'Which is the better, Sly old Fox or cunning young Raven'

The Raven and the Vixen

On the thirteenth of January, while Hotaru lay in front of the roaring fire at the Kamiya Dojo while outside the snow continued to fall many miles away in Aizu a young women sat behind a polished desk reading a letter. A frown creased her otherwise pretty face and she growled in irritation as the colour began to rise in her cheeks.

The womens name was Takani Megumi.

And right now she was pissed off.

Grinding her teeth together furiously she scrunched the letter into a paper ball and then launched it at the bucket next to the door. Growling she sighed wistfully and then stood up and walked over the bin to retrieve it. It wasn't like her to loose her temper over such a trivial matter...but for some reason her blood boiled when she read that letter.

'Stupid rooster-headed jerk! Three months I've waited wondering if he was even alive! And now I get some vague letter wishing me well explaining that he's hurt his damn hand again in some idiotic fight! Urgh! Damn you Sagara Sanosuke!'

Picking the letter up she unscrunched it and folded it neatly back into it's envelope before she sat back down at her chair and sighed again. If the rooster had busted his hand again it was his own fault...she wasn't going to waste her valuable time bemoaning his injuries. Although admittedly she did miss him a little...she missed everyone a little. It wasn't that the Sanada family weren't generous or kind to her. Sanada-san welcomed her into his home and secured her a job at his own well run Hospital and even a room in his house. Megumi liked the family which consisted of Sanada-san and his wife and three children, he was able to tell her bits and pieces about her family although she was still no further in finding them.

But it wasn't the same as Tokyo and even if she had visited them she couldn't help but miss the comfort of her old friends. Raccoon, Yahiko and Ken-san. When she visited she couldn't help but feel like she'd missed out on so much and she would love to visit them all again but the Hospital was keeping her busy and she couldn't neglect her duties there so she'd just have to contend with writing letters to them.

'Which reminds me I should probably write to Kaoru and tell her Sano's been in contact...she's probably been worrying...'

Megumi nodded in agreement with herself and rolled out a fresh piece of paper. She was in the act of putting pen to paper when the door crashed open. Megumi jerked herself and sat up straight staring coolly at the young man at her office door. She recognised him as Kito-san the new doctor. He had sweat dripping down his forward and was visibly panting. Megumi stood up.

"What is it Kito-san?"

Kito seemed to be having problems with forming the right words. Megumi felt like barking in impatience but she did not and waited until he had caught his breath.

"Takani-san! We've had a girl brought in from the snow!"

Megumi nodded already medically analysing the situation. She could hear the roar of the wind from outside and the snow bounce off the roof. Depending on her time in the snow the girl would likely either have a minor flu or at worst hypothermia. No words were needed as Megumi strided from her office through the corridors following Kito who was gibbering away. Megumi wasn't listening and as she entered the private patient room her patient - the young girl now had her whole and undivided attention.

'She's quite young...wonder what she was doing out there so late...it's near eleven at night...hmm...looks upper class judging by the kimono...'

The girl had long raven hair that stretched to her elbows. Her skin was pale with the cold and her eyes were shut. She was still breathing but the most eye-catching feature was the bright red kimono embroidered with little golden threads. Megumi wasted no time staring at it though. Her hand went instantly to the girls forehead...it wasn't hot. A good sign...no fever.

"I want two blankets and a full medical check up on her," Ordered Megumi. Kito nodded.

"She was found next to the Yuri Shrine, a Priest found her lying in the snow. This was with her," Said Kita nervously lifting up a Scarlett luggage carrier. Megumi nodded and the man scurried off. She glanced at the girl before something caught her eye. Hanging out of her pocket was a something...

Of course as a doctor, Megumi respected her patients privacy but with her curiosity piqued she moved closer. On further expection it appeared to be some sort of stick. A dark Scarlett colour...Megumi strained her eyes...she could see something glimmer but she couldn't see what it was.

"Takani-san...I have the blankets you wanted and Dr Sanada-san says he'll take a look at her. He says you should go home you've been here for hours," Said Kito handing Megumi a blanket. Megumi nodded...sometimes she found the Sanada family could be a bit protective of her. It was flattering but also sometimes annoying. All the same Dr Sanada was right...he wasn't the Hospital owner but a cousin of the family. Megumi sighed and nodded leaving the room with one backwards glance at her patient and fellow doctor.

"Very well Kito-san. I'll be in tomorrow morning to check up on her again. Goodnight."


The first thing Hino Rei was aware of was the nausea sensation in her stomach.

The second was that she was no longer in house belonging to the outer senshi.

Firstly the auras were all ones of healing and purity. A priestess Rei had honed her pyschic skills. She could sense evil, blood and violence in a person or a place in an instant but the moment her thoughts became conscious she was aware of the aura of healing. Her ears could pick up the sounds of the wind outside. Automatically she opened her eyes and found a white ceiling greeting her. Her stomach felt like it was digesting itself, she groaned and sat up rubbing her head.

'What happened...am I in the past...I must be...but where am I?'

From what she could see she appeared to be in a small room with a white ceiling, a window and a bare floor laying on a bed. Pulling the covers off her she sat up and glanced around taking in her surroundings. She couldn't feel odango-head anywhere which wasn't comforting. Rei could feel herself panic so she took some deep breathes to calm herself. Panicking wasn't going to achieve anything in the current situation.

'I bet Odango-head is making a scene wherever she is...'

Rei smiled at the thought and reached instinctively for her Henshin pen. Pressing it to her mouth she called out her friends names.

"Usagi-chan? Ami-chan?"

A low humming noise emitted from the communicator. Rei frowned...it wasn't supposed to do that. What if it wasn't working? What should Rei do then? She was somewhere foreign in an unknown time.

'I'll have to get to the Kamiya Dojo...everyone will aim for there...oh baka-usagi! I wish I knew you were safe...Hota-chan too...this makes everything so difficult...'

Standing up Rei wobbled towards her suitcase and was about to open the door when it was flung open on it's own accord. Rei jumped backwards in surprise and came face to face with a tall slim beautiful raven haired women. Rei stared in surprise and her heart began to rush nervously. The women whoever she was looked both displeased and sympathetic.

"Hello, my name is Takani Megumi and I'm a Doctor. Forgive me for the intrusion but it's probably better if you go back to bed for the time being," Said Dr Takani kindly but firmly. Rei frowned slightly feeling her pride slip a few notches. She didn't like being bossed around...but on the other hand this women seemed like she knew what she was talking about. Rei sat back on the bed.

"My name is Hino Rei...where am I?" She blurted out aware of how stupid she must sound.

"In the Sanada Hospital in Aizu...you were brought here last night...do you remember what happened?" Inquired Megumi curiously. Rei could feel her cheeks turn pink...this was bad. She was in a Hospital...that meant all sorts of awkward questions would be asked...

'Everyone...what am I going to do?'


Megumi surveyed Rei calmly watching as the levels of distress began to rise in her fiery golden eyes. She recognised the look...a few patients had given her it when they were desperate to leave the Hospital or desperate not to have an injection. She watched hiding her brief amusement awaiting the question that was forming on her lips.

'You might as well say it...'

"Do you know when I can be discharged?" Asked Rei desperately.

Bingo...

"Not for a few more days. You've contracted a mild flu but you should be allowed out in two days," Said Megumi honestly watching as her eyes sparked...for a brief moment Megumi swore she could have seen the faintest trace of burning violet mixed in with the pools of warm gold. She blinked for a moment and then stared again. Rei was glaring at her pointedly.

"I'm sorry but I can't stay that long. I have to go...now!" Snapped the girl tossing her mane of hair behind her. Megumi gazed back coolly. Foolish girl...always there were people like her thinking of everything else but their own health. It was maddening and stupidly ignorant.

"I'm sorry Hino-san but you are my patient and therefore you will leave when I see fit," Said Megumi firmly but then she applied a gentler tone seeing the distraught expression on Rei's face, "If there any family I can notify? You look awfully young to be alone."

"No...my family are a long way away," Sighed Rei scowling in frustration. Megumi arched an eyebrow but said nothing as she walked towards the door. Turning around she bided her newest patient goodbye.

"Goodbye Hino-san, I'll be in to check up on you in a few hours."


Rei lay in bed with her eyes half open as she felt a doctor enter the room. It was now night time and after a full day of staring at the wall trying to draw conclusions about each of her friends and her current situation she decided that wasting time at a Hospital was stupid. Of course what she was about to attempt was almost odango-ish but it had to be done. She sighed feeling the doctors aura grow fainter as he left the room.

Closing her eyes she could feel the tangles of various aura's throughout the hospital. The integration of the sick mixed with the doctors but she was searching for one in particular. The aura of Takani Megumi.

Something about the women irked the proud Priestess. She'd been in during the course of the day and each time the Martian had a distinct feeling that Megumi was almost smirking smugly at her or looking down upon her like a child. Rei didn't like it at all. And if she was going to attempt an escape she wanted that women out of the vicinity.

After waiting a few minutes seeing the lights dim Rei made her move. As quietly as possible she snuck from her bed towards her suitcase. Unzipping the luggage carrier she reached inside until she found her usual Priestess attire. Shoving on the familiar clothes she smiled feeling much more comfortable. At least she wouldn't be recognised immediantly. Tying her hair into a loose plait she shoved the red bag into her hand and tucked her Henshin pen into her pocket. She had no idea what she was going to do about directions but hopefully somewhere sold a map. She had money so she could buy train tickets if there was a train.

'This is completely stupid but I have no choice. I have to find Usagi and Ami...'

Opening the wooden door she found it creaked slightly and winced. Her heart was thumping but she tried to reassure herself that she was a Senshi and that sneaking out of an nineteenth century hospital should be easy. She frowned and walked quietly down the corridors. She could hear voices from the nearby room which was presumably a ward of some sort. She was just thankful no Doctors were around.

'My first trip to the past and I end up on a Hospital-breakout misson? I sure hope Usagi isn't in such a situation...'

Proceeding through the halls she searched desperately for some sort of door. Finally she caught sight of a door and smiled in relief. She walked hurriedly towards it, he bid to freedom almost complete...

Until she felt her Henshin pen slip from her pocket.

'Damn...I hope that didn't make too much noise...'

She turned around and then froze feeling an all too familiar presence. Her face glowered and she glared furiously at then sevre face in front of her. And then she felt her blood run cold as she eyed the scarlet henshin pen in the figures hand.

"What exactly were you hoping to achieve?"

Megumi raised an eyebrow at the young girl while twirling the red thing through her fingers. She had no idea why the girl was now changed into a Priestesses clothes or why she was being so completely ignorant and stupid enough to try and escape a hospital. It made Megumi's tired mind feel very frustrated and angry. Why would she be so idoitic? Didn't the girl have any regard for her own health?

"Give that back now!" Snarled Rei.


Megumi paused in surprise at the tone and particularly at the way her eyes seemed to flash violet with each tone. She surveyed the girl curiously. Why was she in a Priestess robe? Then again Kito-san did say she was found near the Yuri Shrine. Ignoring her curiosity she felt angry. Angry at the ignorance this girl was showing. Did she care nothing for her health? Was she that stupid?

The Vixen twirled the red thing in her fingers. What was it's significance? Why did she want it back so badly?

'Well whatever it is she is not leaving with it until she compiles...'(cue vixen ears)

"I don't know what you were thinking Hino-san but it was plain stupid of you to try and leave a Hospital no matter the reasons," Said Megumi impatiently.

"I understand that you wouldn't be able to comprehend Takani-san but I need that back now!" Said Rei fighting to keep her voice calm. The distress was quite clear on her face.

"Not until you tell me why you were wanting to leave so badly. What could possibly be more important than your medical health?" Questioned Megumi.

"I need to go...somewhere," Explained Rei angrily.

'Finally getting somewhere...'

"Where Hino-san? If you need help I can give it to you...far be it from me to pry in my patients lives but if theres something wrong Hino-san then I would like to be able to help," Said Megumi calmly and in an almost kind tone. Rei sighed in frustration but then smiled slightly at Megumi.

"I appreciate the offer Takani-san...but really there is nothing you can do to help. I need to go to Tokyo to help some friends of mine. Thats why I'm so desperate to leave...aside from that I really cannot tell you anything else," Said Rei guiltly. Megumi felt her heart lurch. Obviously this girl wasn't looking for Ken-san or Kaoru-chan or Yahiko but still...what could she want in Tokyo?

"I have some friends in Tokyo..." Said Megumi hesitating slightly. The Kenshin-gumi had, had enough troubles to last them a life-time. She didn't want them having to get involved with this young girls affairs...but on the other hand the girl looked about the same age as Kaoru and leaving her alone in such a big city was going to play on Megumi's conscience.

"Look...tell me who your looking for and I'll help you...but until then your not getting this back," Sighed Megumi tiredly.

"You don't understand what your doing! I need that or else-"

"Or else what?" Said Megumi sharply.

"I...I...need it! Look peoples lives are going to be in danger if I don't get that back! I need to get to Tokyo to help some friends of mine! I need to find-"

"Who exactly do you need to find Hino-san?" Asked Megumi.

"I...can't tell you! Look just trust me on this and give me back the Rod or else I'll be forced to-"

"To what? Take it from me by force?" Snorted Megumi, "We're in a Hospital full of doctors. I'd only have to scream and they'd come running so don't get any clever ideas. Just tell me so I can help you and so you can go back to bed and recover. You really think your in a fit state to walk to Tokyo in the snow?"

Rei's cheeks flushed but her eyes burned fiercely.

"I can't tell you or else you'd be in danger." Rei said frustratedly.

"In danger from what Hino-san? Your about seventeen, eighteen? You think you can handle whatever problems you have on your own? Especially if their life-threatening? No...don't be so ignorant! Your not leaving here with this Rod until you tell be exactly what is going on!" Said Megumi firmly.

"Fine! I need to get to Tokyo to find Kamiya Kaoru and my friends!" Yelled Rei furiously.

To say Rei was angry would be an understatement. To say she was furious would be another understatement. To say she was scared would be a statement. Inwardly Rei was cursing her clumsiness. That women had her pinned good and proper because Rei needed her Henshin Rod. Without it she was a sitting duck unless she wanted to go and summon her Sailor Crystal which would likely kill her. And now she'd went and blurted out her mission to a complete stranger...she was infuriated at Megumi but more angry at herself.

Her heart began to race though as she noticed the change in Megumi's expression. It want from frustration to confusion to fear in a few brief seconds. Her complexion paled and her eyes widened. Rei knew why before Megumi said anything...she knew Kaoru...which meant Rei was never going to leave this hospital.

'Why...why me? Now I'm never going to get out of here!'

"What...what is wrong with Kaoru-chan?" Choked Megumi frantically loosing her composure. Rei shook her head nervously.

"I-I can't tell you...I'm really sorry but..."

"What is wrong with them? Are they alright...Kaoru-chan? Ken-san? Yahiko? Why are you looking for them!" Shrieked Megumi.

Rei felt guilty...clearly the doctor was now afraid for her friend's life...and it was all Rei's fault.

"I'm really sorry...but I can't tell you...nothing wrong with them. I just need to find her..." Said Rei apologetically. Megumi seemed to grasp this concept for a few moments before she straightened up and slipped the Henshin pen into her pocket and fixed Rei with a suspicious look.

"I don't know what your intentions are towards Kaoru-chan...but if you are going to find her I am coming with you," She stated firmly. Rei felt her jaw drop...this was going to make things exceedingly difficult. She couldn't have this women tailing her...it was too dangerous. The Priestess opened her mouth to protest but Megumi interrupted first.

"Listen. I will not let you leave this Hospital unless I accompany you which means you won't get this back until you tell me why your trying to find them! Also I'm presuming you have no idea which way to go which means you'll need a guide and I'm not about to let any of my patients go and die in the snow even if it is from their own foolishness! Understand?" Said Megumi furiously.

Rei wanted to protest...but she didn't.

"Fine," Said Rei angrily, "I'm not telling you anything...you can come with me but understand if something happens let me handle it!"

Megumi seemed to think on this for a few moments before answering.

"Very well Hino-san...I will meet you here tomorrow morning after breakfast," Said Megumi firmly, "Now I suggest you go back to bed and don't even think about attempting another escape...because believe me I will know about it."

With that the female doctor of the Sanada hospital turned away leaving the Senshi of Fire in an awful predicament.

'What on earth am I going to do now...'



The next morning Megumi awoke feeling more tired than ever. It was accurate to say that she had gotten hardly any sleep the previous night. Her mind was fixed upon Hino Rei wondering what possible connection the girl could have with Kaoru. As far as Megumi was aware Kaoru had no other living relatives...and if she was in danger...Megumi shuddered as a horrifying image replayed itself in her head. No! Megumi would rather die then have to attend to her best friends corpse again.

And also her mind wandered to the gleaming Scarlett rod. Examining it closely Megumi could see that it had a golden design at the top...similar to an arrow although it's purpose baffled Megumi. Why was it so important to her? She said dangerous things would happen if she didn't possess it but as far as Megumi could see it was a useless object with no purpose except for to look beautiful...and whenever she touched it Megumi felt a curious heat sensation spread up her arms.

'How curious...but then that girl is curious...she dresses like a Priestess...'Thought Megumi shoving the Rod in her bag. Right now she needed to focus on what she was going to tell Sanada-san. Of course she knew she would be granted a week off but she thought they deserved a better explanation.

So it was that morning at breakfast Megumi told Katsumi Sanada.

"Katsumi-san...I regret to inform you that I may have to leave to go to Tokyo for a week or so. I wouldn't normally ask but a problems came up regarding some friends of mine," Said Megumi honestly. The women looked up from her breakfast bowl in surprise and the twins Aiko and Kiko stared mournfully.

"Megumi-chan...are you alright?" Inquired Katsumi.

"I'm fine...I'm sorry to leave at such short notice but I really must," Said Megumi apologectically, "Do you know if the trains are running again?"

"Er...I don't think so...the snows caused a serious crash two days ago in Kyoto so the railways been suspended until the twenty-first..." Said Katsumi thoughtfully.

"Right...well thank you Katsumi-san...I'd better get going then," Said Megumi.

"Megumi!" Cried Kiko.

"Don't leave!" Cried Aiko in following suit. Megumi smiled and hugged the two identical twins.

"I'm sorry Aiko-chan, Kiko-chan but I have too...don't worry I'll be back in a week or so," Assured Megumi.

"Take care of yourself!" Warned Katsumi.

Megumi nodded.

A few minutes later she arrived outside the Hospital to see Rei waiting impatiently outside carrying a red suit case. Megumi sighed and gave the girl a matching glare. Rei didn't however but instead sighed frustratedly.

"Look Takani-san, this could be dangerous...I don't want to put a stranger in danger," Warned Rei.

"I've been in more dangerous situation then you Rei-chan," Said Megumi briskly, "Now I know the trains aren't running until the twenty-first which means we'll be walking to Tokyo."

"What! That'll take forever!" Snapped Rei jerking in surprise.

"No. The snows stopped now and Tokyo is only 130 miles away...look at is as thrity miles a day or five miles an hour. I trust your not one of those girls who sits at home all day eating?" Said Megumi raising an eyebrow as Rei choked in surprise.

"No!"

"Good...then no more complaints."



Rei was not happy.

Her feet were beginning to ache after six hours of walking with five minute intervals. She wasn't used to it...but some how Megumi was registering the insane ability to do it with ease and Rei would rather swallow her henshin pen then ask to slow down. She kept her head up high and continued onwards. That night when they reached an Inn and paid for a room Rei shoved off her sandals examining her blisters. The two had talked very little during the coarse of the day each unwilling to divulge information about the other...it had been very lonely and uncomfortable.

"I have a question," Said Megumi curiously as Rei tucked herself into her futon.

"Yes?" Groaned Rei.

"Why do you dress as a Priestess?"

"I am...I am a Priestess...a Miko..." Explained Rei quietly feeling a faint stab of homesickness for her familiar shrine as her thoughts turned towards her Grandfather. Was he okay?

'I hope he's not overworking himself!'

"You are?" Said Megumi in surprise," Well that explains why you were found outside the Yuri shrine."

"I was found outside a Shrine!" Yelped Rei.

"Hai...so you don't belong there?" Said Megumi.

"Nope."

"Oh..."

Another silence followed. Rei kept her eyes open until at last she saw Megumi drift off to sleep...now was her chance...she could steal the Henshin pen and get out of here. It was being cruel to be kind. She couldn't let Megumi get caught up in all of this...it wasn't fair. Creeping cautiously from her futon she creapt over to the sleeping doctors luggage. She was in the act of unzipping it when she felt a hand on her shoulder. The priestess swore.

"I sincerely hope your only looking for your medicine, I apologise for not giving it to you earlier," Came a sharp voice. Rei scowled and backed away as Megumi shoved a bottle of green liquid into Rei's hand and tucked the Henshin Pen under her pillow.

"Just two drops now," Said the Doctor...Rei could swear she was being laughed at.


A part of Megumi could still not believe she was doing this. Yet as she trudged through the peaceful scenery with the picturesque weather it was becoming more real, if not slightly lonely. Rei had certainly displayed that she didn't want to talk to Megumi and that she considered her presence a burden. Megumi didn't care. Honestly what did that girl think she was going to achieve on her own? Finally they reached a village nearby when a conversation finally struck up. Megumi could stand the silence no longer.

"Rei-san?"

Rei looked up from gazing at the cobbled path.

"Don't you have anyone who will be worried about you?" Asked Megumi softly.

"Maybe...my Grandfather...but he knows I'm away," Said Rei staring at the sky sadly, "My friends will though...and there probably worrying. Especially Usagi-baka."

"I see," Murmured Megumi.

"What about you Megumi-san?" Asked Rei smiling. Megumi shook her head feeling a slight lump rise in her throat.

"The Sanada's are a very nice family...they accepted me in because they knew my parents," Explained Megumi, "My family went missing in the Aizu Fire when I was twelve. Last year I met Kaoru-chan and Kenshin. They became my close friends and I even got a job as a doctor. I consider them my family."

"Just like her..." Mumbled Rei shooting Megumi a sympathetic look.

"My mother died when I was little," Said Rei slowly, "My father is a politician and he didn't have a lot of time for me. My Grandfather raised me at his Shrine where I became a Miko-Maiden. A few years ago I met a group of girls who became as close as family to me...it's them I'm trying to find. Even though Usagi annoys me to no end I think she's probably like a little sister in that respect."

"So those are the friends your looking for." Megumi said.

"Hai...your not going to give me my Rod back are you?" Pointed out Rei.

"No. Not until you tell me whats threatening Kaoru-chan and why you think your the only one who can protect her," Said Megumi firmly.

"I'm sorry Megumi-san...but I can't," Sighed Rei.

"Then," Said Megumi wistfully, "Lets keep walking."


"Well you'll be happy to know Tokyo is only fifteen miles away," Announce Megumi smiling.

Rei lifted her head and grinned in relief. It had been four days...and her feet were raw red with blisters. Rei dind't think she'd walked so far in her life. After the first two days of discomfort Rei and Megumi had seemed to form an unofficial agreement not to mention the Rod. Rei had formed a respect for the Doctor after hearing the effort and sexism she had to put up with which is Rei's opinion was stupid. Anyone who was a sexist should be burned at the stake. Anyway now they were walking through a small village near the outskirts of Tokyo and the sun was shining brightly and not a Youma in sight. Rei felt hopeful.

"Thats a relief. I don't know how much more of this I can take!" Complained Rei.

"Yes...I will admit that the walk has been physically enduring but I suppose it's one way of obtaining regular exercise," Sighed Megumi.

"One way of committing sucide you mean," Muttered Rei, "Anyway do you think we could reach Tokyo before sunset?"

"Probably unlikely. I do wish I'd had the time to send a letter...arriving unannounced is rude even if it is Racoon girl," Said Megumi.

"I suppose...but she won't be mad wil she?" Asked Rei anxiously.

"No...probably overjoyed and surprised," Said Megumi.

"Well thats-"

Rei was cut off when she suddenly felt something. Closing her eyes she could feel a swirling dark aura approaching. Her pyschic senses were tingling with a mixture of despair and dismay. Rei cursed...she could feel it drawing nearer. Wasting no time she shoved Megumi into a nearby alley.

"What the-" Started Megumi angrily.

"Shut up!" Hissed Rei digging into her bag feeling herself panic. She couldn't transform...Megumi had her Rod. And transforming in front of her was asking for disaster. Her heart was thumping wildly and she could feel Megumi's eyes burning into the back of her neck as she rustled through her bag to grab a prayer scroll.

"Stay quiet," Breathed Rei. Megumi looked hesitant but remained silent when she saw the piercing look of fear on Rei's face. After a few moments low hissing voices could be heard.

"I could have swore I felt something..."

"It's one of them!" Hissed another before calling in an eerily babyish voice.

"I feel fire...where are you little Princess!"

Rei backed further into the darkness dragging Megumi with her before she reached the scroll to her lips and began to chant.

"Rin, Pyou, Tou"

"Little Princess I can feel you..."

"Sha, Kai, Jin"

The footsteps got louder and Rei could feel them approaching. Her heart was beating so loudly that she was surprised Megumi couldn't hear. Megumi herself was staring in terror and confusion at the end of the alley.

"Retsu, Zai, Zen," Continued Rei watching as two shadowy figures appeared at the end of the alley. They were wingless but had the same armoured golden bodies of their winged predecessors. Their faces however were thin and waxy and almost skeletal. She could hear Megumi shriek in terror as they approached.

"There you are little Princess...oh look a friend..."

Feeling a rush of adrenaline Rei leaped into the air and cried.

"Akuryo Taisan!"


Megumi backed herself against the wall feeling like she was about to be sick. Her initial reaction was to close her eyes because what was in front of her couldn't possibly be real. Those...those...thingscouldn't be human. There faces...were hideous and their bodies...no...Megumi knew as a doctor those things weren't human but she couldn't shut her eyes as they were transfixed in horror. She couldn't move...she could only watch.

Then Rei leaped into the air. Megumi was about to protest when she noticed that the prayer scroll was flying into the nearest monstors face. It was screaming in agony, a sound which made Megumi's ears ache. Rei smiled satisfied until Megumi grabbed her by the wrist furiously.

"Are you mad! Do you have no regard for your own life!" She shrieked.

Rei glared angrily and jerked her arm out of Megumi's grip.

"I've just saved our lives!"

"Not quite little Princess..." Hissed a voice. Megumi watched as a shimmer of golden smoke appeared leaving five figures in it's wake.

"Give me my Rod!" Shouted Rei.

"Of all the times you want it now!" Screamed Megumi.

"Yes! Give me the rod or we will die!" Yelled Rei. Megumi dug her hands into her bag watching in terror as the figures got nearer. Her hands were slipping in panic.

"Now Megumi!" Snarled Rei.

Megumi grabbed the Scarlett stick and throwed it at Rei and watched. What now? What on earth could that stick do? Was it hiding some sort of bomb or gun? It was doubtful...but Megumi watched feeling a little bit in awe of the brave yet foolish priestess. Rei however was smirking confidently as she chucked the Rod into the air.

"Mars Crystal Power Make Up!"

Megumi felt her jaw hit the ground in disbelief. Flames...Flames were twirling around Rei! The girl had turned into some sort of human fire chameleon! They were snaking around her arms and legs burning away her plain brown kimono which she had been wearing that day. The power of the hungry orange flames filled the alley.

'What is she...?'

When it was over Rei wasn't there anymore. Instead there was a beautiful women with dark hair and crackling violet eyes in an armoured fuku and, in Megumi's opinion, a ridiculously short red skirt and matching heels. The effect was nonetheless amazing and astounding as Rei stood tall.

"For attacking an innocent women and threatening a Senshi, I cannot forgive you! Protected by the Planet of War! Senshi of Flames and Passion...Sailor Mars! And in the name of Mars I will vanquish you!" Cried Rei strongly. Megumi felt herself go numb...this was a dream...it couldn't be happening...yet it was. She watched as the monsters smiled hungrily.

"Princess Mars...this is an honour," Mocked one.

Sailor Mars ignored the comment but instead drew her arms into a standard archery posistion drawing flames through the air until she had what looked like a burning arrow of fire.

"Mars Flame Sniper!" She screamed releasing the arrow watching as it hit it's target. The creature flung back it's head and screamed as it was engulfed by flames and disintegrated into dust. Megumi felt like she was on the receiving end of a heart attack.

'She's not human! She's not a human being!'

Megumi watched stunned as Sailor Mars, sailed through the air kicking one monster neatly in the face. The others surrounded her and dug at her with their claws but Mars showed no sign of giving in as she summoned her next attack. Megumi watched as a great flaming bird was formed.

"Akuryo Taisan!" Shrieked Rei as the bird sailed towards two of the Demons and burned them into dust. Now all that remained was three. The senshi of War turned to face them with a triumphant smirk. Megumi watched as they faded into pale golden mist and vanished in the breeze.

Rei turned to face Megumi with a sad smile.

"I'm sorry..." She murmured staggering forwards. Megumi reached out instictively and caught her. Noticing the bleeding wound on her left arm Megumi felt her trembling fingers reach for her medic bag. She tried to calm herself by thinking reasonably...this...warrior...was her patient. Doctors did not distinguish.

"What are you doing..." Mumbled Rei as Megumi put her head on her lap so she could see the wound better.

"What does it look like baka-girl! I'm attending to my patient!" Snapped Megumi pouring some antiseptic cream onto the wound. Rei winced but Megumi continued her work eyeing the sailor fuku in fascination. She'd never seen anything like it...the bright ribbons and colourful skirt.

"What are you..." She murmured under her breath. Rei sighed.

"I'm a Sailor Senshi."

"A what?" Coughed Megumi.

"A Sailor Senshi," Repeated Rei tiredly, "A sort of warrior."

"What sort exactly?" Asked Megumi eyeing the skirt doubtfull. The girl was showing more flesh then a prostitute!

Rei paused before speaking, "If I tell you, you must not tell anyone else! Understand? Not Kaoru-chan or anyone! If you do more lives will be at risk then you could possibly imagine!"

Megumi nodded.

"What do you want with Kaoru?"

"I can't say," Apologised Rei, "But I can tell you what I am and how it all began."

"Then," Said Megumi reaching for a bandage, "Tell me."

Rei smiled warmly.

"It all began long ago...thousands of years ago when the Earth was young and the planets ruled the Heavens," Chimed Rei. Megumi allowed herself to drift with the warm voice. It was like she was a child again listening to a bed-time story. She continued to bandage the wound.

"In that time all the planets were allied with each other...Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus and Mercury. The Earth wasn't in the Alliance at that time. The ruler of the Alliance was the Moon and the ruler of the Moon was a Godess named Queen Selenity."

"The Moon...why the Moon?" Asked Megumi curiously.

"I don't know...but anyway the Queen Selenity had a daughter. Princess Serenity who was destined to follow in her mothers footsteps. Queen Selenity placed guardians for her daughter from the royal household of each Planet. They were the Senshi chosen to protect the Solar System with their natural powers. Four were chosen to guard the Princess while the other four were chosen to protect the Solar System. The four protecting the Princess were known as the Inner Senshi. Venus, Mercury, Jupiter and Mars."

"Inner Senshi...well Queen Selenity sounds like a selfish women asking all those girls to give up their lives and their thrones just to guard her daughter," Spoke Megumi truthfully. Rei frowned.

"Don't insult Queen Selenity! She was a wise ruler..."

"But even the most amazing people have flaws..." Stated Megumi.

"I suppose...but anyway each Senshi had their own powers. Mercury's Princess had the power to manipulate Water and Ice and was the wisest of the Senshi. Venuses Princess had the power to manipulate emotions and Love and was one of the leaders of the Senshi. Jupiters Princess was the most courageous of the Senshi and had the power to manipulate Lightening and Plants. Mars...I mean me...I have the power to control fire and certain elements of War. I'm the second leader of the Senshi."

Megumi swallowed trying to digest all these facts.

"I see...what of the outer Senshi?"

"They were the more powerful," Said Mars truthfully, "Three of them have ancient talismans. Uranus has the space sword - the strongest sword in the Solar System as well as being the manipulator of the skies. Neptune has the mirror able to see the truth withing others as well as being the Senshi of the Seas and finally the most ancient of us all is Pluto. She has the ability of Time and Space and is the Guardians of the Time Gates possessing the Garnet Rod."

"Thats...amazing...but you said there was another...Saturn?" Suggested Megumi.

Mars smiled sadly.

"Hai...Saturn is the last and most feared of us all. She has powers that scared even Selenity. The other three have the tailsmans that can awaken her. She is the youngest and oldest of us depending on what way you look at her but she wields the Silence Scythe and has the powers of Death and Rebirth in her hands...she is the strongest."

"She sounds terrifying..." Murmured Megumi.

"Yes...but Saturn has a sad story...she's not a bad person...in fact I'd say she has the strongest goodwill of us all but her nature is sacrifice. She comes at the end to finish everything...she's the Death and Silence before the Rebirth..." Said Mars quietly.

"Thats horrible..."

"Well anyway Saturn was locked away...asleep. While she was we guarded the Princess...until one day she fell in love with Prince Endymion of Earth. It was forbidden...but it didn't stop them, then evil rose on Earth in the form of Demons and Youma's lead by Queen Beryl. They attacked the Moon and Endymion fell defending Serenity...who at the sight of her lover and friends lying dead committed suicide. Each of us fell until only the Outer Senshi were left...they were forbidden to move from their posts...and then their talismans summoned Saturn...who came and destroyed the remains of the Moon Kingdom and Earth in order to bring peace and rebirth...and in doing so she killed herself. Queen Selenity fell apart mourning the loss of her daughter...using the power of the Silver Crystal which is an unlimited source of power - she locked away the evil of Beryl and transported the souls of the Senshi and Endymion to the future where we were reborn," Finished Rei. Megumi nodded...she felt strangely like she was in a trance as she finished binding the bandage.

"Well...thats certainly a story I've never heard before Rei-chan...so your Princess Mars's reincarnation?" Said Megumi standing up watching as the last rays of sunlight faded in the sky.

"Yes...thats all I can tell you really...at least now you know I mean no harm," Said Rei standing up. Megumi watched as the red ribbons of light faded leaving a younger girl in their wake. A girl Megumi could only recognise from the deep flaming violet eye colour.

"Kami-sama! Your only a child!"

"I'm seventeen actually!" Snapped Rei grumpily.

"You told me you were nineteen!"

Rei's figure faded into the one Megumi originally knew. By now she could feel her head pounding with a migrane.

"This is my disguise so no one knows me...so what now?"

"Now," Sighed Megumi eyeing the darkening sky, "We get to the Kamiya Dojo so I can sleep and pretend this is all a dream...but don't expect this means you can skip your medication! Just because your a demi-goddess of some sort does not stop you from being my patient!"

"But that stuff tastes hideous!"

"Don't complain. You should be thankful that you don't have a flu right now!"



It was probably approaching half past ten at night when two shadowy figures made their way up to the doors of the Kamiya Dojo. Rei was anxious with anticipation with her mind dwelling on the business of the Youma and her heart hoping that somebody was there.

'Please...Usagi...Ami...Haruka...Hotaru...Luna...'

Megumi knocked and the gate opened to reveal a young women of about Rei's age with bright blue eyes and black hair tied into a ponytail with a pink ribbon. The girl stared in surprise while Megumi grinned wearily.

"Hello Kaoru-chan."

"Megumi-dono!" Cried Kaoru elatedly.

Megumi moved aside to reveal Rei's figure.

"Kaoru-chan this is Hino Rei," Introduced Megumi. Rei bowed and Kaoru's face lit up excitedly.

"Rei-dono! Hotaru-chan is going to be so happy to see you!"

Rei smiled in relief finally feeling at ease.

'I'll be fine now...at least I've found somebody in the darkness...even if it was a bad tempered sly fox doctor...'

Next time;

Hotaru - I finally get to see another fellow senshi! Rei and I are reunited! I also have to deal with trying to find Sumiko-chans parents while Rei begins to formulate ideas.

Rei - I am relieved to be reunited with Hotaru but concerned for the rest of the senshi when I realise their not there. I also am worried that maybe Megumi won't keep her promise now thats she face to face with her friends. I'm also suspicious of Himura Kenshin for I can sense a great deal of blood in his aura. I don't trust him.

Hotaru - Could Rei be right about Kenshin? I try to change her mind because I believe in Kenshin-san.

Megumi - After some thought I realise that these senshi attract danger. Why are they wanting to be near Kaoru-chan? Should I warn her or keep my promise before I return to Aizu.

Kaoru- I recieve an interesting letter from Misao explaining the ware-abouts of one of Hotaru's friends!

Kenshin - Oro?

Anyway I hope I kept Megumi IC. It was difficult because obviously I have no Idea how she'd react to such a situation. Also I am NOT updating until I receive THREE REVIEWS! I am finding time to type this amidst exams! You owe me so THREE REVIEWS! Or no UPDATE!x

Bye Saturnsfirefly xxxx