Divinity: Fates and the Afterlife

Chapter 36

Makoto walked down the street back to her apartment. Her mind was distracted with all they have talked back at Ami's apartment and with all the information surrounding the strange events and people showing up at random times; she could not help but feel powerless against these situations where she did not know where to aim her power or to whom, the more she thought about it, the more confused and desperate she became because it was getting out of control. She stopped at a green light and waited for the cars to stop crossing the street so she could be on her way. Makoto sighed heavily and looked at her wristwatch with exasperation and started feeling uneasy and annoyed by the how much time it was taking the light to change back to red "Come, on—come on..."

"Kino-san?"

Makoto widened her eyes and turned to find Akiyama Masao, the sous chef, standing next to her also waiting for the same green light to turn red. He was still wearing his chef jacket underneath his leather jacket leading her to think that he just got out of work, "Akiyama-san..." The brown-haired man half smiled, "You looked so into your thoughts that I was wondering if you were paying attention to the street lights. You got me worried,"

"Ah—yes," Makoto answered with not so much enthusiasm and turned to look at the busy street in front of her. Masao tilted his head and gave her a curious look, "You weren't at work today..."

"Today was my day off." Makoto still avoided any visual contact with the young chef. Masao, on the other hand, tried to establish a friendlier conversation, "So, where are you heading?"

"Home."

Masao hummed and turned to look away "No successful boyfriend to see tonight, eh?"

The comment made Makoto cringe and the mocking tone of his voice made her feel offended and uncomfortable making her realize the situation at the restaurant had gone from bad to worse. For a moment she thought he would be more understanding and that he had come to the conclusion that is was all a lie but by how he was talking to her it only meant that even when she wasn't there, she was still in everyone's mouth for the wrong reasons. "I don't have a boyfriend," she muttered bitterly.

"That is a little hard to believe,"

"Too bad," Makoto finally turned to look at him, her forest green eyes showed nothing but anger towards him; Masao frowned surprised by her sudden offensive reaction, "Are you mad at me or something?" Makoto turned her head away, "I don't get why so suddenly you are so interested in my life but at this point, I don't care."

"We work together, you are my friend."

"I don't think we are," Makoto frowned, "Friends don't judge their friends or jump to wrong conclusions."

Masao widened his eyes "Hey, if you want to sleep with Haruto, that's fine, it's your life but—" he trailed off and widened his eyes when he realized what he had done "Kino-san—I" Makoto felt her eyes burn with tears; she was heartbroken and she was tired of always being misunderstood. It was enough. "Just how insecure do you have to be to come up with such stupid stories?"

"I saw you together Kino-san," Masao raised his arms, "I saw him holding your hand."

"Wow," Makoto narrowed her eyes, "That is no reason to think I am sleeping with the man, plus, you weren't even there! You don't know the whole story! You don't know what happened!"

"Then why so suddenly he gave you all the credit in the kitchen? Why is he always so close checking your every move?"

"Typical... you rather bash and mock me instead of believing me..." Makoto turned to walk away with disappointment "You're all the fucking same—I'm so tired of this stupid game,"

"Where are you going?" Masao frowned and followed her, "What the fuck is going on with you?!"

"What do you want Masao-san?!" Makoto stopped, "Why are you here ranting on me like a jealous boyfriend?!" she turned to look at him with anger, "I wish I had never made those crepes, I curse that moment—I should have let Suzuki-san take all the credit. Since that day you have been giving me hell to live at the restaurant all of you." She shook her head, "If you want to think I sleep with Haruto-san, go ahead—but just so you know, the reason why she came up with all that bullshit is because she's the one sleeping with him and felt threatened that he was going to leave her—she's that insecure, and so are you."

Masao lowered his gaze "I liked you Kino-san... I really thought you were different..."

The comment made her blood boil in her veins because all her life she has been labeled as that: different. She has always been away all standards of what a woman should act, be like, look like, she was never fitting in and while at first, it broke her constantly, she learned to embrace it because she was that: different. But now, she didn't know when did that line that separated her from the rest had dissolved making her be one from the rest. When did she become normal? And why he, of all people, was judging her because of that? "I am different!" Makoto yelled with anger and pushed him away, "Just who the hell do you think you are?! You don't have a right to judge my life, you don't know anything about me or my life—so back off and leave me alone!" she turned to walk away and left a startled and guilty feeling Masao behind "Kino-san!"

As she walked away, Makoto thought she now had to find another route to get home since obviously this one was no longer an option for her anymore now that she knew she could bump into Masao any time; the amazon beauty turned around the corner when she saw Nephrite standing at the opposite side of the street looking at her and without even wanting it or expecting it, she finally broke down into tears.

Nephrite didn't wait for the light to change when he sprinted to her aid and wrapped his arms around her allowing her to let all sorts of emotions trapped in her chest pour out "It is going to be alright... let it out," he muttered softly into her ear and rubbed her back to comfort her. Makoto clung on to him like if her life depended on his support and curled her hands tight around his jacket as she hid her face in his cotton grey colored shirt and let her emotions take over her without paying attention to the people's weird stares while passing side them. They stayed still until Makoto's sobs finally ceased to just a few sniffs here and there and when she felt strong enough to face the world again she pulled away from the shitennou's supporting embrace and wiped her tears brusquely with the back of her hand "I'm sorry..." she looked at him shyly.

"For what?" Nephrite frowned confused. Makoto bit her swollen lip and shook her head, "Everything that just happened."

"Everybody has the right to cry once in a while," Nephrite looked at her "We have all been there." Makoto sniffed and chuckled sarcastically, "Well, I doubt that."

"Talking about it will help me understand what you are going through..." Nephrite lifted her chin softly to look into her eyes, "Also, it will help you let go of that heavy burden over your shoulders."

"It's silly..." Makoto shook her head, "More stupid than silly, actually."

"Anything that makes you cry makes it an important issue, to me at least." Nephrite said softly, Makoto blushed and exhaled the last of her anxiety, feeling more like herself and less like a damsel in distress, "Do you have time for a cup of tea?" Nephrite smiled, "Of course, lead the way."

Makoto smiled in gratitude and began walking to her apartment that was not too far away, and once there, she opened the door and turned the lights on before going straight to the kitchen to put some water to boil for the tea. She turned to a very startled Nephrite and smiled, "Come in, make yourself at home." Nephrite closed the door behind him and walked into the living room "You have a lovely place to live."

Makoto smiled and put a fancy decorated box on the table with what looked to be a wide assortment of tea flavors and combinations along with two crystal jars, one with honey and the other with milk and two sets of porcelain cups and two small plates. "Thank you, I do the best I can to keep this place as relaxing as possible."

Nephrite took a close look at every plant in the living room and turned to see the thunder senshi walk back with the hot pot of water and a plate with treats "I like plants and flowers very much—I find gardening very soothing, plus, I like the smell." She smiled warmly as she poured hot water in the cups, "Most of them were destined to go to my coffee shop but well—with everything that has happened in my life, I think it is a dream that just gets further and further away from my grasp."

Nephrite took off his dark jacket and walked to the table to sit across Makoto, "Please feel free to take whatever you like," Makoto opened the wooden box and chose one delicate sache. The shitennou looked down and widened his eyes with genuine awe "This is a very extensive collection of tea," Makoto giggled with a nod, "I love tea so I buy everything to make my own combinations—I feel like they taste better this way," Nephrite looked at her surprised then back at the wide assortment in the box, "You made all of these?" Makoto smiled and nodded, "I know—I have very girly hobbies."

"I think it is very impressive—to know which ingredient goes better with what, it is a talent," the general looked at her with curiosity, "Which of these would you recommend for me to try first?"

Makoto looked at him and took a moment to think; she leaned forward and grabbed two saches and put them to simmer inside the cup with a teaspoon of honey and a little milk and handed him the concocted beverage. Nephrite looked as the water slowly began turning a light pink color and took a sip once it was ready to drink, his moss-colored eyes widened at the sweet yet, subtle flavor "This is exquisite," he took another sip "What is it?"

Makoto took a sip of her own tea and smiled "It's rose tea with chamomile and a hint of milk. I find it sophisticated—like you."

Nephrite blushed and let out a deep, warm chuckle "I am flattered," he looked at her "But this only confirms my words—you have a precious gift to make perfect flavor combinations." He took another sip and enjoyed the warmth and sweetness of the beverage; Makoto smiled, "It goes better when you try one of these butter biscuits, they're fresh. I made them this morning." Nephrite took the piece of pastry and took a bite, "T-This is amazing."

Makoto chuckled, "You are just saying it because you are my friend."

Nephrite shook his head and leaned forward "I am saying it because it is the truth—but I am glad to know that you consider me your friend." The amazon senshi blushed and took a sip of her tea, "You have been kind towards me since the very beginning. You never judged me or any of my friends, to me that is enough to consider you a friend."

"I never had a reason to do such thing," Nephrite put his cup down "And even if there was, I have no right to judge other people's lives—mine is not perfect either, I have my flaws, just like anybody else." The comment made Makoto sigh sadly as she looked down at her cup of tea, "If only everybody thought that way," she looked at him with a soft smile, "The world would be a much better place..."

"You say it because of what happened moments ago," Nephrite finished the perfectly baked good and sighed softly, "Whatever he said to you shall never matter if you do not believe it as a truth." Makoto widened her eyes, "Y-You saw us?"

"Finding me across the street was no coincidence, Jupiter, I wanted to make sure you got home safely—I know you can take care of yourself but as your friend, I was worried about you. What we talked about back there was not very comforting and easy to digest." Makoto sighed heavily, "I'm so tired you know? Things should not be happening this way." she leaned back in her chair, "Usagi-chan should not be under fire, Mamoru-kun should not be dealing with all this drama surrounding his past and all of us should not be struggling with these random attacks."

"I appreciate the friendly sentiment towards Endymion but I am sure that is not why you were crying, this has something to do with that man," Nephrite put his cup down after another sip, "He hurt your feelings," he looked at her and narrowed his beautiful eyes always so full of wisdom and clarity, "I do not need much to understand what was happening but somehow I have the feeling that there is so much more behind that discussion."

Makoto played with her cup absently, spinning it one side to the other with care and let out a puff of air, "He thinks I am having an affair with the head chef at the restaurant where I work—which it's a lie." Her jaw tightened at the mention of the chef, Nephrite noticed it, reading a person's gestures and body language was a trait the shitennou and prince learned during their training days to know exactly where to tackle and solve a problem. "What gives him the right to believe such thing?"

Makoto kept her gaze down avoiding contact with Nephrite's eyes, "He has tried to cross the line with me in the past—ever since I went against his orders to serve a dish. This person thinks I am sleeping with the chef because he happened to be there the night he tried to take advantage of me and saw him holding my hand, but—" she took a deep hasty breath, "I wasn't—" she finally dared to look up at the man across from her on the table, "I didn't do anything—"

Nephrite's calm and pacifist demeanor slowly changed to one of an angry man "Did he hurt you, Jupiter?" Makoto noticed the sudden, deeper tone in his voice and shook her head "No—I ran away,"

"But?" he asked and narrowed his eyes, "There is something else..."

"I always had this dream of having my own place where I can serve tea and pastries, easy and healthy food but I needed enough money to rent a space, equip it, and decorate it, so I took a job as a cook at this restaurant. I started saving every paycheck—it is good money and I love what I do, but, after all that happened, everyone thinks I am there because I am sleeping with the chef. I tried quitting but he warned me—he warned me that he would make sure that I would never find another job at another restaurant or succeed in the culinary business if I ever left his restaurant... so I stayed, and now here I am living my dream and seeing it become my own worst nightmare."

"The man is threatened by you," Nephrite pushed his cup aside and leaned forward, "Because he knows you can do wonderful things—you have a talent, Jupiter, and he wants to suppress it. He wants to enhance his reputation at your expense." Makoto widened her eyes "B-But—I can't leave."

"Why not?"

"He will keep me from finding work at another restaurant."

Nephrite sighed "Jupiter, that is what cowards do. Of course, he will try to bring you down because you did not comply with his wishes. But it is up to you to continue this torture, sometimes you just need to take a leap of faith. You are a fighter Jupiter, fight for what you want. Fight for your dream." The maroon haired general leaned back and crossed his arms, "That is the typical behavior of a coward. They try to lure you, they threaten, they try to take advantage but in reality, they are powerless once you step away from their shadow." He pointed at her box of teabags and pastries "You can do this and succeed." He smiled, "And if you need any help trying new recipes or give that disgusting man what he deserves, I am more than glad to be of help in anything that I can, that is what friends are for,"

Makoto felt like if she opened a big window and a rush of fresh air blew all of her problems and anguish away realizing the whole picture of what Nephrite was trying to say. She was being abused, bullied and undervalued. She had been so deep down into that emotional spiral that made her forget her goal, having a space to open her shop. Her real passion was to cook and to make people happy by eating her food and drinking her tea and that is when reality hit her and she could not be more thankful for Nephrite's encouraging words that finally opened her eyes and for being so supportive. Looking down she smiled softly, "So this is what it feels like," she mumbled to herself as a reminder of the many situations she went through with the two men with she had a relationship and how different this felt, to be supported, and encouraged.

Nephrite looked at her, "He does not deserve you Jupiter, not even a single tear—not even a single smile." He shook his head and looked out the window with a sheepish smile, "Can I please have another cup of tea?"

Makoto blushed "O-Of course! What would you like to try next?"

Nephrite turned to look at her, still smiling "Surprise me."

O—o—O

Back at Ami's apartment, Jadeite was sitting next to Zoisite who after some medication Ami prescribed and provided, was becoming a little drowsy. The blonde frowned and sighed heavily, letting his concern stiffen his boyish features, "We need to take him back with us."

Rei looked at the blonde and stayed silent as she helped Ami with one of her wounds. The bluenette turned and shook her head, "I think it would be best if he spends the night here—that way I can check on him and give him his medication regularly. The first 24 hours are critical for his full recovery." It was a valid answer, but Jadeite narrowed his grey-blue with denial and rage, "He has to be under our care,"

"Let him stay, Jadeite."

"Kunzite," Jadeite turned wide-eyed to look at his white-haired peer, "Sailor Mercury is also injured, she cannot take care of him as well—it is our responsibility to—"

"My responsibility is to keep you safe." Kunzite interrupted the Far-Eastern Division Commander and crossed his arms, "Endymion will not be pleased to know one of us got injured in his absence. We are supposed to keep things under control and not complicate them even more, we need Zoisite fully recovered." Jadeite exhaled and gritted his teeth with resignation, "I will come by tomorrow early to check on him if it is alright with you, Sailor Mercury."

"Of course," Ami said softly, "Jadeite," Zoisite looked at him with drowsy eyes "I am going to be alright..."

"Zoisite!"

Zoisite tried to move but his body felt like it weighed more than a ton. He shook his head since it was the only thing he could still feel he could control and frowned, "I just—I need to rest."

"You always so prudent—I have always hated that." Jadeite muttered with annoyance making Zoisite smile faintly, "And you always so intense."

Jadeite grumbled as he stood up cursing softly under his breath for the whole situation unfolding in front of him. He felt the world was crashing him like a bug, with the woman he cared for on one side and his brother injured on the other; "As you wish then, but you better recover quickly—you hear me? I need you complete,"

"Come along Jadeite," Kunzite commanded and turned to Zoisite, like an older brother he leaned down and tousled his long blonde locks falling over his shoulders in loose waves, it was rare to see the general without his signature low ponytail, "Please take care and have some rest—I will come and check on you in the morning." Zoisite nodded and closed his eyes "Look after him—he is very upset,"

"I know, but you know it's because he cares deeply for you... despite his constant nagging," Kunzite nodded and stood up, "Let us leave," he turned to Jadeite then to Minako and caressed her cheek softly, "I must leave, I am sorry." the blonde senshi in response nodded and gave in to his caress "It's alright, I understand." Kunzite cupped her cheek softly for a second and turned on his heel; Jadeite followed suit in silence and walked out the door. Rei exhaled as the two remaining generals left the apartment and rested her hand on Ami's shoulder, "Do you want me to stay? I can stay." Ami smiled and shook her head "I'm alright—really." she turned to the blonde asleep on her couch and sighed softly, "He is the one who got all of the punches. He stepped in to save me—if it wasn't for him I would probably be dead by now."

"Don't say that..." Minako grabbed her purse and went to help Ami stand up from the couch opposite to Zoisite and gave her a hug, "Call me if anything happens—time is not an issue, please." Ami nodded "I will, thank you Minako-chan."

"I left you a bag with medicinal herbs from the shrine, use them as much as you need it, I also left a new small jar with ointment—it will help you with the bruising," Rei whispered trying not to wake Zoisite. Ami smiled in gratitude and hugged her friend, "Thank you Rei-chan."

O—o—O

Both Minako and Rei left the apartment and walked out of the building. The blonde looked at her phone and frowned "When did Mako-chan leave?" Rei pursed her lips, "I believe after Megumi-san calmed down—she was very upset about the whole thing."

"Well, can you blame her?" Minako exhaled softly "I think we all are and you have one extra little thing on your mind, I can tell."

"What is that?" Rei frowned, Minako tilted her head and crossed her arms "Have you spoken to him—after what happened?" By him, Rei knew Minako was talking about Jadeite and shook her head "No—and I don't think I will."

"Rei-chan,"

"He has to realize that this is the way I chose to live my life. I cannot be the same I was two thousand years ago—it's impossible and also... the timing isn't the most appropriate to be talking about these things..." Rei sighed softly and turned to look away; Minako smiled sadly "Rei-chan, we are the same we were back then. We are still fighting, we are still Senshi—we have every memory as if it happened yesterday." she leaned closer and rested her hand on her friend's shoulder "There are other things you really need to change first in order to realize it."

"I don't know if I can do that." Rei lowered her gaze.

"Rei-chan," Minako shook her up gently, "You need to wake up—you need to realize the truth of things. It's not your grandfather you are worried for—it's him, Yuuichiro."

"It's much more than that Minako-chan—much more." Rei shook her head, "I feel responsible for this,"

Minako frowned "Responsible?"

Rei sighed heavily "Ares came to me first—he warned me first about all this and he came to drop a bomb of truth that has shaken everyone's lives and putting Usagi's life at risk. I feel—" she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, "I feel like I could have done more to prevent all of this."

"If you are feeling guilty about what's been happening lately, as your leader and your friend, I am asking you to stop." Minako crossed her arms, "Sadly, we are trying to fix what the gods couldn't do so many years ago. It is our duty to change the course of things and create a new destiny—we need to support Usagi and we need to support Mamoru too, that is why I chose to not stand by my ancestors' decisions and mistakes and you shouldn't either, Ares is trying to tell you that." The blonde let out a soft sigh "Come on, let's share a cab. I don't want you to walk all the way back to the shrine alone."

"Wait, where are Artemis and Luna?" Rei looked around "When did they—?"

Minako blew her bangs "They went back home, we were in shock with the news that we didn't even realize when everyone left," she sighed "I am worried about Megumi-san though,"

"Because of what Haruka said?" Rei frowned as she stepped into the car that was going to drive them home, Minako sat next to her friend and closed the door "Hikawa Shrine, please," she turned to Rei and nodded "Yeah..."

"Do you think?" Rei frowned "That she..." she looked at the driver and then back at her friend, "You know, do anything that would upset Megumi-san more?" Minako bit her lower lip, "I really hope not... but Haruka-san is close on taking a defensive stance against Mamoru and that is enough to affect Megumi-san and Usagi," she sighed softly, "I think it would be best if we take her back into our care. I will talk to Michiru-san tomorrow and see how things are going with them."

Rei nodded and leaned her head back on her seat as she looked at the city night lights from outside. Minako noticed her friend's gloomy mood and held her hand for support, she understood to perfection how she felt because she had felt it too. She has been trapped in that same turmoil of emotions and guilt, thinking of everything she could have done better. What broke Minako's heart was that of all people, including her, it had to be Rei the one going through all this because she was always the strong one, the fearless one. Rei has always been the most independent of them, the one who always had her life under control, the one with enough wit and character to bring you back to your senses. Being surrounded by drama was not normal for her, it was normal for Minako, it was normal for Makoto, Usagi or even Ami but not for Rei and the worst part of it was that she was being waited to be loved but her heart had been so shattered for a long time that it was nearly impossible for her to take a leap of faith and take the risk. Surprisingly, they all had been finding support and realization from the Shitennou except for her, who was pushing away the one that could really help her go through all this like Yuuichiro was supposed to or even more.

The Miko turned and gave her blonde friend and leader a smile when the vehicle had parked right outside the temple stairs, it was her time to leave. She squeezed Minako's hand and stepped out of the car without saying another word and watched the car drive away as she went up the long set of stairs to get to the shrine. She looked for her keys inside her purse but was surprised to see her grandfather sitting on the porch, "Ojisan!" The old man looked up at her granddaughter and smiled "Ah Rei, you have returned."

Rei walked quickly towards him and touched his forehead, checking if he was alright, "Ojisan—w-what?" she shook her head still very shocked, "What are you doing here all by yourself and at this time of the night?"

The priest waved his hand "Bah—I was tired of being inside like a turtle in its shell. I wanted some fresh air, I wanted to look at the night sky and all those little gleaming stars." His wrinkled fingers twirled as motioning the twinkle of the celestial gleams and smiled, "How was your night, my dear?" Rei sighed softly and sat next to him, taking lose care of where her purse might land "It was alright."

"You look tired,"

"I am a little, yes." Rei turned and smiled at him. No matter how hard her day could get, or how sad or stressed she could be, she always had a genuine smile for her grandfather. He was her light when her days were gloomy, the spark of wonder and laughter when she was feeling down. He had lived for her, dedicated his life to her and now, it was her time to do the same for him. The old man combed his mustache with his fingers and nodded, "Rei-chan, sometimes you have to make decisions that are not easy but are fundamental to continue living a peaceful life." Rei widened her eyes and turned to look at him, but let the man continue "You have to do what is right for you, Rei."

Rei shrugged her shoulders "I don't understand, Ojisan."

"I remember when you were born..." the man said softly with a soft smile gracing his face, "You were the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. I held you in my arms and thought how blessed I was to have such divine creature with me." He let out a soft chuckle, "I knew... since the very moment you opened your eyes—that you had come from a supreme lineage," his smile slowly started to fade, "He looked at you with teary eyes from a distance and trusted me to take care of you, to turn you into a fine and strong lady in the future."

Rei chuckled with sarcasm, "I didn't think politicians could cry."

"I am not talking about him, but your father—" the priest turned to look at her, "Your real father."

Rei widened his eyes in shock "W-What?"

"I am no stranger to divinity Rei-chan, I have dealt with it all of my life. I have had contact with the heavens for too long to know the truth."

"The truth?"

"He came to me one day through the fire and let me know that you were on your way," the priest said softly "I could not believe it because it is rare to see a full Kami crossing from the divine world to this one but he asked me to be his eyes, to be his conscious, and to lead you to be a just and fair woman." Rei felt her eyes burn with tears, "Ojisan—what are you saying?"

"Rei, he was there the moment your mother gave birth to you—I saw him, he was there and making sure you got to this world safe and sound. At first, I did not know the politician would take you with him but after your mother's passing, I knew I had to take you back so I did everything in my power to bring you home with me and follow his wish."

"Ojisan what you are telling me sounds like a fairy tale..." Rei tried to dismiss the old man's words between fake chuckles and denial; she could not quite believe what the priest was confessing to her, despite knowing who he was talking about, despite having known him personally and confirm the priest's words of a real god crossing to the mortal realm.

"I knew you were destined to be grand, to follow a grand legacy—the moment you woke up as Senshi."

Rei's amethyst eyes widened "W-What?" The priest nodded "I know Rei, I know your secret—I know you are Sailor Mars."

"B-But.." Rei shook her had "N-No—that's not..."

"All those nights you sneaked out of the temple and into the night to fight evil spirits—" he sighed softly and turned to look up at the starry sky, "That is why I was always against the idea of you settling down with a man like Yuuichiro—you deserved more and I knew it would be difficult for you to find a match, one that could really give you what you deserve and the understanding you need, that is why I trained you a Miko."

"Ojisan," Rei shook her head in disbelief. The priest sighed softly and nodded, "I accepted your relationship the moment I realized you had stopped fighting and I thought that maybe you could live a life as a simple woman of this land with a man like him," the priest turned and smiled sadly "But, there has always been that spark—that energy flowing inside you, it is unmistakable." He looked up at the sky again, "He came every year to see you—through the fire, he silently taught you how to communicate with the divine realm, how to channel your energy and how to fight—Phobos and Deimos... he sent them here to look out for you."

The old priest turned to look at his granddaughter and rested his hand on top of hers, "Rei-chan, you are very valuable. You are a jewel, my jewel and I am honored to have been chosen to have you as my grandchild, to look after you and to love you," he smiled, "But now my dear—it is time for you to do your part and make a decision."

"A decision?"

"Which path do you want to follow?" The priest narrowed his eyes, "You have a right to choose."

"I want to stay with you, I want to follow your steps—make you proud and take care of this shrine." Rei leaned on his shoulder "That is all I want—that is the path I want to follow."

"My dear child, you have made me the proudest of all since the moment you dedicated a smile to me," The man chuckled, "You should never worry about that. You should never worry..." he leaned to kiss her right temple, "I am always going to be with you, always." Rei smiled and wrapped her arms around him "I love you, Ojisan."

The priest tapped her hand and arched his brow "I still think you need to go out more—you are a good dancer, you should go out to dance."

"Ojisan..." Rei blushed, "You always so imaginative..."

"What?"

"Where do you get that idea?" The priestess blushed making the old man crack a chuckle, "I have seen you dance for the Shrine's festivals, remember?"

"That is different." Rei frowned.

"It's still dancing." The priest chuckled.

"Hino-san,"

Both Rei and the priest turned to find Yuuchiro standing by the door, the older man smiled "Ah, Yuuichiro, what is it?" Rei stiffened at the sight of the man but tried her best to be as cool as possible. Yuuichiro stepped into his geta and walked over to the couple sitting on the porch, "Your medicines, it's time."

"Ah—that..." The priest muttered with slight annoyance, "I do not see the point in taking those things."

"It's for your own good, Ojisan," Rei said in her usual motherly tone and stood up, "Come on, it's getting chilly out here."

"Alright, alright..." The man finally stood up with the help of Rei, "I can never say no to you,"

"I will take him to his room," Yuuichiro said softly, Rei frowned and shook her head "No, I will do it."

"It's alright Rei—let him do it. You go rest." The priest looked at her and cupped her cheek, "And remember my dear... dance..." Rei chuckled and frowned, "What?" The old man smiled at his granddaughter and pinched her nose softly, "Think about it." He turned to Yuuichiro and waved his hand "Let us go but leave the window open for me this time. I want to see the stars."

"Yes, High Priest."

Rei stood there as she saw the old man walk away and into the house with the help of Yuuichiro. Her mind still twirling with emotions by the priest's confession "Ojisan..." she whispered in the wind and looked up at the starry sky "You knew—you always knew."

O—o—O

The next morning, Rei woke up earlier than usual. She has had the strangest dream of her grandfather playing with a string of stars like a child in a candy store, smiling and singing. She had woken up in a better mood and decided it would be nice for her to start getting ready for the day. She tied her hakama and put a clean fresh pair of tabi socks to match her Miko attire; she was almost done when she heard loud noises outside and a strong knock on her door "Rei—it's me, Yuuichiro. I need to speak to you, please open the door."

Rei frowned, she was genuinely surprised to hear Yuuichiro at the other side. Since their breakup he had been staying at the other side of the temple and had stopped going to her room; but what surprised Rei, even more, was the sound of his voice. She went to open the door and looked at a very serious Yuuichiro looking back at her "What is it?"

"Rei—" Yuuichiru took a deep breath and exhaled, "It's your grandfather."

Rei widened her eyes and ran out of her room as fast as she could without asking any more details, frantic and worried, she made her way to his grandfather's room she saw the maid and the family doctor stand still with their heads down by the door. She entered the room and kneeled next to the man in bed and felt her heart stopped beating once she realized what has happened. "No, no, no, no, no, no," she whispered, "Ojisan," she shook the man softly, trying to wake him up "Ojisan!"

Yuuichiro walked down the hall and closed his eyes when he heard her calling for the old priest. Being the second one allowed to enter, he walked inside and saw Rei trying to wake the man from his deep sleep, "Rei..."

"Nooo! Nooooo! Ojisan! Ojisan!" Rei continued shaking the old man, "Ojisan! Wake up!"

"Rei," Yuuichiro took a step forward and kneeled next to her, without thinking it twice she pulled her back and wrapped his arms around her, "Nooooo!" she cried desperately against his chest "Nooooooo!"

"It happened while he was sleeping." Yuuichiro said softly "He did not suffer or felt a thing, he just... fell asleep."

Rei opened her eyes and pulled away from Yuuichiro and walked over to the old priest and kneeled next to him again, "Why didn't you tell me you were saying goodbye?!" she whispered between her soft sobs, "Why didn't you tell me?!" she leaned closer and held his hand and began praying for his eternal rest while resting her head on his shoulder.

Yuuichiro turned to the doctor and bowed his head after talking about the funeral process they had to follow. He turned on his heel and walked straight to the phone and dialed the first number that came to his mind and waited for an answer "Aino-san—it's me, Yuuichiro..." he tightened his lips together and closed his eyes, "I know it is unexpected of me to call you but this is important. It's about Rei—her grandfather has passed away."

O—o—O

After the hour she requested to have with her grandfather alone, she watched how the paramedics covered his fragile body with a blanket and prepared him to get him to the ambulance so he could be taken to the morgue for the autopsy and all the legal procedure for his proper burial. Yuuichiro tried to hold the Miko while she watched with swollen eyes and a broken heart but every time he came close, she would move away.

Rei followed his grandfather's body and the paramedics all the way to the ambulance and kissed her hand, before resting it over she knew was his forehead and watched them take him away; she let out a soft sob and was about to turn on her heel to walk back when she saw Ares standing at a proper distance looking back at her. She stood there, with her mind clouded and confused, she didn't know what to do or what to say and remembered the priest's words reminding her that despite sometimes feeling like there was no one to turn to, she was never alone.

"Ares..." Rei whispered and remembered her childhood days when she was learning how to pray, how to read the fire and how she always saw a man in gold in her dreams teaching her the many wonders of her mystical gift. She always believed it was a dream, all this time she thought the man was part of an imaginary world created by her but now, it all made sense. She remembered seeing his face in the crowd every time there was a festival at the shrine or seeing him by the fountain of the praying bells. Her mind confirmed her grandfather's words, Ares came to visit her, every year.

"It's time to do your part and make a decision."

The blonde man, dressed in civil clothes bowed his head to show his respect for the older priest and turned to leave; Rei tried to go after him but her legs would not respond, "You never left me alone..." she whispered with teary eyes, "Father..."

"Which path are you going to choose? You have a right to choose."

Rei closed her eyes, trying to contain the fresh batch of tears threatening to fall down, "All this time I wondered—why I was like this," she bit her lower lip, "I know now..."

"Dance,"

"Rei-chan,"

"Dance..."

"Rei,"

"Dance..."

"Rei,"

"Rei,"

The Miko opened her eyes and noticed Ares was no longer there and turned to Yuuichiro standing next to her with a cup of tea, "I brought you something to drink—you need to have at least tea."

Rei frowned and shook her head "N-No..." she looked at him with a confused stare "I don't want tea..." she turned on her heel and started walking back to the shrine, her grandfather's words making more sense with every step she took,

"Which path are you going to choose? You have a right to choose."

"That is not what I need... it's not what I want," Rei stopped and turned to look at Yuuichiro, "It's time, it's time for you to leave."

"What?" Yuuichiro frowned, "What are you—"

"I am saying, that your time here has come to an end," Rei didn't raise her voice but her determination was crystal clear like it hasn't been for so long, "You need to leave this shrine—you need to get out of my life,"

"Rei," Yuuichiro looked at her wide-eyed and tried to stop her, "Rei, this is not the time..." the second he touched her arm it was like if her inner fire suddenly ignited in her veins, making her lose her calm, "No, it is... it is the time!" Rei moved her arm away and shook her head, "It's over—you need to leave. You don't belong here anymore. I don't want you here, anymore."

"What?" Yuuichiro widened his eyes. Rei nodded and gave him a fierce look, "Ojisan has passed, there is no reason for us to continue living this lie—this painful and dirty lie. I can't stay attached to you any longer... this has to stop..." she frowned, "I'm done."

"You can't be alone right now!"

"That is something only concerns me, my well-being, my life—it's mine," Rei frowned, "And what I want, is you to be gone,"

"I am the Priest's assistant, I need to stay here to arrange his funeral."

"I am his granddaughter, that is a task that corresponds only to me—you don't have anything else to do here. You stayed because I allowed it, not because you still had any sort of authority here. Deep down... a part of me believed this was it, that this is what my life was going to be but it's not. This is not how I want to live my life, I don't want to be miserable anymore."

"I served your grandfather for years—you just can't dismiss me like that!"

Rei frowned, "Everything you did has tainted any purpose or servitude. As the new Head Priestess of this Shrine, I no longer need of your services." Yuuichiro shook his head, "What has gotten into you?!" he frowned, "Is that man, isn't it? Is he the reason why you have been so restless?! So rebellious!?"

"Your way of thinking..." Rei narrowed her amethyst eyes, "So basic, so primitive..."

"Rei..." Yuuichiro tried to grab her hand but she slapped it away, "There is much more behind my decision. It is the fact that you tried to abuse me many times, it is the fact that you betrayed me more than once, it is the fact that you lied to my grandfather and you still had the nerve to pretend everything could be like before. No, things cannot be like before Yuuichiro and this is when it ends. The torture is over." Rei crossed her arms and raised a brow, "And what if it was because of him?" The defiant tone of her voice shattered Yuuichiro's calmness, "I have the right to choose, this is my life and this is the last time I allow any excuses or questioning from you—I have the strength to fight for what I want. I was raised to be a fighter and I will not allow you to continue shadowing my future,"

Yuuichiro tried to grab her wrist but Rei turned and pushed him away, "Go away! Get out!" she widened her eyes when she saw the sparks coming out of her hands and looked at the man looking back at her with shock and stepped back. Rei shook her head, "I had enough," she muttered dryly, "Next time I won't be so merciful,"

"I earned every right to stay right where I am Rei, and you know it."

"That was before you decided to betray me before you chose to become this ghost of a man," Rei frowned, "I will not say it again, this is over Yuuichiro, I want you gone and I want it to happen by the end of this day."

There was something in the way Rei spoke to him that it was hard for Yuuichiro to believe, she was being uncharacteristically cold and direct, like an arrow piercing through leather. Her eyes showed determination and her body while obviously weak and tired of maxing out her emotions stood still like an oak in a forest. He saw her walk away from him without showing any sort of sentiment, any sort of attachment like she did before and that is when it hit him: she wasn't intimidated by him anymore; Rei had moved past him and stepped far away from the shadow of the past they once shared. There was nothing that could keep them together, the last tie dissolved with the priest's death, somehow the old man knew the strain between his granddaughter and him and he was pulling the last string that tied them together with his death. "I see..." he looked up at the sky and nodded with acceptance and resignation. For the first time in months, he finally felt the closure to their relationship. "High Priest... please forgive me..." he turned to walk back to his room to pack his belonging and sighed, "I failed her... and so... I must go..."

O—o—O

Rei was walking back to the shrine when she saw Minako walking towards her and wrapped her arms without even asking for permission. Rei widened her eyes but she didn't move and let her be soothed by her friend's warmth "Minako-chan, how did you—"

"Yuuichiro called me."

Rei closed her eyes and responded to the embrace and stayed like that for a short while. The Miko tried her best to contain all the emotion bubbling inside her; "I am very sorry for your loss, Rei-chan." Rei sniffed softly and nodded, "Thank you, Mina-chan,"

"I called everyone—they are probably on their way."

"You shouldn't have..." Rei pulled away and wiped her tears with the back of her hand "They all have things to do."

"Rei—come on, you are much more important than anything and also, they would never forgive me if I ever kept this from them," Minako looked at her with a serious gaze; Rei tried her best effort to smile and held her friend's arm for support as they walked back to the shrine, "Come with me," they silently walked back to the house and Minako immediately took charge as soon as they walked into the kitchen and grabbed a pot with water and put it over the stove "Allow me, you sit."

The Miko sat on a chair at the small kitchen table where she used to eat dinner with her grandfather thinking how since he fell ill, they had to make more modern changes to the house. It was becoming a challenge for him to sit on the floor to eat, or pray, so they had to buy a dining table and new chairs so he could be able to sit and stand with more ease. "It happened while he was sleeping," Rei finally broke the heavy silence as she watched Minako sitting in front of her on the table, "The Doctor said he didn't feel a thing, he just... fell asleep—forever."

Minako put two cups in front of them and poured the hot tea on each of them, "How did you find out?"

Rei cupped her hands around the porcelain cup and looked down at the steaming beverage, "Yuuichiro—he went to my room to tell me," she frowned and shook her head, "I still cannot process all this—after you left, I spoke to him. He was waiting for me, sitting on the porch with a smile on his face..." Rei sighed and looked at her friend with teary eyes, "He knew Minako-chan—everything." Minako frowned, "What do you mean?"

"He knew I was Sailor Mars, he knew about Yuuichiro—he knew about my past life..."

Minako widened her eyes in shock "W-What?" Rei nodded, "He told me about my father—my real father." she looked at the blonde and sniffled softly, "He was saying goodbye to me—he knew yesterday was his last night in this world and he was saying goodbye." With a soft sigh, she pushed the cup aside and shook her head "I can come to terms with him resting in peace but I cannot imagine my life without him..." with a frown she leaned back in her chair, "Does that even make sense? I don't know what I'm saying anymore..."

"You are very strong Rei-chan, he knew that."

"Everybody keeps telling me that but—" Rei shrugged her shoulders dismissively, "But I don't feel strong," her red puffy eyes looked at Minako's blue ones, "I just—" she trailed off "I am going to miss him every day for the rest of my life."

"I know Rei-chan—I know." Minako leaned forward and rested her hand on top of hers, "But he will be looking over you, no matter what, no matter where."

"He always knew I was destined to wake as a Senshi in this world," she looked at Minako "Ares came to him and asked him to look after me when my mother died. He always accepted my faith and always encouraged me to follow my calling. He also told me that was the reason why he never approved my relationship with Yuuichiro entirely,"

"So that means..." Minako blinked, surprised.

"He knew things between us weren't alright," Rei nodded and let out a soft breath, "It was his way of telling me to move on." The priestess looked down at her now cold tea and bit her lower lip "So—I did."

"What?"

"I asked—no, I demanded Yuuichiro to leave."

"Rei-chan," Minako looked at her with shock "You did? And how—you know, how did he take it?"

Rei nodded, "Not very well, but that is something not of my concern—not anymore." she sighed softly, "I don't know what came over me, it just happened so suddenly... I could not take it anymore... the heavy burden, the suffering, the feeling of being tied to someone I don't love, tied to a toxic relationship..." she shook her head "I told him I wanted him to be gone by the end of the day."

"And you say you don't feel strong..." Minako narrowed her eyes, finally getting a chuckle out of the priestess "I will let Usagi-chan know about this."

"No."

"Rei-chan,"

Rei shook her head, "No, she is her honeymoon. That would be selfish of me,"

Minako sighed softly "Alright... as you wish but... she won't forgive me..."

"Hino-san..." One of the maids of the temple walked in interrupting both girls' conversation, "There are two men from the mortuary here and would like to have a word with you."

Rei felt the word mortuary hit in the pit of her stomach, it was such a strong word for her to handle. A part of her regretted asking Yuuichiro to leave so now she had to deal with the constant reminder that her beloved grandfather had left her side, "Alright—I will be there in a minute." Sighing she stood up and felt Minako held her hand to stop her from walking any further, "Rei-chan... do you want me to take care?"

Rei shook her head "No, this is something I must do." She looked down and gave her friend the faintest of smiles and continued her way, leaving the blonde alone. As she walked out of the temple, a couple of suited men were waiting for her "Hino Rei?"

"Yes," Rei stopped in front of them and bowed her head in respect. One of the men pushed his glasses and looked through the papers and began talking but to Rei, his voice was just a blur in the wind; she began feeling lightheaded as she tried her best to remain still and understand every word she was being informed about her grandfather's passing. "Hino-san? Do you agree to these terms?" She heard the man talking to her but she couldn't respond back. The priestess nodded and took the sheets of papers that described every detail of the autopsy of her grandfather's passing, her hands began shaking without control and felt like the ground was crumbling beneath her feet, "I—I" she trailed off, "I need—"

"I will take care of it." A warm, male voice interrupted her making her turn with surprise. Jadeite looked at both men before turning to Rei and grabbed the papers from her hands and started reading them for her in silence. The priestess turned and saw Kunzite standing a few feet away from the blonde with wide eyes. "I see..." Jadeite turned to Rei and leaned closer to her ear, "Your grandfather's wish was to be buried here—the problem is that by law it is no longer permitted."

"B-But," Rei frowned, "He needs to remain in his holy ground—He..." Her amethyst eyes began shining with tears again, but the blonde wiped them with the back of his hand with delicacy, "There is one way to keep him here and that is if his body is cremated if is that alright with you, of course," Rei found his voice so soothing and understanding, like a cool mist appeasing all the fire burning the remains of her sanity and self-control. With a nod, she allowed the general take control of the situation silently thanking his timing and caring self before everything turned black and let herself go.

A/N: kera69love and SerenityMorisson... a HUGE thank you for your words. Thank you.

The site was having issues and I couldn't publish the chapter sooner, but, finally... here it is and I hope you like it.

I do not own Sailor Moon, just this plot and some of the characters.