Hey there peoples, I'm back again with chapter 11 : Tales From The Past. This chapter is Rei telling a story so it will go into flashbacks a lot. You'll be able to tell that it's a flashback if it goes into italics and will be separated by a row of five *****, like that. Hope there's no confusion. RubyRedDragon05, don't worry, Rei doesn't like Marsimon either, in fact, I don't think anyone does. (Except for Tai! hehehe!) Girl-Chama, Rei does feel bad for the way she treated Sora, but this is Rei we're talking about so don't expect that apology any time soon. Thanks to all my other reviewers, I love you all! Now, on with the story.
When the Digi-Destined got back to their house they realized that the battle wasn't over yet. Leta had woken up and refused to be treated like an invalid. Rei and Matt weren't listening and placed her in bed, although they weren't surprised to see her hobble back downstairs in five minutes saying she went through this all the time, that her wound was just a scratch and she's had worse and made it through. That's when Rei pinched her and reminded her that every other time they were wounded they had Serenity's Silver Imperium Crystal to heal them. Leta grudgingly admitted defeat and allowed Matt to take her backstairs, where she was asleep before her head hit the pillow. Matt placed a kiss on her forehead and walked back downstairs to find all of the Digi-Destined sitting in the living, waiting for him to return so Rei could tell them what they wanted to know. Matt walked in and sat next to Tai. Rei, who was standing in the center of the room with her back turned to her friends, acknowledged his entrance with a nod and turned to face the group. "All of this is going to be a little hard to believe." she told them.
"So was the whole thing with the fire and the short skirt and after that I think we're willing to believe just about anything you're going to tell us." Tai said with a laugh.
Rei smiled. "I guess the best place to start would be the beginning/"
"And when was that?" Sora asked.
"Three thousand years ago on the Moon." Everyone looked at Rei with skeptical looks on their faces. Matt was about to say something but Rei stopped him, "No interruptions." Rei took a deep breath and began. "Three thousand years ago there was a kingdom on the moon, known as The Lunar Palace. It was ruled over by Queen Selenity and it was a time of peace we now call the Silver Millennium. This is where Leta and I trained to be Sailor Scouts, but it wasn't the first place we met. It was her sixth birthday....
*****
A small girl ran through the palace with green streamers trailing behind her. She turned many corners until she came to a room that was brightly decorated with balloons and ribbons, all in green and pink. "Daddy!" She said, running and jumping into the arms of her father, a tall man with emerald eyes and silver hair.
"Happy Birthday, my little princess!" He said.
The girl smiled and wriggled free from his grasp. "When will my friends be arriving?" she asked.
"The Princesses from Mars, Venus, Mercury and the Moon should be here any moment."
As if on cue four girl entered the room. The first was a girl with long blond hair, worn in two very long pig-tails and crystal blue eyes.. The second girl closely resembled the first, with the same blond hair and blue eyes, only her hair was pulled up into a half ponytail with a red ribbon holding it back. The third girl had deep blue eyes and blue hair to match. Finally, the last princess had long raven hair and purple eyes. The birthday girl ran up to them as a chorus of "Happy Birthday Princess Leta!" was heard around the room.
Leta smiled. "Thank you guys soooo much!" she cried happily, grabbing the hands of the first blond to enter the room. "This way, Serenity." she called pulling the moon princess along with her. They ran over to the table, which was piled high with gifts and sat down. "This is my home," she said, "Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful." Serenity told her.
Leta blushed. "I'm gonna be King when I grow up, just like my daddy!" she exclaimed happily.
For the first time the girl with the raven hair spoke up. "You can't be King," she said, "You're a girl, you'll be Queen
Leta's face flushed with anger and her eyes filled with tears "My daddy said I could be anything I wanted to be, and I want to be king!"
"Rei," the girl with the blue hair reprimanded, "Don't be mean, Leta can be king if she wants to be."
*****
"I guess you could say our friendship started out on a bad note, in fact, it was pretty bad up until we moved to the moon when we were twelve...
*****
Rei opened the door to the room she would be occupying during her stay on the moon. The walls were painted a light pink and there were two beds, each draped with purple and pink blankets. 'Pink,' Rei thought, 'they know I hate that color.' She flopped down on the nearest bed and prepared to take a short nap before she had to be formally announced to Queen Selenity. She was just about asleep when the door was opened again and her roommate walked in. Rei sat up in her bed and sighed when she saw who it was.
Leta walked into the room and automatically recognized the person lying in the bed before her. 'Great,' she thought as the sleeping figure moved and then sat up. "Hello Rei." she said nicely.
Rei looked at Leta and now understood the color choice. Purple was her favorite color and pink was Leta's. "Hello." Rei returned with a small smile.
Leta walked to the second bed and set her things down. With another glance at Rei she sat on the edge and sighed. 'Time for operation :Make Rei my friend.' Leta thought to herself . "I wonder why they put us together?" Leta asked.
Rei laughed a little. "Probably because we're the only two that don't get along, so they thought that throwing us together might make us like each other." Rei laughed again. " I hate to admit it, but it's a good idea."
Leta giggled. "Your probably right." She got up from her bed and sat down next to Rei, "So what do you think," she asked, "A truce?"
Rei looked at the hand that Leta extended in friendship. Rei smiled before reaching out her own and grasping Leta's offer.
*****
"It was then that we became friends. We were so caught up talking that we forgot the time and missed the introduction ceremony. We were in trouble for weeks, and inseparable since then. Training started soon after...
*****
Rei and Leta walked down the steps and onto the training ground. They were late again and were lucky when their teacher ignored their entrance and began the lesson. "You have been learning the art of sword play and the Queen thinks it's time for you to try out you own powers. Mina, you will be the leader of the inner scouts, so you'll go first." Mina transformed, as did Ami, until only Rei and Leta were left. Rei accepted her transformation wand and in a rush of flames became Sailor Mars.
Leta had watched the others transform with fascination and now that it was her turn she could feel her heart beat quicken it's pace. She was given her wand and cried "JUPITER POWER, MAKE UP!" Lightning arced across the sky and erupted from the end of her wand. It flowed in a circle around her before encasing her body in an electric storm. When it was gone, Sailor Jupiter stood before her friends.
*****
"The first transformation was extremely hard on our bodies. We could do no more than change back before all our energy was spent. The teacher said we had all done well and gave us the rest of the day off. Leta and I both went back to our room and slept. The next day the teacher told us we were going to practice our attacks...
*****
For once in their lives Leta and Rei were on time to practice. Today was a very special day, for they would be learning their first attacks. The teacher told them all to transform. When that was finished, she called Leta to the front of the arena. "Listen to your heart," the teacher said, "You will know what to do."
Leta closed her eyes and focused on the voice within her. Although she did exactly what she was told, she felt no power within herself. She was about to give up and open her eyes when she heard a voice so small it was almost indistinguishable. 'Believe in yourself and the power you have.' The voice told her. Leta could suddenly feel a surge of power. A small antenna raiser from her tiara and lighting began to fall from the sky and gather around it. Leta crossed her arms over her chest and cried out "JUPITER SUPREME THUNDER!" All of the lightening flew forward and completely destroyed the target. Leta opened her eyes and a huge grin plastered itself on her face.
Rei was smiling at her, a look of pride in her eyes. It was her turn next. Rei closed her eyes and repeated the actions of Leta, but her voice was loud and clear. 'Release the fire within you.' It told her. Rei clasped her hands together and a ball of flames appeared above them. She twirled around a few times, the flames swirling around her, and released the flames, shouting "MARS FIRE IGNITE!" The flames obliterated the target. Rei's eyes flew open as Leta threw her arms around her. Rei was about to say something when she noticed that Princess Serenity was standing at the top of the stairs.
*****
"It was then that Serenity told us that the Earth Prince and his four general would be coming to the moon. The Prince and Princess were betrothed, and it was time to officially announce the engagement. Of course, that meant a huge party...
*****
Leta walked through the halls and made her way to the grand ballroom. She had worn her hair down and the brown curls fell to the middle of her back. She was wearing an emerald dress that accented her eyes. A gold choker dangled from her neck and had a star with the words 'forever' at it's center.
Leta entered and found that she was late. Rei was in the arms of a blond man, dancing across the floor. Leta smiled, lost in thought, until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see a man with long auburn hair and clear blue eyes that she felt herself getting lost in. He bowed before her and introduced himself as Nephlite. "May I have this dance, my lady?" he asked. Leta felt a small blush creep up her face and could only nod in reply.
As they danced across the floor Leta found herself falling for this mysterious stranger. When the night was over he told her that he was one of the Earth Princes Generals and that he would be here as long as the prince was. Leta smiled. Nephlite walked her to her door and placed a gentle kiss on her lips before making his way back to his room.
*****
"That same night I met a man named Jedeite. He was also one of the Princes Generals and staying on the moon...
*****
Rei entered the Ball alone. She was wearing a red dress and her normally free hair was pulled up and curled, with a few tendrils framing her face. She wore no jewelry, but place a single red rose in her hair. As she watched the other couple dance her eyes immediately fell upon a blond man on the other side of the room. He had deep blue eyes and a charming smile.
He smiled and walked across the hall, his eyes never once leaving hers. When he finally reached her he took her hand in his and kissed it. "Will you give me the honor of dancing with you, Phoenix." he asked. Rei was slightly surprised at his boldness, but let herself be lead onto the dance floor.
They danced until dawn, neither wanting to leave the other.
*****
"Everything was perfect. Leta and Nephlite were engaged to be married and it wasn't long before Jedeite proposed....
*****
Rei made her way through the gardens. Jedeite had told her to meet him there and that he had something important to tell her. Rei assumed that he was going to tell her that he was going home so she was very shocked when she rounded a corner and found all her friends standing around a large cake. "Happy Birthday!" they shouted when she arrived.
Rei felt tears fill her eyes. "Thank you all so much!" she said.
As the night wore on everyone left, leaving her alone with Jedeite. They sat together and she was resting against his chest, he was playing idly with a strand of her hair. "You know I love you, right?" Jedeite asked her.
Rei pushed herself up to look into his eyes. Seeing nothing but love she answered "Yes, and I love you."
"Then marry me." he said softly.
Rei's body in shock as the words escaped his lips. Tears filled her eyes as she pulled him into a kiss. "Yes." she whispered when they finally broke apart.
*****
"That's when everything went bad. A noble from earth named Beryl had her eyes on Endymion and decided that she would marry him and when she heard he was betrothed to Serenity she became insanely jealous. Her family was very influential and began spreading rumors that the moon just wanted to gain control of earth, then they told the moon that they had one month to give Endymion to Beryl of they would initiate a war. Endymion sent his Generals to earth in hopes of dispelling the oncoming war...
*****
Leta stood against the wall and watched Nephlite pack his bags. He told her the night before that he was returning to earth and she had not left his side yet. "Why must you go?" she asked, breaking the silence. "Beryl will never allow Serenity to have Endymion, there's nothing you can do."
Nephlite sighed. "That maybe true, but we have to try." He walked over to where she was standing and placed his arms around her. "I would never forgive myself if war was brought to the moon and something happened to you."
The tears that had been stinging Leta's eyes now fell freely down her cheeks. "What if I never see you again?" she asked quietly.
Nephlite smiled and wiped her tears away. "Don't worry my love, I will come back for you."
*****
"As everyone expected the war started soon after the Generals' departure. Weeks passed with no word from any of them, and that's when the rumors started. It was believed that Beryl had joined with Mettalia, the last remaining Child of Chaos, and had taken the generals' hostage. It was later confirmed that Nephlite and Jedeite were seen leading Beryl's armies on to the battle field. Soon after that conflicts started on the moon. The Sailor Scouts were the only things that help peace, that is until the fateful day that Nephlite kept his promise and returned for Leta...
*****
Sailor Jupiter ran through the bloody grounds. It had come through the communications network that Nephlite was on the moon, fighting in the very same battle. Leta couldn't believe it, nor could she believe that he was truly evil. She had told Rei that she was going to find him. Rei, who had been fighting beside her, wished her luck, but also said that if she wasn't back in twenty minutes she was going to come looking for her. Leta smiled at her friends concern, but knew that Nephlite would never hurt her.
As she came to a clearing she saw him. His back was turned and her held a bloody sword in his hands. She called out his name and threw her arms around him. "I thought I would never see you again." she said softly.
Suddenly Leta was flung to the ground. She looked up to see Nephlite looking at her with disgust. "How dare you touch me, you filthy bitch!"
Tears filled Leta's eyes and a look of pain flashed through them. Leta stood back up. "I..." she faltered, "I...what happened to you?"
"Nothing that concerns you." he replied, drawing his sword and pointing at her, "Now, it's time to die." He lunged at her with amazing speed. She tried to jump out of the way, but got caught in the arm. She dropped her sword and held her cut, blood seeping through her fingers. "Why fight the inevitable, Princess?" Nephlite grabbed her hair and pulled her off the ground, placing his sword at her neck. "I guess this is goodbye." He laughed. With one quick motion Leta's life was ended.
Rei had just entered the clearing and saw as Leta's body dropped to the ground. She put her hands over her mouth as Nephlite took the head in his hand and kissed before tossing it to the ground. Rei sank to her knees, tears pouring down her cheeks. Without a second thought she drew her sword and charged at Nephlite.
He was unprepared and looked down in surprise to see the hilt of Sailor Mars' sword in his chest. He drew in a few ragged breaths before falling to the ground and closing his eyes for the last time. It was then that Rei noticed it. She knelt down and pulled the chain from his neck and dangling at the bottom was a golden star with the word forever etched across the surface.
*****
"That night I watched as best friend was stuck down by the one she loved. It was then that I finally admitted to myself that even if I did find Jedeite, he would be the same as Nephlite. But I didn't have to try and find Jedeite, he found me...
*****
Sailor Mars walked numbly across the battle Field, taking in the scene around her. It had been the worst defeat for the Moon. Hundreds of the Moon's soldiers had died today. Rei knew it was just a matter of time before the Lunar Palace fell to Beryl's forces. With sad sigh she found the body of Sailor Venus, lying close to the body of Mercury. 'I'm the last one.' she thought, 'and I will be gone soon, I know Jedeite is looking for me.'
Rei looked up to see a familiar face standing a few feet in front of her. 'Looks like he found me.' "Hello Jedeite." She said calmly.
"Hello Princess." He said with a slight bow. "You know why I'm here, so let's get this over with." With that, he drew his sword and attacked.
Rei was ready for him, but not prepared for his strength. Their swords met and sparks flew through the air. Although Rei put up a good fight, the battle was over before it really begun. No matter how many times she told herself that he would kill her she couldn't bring herself to hurt him. "Why are you doing this?" she asked him.
"Why not, I don't have anything better." he told her, knocking her sword out of her hands.
"Yes you do," she cried, falling to he ground in tears, "You have me." she looked him in the eyes. "I...I love you."
"Love?" he questioned. "Why would I love you, Why would anyone love you?"
Rei stood to face him, tears coursing down her cheeks. She looked at him, knowing he would be the last thing she ever saw. "Goodbye my love." she whispered as Jedeite drove his sword through her heart. Rei felt weightless, like she was flying through the air. As the light faded around her she thought 'I will never love again.'
*****
"After I died it was only three days until the moon fell. Amidst all the death and destruction Selenity used the last of our strength to send the Princess, the Scouts and the Generals into the future and a new life. Somehow Beryl was also sent and when we were reborn she reclaimed the Generals as her warriors of darkness and we were forced to fight them again, but we had no memories of our past so there was nothing holding us back from using our full abilities against them. They didn't stand a chance." Rei sighed, taking a breath and wiping a tear from her eye. 'This cycle will continue. Each time we die, we will be reborn, until Serenity becomes Queen, and then, with the forming of Crystal Tokyo we will become immortal." Rei sat on the couch and rested her head in her hands, waiting for the questions she knew were coming.
"So, you guys are princesses?" Tai asked. Rei nodded. The room was silent, each person taking in Rei's unbelievable story.
"So," Matt said, breaking the tension, "does Leta's outfit look like yours?"
Rei smiled. "Yeah, but where mine is red hers is green and where mine is purple hers is pink."
"I like green." Matt said.
The Digi-Destined had many questions and Rei answered them all as well as she could.
*****
Ken pushed himself of the wall and walked towards his room. "Well, well, well." Ken said "she's a Princess, that makes it even better."
So, what do you think? That's my longest chapter yet. I'm kinda proud of myself. I guess we know why Rei said there is no one she likes, I'd be afraid of love if all that crap happened to me. But hopefully she use Leta and Matt as an example and move on. Next chapter Matt and Leta share a little quiet time together, Rei apologizes to Sora and Tai once again tries to tell Rei how he feels.
Stay tuned for Chapter 12 : New found Friends