Disclaimer: I don't own any Sailor Moon characters.

Martian Instincts-Chapter Four

The walk to school was a cold, silent one as was gym and the trudging walk to the mall. With failed attempts at conversation, Rei remained quiet while she replayed each action this morning. Being so deep within the confidents of her own mind the fire Senshi slammed right into the back of Minako. "Uh…sorry." She murmured, her glaze flickering down to meet a set of small shoulders shrugging before continuing to walk.

"I was just waiting for you to catch up, seems like you're day dreaming." The blond spat crudely as she took the lead once more.

"Just WHAT is your deal?" Rei barked, having remained glued to her spot and dare say she thought she just stomped her foot in the middle of a crowded public facility. Hacking up another fit of coughing, her eyes filled with horror as many people near them stopped to watch what looked as a lover's quarrel. Though that wasn't the only thing Rei was afraid of. She watched Mina stop at her sudden outburst, spinning around on her heel in all her Goddess of Love glory, mouth open for what Rei expected to be a sharp retort.

Bright azure eyes flickered to her side after having stopped walking, quickly taking note of all the nosey eyes falling upon the few feet of space between herself and the fire Senshi. As Minako turned back to a rather flustered Rei she simply couldn't pass up such a great opportunity to drop yet another subtle hint, no matter how much she'd rather pout about her own inner turmoil.

Flashing Rei her best Hollywood smile, she begun with the act that seemed to come all too easy for her. "I spend all night last night tolling over a hot stove and decorating the whole house for our anniversary just for you to forget! Well this is the last time Rei Hino! Do you hear me?" she yelled back in a false image of anger while praying for any kind of control as many people within the crowd that had begun to surround them shook their heads in disappointment at the young miko. "Five years Rei! Five! Does that mean nothing to you?" Minako asked softly, yet loud enough for the audience to hear as devil horns seemed to appear upon her head while inwardly an evil grin spread across her face. Taking a few well placed strides, Minako softly took two fistful of Rei's uniform shirt, glazing longing into those deep pools of amethyst she could lose herself in. Lifting Rei's chin with her finger, she caused the older girl to look her in the eyes before she spoke.

Though the anger was fake, her longing and desire was all too true but as oblivious as Rei was…Mina knew she need not worry about her love figuring this important fact out.

"But you'll make it up to me, won't you Lover…?" She purred, tilted her head to the left ever-so-slightly as many people around cheered the fire wielder on to right this wrong immediately.

Upon receiving Minako's one hundred watt smile, Rei instantly began to relax having thought the danger had passed before her body tensed as Minako shrieked, yelling about an imaginary argument they were apparently having. "What the-" she started, yet was cut off as her mouth simply fell open, widened lilac eyes threatening to buldge out of her eye sockets. 'She isn't seriously going to cause a scene, is she? Fuck! Well of course she is…she's Minako!' Rei thought desperately, raising her hands up in defense as she tried her best to defuse the situation.

"Minako st-"

"Will you cut-"

"Shut up, your attract-"

"People are star-"

Each attempt at silencing the wanna-be-idol was quickly cut short to her dismay before she hung her head in defeat. It was only a few moments later that Rei felt a soft finger guiding her gaze up from the spot on the floor in front of Rei's shoes that had become so interesting. If Rei's face wasn't flustered beet red, then surely the close proximity the idol had come to her would make her blood-pressure rise.

Pulling her head back slightly, the miko in training vaguely heard the cat calls within the air as time itself seemed to slow purposely, teasing Rei with such a situation and threatening the rest of her control. Years upon years built of nothing more than simple control close to being crushed little microscopic pieces in a matter of minutes. That was the whirlwind that was Minako Aino. Again her's index finger found its way to Rei's face, laying across her lips and effectively silencing any further argument she had.

It wasn't until Rei was hushed for the last time did she seem to find herself again. Slumped shoulders straightened as she stood to her full height. She wouldn't take this clear embarrassment laying down like a wounded dog. No, the warrior within egged Rei on as a faint smirk claimed the corner of her mouth while Minako blinked a few time in confusion. Thankful of her Senshi fluid grace and speed, she swiftly circled Mina's waist with her own arm, easily dipping her blond girl before her back a little and clearing some much needed space in the process.

"Dear, I can't very well please your requests with such an audience watching…" the raven spoke with a new found confidence. If Aino wanted to play dirty, Rei would certainly keep up. Rei stroked her cheek with a lovingness that wasn't all too forced as the back of her fingers ran softly across her skin before she smiled. "If you're on your best behavior I may let you see what's underneath later…" she mused at her play of the very same sentence that sent her into a furiously blush just the night before. Having stunned the Goddess silent, Rei pulled her upright, though left a light grip on her wrist, effectively pulling them from the crowd as cheers and whistles filled the air.

"I thought….this was….my game..?" she had barely heard the idol whisper as they stumbled from the many people surrounding them.

"Don't start something you can't finish, baka." Dropping Mina's arm, a smug grin pulled at Rei's lips as she started through the mall, hearing Minako padding along quietly behind her. Though the blond was shocked beyond what words could say, she couldn't keep the warmth from painting her face as a shaky hand moved to touch her cheek while azure orbs looked to the girl in front of her admiringly. Fierce jet black hair cascaded smoothly down a set of broad, strong shoulders. Shapley curves indicating years of physical training while long, lean legs slimmed down into a set of modest calves.

Glancing back, Rei was just about to start getting concerned with Minako's silence until she locked upon roaming blue eyes.

"Are you checking me out, Aino?" she asked, flipping strands of raven hair behind her shoulder while a chuckle escaped her.

Blinking from her thoughts, Minako snapped her head up at the sound of Rei's question. "With a body like that, why wouldn't I?" she easily teased, instantly disbanding any lingering tension between the two. Falling instep beside the taller girl, Minako smiled brightly before pulling Rei into the nearest store. "Let's go in here!"

A bubble of laughter filled Rei's lungs as she shook off Mina's jab as her body was steered to the left in a comfortable pace. "Hey Mina..?"

"Yeah?"

"You've got drool on your face..."

A faint blush covered Minako's cheeks while she shook her head, shoving Rei's shoulder. "Shut up. That's an order."

"Yeah, of course, oh fearless leader."

With hours of shopping behind them, Rei and Minako found themselves at the last shop of the day, much to the lack of Rei's liking. Placing a hand against the dressing room door Mina was currently occupying, Rei doubled slightly while a fit of coughing took hold.

"Rei? You okay?" the blond called as she started towards another outfit only to hear continuous coughing. Unlatching the door, neither Minako nor Rei had expected the door to burst open, spilling Rei upon the carpeted floor of the clothing store. "Holy crap! I'm so sorry! Are you alright?" Mina asked, kneeling down to the floor where Rei laid, having falling completely silent and tomato red.

"Minako….you don't have any clothes on." Rei stated with a shaky breath, looking up at the idol in nothing but an orange lacy bra and underwear set. Now Rei knew Minako, how couldn't she? Mina was her best friend, but sometimes is just pissed her off how completely fine Minako was with her body. She knew the idol honestly couldn't care less who saw her in whatever little bit clothing she chose to wear. Rei also knew better than to get so jealous, yet she was a possessive person. Call it Martian instinct.

Either way, the invasion of space by a barely covered Minako did nothing for her cold. "Come on, say something Pyro." Mina coaxed the raven near her yet curiosity got the best of her as she peered closer towards Rei's face, frowning slightly. "If you're coming down with a cold, I can cancel my date." She whispered quietly, taking note of the thin layer of sweat adoring Rei's face before standing, offering out what she hoped looked to be a friendly hand of help.

Ugh! Why? Why? Why? Why did Minako endlessly see the need to taunt her without even knowing it? "We all know how long you've waited for a date with Kunzite. I'll be fine." Even though Rei wanted nothing more to keep Minako to herself, lock the Goddess away, she knew this date was long awaited and she'd vowed before not to ruin what she had for what she wanted.

"It isn't that big of a deal Hino, geez you talk as if I'm desperate or something." A fully dressed Senshi of Love stood with her hands on her hips, glaring over with a heated gaze. "You're much more important than some stupid date." Inwardly the blond had to resist the urge to roll her eyes as she added quickly. "You're my best friend." Placing all the clothes back onto the return rack, she took hold of the miko's arm and pulled her towards the exit. "Let's get out of here, I'll stay with you tonight and make soup. And if you're lucky I'll give you a sponge bath." She grinned playfully as they soon hit the cool night air while it rippled through their thin school uniforms.

"I've got a cold; I'm not in a wheelchair you pervert." Rei retorted sarcastically between coughs though she couldn't deny that having the blonde so caringly at her side wasn't making her heart sore or her stomach flutter. Shrugging lightly, Minako flashed a simple smile. "Hey, can't blame a girl for trying."

It wasn't until both Senshi walked into Rei's room that they heard the loud ringing of Rei's communicator. Quickly the warrior flipped it open as Ami's face appeared on the screen.

"Finally! What have you two been doing this whole time? I'd expect this from Minako, but you Rei?" The bluenette spoke with a stern tone, pushing her glasses back up her nose. "We accidently left our communicators at my house during our rush this morning..." Rei answered weakly, noticing Minako's purse lying next to her desk where she left it this morning. "Well hurry up, we can't hold it off much long, and Jupiter is already injured! We're at the old abandoned mill out the outskirts of town. Mercury out."

"Right we're on our way. Mars out."

Snapping the small communicator shut, both girls were off in a flash. "We screwed up." Rei stated before being engulfed in a warm red glow as they arrived later at the scene. With a flash of orange to her left, Mars's gaze shifted towards Sailor Venus before they nodded simultaneously and charged in much to the relief of Mercury and Jupiter. As their Princess stood behind the four warriors, the mutant roared into the night sky before six different arms shot out in attacks. The beast stood several stories tall, three scaly arms jutting out on each side of a thickly built body yet its head was that of an eagle.

What seemed like hours later and the arrival of Tuxedo Mask, it was now a game of tag. With each attack the scouts inflicted; the beast was able to strike one of them just as hard. Jupiter was now standing only by the help of Sailor Mercury while Venus and Mars attempted to distract the beast until a careless mistake landed Venus with gashes down her right thigh, blood oozing down her pale skin. Falling to the dirt with a rough crash, the blond looked up to see that it'd positioned itself between her and their beloved Princess. Watching helplessly as Sailor Moon turned as the monster attacked, arms shooting out for both Sailor Moon and Venus herself. Quickly azure eyes flickered to her second-in-command who seemed paralyzed with the situation. "The Princess, Mars!" she yelled, her head turning as she awaited her final moments.

Rei was frozen in her tracks. How? How could she pick between the girl she so dearly loved and her destiny. Though it seemed the choice had been made for her. Just as she was about to move in Mina's direction, her order was given. The Princess. This was all for the Princess. The warrior in her understood the responsibility in these moments of action as Mars sprinted off just in time to tackle the Moon Princess from the black talons aimed for her heart. Yet the frightened girl in her wanted to scream and stomp about how unfair fate was being. Holding Usagi close as they rolled, a strangled roar pierced the starless sky as the beast turned to flee, a large hole ripped through its chest while sticky black blood painted the ground.

Standing behind the retreating threat, Sailor Mercury still held Jupiter around the waist, a large cannon resting on her shoulder.

Her back was turned from them as Mars's wild eyes scanned her Princess for any injuries before slowly making it to her feet, helping Sailor Moon up along the way. Black bangs hid the salty tears the welled up in her amethyst pools from her frustration. Her movements were robotic as she made her way towards the pathway of broken trees and tar-like blood coating the ground.

"Stand down Rei." Minako spoke solidly through the silence as Tuxedo Mask set her carefully on her feet though held her steady from falling. "I really think you should take it easy Ve-"he started before taking notice at the raven hair scout who had yet to cease her path even though her superior commanded. A fury like no other flared up within the blond goddess as she pushed off gently from the worried man, a chilling breeze whipping her blond mane around in different directions and as she called again for her subordinate, and even to Minako her voice sounded foreign.

"Mars!"

Her furiously confident stride faltered at the sound of her name yet she couldn't make her body take even a step more. Turning, Rei's eyes widened considerably at the girl, no woman, before her. Despite her injury, Venus's movement was graceful, yet her deep azure eyes pierced Rei with an instant fear than had even made every take a cautious step back. Everyone but Mars who was visibly shaken by the battle hardened solider advancing her way. Venus's stride was short, yet her posture had shifted dramatically as a set of dark blue eyes, darker than Rei had ever seen them, commanded her full attention.

Defiantly, as was her nature, Rei squared her shoulders and composed herself while facing the blonde head on. This was no longer Minako Aino commandeering her; this leader was ancient, worn and wiser. This was Princess Venus Minako.

"I said stand down." She barked once more, a violent wind wrapping the two combatants in mingled strands of black and gold. "Why don't you make me?" Rei heard herself challenge at the mere authoritative tone Venus used. "This isn't a game you thickheaded Martian. Get used to listening to those above you." With that statement alone, Rei's fists clenched tightly as a condescending smirk crept onto her leaders lips. Without the slightly bit of thought, she swung. Fist tightened as it connected slightly with Princess Venus's chin as she moved to jump back but didn't avoid the whole blow.

Jupiter, Mercury and the Lunar Princess could do nothing just watch their fellow Senshi battle it out after many tries to stop the two. Each in turn de-transformed and even Usagi's pleases went unnoticed.

Both Mars and Venus attacked as if they faced a great enemy instead of a comrade, though the times Mars's flames should have scorched her opponent, they warmed Venus in an almost protective manner. This wasn't the case for Venus's Love-Me-Chains. Each careful flick of her wrist sent the chains striking out at a body part, lacerating each leg before drawing blood from Mar's stomach and shredding the mid-section of Rei's fuka. Every miscalculation on Rei's part cost her dearly until she soon hit the ground, her arms and legs bound by the sharp chains, yet the ones around her neck were as soft as a silk ribbon.

"Just surrender Mars, it's over…"

"Please Rei, I can't stand to watch you two anymore…" Usagi practically sobbed as she slowly approached the captive Martian. "Please, just say you'll give up."

Heavy eye-lids fluttered to stay open as the surrounding darkness crept into the corner of her vision just moments before de-transforming and blacking out completely. "N..N-never…"

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