Epilogue

It had been a little over a year since that fateful day that Rei found herself suspended from duty, and lost her position as second in command and her princess's personal guard. A little over year since she thought she had lost those who meant the most to her, her best friends, her family. Some things had changed for Rei since that day.

In that time she had learned to better control her emotions, and to not take them out on others. She learned how to open up, and talk to her friends, when she was having a hard time. She also learned that she did have a family. One she created herself. One that was, as far as she was concerned, perfect.

Rei's life felt more complete than it ever had. She had first asked to have Jadeite returned to her because she didn't want to be alone any more, and while he was returned to her, she also realized she wasn't alone, even before he was returned. He added more to her life, and was with her always, but so was everyone else. Everyone who meant so much to her.

His biggest contribution to her life, along with his unconditional love and support, was having him by her side settled her more than anything or anyone. He mellowed her explosive temper, and loved her thru it. He helped her find herself again, while helping her be a better her.

Jadeite also took a more active role in helping grandpa run the shrine. He did this so she could be more focused on her schoolwork, and enjoying being a teenager while she still could. She appreciated him for that. She also knew he secretly was keeping an eye on grandpa, and making sure he behaved.

She had finally completely mastered calling her attacks to her mentally. Her Flaming Sniper had been the hardest for her. Even after doing it that one night to save Usagi. She struggled with it after that, but once she got it, it quickly became second nature to her. All of it became second nature to her. It was a good thing too because the enemy they had been facing grew stronger, but they did eventually defeat the enemy, and hadn't had any new ones in several months. Rei hoped it stayed that way for a long time.

She had talked to her father twice since he apologized to her. The conversations had been fairly short. The first had been him informing her that his resignation speech would be airing right before elections began. The second had been her calling to tell him that she had been accepted to college. He had congratulated her, and told her that tuition was covered, as well as books, and anything else she needed.

Her relationships with all of the girls had gotten stronger than ever. Sure she and Usagi bickered some times, but it was always in fun. She had finally been able to see how much Usagi had grown and changed. She was truly proud of her best friend and sister. Usagi had always been a wonderful girl, and she was quickly becoming an amazing woman. Rei was very proud of her for how far she had come. She was even more thankful that Usagi had come into her life, and stayed.

Today was Sunday, and it was time for training. She and Jadeite had just entered the clearing. Rei looked around, and smiled at her friends, her family. There was a new face among them as well. Minako had decided two months ago that she didn't want to wait a few more years for Kunzite to be returned to her, and almost begged Mamoru and Usagi for him to be awakened.

Everyone turned to her and Jadeite when they arrived. Jadeite quickly made his away over to Kunzite. Once there, everyone moved into a half circle around her, Usagi, and Mamoru in the center. Rei didn't have any clue what was going on. She gave a questioning look at Usagi who only gave her a classic Usagi excited smile. Usagi stepped forward, and took Rei's hand.

"Rei Hino, Sailor Mars, a little over a year ago I made a decision that gutted me, and broke my heart. A decision that had to be made, no matter how much I hated it. Two months after that I had to tell you that decision was permanent, with the hope things would ultimately make things better for you. Since then I have watched you heal, grow, and become the best you, you can be. I know it has been a long, hard road for you, but I hope that it has been worth it." Usagi said.

"It has Usa. Thank you." Rei said quietly.

"Good. Now, it is my HONOR to reinstate you as Sailor Venus's second in command, and my personal guard." Usagi stated proudly.

"WHAT?" Rei shrieked as she felt tears welling in her eyes.

"Sailor Mars, as of today you have been promoted to second in command, and the personal guard of our princess. A position of honor, but demands devotion to our princess and this team. Do you accept your promotion, and position?" Minako stated as she stepped up next to Usagi, smiling.

"I do. I absolutely do. It is my honor to hold such a place in this team, and for our princess." Rei responded, tears leaking down her checks.

"Welcome back Rei. I'm so glad to have you as my second again." Minako said proudly.

Rei only nodded then pulled Usagi to her for a hug. "Thank you Usa."

"I need my pyro looking after me." Usagi said quietly with a giggle.

"Always Usa. Always." Rei whispered.

"Alright! No training today! Celebration instead!" Minako stated.

Everyone gave excited whoops. Tables, picnic blankets, and lawn games were quickly spread out around the clearing. Rei walked over to Jadeite. He put an arm around her waist, and pulled her too him, kissing her temple. She wrapped her arms around him, and smiled at him thru her tears of joy.

"How does it feel having your rank and position back Fire Bird?" Jadeite asked before kissing her.

"Mmm. Wonderful, and all is completely right in my life." Rei responded after Jadeite ended the kiss.

"Ami is going to miss her personal guard during battles." Jadeite said.

"I don't think she'll be alone long. Hopefully it will be a long time before we have another enemy though." Rei admitted.

"I agree."

Rei smiled as she leaned her head against Jadeite's shoulder, and looked around the clearing at her friends, her family. They were the best thing to ever happen to her. She loved them more than she ever thought possible, and she would do all she could to never risk losing them, ever. She was staying on the loving side of that line for the rest of her life.