Her light, my hope

By NightMist

Dark, all I can see is dark nothingness. No light, no hope, everything is the color of death. What I don't understand is how I got here. How did I end up here of all places, after all the work I've done. Maybe that was the answer, maybe I worked too hard and didn't notice things changing around me. Maybe I was so far gone that even my friends, my beloved lost faith in me. Maybe that's why I'm here in this place all alone with nothing to hold on to.

But no, that can't be. I still can remember Mako-chan, Mina-chan, Ami-chan and others. I still remember how it felt to be held by her. How warm and loving it was. How her smile could make me feel better and at peace.

Then why am I here, alone in the dark. Oh now I remember. There has been a Youma attack. About dozen of them to be specific. We were fighting and one of them shot some kind of a liquid thing at Sailor Moon. My feet were running to her before even I could register and all I could think at that moment was to save my princess, my duty, my love. The next thing I remember doing is pushing Usagi out of the way and feeling almost blinding pain. In the haze of pain I heard several voices calling my name. That's right Rei is my name, Rei Hino. Sailor mars and protector of Princess Serenity. I remember several voices but all I can hear is her cry for me to be alright. My princess has such a good heart. Even in battle always worrying about everyone else. I remember my skin felt like burning, the pain was so great I almost gave up to the darkness that was threatening to engulf me. But I had to hold on for her sake. At least till the battle is over so I stood up ignoring the pain I felt all over. I rejoined the battle not taking notice of cries of protest from my friends. And of course just like my luck tree youma's attacked me at once. If I had been better I would have beaten them easily but as I was injured I was struck by their power taking full blast in my chest. I remember thinking of my love for my princess before everything turned black.

God maybe I'm dead. I mean I can't feel pain so it is the afterlife. If it is, I really want to go back. I haven't had an easy life. With my mother dieing, my father abandoning me and with the burden of one-sided love it wasn't just walk in the park. But I had my friends, I had grandpa and I had her friendship even it was not what I craved for.

"Stand up Sailor Mars" I heard a gentle voice call me what I assumed from my back. As I turned around I saw a woman standing there. Bright silver lights surrounded her. She had two long pig tails running down her back made in odangos. But as my princess had blonde hair this woman had silver hair. Her big bright blue eyes were the same but without Usagi's usual happiness. Her eyes were a bit sad but held wisdom in her depths. I only heard about her but I knew who she was. She is Queen Serenity, the ruler of Silver Millennium. I instantly got on my one knee bowing before her. Ofcourse I don't have to, I mean she's not ruling now but she's still the queen and the mother of my princess. I have to show respect for her.

"Please stand up, I'm not your queen now. You have done far more than me in this life than I have" she said with a gentle smile. I can see where Usagi gets her gentle and loving nature. It's truly amazing how these two can be alike. I stand up and wait for her to speak. If she's here then she must have something to tell me.

"Yes, I do have something to tell you and no I do not read minds, but mostly I am here to give you support" as she said this my mind began to run a mile in a second.

"Please, Rei-chan" that had my attention. I didn't know she knew my name.

"I know you and others quiet well, Rei-chan. As a mother I have been watching over my daughter and everything related to that so do not worry yourself. Now why don't we sit down, 'cause we'd be here for a while" and she extend her arms. I looked up and there were two comfortable looking chairs and a table. Why didn't I notice it before I don't know. I sat down and again waited for her to speak.

"Do you remember what happened before you came here?"

"Yes, we fought a dozen youma's and I got knocked out" I wasn't really sure if I was dead or anything so I settled for this.

"Yes, you saved my daughter and for that I'm very thankful to you. Thank you." She said while bowing a little. I felt so uncomfortable sitting there.

"It's my duty to protect her" I managed to mutter. She just smiled and looked a little amused.

"Do you know why you're here Rei-chan?"

"No, not really. Am I dead?" I couldn't look into her eyes, afraid of her answer.

"No you're not" at her words I breathed out the breath I didn't know I was holding.

"But, Rei-chan you come to this place only if you're between life and death. In meaning your physical body is in comatose stage hovering between life and death" she said in a sad tone.

"But why I am here? I mean why not just die" I was in some kind of a shock hearing I might die.

"This is the place where you make a choice whether you live or move on. That is why I am here. To help you choose"