A.N.
This story is inspired by the musical episode "Once More with Feeling" from the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Each chapter is based on a song from the chapter. If you are a Buffy fan, you can probably sing along. If you are not, please go to YouTube and search for "Going through the motions Buffy" and listen to the original song. Or if you would rather, you can just read the lyrics like a poem.
The lyrics will follow the same metronome as the original song. Enjoy!
Previously on "Tabula Rasa", Usagi and Rei shared a kiss and some tender moments after their memories were stolen. When their memories returned, Usagi decided to erase those two days from Rei's memory.
Chapter 1-Going Through the Motions
Rei rubbed her head and slowly sat up. It was day five since the big battle against Hecate and the headache seemed to have taken permanent resident in her head. The sun was already shining brightly outside. Rei sighed and got up. There were a lot of chores to do still.
"Caw. Caw". Deimos and Phobo flew down and said their good mornings.
"Gong". Morning patrons were already making wishes and sounding the bell.
"Tsk tsk" Grandpa swept the front yard while staring at the girls' very short skirts.
Rei could feel the strangest sensation and an unease sense of a new evil. The sounds of the temple, the sounds of the city, it was almost melodic. Rei could feel something bubbling inside of her, waiting to be released.
Caw Caw. Gong. Tsk Tsk. Gong. Caw Caw. Gong. Tsk Tsk. Gong.
Rei opened her mouth to say something and burst into song.
(Rei)
Ever since that day
I had a feeling
My mind bare and my heart gray
Tried to remember
What is that feeling
How could I forget
Something here is stray.
I've been hiding my feelings for you,
Just hoping no one knows
And I've been going through the motions
Just to be your friend
Nothing will ever change till the end.
I was always sure and kind of stable
Now I find my will weaken
When she looks at me
She knows something
The secret she won't sing.
(Grandpa)
Rei must be hurting.
(Rei)
Thanks for noticing.
(Grandpa)
She is pretty sad and not feel well
And lately I can tell
That she's just going through the motions
Faking it somehow.
The fire is gone
Who is this girl now?
(Rei)
What do I need to remember
Something was in my memory
(Grandpa)
How can I help you?
(Rei ignoring Grandpa)
Remember! I don't want to be going through the motions,
Losing mind and heart
I can't even feel
Is my heart made of steel
And I just wanna feel
My heart….
The strange melody ended and the song stopped. Grandpa went back to sweeping like it was any other day. Rei clutched her heart and felt its heaviness. Hecate stole their memories and they have gotten it all back. So why did she felt like she had just lost something precious?
Rei flipped open her communicator and called for a senshi meeting. Something weird was happening.