Rei and Minako: Immovable/Unstoppable

A.N. Yuuichiro's goodbye party, and Minako's graduation from police academy - A pair of scenes from Rei's perspective on the effects of hiding a part of your identity from family.

Apologies in advance for the slight mood whiplash from the previous two Minako ficlets. It's Rei's turn to take lead in this story, and she's much more solemn. Plus, I am not nearly crazy enough to keep up with Minako's schemes at this pace either ;P.

Hino Rei: Goodbye Yuuichiro

Rei was surprised to find Yuuichiro packing his bags one morning. He was apparently leaving the Hikawa Shrine to take over the duties of Head Priest at a neighbouring shrine. Rei was happy for him, it was a huge honour, but the speed at which the arrangements had been made threw her off. This was the first she'd heard about it. She asked Yuuichiro why, but he simply referred her to Grandpa for answers.

Grandpa led her into the room with the Great Fire. They sat together, as they often did when she first came to live at the temple. She asked about Yuuichiro. In the manner befitting an old man, Grandpa answered her question with a long, seemingly irrelevant story.

"I knew you were special then first time we sat here together Rei. I like the fire. I've always felt a close connection to the spirit world here...but it wasn't until you came into my life that the spirits answered back."

The fire flickered, almost in response. The spirits were watching over them now.

"They told me about a Soldier of Fire. One who was blessed to carry the element itself deep in her soul. She would use it to defend the innocent, and build a better world. She was brilliant. It was a beautiful vision, but it broke my heart, because when I looked up, all I saw was you. The little girl who had just lost her mother. I knew that your destiny would be difficult one, and I resolved to make things easier for you. You are my family after all."

Rei was shocked. How long had Grandpa known she was Sailor Mars? He had never given any signs of it before.

"I worried that the duties of Mars would overwhelm you at such a young age. You might be the Sailor Mars, but you are still my Rei. You needed a home to come back to. Something normal to fight for. I made it my purpose to provide that for you. I thought perhaps having a nice boy around might be nice for you...give you some of the typical teenage girl experiences that you should have had."

Grandpa chuckled that strange little laugh of his.

"I admit. I'm a meddler. When Yuuichiro appeared, he seemed like a good fit. A free wandering soul might be nice to counter balance the weight of prupose that you already carried. You needed to see that there were other ways to live... and sure... that young man needed direction. He was a hapless fool when he arrived here. It was good for him to have a goal to chase. For a time, he that goal was you... as you well know! Overtime, however, I think he's learned to walk his own path for his own sake. He no longer needs something to chase. He will do well in the world...so I think it all worked out in the end...It's funny in retrospect, but like Yuuichiro, I think you've managed to find your own path now. You are your own person. As such, you no longer need this subterfuge of a normal life. You already built one for your self. I can now tell you how proud I am of you, my granddaughter, Sailor Mars!"

Rei was crying openly by now. So much went on in the background that she had never noticed. She hadn't realized how much hearing those words from Grandpa would mean to her. He was proud of her.

They stayed together in front of the fire until it burned down to embers.

Several days later

Yuuichiro's goodbye party was in full swing. It was the usual madcap energy of a bunch of women and a few men all packed in one room. Over the years, Yuuichiro had become a part of the extended Senshi family. It would be strange not having him around the temple anymore, but life goes on. He wouldn't be going very far anyways but they would all miss having him around here.

Minako found Rei standing by the wall and sidled up to her. Rei looked like she was deep in thought. Minako just HAD to interrupt. It was a party after all.

"Hiiiiiii Rei-chan...whatchu thinking about...?"

Minako appeared at Rei's side, the very picture of innocence.

"Minako! Gah! I was just thinking that I'm going to miss that goofbag more than I expected."

"Should I be jealous?"

"You're Aino Minako, do you even have the humility to BE jealous?"

Rei laughed. This was Yuuichiro they were talking about afterall. Minako being jealous of him was fairly ridiculous

"Sure, of course I do. I've been jealous of Yuuichiro before. You seemed to like him, and I thought "yeah, fuck that guy", I'm so much better. You might like being worshiped, but I knew you could never be with someone that didn't earn your respect. Then over the years, he did find a way to earn your respect. Mine too. For a regular guy, he's got a great heart. He always stepped in front of youma for you even knowing he had no special abilities or powers. That is special. Maybe I am a little jealous that I can't ever prove my love to you in the same way he could. He's so pure."

Rei kissed Minako softly on the lips. She had absolutely nothing to worry about. Purity was nice, but they were kindred spirits. She was about to tell Minako that when Grandpa popped up out of nowhere and scared the living daylights out of them both.

"So you're the one! I pity the poor soul that tries to tame your fire Rei."

Rei laughed out loud. Minako was as red as a tomato at this point. Apparently she was capable of embarrassment. Rei made a mental note of the date, time and situation for future reference.

"Don't bother. She doesn't deserve your pity. She asked for it. Besides, she is the strongest person I know. She can keep up."

She patted Minako fondly on top of her red bow.

"Grandpa, I want you to officially meet Sailor Venus and the woman I love, Aino Minako."

Aino Minako: Graduation Day

The day of Minako's graduation from police academy had finally come around. Cadet Aino was about to officially become Officer Aino. Rei sat alone in the section reserved for her family and friends. 5 seats...3 were occupied for certain. She was here, and Usagi and Makoto were off looking for the washroom. The remaining two must be reserved for Minako's parents.

They had been friends for 6 years, and lovers for a year and a half, yet Rei had never met Minako's parents. She didn't even know anything about them. Minako had found a way to avoid discussing her family life for the entire time Rei had known her. It was impressive really, but now Rei was left alone, watching two strangers who shouldn't be strangers approach.

Rei didn't know what to expect. Crazy blondness or drop-dead gorgeousness if their daughter was any indication of who they were. As it turns out, Minako's parents seemed like very ordinary people. Alot like Usagi's parents actually.

They took their assigned seats. Rei was surprisingly nervous. She didn't know how to approach them.

As it turned out, that was unnecessary. Mr and Mrs Aino sat down beside her, but they had no idea who she was.

Rei was a little annoyed by that. My the gods, she was their daughter's fellow solider and one true love. At least have the sense to notice something was different.

But no, they were just two ordinary people, having an ordinary conversation. Rei could hear pretty much every word.

"I never thought I'd see the day" Mrs Anio said with a huff.

Rei was rather upset by that. That huff reminded her of her Minako. It was strange to see someone so like her, yet so different.

"She's really made something of herself. I didn't expect that."

Rei's temper flared up. Just because he was Minako's father, doesn't mean that he gets to judge her. He

knew nothing about his daughter.

The couple beside her remained oblivious. Their conversation continued as if there wasn't a raging fireball of death sitting next to them.

"London was a long time ago...we shouldn't think of her as that same girl anymore"

"I know...I was just thinking of how far our little girl has come."

"I'm so proud of her now. I don't know what I would have done if she never came back. I don't know what to say to her though. I never do."

The woman sighed sadly and the conversation ceased.

Rei had to wonder. Never came back? What were they talking about? The pieces fell into place suddenly.

London. Minako must have run away from home to track that youma all those years ago. She never told her parents why.

That explained alot.

They never knew. After all these years, Minako must have wanted to spare them from the truth. She cut herself off from her rather loving parents to save them the pain of potentially losing her again one day.

Stupid selfless Minako!

Rei felt bad for meddling, but she figured there wasn't any real harm she could do at this point.

She turned to Mrs Aino and smiled politely. Years of political theatre made this like shooting fish in a barrel.

"Good afternoon! You're here for your son?"

Mrs Aino beamed proudly.

"No. Better. My daughter. The blonde one at the beginning there. Aino Minako."

"Wow. She's beautiful...and now an officer of the law. You must be so proud of her."

"I absolutely am. I think it's wonderful how she wants to protect the people of the city. Although I have to confess. Sometimes, I worry about her. Being a police officer can be so dangerous. I don't know what I would do if she didn't come home one day."

"I would trust her. She can handle herself. I bet there is more to her than meets the eye."

"Oh! I'm being silly. Sorry to trouble you so with such dark thoughts. Who are you here for?"

Oops. Caught in a lie. Who was she here for? Fuck...that guy? Sure, why not. That random guy in the 2nd row. He'll do.

"Oh, my brother. He's the one over there in the 2nd row."

"My, my. Isn't he a handsome one. I wonder if he knows my Minako?"

Rei could have snapped. The very idea of it. She should have been wondering if Rei knew her Minako. Knew her very well indeed.

Rei's fake smile grew a little tighter, it wouldn't do to snap at the clueless couple. Not when she was so close to getting what she wanted.

"You are proud of her. Be sure to tell her that today. I think it would mean alot to her."

"Of course I will. Same to you! Enjoy the ceremony!"

There. That did it. Rei nodded in satisfaction as she said goodbye to Minako's parents. Usagi and Makoto were coming back now, the ceremony was about to begin.

Mission complete. Minako's parents were going to tell her how proud they were that she was protecting the people of Tokyo. In those exact words most likely. Rei had seen to that. Minako deserved at least that much for all the good she's done in her life.

A.N

Thank you all for reading!
Minako has graduated from police academy, and so, the very loose framing device of this story has come to an end. Any future stories with these two lovebirds likely won't be published under this banner.

I hope everyone enjoyed this story. Reviews always appreciated and often responded to.

Until we meet again
-Drifter.