Sweat, Blood, Water, And Repentance: In Which A Cold Shower Might Not Be The Best Solution

Makoto Kino awoke with a jolt, staring wild-eyed around her as the fog of sleep lifted. She was surprised, and more than a little relieved, to find herself alone as usual, and in her own apartment.

"What the hell was all that about?" she asked nobody in particular.

Ah, good times... The voice seemed to come from within her own mind, which made her immediately doubt her sanity. If she hadn't already encountered more unusual things in her time as a Sailor Senshi, she would have quickly called a psychiatrist. As it was, she thought about calling Rei, but was far too embarrassed, and resolved to tackle the problem on her own.

"Who are you?!" she questioned the voice aloud.

People have called me a lot of things, some more fitting than others. Let's see... Ten Red Rivers I liked, that one was nice and descriptive. The Dragon's Shadow, kind of poetic, no? No good, rotten, axe-happy bastardess; the less said about that, the better. Some people took to calling me death's next-door neighbor. There was Princess Jupiter, naturally. Makoto's eyes widened. Was she really hearing this? It was Bloody Mako in the papers, mostly. I've been Sailor Jupiter ever since decent armor fell by the wayside and schoolgirl outfits came into style for some ungodly reason. I am the Soldier of Thunder and Courage. And, most recently I have come to tolerate being referred to, in high-pitched squeals, as Mako-chan. In other words, I am you.

"Great; if I'm talking to myself, I know I'm nuts."

You also don't need to do it aloud. Nobody can hear me but you anyway.

Oh, that makes me feel so much better.

You're not crazy, you were just born with a destiny. My destiny. I don't really know what it'll be this time around, but I have no doubt it will be suitably glorious and violent.

You meant to say "settled down with a nice, loyal husband who is secure enough in his masculinity that he doesn't mind that his wife can probably lift him over her head with one hand and use him as a javelin. And also a big garden, and maybe a nice pastry-shop," right?

Good gods, what the hell did Serenity and that damn crystal do to me? Don't tell me you can't at least feel all the rage of nature boiling in your heart when you transform.

Sure, and not just then. At the moment, however, I feel like I haven't slept at all. And like what I just woke up from was no ordinary sex dream.

Indeed. First of all, you don't dream so vividly. But you do have...

Second of all, Makoto interrupted herself, I don't recall ever wearing armor in one. Leather, sure, but...

You can talk about that later, Mako-chan. That's a whole other kettle of fish, and it's not what's eating you, so why don't you just spit it out?

Very well, o Soldier of Thunder, Courage, and Carefully Chosen Words.

Aw, a new one! Now cut it out before you make us both blush.

Third of all, I do NOT have such dreams about other girls! Period! Let alone other Senshi. Ever since my old sempai abandoned me, I've been chasing boys right and left, and even up a wall that one time! Hmm, I feel a bit lightheaded now. Maybe I'm sick and the fever has affected my brain! That would explain everything.

Oh, sure, a fever. Methinks the lady doth repress too much. By the way, did I mention how very, very good it was?

Oh, be quiet self. You sound like a less confused version of Minako, and you're really not helping. Makoto threw aside her covers and stood up, choosing to ignore her alter-ego. Or possibly her masquerading id. This would have been more effective if she hadn't immediately been forced to sit down again when her knees gave way.

I told you it was a good one. Would you ever have thought she could do such things with her tongue? And always so modest about it, too...

Ecchi!

Why does everybody think that about me, when I just call it like I see it?! And often get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Right. As for you, I reckon a good wash should do the trick. I don't want to smell like, um, sweat and such all day.

Mmm-hmm... And while you're in there...

Oh, fuck off.

But of course; and the next time you need to transform, I could still be "off" fu...

Point taken. Forget I said anything.

She rose again, this time with success, and stumbled into the bathroom, pulling half the sheets off the bed on the way. Just as a wave of sensations came flooding back to her, their intensity rivaling that of the dream itself, she jumped into her shower and turned the cold water on full blast. The cool rivulets that ran down her body only reminded her more of the caresses she had felt so keenly.

Now that I think about it, it makes a lot of sense that this wouldn't help. Still, it was unlike her to be overcome so easily by the mere memory of a mere dream! She silently chastised herself until the voice of her past life jarred her out of it.

Well? Curious yet?

So you do know something! You probably caused this in the first place, Miss Decent Armor! So tell me: Why did I dream so vividly about her? Why did it feel like she knew everything about my body, more than I know myself? As if she'd been my lover for years?

Because she was.

Don't fuck with me!

Wouldn't dream of it. Now, hear me out. There're a lot of memories those cats won't give you because they don't think you can handle it or that your current society would accept them.

What makes you so sure I can?

I know you better than you do, and more than anything, I want her back. If all else fails, it's a good story! Not to mention that parts of it are pretty hilarious in retrospect. Unless you'd rather go to math class, of course.

Well, I do hate math, and I have to admit there are several burning questions here.

Not to mention the fact that...

Oh, no! I didn't finish my homework!

I was wondering when that little realization would hit you.

I don't recall you saying anything last night before I went to bed.

Hey, I don't like math any more than you do.

Fine. Just tell me what happened, already!

Hmm... Actually, it all started when I was taking a bath. And... You know, it would come across much better if I just showed you. Brace yourself. This may be a little disorienting.

Makoto found herself slipping into another dreamlike state. As the world around her seemed to dissolve and a new one to take form, she thought with a grimace, Whatever this bizarre business is, I'm never going to be able to look Ami in the eye again...