Disclaimer: I own nothing.

AN: Ok I just wanted to get this all on the table. Like ripping of a band aid. I've been sitting on all this for a while. Sorry if anyone's OOC. No flames please, but do please read and review.

"Uh it's not working." Gohan muttered, glancing at the girl who was hiding her face behind dark hair. Gohan cleared his throat and started leading the way to the stairwell. "I guess we'll have to climb." his comment echoed back to him, Rei didn't respond. Sighing he started to trek his way up, when he listened he could hear light footsteps behind him. Soon they were on the fourth floor and Gohan was wondering why a house had a stairwell, when he heard it, a little snap. Turning he saw Rei staring at her foot, the heel of her shoe had broken off and was lying at the bottom of the fourth floor platform.

Before he could say anything, she bent down and picked it up. Saying nothing she stared at the heel with a blank look, "Uh I can get Bulma to fix it for you later." Gohan suggested cautiously. As he spoke her head shot up and he froze. Her eyes seemed to be brimming with unshed tears, she looked so vulnerable it hurt Gohan. Walking down the steps he stood next to her, that's when he realized he was actually taller than her, if he hugged her her head would fit right under his chin. "Hey, what's wrong? Is it something Vegeta said? You know he's a jerk to everyone." Gohan said with a small grin of reassurance, feeling an odd need to touch her, but he resisted it.

After a second of silence she spoke, "I'm sorry." she whispered her eyes clearing of mist as she blinked, "Old memories have been coming back, still getting used to it. I truly am sorry, you've been sweet, unlike most of your kind." Rei said the last word in disdain.

"Oh, thanks" Gohan said sheepishly, "So...what type of memories? Did you get amnesia or something?" he asked. He felt a slight pang at her obvious disdain for what he was, or was it his sex? Maybe she was gay? He really hoped she wasn't.

Chuckling she threw her heel over the edge of the railing and slid her feet out of her shoes, picking them up in the process. Gohan blush and look away as her skirt road up. "Something like that." she said, grinning at him. Goofily grinning back he watched the smile start to slide away until it was replaced by a sad expression, "Yeah, something like that." she muttered. Shaking her self Rei continued, "But you'll have to excuse me if I act like that again, sometimes I get flashes of stuff. It's so annoying when I'm in a conversation." she finished with a smirk.

"What was this one about?" Gohan asked with a furrowed brow, troubled by her change in attitude.

"None of your business Saiyan." she snapped, her temper flaring. Seeming to realize what she said, Rei breathed deeply, "I'm sorry, my temper is horrible, even I'll admit it." she said, Rei didn't seem sorry.

"It's okay, my Mom's like that." he grinned and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "I should be the one apologizing, I'm probably asking way to many questions and you probably want to take that shower." he said, turning to keep walking up. But he was stopped by a small hand on his arm. Her skin felt electric on his and he was sure she felt it too. Taking her hand away quickly, she paused.

"No, it's okay." Rei said as she stepped up to his side and started walking beside him. "You have the right to know. I usually only tell Ami, but you seem nice and trustworthy, more than your people's Prince." she said slyly, Gohan grinned back, "He was actually the cause of the memories. They were mostly of Mars before it was destroyed, when we were at war with the Saiyans. After that I remembered my planet after Beryl ravaged it, I had been on the Moon at the time, but everything was destroyed. Not one Martian was left alive, her army had made sure of it. The whole planet had been burned actually, some spell I guess. So much for being the people of fire, war, and foresight." she barked out a laugh, but Gohan could see the pain hidden in her eyes as she opened the fifth floor door. "So where's this shower I was promised?" she asked with an arched brow, brushing their conversation off.

Sensing she wasn't telling him everything Gohan decided not to ask, but he did need to say something that he had figured out after his dad died.

Gathering his courage Gohan Son spoke,"It wasn't your fault." he said, calmly staring back at her narrowed eyes.

"Yes it was, you idiot. I was their Sailor Scout, their protector, that was my job, to protect my planet, they depended on me. I was their Princess and future ruler. What ruler lets her people die?" she asked him, angrily scowling.

"It wasn't your fault," Gohan said again, before she could speak he pointed his finger, "The bathroom's the second door on the left. Bulma will bring you clothes." As he turned Gohan felt her eyes boaring into his back, once he was in the stair well he let out a sigh of relief. Gohna Son was one of the most powerful beings ever and he was scared of a teenage girl, great.

Thanks a lot Bulma, he thought, Now she probably hates me. Gohan banged his head against the wall and sighed. But she needs to understand that whatever happened was out of her control, he reasoned, oh yeah and what's up with all her Saiyan hate? Most are bad but Dad, Goten and me are fine, right? Yeah we are. Shoving himself from the wall, Gohan resolved to get this girl to like him, no matter what. He wanted her to understand that not all Saiyans were jerks and butt heads.

As he hopped down the stairs Gohan's thoughts trailed off as another thing struck him. Wait, she said Princess. Great she was royalty..., sarcasm dripped from his thoughts as exasperation over came him. Bulma is so gonna pay.

Half an hour later, yard

Gohan laughed as Marron pulled on Trunk's long hair, entranced by the lavender color. Trunks scowled at the younger girl, but didn't comment. Everyone had arrived about five minutes ago, Krillin and 18 with Marron, Master Roshi, and Oolong in tow, were all hanging around outside where the party was going to be held. Bulma and Chi-Chi had been cooking non stop for awhile, as Yamcha tried to convince Piccolo to fight him, unsuccessfully.

Ami came down about three minutes ago in a pair of jeans with a blue t-shirt that fit her snugly, probably one of Bulma's old ones. Everyone had been introduced to her and she was having an in depth conversation about her predicament with Mr. Briefs, although she never strayed far from Tien or Chiaotzu. The gathering of people seemed to like her and were interested in Ami's arrival to this world.

Silence fell as Rei walked out of the back door, the guys were practically drooling. A flash of some emotion flashed through Gohan as she smiled at Chiaotzu, who blushed profusely and nodded as if answering a question. He recognized it as jealousy, which was stupid since he didn't like her that way, right?

Rei wore a pair of black skinny jeans with a red tank top that seemed to be from Bulma's closet too, her feet were bare and hair flowed down her back in stark contrast with her pale skin. She also looked pissed as her eyes fell on Vegeta, who was standing near Goku. Gohan could hear Ami sigh from across the yard. Taking that as a warning sign he got up from his position in a chair near the kids and walked over, ready to stop a fight from breaking out between the aliens.

Rei was now with in a foot of the Prince. Everyone had grown quiet, some confused others waiting for what would probably be an epic battle. Vegeta had turned in her direction, an eyebrow cocked at the Martian. Goku looked between the two nervously, but as Gohan got ready to intercept he saw his father give a little shake of his head. Stopping, Gohan waited for blows to be exchanged, he just hoped nothing too bad would happen, his mother would be furious.

Right as the thought crossed his mind Rei threw a fist at Vegeta. The man sneered and caught it easily, he caught the other fist coming at him also, "Is that the best you can do punny Martian?" he mocked, laughing at her.

Rei smirked at him, "Not even close." she said. No one saw it coming, not even Vegeta. Her knee came up fast and sharp, hitting it's mark. "That's for my people." she said as Vegeta let go of her hands and bent over in pain, gritting his teeth. Stepping back, the Martian observed her work with an emotionless face. After a second Vegeta stood upright with a furious look.

"Your going to pay for that one you filthy Martian." he growled, a very sensitive spot still throbbing.

"Yeah, but I've noticed you don't have a tail, doesn't that make you Saiyans weaker?" her voice was mocking. "Although I do get why you cut it off, it made you all butt ugly. No offense to any respectable Saiyans here." she added innocently, as Gohan heard her friend groan he tried to keep his smile hidden. "Come find me when you can actually give me a good fight and bring honor back to your people." the Martian Princess said, turning away and walking back towards the house. She winked at Yamcha as he wolf whistled.

"I'll give you a fight now, you dirty Martian." Vegeta yelled after her angrily. Pushing off from the ground the man flew at her.

"Hey." a voice yelled, then Chi-Chi was standing in front of Rei, holding a bowl of food. The angry Saiyan put the brakes on, knowing he would die if he hurt the woman. Breathing heavily, he stood in front of Chi-Chi and glared at the mother to one of the most powerful beings in the universe and wife to his rival.

"Move woman, I have a Martian to kill." the Saiyan growled.

"Oh really?" she said, Gohan winced at her tone, "You want to ruin a perfectly good party? One that I worked hours on to prepare? I. Don't. Think. So." she seethed.

"But-" the man started looking like he might stamp his foot like a toddler.

"No, you be quiet. You two can battle it out later, right now we're eating." she growled, as Vegeta opened his mouth she glared and continued, "Not one word. I don't like you Vegeta, don't make more reasons for me to hate you." she warned the fuming Saiyan.

"Yeah veggie head." Rei mocked, safely behind the other woman.

"And you," Chi-Chi said, rounding on Rei. The girl arched a brow, giving her a respectful look, "...I like you. Kick his ass for me." Chi-Chi finished, smiling at the other woman who grinned back.

"If you weren't.." Vegeta muttered.

"If I wasn't what?" Chi-Chi asked dangerously. Goku and Gohan decided to intervene at that moment.

"If you weren't an amazing fighter, honey. Now can we eat, please?" Goku begged, putting an arm around her waist and staring hungrily at the bowl of food.

Chi-Chi chuckled and nodded, her face softening the moment she saw Goku. Placing down the bowl, she went back in to get some more as Bulma came out, oblivious to her husband's violence previously. Once all the food was set out everyone started going through the line, serving themselves. Rei walked over to Chi-Chi after getting a plate, "Hi, I'm Rei Hino." she said, offering her hand as Goku stared at her over his humongous plate of food, gobbling it down.

"Chi-Chi Son," the older woman said, smiling kindly, "It's nice to see someone standing up to Vegeta. I can't wait to see your fight."

Rei grinned, she liked this woman. With a slight twinge, Rei realized Ch-Chi reminded her of her own mother. Her dead Mother. "Yeah, I can't wait to show him some of the Hino charm." she said sarcastically, getting a tinkling laugh from the older woman. As the two continued their conversation and ate, Gohan and Goku went up for seconds.

"This is not going to be good, is it Dad?" Gohan asked nervously. The girl had only been in this dimension for a few hours and she already had a fight against Vegeta. Gohan was sure their were more to come by Ami's bored reaction to the whole thing.

"Nope, but at leasht your Mother likesh 'er." Goku spoke around a mouthful of food, gulping it down. "She's pretty too." he said nonchalantly, re-stuffing his mouth. Gohan blanched and stared at his father in shock.

"What?" he demanded.

"She's pretty." Goku said again, confused. "She reminds me of your Mother when she was younger." he said with a grin. Finished serving himself, Goku walked back to their table. Gohan was stuck to the spot for a second until he felt a tug on his pant leg. Looking down he saw his little brother looking up at him.

Leaning down to Goten the little boy cupped his hands and stage whispered, "Do you like Ms. Rei like Trunks likes Marron?" he asked. Gohan blushed profusely at the comparison and shook his head. Shrugging his brother ran back to his group of friends. Why is everyone insinuating things about me and Rei! he thought, glancing at her. She seemed to stiffen and turned to him with an arched brow and scowl. Quickly looking away, Gohan went back to serving himself.

That night

Pain coursed through her body as ice pierced her heart. She screamed for Ami but could only see darkness. Rei cried for her Grandfather in the burning temple, she knew it, but she couldn't sense him anymore. The only reason she couldn't sense someone was when they were...no, he couldn't be. Those monsters had burned her temple, her home, they had desecrated her mother's grave, attacked her and her friend, they had probably killed her only family. Inside herself she knew he was gone and that Ami was possibly too. No this was not going to happen again, she was not going to lose everything she cared for again. Ignoring her blindness she clutched something soft and cool. It was Ami. Gone, dead, killed by monsters. Her emotions broke. Letting out a scream of agony, fire immersed her and Ami, everything going in flames.

The pain disappeared replaced by fury.

She felt her body warm and change into her true form, fire.

As she did she felt a shift in the air, a rip. Then falling, clutching onto her friends hand for dear life, letting their souls mingle.

Getting weaker. Ami's heart started as hers stopped. Then...

Nothing.

Empty darkness.

KABOOM

A warmth, fire. Her fleeing soul hitched onto it and absorbed it. THUMP-THUMP...THUMP-THUMP.

A sensation of flying. Weird outfits, she's beautiful, I hope I didn't hurt her, preeeeetty, humans are so stupid, thoughts flowed through her mind. She hitched onto the one that seemed closest. His thoughts were warm, full of gentle kindness, caring...for her. His mind felt like...home.

Rei shot up in her bed on the third floor of Capsule Corp. Sweat drenched her body, making her borrowed night clothes stick to her. Cradling her head, she hunched over.

This didn't make sense. The memroies of the day were jumbled. Had she and Ami died? What happened to her Grandfather? The temple? The grave she had visited everyday since she was little? Her memory shot back to the man's mind. She wished she was their now, it was so peaceful. Rei sucked in a breath, realizing what she was thinking. It felt like she had found safety she hadn't looked for in a man since after her father dumped her with her grandfather. It troubled her.

Sighing, the Shinto priestess sat up and waited. Ami would come, she always did. Sometimes I wonder who the real telepath is at times, Rei thought ryely as the guest room door creaked open and a blue head poked in.

"Rei, are you ok? I heard you scream?" Ami said, slipping on to her bed, curling up into a ball. Memories of a tiny princess doing the exact same thing hundreds of times before flashed through Rei's mind, she smiled. It was good to know their friendship transcended centuries.

"I'm fine." Rei's voice was soothing, like a Mother calming a child.

Doubt showed on Ami's face, "Rei, I'm sure your Gandfather's okay. Bulma says she has some old time machine blue prints that we'll work on. They might point us in the right direction." Ami whispered, watching her friend with keen, wide eyes.

Rei watched her friend, strands of blue hair fell on her face and she tucked them back. "Ami, I..I don't know how to tell you this. But I'm pretty sure we're dead." Rei whispered as she felt her eyes mist.

Ami shook her head and grinned, "Rei, if we died then we wouldn't have the energy to travel through space." Ami said.

Rei reached out and clutched her friend's arms, giving her a seriosu look she started, "Ami, listen to me. I had a dream of today or yesterday, whatever it was. But when we battled, you.. you died. I felt your heart and mind stop. I lost it, burned everything, used all my energy...then we went through that interdimensional thingy. I could feel it. You...you used my energy to the point where I died. But I used fire to get my energy back. Ami, if we go back there I'm pretty sure we'll be dead the minute we land there. This is our second chance at life, Ami. A normal life, here. I know this sounds weird, but you have to trust me on this, I just know if we go back we'll die or their won't be anything left for us there." she finished, panting for breath.

Ami's face paled as her words registered. Horror crossed her face, she believed her. But.."What about Serena? What if those guys that attacked us go after her?" she asked desperately.

Rei looked down, shamed, "I...I lost it Ami. I let everything go. All of them are dead, my fire made sure of that, I ordered it too, made it mercilessly kill them. I destroyed my own home." she whispered.

Ami pulled her into a hug. She didn't tell her it wasn't her fault, because it was. Rei had always had the most difficult power, she was the embodiment of fire. Warrior blood ran through her veins and even her mind was not a sanctuary, others thoughts paraded through. The mix of all those made her unstable at times, she had to hold her control at all times. Her only outlet was meditation or fighting. If she was on Mars these would be no problem, but Mars had burned long ago. Fighting her was potentaly dangerous to anyone else. Martians had always been the strongest in battle, meaning their fights were always deadly. So Rei was left with meditation, which only helped when she had the sacred fire... in another dimension. Ami wondered how long before her friend broke, it scared her just as much as it scared Rei.

The last Martian needed balance. Ice to her fire.

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