Chapter 4
Sapphire eyes fluttered open as the sounds of chirping birds floated by, accompanied by the tender caress of the sun's morning rays. Outside, the clear skies blushed, signifying the beginning of a beautiful summer day.
Letting out a groan the room's occupant pulled the covers over her head.
"Too early…"
But the damage was done and the hazy need for sleep had faded.
Sitting up, the girl groggily rubbed her eyes, clearing her vision with a grumble. Stretching her arms high above her head she arched her back, reveling in the satisfying feeling of blood returning to her stiff muscles.
Glancing around the clean, bright room Serenity realized she had absolutely no idea where she was. Oddly enough, the thought did not seem to fill her with dread. Instead, she took note of her soft, pink robes and the glossy wood accent of the room with childlike curiosity.
The silence was interrupted as a jarring, empty pain rumbled loudly from the depths inside her.
"Urg, so hungry." Patting her stomach, crystal blue eyes looked towards the door.
Surely no one would mind…
Glancing left and then right, Serenity slipped into the empty hallway, her bare feet muted on the hardwood floor. Without even an inkling of familiarity in her surroundings, the princess began to wander through the wide halls, completely bewitched by the thought of breakfast.
Coming to an intersection in the hallway, the silvery haired girl was surprised to see two maids shuffle by, too caught up in their own chatter to notice her. The clatter of the dishes on a tray rang true in her ears as the smell of something delicious trailed in their wake.
Swallowing thickly, Serenity stepped to follow them.
"Ah, I see you're finally awake," a voice called from behind her.
Squealing, Serenity spun around and nearly stumbled into the person, but firm hands on her shoulders steadied her. Peering up, she was caught in sharp cerulean eyes, intelligent and bright and yet somehow a little sad.
"Do I know you?" Her voice was timid as she righted herself.
"No, I don't think we've had the chance to be properly introduced." The curvature of his lips relaxed into an inviting smile. "My name is Soo-Won. You are?"
"My name?" She brought a hand to her temple in a look of pain. "I…"
Her eyelashes fluttered anxiously as she wracked her brain for answers, but there was nothing to recall; just a white wall, blank and looming.
"Take your time," he soothed. "You've been very ill."
"I have? I don't… remember." She cradled her head, feeling the pressure of an impending headache beginning to build.
"How about some brunch? I'm sure you must be hungry."
Funnily enough, it seemed as though all her color returned in that very instant, brightening everything pale about her.
"Please, I'm starving!"
Sweeping down a few halls, Serenity found herself gaping at the intricate ink paintings pressed into the screens of the tea room. The same fine detail reflected in the porcelain of her teacup as well as the delicate airiness of the cakes.
"You're pretty rich, aren't you?" Serenity said through a mouthful of something sweet.
Soo-Won chuckled, taken aback by her blunt observation.
"I guess I've never really thought of it like that." Looking out into the courtyard, he watched as the breeze swayed through the tops of the trees. "This is all I've ever known."
Nibbling on a cracker, Serenity watched his guarded expression.
"The maids mentioned a name," he said as his face smoothed back into the calm gentleness of before. "Chin-Sun? Does that name sound familiar?"
Snowy eyebrows drew together in concentration, but the name didn't strike any cords of familiarity.
"Your Majesty," a gruff voice called from the other side of the hallway door, "we'll be late for the meeting if we don't hurry."
"Ah, yes. The doctor will be around shortly to examine you." Standing, Soo-Won motioned to the platters of delicacies laid out. "In the meantime, feel free to help yourself. You're my guest, after all."
"Thank you so much!" She presented him with a sloppy bow as she tried to hold a candy between her teeth and keep her robes closed at the same time.
Soo-Won had to stifle a chuckle behind a palm as he exited the room. As he slid opened the door Serenity could just see the profiles of men stationed outside and something clicked.
"Huh? Your Majesty…?"
-x-
The next handful of days passed surprisingly fast and Rei's detached resolve had begun to thaw, allowing her to breathe a little easier around her new companions.
True to their word, their group had made it back to the Fire Tribe's territory in near record time, stopping only to gift and educate the Fire Tribe's people with the Iza seed and its many uses.
At first, Rei had shied away from the villager's tired and dirty faces, unable to watch the way their thin bodies shook against the cold. Yet every new village always welcomed them with grateful smiles and it soon began to fill her with a sense of accomplishment that she had never felt outside of being a warrior.
As a Senshi, even the people of Mars revered her as something akin to a god; always protecting the common people from a distance, always so out of reach. Held high above on a pedestal since they were mere children, the Senshi had little interaction with those outside the royal court. Even so, they weren't ignorant. They had always been aware of the suffering felt by the less fortunate, but such pain was life. Or, so they had been taught. Witnessing it first handed made Rei conscious of just how out of touch with their people they had really been.
"Big sis?" A small voice called, accompanied by the tug of her sleeve.
Broken from her thoughts, Rei crouched until she was eye level with the girl. "Yes?"
"What is it you do?" A toothy grin filled the girl's round face.
"What… I do?"
The last village between the Fire Tribe and Sky Tribe borders had called for a celebration, insisting their crew join them. Never ones to turn down such a rare offer for fun, the lovable group of bandits had transformed into something akin to entertainers.
Yoon began cooking up a stew using the Iza seeds while Jae-Ha played a cheerful tune on his flute and Zeno took to juggling. Shin-Ah drew a lot of attention with his "costume", Hak had much of the village's female population gravitating around him and Yona danced. Even Kija played a part as he lifted a line of giggling children high into the air with his powerful right arm.
So, what was it she did? How did she fit in?
"I…" Rei found herself hesitating as she wracked her brain. Was there anything she was good at outside of being a Senshi? What was Rei good at?
Wide eyes stared at her eagerly.
"I-I read fortunes," the raven haired blurted out the only thing that came to mind.
"Really?" Rocking back on her heels the little girl gasped with wonder. "Wow! Can you read mine?"
"Of course." Taking the girl's slim wrist into her hand, Rei frowned. Like all of the children, she was too dirty, too worn and much too thin for her age, but the excitement radiating from her tiny frame was immeasurable.
Flipping the girl's palm face up, Rei traced the deepest groves with a fingertip, humming in concentration as she did so.
"What do you see?"
"I see… a long life, full of vitality and good fortune. Your heart is strong and you will find love easily," she said, tilting the small hand every which way in the dimming light. "Just don't let it be taken advantage of! If you keep your heart true to yourself, your life will be full of happiness."
Winking, the princess of Mars let the girl take her hand back.
"Wow! You can tell all that just by looking at my hand?" Flexing her fingers the girl beamed up at Rei. "You're amazing! I'm going to go tell the others!"
Watching the wisp of a girl skip off, the reason why Yona's group had gone through so much trouble to deliver the Iza seeds became that much clearer. Their kind smiles and the proud tilts of their chins… everything about the spirited Fire Tribe touched Rei on a human level she had nearly forgotten existed.
"Miss Rei!" A group of older gentleman staggered into her view, waving her over. "You must try our village's spirits! It's been a secret recipe for nearly 100 years!"
"Yes!" Hiccup. "We could really use the company of a beautiful lady!"
"Out of the way, you old geezers!" Without mercy or hesitation, a flock of young women clamped onto the priestess' arms, nearly trampling the village elders in the process. "Is it true you can read fortunes?!"
"Oh, Lady Rei, please tell me about my love life!"
"Will I become rich?!"
"When will I get married?!"
Maybe the Fire Tribe was a little too spirited…
Unable to ignore the twitch of her eyebrow, Rei allowed herself to be dragged into the fray of the festivities.
-x-
Trying to catch her breath, Yona waved off the hands that beckoned her back into the throng of the dance. The wine she had been sipping on as they danced around the heat of the blazing fire was beginning to make her dizzy.
Sitting down, she smiled as Shin-Ah twirled by, trying to dodge around the many outward stretched hands of older women, their laughter mixing with the cheerful tune of Jae-Ha's flute. Zeno and Kija sat not too far away, chatting with Yoon and a few of the village men as Hak tipped his drink back. Rei, she noticed, had been quite the center of attention for most of the night with a crowd of women and children sprawled at her feet, their eyes large with wonder.
She understood why the dragons distrusted Rei, and she knew that Hak had his own reserves, but watching her polite stiffness gradually morph into laughter made Yona believe in her all the more. A twinge ran through her heart as she realized their parting would be soon.
"What's wrong, Princess?" Violet eyes turned up to meet those of Hak's.
"Just feeling a little lightheaded, that's all."
"Here," he said, producing a canteen. "Drink some water. It'll help."
After quenching her dry mouth, the ruby haired girl sighed with relief.
"Hak, there's something I need to talk to you about."
"What is it?"
"HAK!" From over the dark haired man's shoulders rose the slurred cries of Kija. "This old man here says he can out drink you!"
"Like hell he can!" Despite his excited outburst, dark eyes turned back onto the princess in concern.
Letting an amused chuckle slip, Yona waved the Thunder Beast off. "It can wait."
"Someone dares to challenge me?!" With a toothy grin, the former Wind Tribe general sauntered off.
Turning her eyes to watch the flickering of the bonfire, the red-head's smile faltered. The lively events of that evening were a welcomed distraction, but even having fun served its own purpose. Throughout the night she had collected bits of information and gossip only to catch wind of something troubling… Rumors of something potentially sinister happening in the west…
"Yona? Why are you sitting all alone? Come!" Unexpected hands on her elbows lifted her to her feet and the people around her chuckled heartily as she wobbled trying to stand. "Come, dance!"
Allowing her worries wash away, the princess joined their laughter as she took the arm of another woman.
Tonight they would have fun.
-x-
Much later into the night, after the celebration had died down and the moon rose full and fat into the sky, Jae-Ha found himself sitting around the dying fragments of the fire light. It had been a surprisingly eventful day full of warm food, good company, and even better wine. The only thing that could make his night better would be the company of a pretty girl.
As if the gods heard his prayers, a certain red headed princess appeared from between the flames, rousing the green dragon's spirits.
"Yona, dear, would you mind having a drink with me?" The charm of Jae-Ha's smile was lost on the oblivious girl as she peered around.
"Sorry Jae-Ha, I'm actually looking for Hak," the princess chimed through a pretty smile, "but I promise I will next time."
Watching her scamper off, the green dragon poured himself another drink.
"You know, you're never going to win." Her voice wasn't so much taunting as it was matter-of-fact. Tipping his drink back, Jae-Ha watched out of the corner of his eye as Rei sat a few feet from him.
Only in their company for a few days and the attraction between Kouka's former princess and her bodyguard had not escaped their guest's attention. Then again, the only ones who didn't seem to know were themselves.
"I know." Letting the liquor settle warmly in this stomach, the emerald hired man smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "But someone has to give Hak a hard time."
Glancing in his direction, Rei failed to contain a snort. "You really are a masochist."
"And you really are stunning." He downed another glass, thoroughly amused by the way she turned her nose up at the compliment.
They settled into silence, both content with watching the blue smoke curl and dwindle into the night sky.
"Does it have a name?" His eyes slid to her as she spoke. "The song you were playing earlier?"
Maybe it was the way the pale moonshine caressed her flushed cheeks, how her inky hair pooled around her shoulders or the way the flames swayed in the liquid glaze of her violet eyes, but something within Jae-Ha stirred.
Turning his eyes back to the heavens, Jae-Ha thought for a moment. "Elegy of Moonlight."
"Ah," she paused, "it's beautiful."
"Say, what do you plan to do when you find your friend?" Nursing this drink more carefully now, the green dragon warrior let his more blunt nature slip.
Staring into the comforting sight of the fire, the raven-haired beauty took a moment to sort her inebriated thoughts. What would she do when she found Serenity? Try to find a way home? Would there even be a home to go back to?
"I don't know," she breathed, finding the honesty in her answer to be both freeing and somewhat terrifying.
"The Port of Awa, in the Earth Tribe territory." Jae-Ha's sudden serious expression caught Rei's attention. "It may be a bit rough around the edges, but it's a safe place full of good people."
Finding the tone of the conversation turning more personal than she would have liked in her intoxicated state, Rei stood, choosing to ignore the way his eyes followed her.
"I'll remember that, thank you." Her words were stiff as she turned, heading for bed.
Ever amused by her volatile mood swings, Jae-Ha watched as she disappeared. In his wandering thoughts, Gi-Gan came to mind.
Could the little town of Awa handle two strong personalities?
Chuckling at the thought, Jae-Ha downed the last of his wine.
-x-
As the pinks and blues of dawn crested over the horizon, Rei carefully collected her things and slipped out of the village unnoticed. She felt cowardly, running away without so much as saying goodbye after they had shown so much kindness, but it was easier for them all this way. Serenity needed her.
It only took the Senshi a half a day of walking uphill before she found herself standing outside the massive gates of Kouka's capital, Kuuto.
Unlike the few Fire Tribe villages they had hustled through, Kuuto's veins pulsed with activity. Walking the streets, vendors beckoned to her as they flashed various trinkets, jewelry, and fine clothing. Groups of screeching children danced haphazardly through her legs as curious new smells bombarded her senses. It was noisy and cramped at times, but the atmosphere was lively and welcoming.
Her sense of vigor renewed, Rei navigated the streets, back straight and chin tilted high. Unfortunately, it didn't take long before that enthusiasm faded into defeat.
None of the local doctors or healers in the city had ever seen a girl fitting Serenity's description. And in such a large city, it was nearly impossible for Rei to try to focus in on the princesses' weakened aura.
Taking a seat on a low residing wall, Rei found herself running out of options.
Maybe Yona had been wrong after all?
The sudden brush of fur across her shins startled the red warrior out of her thoughts. A cat, with a coat as black as night, leisurely strolled away from her before turning a corner and disappearing.
"Luna?"
Finding her throat closing as a flood of memories washed over her, Rei rushed after the feline.
"Luna, wait!"
Following close behind, the raven haired woman dodged around people, ducked into alleyways, and hopped over fences. Finally, as the cat came to sit upon a stone wall far above her head, Rei realized how crazy she looked.
Doubling over to catch her breath, the Martian princess laughed.
Was she going insane? This scraggly thing wasn't Luna. Luna was gone.
Wiping the mirth from the corner of her eyes, Rei registered where she had ended up; standing at the bottom of the imposing staircase that marked the entrance to Hiryuu Castle.
Raising her eyebrows, she glanced back to the cat, but it had vanished.
Maybe all cats really were from Mau.
Not one to deny such a blatant sign, Mars hesitantly began the long trek up the hundreds of stairs. Although the energy of the town below had suppressed much of her ability to sense her princess, something in her gut was telling her this was right. They had taken Li Hazara as prisoner, maybe they had taken her one as well. Was she wasting away in a dingy cell, afraid and alone?
Almost missing the last step, Rei regained her composure.
The unfamiliar sky above was dimming as dusk approached, leaving the quieting city awash in an array of muted oranges and blues.
Setting her jaw determinedly, the Martian warrior advanced on the castle gates.
"Halt! What business do you have here?" Two guards stationed at the palace entrance pointed their weapons at her.
"Can you tell me," she asked, approaching them, "is there a woman with silver hair being held prisoner here?
Their hesitation only confirmed what she already knew.
"Please, let me speak to someone—"
"No way, lady. You can only enter the castle with an invitation."
Frowning, Rei glanced at the setting sun.
If she made a scene now, there would only be a hundred more guards to deal with and no way for her to guarantee Serenity's safety.
Clenching her fists, Rei relented.
-x-
For the next three days, Rei visited the palace gates like clockwork and when they shooed her away she roamed the boundaries of the premises, looking for alternate ways in.
At night she slept in the forest bordering the backside of the castle. Cold, tired and irritated she couldn't help but miss the company of Yona's troop. At least they had been a distraction to keep her mind off of, well, everything. During the day thoughts of the past, the present, the future all plagued her. Nighttime was even worse. Dreams of withering flowers soaked in blood—so much blood—kept her from any kind of rest.
On the fourth day, Rei's anger began to boil over.
"I demand you let me in! You are keeping my friend prisoner!" Stomping her foot, she didn't care how childish she must have looked.
"We already told you we don't know anything about some girl, okay lady? Get lost!"
"Yeah, get out of here or we'll arrest you!"
"Fine! Arrest me then!" Holding out her wrists, Rei glared.
The two men shared incredulous looks before one of them took a step towards her.
"Excuse me, gentlemen?" A soft, patient voice had the two men standing at attention. "What is going on here?"
"This woman here keeps trying to get into the castle! She's spouting nonsense about some friend of hers."
The newcomer turned his green eyes on Rei, regarding her with a frown.
"It's not nonsense!" She argued. "My friend was a prisoner of Li Hazara and is now being held prisoner here, in this castle! She has long hair kept in buns on the top of her head—"
"Buns, you say?"
Straightening, Rei nodded.
"Come this way," he said, turning his back to her. "Quickly."
Eyebrows raised, Mars pushed past the grumbling guards in order to the follow the newcomer back through the gates.
"Who are you?" Observing the younger man, she noticed his stiff movements as he led her through the courtyard.
"My name is Min-Soo," he commented over his shoulder. "I'm an attendant to the king."
Keeping her mouth closed, Rei scrutinized the lavishness of the castle. Everything was elegant in a simple, well-kept way. Timeless, even. A stark contrast to the dilapidated Fire Tribe villages.
Sliding a door open, Min-Soo walked out into the likes of an interior courtyard.
Sitting on a blanket next to a small pond was a healthy looking young woman dressed in layers of fine pink and white silks. She cast a few pellets into the water, giggling as the colorful fish scrambled to suck up the food. Nearby, an old man was scribbling something onto a piece of parchment.
Rei paused at the doorway, her heart pounding.
"Oh, Min-Soo!" Flashing a smile, the woman turned in their direction, blue eyes radiating in the sunlight. "I didn't see you there!"
"Miss," he said, returning her smile, "there is someone here who wants to see you."
To this, the old man looked up from his spot across the garden.
The violet eyed woman stepped out from the protection of the doorway, a hand clutched over her heart.
"Serenity?"
Blinking, the young woman did not budge from her spot.
"I'm so glad you're alright!" Stepping off the walkway and into the sand, Rei stood only a few feet away from her friend. Offering the woman a hand she said, "We should get out of here."
"I'm sorry, but who are you?" Sapphire eyes regarded the newcomer with a curious squint as she leaned away. "Who is 'Serenity'?"
Rei's hand fell limply to her side as the words fell from the snowy haired girl's mouth.
"It's me! It's Rei. Don't you recognize me?" An unsure anger laced the Senshi's words as her princess regarded her with uncertainty. "I've been searching for you for days now!"
"You have?" Holding a hand to her head, the moon princess grimaced against the onslaught of a sudden headache. "I'm sorry."
"Wha—"
Clutching her head in both of her hands now, the petite girl quickly got to her feet.
"But I don't know you." Straining against the pain, Serenity apologized one last time before rushing off back into the depths of the castle.
On the other side of the courtyard, the old man watched as Rei stared blankly at her feet, unable to process what had just happened.
Giving her a moment he stood silent before finally saying, "Please, forgive her, miss. It's not your fault."
When she didn't acknowledge him, he continued, "She has suffered a great deal of memory loss. Trying to force her to remember is only going to cause her pain."
"Memory loss?" She questioned after a long moment of silence.
"Yes, it appears the poor thing has an extreme case of amnesia, probably caused by a great deal of mental anguish."
Focusing her gaze on the koi fish, Rei asked, "Who are you?"
"I'm the head doctor here at Hiryuu Castle." His mustache twitched as he bowed slightly. "I've been looking after Chin-Sun. Or was it Serenity?"
"Will she get better?"
"In time, I suspect she will recover some." Nodding, the short man set his serious gaze on her. "But, I'm afraid that won't happen with your presence around."
"What do you mean?" Crossing her arms, Rei frowned.
"You being here is only going to cause her distress." Clearing his throat, he let a knew sympathetic tone enter his voice to explain, "She needs time to heal on her own without a constant pressure to remember her past. Forcing these kinds of things will only hurt her more. As her friend, I'm sure you understand."
As her heart sank further into her stomach, the Senshi of Fire felt like giving up for the first time in her life. Her friends, her home, and even her dear princess… All gone…She was the only one left…
Rei shook her head, ridding herself of those thoughts. No, Serenity was still in there somewhere and if it took her to the ends of this planet, she would make her remember.
"Is there anything I can do?" She asked, eyes steadfast.
"Actually," he mused, "there may be a way you can help. There is a flower in the Water Tribe known for its healing properties. It's quite rare nowadays, but if you can bring me its roots, I should be able to whip up a medicine that might help speed things along."
Turning her eyes back to the rippling water, Rei contemplated the request.
"Rest assured, she is the king's guest and will be treated with the best care Kouka can provide."
"I guess I have no choice then," she said, her eyes lingering in the direction her princess had fled. "I'll do it."
-x-
Hey, thank you to everyone for reading!
Guess I should have mentioned a couple of things that I totally spaced in earlier disclaimers:
One, this fic is really centered around Rei with Serenity definitely playing an important part, but she won't be a main focus. Two, I'm basing the SM characters around their past incarnations which, honestly, we don't know a whole lot about so I'm taking a few liberties. Lastly, I totally forgot that Ao (the little squirrel from Yona) existed so he/she won't be making an appearance. Whoops.
Anyways, hope you all are staying safe and stay tuned.