It was hot, almost unbearably so. Sensible people were inside with a cold drink, hiding from the oppressive heat. But Jadeite knew of only one way to face such a persistent foe. He marched head on into it. And he was rewarded, because only the brave could see the true beauty of this day. Yes, it was hot, but the sky was a clear and piercing blue. There was a stillness and tranquility to the world as everyone and everything sought refuge from the blazing sun. Summer was a reminder that the sun was terrible, but also beautiful. The two went hand in hand. That which gave life could also take it away. That which sheltered and nurtured could also wither and destroy. Summer was the reminder that reverence was required when approaching the world, for the balance was delicate that kept it all in harmony.
But summer was so much more than just the heat. Summer was anticipation and excitement. Winter's chill was long forgotten and summer's first bloom hinted of something more and wonderful to come. Summer was that promise fulfilled. Summer was freedom, a time to cast off responsibility and schedule and duty and everything else that chained life to a dull and dreary routine. Summer was a time for frolicking, loafing, exploring, playing, loving. The sun may be hot, but the water was cool and inviting, and clear blue skies were for living under. Summer was a time for children to be children, and for grown ups to be a little childish too. Summer was memory and escape all in one. Heat be damned. Jadeite was certainly not one to bow to anyone, least of all the sun. He had lived a prisoner for far too long. This summer, no matter how short, would be his time to live.
There was only one catch. It wasn't entirely his doing that he was here now. He had waited longest of all to be released. He had waited for forgiveness. The gift of his freedom from his crystalline prison and his new body had indicated that the gift was given. But he was here alone, so perhaps he had not quite yet been graced with acceptance. As fiercely independent as he was, she was even more so. Hino Rei bowed to no one. She was the summer sun, terrible and beautiful. A man longed to revel in her beauty, but it was just as likely to burn him as not. She was strength and beauty, destruction and serenity, all in one striking package as lovely and deadly as the sun.
Jadeite was irresistibly drawn to her. Like Icarus, he longed to fly closer and closer. And he was more than prepared to come crashing to Earth if only for a glimpse of the wonder and beauty of her. Once upon a time such vanity and foolhardiness had made him easy prey for Beryl's lies and deceits. This time, he hoped that things might be different. Summer was a season for release, and he hoped that his revival on this day meant that perhaps he would finally find release from a thousand years of guilt and shame.
His answer came in a glimpse of red and black. She makes no sound upon the Earth. The long, blood-red gown falls off her shoulder and clings enticingly to her body before flaring out and hiding her feet, making it appear that she glides. Her amethyst eyes are focused squarely in front of her, completely ignoring the newly revived general. He is infuriated and entranced all at once. He turns to follow her. At first he moves to stop her, but as he approaches, it is as though his wax wings are melting and he is falling. He is a cursed traitor, and he deserves to fall into oblivion. But for this one glimpse, he is willing to follow.
She approaches the river and kneels, dipping her hand in. She is a vision of serenity and perfection. Her hair falls like a silk curtain down her back and her skirts fan out around her. She radiates elegance and beauty, all of which belies the passion and fire she hides inside. Their relationship has never been easy, but this image is what keeps him coming back to her. She is a woman of extraordinary beauty and grace. And within this graceful and beautiful woman is the passion of a thousand suns that could consume even the mightiest man. And Jadeite longs for her to consume him and make him whole. Summer's heat drives way lesser men, but he faces it head on for the opportunity to glimpse the wonder and beauty of it all.
She rises gracefully to her feet again. Still she does not acknowledge his presence. Part of him wishes that she would. Part of him wishes that she would not, for when she does, there will be consequences to face for two lifetimes of betrayal. She is beautiful, even when she is angry, but he knows her rage is just as likely to consume him as it is to embrace him. Her hands move to the silk ties that hold her gown together, and as it pools at her feet, Jadeite is on fire.
She walks into the water, like some siren. She makes no noise, but Jadeite hears her song anyway. He is irresistibly drawn closer. She lies back in the water, floating tranquilly for a moment before turning and swimming across and back. As she emerges from the water, her hair clings to her back, and water droplets fall temptingly down her body. But Jadeite's eyes are locked with hers, for she has finally acknowledged his presence. Her gaze is riveted upon his with an intensity that makes the oppressive sun seem merciful and cool. He can not look away, even as she nears him. Her features remain calm and tranquil, even as her eyes burn into his very soul. They stand for a moment, only an arm's length apart, and yet Jadeite can feel the space of a millennium standing between them.
Suddenly, she has him by the collar, and with the strength and righteous fury of the Senshi of Mars, she flings him into the river. He scrambles to the surface, brushing his hair out of his eyes, just in time to see her leap in after him and splash him with a huge wave. Impulsively, he responds in kind, and is rewarded with the sound of her shrieking. It has been years since he heard her voice, and he suddenly realizes how much he has missed it. He does the only sensible thing he can.
He splashes her again. It's ridiculous. They are both soaked and can't possibly be any more wet, but she is laughing and he is drunk on the sound. Gone is the serious and somber woman who tempted him into the water. Before him is the woman of his dreams. She is suddenly carefree and uninhibited like the first day of summer vacation. In her laughter, he hears the sound of cicadas and fireworks and ocean waves washing against the sand. In the flashing of her eyes and the sultry smirk of her lips, he sees bright blue skies and fireflies. And when she leaps into his arms for a kiss, she tastes of lemonade, watermelon and ice cream.
The remarkable woman in his arms is a warrior of unmatched stature and a woman of fearsome power. But here, dripping wet and uninhibited, she is a creature of passion and joy. In her touch, he feels the promise of the extraordinary. In her kiss, he tastes freedom. And when they make love, it is slow, languid and heated, like the best days of summer, condensed into one perfect moment meant for savoring.
He has waited, longer than any of his brothers, but it was worth it. She is in his arms, and it is summer. He knows that it will pass, as all things must, but for this moment, he has her, and they are free to explore, to enjoy, to love. Summer always seems so short, but when he tells her he loves her, she responds with a kiss. In that kiss, he can feel so much, the vitality of spring, the passion of summer, the purity of autumn and the serenity of winter. In her kiss, he tastes eternity and he knows that even though to all things there must be a season, what he has found this time will last forever.
Epilogue to follow