Always, Makoto

Dearest Rei-chan,

I am not quite sure where to begin, dear Rei-chan. So much has happened

since I met you. We have all endured such laughter and sorrow, tears and

jubilation; it seems that time was just a figment of our imaginations. I suppose

that the best way to start is at the beginning...

I must admit that when I first met you, I was not sure what to expect. I

had heard some awful, nasty rumors that people had been spreading. About you being

mean, bossy, and even cold. They were rumors I knew all too well, for they had

been spread about me as well. Being the victim of cruel gossip I knew better than

judge you from what I had heard. I thank God that I took that chance. You are

everything they say you are not. Assumptions are terrible things; they kept too

many away from the real Hino Rei.

You are among the best fighters I have ever seen. Careful, yet not afraid

to attack if need comes. You have truly been a blessing to the senshi team. Your

ability to sense when danger draws near is incredible. But what else could one

expect from a shrine maiden? Above all, your dedication is what truly captures me.

I shudder to think back upon our final battle with Queen Beryl. But when I do, I

see a fire-hearted soldier recognize danger and willingly take the blow. You knew,

Rei-chan, that you were to be killed, but that didn't phase you. As long as it

meant that our Princess was to be safe. That kind of loyalty is rarer than any.

You have taught villains everywhere, through your strength and your courage, not

to mess with fire.

At times you seem aloof, Rei-chan. As if there was something heavy on your

mind. We all could sense it, but none of us would have guessed it's true nature.

Who would have guessed the Fire's Rose to be in love? It touched me to have you

share your thoughts of that with me; your casablanca memory. Love is a wonderful

thing, Rei-chan. But like with so much else there is a dark side to it. It pains

me to know that you have endured the dark side of love. It is a thing no young

woman should go through. I know because I have been through it as well. But I

promise you, Rei-chan, that there is someone out there. Someone wonderful who

will be everything you ever hoped for. And you will be more than he ever dreamed

of.

I am so happy to have befriended you, dear Rei-chan. When some people look

at you they see only an odd girl. When I look at you I see a beautiful princess, a

faithful senshi, a disciplined priestess, and a loving girl who is so often

misunderstood. All I hope is that one day they will be able to look through my

eyes, to see the flame-like beauty that you are.

Love,

Mako-chan