Hello all! Sorry it's been so long since the last update, I had an extremely large and unwavering case of writers block. Every time I sat down and tried to write my mind would go blank and I'd end up thinking about other things, Orlando Bloom, The Backstreet Boys, shoes. Anything that wasn't Sailor Moon or Digimon. But I'm back now and hopefully that will never happen again. It seems that everyone else is willing to bow down to the sexiness that is Legolas Greenleaf so it looks like I'll be doing that story next, and then the CardCaptors one after that. Anyways, This is JUPITER STRIKES BACK and in this chapter another battle in the Digital World occurs, Leta kicks a little ass, Rei gets a little depressed, Tai and Ken get a little physical and Rei and Ken get a whole lot closer. I hope you all enjoy it! By the way, I skipped the normal battle poses
that they have to do to use their powers, I think they're corny!
Leta sat on the couch twirling her transformation wand in her hand anxiously. Today was the day. She was going back into the Digital World and she would have her revenge. Last time she fought with the Kaizer she was hurt pushing a friend into safety and she was out of commission for three days, forced to lie in bed and wait until her friends deemed her injuries healed. It had been hell for her. She told everyone that it was just frustration from getting hurt but in reality it was self-loathing at letting some fool in a cape get the best of her. Leta prided herself on her fighting abilities and she wasn't about to let one man stand in her way. He had to be destroyed, and she was the one to do it. "Ease up a little, if you break that your gonna be in a world of trouble." Leta glanced up and saw that Rei was standing over her, staring at her hand. Leta looked down and realized that she was grasping her wand so tightly that her knuckles were turning white.
Leta smiled sheepishly. "Yeah...I guess I'm just a little anxious to get going."
"Me too." Rei lied. If the truth were told every one would find out that Rei really didn't want this battle to end. When it was over Rei would be leaving, alone, and that frightened her more than the Kaizer ever could. Sure, Rei was friends with the other scouts, but it wasn't like her friendship with Leta. The others only took her for what she appeared to be, a stubborn girl with a mean streak who often didn't stop to think about others. Leta had looked past all that and realized that Rei was a girl who had grown up without anyone to show her that there was another way to be. Her grandfather had meant well, but a 65 year old man can't really be expected to raise a little girl. Leta and Rei's relationship had started out a little rocky, but in the end they were inseparable. Rei was scared that when she went home everything would change. That Serena, Ami and Mina would turn their backs on her like so many had done before. And although she would never admit it she secretly wished that Leta would change her mind and go home with her.
The two girls sat on the couch, each completely immersed in their own thoughts. Tai stopped in the doorway and stared at Rei. She looked tense about something...and unhappy. Tai wanted to put his arms around her and tell her that everything would be okay, but now wasn't the time for that. Now was the time to fight, but if that was true why couldn't her get the image of her sad eyes out of his mind. Tai shook his head clear and walked over to the computer, connecting to the internet.
Matt, who had followed Tai in, walked over to the couch and knelt beside Leta. There were a few thing he wanted to tell her, the first being not to rush into battle thoughtlessly. If what Rei told them was true, then Leta was an experienced fighter who knew how to take care of herself, but he also knew that Leta was the kind of girl who thought with her heart, just look at what happened with Nephlite. She had rushed into that battle and had lost, more than just the fight, she lost her life, and Matt didn't want a repeat of the past. "Leta." he said quietly, "I just wanted to make sure you were okay?"
"Leta frowned. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Matt sighed, searching for the right words to express how he felt. "I just don't want anything to go wrong today, last time you got hurt and I don't want that to happen again."
"You wanted to make sure I knew what was happening and that I wont rush into battle without thinking first." Matt flushed. "Your a really bad liar, you know that." Leta laughed, placing a small kiss on his lips. "I'll be careful, I promise. Besides, I have you and Rei to protect me."
Tai stopped typing on the computer and turned to his friends. "When everyone else shows up we'll leave."
"No need to wait for us." Mimi said walking into the room, followed closely by Sora, Izzy, Joe and T.K. "Let's go." Everyone stood up, pulling their Digi-Vices out of their pockets. Simultaneously they all pressed the buttons and in a splash of color the disappeared into the clear blue of the computer screen.
*****
They arrived on a small hill, covered with swaying green grass and decorated with the tiniest of yellow flowers. Rei looked out over the horizon, and upon seeing it she was almost able to forget that they were here to fight. There were purple snow-capped mountains glittering in the distance and at their base was a forest, tree's standing majestically against the fading yellow of the sun. The twinkling of the nights first stars could be seen and a slight breeze lifted the scent of the flowers up and into the air, weaving an exotic perfume in heavens, toying with her senses. She smiled, wishing she could stay like this forever, with her friends, but she knew something was missing. Rei looked over to where Leta and Matt were holding hands, whispering to each other so low that no one else could hear them. Rei sighed, wishing she had someone whispering sweet nothings to her, holding her hand...loving her. But now wasn't the time to pout about he love life, or what she was lacking, and she raised her head and walked down the hill. A soft fluttering could be heard on her right and Rei didn't need to look to know that Marsimon was hovering next to her. "What?" She asked.
"Nothing." The small flying feline said smugly, coming to rest on Rei's shoulder. "Just thought I might hang around and watch as you make a fool of yourself."
Rei frowned. "Can't you ever be nice." Rei said hopefully, looking at Leta with her Digimon. "Why can't you be like Jupymon?" Marsimon didn't say anything, just pushed of Rei's shoulder, leaving claw marks where she had been sitting. "Right," she said to herself, "and the Kaizer's just gonna give up and let us win. Miracles happen."
Leta smiled and Jupymon. Her Digimon was bouncing around her feet telling her what she was going to do to the Kaizer. "I'll bite him and then I'll...I'll ....GGGRRRRRR ...and after that I'll kick him...well, if I had legs I'd kick him!"
"Thanks...I think." Leta smile, "But why don't you let me take care of the Kaizer."
Tears filled the Digimon's eyes and she started to hop away sadly. "You don't want me to help." She cried dejectedly.
Leta sighed, following Jupymon. "Of course I want you to help, but I want to hurt him myself. I'll let you bite him after I'm done okay?"
Jupymon though for a moment before replying " Okay, but if you need any help, just ask."
"Rodger that."
"I hate to break up this little moment," Tai said, "But we've got company." Everyone looked to where Tai was pointing and saw the Kaizer coming up the hill riding on the back of another Garurumon. It was huge and snarling, drool sliding down it's mouth. A large gray collar was around it's neck, obviously placed there by the Kaizer so he could control the large Digimon. The Kaizer himself was standing on it's shoulders, whip in hand and a superior smile on his face. Although none could see is eyes it was obvious that his gaze was directed towards Rei. She took and involuntary step back, side-stepping behind Tai. The Kaizer frowned and stepped down from his Garurumon, flicking his wrist, causing the whip to crack loudly. Rei's eyes lost their focus and she dropped to the ground, one hand at the side of her head, cradling it as if she were in pain, and she was. She closed her eyes and when she did her dreams flashed across her mind...that smile...the whip...it was all so familiar...it was all the same as her dreams...but that meant....Rei's eyes snapped open and she looked up. The Kaizer was standing a few feet in front of her, a frown on his normally cruel lips, but soon reality melded with her dream and the grass faded leaving a dark forest...stars in the sky...and her and the Kaizer...face to face...talking...confessing...kissing... It was all to much for her to handle. She tried to stand, but when she couldn't find the strength she fell forward, the last threads of consciousness leaving her.
Everyone watched her fall, each forming their own ides in their minds on what could be wrong. Tai reached to catch her before she hit the ground, but was surprised to see the Kaizer move fast and catch her in his arms. He lifted her gently and brushed her hair out of her face. He checked her over for any signs of injury before softly resting her on the ground and standing back up. Tai had watched with ill-concealed fury as the Kaizer touched Rei and he made a move for him but Leta got there first.
*SMACK*
The Kaizer reeled back from the force of her unexpected assault. When he finally regained his composure a thin stream of blood was trailing down from the left side of his mouth. He smiled and swept his tongue across his lips, licking up all the blood. "Silly me." he said appraisingly, "I underestimated you, but then I've never seen anyone go down as fast as you did last time we met."
Leta's eyes widened at his insult and she could no longer hold her anger and rage. Leta's transformation wand seemed to appear out of nowhere and she raised it into the air, crying "JUPITER CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE UP!" Jagged bolts of electricity escaped from it and began to ring her floating body. It weaved and tangled itself with the other bolts finally encasing her body in its radiance, creating a blinding white flash of light. When it was over Sailor Jupiter stood before them, ready for battle. Her outfit was similar to Rei's but had a green fitted skirt with trailing pink ribbons. Green boots encased her feet and a shimmering emerald was at the center of her golden tiara. The Kaizer seemed unimpressed. "Enough with the light show, FIGHT!" With that he attacked, his whip circling her wrist.
With a swift motion he pulled her to her knees and smiled, but his smile vanished when she lifted her head, grabbed the whip with both hands and screamed "JUPITER SUPREME THUNDER!" Thin wisps of lightening formed at her finger tips and began traveling up the length of the whip. When they reached his hands he screamed out in pain and dropped the whip, which Leta grabbed. She walked forward, the whip dangling dangerously in her hand. "Never underestimate a Sailor Scout."
"My mistake." the Kaizer said contemptuously. The Kaizer's gaze shifted from Leta and he seemed to be staring behind her. "Now it's my turn."
Leta turned in time to see the Kaizer's Garurumon advancing on her. It sent a Howling Blaster her way. She was able to dodge most of it, but got caught in the arm. It singed her flesh and she winced from the pain but kept on fighting. The Kaizer's Digimon attacked again but this time she heard a cry from the right. "JUPYMON DIGIVOLVES TO...JUPADAMON!" The small green head began to glow and change. It began to sprout legs and a tail and it's soft green flesh began to turn scaly. When the transformation was complete a five foot dragon stood before Leta. It's scales glistened under the pale moonlight and it bared razor sharp fangs at the Garurumon. It took a few steps back before charging at the Kaizer's Digimon at full speed. "THUNDER QUAKE!" Jupadamon called out, shoving her horn into the ground. The land began to rumble and shake, bolts of lightening from invisible clouds striking it. A large fisher formed and the Kaizer's Digimon fell into it, only to be pushed back out by another large burst of electricity. The Garurumon fell to the ground, it's charred skin smoking.
Rei slowly opened her eyes, focusing on the situation around her. When she saw Leta fighting the Kaizer on her own all the pain that Rei was in instantly vanished. All she could think about was helping her friend. Standing up, she threw out her arm and called out "MARS CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE UP!" Once again swirls of fire consumed her and left Sailor Mars standing in her place.
'Just what I've been waiting for.' The Kaizer thought to himself. He had been disappointed that Rei had left the fight so early, he had something special planned for her and now he would have to act quick since her friend was unexpectedly powerful.
Rei made a move to walk forward and join the battle, but a hand on her arm stopped her. She turned to see Tai. He had a worried expression on his face and seemed reluctant to release her. Rei gently pried Tai's hand from her arm, "I have to fight." she told him.
"I know." Tai said, "But are you sure you can handle it?"
Rei smiled, "I was born to fight." With that she turned and ran onto the battleground, not stopping until she reached Leta's side. "Hey," she called, "Need any help?"
"Not really," Leta said harshly, walking towards the Kaizer. "This fight was over before it ever began."
Rei glanced over to the fallen Digimon, crinkling her nose at the scent of burning flesh. Leta was right, she didn't need Rei's help. The two Sailor Scouts continued walking towards the Kaizer, their every intention was to finish this battle, end it here and now, but the Kaizer had other plans.
He turned to Rei, a cold smile on his face. "I have a present for you." Rei stopped walking, apprehension flashing in her eyes. The Kaizer held up a small silver ball. "It's not much, but I'm sure you'll like it." With that he threw the sphere in Rei's direction. To shocked to move she could only watch as it approached her. When it reached her it stopped, hovering in the air before enlarging and flying towards her neck. Rei tried to grasp it, but it attached itself around her neck before she could get a hold of it.
At first nothing happened, but suddenly Rei felt her powers draining. She held out her hands and watched in horror as her white gloves faded away, leaving only her hands. She looked down and saw that her entire Sailor uniform had vanished, replaced with her normal clothes. Her mouth dropped open and she looked to Leta for help. Her friend could only stare at her in shock. Rei stared at the Kaizer, tears forming in her amethyst eyes. "What have you done to me?"
The Kaizer laughed. "It's just one of my Dark Spirals. You don't like it?" He watched Rei from behind his goggles. 'I'm sure you wont appreciate this now, but I can't have you running around in these battles and getting yourself hurt....' "I never thought about using them on humans, and although I can't control you I did negate your powers. Looks like it's up to wonder woman here and those fools that you call friends."
Rei dropped to her knees, tears running from her eyes, Her powers had never been taken from her before and she didn't know how she would be able to live without them. She remembered back to when they first arrived and what they were told about the Kaizer's devises for destruction, but she never thought that they could be used against her, it was all to much to handle...
Tai watched in shock as Rei fell to her knees and cried. He could no longer hold in his anger and he ran forward, hurting the Kaizer his every intention. Leta turned in time to see his supposed assault. "Tai, NO!" She yelled, but Tai ignored her and kept moving towards the Kaizer.
The Kaizer watched him approach in amusement, and then looking past Tai, he saw that his Garurumon had risen and was now coming to protect it's master. Marsimon, however, also noticed this, and her feline voice rang through the silence "MARSIMON DIGIVOLVES TO....AURAMON!" After another burst of bright light Auramon stood in front of the Kaizer. She was now about four feet tall, her once scaled wings now feathered and she wore golden cuffs just above her four paws. "No one hurts Tai." She growled. "CRIMSON INFERNO!" Her body lifted off the ground and each time she flapped her wings streams of fire escaped from them. The Kaizer's Garurumon hit the ground and this time would never rise again. Auramon padded over to where Rei was kneeling. She dropped to he ground and looked into Rei's eyes. "Although I do not like it, I will admit defeat, Tai is yours and from this day forth I will protect you as I would protect him."
Rei looked at her Digimon and a fresh torrent of tears escaped her eyes. "Leta walked over and put her arms around her friends shoulders. "We need to get her home."
*****
It had been three days since they had left the Digital World and no ones mood had improved. Leta was frustrated that she wasn't able to defeat the Kaizer and it was all Matt could do to keep her from going back herself. Rei stormed through the house, snapping at anyone who even looked at her wrong. Her relationship with Marsimon had improved, but it still didn't change the fact that she couldn't use her powers and would be useless in any coming fights. But Tai's mood was the worst. He was mad at Marsimon for telling Rei how he felt, even though in all of her confusion at that moment she didn't hear it. He was mad at himself for not being able to protect her, he was mad at ken, although he couldn't figure out why, but most of all he hated the Kaizer. He hated him for destroying the Digital world, for hurting Rei, for everything and he had nowhere to let that aggression out. He walked through the house, not going anywhere particular, and when he rounded the corner he slammed into something. "Watch where your going!" He yelled.
"I was." came the cold reply.
Tai looked up and met Ken's ice blue eyes. 'Great,' he thought to himself, 'just who I wanted to see.' "Get out of my way." Tai said callously, "I'm not in the mood."
"Not in the mood for what?" Ken questioned, "Manners?"
"Move."
Ken stepped aside, a cruel smile on his face. "Fine, I was just on my way to see Rei."
At the sound of Rei's name Tai turned, anger flashing in his eyes. "You stay away from Rei." He threatened.
"No," Ken said, "I don't think I will." He paused and smiled. "Besides, I don't think Rei wants to stay away from me." Tai felt his will power drain away. He balled his fist and punched Ken in the face. Ken stumbled back but quickly regained his composure. He lifted a hand to his lips and wiped away the blood, smiling. "Now what was that for?" ha asked, though the sound of his voice made it obvious he was mocking Tai.
"Stay away from Rei!" he said again, preparing to hit him again.
"No." Ken said calmly.
"Stay away from her!" Tai yelled, launching himself at Ken. He hit him at full force, knocking them both to the ground in a mess of flailing arms and legs. Punches were thrown and both boys were beginning to tire.
"What are you too doing?!"
The fighting stopped and both Tai and Ken looked up into the shocked and frustrated eyes of Leta. Tai was the first to jump up, a look of guilt in his eyes. "We were...uh...-"
"Nothing much," Ken said smoothly, brushing a lock of blue hair out of his eyes, "just a little friendly wresting." With that he walked away, taking on last glance at Tai he smiled.
Leta walked over to Tai and used the edge of her sleeve to wipe away the blood that was beginning to fall from a small cut above his eye. "Are you gonna tell me the truth now?" She questioned.
Tai sighed, reaching a hand up to his face and rub his now aching jaw. "I hit him." he stated.
"Why?"
"I don't know why." Tai said, "Partly because I had all this pent up anger from our last battle with the Kaizer and partly because I feel like I'm loosing Rei to him." Tai slumped against the wall and hung his head. "Do you think she likes him?"
Leta bit her bottom lip. She knew that Rei liked Ken, but she also knew that she wasn't gonna be the one to tell him. "I don't know," she lied, "Maybe you should just ask her yourself." Tai offered her a small smile and then turned and left. "Poor guy."
"Who?" Matt asked, standing behind her and wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
"Tai," Leta said, "I think he knows that Rei likes Ken." Leta turned in Matt's arms and rested her head on Matt's chest. "I feel bad for him, but I've never seen Rei act the way she does when Ken is around. I don't know what to do"
"We stay out of this." Matt said simply. "It'll be hard, seeing as Rei is your best friend and Tai is mine, but it would be safer for us to just not get involved. Imagine what would happen if you told Rei she should get with Tai and I told Tai he should just give up and let Ken win, it would be total chaos."
Leta laughed. "I guess your right. So, now that we're officially out of it, what do you want to do tomorrow?"
Matt closed his eyes, "Well, we could go up to my room and-"
"Pervert!" Leta said, punching him in the arm.
"Seriously," Matt began, "It doesn't matter, as long as I'm with you." Leta smiled and kissed him softly. Maybe it would be a good day after all.
*****
Rei sat in the backyard her arms circling her knees, hugging them to her chest. She had been here all day, hoping that no one would find her. They had all been asking her pointless questions; how she was, how she was feeling? She wanted to scream at them all to go away, but she bit her lips and answered their questions the best she could. When everything had quieted down she found her chance and slipped out.
She raised her hand to the silver band around her neck. It didn't hurt, not physically anyway. It could be passed of as a necklace so she wouldn't have to worry about trying to explain it to anyone. It was still hard for her to think about, not being able to use her powers. They had always been there, even before she had become a Sailor Scout, she could feel them running through her body, they were a part of her. Now she felt powerless, useless...empty. She lowered her head, tears once again forming in the corner of her eyes.
"You've been crying all day."
Rei looked up and saw Ken standing over her. She quickly wiped away the tears and stood up. "I'm fine."
"If you don't want to talk about, that's fine, but if you ever need someone, I'm here." Ken said softly, surprised at himself for letting all he was feeling be evident in his voice.
Rei looked into his clear blue eyes, amazed to see that there was actually emotion in them. There was sadness...and something else, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Surprised at the amount of emotion he was showing her she burst into tears again and threw her arms around his neck. Ken didn't know how to react, he rarely ever showed his emotions and wasn't quite sure how to comfort her. He slowly let his arms circle her waist, pulling her closer to him than anyone had ever been before. It was awkward at first, but he eventually gave into all that he was feeling and closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of Rei in his arms. "They just don't understand..." her voice cut through the silence, " it hurts so much..."
"Ssshhhh..." Ken said softly, trying to quiet her. "It will all okay."
"It wont!" Rei yelled, pulling herself from his embrace, "Things will never be the same again!" She took a few steps back, looking into Ken's eyes, "You'll never understand!"
She turned to walk away, but Ken grabbed her arm. "I might not understand, but I want to help." With that he pulled her back into his arms and placed a soft kiss on her lips. At first she was shocked and tries to pull away, but he wouldn't release her. Then she found herself not wanting to get away. She wound her arms around his neck, allowing her hands to slide into his soft hair. Ken, suddenly realizing what he was doing, pulled away. "I'm sorry." he said softly, running his hands through his hair.
Rei grabbed him and pulled him close. "Don't be." She said, kissing him again.
Once again I want to apologize for the huge wait with this chapter. It won't happen again! (I hope!) So this chapter was a big huge mix of everything, and Leta kicked ass. And just for the record, Leta punched the Kaizer, she didn't slap him. *smack* just sounds better than *punch* Rei and Ken sitting in a tree K*I*S*S*I*N*G! Yeah, Rei is a little soft on Ken, but she's never seen the side of him that Tai has, and she doesn't know who he really is, but she will learn the truth. And Ken and Tai finally fought it out, but o one won, and If Rei had caught them instead of Leta they both would have been in a lot more trouble. Anyways, next chapter, Rei and Ken and Matt and Leta all share a few quiet moments alone.
Stay tuned for Chapter 16 :Love Is In The Air