Ah, the wonders of air-conditioning, Rei thought as she walked in to
the airport terminal with Usagi at her side. The two friends had just
entered the international terminal, waiting for an airplane from America to
land. Jed and Darien had been gone for two weeks at a business conference
in New York, but the two couples felt like an agonizing eternity and a half
had passed. Usagi and Rei watched planes come and go, the airport at Narita
ever busy. Eventually, the plane with their loves landed, and twenty
minutes later, Jed and Darien walked into sight. Darien went straight to
Usagi and buried his face in her hair. Jed walked straight into Rei's arms.
As the two were hugging, Rei felt.something. She stiffened, catching the
attention of her love. Jed let go of her and stepped back, scared to see
the look in her eyes. Rei's psychic training had picked up an energy
source, an incredible power.
"Rei? Are you okay?" Jed telepathed to his beloved. When Rei didn't
respond, he spoke out loud. "What is it, Rei?" She still didn't answer, her
whole being tracking this power. "Rei?" By this time, Usagi and Darien were
looking at the couple, concern in their eyes.
"That woman." Rei whispered. She caught sight of the woman, walking out
of the terminal with her deep burgundy hair moving side to side. Rei let go
of Jed, and ran after the mysterious woman. By the time Rei reached the
doors, the unknown person was gone. Rei looked everywhere, but didn't see
burgundy hair and felt the powerful energy was fading. The power, leaving.
The others caught up to Rei, and Jed placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Rei?" he said. "Heiress?" With that word, Rei came out of herself, back
into reality. Dazed, she followed Jed, Darien, and Usagi to the car. Once
seated and packed up, they began driving home.
Now, Narita Airport isn't that far from Darien and Usagi's apartment in a Tokyo suburb, and Jedite and Rei's temple in Cherry Hill. Despite the small distance, Rei managed to regale the story of what had happened to the others. "What finally knocked you out of it?" Darien questioned. Rei shrugged, and Darien, turning to Jed, asked him what he had 'pathed to her. Jedite glanced at Rei, then answered. "I called her Heiress. That's when she came back." Darien and Usagi exchanged looks, and Usagi spoke. "What does that mean, Rei?" Rei knew what it meant, that a messenger had been sent to warn her. Her confrontation with the Hen Anysbryd[1] was near. "I don't know, Usagi," she lied. "It probably means that whoever it was, was from the Silver Millennium." Usagi's response was drowned out by a rush of wind. It startled Rei, the wind. Coming from out of nowhere, it bespoke of a magical control of nature. It seemed that she should remember something about this, but whatever it was evaded her mind. Just when she had calmed herself down, it started to hail. Rei shivered.
After dropping Usagi and Darien off at their apartment, Jed drove back to the temple. The red sports car dodged in and out of traffic as torrents of rain fell from the now-black sky. Jed reached over and turned the radio on as a weather announcer's report came on the air. "It seems that the storm we're currently experiencing started this morning with gale-force winds and hail. I'm sorry, folks, but this one came out of nowhere. Looks like nature's just having a temper tantrum. Should be over by this evening." Jedite turned the radio to a different channel in disgust. "Nature's having a temper tantrum? That man should be a story-teller, not a weather announcer." That startled Rei. There was something so familiar, something about nature, and tempers. Once again, her memory failed. Closing her eyes, Rei felt the familiar Weave pulsing through the air, through the earth, through her. The comforting waves of ever-present magic washed away Rei's concerns. She gave in to the roar, and dozed off.
Jed woke Rei when they reached the temple, and as the two walked to the door, Rei's psychic sense quickened yet again. The power was back. Walking cautiously up the steps, she saw burgundy hair. Its owner had her back to Rei, but she exuded such determination and strength. Rei sent Jed into the temple to unpack, and went to talk to her mysterious visitor.
"Excuse me," Rei began. "I am-" At that point, the woman turned around and interrupted her. "I know who you are, Heiress." Rei looked at her closer, searching for a sign of the woman's identity. Her orange eyes, like those of a cat, pierced out from under the short but thick burgundy hair, highlighting her tan skin. She arched a delicate eyebrow, and folded her arms. Her clothes were remarkably elegant: a pair of black silk pants coupled with a forest green shirt betrayed the apparent simplicity of the style. Her hands were long and graceful, but callused from hard work. Her attitude spoke volumes, of violence and compassion, cleansing and torment. Rei remembered. "Shizenno Katto[2]. It's been a long time." "So, you do remember me, Heiress. I was beginning to think you'd forgotten." "That's so easy to do when you're over two thousand years old and know just about every person in the galaxy," Rei retorted quickly, a smile breaking on her face. "Kat, why don't you come in? We can have some tea and catch up on old times. Or," she added, noticing the crease in Kat's forehead beginning to show, "you can tell me why you're here." Kat nodded, and they walked up the hill behind the temple. Knowing that Kat wouldn't be here unless it was a matter of life-or-death, and also knowing who sent her, Rei pathed a message to Jed. Jed, this is important. I'll be back when we're finished, breaking off their communication. "All right, Kat. We'll be fine here. Why don't you go ahead." "Very well, Heiress. The Guardian awakened me this morning, and sent me to find you. She has a message for you. She says 'The Anysbryd is waiting.' Heiress, what does this mean?" Rei smiled sadly, knowing that the hour of her biggest trial was waiting for her. Shizenno Katto was the messenger of destiny, and she didn't know. Didn't know the ancient stories, didn't know about Rei's future, or Rei's past. The Heiress took a deep breath, and began to tell her of the Ancient Evil. "Well, Kat, in ancient times, even before the links of the Silver Millennium were forged."
It was nightfall before the story was finished, and as Rei concluded, she waited for Kat's reaction. Rei was not disappointed. She stood up, and looked into the sky, her confusion and anger creating fireworks in the sky. Heat lightning, as beautiful as the woman who created it. "I'm sorry, Heiress. I had no idea what my message meant." "It's all right, Kat. I knew it was coming. One day, it will be my duty to protect the universe, and this is the only way to see if I can. Every other Guardian has gone through this." Kat nodded, and asked another question. "What will happen to the Sailor Scouts?" "Well, they've been training with the Muse, and with the other scouts. Only temporarily," Rei added hastily, seeing the look on Kat's face. "Just for times like this, when I won't be around, and the fight would be too hard alone. They've been learning to fight...better. They'll be all right." "The Guardian did mention to me that the Anysbryd always sends a diversion. Why?" "The Anysbryd does that to make sure the Heiress comes alone. It also guarantees that the no one will interrupt the fight. I believe something about that was mentioned about that in the original contract that the first guardian signed with the Anysbryd." "Even with all of the scouts fighting together, the diversion might prove to be too much for them to handle. May I have your permission to stay, and help if the need arises?" "I'll have to talk to Usagi," Rei said, mulling it over, "but I think that would be wise." Standing up, and brushing cherry petals from her hair, she began walking back to the temple. "Come on, Kat. Let's have you meet the future Queen Serenity."
Kat and Rei walked back into the temple. Jed was waiting, patiently. Oh, how I love that man. He doesn't know where I am, or whom I'm with, but he doesn't fuss. He lets me be.me. The only one who knows Rei, not Sailor Mars, not the Heiress, not the future Guardian; me. And he still puts up with me. With that thought, Rei had to chuckle. Jed's eyebrow raised, and Rei re-established their 'pathic link in time to hear him say, "What was that all about?" "Just reflecting." Jed turned to Kat, and bowed politely. "Welcome to Cherry Hill, kihin[3]." Kat returned the bow, and accepted the cup of tea that Jed was offering. With tea in hand, Rei led Kat to the Eternal Fire room, and left her there, with promises of return.
Closing the door behind her, Rei leaned on it for support, sighing. The weight of the universe was on her shoulders, and she was finding the burden hard to carry. Events had been set into motion, events that she had no control over. Rei was scared, as anyone in her position would be, but knew that she would triumph, that good would win. It was with this in mind that Rei stood up and made her way, resolutely, to the kitchen. She could show no fear from this point on, to anyone.
Jed was waiting for her in the kitchen. "Who should I call?" he asked, intuitively knowing that my mysterious visitor would need to be introduced to others.
"Everyone," Rei replied. Seeing the surprise on his face before he could mask it, she continued. "Kat brought an important message. Everyone needs to be included in planning. You call the queen and the others in Japan, and I'll reach Sakka. She'll get the others here quickly." Jed nodded, and sent out a telepathic message to Usagi, Ami, Mako, Mina, Hotaru, Setsuna, Haru, Michiru and Darien. Rei contacted Sakka, who promised to reach her charges. Within five minutes, all of the foreign scouts, and Sakka, had arrived at the temple's front door. "Seiatsu, Nentou,[4] Meido, Kara,[5] Kaiji, Seiryoku,[6] Sakka[7], it's good to see all of you. Come in and have some tea." They all entered, and headed in the direction of the kitchen. Rei knew that Jed would play the role of polite host, and so she decided to wait on the front steps for the others to arrive. Phobos and Deimos were upset, the temple's safekeepers feeling the disturbance in the universe before the senshi. Rei spent a few minutes trying to reassure them; however, they eventually flew off, unhappy and scared. Oh, to be able to fly away from my duties, Rei pondered, at once realizing the impossibility. A few minutes later, Haru, Michiru, Setsuna, and Hotaru reached the front door. Sending Michiru and Hotaru after the others, Rei pulled Haru and Setsuna back. "Haru, I want you to keep an open and active mind, okay?" She nodded. Rei knew that Haru understood her words, that Rei was telling her student to scan the other scouts' thoughts during the meeting. Haru moved on to rejoin Michiru and Hotaru in the kitchen. Rei faced Setsuna. "What is it, Rei?" She asked, concern etched in her face. Kat picked that moment to leave the Fire Room and Setsuna caught a glimpse of Kat's profile. She froze, remembering the power, and assignments, of Shizenno Katto. Turning slowly back to the Heiress, Setsuna arched an eyebrow. Rei nodded. Setsuna's face turned white, and her strength suddenly left her. Rei squeezed her shoulder in an attempt to comfort the older woman. With pain and an obvious effort, Setsuna followed Haru's footsteps into the kitchen with pain and an obvious effort. Usagi and her entourage shortly arrived, and Rei escorted them to the kitchen after a quick look at the sky. It seemed blacker than usual.
Everyone had a cup of tea in their hand, and many had a cookie (or two). It was easy to see the divisions of scouts, separate groups sitting together. Rei caught Kat's eye from across the room. Kat unobtrusively approached the Heiress. "Do you see? They still don't accept their unity." "It will only make their defense harder," Kat observed. "I hope you're wrong, for their sake." Kat scanned the group, now beginning to worry about the task approaching. Rei nodded unobtrusively to Haru, who began to breathe deeper, and more focused. Usagi, the future Queen Serenity, asked the first question. "Why are we here, Rei?"
Rei took a deep breath, then slowly began to answer. "This," she said, motioning to Kat, "is Shizenno Katto. She is the primary messenger of the Guardian. Daiuchuuno Hasha[8] has sent Kat to me now, with a message." The looks on the faces of the scouts showed that they were beginning to get the idea. Usagi took a guess at the nature of the message. "It's.it's the Anysbryd. Isn't it, Rei." "Yes, Serenity. The Heiress's time has come. She has been ordered to banish the Anysbryd."
After a brief period of silence, Rei continued. "My trial will be held tomorrow. As Kat reminded me, the Anysbryd always sends a diversion to keep the senshi busy. Kat will oversee the fight." Rei raised her hand to ward off the protests from the inner and special senshi. When they calmed down enough for her to continue, she addressed the reasoning behind her decision. "I know that some of you feel that Usagi should oversee the battle, due to her position and destiny. Kat and I both agree that she will be needed at crucial points, and thus is unable to watch and instruct all. The overseer must not have that responsibility, but be free to direct all. Sakka would be the obvious choice, as you all know her, but she will be elsewhere for the duration. Therefore, I have chosen Kat." The outers nodded, agreeing with the Heiress. Sakka looked confused; she had not heard of her task-to-be. "I still don't agree, Rei," Usagi said, a frown gracing her flawless face. "I'm not asking for your agreement, Usagi. I have made my choice." "Still, I think-." "The decision stands," Rei interrupted in a tone that ended all discussion. Venus scowled at what she considered was disrespect towards the future neo-queen. The special senshi, having never heard Rei use that tone before, were intimidated into submission. "Now, I want to brief you on the type of diversion the Anysbryd usually sends. You will, most likely, have one opponent. He or she will be agile and impervious to most attacks. Ami, you must scan for weaknesses immediately, to avoid major injuries. Once the weakness has been discovered, the senshi with the best potential to injure the enemy must use all attacks possible. The others should protect them. Setsuna, be on guard for time-manipulations especially. Usagi, as soon as there is a chink in the armor, you must direct your strongest attack at it. This will widen the crack. The senshi should then double-team and throw everything at it. That should weaken the armor enough for a moon-dusting. Kat, is there anything you would like to add?" "I will be observing the battle from somewhere close by. I'll be the only one who sees everything that is happening. If I give you instructions, even if they don't make sense, you must follow them. During the battle, no one is senior to another. You cannot afford to make mistakes. If you do, the Heiress will know." "How?" someone inquired. "I'll know," Rei said. "And once I return, you will too. Are there any other questions?" "What will happen if we can't defeat it?" Kaiji asked, always the optimist. "If it looks like you're having trouble, Kat will do all in her power to assist you. If, even with Kat's help, you cannot defeat it." Rei's voice trailed off as she exchanged glances with Kat. The senshi noticed Setsuna, Kat and Sakka's faces, white and tense. "If we cannot defeat it, what?" Nentou pushed for an answer. Rei spoke hesitantly. "It has never happened before. The senshi always win. But.if you.don't, the contract says that all who tried to help must.die." Noting the white faces, Rei continued. "You asked, okay? If I beat the Anysbryd, then I must be the one to kill you. If he wins, the universe is lost anyway, and it won't matter. My intervention in your fight is not prohibited, but you cannot interfere in mine. Anyone who does must die." "It's never happened, though, and it won't this time, either," Sakka said firmly. "Sakka's right. You are all experienced warriors, and can conduct yourself properly in battle. I am concerned with your sectarianism, though. You will not have the option if fighting as three separate and distinct groups of senshi. If the weakness is electrical energy, then Jupiter and Force must team together. If it is water, then Neptune, Mercury, and Elemental must work together. After Usagi breaks down the armor, double- team with whoever you are closest to. Do you understand?" Rei asked. The outers nodded, the specials grimaced, and the inners's stone faces made no changes. "You must work together. If you don't, I guarantee defeat." Rei finished, and looked around the room. She felt, rather that saw, that only Setsuna, Haru, Michiru, and Hotaru had taken the words to heart. The others had disregarded them. "It had no effect, Heiress," Kat sent, disheartened. "What will come of it?" "I do not know, Kat. Nothing good."
After that, the meeting broke up suddenly. The outers tried to organize the others, but no practice time was set, no meeting place established. They left in the same groups they arrived in. Dismayed at the cold reception, Rei asked the four outers to stay a few more minutes, to "chat". After a quick snack, the meeting proceeded. "What can we do for you, Rei?" Haru asked, also concerned about the attitudes of the other senshi.
"I have told Kat to watch and instruct, but help only if you are in dire need of it. She will have her hands full with the ten of them," she answered, nodding in the direction the other senshi left in. "I expect that you four will bear the brunt of the work. Try to work with the others, but if they will not listen to you or Kat, then I want you to use what I am about to give you. "Setsuna, I give you the power to draw on the infiniteness of time. Haru, I give you the power to impress your ideas on others. Michiru, I give you control of the properties of nature. Hotaru, your gift is the most dangerous. Use it only if you absolutely must, if there is no other way to win your battle. To you, I give the spark of life that dwells in the Anysbryd. This will not help you except if needed at the end, but I expect you shall spend more of your time healing than wounding. These gifts I give, hoping you will not need them, but knowing you might. I have been vague, I realize that, but full understanding will be yours the instant you need to use your gift." Rei finished with "I know I can count on you to behave like civilized senshi," and she smiled. The outers nodded, mumbled their thanks in spite of their speechlessness, and prepared to leave. Before they could, though, Jed 'pathed from the kitchen. "Rei, why don't you let them stay here tonight? It sounds as if they need some encouragement and some decent sleep without having to worry about anything." "Good idea. Will you get the guest rooms ready?" "They already are." Rei smiled as she ran after the Outers. "Listen, it's getting really late," she began, catching up to them, "and the Specials are at your house. Why don't you stay here tonight? I could use some company, truth be told." Haru and Michiru exchanged glances with each other, Setsuna, and Hotaru before turning back to Rei. "We'd love to," Haru said.
After getting the outer senshi settled, Rei returned to the living room to see Kat waiting for her. Knowing that Kat had heard Rei's gifts to the outers and was now showing signs of emotional turmoil, Rei was interested to hear what her old friend had to say. After prodding Kat, the messenger sighed and revealed her concerns. Kat, who had been sitting through Rei's speech quietly, turned to face the Heiress. "I know you have seen what the future holds, Heiress, but those are powerful gifts. The infinite nature of time, the emotions of nature, for galaxy's sake, the Anysbryd's life? "Ah, Kat. They don't know what those things mean." "Yet." "I will grant that, yes. They don't know yet. But it will be needed." "Then I feel truly sorry for them," Kat said. "Why?" Rei asked, startled to hear such compassion come out of Rage. "To be given such power.You lose something after that. Innocence, purity, I don't know, but something's gone." "They need it. To use now, and as experience for afterwards." Kat raised her eyebrows at this, but kept her own counsel.
Soon after that, Kat went to bed. Rei wandered into the Fire Room, the room housing her temple's Eternal Fire. She was not surprised to find Jed in front of the fire pit, deep in meditation. Rei gave one of her patented half-smiles, one that said "It won't be the same after tomorrow, the battle will be rough, but right now, you're here and I'm here, we love each other, and that's all that matters." After looking out the window to see Phobeos and Deimos, Rei knelt behind Jed. Even though Rei was the Heiress, and had the intimate connection to the Weave that she did, she liked to remember her heritage: Princess of Mars, daughter of the Fire of life, Shinto priestess, keeper of the Eternal Flame. Though she had traversed the universe and was herself worshipped by billions, there was nothing so comforting as communicating with the fire. Rei focused her mind, turning inward. Only when her mind was settled did she open it to the Fire.
How long she was in communion with the Fire she didn't know, but when she returned to reality, it was light outside and Jed was gone. She rose, and stretching, walked to the window. How ironic, she thought. The morning that deserves to be awful is the best I've seen in years. Birds chirped as they flew merrily from tree to tree. The sun shone as a gentle breeze circulated the heat. She shook her head in resignation and went to the kitchen for breakfast. Or was it lunch? Even though she knew she wouldn't see Jed, she was nevertheless disappointed when she walked through the door and he was nowhere in sight. Instead, a pitcher of fresh coconut juice and a note greeted her eyes. After checking the clock (9:35), pouring a glass of juice and popping some bread into the toaster, she read the note.
Dearest Rei, I'm sorry I wasn't there to say good morning, but I got a call from Darien earlier. Our company needed us in Shanghai for the afternoon, so. Anyway, have a good morning, and I'll see you tonight, ok? You'll be fine. Ai Shiteru[9]. J.
Another note was right next to it.
Heiress, Thank you for your hospitality. Michiru, Setsuna, Hotaru, and I have gone to ready ourselves for the battle. May the Guardian watch over you and the Weave keep you safe in it. -Haru
Rei's eyes filled with tears, but none spilled out. She knew what her love was doing by trying to downplay the upcoming battle, and she silently thanked him for it. She also recognized the effort of the outer senshi to not show discouragement in front of her. Not wanting to lose the feelings of love and protection, she methodically went about her breakfast, then chores.
As she was finishing waxing the temple floors, her silent reverie was broken. "Heiress?" Rei didn't turn or jump, for she had felt the presence enter the temple grounds. "Hello, Sakka." "Rei, what are you doing?" "Well, Sakka, I thought it's be obvious. I'm waxing the floor." "At a time like this?" "At a time like what?" Rei asked in reply, throwing the polish and rag into her cleaning bucket and rising. She lifted the bucket and went to put it away. Sakka followed, incredulous at Rei's attitudes. "Have you forgotten, Rei? The Anysbryd? Shouldn't you be resting, or practicing, or something?" "I am doing something," Rei calmly replied. "I meditated for about eight hours, then I started the chores." "You didn't even sleep?!?" Sakka shrieked. "I don't need sleep. I'm the Heiress, remember?" "I can't believe this. I can't believe what I'm seeing. I must be dreaming. She isn't really doing this. It's a trick." Sakka continued her mantra as Rei replaced the bucket and took out a broom. She froze as Rei started to sweep the steps. In a flash, she ran over to Rei and grabbed the broom. "Heiress! You shouldn't be doing this!" "You're wrong, Sakka. This is what I need. The ordinary, everyday, simple. It grounds me. Besides, someone has to keep the temple in order. Now, what is it you wanted?" Sakka looked confused then remembered. "You said last night that I couldn't oversee because I would be elsewhere. What is it you want me to do?" "Sweep," Rei said instantly, and jokingly. Sakka laughed, and said, "I obey," as she took the broom and began. "Seriously, though," Rei said, "Jed was called to Shanghai by his company. It's a trick of the Anysbryd's doing, I know that much. I wouldn't ask, but Darien's with him and you will be needed." Sakka nodded, not questioning Rei's foreknowledge. "I'll watch them, Heiress." "Thank you." Sakka returned the broom to Rei and began to leave, but turned back. "Good luck, Heiress. The power of your predecessors and the security of the Weave be with you." "And you, Muse, may the watchfulness of the Sun be with you.[10]" Sakka inclined her head, and dematerialized. Rei took a deep breath, and continued to sweep.
Late that afternoon, after the sun had begun to dip below the horizon, Rei felt the tugging of the Weave. She stood up from her meditations and walked outside. Straightening her hair and steadying her hands, she took one last look around the temple grounds. She felt Usagi's call to the rest of the senshi and knew that their fight was beginning. Reaching out for Jed, she sensed the presence of evil around him and Darien, and knew. With a sad smile and falling tears, she left time and space.
----------------------- [1] See the second story in this line for full I.D. (I haven't written it yet! Sorry.) [2] Shizenno Katto: Japanese, meaning 'Rage of Nature' [3] Japanese: Noble visitor [4] Sailor Muse and Sailor Psyche, from London. [5] Sailor Star and Sailor Space, from Paris. [6] Sailor Elemental and Sailor Force, from Sydney. [7] Kyuukino Sakka, The Muse. For more info, see footnote number 1. [8] The Name of the Guardian, meaning "Ruler of the Universe" [9] Japanese, meaning "I love you." [10] An old benediction, dating from before the Silver Millenium. The saying originated on Earth, which rotated around the Sun. Because the Sun always saw the Earth, it was considered "watchful".
Now, Narita Airport isn't that far from Darien and Usagi's apartment in a Tokyo suburb, and Jedite and Rei's temple in Cherry Hill. Despite the small distance, Rei managed to regale the story of what had happened to the others. "What finally knocked you out of it?" Darien questioned. Rei shrugged, and Darien, turning to Jed, asked him what he had 'pathed to her. Jedite glanced at Rei, then answered. "I called her Heiress. That's when she came back." Darien and Usagi exchanged looks, and Usagi spoke. "What does that mean, Rei?" Rei knew what it meant, that a messenger had been sent to warn her. Her confrontation with the Hen Anysbryd[1] was near. "I don't know, Usagi," she lied. "It probably means that whoever it was, was from the Silver Millennium." Usagi's response was drowned out by a rush of wind. It startled Rei, the wind. Coming from out of nowhere, it bespoke of a magical control of nature. It seemed that she should remember something about this, but whatever it was evaded her mind. Just when she had calmed herself down, it started to hail. Rei shivered.
After dropping Usagi and Darien off at their apartment, Jed drove back to the temple. The red sports car dodged in and out of traffic as torrents of rain fell from the now-black sky. Jed reached over and turned the radio on as a weather announcer's report came on the air. "It seems that the storm we're currently experiencing started this morning with gale-force winds and hail. I'm sorry, folks, but this one came out of nowhere. Looks like nature's just having a temper tantrum. Should be over by this evening." Jedite turned the radio to a different channel in disgust. "Nature's having a temper tantrum? That man should be a story-teller, not a weather announcer." That startled Rei. There was something so familiar, something about nature, and tempers. Once again, her memory failed. Closing her eyes, Rei felt the familiar Weave pulsing through the air, through the earth, through her. The comforting waves of ever-present magic washed away Rei's concerns. She gave in to the roar, and dozed off.
Jed woke Rei when they reached the temple, and as the two walked to the door, Rei's psychic sense quickened yet again. The power was back. Walking cautiously up the steps, she saw burgundy hair. Its owner had her back to Rei, but she exuded such determination and strength. Rei sent Jed into the temple to unpack, and went to talk to her mysterious visitor.
"Excuse me," Rei began. "I am-" At that point, the woman turned around and interrupted her. "I know who you are, Heiress." Rei looked at her closer, searching for a sign of the woman's identity. Her orange eyes, like those of a cat, pierced out from under the short but thick burgundy hair, highlighting her tan skin. She arched a delicate eyebrow, and folded her arms. Her clothes were remarkably elegant: a pair of black silk pants coupled with a forest green shirt betrayed the apparent simplicity of the style. Her hands were long and graceful, but callused from hard work. Her attitude spoke volumes, of violence and compassion, cleansing and torment. Rei remembered. "Shizenno Katto[2]. It's been a long time." "So, you do remember me, Heiress. I was beginning to think you'd forgotten." "That's so easy to do when you're over two thousand years old and know just about every person in the galaxy," Rei retorted quickly, a smile breaking on her face. "Kat, why don't you come in? We can have some tea and catch up on old times. Or," she added, noticing the crease in Kat's forehead beginning to show, "you can tell me why you're here." Kat nodded, and they walked up the hill behind the temple. Knowing that Kat wouldn't be here unless it was a matter of life-or-death, and also knowing who sent her, Rei pathed a message to Jed. Jed, this is important. I'll be back when we're finished, breaking off their communication. "All right, Kat. We'll be fine here. Why don't you go ahead." "Very well, Heiress. The Guardian awakened me this morning, and sent me to find you. She has a message for you. She says 'The Anysbryd is waiting.' Heiress, what does this mean?" Rei smiled sadly, knowing that the hour of her biggest trial was waiting for her. Shizenno Katto was the messenger of destiny, and she didn't know. Didn't know the ancient stories, didn't know about Rei's future, or Rei's past. The Heiress took a deep breath, and began to tell her of the Ancient Evil. "Well, Kat, in ancient times, even before the links of the Silver Millennium were forged."
It was nightfall before the story was finished, and as Rei concluded, she waited for Kat's reaction. Rei was not disappointed. She stood up, and looked into the sky, her confusion and anger creating fireworks in the sky. Heat lightning, as beautiful as the woman who created it. "I'm sorry, Heiress. I had no idea what my message meant." "It's all right, Kat. I knew it was coming. One day, it will be my duty to protect the universe, and this is the only way to see if I can. Every other Guardian has gone through this." Kat nodded, and asked another question. "What will happen to the Sailor Scouts?" "Well, they've been training with the Muse, and with the other scouts. Only temporarily," Rei added hastily, seeing the look on Kat's face. "Just for times like this, when I won't be around, and the fight would be too hard alone. They've been learning to fight...better. They'll be all right." "The Guardian did mention to me that the Anysbryd always sends a diversion. Why?" "The Anysbryd does that to make sure the Heiress comes alone. It also guarantees that the no one will interrupt the fight. I believe something about that was mentioned about that in the original contract that the first guardian signed with the Anysbryd." "Even with all of the scouts fighting together, the diversion might prove to be too much for them to handle. May I have your permission to stay, and help if the need arises?" "I'll have to talk to Usagi," Rei said, mulling it over, "but I think that would be wise." Standing up, and brushing cherry petals from her hair, she began walking back to the temple. "Come on, Kat. Let's have you meet the future Queen Serenity."
Kat and Rei walked back into the temple. Jed was waiting, patiently. Oh, how I love that man. He doesn't know where I am, or whom I'm with, but he doesn't fuss. He lets me be.me. The only one who knows Rei, not Sailor Mars, not the Heiress, not the future Guardian; me. And he still puts up with me. With that thought, Rei had to chuckle. Jed's eyebrow raised, and Rei re-established their 'pathic link in time to hear him say, "What was that all about?" "Just reflecting." Jed turned to Kat, and bowed politely. "Welcome to Cherry Hill, kihin[3]." Kat returned the bow, and accepted the cup of tea that Jed was offering. With tea in hand, Rei led Kat to the Eternal Fire room, and left her there, with promises of return.
Closing the door behind her, Rei leaned on it for support, sighing. The weight of the universe was on her shoulders, and she was finding the burden hard to carry. Events had been set into motion, events that she had no control over. Rei was scared, as anyone in her position would be, but knew that she would triumph, that good would win. It was with this in mind that Rei stood up and made her way, resolutely, to the kitchen. She could show no fear from this point on, to anyone.
Jed was waiting for her in the kitchen. "Who should I call?" he asked, intuitively knowing that my mysterious visitor would need to be introduced to others.
"Everyone," Rei replied. Seeing the surprise on his face before he could mask it, she continued. "Kat brought an important message. Everyone needs to be included in planning. You call the queen and the others in Japan, and I'll reach Sakka. She'll get the others here quickly." Jed nodded, and sent out a telepathic message to Usagi, Ami, Mako, Mina, Hotaru, Setsuna, Haru, Michiru and Darien. Rei contacted Sakka, who promised to reach her charges. Within five minutes, all of the foreign scouts, and Sakka, had arrived at the temple's front door. "Seiatsu, Nentou,[4] Meido, Kara,[5] Kaiji, Seiryoku,[6] Sakka[7], it's good to see all of you. Come in and have some tea." They all entered, and headed in the direction of the kitchen. Rei knew that Jed would play the role of polite host, and so she decided to wait on the front steps for the others to arrive. Phobos and Deimos were upset, the temple's safekeepers feeling the disturbance in the universe before the senshi. Rei spent a few minutes trying to reassure them; however, they eventually flew off, unhappy and scared. Oh, to be able to fly away from my duties, Rei pondered, at once realizing the impossibility. A few minutes later, Haru, Michiru, Setsuna, and Hotaru reached the front door. Sending Michiru and Hotaru after the others, Rei pulled Haru and Setsuna back. "Haru, I want you to keep an open and active mind, okay?" She nodded. Rei knew that Haru understood her words, that Rei was telling her student to scan the other scouts' thoughts during the meeting. Haru moved on to rejoin Michiru and Hotaru in the kitchen. Rei faced Setsuna. "What is it, Rei?" She asked, concern etched in her face. Kat picked that moment to leave the Fire Room and Setsuna caught a glimpse of Kat's profile. She froze, remembering the power, and assignments, of Shizenno Katto. Turning slowly back to the Heiress, Setsuna arched an eyebrow. Rei nodded. Setsuna's face turned white, and her strength suddenly left her. Rei squeezed her shoulder in an attempt to comfort the older woman. With pain and an obvious effort, Setsuna followed Haru's footsteps into the kitchen with pain and an obvious effort. Usagi and her entourage shortly arrived, and Rei escorted them to the kitchen after a quick look at the sky. It seemed blacker than usual.
Everyone had a cup of tea in their hand, and many had a cookie (or two). It was easy to see the divisions of scouts, separate groups sitting together. Rei caught Kat's eye from across the room. Kat unobtrusively approached the Heiress. "Do you see? They still don't accept their unity." "It will only make their defense harder," Kat observed. "I hope you're wrong, for their sake." Kat scanned the group, now beginning to worry about the task approaching. Rei nodded unobtrusively to Haru, who began to breathe deeper, and more focused. Usagi, the future Queen Serenity, asked the first question. "Why are we here, Rei?"
Rei took a deep breath, then slowly began to answer. "This," she said, motioning to Kat, "is Shizenno Katto. She is the primary messenger of the Guardian. Daiuchuuno Hasha[8] has sent Kat to me now, with a message." The looks on the faces of the scouts showed that they were beginning to get the idea. Usagi took a guess at the nature of the message. "It's.it's the Anysbryd. Isn't it, Rei." "Yes, Serenity. The Heiress's time has come. She has been ordered to banish the Anysbryd."
After a brief period of silence, Rei continued. "My trial will be held tomorrow. As Kat reminded me, the Anysbryd always sends a diversion to keep the senshi busy. Kat will oversee the fight." Rei raised her hand to ward off the protests from the inner and special senshi. When they calmed down enough for her to continue, she addressed the reasoning behind her decision. "I know that some of you feel that Usagi should oversee the battle, due to her position and destiny. Kat and I both agree that she will be needed at crucial points, and thus is unable to watch and instruct all. The overseer must not have that responsibility, but be free to direct all. Sakka would be the obvious choice, as you all know her, but she will be elsewhere for the duration. Therefore, I have chosen Kat." The outers nodded, agreeing with the Heiress. Sakka looked confused; she had not heard of her task-to-be. "I still don't agree, Rei," Usagi said, a frown gracing her flawless face. "I'm not asking for your agreement, Usagi. I have made my choice." "Still, I think-." "The decision stands," Rei interrupted in a tone that ended all discussion. Venus scowled at what she considered was disrespect towards the future neo-queen. The special senshi, having never heard Rei use that tone before, were intimidated into submission. "Now, I want to brief you on the type of diversion the Anysbryd usually sends. You will, most likely, have one opponent. He or she will be agile and impervious to most attacks. Ami, you must scan for weaknesses immediately, to avoid major injuries. Once the weakness has been discovered, the senshi with the best potential to injure the enemy must use all attacks possible. The others should protect them. Setsuna, be on guard for time-manipulations especially. Usagi, as soon as there is a chink in the armor, you must direct your strongest attack at it. This will widen the crack. The senshi should then double-team and throw everything at it. That should weaken the armor enough for a moon-dusting. Kat, is there anything you would like to add?" "I will be observing the battle from somewhere close by. I'll be the only one who sees everything that is happening. If I give you instructions, even if they don't make sense, you must follow them. During the battle, no one is senior to another. You cannot afford to make mistakes. If you do, the Heiress will know." "How?" someone inquired. "I'll know," Rei said. "And once I return, you will too. Are there any other questions?" "What will happen if we can't defeat it?" Kaiji asked, always the optimist. "If it looks like you're having trouble, Kat will do all in her power to assist you. If, even with Kat's help, you cannot defeat it." Rei's voice trailed off as she exchanged glances with Kat. The senshi noticed Setsuna, Kat and Sakka's faces, white and tense. "If we cannot defeat it, what?" Nentou pushed for an answer. Rei spoke hesitantly. "It has never happened before. The senshi always win. But.if you.don't, the contract says that all who tried to help must.die." Noting the white faces, Rei continued. "You asked, okay? If I beat the Anysbryd, then I must be the one to kill you. If he wins, the universe is lost anyway, and it won't matter. My intervention in your fight is not prohibited, but you cannot interfere in mine. Anyone who does must die." "It's never happened, though, and it won't this time, either," Sakka said firmly. "Sakka's right. You are all experienced warriors, and can conduct yourself properly in battle. I am concerned with your sectarianism, though. You will not have the option if fighting as three separate and distinct groups of senshi. If the weakness is electrical energy, then Jupiter and Force must team together. If it is water, then Neptune, Mercury, and Elemental must work together. After Usagi breaks down the armor, double- team with whoever you are closest to. Do you understand?" Rei asked. The outers nodded, the specials grimaced, and the inners's stone faces made no changes. "You must work together. If you don't, I guarantee defeat." Rei finished, and looked around the room. She felt, rather that saw, that only Setsuna, Haru, Michiru, and Hotaru had taken the words to heart. The others had disregarded them. "It had no effect, Heiress," Kat sent, disheartened. "What will come of it?" "I do not know, Kat. Nothing good."
After that, the meeting broke up suddenly. The outers tried to organize the others, but no practice time was set, no meeting place established. They left in the same groups they arrived in. Dismayed at the cold reception, Rei asked the four outers to stay a few more minutes, to "chat". After a quick snack, the meeting proceeded. "What can we do for you, Rei?" Haru asked, also concerned about the attitudes of the other senshi.
"I have told Kat to watch and instruct, but help only if you are in dire need of it. She will have her hands full with the ten of them," she answered, nodding in the direction the other senshi left in. "I expect that you four will bear the brunt of the work. Try to work with the others, but if they will not listen to you or Kat, then I want you to use what I am about to give you. "Setsuna, I give you the power to draw on the infiniteness of time. Haru, I give you the power to impress your ideas on others. Michiru, I give you control of the properties of nature. Hotaru, your gift is the most dangerous. Use it only if you absolutely must, if there is no other way to win your battle. To you, I give the spark of life that dwells in the Anysbryd. This will not help you except if needed at the end, but I expect you shall spend more of your time healing than wounding. These gifts I give, hoping you will not need them, but knowing you might. I have been vague, I realize that, but full understanding will be yours the instant you need to use your gift." Rei finished with "I know I can count on you to behave like civilized senshi," and she smiled. The outers nodded, mumbled their thanks in spite of their speechlessness, and prepared to leave. Before they could, though, Jed 'pathed from the kitchen. "Rei, why don't you let them stay here tonight? It sounds as if they need some encouragement and some decent sleep without having to worry about anything." "Good idea. Will you get the guest rooms ready?" "They already are." Rei smiled as she ran after the Outers. "Listen, it's getting really late," she began, catching up to them, "and the Specials are at your house. Why don't you stay here tonight? I could use some company, truth be told." Haru and Michiru exchanged glances with each other, Setsuna, and Hotaru before turning back to Rei. "We'd love to," Haru said.
After getting the outer senshi settled, Rei returned to the living room to see Kat waiting for her. Knowing that Kat had heard Rei's gifts to the outers and was now showing signs of emotional turmoil, Rei was interested to hear what her old friend had to say. After prodding Kat, the messenger sighed and revealed her concerns. Kat, who had been sitting through Rei's speech quietly, turned to face the Heiress. "I know you have seen what the future holds, Heiress, but those are powerful gifts. The infinite nature of time, the emotions of nature, for galaxy's sake, the Anysbryd's life? "Ah, Kat. They don't know what those things mean." "Yet." "I will grant that, yes. They don't know yet. But it will be needed." "Then I feel truly sorry for them," Kat said. "Why?" Rei asked, startled to hear such compassion come out of Rage. "To be given such power.You lose something after that. Innocence, purity, I don't know, but something's gone." "They need it. To use now, and as experience for afterwards." Kat raised her eyebrows at this, but kept her own counsel.
Soon after that, Kat went to bed. Rei wandered into the Fire Room, the room housing her temple's Eternal Fire. She was not surprised to find Jed in front of the fire pit, deep in meditation. Rei gave one of her patented half-smiles, one that said "It won't be the same after tomorrow, the battle will be rough, but right now, you're here and I'm here, we love each other, and that's all that matters." After looking out the window to see Phobeos and Deimos, Rei knelt behind Jed. Even though Rei was the Heiress, and had the intimate connection to the Weave that she did, she liked to remember her heritage: Princess of Mars, daughter of the Fire of life, Shinto priestess, keeper of the Eternal Flame. Though she had traversed the universe and was herself worshipped by billions, there was nothing so comforting as communicating with the fire. Rei focused her mind, turning inward. Only when her mind was settled did she open it to the Fire.
How long she was in communion with the Fire she didn't know, but when she returned to reality, it was light outside and Jed was gone. She rose, and stretching, walked to the window. How ironic, she thought. The morning that deserves to be awful is the best I've seen in years. Birds chirped as they flew merrily from tree to tree. The sun shone as a gentle breeze circulated the heat. She shook her head in resignation and went to the kitchen for breakfast. Or was it lunch? Even though she knew she wouldn't see Jed, she was nevertheless disappointed when she walked through the door and he was nowhere in sight. Instead, a pitcher of fresh coconut juice and a note greeted her eyes. After checking the clock (9:35), pouring a glass of juice and popping some bread into the toaster, she read the note.
Dearest Rei, I'm sorry I wasn't there to say good morning, but I got a call from Darien earlier. Our company needed us in Shanghai for the afternoon, so. Anyway, have a good morning, and I'll see you tonight, ok? You'll be fine. Ai Shiteru[9]. J.
Another note was right next to it.
Heiress, Thank you for your hospitality. Michiru, Setsuna, Hotaru, and I have gone to ready ourselves for the battle. May the Guardian watch over you and the Weave keep you safe in it. -Haru
Rei's eyes filled with tears, but none spilled out. She knew what her love was doing by trying to downplay the upcoming battle, and she silently thanked him for it. She also recognized the effort of the outer senshi to not show discouragement in front of her. Not wanting to lose the feelings of love and protection, she methodically went about her breakfast, then chores.
As she was finishing waxing the temple floors, her silent reverie was broken. "Heiress?" Rei didn't turn or jump, for she had felt the presence enter the temple grounds. "Hello, Sakka." "Rei, what are you doing?" "Well, Sakka, I thought it's be obvious. I'm waxing the floor." "At a time like this?" "At a time like what?" Rei asked in reply, throwing the polish and rag into her cleaning bucket and rising. She lifted the bucket and went to put it away. Sakka followed, incredulous at Rei's attitudes. "Have you forgotten, Rei? The Anysbryd? Shouldn't you be resting, or practicing, or something?" "I am doing something," Rei calmly replied. "I meditated for about eight hours, then I started the chores." "You didn't even sleep?!?" Sakka shrieked. "I don't need sleep. I'm the Heiress, remember?" "I can't believe this. I can't believe what I'm seeing. I must be dreaming. She isn't really doing this. It's a trick." Sakka continued her mantra as Rei replaced the bucket and took out a broom. She froze as Rei started to sweep the steps. In a flash, she ran over to Rei and grabbed the broom. "Heiress! You shouldn't be doing this!" "You're wrong, Sakka. This is what I need. The ordinary, everyday, simple. It grounds me. Besides, someone has to keep the temple in order. Now, what is it you wanted?" Sakka looked confused then remembered. "You said last night that I couldn't oversee because I would be elsewhere. What is it you want me to do?" "Sweep," Rei said instantly, and jokingly. Sakka laughed, and said, "I obey," as she took the broom and began. "Seriously, though," Rei said, "Jed was called to Shanghai by his company. It's a trick of the Anysbryd's doing, I know that much. I wouldn't ask, but Darien's with him and you will be needed." Sakka nodded, not questioning Rei's foreknowledge. "I'll watch them, Heiress." "Thank you." Sakka returned the broom to Rei and began to leave, but turned back. "Good luck, Heiress. The power of your predecessors and the security of the Weave be with you." "And you, Muse, may the watchfulness of the Sun be with you.[10]" Sakka inclined her head, and dematerialized. Rei took a deep breath, and continued to sweep.
Late that afternoon, after the sun had begun to dip below the horizon, Rei felt the tugging of the Weave. She stood up from her meditations and walked outside. Straightening her hair and steadying her hands, she took one last look around the temple grounds. She felt Usagi's call to the rest of the senshi and knew that their fight was beginning. Reaching out for Jed, she sensed the presence of evil around him and Darien, and knew. With a sad smile and falling tears, she left time and space.
----------------------- [1] See the second story in this line for full I.D. (I haven't written it yet! Sorry.) [2] Shizenno Katto: Japanese, meaning 'Rage of Nature' [3] Japanese: Noble visitor [4] Sailor Muse and Sailor Psyche, from London. [5] Sailor Star and Sailor Space, from Paris. [6] Sailor Elemental and Sailor Force, from Sydney. [7] Kyuukino Sakka, The Muse. For more info, see footnote number 1. [8] The Name of the Guardian, meaning "Ruler of the Universe" [9] Japanese, meaning "I love you." [10] An old benediction, dating from before the Silver Millenium. The saying originated on Earth, which rotated around the Sun. Because the Sun always saw the Earth, it was considered "watchful".
