A/N And another chapter bite the dust! Many still to go. Many thanks to my beta graceling42

Hope you enjoy! All mistakes are my own. I do my best not to make any but it happens. My beta just helps me express the thoughts I have in my head.

Arranged Marriage

~0~

Ch. 10 Realizations

"Get me a cold compress!" Ami shouted at Makoto as they all rushed Rei into the infirmary.

Minako carefully placed her on the bed, wiping away the sweat dripping off her forehead. Makoto franticly looked around for a cloth they could use in the supply closet. Ami began checking vitals, occasionally muttering curses as she went. Minako looked over at Makoto completely missing Rei's hand drop but Ami yelling out shit wasn't missed.

"Makoto help me roll her onto her side." Makoto hurried over gently rolling Rei to the side of the bed watching on as Ami examined the back of her head for any injuries. "Okay, gently put her back on her back."

Makoto a step back then almost gagged. Ami opened Rei's mouth sticking her index and middle finger inside while she bent her ear next to her nose listening intently. When she brought her finger out of Rei's mouth Minako saw a piece of a red leaf and had a tint of purple to it. Confused she directed her questioning gaze at Makoto but all Makoto could do was shrug. Ami dashed around the room grabbing black blocks, smashing them up then dumping the fresh grounds into water.

Thrusting the bottle into Minako hands she ordered, "Shake then try to get as much of that into her as you can."

Minako looked at it dumbly then Ami shouted, "Now Minako! She's dying!"

Minako pried her mouth open, pouring in small amounts at a time. Ami in the mean time ready a IV when suddenly they could hear arguing outside.

Makoto grimaced. "I'll handle it."

Minako watched her leave still trying to get Rei to drink. She had wanted Mars to be hurt for taking away Akima but not like this. Never like this. She had been a horrible leader. Everyone had said so at one point or another and now she might never get a chance to be the leader Akima had shown her how to be. Akima had always said that a sword was used to protect. She hadn't protected Mars. Whether she like the woman or not she should have protected her. She should have stretched her hand out in friendship. Maybe if she had then Akima would have been back in her life by now.

"Ami, am I cold?"

Ami stopped trying to hook the IV line into Rei's arm to stare at Minako in stunned silence. "Minako Mars' life is in my hands right now and you want to ask me if you are cold?! You're impossible!"

"I'm sorry!" Minako shouted back bursting into tears as she continued to pour the dirty water pass Mars' lips. Her eyes never leaving her face once to look at Ami, "I know this is the worst moment to be asking but I have to know. If she dies it's my fault!"

Ami turned back to the IV filled with Valium. She hoped it wouldn't come to that but she had to be ready if Rei started to convulse. She also had to bring down Rei's increasing heart rate. However Minako last comment gave her some concern.

"Did you poison her?"

"No!" Minako shouted as her head snapped up to stare at her friend.

"I'm sorry. I had to ask."

"No Ami. I couldn't." She stopped to think then asked, "Is that what is wrong? She's been poisoned?"

"Yes. Firesbane by the look of it. Cold sensations, increased heart rate, and her eyes were dilated when we brought her in. I need to bring down her pulse but what I'm really worried about is the convulsions starting followed by fever. What you are pouring down her throat right now is activated charcoal. She is unconscious so I can't pump her stomach."

"How could someone of done this?!"

"It's a plant. From Mars actually. Red, looks like a daisy with purple tipped leaves. The roots and leaves are actually the most deadly and the only way for it to be of threat is by ingestion. Given that the flower can only be found on Mars and only the servants serve us food I think how and who could be narrowed down very well."

"Eltanin."

Taking it as a statement instead of a question Ami remained silent.

"Ami when Mars lives through this I want you to teach me the Martian language."

Ami got the drip started pumping potassium and magnesium into Rei hoping that at least one problem was resolved. "Okay."

~X~

Makoto sat in the corner of the room watching as Ami examined the monitors that spit information out on Rei's current condition. The fever that Ami had been worried over had started. So far it had reached 103 and climbing. Martians had always been a few degrees warmer then the other races. She was angry. Minako had left hours ago. What she was up to no one wanted to dwell on for to long. Their leader hadn't just been upset about Rei's condition she had been furious. Part of her wondered at the change of heart but the other half was just grateful and that maybe now things would be different. It would be one less problem and she had never liked the way Minako treated Rei.

Shouting could be heard once more from outside the room. That little girl had been demanding to see Rei for hours. She had feared she would have to place the girl in custody till that general had come to check on the situation. He had gently but forcibly lead her away extracting a promise from Ami that they would receive consistent updates but that hadn't stopped the girl from slipping away and finding her way back to Rei.

Looking up at her fiancée, Makoto wanted that kind of relationship with Ami. She wanted to be there in the good times and the bad but Ami only had eyes for their princess. It was frustrating.

Leaning back she looked over at Rei asking, "How do you feel Rei knowing that Minako could break your life in two?"

~X~

"Venus Love Me Chain!"

Eltanin cried out at the chain whipped across his flesh. Biting his lip, he lifted his head glaring at the whore. His people had always thought the worst of Venusian. A weak race with no will to fight within them. Now he was in the presences of a Venusian who fought. Hard.

"You can't stand the fact I will finish her off first, can you Lady Venus?"

Minako tightened the chain within her grip. Mars had been hurt on her watch. She finally realized what Mars had been saying. As a leader she should of put her personal feelings aside. Mars had come to the Moon to protect the Princess just as she had. She was a comrade. Somehow she would make them friends.

"I don't intend to take her life."

Eltanin laughed. "Bullshit! I've heard the stories. You have a blood claim on her. You want her dead just as much as my father and I."

Minako paused as she raised the chain once more. She had sworn to do anything to get Akima back but was this how far she was willing to go for it? Was she willing to kill a person and watch them suffer just to have Akima? What would Akima say if she ever learn of it? Without showing any change of emotion Minako knew exactly how Akima would react. She would be ashamed of her. Akima protected those weaker then her. That was what she had always practiced.

"You're wrong Eltanin. I may not like Mars as a friend but I respect her as a individual."

"You are such a liar."

"I'm no liar."

"What's her name then Lady Venus?"

Lips thinning she shook her head. Eltanin laugher rang once more in the cell.

"You don't know?! That is rich. The most feared warrior on Mars was defeated by a Venusian!"

"Mars isn't strong. She can't even beat Lady Mercury in battle," Venus retorted coldly.

Eltanin took a long look at the woman before shaking his head. "Weak? Mars? You all know nothing. She has made fools of you all! My damn sister is a better liar then I ever gave her credit for! And you are a whore's bitch for believing that!"

The whip cracked the air knocking him unconscious. Turning to the guards standing to the side she barked out, "Dump water on him. I'm going to check on Mars. While I'm gone continue till he passes out again."

~X~

Makoto wiped away the sweat dripping down Rei's brow. Her last temperature when Ami last checked was a hundred and seven point five and seemed to be climbing still. Ami was resting and Minako had been gone for hours. The Queen had come by to check on Rei and few times. Serenity had tried to come in to stay but Ami and forbidden her from entering. Azusa had come in a few times to check on his princess. She found herself liking the quite older gentleman. He was a lot like Rei in his quiet but strong demeanor.

Upon learning what Eltanin had done he had stood aside letting the Moon decide what would happen to the young man till Rei either died or got better. Rei's father wasn't of the same opinion though. After receiving transmission from him stating his son had done no wrong and should be returned to Mars on the next available shuttle. Queen Serenity had quietly but firmly reminded Dabih that on Mars those found guilty of murder it fell to the family to decide the person's punishment. The fact that Rei was still alive meant it was her choice what would happen to him. Since it happened on the Moon it fell to the laws of the Moon and Rei was the rightful heir to the throne of Mars therefore the punishment was out of his hands as was standard by Galactic law.

When Dabih had tried to argue Azusa had stepped in supporting the Queen. Dabih had tried to argue once more but Minako who had simply been observing the communications had been horrified at the callous treatment Rei received from her family. Steadily she became more and more furious as the translator told her what was being said before silently slipping out to do something about the cause of this problem. She had returned fifteen minutes later with a signed confession from Eltanin and the others in the palace who had helped him and that had stopped Dabih further from challenging them.

The door opened softly causing her to look away from Rei. Venus walked in looking strained.

Makoto, surprised to see her enter the room, asked, "Why are you here?"

Venus's head shot up at the low growl in Makoto's voice. "Where else would I be?"

"I don't know but it's bad enough Mars has to worry about that bastard being around the Moon, but how can she be expected to protect herself from both sides at once while she is here."

Venus gave her a piercing look grounding out, "what do you mean by that Makoto?"

Makoto's eyes met her leader's, her gaze unyielding "Meaning, maybe this wouldn't have happened if she didn't have to worry about her leader trying to kill her."

"Makoto…"

"No." Lighting cracked around her. "Do not stand there and tell me this isn't your fault. You are the leader. You are responsible for the safty of the Princess and those under you which, however much you may hate it, includes Mars!"

"I know that!"

"No you don't or this wouldn't of happen! She wouldn't be here fighting for her life!"

"I didn't poison her!"

"But you let the entire palace know how much you hated her giving Eltanin all the power he needed to slip that poison into her food! Those people probably thought they were helping you. And as much as I know you have never given your body to another living soul they would do anything possible to gain your favor!"

"I would never of asked anyone that!"

"You didn't have to Minako! People want to please you or haven't you ever notice that no one calls Mars by her given name when you're in the room?! Even Ami and I do it and it sickens me! Mars and the Queen are like the only two who don't bow to your will!"

"I'm sorry and I know that but I never wanted this. And his actions aren't my fault!"

"Shut up both of you now before I throw you out of here!"

Both of them turned their heads to watch Ami remove herself from the cot she had been sleeping on at Makoto's insistences earlier. Hurrying over to Rei Ami check the monitors again swearing softly. Her temperature was at a hundred and ten now. The drips were still working and the activated charcoal was still being pumped into her system. After making sure everything was working correctly she turned to them.

Makoto and Minako shrank under her gaze.

"I'm sorry Ami-chan." They said in unison.

"Don't say sorry to me you two! Say sorry to her." She pointed vaguely behind her. "Mars is sick. If her temp rises anymore then she won't be here. She needs to rest and Minako as much as I hate to say it Makoto is right. These things happen and I know you. I know that you have a good heart but when it come to Mars you are cruel." Minako opened her mouth to object but Ami's look stopped her cold. "You are Minako. And I don't think Akima would be proud to know how you behave."

Minako looked over at the bed. Mars' breathe were shallow and harsh, her face pale. She knew she had messed up. "I'm sorry. Both of you." Meeting their eyes she asked, "What's her name?"

Ami swallowed. Looking at Rei she wondered what Rei's answer would be. She asked which was a big step but would Rei grant her that privilege? Know Rei she wouldn't be pleased. A name was a sign of trust and Minako did not have Rei's.

Makoto wasn't sure what to do. She hated disappointing Ami and now that was exactly what she had done. She went to say something, anything when another voice spoke instead.

"Where is she? Where's mother?"

Ami lips thinned as she turned her full attention to Rei. "Mars?" Not receiving a answer she tried again, "Mars we're here. What are you saying?"

"Where's Mother? I need to tell her…I found the one."

"Ami what is Mars saying?" Minako asked.

Shaking her head, "I don't know. It's Martian but I don't understand it. The dialect is different. Older I think."

Makoto crossed her arms over her chest. "Well who would?"

Ami went back to checking on Rei. Her fever was high, too high. Holding out her hands she murmured "Sabão Spray Freezing."

Ice quickly surronded Rei then quickly broke. Ami returned her attention to the other two. "Get Azusa. He is the first general of Mars and seems to hold Mars in esteem."

Makoto without even anyone asking left to find him.

Minako stared between the door and the form laying on the bed. "I am sorry Ami. I should never of let this happen."

"You are not responsible for Eltanin actions. But you are for leaving a opening for him to hurt her."

"I know. It could have been the Queen. Or Serenity."

Ami changed the IV to a full one of magnesium. "It could have but it wasn't so now we have to deal with the now and move on." Looking over she realized Minako was at a lost for what to do with herself. "If you want to help, sit by her. Talk to her if you want to. It might help."

The voice was soft. Warm.

They held her hand firmly but with so much care behind it.

"Mother? I found her. The one. She is everything you told me I would want to have in a partner."

Words were spoken back but she couldn't understand them.

"Mother I don't understand. Please say it again."

The voice spoke again soothing the pain in her body. She tried to open her eye to see her but they were too heavy.

"She hates me. But she has a good heart but she can't see beyond herself anymore. I wonder what happened to her. She was never cruel before."

The hand gripped hers a little tighter. Then another one brushed against her cheek.

"I love you too."

"She is speaking with her, well what she thinks is her Mother."

Makoto looked confused. "Well what language is that and where is her mother? We could always have her come to stay with her."

Ami sucked in a breath as Azusa sighed hard. Minako just sat there brushing her thumb over Rei's knuckles. She remembered what the Martian who she had danced with say, that Mars's mother had been killed by the same poison now effecting Mars. Had that really been only two nights ago?

"That is impossible Lady Jupiter." Azusa answered but there was a hint of steel in his voice, "Her mother, Queen Risa died to this same poison, at least that is what those who do not support Dabih and his rule believe. As for the language it is Martian but it is a much older dialect use within the High Temple of Flames."

"Ami?" Makoto questioned. She just couldn't believe it. The fact that Eltanin would do the same wasn't lost to her. But the fact that Rei's family would be this cruel shocked her. Her own family was close and loving.

"It's true. While King Dabih dismissed the suspicions many believed he was responsible for her death. The people of Mars were angry and demanded he step down from the throne but due to reason I have never discover he didn't."

Azusa was please by Ami's statement. She was as smart as Rei said she was. He knew who sat by her side. He was surprised but pleased. For now he would hold his opinion to himself. He just hoped when Chikane was allowed to see her sister she would do the same.

~X~

The room was quiet except for that annoying beeping that Ami had said supervised Mars's heartbeat. The others had gone for the night. Mars's temp was still high and had reached a hundred and fifteen before it had started to drop after Mercury had frozen Mars multiple times to keep her cool. Now it was at a hundred and nine and she couldn't of been more thankful.

Walking around the bed she took up Mars's hand holding it gentle once more as she had done for the past three days. Even now she was in awe of Mars and her strength to live. What scared Minako the most though was the talking. Azusa would translate common knowledge things that Ami and even Makoto already knew; like Mars's favorite color was red or she happened to like pandas but there were times Mars would say something and he would appear sad, even angry but he never said what those words were and since Ami didn't know the dialectal.

And what frustrated her more then anything was this entire time she still hadn't found out Mars's true name.

Swallowing she opened her mouth but nothing came out. Shaking her head in frustrating she tried again to make her voice work.

"Hey. Hi. Mars."

Standing quickly she cross to the open window letting in the Earth's light as the breeze brush her face.

"Why is it so hard talking to you?! I mean when you were awake I had no problem throwing insult but now seeing you fight for your life I don't know what to say. You're there and I feel like crap."

Turning around she leaned against the window watching the still form chest rise and fall.

"Ami says you are lucky that you are breathing on your own. She has fought hard to keep you alive. You should be grateful."

She realized quickly how awful that sounded, "Sorry. I'm sure you are. You don't seem to take things or people for granted. I'm the one that does that. I just want Akima back. She was my best friend and she protected me when I didn't know how."

Walking back over she retook the chair she had left in her frustration. "I don't know if I could ever tell you the truth about her and what she meant to me if you were awake. When I lost her…We were ripped away from each other at the market. I always thought you were responsible because of all the stories I had heard as a child. Martians were uncivilized savages who enjoy the hurt and humiliation of others. And you were the worst of them all. Feared and cruel but seeing you compared to your brother and watching your father when he learned you had been hurt…" She trailed off in thought. Things were not quite what they appeared to be. "Now I'm not as sure you were the one to make her leave. But you won't tell me where she is now so in a way you are keeping her from me."

"When I was returned home against my will my Mother, with the help of Mercury technology, kept me locked away almost. I was only able to be inside the palace or certain parts of the grounds. If I wanted to be in the field I would have to have an escort with me at all times. All I have wanted is to find her again. Make sure she is safe and sound in mind and body."

Minako felt the tears well up as she tried to hold them back. "She was scared of being alone. We were both alone and found each other. I don't know if you know what that is like but Mars, I need her. When I was hurt she cared for me. When I was frightened she chased away my fears. I loved her Mars."

Squeezing her eyes shut she finally let the tears fall. Reaching out she held Mars's hand looking for some kind of comfort. The hand was too warm but it felt good. Safe even.

She wasn't sure how much time past as the tears kept coming but suddenly she felt her hand being squeezed gentle. Looking up she was surprised. Mars's eyes were open bright with fever. She squeezed Minako's hand again giving her a soft smile.

"Mars? Are you okay? Should I get Ami?"

Mars tried to sit up the best she could but fell back from being too weak. Leaning over Minako helped her up then received the surprise of her life. Mars cupped her cheek wiping away the tears.

"Don't cry."

Mars voice was low and raspy from disuse but was wonderful to hear. It was also the first words Minako had understood in five days. And it was in Lunarian. "Mars are you feeling better? Tell me what you need."

"Don't cry. Hate when you cry."

"Mars, tell me how I can help."

Mars swiped another tear away, "Don't cry… -chan."

Minako smiled. Mars was out of her mind with fever but she was telling her not to cry. It was…sweet.

Mars muttered something else making Minako dipped her head a little closer. Mars's voice was barely above a breath, making her strain to try hearing it. It was a name, she was sure of it. Was Mars confusing her for someone else? She had been calling out for her Mother most of the time. Suddenly, her lips were pressed against something soft and incredibly warm, maybe too warm.

Soft lips moved confidently, lovingly across hers. Her eyes closed as the mouth opened hers, capturing her lower lip biting it tenderly then letting go before returning for another taste. Minako couldn't stop the moan from coming. She had always wondered how her first kiss would be and nothing she had imagined compared to this. It was warm, sweet and heavens above passionate. And surprisingly gentle like those cozy fires Akima and her would sit in front of during the night.

Her eyes snapped open at the thought of Akima. Her first kiss and it had been taken, no given to Mars. She has kissed Mars back willing. Her eyes widen she watched as Mars lean away, kiss her nose then sunk back down onto the bed, her eyes closed and a smile played on those very same lips she had just kissed.

"Love you….-chan."

Still wide-eyed Minako brought her fingertips to her lips in shock.

~X~

The thunder echoed outside. They were playing janken again huddled under the blankets as the fire kept them warm.

Mina was laughing at something Alshaim had had her do earlier. Swallowing her fear she pulling Mina into her lap grasping her chin tenderly forcing the other girl to look at her. There were tears in her eyes. She didn't understand why she was crying.

"Don't cry. I hate it when you cry."

The tears fell faster. Rei felt overwhelmed. She hated seeing Mina in pain.

"Don't cry Mi-chan."

The tears didn't stop. Leaning over she kissed her. The way she had always wanted to. Pulling away she was glad to see the tears had stop and Mina was smiling again.

"I love you Mi-chan."

~X~

"So she actually woke up?"

Minako stood by the window watching the guards patrol. Anything to keep her mind off of what happened last night. "Yes."

Ami frowned at her leader. Minako was calm but something seemed to be bugging her. She couldn't put her finger on why she felt that way but there was just "Did she say anything?"

"Whatever she had said it was in Martian. I can't speak their language."

Considering what to do Ami decided to leave it for now. What may have happened that put her leader on edge she would deal with later. Right now she was pleased and impressed that Rei's fever was starting to come down. She would send a updated report to the Queen immediately.

A low moan echoed in the room bring Minako's attention swiftly to Mars. Slowly those amethyst orbs opened focusing directly on her. There was still a wild look but to Minako relief Mars didn't look as sick as she had the past few days. Even the night before her face was much paler. Maybe now she would get the chance to makes things right with her. But what will happen with that kiss?

Mars might lord it over her head that they had kissed one another. That she had kissed her back. She hadn't been expecting it but now that it had happened she wasn't sure how she felt about it. Mars wouldn't play games with her now, would she? It had only been one kiss. Just one but one that fueled every fantasy that she had ever had about Akima.

"Chikane-chan?"

Ami and Minako both looked at each other in confusion.

"Chikane-chan. Please?" Rei begged again.

"Ami what is a Chikane-chan?"

"Well, I don't actually know." Ami tried to think of every word Rei had used and all the ones she knew. For once in her life she was coming up blank. Hoping to get a little help she asked, "Mars, we're right here. Tell us what you need. Anything and we'll get it."

"Chikane-chan. Mother saw. Chikane please."

They looked at each other helpless.

"I'll go find Azusa Ami."

"No you stay. I'll go."

Minako blanched. "Ami really I'll go. I'm sure you need to stay and take care of her."

Ami smiled already heading to the doors, "Minako her temperature is dropping. I'm sure she will be fine."

Minako stared at the swinging doors cursing Ami and Makoto for leaving her alone again with Mars. "Shit!"

"Zuzu?"

She wasn't really sure what was happening. The blanket covering her was too warm and Minako was there in the room silently standing watch. Her first coherent thought was that it was the Mina she knew waiting for her to wake up so they could start their day. But when that smile turned into a frown she realized that whatever had happened to her Minako was likely to be upset that she hadn't past away from it. Makoto had entered a few minutes later looking excited and babbling about something that she really didn't care to hear.

Makoto's voice grated on her ears making her head throb. Her body ached and she was shocked to realize she was in the infirmary. Nothing felt real. She wished they would just leave her be.

When Azusa came in the smile that spread over him made her think something even more serious had happened. She had tried to make her mouth work but couldn't. It was Minako who had fetched her some water. Tenderly helping her to sit up and drink. Warily she drank expecting Minako to throw the water at her face at anytime. Only when Minako had helped her laid back down was she able to get that one word out.

Azusa actually miss stepped in his walk forward. Tears came to the old warrior's eyes and she had to try again. Leaning up she forced the words to come.

"Zuzu. Chikane please. Mother here. Want to see them."

Her head hit the pillow again and her eyes were too heavy to keep open. Azusa was here though. He would make sure nothing happened to her. Till Chikane came and Mother returned he would keep her safe.

He always had.

"She wants to see me! Let's go then!"

Azusa grabbed Chikane as she tried to run past him.

"Eltanin poisoned her. She is still weak so you have to be careful."

"She is my sister Zuzu. I will protect her. Mother said to take care of her."

Azusa smiled at the name and at the little girl. Like Rei, when she was a child, Chikane called him Zuzu for short because either had been able to say it correctly at first. Hearing it again from Rei tore him apart. Eltanin and Dabih would pay. He would make sure of it. The sisters protected each other even if Hesperia had asked Rei and not Chikane to protect the other Chikane still wanted to protect her sister with all her heart.

He could remember walking his dwellings finding her pouring over the letters Rei would send.

Once she saw Lady Minako she would know exactly who she was. He hoped the young girl would follow her sister's lead and ignore her.

He hoped.

When the door opened Makoto, Ami, Serenity-who had finally been allowed to enter the room- and Minako weren't sure what to expect. Whatever a 'Chikane-chan' was it had sounded important to their friend. When a mini version of Rei strolled in glaring at them all followed by Azusa they felt their world fall upside down. This child was what Mars had been asking so desperately for. A girl younger them all of them stood there with her hands on her hips speaking in that same dialectal Mars had been muttering in.

Azusa spoke to her quickly nodding to each of the women in turn before stepping over to Rei's side, gentle trying to rouse her. Chikane settled her gaze on Minako scowling.

She said something sharp judging by her tone which Azusa responded to just as sharply then looked pointedly at Rei. Chikane seemed to wilt under his gaze then straightened up. She said something again which he just shook his head. He ignored her as he continued to wake Rei. Slowly she opened her then smiled when her eyes found her sister. Beckening her over Rei tried to sit up but fell back again. Chikane pushed past Minako sending the older woman another glare as she muttered about stupid people who were too blind because their head was stuck so far up their ass all they could see was black.

Rei scooted over allowing Chikane to climb into the infirmary bed with her. Throwing an arm around her sister Rei pulled her close.

"Sleep one-chan. I'll be here to protect you," Chikane said as she kissed Rei's cheek before letting herself drift off to sleep. A dopey smile spread as Rei followed her to sleep once more. Ami, Minako, Makoto, and Serenity stood there with their jaws unhinged. After a few minutes they could hear Mars slipping away into sleep's embrace.

"You know Ami Mars is never that warm with anyone." She said before she stormed off, furious at herself and livid at the galaxy.

~x~

"You are looking much better Rei."

"Thank you Azusa. And thank you for extending your stay so Chikane to stay with me."

He sighed. He was glad they stayed. Queen Serenity had been most generous to them in seeing to Rei's need and health. But it was time to leave. They had been supposed to leave two days after the mask but due to Eltanin activities they had stayed a extra ten. His princess was looking much better and Lady Mercury assured him she would make a full recovery.

"I'm afraid it's time to return Rei."

"I know. I miss her. Seeing her sleep like this…I remember those days with Minako. I miss her Azusa." Rei's voice cracked.

Azusa tried to hide the pain that her voice inflicted upon him. He wished he could have let her stay here. "Forgive me Rei."

Shaking her head she caught his eyes. "Protect them both. When the time comes that I can't."

"I don't like what the Lady Venus has done to you but I swear it."

"Thank you. For everything."

She had just finished patrol and was coming towards the infirmary when she heard it. Someone from Mars was shouting at the top of their lungs. Queen Serenity had informed her that the Martians would be leaving today. Hiding behind a corner she waiting till the things making of noise appeared. Mars walked down the corridor carrying the little girl in her arms. The girl flailed around shouting at the top of her lungs. Mars just walked holding the child tight.

Changing directions Minako followed at a distance till the shuttle carrying the Martian troupe back to their planet. Mars continued to carry the girl who constantly beat her tiny fist against Mars's chest. Steadily Mars approached the shuttle bay. Minako could see the self-proclaimed prince of Mars rapidly back away cowering behind a much older man. She wished she could have killed the bastard.

When the girl saw him she redoubled her efforts to break Mars's hold. Creeping closer a sudden wave of emotion hit her. Sadness, sadness washed over her and she knew who it was from. Mars hurt. Mars who had always appeared strong and unbreakable was crying inside. Her face held none of the pain she was feeling but inside she was hurt and breaking. The surge of emotion almost tripped her. It was the first time she ever felt anything from the Martian Princess.

The little girl caught Mars's face splitting her lip. Blood trickled down unchecked. Minako half expected Mars to lash out but she didn't. The Martian only continued till she stood in front of the man Minako had seen many times over the past few days but had yet to be formally introduced to. Hesitantly Mars placed the girl in the man's arms then slowly back away and back down the ramp.

The shuttle close and Mars continued to stay there watching till it vanished from sigh. Finally the tears she held back fell. Minako took a step forward then stopped. Mars was crying. She was crying—Mars was weeping actual tears and there was no one in the vicinity. Ready to disappear herself she heard the dull sound of something hitting the ground. Quickly she turned back to make sure everything was okay. What she saw only disturbed her more. Mars was kneeling, smashing her fist into the floor sobbing aloud.

"What does she mean to you Mars?" Minako whispered.

She stayed there observing till Rei passed out from exhaustion. Gradually she made her way to Rei's side rolling her over carefully onto her back. Stains were left behind from the tears the woman thought she had cried for no one but herself. Minako's heart broke more times over the past few days then she could count.

Things were going to change.

She'd make them change.

~X~

Slowly she opened her eyes, meeting Ami's.

"Finally you're awake. How's your head?"

Struggling to sit up Rei looked around the infirmary in confusion.

"Why I'm I here?"

Ami returned to the bed with a probe. Gently taking Rei's head to hold her still she inserted it into the Martian's ear. Rei squirmed a bit trying to jerk her head away from the cold object.

"You were found passed out at the transport bay. You weren't ready to get up yet Rei."

Rei frowned in disgust. She would be lucky if Minako didn't hear of it. Letting the pillow take her weight once more she sighed in disgust. One more reason for them to believe she was weak. Her father would be ashamed of her and her mother… Rei never wanted to think of that.

Ami continued to check Rei's vitals. Wisely she dismissed telling Rei that it had been Minako to bring her back to sickbay. It was puzzling though and she couldn't get Minako to open up but something had changed. Something in Minako had changed. She had handled Rei with care and compassion placing her down on the bed then quickly pulling the covers up to keep the chill away.

She had even taken responsible for Rei being up and in danger.

Something had changed with the Venusian, she only hoped it would last.

~0~

She watched silently as another arrow met its mark. It had been two weeks since the Marian entourage had left and Mars seem as good as new. Maybe a little sluggish, however Ami had assured her there were no lasting effects from the poison.

She watched as another arrow hit the bullseye. Eltanin was right. Mars did know weapons. The question was why did Mars hide that part of herself? Why she let them beat her time and time again?

Stepping away from the archway she called out, "Mars. Do you have a moment?"

Rei having drawn another arrow looked up in surprise giving the arrow a early release. It flew past the target embedding it's self in the haystacks behind. "What do you want Venus? I have several moments, for now so if you don't mind I would like to use them to their fullest before you gut me for your own foolish purposes."

Minako didn't rise to the bait. She came here for a reason and one reason alone. "What's your name Mars?"

"Mars."

"No, I mean your given name. The one your mother and," she faltered. If Rei's brother was the example of how she was treated on Mars then her father, for condoning his actions could not be much better. Taking a deep breath she tried again. "I want the name that you were born with."

Rei finally gave Minako her full attention. She wasn't sure what to say. Minako standing there looking so unsure was even more puzzling. After all, this woman had a blood claim on her.

"I won't."

Minako's brow furrowed in confusion at the two words, "Won't what?"

"Give you my name. A name is a sign of trust and there is no reason to trust you."

Minako bit her lip. She had everything going against her furthermore it was her own doing that brought this about. How could she win Mars's trust? It wasn't only her trust but her friendship she wanted. Mars was someone worth knowing.

"I accept. And as of now you are second in command Mars. I look forward to our meetings." With a wink Minako sauntered her way down the hall.

~X~

"What were you thinking making her your second?!" Luna shouted at Venus, "You fight all the time and you personally have come close to killing her!"

Venus continued to kneel in front of the throne, not once lifting her head as Luna continued her tirade. In her mind it was done. Mars would be-was-her second. Nothing would change that except a direct order from the queen; even then she would fight it. They had entrusted the choice to her and many times she had consider Ami however choosing Mars for all intents felt like the proper choice. She felt they should have been happier that she finally made a pronouncement. She had been putting the decision off for months.

"Do you understand your choice Venus?" Queen Serenity asked calmly. The news came as a surprise but watching the girl kneel before her now she was sure that Venus was clear on her selection.

"I do. I believe this is needed for her and I."

"Very well. I approve."

Venus barely hid the small smile of victory. Luna and Artemis stood there shell shocked at the queen's approval.

"Thank you your, Majesty."

~x~

She breathed a sigh of relief as the doors closed behind her. That was one meeting she hoped never to have to go through again.

"You didn't have to pursue it."

Sailor Mars stood, leaning against the pillar with her arms crossed.

A quick mental check reminded her that Mars should be on guard duty for Serenity right now.

"She wanted to go for a ride in the woods. I thought Makoto would be a better choice than me for it."

Venus detransformed but she continued to stare at Mars; puzzled. She hadn't said anything out loud. And it still didn't explain why she was here instead of somewhere else.

Mars smiled but it was more of a smug one. "Sometimes I just know things. And I know you fought for me being your second. You shouldn't of."

She sighed. Being Mars's friend was gonna be harder than she believed. "I meant what I said. We're gonna be friends."

"Are you willing to denounce your blood claim?"

"No. At least I won't kill you when the time comes. I told you that I will find her and I will no matter what it takes."

Rei laughed cruelly, "She will never be yours Venus. She is mine and mine alone."

Minako reached back then slugged Rei knocking her back to the floor before she stomped away.

So there might be a few setbacks on the way.