Chapter Fourteen: Even if I Could
Even if I could . . . I would not fight back . . .
---
Rei bounced up the stairs to the familiar house of her once lovable and trusting friend. She banged on the peach colored door a couple of times and waited. Inside, two figures chased after a girl and the door suddenly swung open. "I'm going to the movies whether you like it or not!" Chibiusa screamed at Usagi as she waved her fist in the doorway. Mamoru stood behind her and was shaking his head.
"Well... don't be long, you brat!" Usagi yelled back at her as Chibiusa darted down the street. She sighed and rested her hands on her hips. "Teenagers. Tut." While Usagi walked back inside, completely ignoring Rei who stood right by the door, she murmured curses under her breath. Rei giggled and folded her arms.
"Rei...? What are you doing here?" Mamoru asked when he finally noticed the girl standing on the porch.
"Did I come at a bad time?" She asked smartly, taking a step closer to the man. She faced him now, eyes narrowed and staring into his.
Mamoru drew back. "What do you want?"
"I came to talk to Usagi," she said, walking past him and into the doorway. "Not to talk to some fallen mage who throws roses."
Mamoru frowned and blocked the entrance. "For that comment, you can't. Usagi doesn't want to be bothered with the likes of you, so it's best you leave."
"I'm not leaving until I get what I came for!" Rei screamed back at him.
"No. Now leave. You are not welcome here."
And Rei could hear herself, as plain as day, say the same thing to them that night she came home and found them sitting in her apartment house. ::You are not welcome here.:: Now she frowned and did what Usagi should have done weeks ago. She pushed Mamoru out of the way and burst through the door. "USAGI!"
When the blonde stepped into the living room from the kitchen with a butter knife in her hand, she frowned. "Mamo-chan, please get that witch out of my house." She had her hair done in the same way she had five years ago: pulled up in two buns with the ends falling out like ribbons.
Rei stomped closer to her. "That's right, Mamoru. Get Usagi out of the house."
Usagi frowned, cursed at her, and threw the knife across the room. It stopped, dead in front of Rei's face, hovering there in the air. Rei frowned, and it burst into flames. The ashes danced slowly to the waxed wooden floor. "Wanna try that again?"
Usagi turned a bright red and made a fist. "You won't get away with this, Rei!" She held up her hand. "Moon Crisis Power!" There was silence. Usagi stood there, her hand now squivering as it reached to the ceiling. Her face went pale and her pink glossed lips began to shake. "Moon Crisis Power!"
Nothing. Her eyes began to tear as her vision blurred and stared angerly at the raven haired girl who stood in front of her, shaking her head. She closed her eyes and screamed her transformation. "MOON CRISIS POWER!"
Luna now entered the room, her eyes wandering from person to person. The ashes on the ground, the calm Rei, and the furious Usagi who still stood with her hand in the air. "What is going on here?!" Luna asked as she stepped closer to the blonde girl. Usagi fell to her knees and her hands shook with anger, her eyes in disbelief. "Rei...?"
Rei didn't look at the cat, who gently stepped across the floor with hurt eyes. Ever since Rei left them, everyone's eyes seemed hurt and cold. Just like Ami's. "Luna."
"What happened here?" She asked, observing the ashes that fell to Rei's feet.
Rei didn't answer, just stared at Usagi who sat on her knees with tears rolling down her cheeks. She stared at the floor. "Moon.. Crisis Power..."
It wasn't long before Luna had Rei sitting on the couch across Mamoru and Usagi, who had fully recovered from the shock of the moment. Luna sat on the table with her eyes closed. Not saying a word, Rei sat with her hands on her lap, gently pressing on the sugar pink colored skirt she wore. When Luna felt everyone was calm, she began to talk. "Rei, please explain to me what you are doing here."
"I came to see Usagi," Rei said simply.
"Why?"
"What? I can't see her anymore?" Rei asked with tone. She snapped her eyes at the cat who hung her head. She continued. "I came because I felt Usagi had to do with all the incidents that have recently accured."
Usagi frowned and made a fist. Before she could yell out something, Luna had pressed her paw on her bare legs. "Now Usagi, let Rei finish her story. You will have your turn."
Usagi nodded, sat back in the chair with her arms folded, and closed her eyes. There is no way possible to disobey the guardian of the moon, animal or not. Luna had the intelligence of Ami, so she didn't speak for just the fun of it. She always made a point. "Rei, what do you mean Usagi had to do something with this?"
Rei pulled out the note that was left in her apartment. Without saying a word, she tossed it on the table in front of Luna. The cat pawed the note open, which was about her size, and she began to read to herself. When her eyes began to quiver, Rei could tell which part she came across. Ami's death.
Luna didn't speak right away. She read the note a second time and then cleared her throat. "Just because... it says 'your-so-called friend has helped with this discovery' does not mean Usagi is the one in charge. As for Ami..." she closed her eyes.
Usagi continued to pretend she wasn't listening. If she was not already informed of Ami's death, she would have broken out in tears by now, Rei thought as she observed her. She must have known already. Luna shook the tears away from her eyes. "I don't know what to say, Rei. It was very rude to burst in here is all I can tell you. It would be lovely if you could appologize to Usagi and Mamoru and leave quietly."
"She's the one who should be appologizing to me," Rei said, standing up and pointing to the ashes on the floor. "If I still didn't have my fighting spirit, I would be dead right now."
At that statement, Luna quickly snapped her head toward Usagi. She had her eyes open now, just narrowed and glaring at the pillow she sat next to. "Usagi ... is this true?"
"She had no right bursting through my house and shooting comments every which way!" Usagi yelled at the cat, standing up now. "No matter how upset she was! I'm the Princess of the Moon and I deserve some respect!"
And suddenly, the windows of the living room burst open, the glass hovering in the air before crashing to the ground. Rei quickly jumped over the couch from her position and hid behind it; the pieces of glass shooting overhead. Mamoru had grabbed Usagi, spun her around, and hugged her away from the blast. An evil laugh came from outside in the front yard and two wolves appeared in the open space. "Come out and fight, Sailor Senshi. I know you are in there."
This voice was too familiar to just gasp and be surprised at. It was only until they actually saw it, when the chills rolled down their spin. Standing outside, hoving now in midair stood Super Sailor Mercury. Her arms were out to both her sides and ice crystals in both her palms. The wolves growled furiously as the four approached the battle field. Rei stood in disbelief, but Usagi was in tears, gripping Mamoru's arm and standing behind him. "Sailor ... Mercury?!"
"But.. isn't she.. dead?"
Sailor Mercury grinned. "Well well. I see Jupiter isn't here. What a shame. She's the one I came for."
Now, Rei took a step forward toward the hovering Senshi. "Ami! What have you become?!"
Sailor Mercury looked down at Rei. Her eyes pupils were a jet blue, watching the color of her hair. "Ami? Ha. That Ami girl is dead. I am simply borrowing her body." She grinned.
"Borrowing?"
Sailor Mercury turned her attention to the blonde girl who now squealed and hid behind Mamoru again. "Yes, Sailor Moon. Borrowing." Sailor Mercury twirled around then posed. "Isn't it lovely? This Ami person doesn't have such a bad shape..."
As she admired her new body, Rei held out her hand. "What are you here for?"
"Didn't I already say?" Sailor Mercury said. "I came for Sailor Jupiter and she not here." She thought. "Hmm.. well I guess I could just tell you my evil yet genius plot." She twirled around again, the blue ribbons behind her followed. "I need more Senshi Crystals and what better why to do that then be a Senshi? You all love each other sooo much and even if you had magic, you wouldn't dare fight against your loved one. Keke."
"That's so cruel!" Luna shouted back from the doorway. "You won't get away with this!"
Sailor Mercury frowned and held out her hand. Water and ice appeared in her fingertips. "Mercury Gasp!" The small and simple water attack flew across the air and pounded the cat into the nearest wall. She giggled and another water attack formed in her fist. "Keke. That was fun!"
"Such a childish nature," Rei thought, watching as Luna struggled to stand up. "This can not be the real Ami."
Usagi gasped and now let go of Mamoru. "How dare you hurt Luna! Moon Crisis Power!" Suddenly, Usagi was covered in a soft, pink light. It outlined her body for a few seconds, then disappeared. "What the...?"
Rei stared wide eyed at Usagi, who stood searching her body for that light. "The transformation... reacted to her heart..." Now, Rei held out her hand and scroll formed in her grip. "Come on, Sailor Mercury! If you want a fight, I'll give it to ya!"
Sailor Mercury spun around, smiled, and motioned for the wolves to step up. "Get 'er!"
With one command, the wolves lept forward and dived at Rei. She dodged their fangs and spun around. "Aku Ryo Tai Sen!"
The fire attack emerged from the scroll and shot into the body of the wolf. It groaned and then recovered it's balance. Sailor Mercury laughed. "Keke. You just can't stop my wolf's power! If you were a Senshi, that would all change!"
Rei frowned and ran toward Sailor Mercury. "I AM a Senshi! Aku Ryo Tai Sen!"
Usagi screamed. "NO REI!"
The blue haired Mercury just stood in her spot and let the attack hit her. It burned the tip of her shoulder and the top of her left arm. Rei grinned. Suddenly, blood shot out from Rei's shoulder and left arm. She groaned and knealt down. "What the...?"
Sailor Mercury laughed again. "When you get hit, I get hit. When I get hit, you get hit."
Rei stood up now, still holding onto her shoulder. She eyed the blonde girl who stood yards behind her. She was now shouting orders. "Rei! You can't attack her! You'll get hurt also!"
Rei turned around fully and frowned. "I know that now, Meatball Head!"
Something in that conversation made Luna smile. "They both haven't lost their teamwork spirit. Maybe... the transformation will react to their hearts, like earilier." She studied Rei who still had a Ofruda Scroll planted in her grip. "Rei is able to use simple fire magic because she has some heart left. Her fighting spirit still exists."
Rei now let go of her shoulder. The blood dripped down her arm and onto her plaid skirt. "I'm not gonna give up! I have to find and save everyone!" Jaedite's face seemed to flash through her eyes. The days before all the struggle. The days when she was missing. And the day he left her, when Yuuichirou finally admitted his feelings. She ran up to Sailor Mercury and jumped into the air. "Stay out of my way!" She threw the scroll at her, one after another. They magically appeared in her grip at her command. After the first five, only one hit. It ripped Sailor Mercury's brooch and the ribbons fell to her feet. Rei's shirt front was also torn, slightly revealing the black laced bra she wore underneath.
Both girls stayed in their position, a smile growing wider on Sailor Mercury's face. "Well. Rei here doesn't know when to quit. That will get you killed. Keke."
Rei stood straight up now. When she recovered from the rush of the attack, she spun around and faced Usagi. "Usagi. Go to safer grounds. Now."
"And why should I?! You aren't the boss of me, Rei!" Usagi screamed back. "Ami is my friend, too, I deserve to know more about this!"
Rei hung her head and turned back around. "Usagi. You are still stubborn. Some things... will never change." Now, Rei took a step closer to Sailor Mercury, who sat hovering in the air. Everything looked just like Ami. Her hair, her figure, her cold eyes. The only thing that a different was the playfulness in her voice. It was so unfamiliar. It completely ruined the whole style of the Genius Girl, Mercury. Completely trashed the style. Everything. Even the outfit and the VR Goggles that was worn by this puppet just all seemed fake, all because of its voice and attitude.
Ami Mizuno was a serious girl who thought boys, fun, and play all came second to school work. Homework, good grades, study time, all of that was Number One in Ami's book. She often smiled and her voice was gentle, but behind the glasses of that bookworm was the powerful Sailor Mercury. The Genuis. The one with all the answers. And now, this child in her body faces the scouts with one hope of wining just to make a point. Just to grab the Jupiter Crystal that was dead inside Makoto's heart now. Like everything else in the world.
It was now when Rei let go of the Ofruda Scroll and it crashed and emerged in flames as it hit the floor, like a time bomb. She had a smile to her voice. "I'm eager to fight against the true beings of Silver Maiden's Warriors, and not against a puppet who controls my good friend. So show your true form. I won't fight against my friend, body or not. She is still there behind that puppet." Rei's voice grew softer. "Even if I could... I wouldn't fight back."
Sailor Mercury laughed evilly. "HA! I will never show my true form! Not until I grab and hold all the Senshi Crystals in my palm!" She twirled around and a wall of water spun rapidly up to her head. It twirled and glistened in ribbons around her body and she held her hand in front of her. "Mercury Aqua Mirage!"
Rei stood where she was, gasping in her mind as the familiar attack of Ami's spun toward her. And she wasn't ready to scream until it killed her. She closed her eyes. But that didn't happen. There was silence and she awaited for the wall of water to pound into her body. It never came. '...am I... dead?' When she opened one eye, the world seemed to spin around her and when her vision finally became clear, Yuuichirou's face met hers. "Yuuichirou!?"
He stood in front of her with his arms held out to his sides and was soaking wet. He grinned as he pulled a round object from his pocket. "You forgot... your communicator at my house." And when he said so, he closed his eyes and fell forward into Rei's arms. She gasped and caught him then fell to her knees. "Yuuichirou! ....you idiot."
Usagi frowned from Yuuichirou to Sailor Mercury and let go of Mamoru's arms. "You will pay dearly for that!" She ran up to Sailor Mercury, jumped into the air, and threw a punch at her. Mercury easily dodged the punch and caught Usagi by her wrist.
"Stay out of this, blondy!" Sailor Mercury groaned and threw Usagi to the ground. She landed on her back and Mamoru instantly ran to her side.
"USAKO!"
Rei continued to shake Yuuichirou. She could feel the fear and heat rising to her head. "Yuuichirou! Come on, wake up! Come on...!"
Now, the two wolves stood in front of Sailor Mercury. She laughed. "Get 'um, Reiku! Kill 'um fast!" And as the grey wolve lept toward Rei, a cry of an attack was heard from the far left. It was oh too familiar to not get everyone's head turning to see.
"Uranus World Shaking!"
The yellow-orange planet shaped attack skimmed across the ground, tearing up everything in its path, and pounded into the body of the wolf just before it clawed onto Rei. She quickly turned away and guarded Yuuichirou the best she could from the sudden explosion. Then as Sailor Mercury cursed and threw her attention to the direction of the attack, Rei looked up to see three slender figures standing atop the roof of the nearest building, which wasn't too high up. Sailor Mercury frowned. "Why you... Who are you?!"
The voices of the three were serious and heroic, and you can instantly tell what gender. "I'm Sailor Uranus, the flying warrior, protected by planet Uranus!"
The girl whose back was against Sailor Uranus' opened her eyes and her flipped her green hair. "I'm Sailor Neptune! Protected by the planet Neptune!"
"And I'm Sailor Pluto! The evolution warrior, protected by planet Pluto!" Said the last, whose hair was a dark green and long, flowing longer than Rei's.
"We are here to help our friends."
"Together we're a mighty force! And we will punish you!"
Sailor Mercury groaned and drew back. "Damn... they got reinforcements. And these women can actually USE magic.."
Now, Sailor Uranus held out her tailsmen, the Space Sword. "Hey! Puppet in the Senshi Suit!" She frowned. "Where is Hotaru?! You better tell us or we'll have to fight you for her!"
Sailor Mercury frowned now. "Puppet?" Water formed in her fists. "Come and get it, girls!" She twirled around and water spun up her arm to her hand. "Mercury Gasp!"
As the ice attack zipped through the air, Sailor Neptune jumped from the roof. "Neptune Deep Submerge!" The water attack flew through the air and collided with the other water based attack that belonged to Mercury. When both attacks met, it caused a cooling effect, from the Mercury Gasp of course, and an icy fog filled the air. When it finally cleared, the Outer Senshi only stared at the empty field and the two pairs that tried their hardest to bring the other to life.
---
"OUCH! Can't you be more gentle, Mamo-chan!!"
Rei covered her ears as Usagi continued to wail and scream as Mamoru tried to clean the cuts on her back and arms. Most of her injury were bruises (Remember, they were fighting on the soft loan.), but some cuts from the steep fall here and there. Setsuna frowned when Rei moved her arm. "Rei! Stay still!"
"Oops! Sorry, Setsuna!" Rei said, laughing it off.
It was shortly after the fight, in Setsuna's living room, when all the screaming and crying began. Setsuna kindly offered her home to the girls to rest and cover their wounds from the battle shortly before. Haruka sat on the windowsil and stared at the sky the whole time. She doesn't treat any wounds; even if you could she wouldn't. The only thing her heart cares for is being strong enough to protect those she loves. Her short, manly cut blonde hair fell behind her ears and she hooked it back again, slowly touching her earring.
Michiru now stepped through the kitchen door and entered the living room of the house. She carried a tray of hot green tea and pound cake on the side. "Here you are, everyone. This will make the pain go away," she said as she gently set the tray on the table next to the group. Usagi quickly turned with wet lips.
"YUM! TEA!" She quickly grabbed the cup nearest to her and gulped it down.
"Wait, Usagi! It's still-"
"AHH!! HOOOTTT!!" Usagi screamed and coughed on the tea as it drained down her throat.
Michiru giggled and shook her head, her green curly hair bouncing to match the stride. "I tried to tell you, Usagi."
Rei nodded, motioned for Setsuna to stop, and she grabbed a cup of tea. Before she took a sip, she blew on it. "Gosh, Usagi. You need to stop being in such a hurry all the time."
"Oh, hush, Rei!" She said, sticking her tongue out.
Rei laughed and stuck her tongue back at her. Mamoru couldn't help but smile. "That's what I like to see. True friendship again-"
"Please, Mamo-chan! Rei and I still have a score to settle!"
Rei shook her head and chringed as Setsuna added the bandages to her arm and shoulder. "There you are, Rei. All done."
Rei smiled and sat around in the chair, facing everyone else and table. "Thank you, Suna-chan. Normally, Ami would tend to my wounds, but I don't mind splitting the job."
Setsuna nodded but didn't smile. She just walked from the room and out into the hallway. Haruka turned her head to see. "Setsuna..."
Rei sighed and looked at Michiru who sat down beside her. "Michiru... did I say something wrong?"
Michiru took a sip from her tea and shook her head. "Setsuna is going through a lot right now. Just give her some time. It's not everyday when she's rushing back to Pluto to inform the kingdom of the news. You know, Rei, Setsuna raised Hotaru from her very rebirth. She grew attached to that child, no matter what dark secret Hotaru holds inside her."
Rei nodded. It's true. Hotaru Tomoe is cursed with the destiny of Sailor Saturn. A curse, as in a bad thing or a good thing, is unknown. She has the power to destroy a planet, which can simply mean tragity, but that also brings hope and rebirth. To start everything over from the beginning can be a blessing. To clense even the darkest spirits is a miracle.
That little girl used to wander the world with a tainted and confused heart, until Sailor Moon saved her and she was reborn with the Saturn Emblem on her forehead. Since that day, the Outer Senshi left to care for the baby Hotaru. They only informed her of her duties as a Senshi in her later childhood years. Ever since, there were moments when her eyes are playful and gentle, and others when they are pitch black and fulled with sorrow.
It wasn't long now when Setsuna appeared in the doorway again. "Rei. Yuuichirou is awake and asking for you."
Rei nodded, set her cup down on the tray, and walked out of the room. She followed Setsuna down the hallway and into the huge bedroom where Yuuichirou lay in bed. Setsuna nodded when Yuuichirou faced her and left, closing the door behind her. Rei inched over to Yuuichirou and sat on the bed. "I see you're awake. How do you feel?"
Yuuichirou grinned and gave her a thumbs up. "Are you okay?"
Rei showed him the bandage on her shoulder and arm. "That's it. I'm fine. Thanks to you." She looked at him. "...I don't think I thanked you yet." Yuuichirou stared at her, then iched up in bed. Rei tried to stop him. "Don't strain yourself, Yuuichirou! You haven't fully recovered yet."
He sat up straight anyway. "I'm fine now." He pulled out the communicator from his pocket and placed it in Rei's palm. "You left this at my house. I thought you might need it." When Rei didn't answer, just stared at the communicator that rest in her palm, then he continued. "Because of that thing," he began with a smile in his voice, "I almost got killed just trying to give it to you."
Now Rei frowned and gripped the communicator in her grip. "You IDIOT! This stupid communicator is not worth your life! What were you thinking?!"
"I just wanted to-"
"NO Yuuichirou! It's completely meaningless to me!" She threw the communicator across the floor and it hit the wall to just prove her point.
Yuuichirou sighed. "Aww Rei. Now you go and throw it...? I just risked my life for that sh-"
He stopped suddenly when Rei grabbed onto his shirt front and pressed her forehead against his chest. "I don't care about that stupid computer, Yuuichirou! I care about you and your safety! Don't you EVER do a stupid thing like that again!"
She was crying now, choking on her words as she gripped tighter on his shirt. Yuuichirou sighed and patted her back. "Rei... I didn't mean for you to cry... I'm sorry..."
---
It was sundown now, and everyone was getting restless. When Chibiusa came home to house with broken windows, she instantly used her communicator to contact Usagi. When she learned that Usagi was staying by Setsuna's, Chibiusa jumped for joy and in four minutes, appeared on the doorstep of the house. When Haruka opened the door to greet her, Chibiusa tackled her into a hug. The same welcome was passed around to everyone, except Yuuichirou, who was still sore from the battle.
When Setsuna passed the living room with a mug in her hand, she looked into the room. Usagi, Mamoru, Michiru, and Haruka sat on the floor with Chibiusa, surrounded by a board game that Setsuna discovered to be Monopoly, Haruka's least favorite game. After the sound of a roll, the moving of a piece, and a loud yelp, Chibiusa stood up and danced. "YES! Pay up, Haruka!!"
Haruka groaned, grabbed a handful of money, and stuffed it across the board. "Man, I hate this game..." she mumbled under her breath.
Michiru punched her shoulder after she rolled the dice. "Only because you never win!" And at that moment, Michiru moved her piece and did that same cheer as Chibiusa. "YES! Of COURSE I'll buy Boardwalk!!"
Haruka sighed and sat back. "Agh. I give up!" Everyone burst into a laughter and after they all nudged her, did Haruka finally smile and manage a short laugh. Setsuna smiled, entered the kitchen and filled her mug up again with tea. Then she walked back through the hallway, glanced into the living room to see Michiru still doing her victory dance, and went back up the stairs to meet her computer.
As for Rei, she was outside with Yuuichirou, who was leaning on the railing of the fence in the front. Rei stood in front of him. "Are you sure you'll get home safe?" She asked, ignoring the loud yells of laughter from the living room window.
He opened his eyes. "Yup. I'll be fine." Then he leaned off the railing. "...where will YOU stay?"
"I'm spending the night here with Setsuna. So is Chibiusa, Usagi, and Mamoru. I'm staying here, because Setsuna feels she owes it to me. You know, when her and Hotaru came to Tokyo, they spent the night with Jaedite and I. As for Usagi and them, it's because of their house."
"Oh," Yuuichirou said, disappointed. He turned and opened the gate. "Well, you know where I'll be. Stop by and visit some time, Rei." He looked at her, facing her now. They stood in silence for a few seconds, and after nothing happened, he turned and walked from the gate. "Oh," he said, facing her again. "Thanks for the treatment. I won't be such an idiot next time." His last words had a wink to it as he continued to saunter down the sidewalk and was eventually out of sight.
Rei looked at the sky. "It's a full moon... no wonder I'm feeling this way."
o.o
Wow. 4612 words. What a long chapter. New record for me! Keke. Review!!
Even if I could . . . I would not fight back . . .
---
Rei bounced up the stairs to the familiar house of her once lovable and trusting friend. She banged on the peach colored door a couple of times and waited. Inside, two figures chased after a girl and the door suddenly swung open. "I'm going to the movies whether you like it or not!" Chibiusa screamed at Usagi as she waved her fist in the doorway. Mamoru stood behind her and was shaking his head.
"Well... don't be long, you brat!" Usagi yelled back at her as Chibiusa darted down the street. She sighed and rested her hands on her hips. "Teenagers. Tut." While Usagi walked back inside, completely ignoring Rei who stood right by the door, she murmured curses under her breath. Rei giggled and folded her arms.
"Rei...? What are you doing here?" Mamoru asked when he finally noticed the girl standing on the porch.
"Did I come at a bad time?" She asked smartly, taking a step closer to the man. She faced him now, eyes narrowed and staring into his.
Mamoru drew back. "What do you want?"
"I came to talk to Usagi," she said, walking past him and into the doorway. "Not to talk to some fallen mage who throws roses."
Mamoru frowned and blocked the entrance. "For that comment, you can't. Usagi doesn't want to be bothered with the likes of you, so it's best you leave."
"I'm not leaving until I get what I came for!" Rei screamed back at him.
"No. Now leave. You are not welcome here."
And Rei could hear herself, as plain as day, say the same thing to them that night she came home and found them sitting in her apartment house. ::You are not welcome here.:: Now she frowned and did what Usagi should have done weeks ago. She pushed Mamoru out of the way and burst through the door. "USAGI!"
When the blonde stepped into the living room from the kitchen with a butter knife in her hand, she frowned. "Mamo-chan, please get that witch out of my house." She had her hair done in the same way she had five years ago: pulled up in two buns with the ends falling out like ribbons.
Rei stomped closer to her. "That's right, Mamoru. Get Usagi out of the house."
Usagi frowned, cursed at her, and threw the knife across the room. It stopped, dead in front of Rei's face, hovering there in the air. Rei frowned, and it burst into flames. The ashes danced slowly to the waxed wooden floor. "Wanna try that again?"
Usagi turned a bright red and made a fist. "You won't get away with this, Rei!" She held up her hand. "Moon Crisis Power!" There was silence. Usagi stood there, her hand now squivering as it reached to the ceiling. Her face went pale and her pink glossed lips began to shake. "Moon Crisis Power!"
Nothing. Her eyes began to tear as her vision blurred and stared angerly at the raven haired girl who stood in front of her, shaking her head. She closed her eyes and screamed her transformation. "MOON CRISIS POWER!"
Luna now entered the room, her eyes wandering from person to person. The ashes on the ground, the calm Rei, and the furious Usagi who still stood with her hand in the air. "What is going on here?!" Luna asked as she stepped closer to the blonde girl. Usagi fell to her knees and her hands shook with anger, her eyes in disbelief. "Rei...?"
Rei didn't look at the cat, who gently stepped across the floor with hurt eyes. Ever since Rei left them, everyone's eyes seemed hurt and cold. Just like Ami's. "Luna."
"What happened here?" She asked, observing the ashes that fell to Rei's feet.
Rei didn't answer, just stared at Usagi who sat on her knees with tears rolling down her cheeks. She stared at the floor. "Moon.. Crisis Power..."
It wasn't long before Luna had Rei sitting on the couch across Mamoru and Usagi, who had fully recovered from the shock of the moment. Luna sat on the table with her eyes closed. Not saying a word, Rei sat with her hands on her lap, gently pressing on the sugar pink colored skirt she wore. When Luna felt everyone was calm, she began to talk. "Rei, please explain to me what you are doing here."
"I came to see Usagi," Rei said simply.
"Why?"
"What? I can't see her anymore?" Rei asked with tone. She snapped her eyes at the cat who hung her head. She continued. "I came because I felt Usagi had to do with all the incidents that have recently accured."
Usagi frowned and made a fist. Before she could yell out something, Luna had pressed her paw on her bare legs. "Now Usagi, let Rei finish her story. You will have your turn."
Usagi nodded, sat back in the chair with her arms folded, and closed her eyes. There is no way possible to disobey the guardian of the moon, animal or not. Luna had the intelligence of Ami, so she didn't speak for just the fun of it. She always made a point. "Rei, what do you mean Usagi had to do something with this?"
Rei pulled out the note that was left in her apartment. Without saying a word, she tossed it on the table in front of Luna. The cat pawed the note open, which was about her size, and she began to read to herself. When her eyes began to quiver, Rei could tell which part she came across. Ami's death.
Luna didn't speak right away. She read the note a second time and then cleared her throat. "Just because... it says 'your-so-called friend has helped with this discovery' does not mean Usagi is the one in charge. As for Ami..." she closed her eyes.
Usagi continued to pretend she wasn't listening. If she was not already informed of Ami's death, she would have broken out in tears by now, Rei thought as she observed her. She must have known already. Luna shook the tears away from her eyes. "I don't know what to say, Rei. It was very rude to burst in here is all I can tell you. It would be lovely if you could appologize to Usagi and Mamoru and leave quietly."
"She's the one who should be appologizing to me," Rei said, standing up and pointing to the ashes on the floor. "If I still didn't have my fighting spirit, I would be dead right now."
At that statement, Luna quickly snapped her head toward Usagi. She had her eyes open now, just narrowed and glaring at the pillow she sat next to. "Usagi ... is this true?"
"She had no right bursting through my house and shooting comments every which way!" Usagi yelled at the cat, standing up now. "No matter how upset she was! I'm the Princess of the Moon and I deserve some respect!"
And suddenly, the windows of the living room burst open, the glass hovering in the air before crashing to the ground. Rei quickly jumped over the couch from her position and hid behind it; the pieces of glass shooting overhead. Mamoru had grabbed Usagi, spun her around, and hugged her away from the blast. An evil laugh came from outside in the front yard and two wolves appeared in the open space. "Come out and fight, Sailor Senshi. I know you are in there."
This voice was too familiar to just gasp and be surprised at. It was only until they actually saw it, when the chills rolled down their spin. Standing outside, hoving now in midair stood Super Sailor Mercury. Her arms were out to both her sides and ice crystals in both her palms. The wolves growled furiously as the four approached the battle field. Rei stood in disbelief, but Usagi was in tears, gripping Mamoru's arm and standing behind him. "Sailor ... Mercury?!"
"But.. isn't she.. dead?"
Sailor Mercury grinned. "Well well. I see Jupiter isn't here. What a shame. She's the one I came for."
Now, Rei took a step forward toward the hovering Senshi. "Ami! What have you become?!"
Sailor Mercury looked down at Rei. Her eyes pupils were a jet blue, watching the color of her hair. "Ami? Ha. That Ami girl is dead. I am simply borrowing her body." She grinned.
"Borrowing?"
Sailor Mercury turned her attention to the blonde girl who now squealed and hid behind Mamoru again. "Yes, Sailor Moon. Borrowing." Sailor Mercury twirled around then posed. "Isn't it lovely? This Ami person doesn't have such a bad shape..."
As she admired her new body, Rei held out her hand. "What are you here for?"
"Didn't I already say?" Sailor Mercury said. "I came for Sailor Jupiter and she not here." She thought. "Hmm.. well I guess I could just tell you my evil yet genius plot." She twirled around again, the blue ribbons behind her followed. "I need more Senshi Crystals and what better why to do that then be a Senshi? You all love each other sooo much and even if you had magic, you wouldn't dare fight against your loved one. Keke."
"That's so cruel!" Luna shouted back from the doorway. "You won't get away with this!"
Sailor Mercury frowned and held out her hand. Water and ice appeared in her fingertips. "Mercury Gasp!" The small and simple water attack flew across the air and pounded the cat into the nearest wall. She giggled and another water attack formed in her fist. "Keke. That was fun!"
"Such a childish nature," Rei thought, watching as Luna struggled to stand up. "This can not be the real Ami."
Usagi gasped and now let go of Mamoru. "How dare you hurt Luna! Moon Crisis Power!" Suddenly, Usagi was covered in a soft, pink light. It outlined her body for a few seconds, then disappeared. "What the...?"
Rei stared wide eyed at Usagi, who stood searching her body for that light. "The transformation... reacted to her heart..." Now, Rei held out her hand and scroll formed in her grip. "Come on, Sailor Mercury! If you want a fight, I'll give it to ya!"
Sailor Mercury spun around, smiled, and motioned for the wolves to step up. "Get 'er!"
With one command, the wolves lept forward and dived at Rei. She dodged their fangs and spun around. "Aku Ryo Tai Sen!"
The fire attack emerged from the scroll and shot into the body of the wolf. It groaned and then recovered it's balance. Sailor Mercury laughed. "Keke. You just can't stop my wolf's power! If you were a Senshi, that would all change!"
Rei frowned and ran toward Sailor Mercury. "I AM a Senshi! Aku Ryo Tai Sen!"
Usagi screamed. "NO REI!"
The blue haired Mercury just stood in her spot and let the attack hit her. It burned the tip of her shoulder and the top of her left arm. Rei grinned. Suddenly, blood shot out from Rei's shoulder and left arm. She groaned and knealt down. "What the...?"
Sailor Mercury laughed again. "When you get hit, I get hit. When I get hit, you get hit."
Rei stood up now, still holding onto her shoulder. She eyed the blonde girl who stood yards behind her. She was now shouting orders. "Rei! You can't attack her! You'll get hurt also!"
Rei turned around fully and frowned. "I know that now, Meatball Head!"
Something in that conversation made Luna smile. "They both haven't lost their teamwork spirit. Maybe... the transformation will react to their hearts, like earilier." She studied Rei who still had a Ofruda Scroll planted in her grip. "Rei is able to use simple fire magic because she has some heart left. Her fighting spirit still exists."
Rei now let go of her shoulder. The blood dripped down her arm and onto her plaid skirt. "I'm not gonna give up! I have to find and save everyone!" Jaedite's face seemed to flash through her eyes. The days before all the struggle. The days when she was missing. And the day he left her, when Yuuichirou finally admitted his feelings. She ran up to Sailor Mercury and jumped into the air. "Stay out of my way!" She threw the scroll at her, one after another. They magically appeared in her grip at her command. After the first five, only one hit. It ripped Sailor Mercury's brooch and the ribbons fell to her feet. Rei's shirt front was also torn, slightly revealing the black laced bra she wore underneath.
Both girls stayed in their position, a smile growing wider on Sailor Mercury's face. "Well. Rei here doesn't know when to quit. That will get you killed. Keke."
Rei stood straight up now. When she recovered from the rush of the attack, she spun around and faced Usagi. "Usagi. Go to safer grounds. Now."
"And why should I?! You aren't the boss of me, Rei!" Usagi screamed back. "Ami is my friend, too, I deserve to know more about this!"
Rei hung her head and turned back around. "Usagi. You are still stubborn. Some things... will never change." Now, Rei took a step closer to Sailor Mercury, who sat hovering in the air. Everything looked just like Ami. Her hair, her figure, her cold eyes. The only thing that a different was the playfulness in her voice. It was so unfamiliar. It completely ruined the whole style of the Genius Girl, Mercury. Completely trashed the style. Everything. Even the outfit and the VR Goggles that was worn by this puppet just all seemed fake, all because of its voice and attitude.
Ami Mizuno was a serious girl who thought boys, fun, and play all came second to school work. Homework, good grades, study time, all of that was Number One in Ami's book. She often smiled and her voice was gentle, but behind the glasses of that bookworm was the powerful Sailor Mercury. The Genuis. The one with all the answers. And now, this child in her body faces the scouts with one hope of wining just to make a point. Just to grab the Jupiter Crystal that was dead inside Makoto's heart now. Like everything else in the world.
It was now when Rei let go of the Ofruda Scroll and it crashed and emerged in flames as it hit the floor, like a time bomb. She had a smile to her voice. "I'm eager to fight against the true beings of Silver Maiden's Warriors, and not against a puppet who controls my good friend. So show your true form. I won't fight against my friend, body or not. She is still there behind that puppet." Rei's voice grew softer. "Even if I could... I wouldn't fight back."
Sailor Mercury laughed evilly. "HA! I will never show my true form! Not until I grab and hold all the Senshi Crystals in my palm!" She twirled around and a wall of water spun rapidly up to her head. It twirled and glistened in ribbons around her body and she held her hand in front of her. "Mercury Aqua Mirage!"
Rei stood where she was, gasping in her mind as the familiar attack of Ami's spun toward her. And she wasn't ready to scream until it killed her. She closed her eyes. But that didn't happen. There was silence and she awaited for the wall of water to pound into her body. It never came. '...am I... dead?' When she opened one eye, the world seemed to spin around her and when her vision finally became clear, Yuuichirou's face met hers. "Yuuichirou!?"
He stood in front of her with his arms held out to his sides and was soaking wet. He grinned as he pulled a round object from his pocket. "You forgot... your communicator at my house." And when he said so, he closed his eyes and fell forward into Rei's arms. She gasped and caught him then fell to her knees. "Yuuichirou! ....you idiot."
Usagi frowned from Yuuichirou to Sailor Mercury and let go of Mamoru's arms. "You will pay dearly for that!" She ran up to Sailor Mercury, jumped into the air, and threw a punch at her. Mercury easily dodged the punch and caught Usagi by her wrist.
"Stay out of this, blondy!" Sailor Mercury groaned and threw Usagi to the ground. She landed on her back and Mamoru instantly ran to her side.
"USAKO!"
Rei continued to shake Yuuichirou. She could feel the fear and heat rising to her head. "Yuuichirou! Come on, wake up! Come on...!"
Now, the two wolves stood in front of Sailor Mercury. She laughed. "Get 'um, Reiku! Kill 'um fast!" And as the grey wolve lept toward Rei, a cry of an attack was heard from the far left. It was oh too familiar to not get everyone's head turning to see.
"Uranus World Shaking!"
The yellow-orange planet shaped attack skimmed across the ground, tearing up everything in its path, and pounded into the body of the wolf just before it clawed onto Rei. She quickly turned away and guarded Yuuichirou the best she could from the sudden explosion. Then as Sailor Mercury cursed and threw her attention to the direction of the attack, Rei looked up to see three slender figures standing atop the roof of the nearest building, which wasn't too high up. Sailor Mercury frowned. "Why you... Who are you?!"
The voices of the three were serious and heroic, and you can instantly tell what gender. "I'm Sailor Uranus, the flying warrior, protected by planet Uranus!"
The girl whose back was against Sailor Uranus' opened her eyes and her flipped her green hair. "I'm Sailor Neptune! Protected by the planet Neptune!"
"And I'm Sailor Pluto! The evolution warrior, protected by planet Pluto!" Said the last, whose hair was a dark green and long, flowing longer than Rei's.
"We are here to help our friends."
"Together we're a mighty force! And we will punish you!"
Sailor Mercury groaned and drew back. "Damn... they got reinforcements. And these women can actually USE magic.."
Now, Sailor Uranus held out her tailsmen, the Space Sword. "Hey! Puppet in the Senshi Suit!" She frowned. "Where is Hotaru?! You better tell us or we'll have to fight you for her!"
Sailor Mercury frowned now. "Puppet?" Water formed in her fists. "Come and get it, girls!" She twirled around and water spun up her arm to her hand. "Mercury Gasp!"
As the ice attack zipped through the air, Sailor Neptune jumped from the roof. "Neptune Deep Submerge!" The water attack flew through the air and collided with the other water based attack that belonged to Mercury. When both attacks met, it caused a cooling effect, from the Mercury Gasp of course, and an icy fog filled the air. When it finally cleared, the Outer Senshi only stared at the empty field and the two pairs that tried their hardest to bring the other to life.
---
"OUCH! Can't you be more gentle, Mamo-chan!!"
Rei covered her ears as Usagi continued to wail and scream as Mamoru tried to clean the cuts on her back and arms. Most of her injury were bruises (Remember, they were fighting on the soft loan.), but some cuts from the steep fall here and there. Setsuna frowned when Rei moved her arm. "Rei! Stay still!"
"Oops! Sorry, Setsuna!" Rei said, laughing it off.
It was shortly after the fight, in Setsuna's living room, when all the screaming and crying began. Setsuna kindly offered her home to the girls to rest and cover their wounds from the battle shortly before. Haruka sat on the windowsil and stared at the sky the whole time. She doesn't treat any wounds; even if you could she wouldn't. The only thing her heart cares for is being strong enough to protect those she loves. Her short, manly cut blonde hair fell behind her ears and she hooked it back again, slowly touching her earring.
Michiru now stepped through the kitchen door and entered the living room of the house. She carried a tray of hot green tea and pound cake on the side. "Here you are, everyone. This will make the pain go away," she said as she gently set the tray on the table next to the group. Usagi quickly turned with wet lips.
"YUM! TEA!" She quickly grabbed the cup nearest to her and gulped it down.
"Wait, Usagi! It's still-"
"AHH!! HOOOTTT!!" Usagi screamed and coughed on the tea as it drained down her throat.
Michiru giggled and shook her head, her green curly hair bouncing to match the stride. "I tried to tell you, Usagi."
Rei nodded, motioned for Setsuna to stop, and she grabbed a cup of tea. Before she took a sip, she blew on it. "Gosh, Usagi. You need to stop being in such a hurry all the time."
"Oh, hush, Rei!" She said, sticking her tongue out.
Rei laughed and stuck her tongue back at her. Mamoru couldn't help but smile. "That's what I like to see. True friendship again-"
"Please, Mamo-chan! Rei and I still have a score to settle!"
Rei shook her head and chringed as Setsuna added the bandages to her arm and shoulder. "There you are, Rei. All done."
Rei smiled and sat around in the chair, facing everyone else and table. "Thank you, Suna-chan. Normally, Ami would tend to my wounds, but I don't mind splitting the job."
Setsuna nodded but didn't smile. She just walked from the room and out into the hallway. Haruka turned her head to see. "Setsuna..."
Rei sighed and looked at Michiru who sat down beside her. "Michiru... did I say something wrong?"
Michiru took a sip from her tea and shook her head. "Setsuna is going through a lot right now. Just give her some time. It's not everyday when she's rushing back to Pluto to inform the kingdom of the news. You know, Rei, Setsuna raised Hotaru from her very rebirth. She grew attached to that child, no matter what dark secret Hotaru holds inside her."
Rei nodded. It's true. Hotaru Tomoe is cursed with the destiny of Sailor Saturn. A curse, as in a bad thing or a good thing, is unknown. She has the power to destroy a planet, which can simply mean tragity, but that also brings hope and rebirth. To start everything over from the beginning can be a blessing. To clense even the darkest spirits is a miracle.
That little girl used to wander the world with a tainted and confused heart, until Sailor Moon saved her and she was reborn with the Saturn Emblem on her forehead. Since that day, the Outer Senshi left to care for the baby Hotaru. They only informed her of her duties as a Senshi in her later childhood years. Ever since, there were moments when her eyes are playful and gentle, and others when they are pitch black and fulled with sorrow.
It wasn't long now when Setsuna appeared in the doorway again. "Rei. Yuuichirou is awake and asking for you."
Rei nodded, set her cup down on the tray, and walked out of the room. She followed Setsuna down the hallway and into the huge bedroom where Yuuichirou lay in bed. Setsuna nodded when Yuuichirou faced her and left, closing the door behind her. Rei inched over to Yuuichirou and sat on the bed. "I see you're awake. How do you feel?"
Yuuichirou grinned and gave her a thumbs up. "Are you okay?"
Rei showed him the bandage on her shoulder and arm. "That's it. I'm fine. Thanks to you." She looked at him. "...I don't think I thanked you yet." Yuuichirou stared at her, then iched up in bed. Rei tried to stop him. "Don't strain yourself, Yuuichirou! You haven't fully recovered yet."
He sat up straight anyway. "I'm fine now." He pulled out the communicator from his pocket and placed it in Rei's palm. "You left this at my house. I thought you might need it." When Rei didn't answer, just stared at the communicator that rest in her palm, then he continued. "Because of that thing," he began with a smile in his voice, "I almost got killed just trying to give it to you."
Now Rei frowned and gripped the communicator in her grip. "You IDIOT! This stupid communicator is not worth your life! What were you thinking?!"
"I just wanted to-"
"NO Yuuichirou! It's completely meaningless to me!" She threw the communicator across the floor and it hit the wall to just prove her point.
Yuuichirou sighed. "Aww Rei. Now you go and throw it...? I just risked my life for that sh-"
He stopped suddenly when Rei grabbed onto his shirt front and pressed her forehead against his chest. "I don't care about that stupid computer, Yuuichirou! I care about you and your safety! Don't you EVER do a stupid thing like that again!"
She was crying now, choking on her words as she gripped tighter on his shirt. Yuuichirou sighed and patted her back. "Rei... I didn't mean for you to cry... I'm sorry..."
---
It was sundown now, and everyone was getting restless. When Chibiusa came home to house with broken windows, she instantly used her communicator to contact Usagi. When she learned that Usagi was staying by Setsuna's, Chibiusa jumped for joy and in four minutes, appeared on the doorstep of the house. When Haruka opened the door to greet her, Chibiusa tackled her into a hug. The same welcome was passed around to everyone, except Yuuichirou, who was still sore from the battle.
When Setsuna passed the living room with a mug in her hand, she looked into the room. Usagi, Mamoru, Michiru, and Haruka sat on the floor with Chibiusa, surrounded by a board game that Setsuna discovered to be Monopoly, Haruka's least favorite game. After the sound of a roll, the moving of a piece, and a loud yelp, Chibiusa stood up and danced. "YES! Pay up, Haruka!!"
Haruka groaned, grabbed a handful of money, and stuffed it across the board. "Man, I hate this game..." she mumbled under her breath.
Michiru punched her shoulder after she rolled the dice. "Only because you never win!" And at that moment, Michiru moved her piece and did that same cheer as Chibiusa. "YES! Of COURSE I'll buy Boardwalk!!"
Haruka sighed and sat back. "Agh. I give up!" Everyone burst into a laughter and after they all nudged her, did Haruka finally smile and manage a short laugh. Setsuna smiled, entered the kitchen and filled her mug up again with tea. Then she walked back through the hallway, glanced into the living room to see Michiru still doing her victory dance, and went back up the stairs to meet her computer.
As for Rei, she was outside with Yuuichirou, who was leaning on the railing of the fence in the front. Rei stood in front of him. "Are you sure you'll get home safe?" She asked, ignoring the loud yells of laughter from the living room window.
He opened his eyes. "Yup. I'll be fine." Then he leaned off the railing. "...where will YOU stay?"
"I'm spending the night here with Setsuna. So is Chibiusa, Usagi, and Mamoru. I'm staying here, because Setsuna feels she owes it to me. You know, when her and Hotaru came to Tokyo, they spent the night with Jaedite and I. As for Usagi and them, it's because of their house."
"Oh," Yuuichirou said, disappointed. He turned and opened the gate. "Well, you know where I'll be. Stop by and visit some time, Rei." He looked at her, facing her now. They stood in silence for a few seconds, and after nothing happened, he turned and walked from the gate. "Oh," he said, facing her again. "Thanks for the treatment. I won't be such an idiot next time." His last words had a wink to it as he continued to saunter down the sidewalk and was eventually out of sight.
Rei looked at the sky. "It's a full moon... no wonder I'm feeling this way."
o.o
Wow. 4612 words. What a long chapter. New record for me! Keke. Review!!