Raye/Jadeite POV

CAWW CAWW CAWW

Grumbling into her pillow, "Just go back to sleep Raye, ignore Phobos and Deimos. Go back to sleep…" Raye grabbed the blankets and threw them over her head trying to ignore the calls of her pet ravens outside her window. Today was day one of the next 30 days as she spent her time torturing her old 'flame' for betraying and killing her. In many ways there was a positive outlook on this whole experience. Raye got to enact vengeance, just shy of murder, and take a front row seat to his misery. Misery loves company right? Then why was Raye talking to herself, hoping that the morning had not

come?

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"FINE! I'm up! Happy now? Ugh, I can't even catch a break and sleep in on what's left of my free days before next semester." Raye grumbled as she climbed out of bed and got dressed.

CAWW CAWW

Raye was perturbed that the normally complacent ravens were taking a special interest in waking up the entire temple.

She slid on her flats and ran down the hall to stick her head out the door to spy what was causing their distress. Leaning around the paper door she glanced to the left and saw nothing but the early morning sun rays slanting across the cobbled courtyard. Turning her head to the right she was immediately stopped by a set of rock hard abs meeting her forehead.

"AHH!" Raye hollered. She backed up and stood straight to meet the eyes of the one man she had the misfortune of dreaming of all night, Jadeite. Killing her, kissing her, screaming at her, feeling up her legs in the starlit gardens, cornering her with his blade… and on and on and on.

"Morning beautiful." He purred as he surveyed her from the red tank top and shorts down to her flip flops.

"Jadeite." She hissed in way of greeting the very reason she was so tired. From sweet embraces and passion kisses to soulless eyes and a bloody blade in her chest, Raye spent every hour dreaming of the handsome man that stood before her. She equally loved and hated every minute of it.

Dressed in tan slacks and a navy polo, Jadeite was eager to smile at his love. He knew her well enough to not wake her up in the morning but he couldn't stop those blasted birds from taking umbrage at his presence. Not without premeditating his first morning alone in her presence, Jadeite stopped and picked up her favorite (from 1,000 years ago) cup of coffee.

Spying the offering, Raye grabbed her cup and sniffed, as if she thought she would smell poison. Delighted in the aroma of her very large cup of espresso and cream, she took a sip and hastily hid the smile that crept across her face at the delicious bitter sweet taste slid down her tongue.

Maybe another man may miss the small cues that Raye gave off indicating her moods and thoughts, but not Jadeite. His broad grin showed well how pleased he was with himself for first surprising her and second watching her enjoy the coffee. (The view from the tank top taunt across her chest and abdomen was nothing to sneeze at either.) "I see you still take your coffee the same way. I didn't know what expresso was but I knew you like strong coffee so I asked the attendant and they suggested this, 'vanilla latte with an extra shot'. If you prefer I can bring you something different tomorrow." He offered, smirking at the ire rising in her eyes knowing full well she enjoyed her drink.

"Hmmph, the coffee is fine." Raye retorted.

Jadeite was content knowing that was the closest to a remark of gratitude he was going to receive.

"I await your pleasure princess." He dipped his head in deference to her lead.

Raye studied his calm composure to see if he would display any ulterior motives. She was quite happy to have free help and even happier that it came in the guise of a tall, young, ripped … so not helping thinking like that. So, he is strong. So what. He is free help and he is strong. And his body put chip N dales to shame. Time to put him and every inch of his chiseled muscular form to work. (One does not soon forget the look one had while he was wearing nothing but swimming trunks after all.)

"Since you are here so early, lets get started on my list. (again he dipped his head at her words) You can start by cleaning out the sacred fire. Remove the ashes and perform a sacred cleaning with purified, blessed water. Then split the logs and pile them neatly on the firewood rack." She was sure this would take two days at least so she turned her back and went to the kitchen for some breakfast.

As he watched her walk away he called to her once more, "It will be my pleasure my fire angel." Raye stops in her walk and after huffing and balling her fists at her sides, continues to walk without acknowledging his words. Her pause in her walk was enough for him to know that he was getting through her armor. If it takes me until my dying breath, I will show you how much you mean to me fire angel. I won't b e bored, eventually you will rise to my bait.

Jadeite wandered over to the room of the sacred fire and took off his shoes, socks and polo and began the arduous task of dismantling and cleansing. After a couple of hours he was shocked to see Raye wearing her priestess robes, bring him a glass of ice water and set it down on the wooden floor. With a cursory glance, she turned and walked away without out a word. He was very grateful. Even without the fire blazing, it was still grimy, sweaty work. With a smile on his face and his glass empty, he went back to dreaming of Raye while scrubbing the pit.

Oh sweet Ares, why does he have to look so drop dead gorgeous with sweat rolling down his chiseled chest? Be strong Raye! His hair is adorable when it falls in his eyes like that! Remember why he is here…. Free work. But he looks so good. He is not meant to b e eye candy! Resist! RESIST! Breath in, Breath out, Breath in, Breath out…...

Raye continued to try hard to not walk past and spy Jadeite cleaning while she was going about her duties. She most certainly did not enjoy seeing his handsome face with his golden locks falling across his sweaty brow when she told him lunch was ready. She distinctly remembered suffering through the smell of his musk and sweat mixed with the charcoal of the fire pit as it tickled her nose. She was more than capable of turning her groans into coughing spells as she imagined running her hands down his back. Those butterflies in her stomach meant nothing as the assault on her senses waged war with her feelings. She was Sailor Mars, and she would punish him for destroying her happiness! RESIST!

After lunch, they each returned to their tasks. Jadeite to the room and Raye to her task of ignoring Jadeite while selling charms. If he caught her looking at him she would grimace and scowl, then walk away. Jadeite on the other hand was enjoying both views, her coming and going. Everytime he gave her a smile and lifted his eyebrow to greet her.

At sundown, Raye had had enough. She called Jadeite from his work and dismissed him until the next morning. "You stink! Go home and get cleaned. I expect you here tomorrow morning to finish you work."

"Yes princess." He hid his smile as he bowed and picked up his effects and left around the corner for his ride.

She needed her peace and he was destroying her sanctuary. After he said his goodbyes, she inspected his work and was irritated to discover just how well and how far he had come in cleaning the sacred fire. If he keeps this up, I will be running out of ideas. At Least the Temple will be completely refurbished. And the view isn't half bad. RESIST! Oh man, I need to meditate….

The following morning, Raye was met with similar circumstances. Jadeite showed up early for duty while delivering Raye her caffeine and sugar rations. After a quick and offhand glance at his profile (artfully ripped jeans and a faded red t-shirt with expensive looking black sneakers) she barked orders and swiftly turned away to change her clothes, all the while hiding a smile.

Does she know what those tight tank tops and cutoff jeans do to me? Is she enticing me or teasing? Is it both?

By day 4, Jadeite had cleaned the sacred fire, chopped enough firewood for 6 months, swept every room in the temple and private quarters, and was working on scrubbing grim and mold off the cobblestones. Every morning was the same. Jadeite early, Raye in casual wear (she began to be more selective in her sleepwear seeing as she had an audience to appreciate the view), coffee delivery and then orders. All this was followed by lunch and Raye delivering water periodically. No good having the help become dehydrated. Eventually, dismissal, until the following morning to repeat their rituals.

It was strange how easy it was to fall into routine together. Raye would steal glances at Jadeite while he himself did the same. If one caught the other, smart-ass comments would fly off their tongues simply to get a rise. "Can I help you with something?" "Yes, but I don't think you are old enough." "Ha, as if!"

"Atleast I have my dreams since real life is so cruel!"

"Do you mind? I am trying to focus on the customers!" "Not at all fire angel, I don't mind at all." "You missed a spot!" "You dropped something…" "Do you mind bending over and picking it up for me?" "Argh!"

To an outsider, you would call it flirting. To Raye it was hell with a side dish of sexy. To Jadeite it was heaven being in his fire angel's presence again.

On Saturday, while Jadeite was making his way through his daily list, Raye decided it was time for a break and around lunch time, excused herself to meet up with the girls at the arcade.

Everyone was really relieved to see each other. Raye enjoyed the guy 'trashtalk' she and Lita were sharing. Amy looked miserable. Mina, on the other hand, was quickly looking spiritless.

However, the condition of each girl was rather lost on the other since each girl was lost in her own thoughts. Serena come in the Crown and noticing where the girls were seated, made her way over to to their booth as bubbly as could be, to slide in next to Amy.

"Hey girls, school starts back in two days. Have you thought about how you are going to handle the guys while you are gone all day?" Serena was quite cheerful seeing as how she had spent the last few days with Darien, enjoying the holidays, and other things. When no one immediately responded, Serena began inspecting their faces and was not pleased with what she saw.

Andrew, walked over, finally free from the other customers, and took their order. "Two chocolate milkshakes, one strawberry milkshake, two vanilla milkshakes, one large pizza with the works, one large pizza, veggies only and a basket of fries." He recited as, scribbling down the order. "Alright ladies, I will be back shortly." Andrew smiled as the girls called 'thanks'.

"So whats up?" Serena asked, know that Andrew was gone.

"What? Nothing, its just been a long week and I'm tired." Raye answered, her distraction obvious.

"Fine, I won't push any of you. But you all need to remember that this was to be a punishment for the guys. I don't want to see you all looking so downtrodden." Serena replied.

"Downtrodden? I didn't know you knew big words dumpling head." Raye shot back. At Least this feels normal.

"I read Raye! And besides, you wanted to do this so either you suck it up Raye or give it up to Trista. I guess its not as fun as you thought huh?" Serena questioned as she crossed her arms and arched her brows at her friend. She knew she was working Raye up, but sometimes the best way is the loudest.

"Personally girls, I'm enjoying watching Nephrite clean my kitchen. It has never been so clean before and he hates it! This is amazing. I only hope he doesn't get finished too quickly. I have had him take everything apart in the kitchen, scrub and reassemble it. Next, he is going to refinish the cabinets and paint my bedroom." Lita shared gleefully.

"Well, I don't know what to do with Zoisite. He has gone through every book and reorganized them for me. I just don't know what to do to keep him busy. Instead we wind up talking about my classes and medical advancements of the 20th century. It is so uncomfortable. I have someone who knows a lot about my interests but who also has so much history that it is impossible to be enjoyable." Amy bowed her head in defeat.

"Aww Amy. If it gets to be too much, maybe you should send him to Raye's or Lita's." Serena said, hoping Amy would rather work through her feelings with Zoisite than push him away.

"It's not that I don't like talking to him. That's the problem, I do. Its great having someone there who knows so much about medicine and is eager to discuss it. But maybe if he was distracted then I wouldn't have to try and be polite when all I see is his betrayal and his sword going through me. I feel so uncomfortable all day." Amy replied. "He even cooks for me."

She added sheepishly.

"How about getting him to do some manual labor? House work or maybe yard work? Surely he can do something besides playing housewife." Raye suggested.

"Yeah, I guess the yard does need some work, I can't do much since I am studying all the time and my mom works at the hospital. Sure, I'll make a list and he can get out of the house for a while." Amy looked better with her new suggestions.

"Mina, how about you? How is it with Kunzite?" Lita asked.

"O-Oh fine." She mumbled. She had been sitting the entire time with her head down, thinking about said general.

"Mina, you haven't said a word and now we mention Kunzite you blush. Tell us what is going on between you two. We can help you if you talk to us." Serena added.

"Umm, well I have been having him sort through my wardrobe and stuff. Umm, you know, keeping him busy." Mina quietly responded, continuing to start at her hands in her lap.

He is my soulmate. I love him. I am so angry with him. I want him to hold me and kiss me. I don't want to see him anymore. I want to b e told that I am important to him. I want to feel his body against mine again. I WAS MARRIED. Now I am a 17, inexperienced young woman who has never been in love in this life. I am in love with Kunzite. But do I want to be? Why can't he love me? Mina's thoughts were all over the place thinking about him. She felt so lost.

Just then Andrew walked up with their milkshakes. "Be right back with your pizzas ladies." He smiled and walked to the kitchen.

"Mina, sweetie. We love you, please tell us so we can try and help you. You now were are here for you right?" Raye asked.

Now that Mina's struggle with Kunzite were becoming apparent to everyone, none of the girls were going to let up until they helped their friend.

"It's just that he is there, you know and does everything I ask and more. He brings me breakfast, works in my closest (the girls all sniggered knowing Mina had two walk-in closets stuffed with name brand apparel and accessories), he cooks lunch and then works some more… all without ever saying anything. He just looks at me and nods his head when I tell him something. The first day I was okay with it, the second, I thought maybe he just needed time, but now… now it is like he has been beaten into submission. Or maybe I repulse him. The Kunzite I knew would never act this way. He would

take charge and take action to fix a problem. He would not shut down. There is no fun in this and all I do is think about how things used to be everytime I look into his eyes. It is torture!"

Mina finished talking as Andrew delivered two piping hot pizzas and a large basket of fries on cooling racks on the table before the girls. Each one visibly sitting up and grabbing a plate to eat the hot, cheesy treat before them.

Serena was actually quite worried about her friends. Each one of them was responding to the generals in a way she was unhappy with. Sure, she expected bumps in the road. Recovering a relationship was hard work. And repairing past mistakes while forgiving yourself and your partner took a lot of effort and commitment. But Serena had hoped there would be some affection from the scouts for the generals. So far no one was displaying anything other than glee at torturing the guys or unrest and saddness that the awkwardness of the situation.

We have a lot of work to do. "Mina, have you tried asking him a question or talking to him about something…. Anything?" Serena began.

"No, not really, I just kind of give orders and for the first couple of days. Made a comment here and there. Kunzite just wouldn't' respond. He wouldn't even change his facial expressions no matter how I spoke to him. It was like he was shut off from the world." Mina replied.

So she does care about him or she wouldn't be so worried. "I think he just needs time to adjust to the new circumstance he finds himself in. The spring fling dance is coming up this Saturday. If you girls don't have dates, you could ask the guys to take you." Serena added hopefully.

"Oh, I forgot about that." Amy blushed in response.

"Hmm, well it might be better to show up at the dance with a date rather than going stag. But how is that punishing them?" Lita asked.

"If I don't get a date by Saturday, Jadeite will have to escort me. He can drive me in his car and open doors and buy supper. Then when the dance is over we can get boyfriends. You know how having a date makes other guys interested and jealous. We could use this to our advantage and get guys to notice us if someone else is paying attention to us."

Raye was bouncing off her seat at the opportunity to use Jadeite as boyfriend bait.

"That isn't a bad idea Ray!" Mina was immediately excited thinking about dates and boyfriends and the possibility of having Kunzite feel the pressure of another guy giving her attention.

"You don't think this is going to backfire do you? What if the guys get really jealous or take it the wrong way?" Amy said as she analyzed their newest plan to make the generals suffer.

"Not if we tell them they are our escorts/chauffeur. they get to open doors and be arm candy but nothing more. We just have to lay down the law." Lita said.

This may not going to end well. Give the guys this kind of opening and things will get heated really fast. "Good, I will have Darien talk to the guys and take them shopping for some appropriate dress casual clothes to wear for Saturday. In the mean time we can plan a shopping trip for the dance and drag the guys with us while we go dress shopping." Serena smiled at the girls but on the inside knew this could be playing with fire.

Mina visibly perked up at the mention of shopping trip and dance in the same sentence. She finally started to eat with gusto. Not having an appetite for two days was taking a toll on her energy supply.

"Lets me up here on Monday after school so we can go shopping. Tomorrow though we need to have a training session. I really feel like we need to be prepared for whatever comes at the end of these 30 days. We will meet at Raye's tomorrow at 3 pm. (Raye nodding in agreement) Make sure the guys are there. If we are going to train then they will train with us. I want to make sure we are all ready to follow Trista's plan."

Serena beamed as the girls were smiling and nodding in agreement. Good, working together will certainly make sure that they have to pay attention to the guys and not just put them to work. Amy and Mina even could learn to communicate better if we are paired off and sparing each other.

"Great, I'll see you guys tomorrow then. I need to go to Darien's to study for out math test next week and he is going to tutor me." She added as she climbed out of the booth.

"Sure Serena, studying, that is what you are doing." The girls all snickered as they watched Serena's mock look of shock and annoyance. She slid money on the table to help pay for lunch and headed towards the sliding doors.

Now that all the girls had something to look forward too, everyone finished their lunch and went back home to make sure the guys were completing their tasks.

Cherry Hill Temple

Sunday, 3:00 pm

Although the girls were surprised how difficult it was to be with the guys so much while they were carrying out their orders, no one was complaining to have a handsome guy drive his expensive sports car and chauffeur them around town in style. Pulling up to the temple, Raye was kind of proud seeing the cars parked out front, knowing that she was sure to get attention at school the next day.

The first to arrive was Darien and Serena, pulling up in Darien's red Porsche. He had the black soft top down and Serena's hair was blowing in the wind as he pulled up to the temple. Luna rode in her lap and was thankfully protected from the wind by the windshield.

Nephrite was next in his eye popping green Lamborghini. He pulled up next to Darien and ran around to open the door for Lita. As the door rose into the air to open, many people on the sidewalk stopped walking and had to pick their jaws up off the ground. Lita may not want Nephrite as her boyfriend but she loved to absorb all the added attention.

Shortly after Nephrite escorted Lita up the steps, Zoisite pulled up in an ice blue F1 McLaren. the sides were as smooth as flowing water and the scissor doors drew as equal attention as Nephrite's Lamborghini. Amy blushed as she was handed out of the car.

Finally, Kunzite pulled in next in his 1969 Camaro, orange with white racing stripes. Running a supercharged hot rod on the streets of Tokyo was impressive enough. Add in the fact he was driving classic American muscle and he had all the girls drooling around him. All the guys were standing at the top of the stairs watching Kunzite pull in. The girls were waiting together for Mina. They were taking bets on whether or not Mina had actually agreed to ride with him or if she had walked considering the hot rod was so ostentatious driving in downtown Tokyo.

Kunzite had imported his Camaro and added a 377 small block Chevy and had it sticking through the hood for added airflow. He kept the bench seat but completed the transformation with aluminum white walled wheels, an orange spoiler and a roll cage. It may not have a sleek and elegant appearance but it was definitely sexy and eye catching.

Mina was actually surprised and thrilled. It was her color and the suped up engine grabbed plenty of attention as Kunzite revved engine at each light. She saw his ride and was very eager t climb in. After Kunzite pulled in and shut of the engine, he gracefully stepped out and went around to open the door for Mina who was actually smiling brightly, sporting her designer sunglasses. She flashed everyone her signature sailor V sign and tossed her hair to catch the sun rays. Artemis jumped down from the seat and led the way up to the temple to stand next to Luna.

Kunzite may not express very much emotion but the softening of his eyes and the slight smile that played on his lips was evident to his friends. It was very discernable that the chat the girls had the day before worked in picking up Mina's spirits and therefore worked also on Kunzite.

"Come on Mina, get your butt in gear! We are supposed to train not pose for the paparazzi!" Raye yelled at her friend as Mina was enjoying the stares of the pedestrian and motorists there in front of the temple.

Eventually, Mina calmly and gracefully swept up the steps to her friends in high spirits from the crowd's attention and they ran together into the temple's private quarters to change for practice.

The girls had been going to Raye's for training since the very beginning after Raye was first 'awakened' by Luna with her Mar's pen. So after three years, each scout had amassed a collection of training clothes that they kept at Raye's. The guys all knew they would be working out so they each had brought their own duffle and went down the hall to change in the common wash room.

Once everyone was ready and assembled in the courtyard, Darien and Serena stood in the center to explain the various drills and sparring matches they were to go through. As a group, everyone was lead by Raye to perform various advanced yoga positions ranging from the Kasyapa's Arm Balance, the Warrior III, and the Two-Legged Inverted Staff to the Lotus in Tripod.

After 30 minutes, everyone was slick with sweat but very loose.

Next, everyone was squared off with their counterpart to practice Kendo. Each kenshi is generally geared in pads and special protective equipment. Given the heightened athletic abilities of the scouts and generals, no one wore such added armour. Each kenshi practiced with their bamboo katana and would begin slowly going through the motions of strikes and guards until one partner would eventually move into offensive positions and then the real battle would begin.

Luna and Artemis were watching from a high tree branch in one of the many Cherry trees that ringed the courtyard. Luna was mainly responsible for the training regime the girls were under for the 3 years they fought youmas. But when Serena had finally battled Chaos and then accepted her role as Earth's savior and protection, then Luna passed the reins over to her scouts.

The couple that was most expertly matched and displayed the most talent in Kendo was Amy and Zoisite. Given the complex nature and the methodical structure that formed the foundation for the japanese sword fighting, Amy and Zoisite easily excelled and surpassed their friends. Using their katan's, they would shift from stance to stance and flow gracefully from strike to counter strike, block to counter block.

As the tension of the match escalated with their practice, the precision of Amy and Zoisite allowed them to push each other and soon gathered the attention of the other partners. As Zoisite would use his long arms to parry an attack, Amy would spin in and close the distance making it difficult to block or parry and so she could use her small frame to attack close range.

Many times they stood nose to nose while their bodies and arms were contorted and their katanas were held against each other stopping their opponents advance. And every time they would come close and feel the other's breath on their face, the would spin out again. In and out they battled for ground, neither giving an inch of their space to the other.

Sharp strikes to the abdomen were blocked and then the force of the block would propel a strike to the opponent's various body part or appendage only to be blocked and attacked in turn. It was alluring and sensual, the giving and taking, as the kenshi pushed one another to their limits.

"Break!" Darien called. "Wow, that really got intense."

Chests heaving and arms cramping, everyone took their katana and placed them back on the wall mount in the temple's common room.

"I think 25 minutes is more than enough for now. Let's take it slow and we can get some water. Afterwards we will go through Karate forms and disciplines and have some hand to hand sparring. The guys can compete with one another and the girls will compete with one another. I don't want to see the ladies sweep the floor with you generals." Darien added to rile up everyone's spirit.

"Ha. I think you just don't want to see us beat up a bunch of schoolgirls." Nephrite called back.

At these fighting words, everyone who had been walking towards the kitchen to refill their sports bottles turned back and were ready to pulverize the guys. Serena however, was not ready to see everyone lose their self control so she quickly sidestepped the oncoming girls. "Hold on. Hold on! Save it for after the water break. No one needs to wear themselves out just yet."

"Yes, proper hydration is important during exercise." Amy quoted. Nevermind she had also been charging down the guys just seconds before with Lita, Mina and Raye.

With frustration mounting, everyone gulped down their water and headed back into the yard for their last workout session.

"All right. Guys on the left side and girls on the right side of the court yard. 20 minutes hand to hand combat, light sparring. No bloody noses Jadeite!" Darien called.

For the first 5 minutes, everyone was grunting, sweating and attacking each other. Shirts were sticking to flesh and sweat was swinging from their damp hair. But after Raye's loud war cry against Mina, who answered in turn with her own equally loud battle cry, the guys lost all focus and turned to watch the girls.

Serena and Amy were taking on Lita. Raye and Mina were aggressively battling one on one.

Serena and Amy were like a tag team. While Amy would work from the side and look for various exposed body parts, Serena would attack head on and try to distract Lita from Amy's maneuvers.

Raye on the other hand, who was usually the most aggressive, was shocked to see the fire coming from Mina's eyes as Mina parried and attacked blow for blow.

"Okay, well I am impressed." Zoisite commented.

"Yeah well I am turned on" Nephrite quietly replied.

SMACK! "Watch your mouth Neph!" Kunzite reprimanded his general.

"I can't help it. Look at them. Covered in sweat and attacking each other like that…. Don't you see their chests heaving? Where is the mud pit?" Neph said.

SMACK! "Quiet! I want to see this." Jadeite hit Nephrite to shut him up.

Anyone who would be watching the match would assume some well trained choreography was taking place. The girls however, were so in tune with their powers without even being powered up every kick, cross and block was effortless. The real skill was in how fast and fluid their motions were. It almost was a dance the way each fighter was able to give and take during the match.

Mina was really giving everything she had to sparring with Raye, who was quickly tiring. Her aggression was seeping out of her pores while her blows were continuing to rain down on Raye. As soon as Raye would defend one side, Mina would counter by parrying to the other side and continue her assault. If Raye deflected a blow and spun out to gain distance, Mina would cover ground and perform various slide or spin kicks, pushing off the ground in her determination to corner her opponent.

True to form, Raye was an excellent fighter who excelled at pushing people to their limits. However, after 5 days with Kunzite, Mina was overwrought with tension and resentment at having her ex/current husband with her everyday while he never said a word. This was a day that Raye would never forget. The day Mina finally pushed herself to the limits and performed a perfect butterfly kick, knocking through Raye's guard, landing briefly on the ground before pushing off and jumping into the air and hitting her mark on Raye's chin with a spinning heel kick.

On a normal person, Mina's attack would land Raye in the hospital with a comma and a dislocated jaw. Lucky for Raye Hino, she was not normal, but her butt was still effectively and completely whipped.

"HA! …. umm…. Ooopps. Sorry Raye, here let me help you up." Mina rushed over to her friend after her brief outburst for winning the match. Mina didn't want to hurt Raye, but Raye would never back down until she was on the ground.

"Wow, the love goddess can fight. Who knew?" Raye ground out, working her jaw in her hand to make sure it was still attached properly. "Good fight Mina. But you owe me a milkshake for the headache I'm going to have tonight." She grumbled.

The guys on the other hand were all shell shocked to see sweet, lovey dovey Mina beat the crap out of Raye, the fire priestess.

"Dude, uh you better be nice to Mina while you are over at her house. You might be next." Nephrite said to Kunzite as he walked away from Mina and Raye to see how Lita was doing.

"You did very well Mina." Kunzite said as he walked up to Mina who was taking a long pull from her sports bottle.

Eyeing Kunzite like he was a wolf stalking his prey, Mina responded. "So now you have something to say to me? You have been at my house, doing everything I have asked but you somehow find your voice after 5 days of silence?" Mina grabbed her towel and bottle and swiftly turned away, her hair flying behind her in a curtain of golden silk strands. Mina walked inside to shower and change and wait for the girls to finish up.

Meanwhile, Raye was being seen to by an anxious Jadeite who was inspecting Raye's face for damage.

"I'm not a china doll Jed." Raye huffed. "I have fought before and been hurt much worse than this, even by you I might add." Raye challenged Jadeite's intentions as she glared at him for touching her face.

"Never said you were fire angel. The last time I saw you beat me in a sparring match while I was on Mars when I came for a visit. I distinctly remember taking the upper hand in our match while you were distracted before you creamed me." Jadeite smiled as memories flew across his vision. "Besides. That wasn't me that hurt you. I would never hurt you so long as I am in control of my body. Let me look at your cheek."

Jadeite continued to get closer to inspect the slight bruises on her jawline. Before Raye had a chance to respond, he placed a kiss on her jaw and stepped back out of punching range with a smile on his lips.

"I think you'll live." Jadeite was really responding more to the kiss than the bruise, but who was he to make sure she understood his comment.

"Humph, I am going inside to change." Raye turned and followed after Mina. though her eyes flashed, her heart raced and the cheeks were filled with pink from his touch and featherlight kiss.

Amy and Serena had eventually called a draw with Lita. Seeing as the other girls had finished their fight, they didn't want to continue. It was only for training, not for personal gratification of defeating their opponent after all. (Tell that to Mina.)

"I am so ready to get cleaned up. I am starving!" Serena whined.

"Me too, lets hurry before it gets late and get out of here." Lita added and the three girls made their way into the private quarters to take turns using the washroom once Mina was out.

"You know, I sure hope these girls can find a way to change their heart and look at us with a favorable eye. I don't know about the rest of you but this only makes me want Amy all the more after watching her exhibit such fire in her sparring match."

"I know what you mean Zoi, if Lita is that intense in practice how is she when she loses control." Nephrite grinned thinking of his lovely lightning lady and her prowess in the ring.

"Hey guys, lets go down to the other side of the temple, there is another wash room and I want to get changed before the girls are ready so we can take them home." Darien suggested as he led the way with his duffel in tow.

Once everyone was presentable again and tempers were calmed with the soothing hot waters and the pomegranate scented liquid soap that was in the temple's washroom, they were ready to regroup. The decided on having supper together since it was past time for the family meal.

"I have a question. This has been bothering me for sometime. You guys have a lot of money and really fancy cars. But how did you learn how to drive so suddenly?" Amy asked.

"Well Amy, our investments yield such good returns that the four of us are what is called today, 'millionaires'." Zoisite answered.

"Yeah, I know we haven't been here long but having a large flat and lots of money with little else to do but follow you girls for three weeks meant we had plenty of time to practice. And the cars were a bit of indulgence really. Why have a bunch of money laid up in a bank when we could enjoy this life in style?" Nephrite smirked as he considered the pleasure it was to see Lita drooling over his Lamborghini.

"Perfect, since you boys don't seem to be short on cash, you won't mind taking us out for a nice dinner would you?" Mina smiled sweetly. Having relieved so much of her anxiety in the match, and having actually beaten Raye, gave Mina a euphoric high.

"It would be our pleasure Mina." Kunzite bowed, delighted she was so happy.

"Excellent! New York Grill at the Park Hyatt. 52nd floor. We will meet you there!" Lita said as she grabbed Nephrite's arm and led him down the stairs with a grin on his face.

"Luna, Artemis, you guys stay here at Raye's and we will see you Monday after school." Serena suggested.

"Fine but we want some salmon from supper." Luna called back before the two cats slinked around the corner of the paper door and headed for Raye's room.

Mina was just as excited to go eat at the uber fancy restaurant. She grabbed Kunzite's hand and rushed down the stairs, beating Nephrite and Lita in her haste to get in his Camaro.

"Lucky we were already dressed nicely, huh?" Serena said as she smiled at Darien who took her hand and kissed her knuckles before leading her to his Porsche.

"Amy, may I accompany you to our McLaren?" Zoisite asked as he extended his hand to her.

"Our?" She asked, giving him a confused look.

"What is mine is yours Amy." He whispered to her as he walked closer to take her hand slipping in through the crook of his arm and take her down to his car, enjoying her blush.

"Well, fire angel, ready to go?" Jadeite asked of the last lady standing at the top of the stairs.

"Where is your car?" Raye asked.

"Right around the corner. I didn't want to make a scene. I drive a Ferrari 360 Modena."

"Oh." Was all Raye said, hoping to not give a way too much interest.

"Come on fire angel. We don't want to get left behind."

They briskly descended the steps to see Kunzite pull out in the Camaro with Mina's arm hanging out the window of the passenger side. Taking her hand, Jadeite led Raye to her side of the car and opened the door while leading her to her seat. Just before letting go of her hand, he swiftly brushed a kiss on her knuckles once more, shut the door and went around to his door with the goofiest grin on his face. Just before sliding in his seat, Raye schooled her face to appear nonchalant as she waiting for him to start the engine.

"We may be last, but if you don't mind I know a shortcut." Raye took him at his challenge and raised her eyebrows for him to continue with his plan.

Revving the engine to life, he pulled out into traffic and made his way to the freeway. As soon as he was on the onramp, he gunned the accelerator and tore through the traffic at breakneck speeds. Raye was clinging to the seat cushion, screaming for Jadeite to 'stop being an imbecile and slow down!'

Once Jadeite had caught up to the others, he slowed down and followed suit to the restaurant, but not without taunting her first.

"You know we just went 0 to 100 kmh in about 4.3 seconds." He chuckled at his own joke.

"NO KIDDING! YOU SAID A SHORT CUT, NOT SPEED LIKE A DEMON!" Raye was fuming but Jadeite couldn't help but love how her anger made her eyes flash and her cheeks burn in a very pleasing way.

Orange, green, red, blue and red again slid under the carport of the hotel. Eager valets came running up to each driver to receive the keys while each man went to his ladie's door to deliver her inside in style. Not a single heart was unmoved at the grandeur of the procession they were taking part in.

After a few thousand yen were slid into the palm of the maitre'd, the gang was able to secure a nice big table for the 10 hungry friends next to the window without waiting on the list.

The view of Tokyo was amazing. The restaurant was 52 stories up in the building and was over 500 feet in the air, giving them an amazing advantage to see the streets and buildings below. The sun was just setting, sliding behind the Mount Fujiyama making the peaks burn in the golden flamed hues. As the stars to dust the heavens, the girls sighed in contentment looking over the heads of the guys. They guys were enjoying the view as well, it just happened to be inside rather than out.

The waiter came and took everyone's orders. The guys were happy to indulge in a smoky cognac, swirling the amber liquid in their decanters. While the girls were sipping their ice tea and nibbling on their bread, they were equally intimidated and awed at seeing such sophisticated men sitting before 5 high school girls.

"I know that the girls have their lists for you, (grunting was all across the men's side of the table) but I have a couple of requests for you five this week." Serena was pleased to see the guys setting down their glasses to give her their attention.

Smiling at their curious looks, she continued. "This Saturday is the Spring Fling at our school where it is girls choice to the dance. Since I see 5 eligible and handsome men (snorting now coming form the girl's side of the table) who have no prior engagements, I intend to see you occupied by providing for our transport and dinner as well as dance partners that night."

These guys are looking a little too eager. Lita thought to herself watching the guys visibly straighten in their seats taking interest in the turn of conversation.

Serena continued to smile demurely as she engaged their attentions. "The five of you will be dates for the five of us, under conditions which will be outlined prior to leaving Raye's that evening. Because this is last minute for all of us, Darien will see to it that you are properly attired later in the week. Tomorrow afternoon, when school let's out, you will escort us to the mall and take us shopping for dresses. Do you accept?"

Each man at the table sobered his face and nodded to the princess. She was something to behold when she assumed authority. Though her sweet face changed little, her tone of voice reflected her right to rule.

"Good! Then lets enjoy our evening and then we can all go home. We have an early day tomorrow for school." Serena finished.

"Ha! Serena on time for school? You have gotten better dumpling head but I'm not sure I will see you on time to Ms. Haruna's class everyday." With that, Raye broke the tension and allowed everyone to laugh into a more comfortable atmosphere.

"If I may, I would like to propose a proposition on behalf of us 'guys'." Kunzite began as he saw an opportunity. "It may be easier for all of the ladies to arrive at school on time if they were taken there."

Jadeite was riveted to Raye's face as her eyes sparkled at the thought of arriving at school in a certain fire engine red Ferrari.

The waiter arrived at that time with a tray of their before the group was cherry wood smoked salmon on baguettes and pan fried foie gras.

"Mmmm, that does look good." Lita was almost salivating.

"Yeah but what is it?" Serena asked.

"It's better to eat it and not question it." Amy smiled. Foie gras is a luxury food made from the liver of a fattened duck or goose.

Taking a small bite on her cracker, Mina exclaimed how good it was and so Serena was also eager to try some. The guys were all enjoying the delight of the girls as they tried the two appetisers.

"So, what do you ladies think? Care to let us take you to and from school?" Nephrite asked.

"Umm, sure, what do you think Raye?" Lita said.

"Sure, might as well enjoy it while we can." Raye was still picturing everyone at school watching her pull up in the Ferrari.

"I think it would be nice." Amy added.

"Great, then its settled. We will pick you up for school and take you to the Arcade or Raye's." Zoisite smiled knowing he would get more time to talk to Amy this way.

The night was well spent enjoying the entrees and desserts. Eventually it was time to take the girls home for curfew. Jadeite chose to keep his lips to himself hoping to not push his luck.

Zoisite was happy to see Amy make eye contact and talk to him about her university applications.

Nephrite got an ear full of Lita taking apart each dish in her head and figuring out how to duplicate or make them better. He was more than eager to be her guinea pig.

Serena was simply happy to be driven home and smile at Darien. Of course they stopped a block early so Darien could lean over and kiss Serena without her father spying them at the end of a shotgun. Afterwards, Darien would drive to the door and walk Serena up the porch for one last chaste kiss goodnight.

Kunzite was the most changed. He initiated conversation and talked to Mina who was still happy from her extra dose of endorphins that rushed through her body from beating Raye. Of course it only added to her happiness when Kunzite was talking and had that soft look on her face as he looked at her.

Each young lady was dutifully walked to the door with their hand bowed over as the gentlemen said their goodnights.

Every heart felt lighter. A week had passed and obligations to the punishments were being attended to. The guys were opening up and the girls were actually receiving their attentions, albeit with guarded hearts. But they would never admit they privately enjoyed the affections they were receiving.