stay in Japan for this upcoming year. Seeing that I had made such a huge success in my career internationally, Shachou wants me to regroup and focus on my Japan fan base for awhile, though I doubt I really need to…" Minako scratched her cheek with a helpless smile.
"No kidding. It's impossible to not see your face at least once when I'm walking down the streets. But I'm sure your fans would be happy that you're staying. For one, Usagi would be ecstatic to hear that," Rei chuckled. Minako joined her and laughed at the mind image of her no.1 fan going hyper.
"So, are you planning to stay here for the night? I see you have your luggage bag here." It was more of a statement rather than a question,
"Yeah, if you don't mind. I just got off the plane actually," Minako said it to only sound polite. She knew Rei wouldn't mind the least bit.
Rei was well aware of that too.
"Well, you do know this a shrine, not a hotel, right? Besides, shouldn't you spend some time home?" Rei referred to the house that belongs to Minako's mother.
"Nah, mom's out for a business trip, won't be back in another week," Minako shrugged nonchalantly, but Rei could catch a hint of bitterness that Rei personally knew all too well. Minako's parents had divorced long time ago, and though Minako was loved by trillions of people as an idol, she wasn't as well loved as a daughter – something Rei could relate to. This was also a reason why Minako had always preferred to live in hotels suites back then even when she stayed in Tokyo, and why she had always felt more comfortable being with her friends than family.
"Okay, but did you let Saitou-san know?"
"No, I will tell him later. He's still in Vienna, you know. He let me come back on my own first because I miss you guys so much. He stayed behind to finish some business over there."
"I see, that's really kind of him. How about the others, am I the only one who you didn't notify of your arrival?"
"Nope, the others doesn't know as well, which is another reason why I chose to come to you instead of the others," Minako winked, drawing Rei's curiosity. "I want you to help me give them a surprise tomorrow about my arrival, could you please do that? You are the only I am totally sure who can keep this secret till the next day. Think of Makoto or Usagi if I went to them instead."
The priestess nodded at that. "How about Ami-chan? She can keep secrets too."
"Yeah, Ami-chan can, but she lives with her mom, right? Staying over there wouldn't be such a good idea. Plus she's also a doctor, it's hard to know when she will be needed for work. Artemis and I discussed through it already, you are the best candidate for helping us with the surprise." The idol said excitingly, mischief surely shining in her eyes.
"It's you who wants to do the surprise, right? Don't drag Artemis into it. Speaking of which, where is he?" Rei had been wondering where the plush cat is for a while, not seeing or sensing him anywhere near.
"He said he wanted to see Luna and check if she's well, so I dropped him off before coming here. He was so anxious, it's not like that Usagi and Mamoru-kun would be mistreating her," Minako rolled her eyes. "Artemis is so obviously lovesick with Luna. I already told him that he could stay here during my concert tour if he wants to when we were back for Makoto's wedding, but he kept insisting on going with me."
Rei giggled at that. "So true! But I understand his choice, he rather leave Japan with you than to stay and worry about you."
"Yeah, and I'm thankful for that," Minako smiled warmly.
"If you really are thankful, then you should really stop playing pranks on me, Mina," came a very distinctive young male voice.
Rei and Minako turned to see Artemis standing outside the window that separates Rei's room and the garden of the shrine. The priestess stood and slid the window open for Artemis to enter.
"Long time no see, Artemis," Rei greeted the white plush.
"It's been a while, Mars," the advisor returned happily, still used to referring Rei and as her past self.
"So, how is Luna? She didn't notice you, right?" Minako ask her guardian as he walked to her.
"No, I didn't," Artemis grumbled with disappointment. "Really, what's with you and surprises?" the cat whined, unhappy with the delay of his longed reunion.
"You can say that again," Rei agreed with Artemis, both of them nodding at each other.
"I see how it is. The second you two are together, you start to pick on me. Fine, I'm leaving to shower, so I don't need to listen to you both being mean," Minako mock-pouted as she stood up.
Rei shook her head. "The bathroom is at the end of the corridor on the left."
"I remember. I'm not that forgetful!" Minako stuck her tongue out, then gathered her things and went for the bathroom.
Once they were sure Minako was out of earshot, Rei turned to Artemis, "So, how is Minako, really?" And with that question as a start, Artemis shared tales of Minako's life during her tour – not in a very personal, privacy invading level, but one for checking-in and reassurances, to avoid past bad experiences from repeating.
"So, how much did you talked about me?" asked Minako as she walked in freshened. She was well aware of her mentor and friend's habit long ago. Once upon a time she had been annoyed by the knowledge, but as time went on, she recognized the meaning behind and actually found their concern and care endearing. Plus, she trusts Artemis to not invade her privacy.
"That's something for only the two of us to know. You passed though. I'm glad you're not working yourself to the ground," Rei smirked. Some tales Artemis shared had amused the both of them, while some other worried them. But in conclusion, Rei and Artemis agreed that overall, all is well with Minako, and they were happy and relieved for it. Of all people, the two of them were the last to want to see Minako hurt and sick again. It pained them so much when she had been sick 6 years ago, their hearts crushed when she passed away. But now, all is well after her resurrection due to the power of the Mystical Silver Crystal.
"I know how to take care of myself, thank you very much!" Minako stuck her tongue out again as she sat down beside Artemis, who was already asleep on the fluffy cushion Rei prepared for him.
Rei shook her head at the idol's antics as she gathered her things. "Now's my turn to clean myself up."
"Wait. You haven't taken a bath?"
"No, I was planning to, but you came and I was occupied with you. When did you ever see me sleep in my shrine robes?"
"Oh… right. My bad," Minako said as she laughed sheepishly.
As she often find herself doing whenever she was with the idol, Rei shook her head again helplessly.
"Reiko."
"Yeah?" The priestess turned her head around just before she left the room.
"Want me to help you?" Minako eyed the priestess up and down, mischief obvious on her expression.
Rei was confused as to what Minako was referring to at first. When she finally registered it, she blushed fiercely. "… What!? No! NO WAY!"
Minako laughed so hard at Rei's reaction that her stomach hurts.
"You're insufferable! I'll be back in a bit," Rei huffed and left.
When Rei got back in fresh clothes and not her shrine clothes, what she saw made her smile. Minako was asleep on top of the spare futon Rei had already laid out for her. From the looks of it, Minako had planned to wait for Rei before sleeping, but failed miserably. Rei got to Minako's side and shook her a bit.
"Hmm…?" Minako's eyes were barely open.
"Minako, get under the cover before you sleep. You don't want to catch a cold, right?"
"Right…" Minako shifted her weight as Rei helped her get the blanket over her body.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight. Thanks, Rei…"Minako mumbled before falling back to sleep.
'She finally called my name right for once',Rei smiled.
She got up and reached for the light, ready for bed herself, but was halted when Minako's phone rang. Not wanting to wake the sleeping idol, Rei snatched Minako's cellphone as fast as she could. She looked at the caller's ID to find Sugao calling.
"Minako-ooooo! How is everything? I miss you already~" came Sugao's flighty voice the moment Rei walked into the hallway and answered the call.
"Saitou-san? This is Rei, Minako just fell asleep. Do you need her for something important?"
"Oh? Reiko-chan! Long time no see! So Minako's at your place?"
"Yes. She said she would call you, but I guess she's just too tired."
"Ah. Oh well, nevermind then. I knew she needed a rest, even though she always acts like she's fine and all. And she's never one who enjoys sleeping on an airplane. Anyway, how are you? Minako showed me photos of you, you look even more gorgeous now, all grown up and such." Rei blushed at Sugao's comment.
"I'm fine, thank you. How about you? Minako told me that things are really busy."
"Oh, it's just the usual stuff, don't worry about it. What I need to worry is the lack of sleep that is really speeding up the aging of my skin," Sugao whined, causing Rei to chuckle silently. "So, is there any chance for you to change your mind and join Minako in her career? I'm 120% sure that I can handle managing you both at the same time!"
Rei blushed again at the mention of her joining the idol industry. Really, she had only pretended to be an idol for one day just to prevent Minako from quitting stardom, she never thought that Sugao would find her suitable and remained persistence in talking her into being one. It was not the first time she heard of it, Minako had also mentioned several times that Sugao wanted to make her into an idol.
"No, thank you. I'm sure of it. I'm a priestess of the shrine and I don't plan to join the show business," Rei replied straightforwardly without sounding unfriendly.
"Oh, come on-nnn, what a pity. Nevermind, I'll persuade you next time, I gotta go, sorry. I'll call Minako again another time, and thanks for taking care of her. Reiko-chan you're the best! Let's have lunch together when I get back, 'kay? You, me and Minako, just the three of us."
"That sounds fantastic, except for the part where you will persuade me again," Rei laughed. "Hope your work goes well. Goodbye."
"Thanks. Bye Reiko-chan!"
The conversation ended and Rei walked back into the room, this time she made sure to turn off Minako's phone before placing it on the desk.
"Was that Minako's manager?" asked a visibly sleepy Artemis.
"Did I wake you? Sorry. Yeah, it was."
"No, you didn't wake me, the phone did the moment it rang," Artemis grimaced.
"What's with the face? Are you still holding the grudge against Saitou-san for taking your first kiss?" Rei said teasingly.
"What!? How did you know? Did Minako tell you?" Artemis would have shouted if Minako weren't asleep in the room.
"Yeah, she told me when I told her about Saitou-san being Luna's first kiss. It's a pity that you and Luna can't be each other's first kiss," Rei said, half playful half serious.
"Argh, don't even mention it. Anyway, thanks for taking care of Minako tonight."
"You're the second to say that, Saitou-san said that just now too," The priestess shrugged.
"Ah well, as much as I hate to agree with him, it's true that we are thankful for you taking care of Minako. You were always there for Minako, even when she didn't want it but needed it. I'm really grateful for that, Mars… no, Rei."
The plush cat's heartful statement touched Rei. "Don't mention it. I wanted to be there for her too, you're the one who allowed me to do that. Really, she carried too much on her shoulders back then. I want to be able to be her support."
"That's exactly why I'm grateful," –Artemis yawned– "Well, now I really want to go back to sleep. Goodnight, Mars."
"Goodnight Artemis."
Rei turned the lights off, and too went to sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day. Unknown to her, everything will start to change in her life starting from this arrival of her best friend.
