Chapter 4: Beach time Sorrows and Truths
Ok so . . . I had a little bit of time to write this one and had a lot of twist and turns. Let me know how you like it! :D
Disclaimer: "You've got to beeeellllliiiiiieeeevvvveee iiiiinnnn the POWER of LOOOVVVEEE! It's what our HEARTs are alllll mmmaaadddeeee of you've got to believe in the Power of Love.!" WHOOOOO That was on The first Sailor Moon Movie Sound track and I fell in total love with the song! But anyway um No I do not own Sailor Moon that honor is completely bestowed upon Naoko Takeuchi. Now the moment you've all been waiting for! CHAPTER! 4!
"Do you think this will be a good idea?" Ami's quiet voice sounded beside Makoto bringing her out of her thoughts causing her to turn her head to the young girl. "Nothing should go wrong; I mean we are just going to be at the beach." "Ami raised an eyebrow smirking at the princess of the wild. "This is Usagi, we are talking about, along with Minako of course." Makoto paled and sighed. As always the girl genius had a point. Pulling up to the shrine she turned and gave Ami a wink. "Don't worry; even if trouble comes we are always there to kick its ass right back." Ami giggled and nodded turning to see the two blonde running at full speed just as both of them tripped. Rei of coursed just sighed and shook her head. This was going to be a long weekend.
"COME ON OVER BABY!" Minako belted out the lyrics of the song playing on the radio while dancing in her seat. Rei sighed and looked out the window, her headache was getting worse. Usagi joined and as the group drove past a group of guys both blonds stuck their head out of the window waving. At this moment Rei had had enough grabbing both Usagi and Minako she pulled them both back into their seats and turned back away from them with a permanent scowl on her face. Ami turned to look at Makoto and the two shared a look while Usagi began to complain to Minako about Rei. "She's always ruining my fun!" The princess pouted and Minako giggled as the scowl on Rei's face deepened. "I think she just wants all the attention for herself." Minako whispered loudly and when Rei turned to yell at Minako but she merely winked leaving Rei sputtering and everyone else in the car laughing. Huffing Rei turned and looked out the window. How much longer did she have to put up with these people! As she huffed again she heard a quiet chuckle and turning her glare around she came eye to eye with Minako yet again and with her wink Rei's eyes widened and she turned around to glare back out at the window as the chuckle turned into a full out laugh.
Pulling over at a pit stop they all climbed out and instantly Usagi grabbed ahold of Rei's arm pulling her along. Sighing she walked along to the bathroom. "Hey guy's we'll be right back!" Rei called over her shoulder as they disappeared behind the door. Ami sighed and glanced behind her at Makoto. She gave Ami a small smile and walked to her pausing she glanced back at Minako. "You ok? We are going to get some snacks." Minako smiled and grinned nodding at them and leaned against the van. "I'll be here waiting!" Ami and Makoto smiled running off into the store behind Rei and Usagi. Usagi and Rei met up with Ami and Makoto at the register and seeing that Minako wasn't there glanced outside to see if she stayed with the van except she didn't see anything. Frowning she saw wisps of blond hair come out of a store carrying a brown bag and frowned. What was she doing? The cashier stated her total and she paid for her portion of the snacks and was dragged back out of the store with Usagi already ripping into her bag of chips. "Geeze Odango can't you wait until we get into the car at least!" She mumbled something but it couldn't be made out over the mouth full of chips. They all got back into the car and Minako acted completely normal but Rei knew something was off and the brown bag Minako was caring earlier was nowhere to be seen.
They were so close Minako could smell the salt in the air. They drove over a bridge and she couldn't help but exclaiming at how pretty the ocean was and how high up they were. Usagi eventually joined her and she smiled as they both shared mischievous grins. Rei smiled softly at them and glancing up at the two upfront she chuckled to see Ami doing something similar while Makoto fought between looking at the road and watching Ami. The group eventually arrived at the small and cute little beach house beside the sea that Rei's father owned. Minako was the first out and stretching she exclaimed in utter delight. "The sun! The sea! The smell of salt in the air!' making a dramatic pause she turned to her friends and winked 'We ARE GONNA PARRRTTTYYY!"Usagi and Makoto exclaimed while Rei and Ami just shook their head. "LAST ONE TO THE BEACH HAS TO UNPACK!" And with that Minako took off. It was that dramatic split second of realization that every unsuspecting individual gets caught up in before the girls all made a mad dash for the coast line.
Minako reached the coast line first followed by Makoto and Rei. Ami arrived next which left Usagi to unpack. Realizing this the princess burst out into tears crying. Sighing Rei turned to her and was about to scold her until Minako hugged the princess saying they would all help her. Rei smiled softly and stepped into the warm waters of the Sea of Japan. The wind blew sending her hair out behind her and she breathed in the salty air deep and released her breath. She felt a touch on her arm and saw it was Minako giving her the famous heartbreaking smile and she couldn't help that her heart beat sped up. "Are you ok? I've never seen you so at ease." Rei nodded and gave her commander a small smile. "It's so beautiful here." Looking back out at the ocean that seemed to stretch on for miles and miles she couldn't help but relax. "Wouldn't it be a shame if I didn't at least enjoy myself?" Hearing Usagi in the background yelling at a crab Rei sighed. "That is of course if we can keep little miss fancy pance out of trouble long enough." Rei turned to Usagi and grabbed her hand pulling her back to the van to get started unpacking. Minako giggled and followed the Miko.
After unpacking the van and straitening up the house the group hit the beach. Ami was sitting down reading while Makoto and Rei were racing and Minako and Usagi were cheering in the surf. "Ami-chan's face is always stuck in a book!" Usagi complained and Minako chuckled. "Well, let's go do something about that then shall we?" Minako and Usagi crept up behind the poor unsuspecting Mercurian and after both nodded at the other a silent plan taking affect. Usagi dove onto the girl tickling her while Minako grabbed the book. Instantly Ami screamed and the next think the girls knew they were being attacked by bubbles and thrown across the sand. Rei and Makoto were there almost instantly while Rei grabbed Usagi in midair and together they both fell into the water. Minako face planted in the shallow water and a split second later Makoto was there pulling the girl up. "Are you ok?!" Rei yelled out dragging Usagi onto land while Ami sprinted to her checking her over for signs. "I'm so sorry! You guys snuck up on me and I was reading a thriller and it just. ." Ami was cut off as Usagi wrapped her arms around Ami and was pulled into the water. Rei looked at Minako and walked over to her with a dark look on her face. "Are you ok?" Minako nodded. "Good, now what in the hell possessed you to lead Usagi in danger like that?!" Rei whispered and she towered over Minako. Minako looked down and bit her lower lip. She didn't expect any of this to happen. "Rei, aren't you being a little harsh. I mean its Ami and they were trying to get her to lighten up." Rei glanced up at Makoto and saw the frown on her face. Pausing she looked down at Minako and noticed the girl was near tears. "Mina I. ...I'm sorry." She whispered and looked down into the water herself. Mina could have been hurt as well. "No your right, thanks for not letting me forget that . . . Mars." With that Minako shoved past Rei and headed towards the deck of the beach house. Sighing Makoto raised an eyebrow as Rei looked up at her. The silence stretched almost uncomfortably and then Rei felt even more uncomfortable. "What?!" "You and your temper pyro. That's all I'm saying." She walked past Rei and joined Usagi and Ami playing. Rei sighed, she felt bad for her outburst and none of the circumstances were Mina's fault. Looking up at the beach house she knew she would have to go and apologize but first they needed food. "Hey guys? Who's up for some fishing?"
Mina sighed and looked out at the others playing around in the water catching fish and various shellfish. The door opened and Rei walked in with a sad smile on her face. Mina felt her heart squeeze and then she turned her head away indicating that she didn't want to talk right now. Rei sighed and sat down beside the blonde moving her long curls away from her back and started rubbing in small circles. Almost instantly Minako tried to pull away and if Rei had seen her face she would have let her at the sight of the blonde's tears. Rei said nothing and Minako focused just on breathing. Wiping the tears from her eyes she let out a shaky sigh. "You were right, I should have considered that." "No I wasn't, it was foolish and stupid. I'm sorry Mina, You didn't deserve that." Rei whispered in her ear and shivers ran up and down Mina's spine. Then Rei's arms were around her and she couldn't help but treasure this moment. She felt so amazing, and smelled like lavender and smoky incense. Rei smiled down at the blonde as she unintentionally snuggled closer. "You forgive me? Mina?" Mina looked up into lavender eyes and her heart stopped. The beauty of this woman could always render her senseless. She gave Rei a small smile. "Always pyro, always." Rei grinned and stood up pulling Minako up with her and outside with the others who already has a small campfire going and Makoto began cooking the fish and crab.
As the food was finished cooking and the senshi ate and laughed the moon rose high and bright into the sky. Smiling up at the moon Usagi couldn't help but feel as if everything was perfect. Even though she knew she should she couldn't help but feel a little sad and even though she tried she couldn't help but keep the smile from dropping. She missed him, she missed him so much Mamo-chan, her prince. Minako caught her gaze and gave her a small smile and sat down beside her. "He misses you to." She whispered and Usagi glanced up at her best friend in awe. "Thank you Mina-chan." She hugged Minako tight and smiled at her. Minako smiled back and they joined in the rest of conversation and teasing. As it neared 12 Ami stood up and in an exclamation of excitement called them all over to the edge of the sand dooms and then they sat and wait until the most amazing thing happened. In split seconds at least one hundred turtles popped out of the sand and began making their way into the surf. The group stared in awe and excitement as the little guys made the harsh journey with Ami explaining everything. How the journey made them strong enough to survive the tides of the water. She also explained the danger of the crabs and small birds that would eat the baby turtles if they weren't fast enough. They sat for an hour and the last few turtles were making their way into the surf and there were only two left. "You're sure we can't help them Ami? They are struggling." Minako asked softly as she noticed the last two having problems deciding which way to go. "We can't Mina this is nature's way." "Why are they turning around and heading back to the dunes Ami?" Usagi asked and then Ami explained how the light from the stars and moon shining off the water told the turtles which way to go. She then pointed out that there were no street lights.
Suddenly a nosey crab came closer to the two turtles and if began to chase after them. The turtles weren't even facing the right way to get to safety and Minako knew that the two wouldn't survive. Usagi grabbed her hand and she squeezed her eyes. She refused to watch a life get taken and do nothing about it but right before she acted she smelt lavender and felt the soft silk of raven colored hair whips across her face. Opening her eyes she saw Rei stepped in front of the crab and protect the turtles. Ami scolded Rei but she didn't pay attention. She walked with the turtles all the way down to the water's edge. Turning she gave them a grin and Minako's heart fluttered. The group began to walk a little more until Usagi began to yawn and leaned more on Minako's shoulder. "Guy's I'm tired." Usagi said stopping. The group looked at each other than Rei stepped up beside her and grabbed her hand. "Come on I'll walk you back." The waved to the other girls and headed back towards the beach house. Minako looked on after them and before she knew it Ami and Makoto were all the way down towards the other side of the beach. Sighing Minako realized she was alone again. Then flashes of red ribbons popped up in her head and she felt the effects from keeping the mask in place slip. She turned and began walking back towards the beach house with dark thoughts in her mind.
Rei and Usagi sat down by the bonfire left unattended. The waves sounded in the back ground and the stars shined bright in the sky. Looking up Rei could see the moon shine so brightly and it made her smile. Queen Serenity might be looking down on them as they speak. Sitting down beside Usagi, the wind blew a small gust but enough to cause a chill in the air. Usagi moved closer to Rei and feeling cold herself she pulled the princess closer. The firelight cast shadows across her face and Rei was speechless. Her blue eyes shined bright and she smiled up at Rei. "Thank you Rei-chan. You always save me." Usagi whispered and snuggled closer to her best friend. She was slightly lonely without Mamoru there and Rei had noticed. "And I always will Odango, I will always be here." Rei whispered holding Usagi closer as she closed her eyes. Usagi didn't even notice the insult she was too comfortable in the Miko's arms. "Rei, why is that?" Usagi looked over her shoulder causing Rei to blush and look away. "I …" "Is it because I'm the Moon Princess? And you are my senshi? Is that the only reason you protect me?" Usagi turned more towards Rei facing her completely and Rei couldn't lie any longer.
Looking down at the sand she gave a bitter smile. "No, it was never that and I don't believe it ever will be. You saved me Usagi, and gave me a new life with new friends." Rei looked out over the beach seeing Ami and Makoto playing in the high tide with the moons light making the water glisten. "I will always be in debt for that, and my feelings for you will never change." Rei whispered the last. She looked down in shame and willed the tears not to come, but they did. Small streams of tears she never released trailed down her cheeks and Rei could not stop them. She felt warm hands pull her face up and started wiping the tears away. Usagi leaned down and kissed Rei's forehead. "There will always be a special place in my heart for Rei-chan. One that no one can ever fill. Not even Mamo-chan, but he has a special place in my heart to. One that no one can fill either. So I need you both Rei-chan. Call me selfish, but I need you both . . . no I need you all in my life. Ami, Makoto, Minako, even the outers I need you all." Usagi hugged Rei close and wiped the rest of her tears away. Rei nodded and gave Usagi a small smile. Even if this night caused her the most pain in the world, she was still glad Usagi knew. She wouldn't have to hide anymore; she wouldn't have to feel guilty for looking away when she kissed him. Usagi stood and yawned, "Good night Rei-chan. Sweet dreams." Rei nodded and said good night, looking up at the sky Rei refused to not smile. She was stubborn and knew she could not hide her emotions any longer so she was happy in the end.
Minako was heading back to the house the back way. She wasn't paying attention to anything, not the moon, the water, the campfire, and not even her princess. All she saw was dark hair covering her face, and a body snuggling closer to her calling her by another name. It seemed as if the past was out to haunt her tonight and she had no choice but to be taken back. She felt the ghost of a touch along her spine and she shivered but before she could be taken too far into her head she heard voices and decided to cut down by the path. Seeing that it was Rei and Usagi she moved closer so she could hear their words. She knew she shouldn't and she had a feeling that what she would hear would cause way more damage than she herself could conceive of. She didn't know how right she was.
Off in the distance Makoto and Ami were enjoying their walk along the beach. Somehow they always seemed to get stuck together not that they minded much. Makoto couldn't help but giggle at Ami's enthusiasm to explain and tell her everything, but her fear was even more comical. When they came to a tide pool she refused to get in do the "dangers" called shell fish and coral rock. Makoto stood in a tide pull and pulled Ami into the pond giggling at Ami's screams. She has heard so many rumors about this girl it was hard to believe any of them were true now that she knew the real Ami. Ami smiled up at Makoto with a small grin on her face, "Why are you looking at me like that?" She asked softly. The moonlight shined on her hair and made her dark eyes sparkle. Makoto looked away trying to hide the blush on her cheeks. "I don't know what you're talking about!" She said puffing out her cheeks making Ami giggle. She didn't answer instead she wrapped her arm around Makoto's and just pulled the tall brunet along with her on the beach. Even if evil came one day at least they had this moment to enjoy and with the beautiful moon shining overhead and the strong tall Jovian beside her she felt more alive and safe then fighting the most evil monster and being at home in her own bed.
Minako sat still in her room staring at the brown bag and refusing to think about its contents. Her mother was always drunk so why should it bother her? She went as far as to reach into the bag open it the bottle. Before pushing it away and crying. She promised herself she would never subcome to this. She had promised that little girl that was left alone at home because her mother had left with some guy that she would never go down this road. In a land of paradise it seemed even more tragic. She wiped away her tears and poured herself a glass but could not force it to her lips. Staring at the amber liquid she called herself all kinds of names and finally replayed the conversation outside between Rei and Usagi. Rei was in love with her . . . was in love with their princess. A shaft of pain pierced her heart and she grabbed the glass and poured it into her mouth swallowing. She immediately felt sick and ran to the bathroom after emptying her stomach she grabbed the bottle and poured it into the toilet before flushing. Walking blindly to the shower she took off her clothes and sat in the shower with the water on hot and full blast. This way her tears wouldn't show. She knew they couldn't see, and she had to act normal. All she wanted was for everyone to be happy. Looking down and her ribbionless fingers her heart ached more. Why did this happen? Tilting her head back the curtain of water washed her final tears away. A knock sounded at the door making her jump. "O-one second!" "Minako are you ok?" Rei asked softly. She felt a sudden uncomfortable emotion just a few seconds ago and all she could think about was the goddess. "I'm just great Rei-chan!" Minako opened the door partially and flashed Rei her million watt smile. Smiling back Rei nodded until she looked down and seeing Minako's thigh on the outside of the door she blushed. "Uh, well it's late. Good night Minako." "Good night . . . Rei-chan."
And that is the end of chapter four. This is so different from my usual writing style and sorry it took so long to get this out to you. I've been kinda busy and very tired well as always read and review and let me know if you like it or hate it! HAVE A BLESSED DAY AND SMILE A BEAUTIFUL SMILE!