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

Chapter Five: The Warrior Within

Deep within the confidents of her own mind, the wounded warrior could see nothing but flashes of gold and blue. Rei wavered the fine line between reality and the pitch blackness of her unconscious state, yet a simple pair of pure blue eyes drifted in and out of her dream-like state before she finally began to stir. A pained groan slipped through the miko's parted lips as a searing pain rippled through her abdomen. Lilac met a deep azure blue while her gaze began to focus in on the eyes staring down at her. Though slightly similar to the ones of her dream, Rei easily deduced that they were off a shade, a bit too dark and perhaps knowledgeable for the ones that haunted her.

"Well maybe if you hurt yourself worse next time you'll learn to lesson." Ami stated, dabbing a bit more alcohol and peroxide upon the already healing wounds of Rei's stomach. Finishing up with cleaning all the vast damage left by Venus, Ami pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose before sighing, throwing the bloodied towels away. "Honestly Rei! What were you thinking? Or were you even thinking at all?" she scolded non too lightly.

Without so much as a look to where she was, Rei Hino simply closed her eyes, and though no matter if she wanted to tell Ami why she'd chosen the actions that she knew would cause conflict the warrior remained silent all but a brief thank you.

"You know you didn't harm her that much right?" Ami asked rather tentatively. She would try a different approach, one that may prove more fruitful. "We all watched, and yet with every attack of your flames, you chose to leave no mark. Why is that Rei?" Again her questions were met in silence before a light tap lifted Ami's gaze from the stubborn raven. Standing tall, yet leaning on a crutch for support, Makoto silently shook her head, her moss greens and head inclining towards the doorway slightly where their Princess stood, worry plastering her graceful features.

With a slight nod Ami stood, helping Jupiter along. "She's going to be fine Usagi…everything will heal." Mercury tried to offer a bit of comfort towards the girl she's vowed to protect, yet was shattered by the jolly green giant at her side.

"Yeah, everything but her pride…I've never seen Minako fired up like that. Luckily sh-" A swift shot to the ribs was enough to silence the brunette before a sheepish grin crept into her lips as Lightening and Ice departed from the room while Usagi padded over beside Rei's futon.

Reaching out, she hesitated slightly before taking the older girl's hand and squeezing it slightly. "Thank you…for saving me Rei. I don't know why you two have to fight and struggle. But you'll find a balance soon, I just know it." And though Rei was still quietly feigning sleep, she couldn't help but be surprised by the leadership in her immature Princess's voice. With the loss of contact and retreating footsteps, Mar's awaited a few moments longer before opening her eyes again, yet they narrowed slightly after she made a futile effort to sit up.

'She shouldn't thank me….I almost made the wrong choice.' She thought quietly while staring up at the ceiling of her own room. Shame. Besides the pain of her injuries that had already stared healing, Rei could feel every bit of shame within the decision she almost made. Though there was an underlining anger that settled deep within the Senshi of fire. A hate for the monster than ultimately made her choose between what was right and what she wanted. A hate and anger so strong she dared defy her leader though she laid there paying the price.

"Idiot.."

(Minako's P.O.V)

"Idiot! That bloody idiot! What the hell was she thinking…?" Mina shouted, yet the last question was not directed in anger but rather a soft question to no one in particular before she felt herself falling for a brief moment before the softness of her bed cushioned her blow. Plopping down, Minako laid back, wincing slightly from her injuries, she again went over the details of their fight and while their battle played out in his mind's eye like a black and white movie it was when she noticed it.

It was the in that surreal moment when time slowed down, she saw it. That misplaced anger, almost desperately fighting to get away from the blonde warrior. "But…why?" again she asked to the air around her before rolling over, soft blue eyes glancing out the window beside her bed at the starless sky before sighing. Closing her eyes, Minako took a few deep breaths after nodding slightly and making a quiet promise to herself to figure things out after a goodnights sleep and a well paid visit to the Shrine tomorrow morning.

It would be a week before Minako finally got within the presence of their resident miko, since Rei refused any and all visitors for days…only allowing Usagi in every so often. Though each time the future Neo-Queen emerged the modestly decorated bedroom of Rei's, she held the same answer. And each day, Minako returned in search of answers.

(Rei's P.O.V)

Giving thanks to her quick healing, Rei was up and going in the matter of a day and a half, yet that still gave her no peace of mind. Spending hours in front of the sacred fire, Rei found herself in deep meditation once again watching through the eyes of Mars Reiko. It was because of this that she hadn't heard the old paper door slide open nor the padding footsteps drawing near her. It was then that a soft shake awoke the miko from her trance. Blue met amethyst in a confused manner before Rei lifted her arm to wipe the sweat from her forehead. "M-Minako? How did- Why are you here?"

Haha, I know I know. I should really try to keep my chapters consistent in length…but well I just haven't posted in a while and couldn't help myself. R&R! :3 Thank you for your reviews!