Sailor Soldiers

By: Xhibit B

Chapter Three – Sailor Mars


.i do not own sailor moon.


Usagi shivered, her hands rubbing together in the frigid cold of the day. It was far colder than the weather man had predicted, she regretted leaving her gloves home now. The blonde sighed, her breath puffing out in front of her as she trudged on. She was meeting with Ami at the Arcade today, both girls agreeing to hang out after school ended for the week. Ami would arrive a bit later, she had to stop in to check in with her mother first before heading over to the arcade. Luna had, thankfully, given them both the day off from training. She'd said that they earned it and could go out and have some fun. Usagi didn't waste a moment taking her up on the offer.

It'd been quiet since the last attack from the Negaverse on the Saturday before. In that time, Luna had packed on the Senshi training. While Usagi understood why the cat was being so insistent on them training as much as humanly possible, she'd almost been killed in that last battle had it not been for Tuxedo Mask coming when he did after all, and Ami was just learning the ropes of becoming a senshi, as was Usagi, she felt like she needed a break, and it was beginning to show.

She entered the warm arcade as soon as the doors slid opened, thankful for the heat that it offered from the bitter cold outside. She shivered as she made her way to the counter, her nose a bright red as she slid into the stool absently. Motoki smiled when he saw her, she looked utterly adorable. "It's pretty chilly out there, Usagi. You didn't bring a hat and gloves?"

"Don't remind me," the blonde grumbled, rubbing her hands together to try and circulate the warmth. "Never trust the weather forecaster! They lied and said that it would be warmer than it actually is, so I left my hat and gloves at home. I should have just packed them away in my bag anyway like mom told me to."

Motoki laughed again, placing a cup of hot chocolate in front of her. "Well, drink that. It should help warm you up in no time. I'll get you another when you're done if you want, on me."

"Thanks Motoki," Usagi said, practically pouncing on the chocolatey beverage. She gulped the entire drink down within moments of it being offered to her (despite it scolding her tongue) before grinning up at the blonde-haired male. "That definitely hit the spot. Could I have another? I'm still a little cold."

Motoki chuckled, nodding as he took the mug from her and moved to get her another cup. He turned to glance at the blonde over his shoulder with a smile, "So, how's the schoolwork going? You didn't stop by all week to ask for help. Are you getting it?"

Usagi's nose coloured from something other than the cold, embarrassed that she had actually skipped coming to the arcade for help from Motoki with her work in favour of having Ami help her instead. It was easier, honestly, to have her blue haired friend's help with her homework, especially since they'd randomly be thrust into Senshi training without a moment's notice. "Um, no, I still have a hard time, most of the time. But my new friend, Ami, has been helping me! So, I'm still doing okay as far as the work goes. I haven't fallen behind at all, thankfully."

Motoki chuckled as he sat the cup of hot chocolate in front of her. Why did she sound like she thought he was angry? "Well, I'm glad that you're still getting help from someone so that you don't fall behind. But, you know I'm still always available to help out when you need me. I'm only a visit away.""

Usagi smiled, her head tilting to the side slightly. "Thanks Motoki, I appreciate that!" Fingers wrapped around the mug of hot chocolate, bringing it to her lips once again as soon as the door opened. Usagi heard the chime of the bell before she turned to see Ami entering, pulling her scarf from around her neck. The cup was placed down before she was waving the bluenette over. "Ami! Over here."

Ami was quick to rush over, slipping into the stool next to Usagi's as she placed her bag down by her feet. "Sorry I'm late, Mom was busy, so I had to wait a while before I got to talk to her. You haven't been waiting here that long have you?"

"Not too long," Usagi answered before she turned to Motoki, waving him back over. When he stopped in front of them, the blonde grinned brightly. "Motoki, this is my new friend, Ami! The one that's been helping me with my homework this week. Ami, this is my friend Motoki! He goes to school at K.O University and works here part time. He always makes the best hot chocolate and triple chocolate milkshakes."

"A pleasure to meet you, Motoki," Ami said nodding her head slightly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Ami," Motoki returned with a smile. "Would you like a hot chocolate? It's pretty cold out, it'll help you warm up a bit faster."

"Sure, thank you," Ami replied quietly before the blonde moved to get her order. She turned back to Usagi, a slight blush crossing her cheeks. No one, other than Usagi, had ever really been that nice to her. "He seems really nice."

"Who, Motoki? He's the greatest," Usagi chimed with a smile. "He's been working here since the arcade opened a few years ago, and he's always been super nice to everyone that's come in. He's the big brother that everyone wants."

"Glad to know that you think so highly of me, Usagi," Motoki teased, placing the cup of hot chocolate in front of Ami. "I guess that's why you've always been one of my best customers since this place opened and I started here."

Ami watched as the two interacted, a soft smile on her lips. It seemed like no matter where the blonde went, she easily made friends with everyone. She wished, honestly, that she could be like that someday. Make a friend no matter where she turned. If she'd had Usagi's bubbly personality, maybe things would have been a bit different for her growing up. But then again, Ami wouldn't trade her life for a new one no matter what. If she had, she probably would have never met Usagi and known what it was like to have a real friend.

"Are you two thinking about heading to the early winter festival they're holding downtown this weekend," Motoki asked, curiously. "It's the sixth year that they're doing it and I heard the turnout is expected to be great with lots of food and other venders all around. Reika and I were going to go, but she had something come up last minute. I have two passes that I don't want to go to waste, if you guys want them."

"I went to that festival the first year it was here," Ami said brushing strands of blue hair from her face. "I had a lot of fun when I went, my mother and I that is. Though I wasn't thinking about going this year."

"I've never been," Usagi said as she placed her finished cup of hot chocolate back on the counter. "It sounds like so much fun!" She turned to Ami, taking her hands in hers. "We should go Ami, I think it would be a lot more fun if we went together! I've never been to it and you said that it was fun when you went with your Mom, so what do you say? You can ask your Mom and we'll go together."

"I'll talk to her about it, and then call you when I find out," Ami promised.

Usagi squealed with joy, her blue eyes shimmering in the light. She was looking forward to a fun day with her new friend. And she hoped, really hoped, that no youma showed up to ruin the fun.

.sailorsoldiers.

Amethyst tinted eyes glared at the fire as she watched the flames flicker and dance through the air. Something was coming, something horrible, she just couldn't quite put her finger on what it was yet. Blowing a frustrated sigh, the raven hair stood from her seat in front of the Great Fire and left the shrine. Perhaps she would try again later. She needed to clear her mind, she was obviously in distress and that was conflicting with her ability to read the messages the fire was sending her.

Her fingers brushed a stray lock of raven hair from her face as she crossed the snow-covered grounds of the Hino family home. She'd have to sweep a path soon so that her grandfather didn't slip when he walked out for any reason. For now, she planned to go inside and make a pot of tea to warm herself after being out in the chill of the late November air.

The rice door that led to the main room of the home was pushed opened, the raven hair stepping inside a moment later before it was closed delicately with a soft click. Her tatami sandals were left at the genkan before she stepped into the main room and shuffled to the kitchen. Her grandfather smiled at her as she entered before turning a page of his newspaper. His smile was returned before she made her way over to the stove to put on a pot of tea. She put it on to boil before joining her grandfather at the table.

"Is everything alright, Rei," her grandfather asked, his brows raised. He'd sensed it the moment that she walked in. She was distressed for some reason. "You seem like you are in distress."

Rei sighed, brushing her hair from her face once again. "I was trying to read the Great Fire, but something was interfering. It frustrated me, so I gave up for the time being in favour of coming to get a cup of tea. I'll probably try again later, after I finish my chores. There's been a disturbance that I've sensed recently, and it concerns me. I just want to be sure that everything is okay."

Her grandfather smiled, the wrinkles around his eyes crinkling with the movement. "You remind me very much of your mother when she was your age. She was a sharp young woman, just like you are. She'd be so proud of you if she were still here today."

There was a smile that crossed Rei's features, her nose colouring a rosy tint at his words. She always got so embarrassed when her grandfather compared her to her mother. She'd passed when Rei was very young, only seven years old when it happened, the photos that hung of her around the main home the only thing that Rei had to remember her face. Her favourite was the one of her mother, holding her. She was maybe two or three months old at the time the photo was taken. But she could see the love and adoration in her mother's features as her grandfather stood to the side, watching his daughter with her own. It made Rei miss her mother more.

She'd never really known her father, he passed away a week after she was born while deployed with the Japanese military. She'd often asked questions about him when she was younger, and her mother was still alive. She and her grandfather would tell her stories of her father's endeavours and she'd listened, amethyst eyes wide and excited with each tale. Though she loved him because he was her father, she could hardly bring herself to miss a man she hadn't known like she missed her mother every waking minute of every day. Though she couldn't help staring at the wedding photo of himself and her mother from time to time whenever she passed by it.

"I miss her," she spoke quietly as the kettle began to whistle. She stood, making her way over to the stove to remove it from the eye. She grabbed a cup and placed a few tea leaves in the bottom before adding the water, "A lot."

Her grandfather smiled sadly as he stood from his seat at the table, rolling the newspaper up before making his way over to the teen. A gentle hand was placed on her shoulder, his smile was kind as she looked over at him. "I know you do my girl. But remember, your mother lives on in your heart." He made a gesture of poking her collar on the left side with the newspaper. "Just as long as you don't forget her. Now, drink your tea, then go try reading the fire again. The chores can wait."

Rei smiled, nodding her head. "Thanks Grandpa, I needed to hear that."

Her grandfather nodded, offering one last smile before he was shuffling out of the kitchen and making his way to his bedroom. Rei watched him go until he disappeared up the staircase. Her grandfather was right. So long as she remembered her mother at least, she would live on in her heart forever. Fingers brushed stray hairs away from her face once again as she lifted the cup of tea to her lips and took a slow sip. Her brows creased as she drank her tea.

That disturbance was back again. Pivoting on her heel, she placed the cup of tea down, leaving the kitchen quickly. Her tatami sandals were dawned again before she rushed out of the house and made her way to the shrine where the Great Fire was kept. She'd almost forgotten to close the door behind her.

She crossed the snow-covered ground, almost slipping in the process but had righted herself at the last second. Maybe a minute had passed since she'd left the main house and entered the shrine, the raven hair quickly sitting in front of the flame as her hands came together. Violet tinted eyes closed as she focused. The vision hit her, clear as day. A demon made of ice and snow, a ghastly look on it's face. Her eyes snapped opened a moment later. That must have been what the fire had been trying to show her earlier, but she was unable to see it. She'd been distracted and obviously it showed.

"The winter festival downtown," she murmured to herself as she stood.

She suddenly had plans for that weekend and needed to let her grandfather know.

.sailorsoldiers.

She was in that part of the dream again, the one where those four girls were surrounding the Princess to protect her just before they were killed. The one in red, Sailor Mars as she'd been called by the others, was saying something. Something that Usagi could not quite make out before she and the others rushed into battle. Usagi's hand grasped the sheets of her bed tightly to the point that her knuckles turned white. Luna watched from her perch on the windowsill. She'd ask Usagi what it was she was dreaming about when the girl finally woke up. It wasn't long before the blonde sprang from her bed, blue eyes wide and panting heavily. Her fingers that had previously grasped her sheets, clutched at her chest.

"Usagi," Luna called, startling the girl when she jumped down onto the bed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Were you having another dream?"

Usagi nodded, wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. "The Princess was with those four girls again. The same dream that I had before we figured out that Ami was Sailor Mercury. But this time, the dream seemed to focus on the one that everyone called Sailor Mars. Her face was a bit clearer to see this time." Her brow furrowed before she glanced over at the cat again. "Luna, do you think that these dreams are leading me to the others? The last time I had this dream, we found out about Ami."

"It's very possible that these dreams are giving you clues as to who the other senshi are," Luna said thoughtfully. "You were spot on with Ami. Perhaps you will meet the reincarnated Sailor Mars soon. It could also be eluding to the fact that there is going to be another attack. If you are dreaming and seeing another Senshi, then it could mean that something is going to happen that will cause her to awaken. I have a bad feeling about this festival you're going to. Perhaps I should go with you."

Usagi nodded, turning to look out the window. The sun had already risen high over the horizon, signaling the start of a new day. She and Ami would be meeting in a few hours to go downtown and enjoy the festival for a day of fun. The bluenette had called the night before to confirm that she could go to the festival with her. Luna would just be tagging along to make sure nothing bad happened. And, if it did and they came across the next Sailor Guardian, she'd be able to help her awaken when the time came.

"You should probably start getting ready for your day, Ami said to meet her around noon to head into town, right," Luna asked to which Usagi nodded. "I'll go see if I can find anything regarding Sailor Mars from the past. I'll meet you back here before it's time to leave, okay?"

Usagi nodded, a small "mmm" escaping her grasp before Luna leapt out of the window again and disappeared. The blonde remained on her bed, brushing a stray strand of hair that had fallen from her pigtail from her face. She had a lot on her mind regarding this Senshi business. With only five weeks of school left, and final exams coming faster than she was ready for, not to mention all this business with the Negaverse, it was honestly beginning to weigh on the teen. She was thankful for this little vacation from Senshi training they'd been given, and really hoped that nothing happened while she was out today.

Flipping back the duvet, she stood from her bed and made her way to her closet. She'd have to find something to wear to the festival today. Her fingers leafed over the fabric of her clothes that hung from hangers, trying to find something that would be warm enough for the day. Her mother had warned her the night before that it would be just as cold as it was the day before. She finally decided on an off-white cashmere off shoulder sweater, a pair of dark washed jeans and a pair of knee-high tan flat boots. Her clothing was placed on the bed before she left her room quietly and headed for a much-needed shower.

She returned to her bedroom twenty minutes later, drying off completely before moisturising and getting dressed. Her fingers worked her long hair into her signature style in her vanity mirror and tucked her broach in her pocket before she left her bedroom, grabbing her boots along the way. They were left at the door before she made her way into the kitchen where her mother was already awake and preparing breakfast for the family. Ikuko smiled at her daughter as she took a seat at the table. Her brother and father had yet to come down.

"Good morning, Usagi," the blue haired woman hummed softly. "Did you sleep alright last night?"

Usagi nodded, offering a soft smile. While the dream had woken her up, she did get a decent amount of sleep the night before. "I slept fine, had a little bit of a nightmare but I'm okay now. Are Dad and Shingo still sleeping?"

"Dad and Shingo left for a boys morning about an hour ago," Ikuko answered with a smile. "They should be back a bit later, but you'll be gone by then. You have a day planned with your friend today, don't you?"

Usagi nodded vigorously, a smile on her lips. "Ami called last night to confirm that she would go with me to the winter festival they're having downtown. We're supposed to meet there around one this afternoon. Motoki gave us the tickets he was going to use to take Reika to the festival, but she can't make it. She had something come up and he didn't want the tickets to go to waste so he gave them to us."

Ikuko laughed a tiny bit, "I knew I always liked that young man for a reason. Such a nice boy. If he didn't have a girlfriend, I would say you should consider dating him."

Usagi had the decency to blush, glancing down at the empty plate that sat before her. While in the past she had, had a crush on him, she'd long since gotten over it. Motoki was more of a big brother to her than anything… there was someone else who had unknowingly captured her attention. Mamoru Chiba. Even though she would never admit it to anyone aloud.

"Motoki's nice and all," Usagi said, shuffling uncomfortably. "But he's more of a big brother than anything. Besides… there's… someone else that I've kinda… got a crush on. But he doesn't know and I'm not sure how it will work. He's a tiny bit of a jerk but he can be really sweet when he wants to be. He's a bit older, around Motoki's age. Goes to the same school as Motoki…"

"Sounds like you really like this boy," Ikuko said, offering a wink. "Don't worry, I won't tell your father about this, it's between you and I." She placed the blonde's breakfast on her plate with a smile. "We both know how your father can get about you and dating. You're his little girl and he's not quite ready to see you grow up just yet."

Usagi laughed, picking up her chopsticks before taking a bite of her tamagoyaki. "Thanks Mom, you're the best!"

"Of course," Ikuko said before she turned to make her own breakfast before joining her daughter at the table.

.sailorsoldiers.

Usagi shouted goodbye to her mother as she left the house, bundled in a thick, white peacoat, with the matching scarf, hat and gloves and Luna tucked away in her bag that was slung over her shoulder. She and Ami had promised to meet by the Crown Arcade since it was the halfway point to downtown, stopping in briefly to say hello to Motoki and thank him again for the tickets he'd gave them before being on their way to the festival. Arm in arm the two teens walked, chatting happily about the fun that they would have despite the cold weather and light snow that began to fall for a late November day. On their way, Usagi bumped quite literally into Mamoru, Ami watching quietly as the two bickered for several minutes before Usagi stormed away. Ami politely apologised and said goodbye to the raven-haired male before scurrying off to catch up with the blonde-haired teen. There was a giggle that escaped her grasp when she finally latched her arm with Usagi's again.

"If I didn't know any better, Usagi, I would think that you liked Mamoru," Ami said knowingly.

Usagi had the decency to blush, averting her gaze away from the bluenette. It was bad enough she'd told her mother about the tiny crush she had on the elder male. She wasn't going to tell Ami too, "Me? Like Mamoru? No way, Ami! The guy's a jerk and a total creep! Definitely not my type."

"Of course, Usagi," Ami agreed with a slight laugh. She didn't miss the glare the blonde shot at her. "That was presumptuous of me, I apologise."

Usagi nodded, accepting her apology before they continued on to the festival. When they arrived, they were greeted by a multitude of different smells and sounds. Usagi grinned brightly, looking around the blocked off area with childlike wonder. Ami couldn't help but smile at Usagi's enthusiasm as she was pulled through the festival to various booths and stalls. Luna had left to patrol the area, making sure that there was no threat of a youma attacking while the festival was ongoing. The number of people in attendance was definitely much steeper than it had been when she attended the first year it was opened with her mother a few years ago when she was but eleven years old. Motoki hadn't been exaggerating when he said that they were expecting to have a great turnout.

"Wow, there's a lot more stalls than I remember there being when I first came a few years ago," Ami said as she looked around. "It wasn't nearly as big as it is now back then from what I remember."

"Wow, really," Usagi quipped happily, turning to go to another stall when she bumped into another girl. She stumbled slightly, and had it not been for Ami's hold on her arm, she was have slipped and fallen. She bowed apologetically before glancing up, only to gasp. The girl she'd run into looked oddly familiar, like she'd seen her somewhere before but couldn't recall where. Usagi swallowed before she spoke. "Sorry about that, I didn't see you there. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," the amethyst eyed beauty said brushing it off. She shook her head, trying to right herself again. She wasn't sure what that image was that flashed through her mind's eye when she brushed against the blonde. "I apologise as well, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going either and bumped into you. Forgive my negligence."

"It's okay, I'm just glad that you weren't hurt," Usagi said with that bright, contagious smile of hers as she untangled herself from Ami's hold. She held a hand out to the other girl. The raven hair couldn't help the small smile that crossed her features as well as she took her hand in return. "I'm Usagi Tsukino and this is my friend, Ami Mizuno."

"I'm Rei Hino," the girl, Rei, introduced herself with a pleasant smile. "It's nice to meet you both."

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Rei," Ami hummed politely.

"Would you like to join us," Usagi offered. It would be fun to have someone else join them on their day out at the festival. Not to mention the fact that this girl seemed familiar. Like she'd seen her somewhere before even though she was positive she didn't know her. "I mean, unless you had someone else you were at the festival with, you don't have to. But I think it would be fun. The more the merrier, right?"

"Thank you for the offer," Rei said politely. She chewed on her bottom lip lightly, not wanting to be rude. Usagi had been nice enough to invite her to join herself and her friend, even though she was a perfect stranger to them both. And she didn't want to hurt the other girl's feelings. Besides, she didn't want to get too involved with anyone. Whenever she met new people, they immediately judged her without getting to know her, calling her weird because of her psychic abilities because of what they'd heard from other people. But Usagi hadn't. Maybe hanging out with the other two teens wouldn't be so bad. "I would love to. I came alone anyway."

"Awesome," Usagi said, hooking her left arm into Rei's right before taking Ami's left with her free arm. She began to lead both girls forward, a chipper smile on her face. "Let's go enjoy the festival! Maybe we should try some of the food that they have here! It all looks so yummy!"

Both girls happily agreed as they were led to one of the food booths, each placing their orders before they paid and left to find an open area out of the snow so that they could eat.

.sailorsoldiers.

"What exactly are you planning to do," the brown-haired male asked his blonde counterpart, his arms crossed over his chest. His brown eyes danced with amusement as he watched the other staring at the streets below that bustled with people. There seemed to be a festival going on and many had gathered, all full of energy that would be great to feet to their malevolent monarch, Queen Metalia. "There must be a reason that you chose this site as your next target for gathering energy."

"If you must know, Nephrite," Jadeite said glancing back him, "The humans expel a lot of energy when it comes to things like this. It is the perfect and most efficient way to gather energy for Queen Metalia and it will lure out those Sailor Guardians so that I can get rid of them once and for all. They have stood in my way far to many times already, we need them gone if we are to succeed with the resurrection."

"An interesting plan, but will it actually work this time," Nephrite asked, irking a brow.

"It's going to work," Jadeite said, the determined look on his face signaling the end of this discussion.

Nephrite nodded, turning on his heel, "I hope that this works for you then, Jadeite. If you should ever need any assistance, please don't hesitate to ask."

And then he disappeared, leaving the blonde to watch as things progressed below. So far, there hadn't been any sight of the Sailor Guardians. But then he hadn't exactly started the energy syphering yet to draw their attention to the festival. His brow furrowed, glancing down at the patrons that filtered through the different stalls that had been set up. The grin that crossed his features was a sinister one. Everything was going to go according to plan, and he would be sure to bring back Queen Metalia with the energy he captured… as well as start his search for the Princess and the Imperium Silver Crystal.

He disappeared in a flurry of snow, it was time to get things underway.

.sailorsoldiers.

"This one looks pretty," Usagi chimed as she leaned over a stall that offered an assortment of hand-crafted kimonos and the like. "I like the lotuses they have stitched into the design. And it feels really nice against my hand! How much for this one?"

She looked up expectantly at the vender, her blue eyes wide as she waited for the woman to answer.

"4,385 yen," the woman answered with a kind smile.

Usagi reached into her bag, pulling out her wallet. She was thankful that her parents had given her a bit of extra money to take with her the night before, not to mention everything she'd saved from her allowances over the last year or so. She handed over the money before the woman placed the kimono in a protective pack and handed it to her, thanking the blonde for her business. Usagi thanked her in return before tucking the kimono away in her bag before she and the others moved on to the next booth.

"That was a really nice booth," Rei commented, glancing back at the rest of the kimonos that continued to hang on display. "I wish I brought more yen with me, I would have loved one."

Usagi had opened her mouth to say something when there was an explosion. Three heads snapped to look and see what was going on, only to be greeted by the sight of a youma attacking the populace that had attended the festival. Usagi and Ami shared a look before both glanced at the amethyst eyed teen that accompanied them. They couldn't very well transform in front of her. There would be too many questions if they did. But they couldn't exactly ditch her either. They were in a catch twenty-two.

"We have to help get those people out of the way," Rei cried suddenly before sprinting off to try and help a couple who had fallen.

Ami and Usagi shared another look. Ami gestured to the alley to the side of them, "We should go transform and help them out before someone gets seriously hurt. We don't have much time to waste."

"You're right," Usagi said before they both ducked into the alley way, out of sight of people that were running for cover.

Screams of patrons that attended the festival could be heard behind them as Ami pulled her transformation pen from her pocket and Usagi produced her broach.

"Moon Prism Power, Make Up!"

"Mercury Power, Make Up!"

A flash of light, water and ribbons enveloped the two before they were transformed. Luna appeared beside them a moment later. "This is the Negaverse. It seems that they are trying to gather energy for something. What it is, however, I am not sure."

"Did you find out anything on Sailor Mars," Usagi asked looking down at the black cat as they ran out of the alley way.

"Sailor Mars," Ami asked, her brow furrowed.

"Yes, Usagi believes she may have had a dream that revealed who Sailor Mars was," Luna answered as they passed by the rushing crowds that were trying to get to safety. "It was how we found you."

"So these dreams of yours are leading you to find the other scouts," Ami deduced correctly. "Do you have an idea of who Sailor Mars is? Have you met her in our civilian forms already?"

"I think that we did, both of us," Usagi answered, nodding towards Rei who was trying to fight off the youma with a sutra. "Rei looks like the girl that was dressed in a sailor suit similar to ours. The other three girls and the Princess called her Sailor Mars."

"There is something else that I found out about Sailor Mars," Luna said as they skidded to a stop. "She is able to invoke the power of fire, and is a psychic. In her civilian life during the Silver Millennium, she was a priestess. You believe this Rei girl is who you saw in the dream, Usagi?"

Usagi nodded before she took a step towards the youma when it had grabbed Rei. "Stop right there! Let the girl go you slime ball."

"And who the hell are you," the youma demanded.

It's hand was glowing as was Rei's body, sucking the energy from her. Usagi had to act fast if she wanted to save the raven hair's life. She fell into her signature pose.

"This festival was meant to bring friends and family together to have a wonderful time and I will not stand for you destroying it with your evil presence," Usagi shouted, pointing at the youma. "I am the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and justice. I am Sailor Moon, and in the name of the moon, I'll punish you!"

Rei's eyes peeked opened to look at the two warriors, her brow furrowed. She'd seen them before. They were in the fire reading that had alerted her there would be trouble at the festival today. She knew they would come but she wasn't sure who exactly they were. For some reason, the one who called herself Sailor Moon sounded an awful lot like Usagi did… "Usagi? Ami?"

Sailor Moon's head turned when she said their names, her eyes wide. That was enough to tell Rei that she was right. She'd moved to try and get away when she felt herself being launched towards them. She screamed and Usagi moved without thought, catching the girl in her arms. Ami was the first to attack.

"Mercury Aqua Mist!"

A thick mist covered the area, obscuring the monster's vision from the three girls, giving Usagi time to regain her composure. She smiled at Rei before leaping into action, her fingers placed on her tiara. She pulled it from her forehead, the piece of jewelry turning into a discus, burning with magic.

"Moon Tiara Boomerang!"

She threw it, effectively destroying the youma as the mist cleared. They'd thought the attack to be over, thought that they were safe to go on when a frustrated yell caught their attention. Usagi, Ami and Rei all turned to see a blonde standing there, seething with anger. Both Ami and Usagi took protective stances in front of Rei as a means of protecting her. Luna stood behind and watched patiently for the right moment that ensured that Rei was who they thought that she was.

"You two, you've gotten in my way for the last time," Jadeite hissed, his grey eyes glinted with resentment. "I'll destroy the both of you!"

"Oh no you don't," Ami yelled, "Mercury Aqua Mist!"

The mist enveloped the area once again, only for it to be waved away with a wave of Jadeite's hand. "Your little tricks won't work on me! You'll have to do something better than that!"

Usagi didn't speak, launching forward to try and fight him hand to hand. Blow after blow was traded, Jadeite easily gaining the upper hand on her. He'd been poised to strike her once again, this time with an energy blade, until she was swept out of the way by a blur of red and black.

She glanced up, grateful to see that it was Tuxedo Mask that had gotten her out of the way in time before the blow by the energy blade had hit her. She smiled as she was placed on her feet again, bowing her head in thanks. "Thank you, Tuxedo Mask."

"Mercury Aqua Mist!" Ami shouted again, before turning to look at Usagi. "Sailor Moon, throw your tiara while we have cover!"

Usagi nodded, once again pulling her tiara from her forehead. "Moon Tiara Boomerang!"

She threw it just as Jadeite swept the mist away again, too soon for the tiara to strike him. He deflected it back at Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. They managed the evade the attack for the most part, the edge of the boomerang nicking Sailor Moon's thigh before it fell to the ground.

"I told you, your powers are useless against me!" Jadeite screamed in rage, charging another attack to shoot at them.

The ice-based attack shot out, capturing all three of them in it's grasp. Usagi, Ami and Tuxedo Mask screamed out in pain as the ice began to freeze their entire bodies, preventing them from moving and launching another attack of their own. They hadn't been fast enough to get out of the way before they had been hit by the blast.

"Now let's see you get away from that," Jadeite mocked.

Rei had been watching the entire exchange the whole time, her brow furrowed. Nothing that these girls threw at this guy was working. His attacks were ice-based, the opposite of ice was fire. Her brow furrowed, she ambled to her feet slowly, reaching into the inner pocket of her kimono. She pulled an ofuda from inside, holding it between her index and middle fingers. A soft prayer was chanted before she threw the sutra, it making it's mark on Jadeite as she called out, "Evil spirit, be gone!"

Jadeite cried out in pain as the symbol for Mars glowed bright on Rei's forehead. Luna sprang into action a moment later, throwing the pen to Rei who caught it easily. She stared down at the pen confused, before looking back at the cat who smiled at her. "I will explain later, but for now, you must use that pen and say "Mars Power, Make Up" to transform into the Senshi of Mars. Quickly, you are the only one who is capable of defeating Jadeite!"

Rei nodded, holding the pen in the air, "Mars Power, Make Up!"

In a burst of light and flames, she transformed into the Senshi of Mars. Usagi and Ami gasped, Tuxedo Mask continued to try and break free. Everyone stood, mouth agape when they saw that Rei had actually transformed. Usagi was the first to speak.

"No way, it really was her!" the blonde gasped.

"Now, Sailor Mars, use your ofuda and throw it at him again after turning it in a circle," Luna called out, "While saying "evil spirit be gone" again!"

Rei nodded, the ofuda in her hand as she moved her arm in a circle. Flames began to burn as she launched the attack at the blonde, effectively burning him. Luna then turned to Usagi who by now had been freed from the ice thanks to Tuxedo Mask who was now working on getting Ami out. "Sailor Moon, your tiara! Try it again."

Usagi nodded, removing her tiara from her forehead before launching it at Jadeite at the same time he'd been encased by flames. "Moon Tiara, Boomerang!"

The blonde screamed out in pain, promising that they wouldn't see the last of him before he disappeared. The three guardians sighed in exhaustion, not noticing when Tuxedo Mask disappeared after he'd freed Ami from the ice that had enveloped her.

"That was wild," Rei murmured before she turned to look at Usagi and Ami.

Both the bluenette and the blonde smiled as Luna stepped forward. "Welcome to the team Rei. We are so glad to have you join us."

"Thank you," Rei hummed with a nod. "But I think this is going to need a brief adjusting period to get used to it all."

"Believe me, we understand," Usagi laughed.

"We'll have to call another meeting to get Rei all caught up to speed on what's going on," Ami suggested. "But for now, we should probably get out of the open and de-transform so that no one spots us like this."

"Ami is right, let's go girls, I'll explain everything later," Luna said before she was scooped into Usagi's arms.

Together the three teens took off, just as the people that had been at the festival began to filter back in when they realized the coast was clear. Rei had a lot of questions but figured that they could wait until they had the meeting that Luna had promised. For now, she wanted to release the transformation and return to the festival to enjoy the rest of the day now that the threat to the people had been dealt with.


Coming Up Next: Chapter Four – The Imperium Silver Crystal