Silver Dreams
Chapter 7 :: "A Melody of Memories"
A/N: You've gotten this far, don't stop now! ^^ Anticipation is rising!
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Aislinn leaned up against the wall, eyes closed and pressing upon the building with her hands. She heard her name being called out, causing her to slightly turn her head and look off to that side. Rei had come back. He fell to his knees as he reached her and wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm sorry..." he said, in near tears. "I came back. I'm so sorry..."
Aislinn slipped her arms around his back and hugged him tightly, resting her head on one of his muscled shoulders, she hadn't noticed it earlier. Both of them had grown so much since they'd last been together.
"Rei-kun... Can we go back?" She whispered quietly, still leaning into him. She hadn't felt the cut on his neck, but his blood slowly seeped into the collar of her kimono.
Before Rei really got the chance to answer when another had entered the alley.
"It looks like you two could use some help. I normally wouldn't do this, but something about you two looks trustworthy. Come on, I'll give you a ride to your house." The woman's voice suggested.
Aislinn loosened her grip on Rei, he would give the better answer.
Rei looked to Aislinn. "Hai, we can go back," he replied to her first, then turned to look at the woman (Zaiten) as he helped Aislinn to her feet. "You're kind to offer, stranger, and I think we could use the ride. My name is Rei, and this here is Aislinn. We'd appreciate a ride to the temple," Rei said, then looked to Aislinn.
Zaiten smiled at the couple. It looked like the two belonged together. "No problem. That's along my way home anyhow. Just be glad that I happen to be driving through here," she said.
These sudden movements then made him wince, as he then remembered the nic on
his neck that was still bleeding. He put a hand to it and hissed in pain as it stung. Bringing his hand out again, he looked to the blood on his fingers. "How did I get cut?" Rei asked himself. Then he remembered the Senshi with the sword to his neck... was she trying to kill him? Strange...
But he wouldn't worry about it now. Now, to only get Aislinn to the temple safely. He took her hand into his, and with his other he placed a gentle hand under her chin and lifted her head up. "Are you okay, Yume-chan?" he asked.
"I'm alright," Aislinn quietly replied, blinking her eyes a few times before looking to him again. She turned and looked towards the woman. Her aura was different than most she had seen before. In the center of the figure was a glowing orange shape. It was the brightest in the center and it lessened in its vibrancy towards the edges. It was strange.
Rei nodded. "Okay then. Um.. This woman here is going to give us a ride home. Don't worry, I'm with you," he said. Then turning his head to Zaiten he asked, "Can I ask you your name, ma'am?"
"My name is Zaiten. By the way is there anyone else who needs a ride. I happen to drive a minivan because I often have to take my students to somewhere in the city," Zaiten offered. She walked up and took a hold of Aislinn's other arm. She had picked up the clue from watching Rei that the girl was blind. "Here, let me help you to the van."
"I don't know if there was anyone else.. Were there Rei?.. Oh, Thank you" Aislinn said aloud as she felt two arms to her sides helping guide her along to a mini-van that was supposed to be up ahead.
"Actually, there are a few that might need a ride," Rei said. "But I don't want to leave your side to get them."
"Alright, then let's get you two into the van. Afterwards we can look for others," Zaiten said, walking forward.
The trio quickly reached the van and Zaiten opened the side door. "Watch your step now," she warned.
The girl listened to Zaiten's warning and lowered her head. She let go of one of the other's arms so she could pull herself in without too much trouble. When she thought she felt the other side of the vehicle she seated herself on the cushioned seats and started feeling around for the seatbelt.
Zaiten turned to Rei. "Where are the others, and I'll go get them. It looks like you might want to stay here," she said, whispering the last part to him.
When Aislinn was seated, Rei turned to Zaiten. "In the diner. I warn you, some of them are probably hurt badly after what happened," he replied. "I should go with you," he added, then looking to Aislinn.
He wanted to go help the other Senshi, but he didn't want to leave Aislinn. He struggled with this decision.
"Don't worry, I'll get them. You stay here," Zaiten said. "I'll be back before you know it." She added a smile as she trotted off.
Rei wanted to stop her, but she was gone before he could say anything. He then shook his head. "Hopefully they're okay," he murmured, then climbed into the van beside Aislinn. "Yume-chan, you okay now?"
"Yeah... I'm ok.. I just think I've had enough of the city for today." She paused placing her hands in her lap for a moment. Letting out a quiet laugh she looked to Rei, "Do you think you could help me find my seatbelt?"
Rei looked around Aislinn for the seatbelt. Then seeing it, he reached over her for it, brushing his hand against her arm. He got so close to her, that he could feel her breathe and smell her quaint perfume. He took the seatbelt and latched it with the other, then
sliding his hand over hers in her lap. "We'll be back at the temple soon, and I'll make sure you can relax in the hot springs without interruption. Like the good ol' days, right?" he said softly.
Aislinn remained silent as Rei had leaned over to help her with the seatbelt. His hands lightly brushed up against her arms and she could tell that he was close to her. She had gripped hands for a moment.
Things were going to be different between the two of them now. She thought quietly until she heard Rei's voice again and felt his hand slide over hers. A smile crossed her face. "The Hot Springs would be great. But relax without interruption... like the old days." She let out a laugh. "It wasn't often we needed to relax without interruption back then."
Rei would have said something more, but then he saw the others coming and watched them as they climbed in.
As soon as everyone was seated and buckled in she started the engine and pulled away. She passed a police officer as she turned a corner. In her rear view mirror she looked at Rei. "You said the Hikawa Jinja, right?" she asked.
"Hai," Rei replied, holding Aislinn's hand firmly as they passed the cop cars. He closed his eyes and prayed they would be protected.
"You're the vigilantes from last night, aren't you?" Zaiten blurted out, unable to control herself any longer.
"I knew it! She can't be trusted," Haruka shouted, bringing out her henshin wand.
"Hold it!" Usagi shouted. "We're no 'vigilantes'. Where did you hear that?"
"I'm not against you, I swear!" Zaiten called out, as she looked in the rear view mirror. "I just wanted to say that I'm glad you are here to protect our city," she said, a few beads of sweat beginning to show.
"I heard it on the news. Some reporter named Umino Kasumi reported it this morning," Zaiten said.
Rei sighed. "Great, just great," he said, then tightening his grip upon Aislinn's hand a little, showing he was frustrated and nervous.
Usagi looked down to the cat on her lap. "What are we going to do?" she whispered to Luna.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine," Luna whispered back, purring and caressing her head against Usagi to calm her. "Tell her we must get our wounded to the hospital. I don't think the Hino temple will cut it for this situation."
"Hotaru already took care of that!" Haruka said, lowering the wand, but keeping it out just in case. "She can heal others. It's one of her specialties. I can hear the whispers of the wind, and Michiru can hear the call of the sea."
Aislinn didn't know exactly what they were talking about, but she wouldn't ask at a time like this. Rei had squeezed her hand, he was frustrated. She took her other hand and placed it over his, so his hand would be between the two of hers. She didn't know what exactly was wrong but she wanted to help.
Luna looked at Hotaru. "She's so young and weak though. Can she handle it?" Luna whispered.
"I trust you," Usagi then said, looking to Hotaru. "On second thought, straight to the temple please, Zaiten." She corrected her misjudgment.
Zaiten nodded and drove on, casting glances back every now and then. "So if you aren't vigilantes, then what are you?" she asked, trying to alleviate the awkward silence.
"That's none of your concern. Just be glad that we're here to help," Haruka growled.
"Do you have to be so rude?" Rei growled, directing it to Haruka.
"Unless you want to compromise yourself farther, then you best adopt an attitude like mine. It's none of her business who we are. The more we tell her, the more that Luna will have to erase!" Haruka shot at Rei.
Rei sneered. "Yume-chan," he whispered, "Look at Zaiten, what do you see?"
Zaiten gulped at the feeling of tension in the back of her van. 'Zai-chan, why do you have to be so nice?' she thought to herself.
Aislinn had closed her eyes, bowing her head and not wanting to get into their heated conversation. Rei had turned to her and whispered a question. What did she see when she looked to Zaiten?
"She has a special energy about her. it's like yours, but it's different. Still Bright and clear... but formed differently." She answered quietly, making a slightly confused face. it wasn't very easy to explain.
"Do you see that she's trustworthy?" Rei asked.
The girl nodded her head in reply.
Rei smiled, then kissed Aislinn's cheek. "Thank you," he whispered, then turning to Haruka. "It would be best if we could trust some. My Obaasan already knows. I don't see why we should keep it from people who could help us. Zaiten is trustworthy. Yume-chan would know if she wasn't," Rei said.
"What do the words of a blind girl have to do with anything?" Haruka asked, her voice full of disbelief. "She can't actually see us, all she sees is darkness."
"Aislinn has a special gift. She can see aura's, more likely she can see our spirits. She's had it since she was a child," Rei explained. "Yume- chan," he said softly, then squeezing Aislinn's hand again. "I'm sorry to put you through this. But, you must explain it. Even better, look at Haruka and tell her what you see around her."
Aislinn's face flushed with colour at the comment and Rei's response. "Well I can try. But I don't think I can just pick one of them.." She turned around, using the direction the voice had come from and looked to the two figures behind her. She blinked her dull
grey eyes a moment trying to clear her vision.
"Two females... One with an aqua energy... There's a symbol as well. Almost like a triton I think..." She paused squinting her empty eyes and tried to make out the other, "Golden colour... I can't make out the symbol, but you were near us in the diner... The others behind you. I see orange... blue, I think green..." The girl stopped there
and turned to rub her eyes. The colours were so vibrant.
Michiru leaned in next to Haruka. "She saw Neptune's sign in me. Please, give her a chance. If nothing else, then we can henshin as a last resort. Right now, though, this is our only hope," she whispered.
Haruka closed her eyes for a couple seconds. "Fine, but the moment she tries to turn into a youma she's toast!" Haruka said in a huff.
Michiru suppressed a giggle. "You know you look kawaii when you pout," she whispered.
Haruka's face flushed and she quickly put on a stern look, hoping no one saw the momentary lapse. "I don't pout," she whispered back, slightly harsh.
"Okay, pout-face," Michiru said, this time unable to stop the giggle.
Rei took Aislinn's hands from her eyes, and touched her cheek softly with his hand. "It's okay, you don't have to look any longer," he whispered to her softly. He then turned to look Haruka and Michiru. "What are you talking about them turning into 'youma'? Do
you know something we don't? If so, tell us!" Rei demanded.
Usagi pouted. "Please, everyone stop fighting!" she cried. "Are we there yet? I want to get out!"
"No, I don't. I'm just warning you, if she turns out to be a youma in disguise, I'll kill her myself," Haruka replied.
"We'll be there in about five minutes. Don't worry, I'm not this 'youma' you speak about. In fact I have Tsukino-san, Kino-san, and Mizuno-san in my class," Zaiten said, trying to put Usagi at ease.
Usagi clenched her fingers into fists, trying to keep from crying. She nodded. "Hai, she is not a youma, she has been my teacher for many years now, and she's a good teacher," Usagi explained.
The rest of the drive was silent, all four minutes left. They arrived to see police cars everywhere. Officers were standing behind their doors, with their weapons drawn. "GET OUT OF THE CAR AND PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR!" one officer shouted.
Usagi gasped. "No... what? Why?" She whined.
Rei scowled, holding securely onto Aislinn's hand, as if to tell her he wouldn't let her go. "Why can't the police ever just butt out?" he growled.
What were the police doing here?! Aislinn's breathing had quickened with the surprise. "Rei-kun" She whispered, squeezing his hand tightly.
[ Mamoru's Apartment ]
Mamoru looked up at the television. A news reporter had just come on with a breaking story. "We've just received word that a local business was nearly destroyed earlier today. The business, Lord's Game Ring, was struck by what witnesses said were monsters and young men and women. Unfortunately the security tape was melted, so no identities are known," the reporter said.
"It is this reporters belief, though, that these young men and women were the same people who destroyed the nightclub in downtown Tokyo last night. Police have urged anyone who has information on who these vigilantes are to please come forth and tell them. You may call the police anonymous hotline if you wish. The number is being
displayed at the bottom of your screen. This is Umino Kasumi signing off," she finished.
Mamoru looked back at his books just before a headache came over him. He put his hands on his head as he fell to the floor. "Kami-sama," he muttered, curling up.
The world around him began to blur. He slowly began to crawl towards the bathroom, hoping that some migraine medicine would help him. After a few minute struggle, the pain seeming to increase with each second, he reached the bathroom. He was reaching up to the cabinet when his body gave out and everything went black.
Lady Rose made her way across the rooftops, heading towards where her instincts told her. Something was pulling at her, someone who was in distress was needing help at that moment. She ran as fast as she could, yet felt that would not be fast enough. She pushed her body to go faster. She arrived at the temple, but hung back, knowing that
when she was truly needed she would know.
[ Negaverse ]
Nephrite scowled at losing Gemini. That had been one of his favorite youma. 'No matter,' he thought. 'If a youma won't take care of them, I'll have to take over the human protectors.'
He disappeared and reappeared in the police station. He focused on one of the officers and a black form seemed to leave his body and enter the officer's. The officer looked up with red eyes. He looked down at the folder he had in his hands. It contained directions to ask around one of the local temples. It seemed that the vigilantes had been seen around there.
He smiled darkly as both himself and his partner left the station. As soon as the two were in their car and away from the station he made a move. He placed his hands on the other man's head and concentrated for a second. The black form from before rose between the two of them, then split in two. One half going into each officer. They pulled up to the temple just a moment before a minivan did.
[ Back at the Van ]
Without waiting for a response or anything the other cop stepped up to the side of the van and with much force pulled the door open revealing the occupants. Roughly he grabbed the nearest girl (Usagi (alternate)) and began trying to pull her from the vehicle.
Usagi screamed as the hand grabbed her and tried to pull her from the vehicle. "What's going on here?" she screamed, "No, please don't!" He succeeded in grabbing her, and she could feel the cold barrel of the gun press against her. She started to whimper but kept from crying, as she was too scared to do anything.
The rough cop succeeded in pulling the girl from the car bringing her out pushing her down against the hood of their cruiser.
"Rei. Those men, they aren't right.." Aislinn whispered hesitantly, both hands clinging tightly to Rei's.
"What do you see?" Rei asked, his eyes narrowing and focusing at the officers. He did feel something wrong about them, if only his suspicions could be confirmed.
"It's black... dark... I don't think it's supposed to be though." The girl answered.
Rei looked to the others. "NegaVerse?" he asked.
Luna nodded. "Take it easy with them, they're still officers too. Try not to hurt them. Silver Moon will be able to heal the evil from out of them. But you must help her!"
The first officer with his gun drawn shouted at them to get out of the van once again, a twisted smirk crossing his features as he started to near the others while his partner pulled the girls arms behind her back slapping one side of the handcuffs over her wrist.
Minako awoke to all the commotion. She then gained consciousness to see them holding Usagi outside. "Venus star power makeup!" She yelled. She stepped out of the van. "Venus binding chain of love!" The chain wrapped around the officer holding Usagi (alternate). "I don't know who you are, but you let her go now!"
Usagi (original) opened her eyes and looked up at Haruka. "What's going on?"
"Now! This should slow you down!" Yelled Minako. "Venus love beam shot!" The light flashed in the officer's eyes blinding them for a limited of time. They fell to the ground holding their eyes. Minako went over and grabbed Usagi undoing her handcuffs. "Now
transform!"
Usagi (alternate) spun around to see the two officers down. Luna jumped onto the roof of the van and shouted, "Now, transform!"
Usagi nodded, raising her hand. "Moon Prism Power, Make up!" Then transforming into Silver Moon - her fuku much like first season Sailor Moon's, except in pinks and silver's - the Crescent Wand immediately appeared in her hand and she held it in front of her face.
"Silver healing..." she said, creating a circle around her with the wand. "Escalation!" The circle turned into a crescent moon, and shot out towards the officers, trailing around them a silver dust that made their bodies glow.
The cops cried out as the healing waves of light destroyed the shadow that was in them. As soon as it was gone the officers fell to their knees and began to look around, confused. "This is too much, I need a break," one officer said, climbing into the car.
The other officer followed suit and they swiftly drove away from the temple. Haruka looked down at Usagi (alternate) and smiled. "Nothing that they couldn't handle. It looks like the fight is over, so let's get out and relax. It's been a long day," she said.
Lady Rose smiled and took off. She had gotten a few blocks away when the pain arose in her stomach. She clutched it and held tight as the world began to spin. After a few seconds everything went black.
- - - - -
Zaiten looked around at the Senshi. "Alright, now just who are you guys?" she demanded. "I've seen two of you do some sort of light show then look totally different afterwards. We've got this girl with the weird healing powers. Then we've got the blind girl who sees auras. Then there are the rest of you. Just what is going on around here?" she asked nearly breaking down in tears of frustration.
Silver Moon detransformed, knowing the secret was out. "Calm down, uhm, we can explain, can't we?" Usagi replied, then looking to the others.
Luna sighed. "Let's get her into the temple, and then we can explain all this. We'll figure out whether or not I have to do what I might have to do," she said, then jumped onto Usagi's shoulder.
Rei helped Aislinn out of the car. "Everything's alright now Yume-chan, it's over," he explained. For now, he then thought to himself.
Grandma Hino ran down to them. "My oh my oh my, you were all such busy little ones aren't you?" she said, then looked to Zaiten she took her hand. "I believe you my dear lady will have to follow me. Much explaining, yes... you too have a special aura. You are all welcome to enjoy our Hot Springs. Come now! Time to relax!" She waved them all into the temple.
Aislinn used Rei's steady hand to help herself out of the vehicle and onto the solid street. "Everything's alright now Yume-chan, it's over," He told her.
"Really?!" She gave him a bright smile with a slightly furrowed brow as she asked the question.
Rei smiled, then held Aislinn close to him. "Look around, no more evil aura's, and you'll be able to relax in the Hot Springs momentarily," Rei said in a soft tone. He hated to know what else Aislinn would have to sit through. Soon enough, he knew, Aislinn might get hurt. He couldn't bear to see that happen.
The girl's expression softened, Rei had held her close... She liked this. He reassured her that it was all right, she'd be able to relax in the Hot Springs. "I wonder if that rope that we tied to the tree is still there" She laughed then paused for a moment and thought about where they were.
Her expression turned to a sour pout and she couldn't keep herself from letting out a low groan, "we haven't taken the stairs yet... I don't like the stairs... eeh"
"I'll carry you then," Rei said with a slight snicker. Before Aislinn could reply, Rei picked her up and held her 'princess' style.
A little surprised sound escaped Aislinn's lips as Rei suddenly picked her up. Her eyes were wide and she quickly gripped onto Rei's shoulder before he bothered to start moving.
"Okay, let's move this thing along. We have some relaxing to do, and the hot springs are waiting for us," he shouted out to the others, then started to climb the steps to the temple. "It is still there," Rei whispered to Aislinn, referring to the rope they had tied to the branch of a tree over one of the hot springs hidden in the grounds.
"Oh is it?" Aislinn giggled, "Guess we'll have to check and see if it's still in good condition then." She gave him a sly grin and then let out another laugh.
"That we will," Rei replied, letting out a short laugh. He then reached the last stair and set her down. "My lady, we have reached the top!"
Just then, they felt a wind rush past them and a streak of yellow. Usagi had run up the stairs in no time flat. "Hot Springs!" she was laughing, "Kakkoi!"
"Why thank you kind Sir." She bowed her head to him and then turned to look to the stairs. She was surprised to see one of the girls with a light pink aura zooming up the stairs. There was even a slight breeze felt as she had rushed by.
Aislinn raised an eyebrow and watched the pink aura. There was such purity around this one. "Excited about the Hot Springs?" She questioned, smiling as she cocked her head to the side. She made sure not to keep her gaze on the girl steady.
"Hai, Aislinn-san," Usagi replied. "I've never been in them before, are they nice?"
"I would say so. I love the Hot Springs. Warm and relaxing, and good for sitting around with friends." She answered, "They're always nice after a long day." Aislinn currently had a lot on her mind, all the happenings of this day had been strange, possibly even stressfull, sitting back to soak might help her to clear those thoughts.
"Oh, yes.. now that the time seems to be right, might I know your name?" She'd just remembered that little problem.
"Oh, I'm sorry. My name's Tsukino Usagi" She answered extending a hand.
"Nice to meet you Usagi-san." Aislinn bowed in greeting and then let Usagi shake her hand.
Usagi smiled, knowing Aislinn couldn't technically 'see' her. "Pleasure to meet you, Aislinn-san," Usagi giggled. She then looked down the steps. "Oh, the others are coming! The hot springs are so close yet so far away. I can't wait!" She squealed.
"Calm down bright eyes, we'll get to them soon," Rei said, then laughing at Usagi's excited squeels.
Aislinn glanced back to Rei as he spoke, donning a calm smile. He had called Usagi-san 'bright eyes'. She looked away quickly pushing away the thought that had entered her head. "So we'll wait for the others to reach the top and then go?" She asked quietly.
Rei wrapped his arms around Aislinn from the back, holding her closer to his body. "We don't have to wait. But then I'd have to leave you with Usagi to take into the women's area," he replied, bringing his head upon her shoulder. "And do I want to let you go?" he asked in a teasing tone, then tickling her side. "Huh, do I?" he teased more, continuing to tickle her.
Aislinn tried to hold that calm smile as she was held close to him, but her cheeks felt warm and she knew she must have been blushing. She felt him rest his head on her shoulder and listened to his question suddenly feeling him tickle her sides. She couldn't help but laugh with a widened grin as he kept tickling her. She was left laughing and squirming and she was sure Rei was enjoying teasing her.
Rei could see and feel her squirming, hearing her laughs ring on once again. He then stopped and laughed softly. The others had already made their way there and seemed to be glancing at the commotion. "Com'n, I'll lead you girls to the women's area. Obaasan will take you from there," Rei said, then took Aislinn's hand gently
into his and led her foreword.
Aislinn had to take this moment for a breather once Rei had stopped tickling her. He laughed softly, directing the girls where they were to go. He gently took her hand and started to lead her forward. "It seems I'm going to have some more names to learn." She said quietly seeing all the colourfull energies around them.
Grandma Hino led everyone to two huts some distance behind the temple home. Behind a large fence were two hot springs separated by another fence. "Okay, left hut is for girls, right for boys," Grandma Hino said. "I'll go get everyone towels," Grandma Hino added, then ran off.
Usagi took Aislinn's hand. She looked to Rei. "Rei-san, I can help her," Usagi offered.
"Thank you Usagi-san." Aislinn said to the other girl who had offered to take her to the Hot Springs. Her grip on Rei's hand loosened until hers fell back to her side.
Rei nodded, then slowly letting go of Aislinn's hand. "Yume-chan, I'll talk to you in a while then, okay?" he said to Aislinn, wanting to make sure she was okay with going with Usagi before leaving her side.
"Hai, it's ok... but Rei-kun, I need my hair sticks." The girl sweat dropped, twirling a small length of hair around her finger.
"I can get them for you, where do you keep them?" Rei asked.
"In the hard shelled bag. They're wrapped in a piece of cloth, it should be about this long" Aislinn used her hands to indicate the length, "There should be two long ivory hair sticks wrapped in the silk cloth."
"Got it," Rei said, then kissing Aislinn softly on the cheek. "I'll get them," he added, then looked to Usagi. "I'll bring the rest of the girls uhm... hair things, also, from Obaasan's stash. I'm sure she has things," he laughed, "I'll be back in a jiff." He then ran off.
She reached up, touching her cheek as the red energy moved further away.
"So How do you know Rei?" Aislinn asked Usagi.
Usagi giggled, then leading Aislinn into the girls hut and onto a bench to wait for the others. "We only met uhm... last night, at a teen club," Usagi replied. "How long have you and Rei been, well, so close?" she asked.
"Rei and I have been friends for a very long time. I don't think I remember how old we both were when we met, it was so long ago. " Aislinn explained, seating herself on the bench beside the other.
Usagi smiled. "That's pretty neat," she replied. "Rei's a great friend. He seems to be very protective of you. Always making sure you're safe before going off anywhere and willing to do anything you want. Do I sense 'love' in the air?" Usagi asked with a teasing giggle.
Aislinn stared at the bright aura with a blank look across her face after hearing the last comment. Her expression probably would have been indecipherable if it wasn't for the bright flush of colour that had filled her cheeks. She turned away, bowing her head and looking towards the ground. "I. I'm not exactly sure" She answered quietly. It all would have made sense though wouldn't it? He seemed to really want to make sure everything was all right for her before he would go anywhere.
Usagi giggled again at Aislinn's blush. "Well, I guess we only have to wait to find out. I'm going to go see if your Rei-kun is coming back, I'll be right back," Usagi said, then standing up and going outside the hut again. She didn't see them yet, but beyond the temple home she saw a familiar figure. "Chiba-san?" she questioned, squinting her eyes. *It is him!* She thought, *What is he doing here?* She looked back into the hut.
* Aislinn should be fine, this shouldn't take long. * Usagi thought, then ran out to Mamoru.
Aislinn sat quietly, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She could smell the familiar aroma of the hot springs. Not long now.
- - - - -
Grandma Hino, on her way to getting towels, noticed Kibo climbing the stairs. "Ah, Kibo!" Grandma hollered, then waved him over. "Would you like to join everyone for a soak in the hot springs?"
Kibo smiled to Grandma Hino, "That would be nice Hino-sensei...I do need some time to relax after the day you would imagine we have gone through..."he followed Granda Hino some, "I'll help you to distribute the towels, I'll take the boy's hut." He smiled again.
"Sounds good, though you know I wouldn't mind it," Grandma Hino said then going into the temple home to get the towels. She passed Kibo enough for the boy's hut, and for herself took enough for the girl's hut. "Seems like enough, let's go!"
Rei entered Aislinn's room, then looking for the hair sticks she wanted. "Ah, here they are!" He said, picking up the sticks. "Now to get the other ones." He walked out of Aislinn's room and over to Grandma Hino's. "She should have some in here," he said, entereing Grandma's private washroom. As he entered, he then saw the cut on his neck. "Oh, I forgot about that," he said. "Best to clean it up."
Placing the hair sticks carefully down beside the sink, he washed out his wound and cleaned it with ointment, then putting a bandage over it. "That'll do," he said, then picking up the sticks and finding other hair items - ties, combs, sticks - and walked out of the room.
Exiting the room, Rei caught sight of Grandma and Kibo. "Hey Kibo!" Rei called out, running up to them. "Hey, sorry about yesterday, Kibo-san," he began, then noticed the towels. "Oh, are you going to be joining us?" he asked.
"Of course he is, he is one of you as well Rei-chan," Grandma Hino said. "Come now, before the hot springs freeze over..." She grabbed the hair sticks and items from Rei's hand began to scurry away.
Rei grinned. "Obaasan always thinks she's funny," he said, then began to walk towards the huts again. "So Kibo, you truly are a Senshi aren't you?"
Kibo shook his head, amused at Grandma Hino. He then turned to Rei, still holding onto the towels.
"Well, yes... I have known for some time, but I have always tried to find a way to deny it...you can say I was trying to run away from destiny itself... Until the recent happenings, I have decided to accept it. I also received a personal invite from some powerful entity..." he smirked some, looking to Rei,
"You don't remember the things you've done recently, haven't you? The chaos you almost rung, when a dark alter ego of yours appeared?" He asked, reminding Rei of what he was witnessing, while he wasn't. He made his way to the boy's hut.
"But let's not think about that anymore, now is a time for us to kick back and relax..." He winked at Rei some, placing the towels on a little table neighboring the pool.
Rei seemed to pause when he entered the boy's hut, thinking about what Kibo had said. "Alter ego?" he whispered to himself. Nothing about Fire had he remembered, neither the memories of being brought to the NegaVerse... he shook it out of him, reminding himself now was a time to relax. Questions could come afterwards.
Then grabbing a towel from the bench, he walked into one of the private change rooms and changed out of his clothes, then wrapping the spring towel around his waist and making sure it was velcro'd around him. Walking out of the change room, he walked onto the hot spring grounds and stepped down into the warm water. The water went only to his waist, and some, as he walked over to the bamboo wall that divided the girls and boys side, so that none could peek over or look through. Sitting down on the natural rock bench that was there, he leaned against the wall and let out a sigh. He then closed his eyes and let the warm, soothing water calm his nerves, as his heartbeat relaxed, and the steam of the Hot Springs cleared his mind.
- - - - -
Grandma Hino came into the girls hut with the towels and distributed them. c"Okay girls! Oh, wait, something for your hair," Grandma said, then scurriedcoutside again and grabbed the hair items from Rei, then came back. She gave Aislinn her sticks in the silk cloth and distributed the others. She looked around, "Where did Tsukino-chan go off to?"
Aislinn took the small packet from Grandma Hino, placing it in her lap as she started to separate her hair for a braid. "Thank you Obaasan.. Umm Usagi-san said she would go find Rei-kun. She hasn't come back though." The girl answered, slightly confused expression on her face as she continued to braid her hair. Once she had finished, Aislinn twisted the braid into a kind of bun at the back of her head and then used the hair sticks, pushing them through the bun, so they would hold it in place.
"Obaasan... could you help me with my Kimono?" The girl questioned as she had gotten to her feet and started pulling at the special knot used to tie the obi in the back.
Grandma Hino helped Aislinn with her Kimono and handed her a towel.
"Thank you Obaasan" Aislinn told the elder woman as she fastened the towel over her chest. She took each piece of clothing, folding them neatly and then placing them on the bench along with her socks and sandals. Standing there quietly she glanced around the small hut seeing those unfamiliar auras and decided that she would try to do this for herself.
Grandma looked over to where Ami was looking. "Sawa-kun!" Grandma said, then trotting over to him and pushing him back out of the girls hut. "You mustn't peek my dear. This is a private gathering! Now now, you must leave!"
- - - - - - - -
Aislinn closed her eyes and reached out with her right arm until she felt the wall. She would use it to keep herself steady and direct her towards the spring, feeling the smooth stone beneath her feet. There was a slight change in the floor beneath her as she walked and she felt the edge of the wall as she had reached the doorway. She wouldn't have anything to hang onto now. She held both of her hands a little out from her sides, to help her keep balance as she took slow, shaky steps.
The stone beneath her feet grew warmer and she knew she was nearing the spring and would have to feel around for the stone surface with her toes.
She felt the steam now rising up to meet her and she cautiously placed her foot in the water, attempting to find a solid step. When she had found them she continued down, one step at a time, hoping that no one was waiting behind her. By the time she had set her feet down on the bottom of the spring the water was just above her waist. Aislinn slowly waded through it making her way across the spring, to one of the further sides, trying to find the bamboo fence as she walked along.
"Ow," Aislinn suddenly blurted out as her knee collided with the natural stone bench. She fell slightly forwards, planting her hands firmly on the bamboo fence. Well, she found it. Reaching down with a slight pout on her face she rubbed her knee and turned so she could seat herself on this outcropping. With a quick glance she noticed that none of the other girls had seated themselves very close to her. She relaxed with this observation and stretched out her legs, lounging against the rock and bamboo.
She could feel the natural salts and minerals starting to ease her tight nerves and muscles, soothing any aches and working to clear the mind. She leaned back, closing her eyes and quietly started to hum to herself. She knew the tune well and after a line or two of just humming she had parted her lips and began to sing the words. She had a soft beautiful voice, singing each line quietly and to herself.
"I've waited all of my life, For the day when love appears, Like a fairy tale in days gone by, He will rescue me from my fears."
She knew the song well and took pauses at the appropriate places, humming the tune again when there were no words and then starting up again.
"And now I feel him standing close to me, And how can I tell him what he means to me,
My heart stands still --- has he come?"
"Oh Starry Night," Rei's voice came in from the other side of the bamboo fence, adding his strong voice to that of Aislinn's.
Aislinn listened, but immediately sang the next line: "Is this the moment I dream of?"
"Oh Starry Night," Rei sang again.
Aislinn finished off the chorus, "Tell me is he my own true love..."
After a long pause, the moment only growing as they imagined a instrumental...
Aislinn kept singing: "Every night I think of him, Here in my lonely room. (Rei: Here in my lonely room.) Waiting for my Prince to come, Wondering if he'll be here soon."
Rei: "And I (Aislinn: And I...), sit patiently waiting for a sign, And I (Aislinn: And I...), hope that her heart longs for mine..."
"Aislinn..." Rei says softly, during this short pause... listening for an answer on the other side, but hearing only her sweet voice.
Aislinn: "He calls my name, is he the one?"
Rei smiles, then decides to continue on with the song.
Aislinn: "Oh Starry Night, (Rei: Oh Starry Night.) Is this the moment I dream of? Oh Starry Night, (Rei: Oh Starry Night.) Tell me is he my own true love? Oh Starry Night, (Rei: Oh Starry Night.)"
Aislinn: "Is he the one that I dream of? Oh Starry Night, (Rei: Oh Starry Night.)"
Rei: "How will I know?"
Aislinn: "Will his love show?
Is he my own true love? (Rei: Is she my own true love?)"
They had reached the final line of the song, quieting and holding the notes for the moment.
The girl smiled to herself, it had been a long time since the two of them had sung together. Closing her eyes and letting herself sink deeper into the water. She let her mind wander with the day's developments as the hot springs worked their magic at soothing the body and the mind.
Rei did nothing but look up to the sun set in the heightened sky, his strong arms spread out on the rock as he leaned against the bamboo fence. He felt his spirit heightened and relaxed at the same time, just from hearing Aislinn's beautiful singing voice again.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To Be Continued.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(445)
Chapter 7 :: "A Melody of Memories"
A/N: You've gotten this far, don't stop now! ^^ Anticipation is rising!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Aislinn leaned up against the wall, eyes closed and pressing upon the building with her hands. She heard her name being called out, causing her to slightly turn her head and look off to that side. Rei had come back. He fell to his knees as he reached her and wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm sorry..." he said, in near tears. "I came back. I'm so sorry..."
Aislinn slipped her arms around his back and hugged him tightly, resting her head on one of his muscled shoulders, she hadn't noticed it earlier. Both of them had grown so much since they'd last been together.
"Rei-kun... Can we go back?" She whispered quietly, still leaning into him. She hadn't felt the cut on his neck, but his blood slowly seeped into the collar of her kimono.
Before Rei really got the chance to answer when another had entered the alley.
"It looks like you two could use some help. I normally wouldn't do this, but something about you two looks trustworthy. Come on, I'll give you a ride to your house." The woman's voice suggested.
Aislinn loosened her grip on Rei, he would give the better answer.
Rei looked to Aislinn. "Hai, we can go back," he replied to her first, then turned to look at the woman (Zaiten) as he helped Aislinn to her feet. "You're kind to offer, stranger, and I think we could use the ride. My name is Rei, and this here is Aislinn. We'd appreciate a ride to the temple," Rei said, then looked to Aislinn.
Zaiten smiled at the couple. It looked like the two belonged together. "No problem. That's along my way home anyhow. Just be glad that I happen to be driving through here," she said.
These sudden movements then made him wince, as he then remembered the nic on
his neck that was still bleeding. He put a hand to it and hissed in pain as it stung. Bringing his hand out again, he looked to the blood on his fingers. "How did I get cut?" Rei asked himself. Then he remembered the Senshi with the sword to his neck... was she trying to kill him? Strange...
But he wouldn't worry about it now. Now, to only get Aislinn to the temple safely. He took her hand into his, and with his other he placed a gentle hand under her chin and lifted her head up. "Are you okay, Yume-chan?" he asked.
"I'm alright," Aislinn quietly replied, blinking her eyes a few times before looking to him again. She turned and looked towards the woman. Her aura was different than most she had seen before. In the center of the figure was a glowing orange shape. It was the brightest in the center and it lessened in its vibrancy towards the edges. It was strange.
Rei nodded. "Okay then. Um.. This woman here is going to give us a ride home. Don't worry, I'm with you," he said. Then turning his head to Zaiten he asked, "Can I ask you your name, ma'am?"
"My name is Zaiten. By the way is there anyone else who needs a ride. I happen to drive a minivan because I often have to take my students to somewhere in the city," Zaiten offered. She walked up and took a hold of Aislinn's other arm. She had picked up the clue from watching Rei that the girl was blind. "Here, let me help you to the van."
"I don't know if there was anyone else.. Were there Rei?.. Oh, Thank you" Aislinn said aloud as she felt two arms to her sides helping guide her along to a mini-van that was supposed to be up ahead.
"Actually, there are a few that might need a ride," Rei said. "But I don't want to leave your side to get them."
"Alright, then let's get you two into the van. Afterwards we can look for others," Zaiten said, walking forward.
The trio quickly reached the van and Zaiten opened the side door. "Watch your step now," she warned.
The girl listened to Zaiten's warning and lowered her head. She let go of one of the other's arms so she could pull herself in without too much trouble. When she thought she felt the other side of the vehicle she seated herself on the cushioned seats and started feeling around for the seatbelt.
Zaiten turned to Rei. "Where are the others, and I'll go get them. It looks like you might want to stay here," she said, whispering the last part to him.
When Aislinn was seated, Rei turned to Zaiten. "In the diner. I warn you, some of them are probably hurt badly after what happened," he replied. "I should go with you," he added, then looking to Aislinn.
He wanted to go help the other Senshi, but he didn't want to leave Aislinn. He struggled with this decision.
"Don't worry, I'll get them. You stay here," Zaiten said. "I'll be back before you know it." She added a smile as she trotted off.
Rei wanted to stop her, but she was gone before he could say anything. He then shook his head. "Hopefully they're okay," he murmured, then climbed into the van beside Aislinn. "Yume-chan, you okay now?"
"Yeah... I'm ok.. I just think I've had enough of the city for today." She paused placing her hands in her lap for a moment. Letting out a quiet laugh she looked to Rei, "Do you think you could help me find my seatbelt?"
Rei looked around Aislinn for the seatbelt. Then seeing it, he reached over her for it, brushing his hand against her arm. He got so close to her, that he could feel her breathe and smell her quaint perfume. He took the seatbelt and latched it with the other, then
sliding his hand over hers in her lap. "We'll be back at the temple soon, and I'll make sure you can relax in the hot springs without interruption. Like the good ol' days, right?" he said softly.
Aislinn remained silent as Rei had leaned over to help her with the seatbelt. His hands lightly brushed up against her arms and she could tell that he was close to her. She had gripped hands for a moment.
Things were going to be different between the two of them now. She thought quietly until she heard Rei's voice again and felt his hand slide over hers. A smile crossed her face. "The Hot Springs would be great. But relax without interruption... like the old days." She let out a laugh. "It wasn't often we needed to relax without interruption back then."
Rei would have said something more, but then he saw the others coming and watched them as they climbed in.
As soon as everyone was seated and buckled in she started the engine and pulled away. She passed a police officer as she turned a corner. In her rear view mirror she looked at Rei. "You said the Hikawa Jinja, right?" she asked.
"Hai," Rei replied, holding Aislinn's hand firmly as they passed the cop cars. He closed his eyes and prayed they would be protected.
"You're the vigilantes from last night, aren't you?" Zaiten blurted out, unable to control herself any longer.
"I knew it! She can't be trusted," Haruka shouted, bringing out her henshin wand.
"Hold it!" Usagi shouted. "We're no 'vigilantes'. Where did you hear that?"
"I'm not against you, I swear!" Zaiten called out, as she looked in the rear view mirror. "I just wanted to say that I'm glad you are here to protect our city," she said, a few beads of sweat beginning to show.
"I heard it on the news. Some reporter named Umino Kasumi reported it this morning," Zaiten said.
Rei sighed. "Great, just great," he said, then tightening his grip upon Aislinn's hand a little, showing he was frustrated and nervous.
Usagi looked down to the cat on her lap. "What are we going to do?" she whispered to Luna.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine," Luna whispered back, purring and caressing her head against Usagi to calm her. "Tell her we must get our wounded to the hospital. I don't think the Hino temple will cut it for this situation."
"Hotaru already took care of that!" Haruka said, lowering the wand, but keeping it out just in case. "She can heal others. It's one of her specialties. I can hear the whispers of the wind, and Michiru can hear the call of the sea."
Aislinn didn't know exactly what they were talking about, but she wouldn't ask at a time like this. Rei had squeezed her hand, he was frustrated. She took her other hand and placed it over his, so his hand would be between the two of hers. She didn't know what exactly was wrong but she wanted to help.
Luna looked at Hotaru. "She's so young and weak though. Can she handle it?" Luna whispered.
"I trust you," Usagi then said, looking to Hotaru. "On second thought, straight to the temple please, Zaiten." She corrected her misjudgment.
Zaiten nodded and drove on, casting glances back every now and then. "So if you aren't vigilantes, then what are you?" she asked, trying to alleviate the awkward silence.
"That's none of your concern. Just be glad that we're here to help," Haruka growled.
"Do you have to be so rude?" Rei growled, directing it to Haruka.
"Unless you want to compromise yourself farther, then you best adopt an attitude like mine. It's none of her business who we are. The more we tell her, the more that Luna will have to erase!" Haruka shot at Rei.
Rei sneered. "Yume-chan," he whispered, "Look at Zaiten, what do you see?"
Zaiten gulped at the feeling of tension in the back of her van. 'Zai-chan, why do you have to be so nice?' she thought to herself.
Aislinn had closed her eyes, bowing her head and not wanting to get into their heated conversation. Rei had turned to her and whispered a question. What did she see when she looked to Zaiten?
"She has a special energy about her. it's like yours, but it's different. Still Bright and clear... but formed differently." She answered quietly, making a slightly confused face. it wasn't very easy to explain.
"Do you see that she's trustworthy?" Rei asked.
The girl nodded her head in reply.
Rei smiled, then kissed Aislinn's cheek. "Thank you," he whispered, then turning to Haruka. "It would be best if we could trust some. My Obaasan already knows. I don't see why we should keep it from people who could help us. Zaiten is trustworthy. Yume-chan would know if she wasn't," Rei said.
"What do the words of a blind girl have to do with anything?" Haruka asked, her voice full of disbelief. "She can't actually see us, all she sees is darkness."
"Aislinn has a special gift. She can see aura's, more likely she can see our spirits. She's had it since she was a child," Rei explained. "Yume- chan," he said softly, then squeezing Aislinn's hand again. "I'm sorry to put you through this. But, you must explain it. Even better, look at Haruka and tell her what you see around her."
Aislinn's face flushed with colour at the comment and Rei's response. "Well I can try. But I don't think I can just pick one of them.." She turned around, using the direction the voice had come from and looked to the two figures behind her. She blinked her dull
grey eyes a moment trying to clear her vision.
"Two females... One with an aqua energy... There's a symbol as well. Almost like a triton I think..." She paused squinting her empty eyes and tried to make out the other, "Golden colour... I can't make out the symbol, but you were near us in the diner... The others behind you. I see orange... blue, I think green..." The girl stopped there
and turned to rub her eyes. The colours were so vibrant.
Michiru leaned in next to Haruka. "She saw Neptune's sign in me. Please, give her a chance. If nothing else, then we can henshin as a last resort. Right now, though, this is our only hope," she whispered.
Haruka closed her eyes for a couple seconds. "Fine, but the moment she tries to turn into a youma she's toast!" Haruka said in a huff.
Michiru suppressed a giggle. "You know you look kawaii when you pout," she whispered.
Haruka's face flushed and she quickly put on a stern look, hoping no one saw the momentary lapse. "I don't pout," she whispered back, slightly harsh.
"Okay, pout-face," Michiru said, this time unable to stop the giggle.
Rei took Aislinn's hands from her eyes, and touched her cheek softly with his hand. "It's okay, you don't have to look any longer," he whispered to her softly. He then turned to look Haruka and Michiru. "What are you talking about them turning into 'youma'? Do
you know something we don't? If so, tell us!" Rei demanded.
Usagi pouted. "Please, everyone stop fighting!" she cried. "Are we there yet? I want to get out!"
"No, I don't. I'm just warning you, if she turns out to be a youma in disguise, I'll kill her myself," Haruka replied.
"We'll be there in about five minutes. Don't worry, I'm not this 'youma' you speak about. In fact I have Tsukino-san, Kino-san, and Mizuno-san in my class," Zaiten said, trying to put Usagi at ease.
Usagi clenched her fingers into fists, trying to keep from crying. She nodded. "Hai, she is not a youma, she has been my teacher for many years now, and she's a good teacher," Usagi explained.
The rest of the drive was silent, all four minutes left. They arrived to see police cars everywhere. Officers were standing behind their doors, with their weapons drawn. "GET OUT OF THE CAR AND PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR!" one officer shouted.
Usagi gasped. "No... what? Why?" She whined.
Rei scowled, holding securely onto Aislinn's hand, as if to tell her he wouldn't let her go. "Why can't the police ever just butt out?" he growled.
What were the police doing here?! Aislinn's breathing had quickened with the surprise. "Rei-kun" She whispered, squeezing his hand tightly.
[ Mamoru's Apartment ]
Mamoru looked up at the television. A news reporter had just come on with a breaking story. "We've just received word that a local business was nearly destroyed earlier today. The business, Lord's Game Ring, was struck by what witnesses said were monsters and young men and women. Unfortunately the security tape was melted, so no identities are known," the reporter said.
"It is this reporters belief, though, that these young men and women were the same people who destroyed the nightclub in downtown Tokyo last night. Police have urged anyone who has information on who these vigilantes are to please come forth and tell them. You may call the police anonymous hotline if you wish. The number is being
displayed at the bottom of your screen. This is Umino Kasumi signing off," she finished.
Mamoru looked back at his books just before a headache came over him. He put his hands on his head as he fell to the floor. "Kami-sama," he muttered, curling up.
The world around him began to blur. He slowly began to crawl towards the bathroom, hoping that some migraine medicine would help him. After a few minute struggle, the pain seeming to increase with each second, he reached the bathroom. He was reaching up to the cabinet when his body gave out and everything went black.
Lady Rose made her way across the rooftops, heading towards where her instincts told her. Something was pulling at her, someone who was in distress was needing help at that moment. She ran as fast as she could, yet felt that would not be fast enough. She pushed her body to go faster. She arrived at the temple, but hung back, knowing that
when she was truly needed she would know.
[ Negaverse ]
Nephrite scowled at losing Gemini. That had been one of his favorite youma. 'No matter,' he thought. 'If a youma won't take care of them, I'll have to take over the human protectors.'
He disappeared and reappeared in the police station. He focused on one of the officers and a black form seemed to leave his body and enter the officer's. The officer looked up with red eyes. He looked down at the folder he had in his hands. It contained directions to ask around one of the local temples. It seemed that the vigilantes had been seen around there.
He smiled darkly as both himself and his partner left the station. As soon as the two were in their car and away from the station he made a move. He placed his hands on the other man's head and concentrated for a second. The black form from before rose between the two of them, then split in two. One half going into each officer. They pulled up to the temple just a moment before a minivan did.
[ Back at the Van ]
Without waiting for a response or anything the other cop stepped up to the side of the van and with much force pulled the door open revealing the occupants. Roughly he grabbed the nearest girl (Usagi (alternate)) and began trying to pull her from the vehicle.
Usagi screamed as the hand grabbed her and tried to pull her from the vehicle. "What's going on here?" she screamed, "No, please don't!" He succeeded in grabbing her, and she could feel the cold barrel of the gun press against her. She started to whimper but kept from crying, as she was too scared to do anything.
The rough cop succeeded in pulling the girl from the car bringing her out pushing her down against the hood of their cruiser.
"Rei. Those men, they aren't right.." Aislinn whispered hesitantly, both hands clinging tightly to Rei's.
"What do you see?" Rei asked, his eyes narrowing and focusing at the officers. He did feel something wrong about them, if only his suspicions could be confirmed.
"It's black... dark... I don't think it's supposed to be though." The girl answered.
Rei looked to the others. "NegaVerse?" he asked.
Luna nodded. "Take it easy with them, they're still officers too. Try not to hurt them. Silver Moon will be able to heal the evil from out of them. But you must help her!"
The first officer with his gun drawn shouted at them to get out of the van once again, a twisted smirk crossing his features as he started to near the others while his partner pulled the girls arms behind her back slapping one side of the handcuffs over her wrist.
Minako awoke to all the commotion. She then gained consciousness to see them holding Usagi outside. "Venus star power makeup!" She yelled. She stepped out of the van. "Venus binding chain of love!" The chain wrapped around the officer holding Usagi (alternate). "I don't know who you are, but you let her go now!"
Usagi (original) opened her eyes and looked up at Haruka. "What's going on?"
"Now! This should slow you down!" Yelled Minako. "Venus love beam shot!" The light flashed in the officer's eyes blinding them for a limited of time. They fell to the ground holding their eyes. Minako went over and grabbed Usagi undoing her handcuffs. "Now
transform!"
Usagi (alternate) spun around to see the two officers down. Luna jumped onto the roof of the van and shouted, "Now, transform!"
Usagi nodded, raising her hand. "Moon Prism Power, Make up!" Then transforming into Silver Moon - her fuku much like first season Sailor Moon's, except in pinks and silver's - the Crescent Wand immediately appeared in her hand and she held it in front of her face.
"Silver healing..." she said, creating a circle around her with the wand. "Escalation!" The circle turned into a crescent moon, and shot out towards the officers, trailing around them a silver dust that made their bodies glow.
The cops cried out as the healing waves of light destroyed the shadow that was in them. As soon as it was gone the officers fell to their knees and began to look around, confused. "This is too much, I need a break," one officer said, climbing into the car.
The other officer followed suit and they swiftly drove away from the temple. Haruka looked down at Usagi (alternate) and smiled. "Nothing that they couldn't handle. It looks like the fight is over, so let's get out and relax. It's been a long day," she said.
Lady Rose smiled and took off. She had gotten a few blocks away when the pain arose in her stomach. She clutched it and held tight as the world began to spin. After a few seconds everything went black.
- - - - -
Zaiten looked around at the Senshi. "Alright, now just who are you guys?" she demanded. "I've seen two of you do some sort of light show then look totally different afterwards. We've got this girl with the weird healing powers. Then we've got the blind girl who sees auras. Then there are the rest of you. Just what is going on around here?" she asked nearly breaking down in tears of frustration.
Silver Moon detransformed, knowing the secret was out. "Calm down, uhm, we can explain, can't we?" Usagi replied, then looking to the others.
Luna sighed. "Let's get her into the temple, and then we can explain all this. We'll figure out whether or not I have to do what I might have to do," she said, then jumped onto Usagi's shoulder.
Rei helped Aislinn out of the car. "Everything's alright now Yume-chan, it's over," he explained. For now, he then thought to himself.
Grandma Hino ran down to them. "My oh my oh my, you were all such busy little ones aren't you?" she said, then looked to Zaiten she took her hand. "I believe you my dear lady will have to follow me. Much explaining, yes... you too have a special aura. You are all welcome to enjoy our Hot Springs. Come now! Time to relax!" She waved them all into the temple.
Aislinn used Rei's steady hand to help herself out of the vehicle and onto the solid street. "Everything's alright now Yume-chan, it's over," He told her.
"Really?!" She gave him a bright smile with a slightly furrowed brow as she asked the question.
Rei smiled, then held Aislinn close to him. "Look around, no more evil aura's, and you'll be able to relax in the Hot Springs momentarily," Rei said in a soft tone. He hated to know what else Aislinn would have to sit through. Soon enough, he knew, Aislinn might get hurt. He couldn't bear to see that happen.
The girl's expression softened, Rei had held her close... She liked this. He reassured her that it was all right, she'd be able to relax in the Hot Springs. "I wonder if that rope that we tied to the tree is still there" She laughed then paused for a moment and thought about where they were.
Her expression turned to a sour pout and she couldn't keep herself from letting out a low groan, "we haven't taken the stairs yet... I don't like the stairs... eeh"
"I'll carry you then," Rei said with a slight snicker. Before Aislinn could reply, Rei picked her up and held her 'princess' style.
A little surprised sound escaped Aislinn's lips as Rei suddenly picked her up. Her eyes were wide and she quickly gripped onto Rei's shoulder before he bothered to start moving.
"Okay, let's move this thing along. We have some relaxing to do, and the hot springs are waiting for us," he shouted out to the others, then started to climb the steps to the temple. "It is still there," Rei whispered to Aislinn, referring to the rope they had tied to the branch of a tree over one of the hot springs hidden in the grounds.
"Oh is it?" Aislinn giggled, "Guess we'll have to check and see if it's still in good condition then." She gave him a sly grin and then let out another laugh.
"That we will," Rei replied, letting out a short laugh. He then reached the last stair and set her down. "My lady, we have reached the top!"
Just then, they felt a wind rush past them and a streak of yellow. Usagi had run up the stairs in no time flat. "Hot Springs!" she was laughing, "Kakkoi!"
"Why thank you kind Sir." She bowed her head to him and then turned to look to the stairs. She was surprised to see one of the girls with a light pink aura zooming up the stairs. There was even a slight breeze felt as she had rushed by.
Aislinn raised an eyebrow and watched the pink aura. There was such purity around this one. "Excited about the Hot Springs?" She questioned, smiling as she cocked her head to the side. She made sure not to keep her gaze on the girl steady.
"Hai, Aislinn-san," Usagi replied. "I've never been in them before, are they nice?"
"I would say so. I love the Hot Springs. Warm and relaxing, and good for sitting around with friends." She answered, "They're always nice after a long day." Aislinn currently had a lot on her mind, all the happenings of this day had been strange, possibly even stressfull, sitting back to soak might help her to clear those thoughts.
"Oh, yes.. now that the time seems to be right, might I know your name?" She'd just remembered that little problem.
"Oh, I'm sorry. My name's Tsukino Usagi" She answered extending a hand.
"Nice to meet you Usagi-san." Aislinn bowed in greeting and then let Usagi shake her hand.
Usagi smiled, knowing Aislinn couldn't technically 'see' her. "Pleasure to meet you, Aislinn-san," Usagi giggled. She then looked down the steps. "Oh, the others are coming! The hot springs are so close yet so far away. I can't wait!" She squealed.
"Calm down bright eyes, we'll get to them soon," Rei said, then laughing at Usagi's excited squeels.
Aislinn glanced back to Rei as he spoke, donning a calm smile. He had called Usagi-san 'bright eyes'. She looked away quickly pushing away the thought that had entered her head. "So we'll wait for the others to reach the top and then go?" She asked quietly.
Rei wrapped his arms around Aislinn from the back, holding her closer to his body. "We don't have to wait. But then I'd have to leave you with Usagi to take into the women's area," he replied, bringing his head upon her shoulder. "And do I want to let you go?" he asked in a teasing tone, then tickling her side. "Huh, do I?" he teased more, continuing to tickle her.
Aislinn tried to hold that calm smile as she was held close to him, but her cheeks felt warm and she knew she must have been blushing. She felt him rest his head on her shoulder and listened to his question suddenly feeling him tickle her sides. She couldn't help but laugh with a widened grin as he kept tickling her. She was left laughing and squirming and she was sure Rei was enjoying teasing her.
Rei could see and feel her squirming, hearing her laughs ring on once again. He then stopped and laughed softly. The others had already made their way there and seemed to be glancing at the commotion. "Com'n, I'll lead you girls to the women's area. Obaasan will take you from there," Rei said, then took Aislinn's hand gently
into his and led her foreword.
Aislinn had to take this moment for a breather once Rei had stopped tickling her. He laughed softly, directing the girls where they were to go. He gently took her hand and started to lead her forward. "It seems I'm going to have some more names to learn." She said quietly seeing all the colourfull energies around them.
Grandma Hino led everyone to two huts some distance behind the temple home. Behind a large fence were two hot springs separated by another fence. "Okay, left hut is for girls, right for boys," Grandma Hino said. "I'll go get everyone towels," Grandma Hino added, then ran off.
Usagi took Aislinn's hand. She looked to Rei. "Rei-san, I can help her," Usagi offered.
"Thank you Usagi-san." Aislinn said to the other girl who had offered to take her to the Hot Springs. Her grip on Rei's hand loosened until hers fell back to her side.
Rei nodded, then slowly letting go of Aislinn's hand. "Yume-chan, I'll talk to you in a while then, okay?" he said to Aislinn, wanting to make sure she was okay with going with Usagi before leaving her side.
"Hai, it's ok... but Rei-kun, I need my hair sticks." The girl sweat dropped, twirling a small length of hair around her finger.
"I can get them for you, where do you keep them?" Rei asked.
"In the hard shelled bag. They're wrapped in a piece of cloth, it should be about this long" Aislinn used her hands to indicate the length, "There should be two long ivory hair sticks wrapped in the silk cloth."
"Got it," Rei said, then kissing Aislinn softly on the cheek. "I'll get them," he added, then looked to Usagi. "I'll bring the rest of the girls uhm... hair things, also, from Obaasan's stash. I'm sure she has things," he laughed, "I'll be back in a jiff." He then ran off.
She reached up, touching her cheek as the red energy moved further away.
"So How do you know Rei?" Aislinn asked Usagi.
Usagi giggled, then leading Aislinn into the girls hut and onto a bench to wait for the others. "We only met uhm... last night, at a teen club," Usagi replied. "How long have you and Rei been, well, so close?" she asked.
"Rei and I have been friends for a very long time. I don't think I remember how old we both were when we met, it was so long ago. " Aislinn explained, seating herself on the bench beside the other.
Usagi smiled. "That's pretty neat," she replied. "Rei's a great friend. He seems to be very protective of you. Always making sure you're safe before going off anywhere and willing to do anything you want. Do I sense 'love' in the air?" Usagi asked with a teasing giggle.
Aislinn stared at the bright aura with a blank look across her face after hearing the last comment. Her expression probably would have been indecipherable if it wasn't for the bright flush of colour that had filled her cheeks. She turned away, bowing her head and looking towards the ground. "I. I'm not exactly sure" She answered quietly. It all would have made sense though wouldn't it? He seemed to really want to make sure everything was all right for her before he would go anywhere.
Usagi giggled again at Aislinn's blush. "Well, I guess we only have to wait to find out. I'm going to go see if your Rei-kun is coming back, I'll be right back," Usagi said, then standing up and going outside the hut again. She didn't see them yet, but beyond the temple home she saw a familiar figure. "Chiba-san?" she questioned, squinting her eyes. *It is him!* She thought, *What is he doing here?* She looked back into the hut.
* Aislinn should be fine, this shouldn't take long. * Usagi thought, then ran out to Mamoru.
Aislinn sat quietly, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She could smell the familiar aroma of the hot springs. Not long now.
- - - - -
Grandma Hino, on her way to getting towels, noticed Kibo climbing the stairs. "Ah, Kibo!" Grandma hollered, then waved him over. "Would you like to join everyone for a soak in the hot springs?"
Kibo smiled to Grandma Hino, "That would be nice Hino-sensei...I do need some time to relax after the day you would imagine we have gone through..."he followed Granda Hino some, "I'll help you to distribute the towels, I'll take the boy's hut." He smiled again.
"Sounds good, though you know I wouldn't mind it," Grandma Hino said then going into the temple home to get the towels. She passed Kibo enough for the boy's hut, and for herself took enough for the girl's hut. "Seems like enough, let's go!"
Rei entered Aislinn's room, then looking for the hair sticks she wanted. "Ah, here they are!" He said, picking up the sticks. "Now to get the other ones." He walked out of Aislinn's room and over to Grandma Hino's. "She should have some in here," he said, entereing Grandma's private washroom. As he entered, he then saw the cut on his neck. "Oh, I forgot about that," he said. "Best to clean it up."
Placing the hair sticks carefully down beside the sink, he washed out his wound and cleaned it with ointment, then putting a bandage over it. "That'll do," he said, then picking up the sticks and finding other hair items - ties, combs, sticks - and walked out of the room.
Exiting the room, Rei caught sight of Grandma and Kibo. "Hey Kibo!" Rei called out, running up to them. "Hey, sorry about yesterday, Kibo-san," he began, then noticed the towels. "Oh, are you going to be joining us?" he asked.
"Of course he is, he is one of you as well Rei-chan," Grandma Hino said. "Come now, before the hot springs freeze over..." She grabbed the hair sticks and items from Rei's hand began to scurry away.
Rei grinned. "Obaasan always thinks she's funny," he said, then began to walk towards the huts again. "So Kibo, you truly are a Senshi aren't you?"
Kibo shook his head, amused at Grandma Hino. He then turned to Rei, still holding onto the towels.
"Well, yes... I have known for some time, but I have always tried to find a way to deny it...you can say I was trying to run away from destiny itself... Until the recent happenings, I have decided to accept it. I also received a personal invite from some powerful entity..." he smirked some, looking to Rei,
"You don't remember the things you've done recently, haven't you? The chaos you almost rung, when a dark alter ego of yours appeared?" He asked, reminding Rei of what he was witnessing, while he wasn't. He made his way to the boy's hut.
"But let's not think about that anymore, now is a time for us to kick back and relax..." He winked at Rei some, placing the towels on a little table neighboring the pool.
Rei seemed to pause when he entered the boy's hut, thinking about what Kibo had said. "Alter ego?" he whispered to himself. Nothing about Fire had he remembered, neither the memories of being brought to the NegaVerse... he shook it out of him, reminding himself now was a time to relax. Questions could come afterwards.
Then grabbing a towel from the bench, he walked into one of the private change rooms and changed out of his clothes, then wrapping the spring towel around his waist and making sure it was velcro'd around him. Walking out of the change room, he walked onto the hot spring grounds and stepped down into the warm water. The water went only to his waist, and some, as he walked over to the bamboo wall that divided the girls and boys side, so that none could peek over or look through. Sitting down on the natural rock bench that was there, he leaned against the wall and let out a sigh. He then closed his eyes and let the warm, soothing water calm his nerves, as his heartbeat relaxed, and the steam of the Hot Springs cleared his mind.
- - - - -
Grandma Hino came into the girls hut with the towels and distributed them. c"Okay girls! Oh, wait, something for your hair," Grandma said, then scurriedcoutside again and grabbed the hair items from Rei, then came back. She gave Aislinn her sticks in the silk cloth and distributed the others. She looked around, "Where did Tsukino-chan go off to?"
Aislinn took the small packet from Grandma Hino, placing it in her lap as she started to separate her hair for a braid. "Thank you Obaasan.. Umm Usagi-san said she would go find Rei-kun. She hasn't come back though." The girl answered, slightly confused expression on her face as she continued to braid her hair. Once she had finished, Aislinn twisted the braid into a kind of bun at the back of her head and then used the hair sticks, pushing them through the bun, so they would hold it in place.
"Obaasan... could you help me with my Kimono?" The girl questioned as she had gotten to her feet and started pulling at the special knot used to tie the obi in the back.
Grandma Hino helped Aislinn with her Kimono and handed her a towel.
"Thank you Obaasan" Aislinn told the elder woman as she fastened the towel over her chest. She took each piece of clothing, folding them neatly and then placing them on the bench along with her socks and sandals. Standing there quietly she glanced around the small hut seeing those unfamiliar auras and decided that she would try to do this for herself.
Grandma looked over to where Ami was looking. "Sawa-kun!" Grandma said, then trotting over to him and pushing him back out of the girls hut. "You mustn't peek my dear. This is a private gathering! Now now, you must leave!"
- - - - - - - -
Aislinn closed her eyes and reached out with her right arm until she felt the wall. She would use it to keep herself steady and direct her towards the spring, feeling the smooth stone beneath her feet. There was a slight change in the floor beneath her as she walked and she felt the edge of the wall as she had reached the doorway. She wouldn't have anything to hang onto now. She held both of her hands a little out from her sides, to help her keep balance as she took slow, shaky steps.
The stone beneath her feet grew warmer and she knew she was nearing the spring and would have to feel around for the stone surface with her toes.
She felt the steam now rising up to meet her and she cautiously placed her foot in the water, attempting to find a solid step. When she had found them she continued down, one step at a time, hoping that no one was waiting behind her. By the time she had set her feet down on the bottom of the spring the water was just above her waist. Aislinn slowly waded through it making her way across the spring, to one of the further sides, trying to find the bamboo fence as she walked along.
"Ow," Aislinn suddenly blurted out as her knee collided with the natural stone bench. She fell slightly forwards, planting her hands firmly on the bamboo fence. Well, she found it. Reaching down with a slight pout on her face she rubbed her knee and turned so she could seat herself on this outcropping. With a quick glance she noticed that none of the other girls had seated themselves very close to her. She relaxed with this observation and stretched out her legs, lounging against the rock and bamboo.
She could feel the natural salts and minerals starting to ease her tight nerves and muscles, soothing any aches and working to clear the mind. She leaned back, closing her eyes and quietly started to hum to herself. She knew the tune well and after a line or two of just humming she had parted her lips and began to sing the words. She had a soft beautiful voice, singing each line quietly and to herself.
"I've waited all of my life, For the day when love appears, Like a fairy tale in days gone by, He will rescue me from my fears."
She knew the song well and took pauses at the appropriate places, humming the tune again when there were no words and then starting up again.
"And now I feel him standing close to me, And how can I tell him what he means to me,
My heart stands still --- has he come?"
"Oh Starry Night," Rei's voice came in from the other side of the bamboo fence, adding his strong voice to that of Aislinn's.
Aislinn listened, but immediately sang the next line: "Is this the moment I dream of?"
"Oh Starry Night," Rei sang again.
Aislinn finished off the chorus, "Tell me is he my own true love..."
After a long pause, the moment only growing as they imagined a instrumental...
Aislinn kept singing: "Every night I think of him, Here in my lonely room. (Rei: Here in my lonely room.) Waiting for my Prince to come, Wondering if he'll be here soon."
Rei: "And I (Aislinn: And I...), sit patiently waiting for a sign, And I (Aislinn: And I...), hope that her heart longs for mine..."
"Aislinn..." Rei says softly, during this short pause... listening for an answer on the other side, but hearing only her sweet voice.
Aislinn: "He calls my name, is he the one?"
Rei smiles, then decides to continue on with the song.
Aislinn: "Oh Starry Night, (Rei: Oh Starry Night.) Is this the moment I dream of? Oh Starry Night, (Rei: Oh Starry Night.) Tell me is he my own true love? Oh Starry Night, (Rei: Oh Starry Night.)"
Aislinn: "Is he the one that I dream of? Oh Starry Night, (Rei: Oh Starry Night.)"
Rei: "How will I know?"
Aislinn: "Will his love show?
Is he my own true love? (Rei: Is she my own true love?)"
They had reached the final line of the song, quieting and holding the notes for the moment.
The girl smiled to herself, it had been a long time since the two of them had sung together. Closing her eyes and letting herself sink deeper into the water. She let her mind wander with the day's developments as the hot springs worked their magic at soothing the body and the mind.
Rei did nothing but look up to the sun set in the heightened sky, his strong arms spread out on the rock as he leaned against the bamboo fence. He felt his spirit heightened and relaxed at the same time, just from hearing Aislinn's beautiful singing voice again.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To Be Continued.
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