A Quick Biography
Birth
"Push, Hana!"[1] the midwife urged. "One more good one and she'll be out." With the next contraction, Hana pushed, screaming with effort and pain. Her husband, pacing outside the room, stopped at the sound of the scream. When the scream ended, he found himself waiting for a noise, anything to tell him that his wife was all right. Paralyzed with fear, he stood there. The midwife came to open the door, and found him standing in place. She smiled wearily at him. "Your wife is all right. She's feeding your child. Go on in." He rushed in and went straight to the only bed in the room. His wife looked up at him and smiled, the strain of a hard childbirth written clearly on her face. Suckling at her breast was a tiny girl with a full head of black hair. The man looked at his wife and child with love, tears streaking down his face. "She's beautiful," he said, the emotions churning within him breaking his voice. He hadn't expected a child for another two or three years, yet here was his daughter, in the flesh. "What did you expect? Of course we'd have a beautiful child," Hana retorted. "Kan,[2] what should we name her?" "Rei. Hino Rei." "A fitting name for a princess, I think," Hana agreed. And if Akoni[3] was right, then the name is more than fitting.[4]
Age 18 Months
The baby was sitting alone in the middle of a huge room, talking to herself. All of a sudden, she stopped and turned around, expecting to see someone standing a few meters behind her. There was no one there when she looked, but as she continued to stare, a form began to materialize. The baby stood up and tottered awkwardly to the now-clear figure. The woman regarded the baby carefully, as if the infant held an answer to a long-awaited riddle. In response, the baby gurgled, a small jet of flame appearing behind the baby in sync with the gibberish. The woman raised an eyebrow with this demonstration. "All right," she said, kneeling to the baby's height. "So Hino Rei is the next Sailor Mars." The baby merely smiled, a small halo of fire appearing from nowhere to surround, but not burn, her jet-black hair. "The question is," the woman continued, "are you what I am looking for?" The baby said nothing. Footsteps could be heard outside of the room, getting closer. The woman sighed, and promptly disappeared. The baby tilted her head in question, then disappeared as well. The footsteps reached the door, which opened. A man, in the prime of his life, stepped into the room and looked around. He sniffed the air, and smelt the lingering aroma of fire. She's definitely been in here, he thought. At least she didn't start a panic this time. Upon seeing nothing, he walked out, and resumed the search for his daughter, Princess Hino Rei of Mars.
The mysterious woman reappeared in a different room, in a different palace, in a different place. She took two steps away before she heard the cooing of a child behind her. She whirled around in surprise. Sitting on the floor in front of her was the very same infant she thought she had just left. "Now, how in space did you do that?" she said, hands on hips. The toddler merely smiled.
Age Two
The High Priest walked forward to bow at the foot of the queen's throne. "You sent for me, majesty?" "Yes, I did. I seek counsel from the Fire," the queen said, addressing her husband in his role as High Priest. "What is it that you wish to know?" he asked impassively, betraying no evidence that he knew the queen, much less that he was her husband and father to her child. "I wish to know why the Fire has deemed it necessary to break the traditional cycle of rulership." Kansei made no movement, but his wife could tell the priest was confused and a little scared. "I ask for clarification, majesty." "In the years since my family has gained the throne of Mars, each queen has had only one daughter, who, in turn, has become the queen of Mars." Kansei bowed his head in acceptance, but beneath the placid exterior his heart was racing. What is she trying to say? he wondered internally. The queen took a deep breath, then continued. "I would like to know why I am pregnant, High Priest." Kansei looked at his wife's face incredulously. "Pregnant, Queen Hana?" "Yes."
Later that night, in their own room, Hana and Kansei talked. "And it is rumored that Queen Saitoku's[5] second child is displaying a greater connection with the Mercurian heritage than her older sister." "Really?" Hana nodded. "It's also been said that the Princess of Pluto has returned." "The Guardian of Time? But why?" "I think," Hana said slowly, "that we need to look at the ancient prophesies again." "Why?" Kansei argued. "We haven't had the need in such a long time. What good do you think it will do?" "My grandmother, Akoni, believed that the fulfillment of many of the prophecies would come about in my time or Rei's. I wouldn't be surprised if some of it had do to with.with the Guardian." Kansei stiffened. "You think she's come back?" "Kan, there are many things we don't know about her. What we do know would fit with the other prophecies. They say that the average length of a Guardian's reign lasts ten millennia. The last Guardian was inaugurated that long ago. The evils accruing in the world would fit with the traditional testing the Heiress would have to deal with before ascending. And even if it's not the Guardian, too many things are happening. The changes in the structure of each royal family. The power the Silver Imperium Crystal has amassed recently. The rumors that my sister will call the senshi, and call them early, too early. Kan, I just don't know." "If it is the Guardian?" "Every Guardian in the history of the Universe has been called from Mars." "So either Rei." "Or the unexpected child."
Age Four
Rei stood at the edge of her balcony and leaned over, looking down. It's too far to jump, she thought to herself. I suppose I could get a rope.
"Why bother with the effort?" Rei heard, the voice speaking directly to her mind. Rei began to smile, for she knew who was asking the question, but quickly stifled it. "Because I'm a Martian." "Are you?" Rei frowned. "What are you suggesting?" she asked, dispensing with the telepathic communication. No one else was in her room, but she knew she would be heard. "You are not like them. You are too powerful. Ask them. Ask them about your great-grandmother, ask them about the lineage of the universe, ask them about Hasha." "Who is Hasha? And why should I?" "Just ask."
Rei knocked on her mother's study. Hana looked up from the papers she was working on with a grimace, but when she saw her daughter, it turned to a smile. "Rei! Come in, honey. I wasn't expecting you." Rei walked over to her mother and gave her a hug. "I thought you were going to the canals today with your father and Lia[6]. Did you decide not to go?" her mother asked. "Mom." Rei began hesitantly, "I have a couple questions for you." "Go ahead," her mother replied. "Ask away." "Well.you see.I was wondering.who is Hasha?" Hana's mouth dropped open and she gaped at her daughter. "Hasha?" Rei nodded. "Rei, honey. You're only four. I don't think this is something we need to discuss." "What about my great-grandmother?" "Akoni? What about her?" "What about the.the lineage of the universe?" "Rei," her mother asked sternly, "who have you been talking to? Who told you about these things?" "Nobody told me anything about these things, mama. They said I should ask you." "Who did?" "Will you tell me about Hasha and Akoni?" Rei's mother shook her head. "Then I won't tell you who told me."
Rei sat in her room, contemplating the ancient manuscript that sat on the desk in front of her. I don't understand. Why don't they love me anymore? Why do they focus everything on Lia? "They think she's someone she isn't," a voice behind her said. "Do they love her more for that, sensei?"[7] Rei asked. "It's not that they love her more, Rei. They are scared of what they think she is and are trying not to anger her." "What do they think?" "They think she is not theirs. They think that a stranger will come and take her away, and train her to be more powerful than they could ever imagine." "But they are wrong?" "But they are wrong."
Age Six
Rei stormed off angrily. Various things along her path randomly burst into flame as she passed, but she made it to the temple without blowing up the palace itself. She ritually cleansed herself before entering the temple, then opened the huge gates mentally. Rei stepped inside and the doors closed behind her. A priest scurried forward, bowing. "Princess, we did not expect to see you today." Rei waved him off and continued her advance. He backed away, but followed behind her. "Do you wish to meditate with the Fire, princess?" "Yes, I do," she replied. The priest motioned to other acolytes to prepare the main room for the princess. They rushed away, one to open the door Rei was rapidly nearing. He bowed low as she passed, murmuring the acceptable greeting. Rei paused in her trek and turned to regard the man. Her eyes narrowed, and the priest behind her stopped in his tracks before trying to placate the anger he assumed was growing in his princess. "Please, princess, this is one of our newest acolytes. His family in the Western Plains sent him a month ago. His name is Shin Jou - he's of the Shin family that has been one of the biggest supporters of your mother dur- " Rei cut the priest off with a wave of her hand, then used that hand to raise the acolyte's chin up so she could meet his eyes. He gulped nervously, remembering the stories others had told him, of what happened to acolytes that displeased the raven-haired power. Meeting her eyes slowly, his nervousness fell away. He saw the beauty in front of him, but more than the beauty, the spirituality that radiated from her. His face relaxed as hers began to smile. "You have done good with this one, priest," she said, addressing the hovering man behind her. The priest sighed thankfully, glad that his princess had not done anything precipitous. "You are called Shin Jou?" she said, addressing the new acolyte, who nodded back. "Have you been given a temple name yet?" He shook his head, unable to speak. "What do you think of Anjin?"[8] "I would be honored to carry that name," he replied shakily. "Consider it yours then," Rei said firmly. She went to walk on, but stopped again and turned around. "Anjin? Would you like to meditate with me?" "I would be honored, Princess." "Come on, then," Rei said, taking Anjin's hand and leading him into the room that housed the Fire of Life. The doors closed behind the two, leaving the priest shaking his head in disbelief. "First she comes in and sets five acolytes on fire in two months, says they're not committed. Then she decides that the next one is good enough for her to name. Forget the fact that only the High Priest is the only one that's allowed to do that. Of course, the girl's exactly right about his character. She's so sure of herself that she doesn't even ask me what I think of him before she asks if he wants to meditate with her! She's never asked anyone else to meditate with her. In fact she's forbidden anyone to meditate with her, even the High Priest, her father! Ai!" The priest began to walk away, but then noticed the hem of his robe had mysteriously caught fire. He began jumping up and down in rhythm with his shrieks, and somehow put the fire out. "If you weren't a princess," he muttered in the direction of the Fire Room. He thought for a second, and then cracked a grin. "If you weren't a princess, then your father wouldn't have a chance. You're only six, but by space, you'd be the High Priestess if you weren't the princess."
Age Seven
"Rei, you mother and I have a surprise for you." Rei looked at her father and threw him a look of impatience. "Your aunt Serenity and cousin Usagi will be coming to visit." "When?" "Tomorrow." So she was right, Rei thought as she bowed and left her parents. Aunt Serenity will come and take me away. "And you'll ask her, won't you." "I have to. You know what you are. I need to train you," the mysterious voice answered Rei's inner questioning, as it always did. "When will I have the chance to rest? I'm so tired." "It will be a few more years, but then your rest will be long. Long, but extremely hard."
The visiting princess fidgeted through the official greetings and released a huge sigh of relief when the ceremonies were over. She looked for Rei, but could not see her anywhere. "Aunt Hana?" "Yes, Usagi? What is it?" "Where is Rei?" "I'm not sure. She just disappeared once Kan was finished with the ceremony. Why don't you go check the temple training grounds? She's been spending a lot of time with one of the acolytes there." "Thanks, Aunt Hana!"
Usagi skipped off happily, in search of her cousin. She snuck quietly to the walls of the training ground and looked for a hole to peep through. Finding one, she peered through and was amazed at what she saw. Rei sat on the ground across from an acolyte - it looked like a boy! The two were facing each other, surrounded by clay pots. As Usagi looked closer, she realized that each had their eyes closed and hands folded in a meditative position. Usagi watched silently, trying to hear any noises the two were making. She heard nothing.
"Now, Anjin, focus. Imagine you are looking out of your eyes. See your hands. Unclasp them and move them apart slowly. As you do this, see the fire that begins to glow between your hands. Feel the heat grow as your hands move further apart. When they reach the width of your body, hold them in place. See the fire burst into flames."
Usagi's eyes widened as she saw the space in front of the boy burst in flames. She stifled a shriek when she saw the fire engulf his hands, but couldn't hold in the gasp when she saw that his hands didn't catch on fire, didn't even burn.
"Now look around the mental you. See the pots? Throw some of the fire into the pots."
Usagi saw some of the fire die and wondered about it for a nanosecond before the pot nearest the boy blew up. The fire regrew under his patient control, then a small portion of it died. Another pot blew up. By the time all twenty or so pots had been destroyed, Usagi was ready to collapse. Even her soldiers on the moon were unable to control the fire. She remembered what her mother had said, that the fire was the hardest to control, and anybody who did so unwillingly or without the necessary willpower had been horribly injured, gone insane, or died. It took one of immense power and strength to control the fire, and here was a boy, only a few years older than her, sitting with her cousin, using the fire to blow up pots!
"Very good, Anjin. I think that's enough pot-blowing-up for today."
Usagi held on to the wall, watching the acolyte and her cousin stand up. The two bowed to each other, and Usagi thought they were through. Instead, she heard the acolyte clearly say, "Thank you for the lesson, princess." Thank you for the lesson? Usagi thought. You mean Rei was teaching him how to do that? "Do you feel up to combat practice today, Anjin?" "Shouldn't you be finishing up, princess? Your relatives are here. I wouldn't want to keep you from entertaining your visitors." "Nonsense, Anjin. Queen Serenity is with my mother. My cousin is.close by. She's all right for a few more minutes." "Right, Usagi?" Usagi looked around, wondering who had just done that, spoken directly to her mind. It dawned on her that it was Rei, and Usagi turned back to spy on this mysterious person she used to think was a normal Martian.
Inside the walls, Rei and Anjin bowed to each other, turned their backs on the other and walked three steps apart. They turned back to each other. Rei held her hand up, and a sword made of flame instantly appeared in it. Anjin did the same. They began to fight.
They're both good, Usagi thought. I'm glad Rei's going to be my protector if she can do all that. And it looks like she already knows all the fighting styles. It was a good observation, for Rei and Anjin used moves from all the traditional fighting styles, Martian, Terran, and Urasian, the three hardest to master, included. At one point, Rei dispensed with the sword and somehow conjured a bow and arrow of flame. After observing ritual, she notched the arrow and drew back the bow. Letting go, the arrow flew at the heart of Anjin. He stepped out of the arrow's way in the nick of time to avoid getting hit. "Nice maneuver," Rei commented, the bow and arrow disappearing. "I'm just lucky you taught me how to do that," Anjin replied. Rei chuckled, and then re-manifested the sword. The two began to fight again. After a few minutes, the two broke apart. Neither had been seriously injured, nor was there a clear winner. Usagi was impressed, but more so when she heard Anjin say, "Thank you for the practice, princess." "Anytime, Anjin. If you want to have a real match sometime, just let me know." Anjin smiled. "I doubt your parents or my mentor would approve of that." "Well, we just wouldn't tell them," Rei answered quietly. "I'm sorry to run out so quickly, but I should be going." "Are you all right?" "Yes, Anjin." Rei walked over to the gate. The doors opened, and she stepped through them. Before they closed, however, she looked back. "Thank you, Anjin. For everything." She started walking again and the doors closed on a dumbfounded Anjin.
"Usako. It's so good to see you," Rei said, walking along the wall and seeing her cousin. "Rei? I never knew you could do things like that! And you were training him? He's got to be at least five years older than you!" "Actually, he's about ten years older. He's going to be the High Priest someday. He's very nice, you two would get along." "The High Priest? How do you know?" "I just do, Usako." Usagi looked closer at Rei, seeing things on her face that a normal seven year old wouldn't possess. "Rei? Is something wrong? You look so.so tired. You've got worry lines around your eyes and mouth." "A lot has been happening, cousin. So much so fast." "Ah, Rei. Why didn't you tell me? You know we're kyouou."[9] We can't be kyouou anymore, Usako. I have a secret. "I didn't want to worry you, Usako." "Well, you won't be able to anymore. You're coming to live with us, on the Moon. Mom's calling you to be one of my senshi! Isn't that great?" "Yes, Usako. That's wonderful." The two began to walk back to the palace. Usagi was wondering why Rei didn't seem surprised or excited. In fact, if she didn't know any better, she would have thought Rei was holding back tears. If only you knew, Usako. My troubles won't leave me alone. In fact, they'll be stronger on the moon.
One Week Later
"So you will be leaving in three days, Rei." Rei nodded in the direction of Queen Serenity. "Thank you for the honor, your majesty." "Rei," her mother said. "You are allowed to take one person with you. Is there anyone you wish to invite along with you?" "No, thank you. I will go alone, Queen Hana."
Age Seven and Two Months
Serenity sat in court, hearing the pleas and requests of her citizens. Whilst mediating a trade dispute, she noticed a strange woman enter her throne room carrying a letter. The woman got in line to speak to the queen, who promptly settled the dispute. Ignoring those who had arrived before the mysterious woman, the queen beckoned for the visitor to be brought forth. The woman strode forward and bowed at the waist. "Queen Serenity, I bring a message from Daiuchuuno Hasha, the Guardian." "Please, messenger. Read it." "A thousand pardons, majesty, but it is for your eyes only." "Very well," the queen said. She motioned the woman forward, and received the letter. Her job done, the messenger backed away, still bowing at the waist, and left through the door she had entered only moments before. The queen read the letter in puzzlement.
The Next Day
"Your Majesty. Thank you for indulging me." "No, Guardian, it is you who indulge me. To what do I owe this honor?" "I have a request of you, majesty." "Name it, and if it is in my power to grant, I will." "I wish to claim Hino Rei." "As what, Guardian?" the queen asked in shock. "As my own." "As." "As the Heiress." Serenity regarded Hasha carefully. "How do you know she is the one? Her parents believe her sister to be." "Lia is the Weave's way of securing the bloodline of Mars. Ask Hana, Rei was born two years too early for tradition. Since her birth, she has been the Weave's. I claim her for instruction." "Does she even know about you?" "Rei has heard the ancient prophesies since her early childhood. She knows that her parents refuse to discuss her great-grandmother or me. She has known about me for a while, but she has known me personally since before she was two. She knows who she is, and is ready to assume her destiny." After a moment of silence to let that comment sink in, the queen said, "I am not one to deny you, Guardian. She is yours." "Thank you, Serenity. This will not be forgotten." Hasha inclined her head toward the queen. Before leaving, she also acknowledged the other person in the room. "Sailor Pluto, honored of the Weave. It was good to put a face to a destiny." With that cryptic statement, the Guardian dissipated in a swirl of muted colors.
Age Fifteen
"And so Endy will be coming to visit soon. He's supposed to be talking about Beryl, but I know he's coming to see me. We're having a big dance, and I want all of you to take one of his generals."
Five Days Later
Endymion, Prince of Earth, landed his ship on the center courtyard of the palace. He walked off to fanfare and headed in the direction of the Moon's Royal Family. He bowed to the king and queen, then accepted the proffered hand of the princess and kissed it. The princess curtsied back, a blush spreading across her face. Endymion's four guards followed behind him, and each bowed to the royalty. The group of eight walked leisurely toward the palace. Along the way, they met four beautiful women. Endymion smiled as he introduced his guards to the princess's protectors. "Kunzite, Jedite, Neflyte, Zoisite. It's my pleasure to introduce you to the Moon Senshi. Princess Aino Minako, of Venus and commander of the senshi. Princess Kino Makoto, of Jupiter. Princess Mizuno Ami, of Mercury. And this," he said, grabbing the arm of Rei with a laugh, "is Princess Hino Rei of Mars. Rei is Usagi's cousin, and a savior! Remember the problems we were having translating the historic documents we found in the caves of Hiram?" The four generals nodded, but only one remembered what Endy was talking about. "Rei is an expert when it comes to ancient stuff, and she came and found the missing link so that we could decipher the codes on the papyri!" "Princess Hino, that was incredible work. The people of Earth are forever in your debt," one of the generals volunteered. Rei eyed him curiously, then responded. "You are welcome, General Jedite, as well as the people of Earth. It was an honor to be able to help."
Age Seventeen
Rei opened the letter slowly, and read it with even more care. Once she had perused the words, she refolded the letter and walked outside under the noonday sky. Amongst the cherry trees, Rei sat and pondered aloud what she had read. "Anjin as High Priest? I knew it would happen, but I can't believe that father would willingly give up his place. Something had to've happened. And marrying Lia? Traditional, but I can't believe that he would do that. He never liked her. But things might've changed. I've been on the moon for ten years. I've only seen him three or four times. He's what, almost thirty now. Time he married, I suppose. And the house on the Plains, mine. I always liked it, so far away from everything. It's a nice gesture, but I'll never be able to see it. They must be disappointed. Hasha hasn't come for Lia yet like they thought she would." "Who's Hasha?" Jedite asked, coming upon her and hearing just the last five or so sentences. "And why does she need to come for your sister." "Oh, it's not important." "Are you sure?" Jedite asked, not believing her. "Yeah, I'm sure. And as long as you're here, did you hear that my parents have given me the house I told you about before?" "Did they? Congratulations!" Jedite said smiling, picking up Rei and spinning her around. Her put her down gently and hugged her. "Maybe we should ask Endy and Usagi for some time off to go visit," he whispered into her ear. "They'll never let us," Rei answered, the end of her sentences trailing off into laughter as Jedite tickled her. "We could ask," Jedite said seriously, looking into Rei's eyes. Rei let out a half-smile, acquiescing. Jedite whooped in triumph and grabbed Rei to dance an impromptu jig with him. They ended up sitting down, breathless. Rei put her head on Jedite's shoulder and looked into his eyes. He looked back at her and the two began to kiss.
It was nightfall when they returned the palace, going straight to the throne room. They asked the queen and Endymion to allow them a break to travel to Mars and see Rei's new house. Endymion and Serenity looked at each other and smiled. "If it is all right with the prince, I have no problems," the queen said. "I have no problems with it. But only a week. Beryl's getting more people under her and if things continue, we'll need you two back here." Jedite and Rei bowed and promised to come back in a week. The two walked out of the courtroom as fast as etiquette allowed them. The two royals laughed when the pair was out of earshot. "I'm glad they hit it off so well," Endymion commented. "They make a good pair." "Yes, they do," the queen agreed. "Maybe we'll have a wedding to look forward to after they come back." The queen nodded, but inwardly felt a small bolt of panic. A wedding? I wonder if she's told him.
Jedite and Rei left for her new house on the Western Plains of Mars, an area called Meridia. They left innocent and free of worries. ----------------------- [1] Hana: Japanese, meaning flower. [2] Kan: What Hana calls her husband in private. Full name is Kansei, meaning "Tight self-control" [3] Akoni - Rei's great-grandmother. [4] Hino Rei means Prayer/Spirit of Fire. The Royal Family is responsible for overseeing the Chief Temple of the Fire of Life, central to the Martian religion. The name is auspicious because it alludes that Rei will be used by the Fire as an extension of Itself. [5] Saitoku: the queen of Mercury. Meaning intelligence and virtue [6] Lia: Rei's younger sister, now a year and a half old. [7] Sensei: Japanese word, meaning teacher [8] Anjin: meaning the method of obtaining peace of mind through faith [9] Kyouou: Japanese saying, meaning "one's heart of hearts; the depths of one's mind". Basically, it means that the two are joined by the heart, a close bond that can't be broken.
Birth
"Push, Hana!"[1] the midwife urged. "One more good one and she'll be out." With the next contraction, Hana pushed, screaming with effort and pain. Her husband, pacing outside the room, stopped at the sound of the scream. When the scream ended, he found himself waiting for a noise, anything to tell him that his wife was all right. Paralyzed with fear, he stood there. The midwife came to open the door, and found him standing in place. She smiled wearily at him. "Your wife is all right. She's feeding your child. Go on in." He rushed in and went straight to the only bed in the room. His wife looked up at him and smiled, the strain of a hard childbirth written clearly on her face. Suckling at her breast was a tiny girl with a full head of black hair. The man looked at his wife and child with love, tears streaking down his face. "She's beautiful," he said, the emotions churning within him breaking his voice. He hadn't expected a child for another two or three years, yet here was his daughter, in the flesh. "What did you expect? Of course we'd have a beautiful child," Hana retorted. "Kan,[2] what should we name her?" "Rei. Hino Rei." "A fitting name for a princess, I think," Hana agreed. And if Akoni[3] was right, then the name is more than fitting.[4]
Age 18 Months
The baby was sitting alone in the middle of a huge room, talking to herself. All of a sudden, she stopped and turned around, expecting to see someone standing a few meters behind her. There was no one there when she looked, but as she continued to stare, a form began to materialize. The baby stood up and tottered awkwardly to the now-clear figure. The woman regarded the baby carefully, as if the infant held an answer to a long-awaited riddle. In response, the baby gurgled, a small jet of flame appearing behind the baby in sync with the gibberish. The woman raised an eyebrow with this demonstration. "All right," she said, kneeling to the baby's height. "So Hino Rei is the next Sailor Mars." The baby merely smiled, a small halo of fire appearing from nowhere to surround, but not burn, her jet-black hair. "The question is," the woman continued, "are you what I am looking for?" The baby said nothing. Footsteps could be heard outside of the room, getting closer. The woman sighed, and promptly disappeared. The baby tilted her head in question, then disappeared as well. The footsteps reached the door, which opened. A man, in the prime of his life, stepped into the room and looked around. He sniffed the air, and smelt the lingering aroma of fire. She's definitely been in here, he thought. At least she didn't start a panic this time. Upon seeing nothing, he walked out, and resumed the search for his daughter, Princess Hino Rei of Mars.
The mysterious woman reappeared in a different room, in a different palace, in a different place. She took two steps away before she heard the cooing of a child behind her. She whirled around in surprise. Sitting on the floor in front of her was the very same infant she thought she had just left. "Now, how in space did you do that?" she said, hands on hips. The toddler merely smiled.
Age Two
The High Priest walked forward to bow at the foot of the queen's throne. "You sent for me, majesty?" "Yes, I did. I seek counsel from the Fire," the queen said, addressing her husband in his role as High Priest. "What is it that you wish to know?" he asked impassively, betraying no evidence that he knew the queen, much less that he was her husband and father to her child. "I wish to know why the Fire has deemed it necessary to break the traditional cycle of rulership." Kansei made no movement, but his wife could tell the priest was confused and a little scared. "I ask for clarification, majesty." "In the years since my family has gained the throne of Mars, each queen has had only one daughter, who, in turn, has become the queen of Mars." Kansei bowed his head in acceptance, but beneath the placid exterior his heart was racing. What is she trying to say? he wondered internally. The queen took a deep breath, then continued. "I would like to know why I am pregnant, High Priest." Kansei looked at his wife's face incredulously. "Pregnant, Queen Hana?" "Yes."
Later that night, in their own room, Hana and Kansei talked. "And it is rumored that Queen Saitoku's[5] second child is displaying a greater connection with the Mercurian heritage than her older sister." "Really?" Hana nodded. "It's also been said that the Princess of Pluto has returned." "The Guardian of Time? But why?" "I think," Hana said slowly, "that we need to look at the ancient prophesies again." "Why?" Kansei argued. "We haven't had the need in such a long time. What good do you think it will do?" "My grandmother, Akoni, believed that the fulfillment of many of the prophecies would come about in my time or Rei's. I wouldn't be surprised if some of it had do to with.with the Guardian." Kansei stiffened. "You think she's come back?" "Kan, there are many things we don't know about her. What we do know would fit with the other prophecies. They say that the average length of a Guardian's reign lasts ten millennia. The last Guardian was inaugurated that long ago. The evils accruing in the world would fit with the traditional testing the Heiress would have to deal with before ascending. And even if it's not the Guardian, too many things are happening. The changes in the structure of each royal family. The power the Silver Imperium Crystal has amassed recently. The rumors that my sister will call the senshi, and call them early, too early. Kan, I just don't know." "If it is the Guardian?" "Every Guardian in the history of the Universe has been called from Mars." "So either Rei." "Or the unexpected child."
Age Four
Rei stood at the edge of her balcony and leaned over, looking down. It's too far to jump, she thought to herself. I suppose I could get a rope.
"Why bother with the effort?" Rei heard, the voice speaking directly to her mind. Rei began to smile, for she knew who was asking the question, but quickly stifled it. "Because I'm a Martian." "Are you?" Rei frowned. "What are you suggesting?" she asked, dispensing with the telepathic communication. No one else was in her room, but she knew she would be heard. "You are not like them. You are too powerful. Ask them. Ask them about your great-grandmother, ask them about the lineage of the universe, ask them about Hasha." "Who is Hasha? And why should I?" "Just ask."
Rei knocked on her mother's study. Hana looked up from the papers she was working on with a grimace, but when she saw her daughter, it turned to a smile. "Rei! Come in, honey. I wasn't expecting you." Rei walked over to her mother and gave her a hug. "I thought you were going to the canals today with your father and Lia[6]. Did you decide not to go?" her mother asked. "Mom." Rei began hesitantly, "I have a couple questions for you." "Go ahead," her mother replied. "Ask away." "Well.you see.I was wondering.who is Hasha?" Hana's mouth dropped open and she gaped at her daughter. "Hasha?" Rei nodded. "Rei, honey. You're only four. I don't think this is something we need to discuss." "What about my great-grandmother?" "Akoni? What about her?" "What about the.the lineage of the universe?" "Rei," her mother asked sternly, "who have you been talking to? Who told you about these things?" "Nobody told me anything about these things, mama. They said I should ask you." "Who did?" "Will you tell me about Hasha and Akoni?" Rei's mother shook her head. "Then I won't tell you who told me."
Rei sat in her room, contemplating the ancient manuscript that sat on the desk in front of her. I don't understand. Why don't they love me anymore? Why do they focus everything on Lia? "They think she's someone she isn't," a voice behind her said. "Do they love her more for that, sensei?"[7] Rei asked. "It's not that they love her more, Rei. They are scared of what they think she is and are trying not to anger her." "What do they think?" "They think she is not theirs. They think that a stranger will come and take her away, and train her to be more powerful than they could ever imagine." "But they are wrong?" "But they are wrong."
Age Six
Rei stormed off angrily. Various things along her path randomly burst into flame as she passed, but she made it to the temple without blowing up the palace itself. She ritually cleansed herself before entering the temple, then opened the huge gates mentally. Rei stepped inside and the doors closed behind her. A priest scurried forward, bowing. "Princess, we did not expect to see you today." Rei waved him off and continued her advance. He backed away, but followed behind her. "Do you wish to meditate with the Fire, princess?" "Yes, I do," she replied. The priest motioned to other acolytes to prepare the main room for the princess. They rushed away, one to open the door Rei was rapidly nearing. He bowed low as she passed, murmuring the acceptable greeting. Rei paused in her trek and turned to regard the man. Her eyes narrowed, and the priest behind her stopped in his tracks before trying to placate the anger he assumed was growing in his princess. "Please, princess, this is one of our newest acolytes. His family in the Western Plains sent him a month ago. His name is Shin Jou - he's of the Shin family that has been one of the biggest supporters of your mother dur- " Rei cut the priest off with a wave of her hand, then used that hand to raise the acolyte's chin up so she could meet his eyes. He gulped nervously, remembering the stories others had told him, of what happened to acolytes that displeased the raven-haired power. Meeting her eyes slowly, his nervousness fell away. He saw the beauty in front of him, but more than the beauty, the spirituality that radiated from her. His face relaxed as hers began to smile. "You have done good with this one, priest," she said, addressing the hovering man behind her. The priest sighed thankfully, glad that his princess had not done anything precipitous. "You are called Shin Jou?" she said, addressing the new acolyte, who nodded back. "Have you been given a temple name yet?" He shook his head, unable to speak. "What do you think of Anjin?"[8] "I would be honored to carry that name," he replied shakily. "Consider it yours then," Rei said firmly. She went to walk on, but stopped again and turned around. "Anjin? Would you like to meditate with me?" "I would be honored, Princess." "Come on, then," Rei said, taking Anjin's hand and leading him into the room that housed the Fire of Life. The doors closed behind the two, leaving the priest shaking his head in disbelief. "First she comes in and sets five acolytes on fire in two months, says they're not committed. Then she decides that the next one is good enough for her to name. Forget the fact that only the High Priest is the only one that's allowed to do that. Of course, the girl's exactly right about his character. She's so sure of herself that she doesn't even ask me what I think of him before she asks if he wants to meditate with her! She's never asked anyone else to meditate with her. In fact she's forbidden anyone to meditate with her, even the High Priest, her father! Ai!" The priest began to walk away, but then noticed the hem of his robe had mysteriously caught fire. He began jumping up and down in rhythm with his shrieks, and somehow put the fire out. "If you weren't a princess," he muttered in the direction of the Fire Room. He thought for a second, and then cracked a grin. "If you weren't a princess, then your father wouldn't have a chance. You're only six, but by space, you'd be the High Priestess if you weren't the princess."
Age Seven
"Rei, you mother and I have a surprise for you." Rei looked at her father and threw him a look of impatience. "Your aunt Serenity and cousin Usagi will be coming to visit." "When?" "Tomorrow." So she was right, Rei thought as she bowed and left her parents. Aunt Serenity will come and take me away. "And you'll ask her, won't you." "I have to. You know what you are. I need to train you," the mysterious voice answered Rei's inner questioning, as it always did. "When will I have the chance to rest? I'm so tired." "It will be a few more years, but then your rest will be long. Long, but extremely hard."
The visiting princess fidgeted through the official greetings and released a huge sigh of relief when the ceremonies were over. She looked for Rei, but could not see her anywhere. "Aunt Hana?" "Yes, Usagi? What is it?" "Where is Rei?" "I'm not sure. She just disappeared once Kan was finished with the ceremony. Why don't you go check the temple training grounds? She's been spending a lot of time with one of the acolytes there." "Thanks, Aunt Hana!"
Usagi skipped off happily, in search of her cousin. She snuck quietly to the walls of the training ground and looked for a hole to peep through. Finding one, she peered through and was amazed at what she saw. Rei sat on the ground across from an acolyte - it looked like a boy! The two were facing each other, surrounded by clay pots. As Usagi looked closer, she realized that each had their eyes closed and hands folded in a meditative position. Usagi watched silently, trying to hear any noises the two were making. She heard nothing.
"Now, Anjin, focus. Imagine you are looking out of your eyes. See your hands. Unclasp them and move them apart slowly. As you do this, see the fire that begins to glow between your hands. Feel the heat grow as your hands move further apart. When they reach the width of your body, hold them in place. See the fire burst into flames."
Usagi's eyes widened as she saw the space in front of the boy burst in flames. She stifled a shriek when she saw the fire engulf his hands, but couldn't hold in the gasp when she saw that his hands didn't catch on fire, didn't even burn.
"Now look around the mental you. See the pots? Throw some of the fire into the pots."
Usagi saw some of the fire die and wondered about it for a nanosecond before the pot nearest the boy blew up. The fire regrew under his patient control, then a small portion of it died. Another pot blew up. By the time all twenty or so pots had been destroyed, Usagi was ready to collapse. Even her soldiers on the moon were unable to control the fire. She remembered what her mother had said, that the fire was the hardest to control, and anybody who did so unwillingly or without the necessary willpower had been horribly injured, gone insane, or died. It took one of immense power and strength to control the fire, and here was a boy, only a few years older than her, sitting with her cousin, using the fire to blow up pots!
"Very good, Anjin. I think that's enough pot-blowing-up for today."
Usagi held on to the wall, watching the acolyte and her cousin stand up. The two bowed to each other, and Usagi thought they were through. Instead, she heard the acolyte clearly say, "Thank you for the lesson, princess." Thank you for the lesson? Usagi thought. You mean Rei was teaching him how to do that? "Do you feel up to combat practice today, Anjin?" "Shouldn't you be finishing up, princess? Your relatives are here. I wouldn't want to keep you from entertaining your visitors." "Nonsense, Anjin. Queen Serenity is with my mother. My cousin is.close by. She's all right for a few more minutes." "Right, Usagi?" Usagi looked around, wondering who had just done that, spoken directly to her mind. It dawned on her that it was Rei, and Usagi turned back to spy on this mysterious person she used to think was a normal Martian.
Inside the walls, Rei and Anjin bowed to each other, turned their backs on the other and walked three steps apart. They turned back to each other. Rei held her hand up, and a sword made of flame instantly appeared in it. Anjin did the same. They began to fight.
They're both good, Usagi thought. I'm glad Rei's going to be my protector if she can do all that. And it looks like she already knows all the fighting styles. It was a good observation, for Rei and Anjin used moves from all the traditional fighting styles, Martian, Terran, and Urasian, the three hardest to master, included. At one point, Rei dispensed with the sword and somehow conjured a bow and arrow of flame. After observing ritual, she notched the arrow and drew back the bow. Letting go, the arrow flew at the heart of Anjin. He stepped out of the arrow's way in the nick of time to avoid getting hit. "Nice maneuver," Rei commented, the bow and arrow disappearing. "I'm just lucky you taught me how to do that," Anjin replied. Rei chuckled, and then re-manifested the sword. The two began to fight again. After a few minutes, the two broke apart. Neither had been seriously injured, nor was there a clear winner. Usagi was impressed, but more so when she heard Anjin say, "Thank you for the practice, princess." "Anytime, Anjin. If you want to have a real match sometime, just let me know." Anjin smiled. "I doubt your parents or my mentor would approve of that." "Well, we just wouldn't tell them," Rei answered quietly. "I'm sorry to run out so quickly, but I should be going." "Are you all right?" "Yes, Anjin." Rei walked over to the gate. The doors opened, and she stepped through them. Before they closed, however, she looked back. "Thank you, Anjin. For everything." She started walking again and the doors closed on a dumbfounded Anjin.
"Usako. It's so good to see you," Rei said, walking along the wall and seeing her cousin. "Rei? I never knew you could do things like that! And you were training him? He's got to be at least five years older than you!" "Actually, he's about ten years older. He's going to be the High Priest someday. He's very nice, you two would get along." "The High Priest? How do you know?" "I just do, Usako." Usagi looked closer at Rei, seeing things on her face that a normal seven year old wouldn't possess. "Rei? Is something wrong? You look so.so tired. You've got worry lines around your eyes and mouth." "A lot has been happening, cousin. So much so fast." "Ah, Rei. Why didn't you tell me? You know we're kyouou."[9] We can't be kyouou anymore, Usako. I have a secret. "I didn't want to worry you, Usako." "Well, you won't be able to anymore. You're coming to live with us, on the Moon. Mom's calling you to be one of my senshi! Isn't that great?" "Yes, Usako. That's wonderful." The two began to walk back to the palace. Usagi was wondering why Rei didn't seem surprised or excited. In fact, if she didn't know any better, she would have thought Rei was holding back tears. If only you knew, Usako. My troubles won't leave me alone. In fact, they'll be stronger on the moon.
One Week Later
"So you will be leaving in three days, Rei." Rei nodded in the direction of Queen Serenity. "Thank you for the honor, your majesty." "Rei," her mother said. "You are allowed to take one person with you. Is there anyone you wish to invite along with you?" "No, thank you. I will go alone, Queen Hana."
Age Seven and Two Months
Serenity sat in court, hearing the pleas and requests of her citizens. Whilst mediating a trade dispute, she noticed a strange woman enter her throne room carrying a letter. The woman got in line to speak to the queen, who promptly settled the dispute. Ignoring those who had arrived before the mysterious woman, the queen beckoned for the visitor to be brought forth. The woman strode forward and bowed at the waist. "Queen Serenity, I bring a message from Daiuchuuno Hasha, the Guardian." "Please, messenger. Read it." "A thousand pardons, majesty, but it is for your eyes only." "Very well," the queen said. She motioned the woman forward, and received the letter. Her job done, the messenger backed away, still bowing at the waist, and left through the door she had entered only moments before. The queen read the letter in puzzlement.
The Next Day
"Your Majesty. Thank you for indulging me." "No, Guardian, it is you who indulge me. To what do I owe this honor?" "I have a request of you, majesty." "Name it, and if it is in my power to grant, I will." "I wish to claim Hino Rei." "As what, Guardian?" the queen asked in shock. "As my own." "As." "As the Heiress." Serenity regarded Hasha carefully. "How do you know she is the one? Her parents believe her sister to be." "Lia is the Weave's way of securing the bloodline of Mars. Ask Hana, Rei was born two years too early for tradition. Since her birth, she has been the Weave's. I claim her for instruction." "Does she even know about you?" "Rei has heard the ancient prophesies since her early childhood. She knows that her parents refuse to discuss her great-grandmother or me. She has known about me for a while, but she has known me personally since before she was two. She knows who she is, and is ready to assume her destiny." After a moment of silence to let that comment sink in, the queen said, "I am not one to deny you, Guardian. She is yours." "Thank you, Serenity. This will not be forgotten." Hasha inclined her head toward the queen. Before leaving, she also acknowledged the other person in the room. "Sailor Pluto, honored of the Weave. It was good to put a face to a destiny." With that cryptic statement, the Guardian dissipated in a swirl of muted colors.
Age Fifteen
"And so Endy will be coming to visit soon. He's supposed to be talking about Beryl, but I know he's coming to see me. We're having a big dance, and I want all of you to take one of his generals."
Five Days Later
Endymion, Prince of Earth, landed his ship on the center courtyard of the palace. He walked off to fanfare and headed in the direction of the Moon's Royal Family. He bowed to the king and queen, then accepted the proffered hand of the princess and kissed it. The princess curtsied back, a blush spreading across her face. Endymion's four guards followed behind him, and each bowed to the royalty. The group of eight walked leisurely toward the palace. Along the way, they met four beautiful women. Endymion smiled as he introduced his guards to the princess's protectors. "Kunzite, Jedite, Neflyte, Zoisite. It's my pleasure to introduce you to the Moon Senshi. Princess Aino Minako, of Venus and commander of the senshi. Princess Kino Makoto, of Jupiter. Princess Mizuno Ami, of Mercury. And this," he said, grabbing the arm of Rei with a laugh, "is Princess Hino Rei of Mars. Rei is Usagi's cousin, and a savior! Remember the problems we were having translating the historic documents we found in the caves of Hiram?" The four generals nodded, but only one remembered what Endy was talking about. "Rei is an expert when it comes to ancient stuff, and she came and found the missing link so that we could decipher the codes on the papyri!" "Princess Hino, that was incredible work. The people of Earth are forever in your debt," one of the generals volunteered. Rei eyed him curiously, then responded. "You are welcome, General Jedite, as well as the people of Earth. It was an honor to be able to help."
Age Seventeen
Rei opened the letter slowly, and read it with even more care. Once she had perused the words, she refolded the letter and walked outside under the noonday sky. Amongst the cherry trees, Rei sat and pondered aloud what she had read. "Anjin as High Priest? I knew it would happen, but I can't believe that father would willingly give up his place. Something had to've happened. And marrying Lia? Traditional, but I can't believe that he would do that. He never liked her. But things might've changed. I've been on the moon for ten years. I've only seen him three or four times. He's what, almost thirty now. Time he married, I suppose. And the house on the Plains, mine. I always liked it, so far away from everything. It's a nice gesture, but I'll never be able to see it. They must be disappointed. Hasha hasn't come for Lia yet like they thought she would." "Who's Hasha?" Jedite asked, coming upon her and hearing just the last five or so sentences. "And why does she need to come for your sister." "Oh, it's not important." "Are you sure?" Jedite asked, not believing her. "Yeah, I'm sure. And as long as you're here, did you hear that my parents have given me the house I told you about before?" "Did they? Congratulations!" Jedite said smiling, picking up Rei and spinning her around. Her put her down gently and hugged her. "Maybe we should ask Endy and Usagi for some time off to go visit," he whispered into her ear. "They'll never let us," Rei answered, the end of her sentences trailing off into laughter as Jedite tickled her. "We could ask," Jedite said seriously, looking into Rei's eyes. Rei let out a half-smile, acquiescing. Jedite whooped in triumph and grabbed Rei to dance an impromptu jig with him. They ended up sitting down, breathless. Rei put her head on Jedite's shoulder and looked into his eyes. He looked back at her and the two began to kiss.
It was nightfall when they returned the palace, going straight to the throne room. They asked the queen and Endymion to allow them a break to travel to Mars and see Rei's new house. Endymion and Serenity looked at each other and smiled. "If it is all right with the prince, I have no problems," the queen said. "I have no problems with it. But only a week. Beryl's getting more people under her and if things continue, we'll need you two back here." Jedite and Rei bowed and promised to come back in a week. The two walked out of the courtroom as fast as etiquette allowed them. The two royals laughed when the pair was out of earshot. "I'm glad they hit it off so well," Endymion commented. "They make a good pair." "Yes, they do," the queen agreed. "Maybe we'll have a wedding to look forward to after they come back." The queen nodded, but inwardly felt a small bolt of panic. A wedding? I wonder if she's told him.
Jedite and Rei left for her new house on the Western Plains of Mars, an area called Meridia. They left innocent and free of worries. ----------------------- [1] Hana: Japanese, meaning flower. [2] Kan: What Hana calls her husband in private. Full name is Kansei, meaning "Tight self-control" [3] Akoni - Rei's great-grandmother. [4] Hino Rei means Prayer/Spirit of Fire. The Royal Family is responsible for overseeing the Chief Temple of the Fire of Life, central to the Martian religion. The name is auspicious because it alludes that Rei will be used by the Fire as an extension of Itself. [5] Saitoku: the queen of Mercury. Meaning intelligence and virtue [6] Lia: Rei's younger sister, now a year and a half old. [7] Sensei: Japanese word, meaning teacher [8] Anjin: meaning the method of obtaining peace of mind through faith [9] Kyouou: Japanese saying, meaning "one's heart of hearts; the depths of one's mind". Basically, it means that the two are joined by the heart, a close bond that can't be broken.
