I don't own Sailor Moon. Wow, feels nice to write it after so long ^^

A/N: so so sorry for not updating for so long! ;_; Hope this will make up for it.

BTW: Venus's POV opens this chapter. It'll be a switch between her and Mars. Hope it won't be too confusing.

Life after Senshi-hood.

Chapter 4: Midnight.

I hate it. I simply hate it. She's in pain, so much pain, and I can't do a thing about it. At least, not while everyone were still hovering around her room. But now I could finally get some time alone with her. That is, if she'll talk to me.

Come on, hand, knock already!

And of course, come on, Rei-Chan, answer already!

Rei-Chan… Heh. Even thinking that name seems odd after so long. But… I know you're in there. I can hear your quiet sobs. I can see your tears. I can feel your pain. If you'd just let me into your heart… But first, your room --;;

There's a knock on the door. I should answer that. Why should I, on second thought? Not like it'll be anyone I care about. Not like it'll be anyone who cares about me. Of course, it could be Usa-Chan. But the odds are, what… everything to none?

"Mars? Are you in there?"

…

"…"

"Mina-Chan?"

"Rei-Chan… Mars? Answer me please!"

You just had to take it back, didn't you, Minako? You couldn't let me have it.

"What do you want?"

Great, she's hesitating. Way to go…

Her voice… it's angry. About them? About me? About… herself, maybe? I can't blame her. None of us Senshi know what it's like out there. What if… what if it's better? Get a grip, if it was that great, why did she come back?! Then again, why throw such a huge fit if it's that good in here?

"Mars… Rei-Chan… Can I come in? Please?"

"Please?"

I can't let her in. If I do, I'll be letting them all in. In on what? This feeling of non-belongness? This feeling of sadness? This feeling of… of treason?

Why should I feel it? Because I saw what I once was and long to be once again? Because I met my family? Because… because I met him? Or is it because… I suddenly have a choice? The other Senshi don't know what's out there. Heck, the Outers don't WANNA know what's out there. This is their life long dream. Well, not mine! I'm sorry, Usa-chan. I can't take it anymore. Just can't. Please forgive me.

"Mars?! Come on, Rei-Chan, open up!"

Noises… what is she doing in there?! Dear god…

"Rei? REI!"

I don't know why I'm so scared. All I know is that I am. Scared for Rei.

So I slammed against the door.

"Rei! Don't do anything, I'll… Ouf, I'll be right… in? REI-CHAN!"

She's standing there, on the window seal. And I don't think I've ever seen her more beautiful then this.

"Mina-Chan, I…"

Don't cry, Rei-Chan. Please don't. Not now.

"…I love you."

And then, she jumped.

I ran as fast as I can… just in time to see several guards rush over to her, and then turn away in fear. I watch, helpless, as my love's beautiful soul leaves her tired body. Even in death, you are beautiful, Rei-Chan. Like a phoenix.

May you rest in peace, Sailor Mars. And may Hino Rei forever more live in our hearts.

A/N: well, ended the first chapter like this, felt like ending this chapter like that. Wait for the epilogue! ^.^ which won't be a long wait, since I'm gonna write it right away! ^_^