Chapter 3
Rei had made it back home before the others, just in time to clean up and change clothes after that fight. 'Well, that answers my question from this morning. Definitely was a vision.' She changed into a red blouse and some jeans before getting their usual study room set up and ready for everyone.
She couldn't help but to think of how strong that monster was, but also that strange boy. He was just a normal civilian, yet he managed to hold his own against the creature. It was just strange to her that someone like that would be putting their life on the line like that for one of the Senshi. Usually people just run to get away while they're fighting. "I hope everyone got to him in time, and that he's ok…" Rei quietly said to herself looking to her ankle that he wrapped to keep the swelling down.
"Rei! We're here!" Usagi exclaimed as they walked into the room. "Your foot! Are you ok?!" Usagi sped over to Rei to check her over. "You told us you got injured over the communicator when Katsuro helped you get away. We were worried." She hugged her friend tightly.
"Yes, I'm fine Usagi. Just a bit banged up is all." Rei let a sharp exhale out, closing her eyes then opening. "Wait, Katsuro? Do you know him?" Curiosity filled her voice. They were on a first name basis? How come she had never heard about this person? How long did they know him?
"Actually! We met him today. He's a new student in our class!" Minako blushed slightly. "And…he asked me out. It happened kind of sudden, but he's my…boy…friend." She shyly looked away then laughed.
"What?! B-B-B-BOYFRIEND?!" Rei was surprised at that fact. Especially with it happening so soon in one day after they met the guy.
"Uh huh!"
"Yeah, those two were passing notes back and forth all day apparently. We were going to try working on a plan to set them up, but they pulled one over on us and flipped our scheme back on us." Makoto sighed then laughed.
"Yes, and he's coming by here. Minako invited him…I hope that's ok. We can help him get caught up with everything in class since he is new." Ami stated.
"Uh, yeah. That'll be ok. I almost wish it was with us transformed so I could properly thank him for what he did." Rei stated as she prepared another spot for him to sit.
"I've gotta say. It was a surprising sight showing up to face that creature then seeing him trying to fight against that thing. It tells me there's a lot to learn about him." Minako almost got quiet in thought till a knock at the door snapped her out of it.
"Come on in." Rei stated as the door opened, Katsuro waved to everyone.
"Hey…I'm sorry I ran so late here. You would NOT believe the wild shit that happened to me. Like have I got a story for you guys." His appearance was seemingly exhausted, you could tell he picked clothes out to cover some of the bruising, scratches, and other marks from the fight. Well, to all of them simply because they knew what happened.
"You must be this Katsuro I've been hearing so much about." Rei gave a friendly smile as she stood up to bow and greet him. "I'm Rei Hino. I go to T.A. Girls' Acadamy. We all met outside of school. Even though I go to a separate school, we still get together to study or hangout. Its nice to meet you."
"Oh yes, nice to meet you too. And I am Katsuro. Katsuro Takahashi. Thank you for having me over as well." He bowed back to her. As he did, he noticed her ankle was wrapped in a fabric similar to his jacket. He quickly shook the thought from his mind however, besides, it had to be some silly coincidence.
"Here sit next to me." Minako blushed, motioning him to a spot by her. "And tell us this wild story of yours. I'm sure its going to be an epic tale of how you took time out of your day to help a poor old woman across the road! Or bravely faced the elements to save a cat from a tree! Or even, vanquishing an evil that threatened to destroy the world!" As usual, Minako was one for the more theatrical dramatic approach.
"Yeah, you did get here pretty late. Are you alright? Did something happen?" Makoto asked, unpacking a few notes and pencils from her bag.
"To be fair though, we got caught up in handling some things as well. So we only arrived minutes before you." Ami stated.
"Actually Minako, you kind of hit the nail on the head with that last guess." He sort of nervously laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "I uh, kind of got attacked by these strange creatures."
"What?! Oh my god, you're not hurt or anything are you?" Minako acted surprised, as did the others.
"Creatures? So, demonic in nature?" The raven haired girl inquired, raising an eyebrow with curiosity. Of course she had been there at least for part of that so she knew. But it would help to know of any helpful information that took place before hand. "Did they just attack? Or say anything specific to you?"
"I'm a bit banged up. Nothing too serious, I promise. The stronger one said something, I'm guessing the others were more so like henchmen or minions. It wanted my life energy. I didn't know what that meant. After that, they all just came at me. It was like something from a Saturday morning special. Like a sentai or what Sailor Moon and the others fight. I was honestly terrified."
"That sounds so awful. What did you do?" Usagi questioned, her hand over her broach and heart.
"At first, I wanted to run and flee. Then instead of flight, I guess fight mode was more triggered in my mind. Just like a switch being flipped, I went from fear to just anger and adrenaline. So, like the moron I am, I tried to take them on. Hehe…" A nervous laugh left his lips. "I was doing pretty well holding my own till they all ganged up on me at once and the boss creature blasted me with some beam. It felt like something was being pulled out of me. I don't know how to explain it." His hand went over his chest.
"Katsuro, that's dangerous. You shouldn't have tried to take all of that on. You could have been killed." Minako's voice had a stern reprimanding tone to it.
'He was targeted for a reason. From what we've faced though, if it was just life energy, it wouldn't have felt like something was physically being pulled from him. He would have just been drained and left on the ground.' Usagi's thoughts began to race as she looked to Rei with a What do you think of this? Kind of look.
Rei gently shook her head in a way that said I don't know. Her arms crossed, listening to more of the story. It sounded like there was more than just an energy drain about to happen, which raised suspicions for the raven-haired guardian. Was this just a one-time targeted attack? Would they be back for him specifically? Would they just jump to whatever or whoever the next target was?
"I'm sorry Minako. I know we just met today and everything. I don't want to worry you. I guess I just didn't want to be taken down without at least a fight or struggle." He gave a shrug. "But then just as whatever it was drawing out of my chest was about to emerge, then BAM! A flaming arrow came out of nowhere and pierced through one of it's wings. It caught the minions off guard too. I was able to break free and take one or two down. And just up the hill, there she stood. Sailor Mars!" He exclaimed.
"Sailor Mars huh?" Rei asked with a slight smirk. Sure, she was used to being a Sailor Guardian, but it was always kind of cool to hear yourself being talked about in the news or by people in passing. Or stories of sightings.
"So, did Sailor Mars save you? I'm guessing you did the smart thing and let the professional handle it and got away right? RIGHT?" Minako did give a bit of a glare, squinting at him. She knew the answer, but still, it was kind of funny just to watch him squirm a bit.
"Well, actually. What had happened was…" Katsuro began to stumble over his words.
"You…decided to stay and fight didn't you?" Makoto asked, though she couldn't really blame him. Even if she was in that position, with no powers or anything, she would have fought back to get her own bit of revenge.
"I…yeah, that. I did that." He hung his head down in guilt. "BUT! BUUUUUT! It ended up being a good thing I stayed. You see, Mars took on the main big boss creature. I went after some minions. They didn't seem that tough. I saw Mars get caught and smashed into the ground pretty bad." He clasped his hands together in his lap. "It looked bad, she was in danger." His voice went more solemn and quiet.
"So you decided to put yourself in danger and try to play hero? After seeing someone better equipped for that situation being overpowered. You go charging in don't you?" Rei questioned. Her voice was stern, almost like she was getting onto him for it. Well, it was Rei, of course she was. Yes, she was thankful he helped her, and it could have ended up much worse for her. But if her carelessness had gotten someone else injured or worse, she could never forgive herself.
"Yeah, that's right." He nodded. "But, if we don't help our heroes that fight so hard to protect us, then do we even DESERVE their protection? Powers or no, if I see someone that needs help in front of me, then no matter what, I'm going all in for them. I don't care if they have powers and if I'm facing monsters." His voice was full of determination and certainty. It was a tone, that you know there was no changing his opinion or views.
"So, even if you might die with all the odds against you, you would never leave anyone behind? No matter what the cost?" Makoto asked.
"That's right. I'd do it again honestly. They put their lives on the line all the time for the world. For everyone. We need to support the heroes that keep us safe."
"You seem to be fairly wise and matured." Ami's voice piped up from behind a book she had been looking over while listening. Of course, she was multitasking and already getting a start on class work and test prep.
"What happened next?" Usagi was intrigued by the story. They really hadn't heard anything that had happened taking place before they showed up.
"Well, I landed a good kick to the face on that bird brain. Mars was barely conscious, so I knew I had to help her get out of there. I got her propped up on me and started to try getting away, but the creature blasted me right dead center on my back. Burned like hell. We took a tumble and I kept trying to get us up again as the creature made its way to me. Then POOF! Pocket sand!" He laughed.
"Pocket sand?" Minako blinked in confusion.
"Yeah, I just grabbed some dirt and blinded the asshole. It was just enough of a distraction for us to get away. We hid and I saw she was badly injured. I'm sure she could have kept fighting like that, but I figured it would be more efficient to help her get away and call her team for back up. I wrapped her injured ankle and told her to go get them and that I could hold them up and distract them till help came. She was reluctant to, but finally got her to go."
"And you took on that monster and all those minions by yourself?" Usagi was honestly really into this story. It wasn't often a regular person helps one of them out then manages to survive a full on assault like this.
"I mean, to be fair, you can probably throw it up to just being complete dumb luck. Also, a lot of it has to do with my chaotic unpredictability." He busted out laughing heavily. "Not long after the other Sailor Guardians showed up and saved my ass. With good timing too. I'm pretty sure a second longer and I would have been bird feed."
"Damn, yeah, it sounds like you had a pretty eventful afternoon." Makoto wide eyed with her arms crossed just looked at him almost in disbelief. Even though she knew all of that was true, it was still very hard to believe it happened.
"Katsuro. As of today, we started dating. Which means you can't go doing dangerous stuff like that. I JUST now got a boyfriend in high school, do NOT ruin this for me!" Her tone was at first sweet and concerned, and then switched gears to her usual eccentric self.
"Yikes! Ok ok ok. I promise, I won't go fighting the forces of evil again." He joked, sighing.
Ami placed her book down and sighed. "I've got everything written down. Shall we all go over all the lessons now?"
"Oooooor, can we copy everything? Pleeeeaaaase? Just this one last time? With everything that happened, I'm sure our poor exhausted new friend could use a break." Usagi pleaded, but of course it was more so because she didn't want to do schoolwork now.
"Actually, to be honest, I'm totally fine right now. I need to get caught up to speed where our class is currently. So lay it on me!" He said to Ami as Usagi groaned.
Rei was distracted in thought about the vision and this whole encounter. With a deep inhale and exhale she looked up to everyone at the table. "Yes, lets crack into our books. Story time is over." Sternly she glared to Usagi, knowing full well how her tendencies were when it came to schoolwork.
Makoto had been doing a bit of work next to Ami while engaging in the story just because she wanted to stay caught up with how Ami worked. That, and it was going to take time to really break things down for Usagi…and Minako. "Usagi, you need to stop trying to get out of studying every time we do this." She sighed then chuckled lightly.
Katsuro didn't have books just yet, so this was an opportunity for Minako to be close to him sharing a book. "Well, if we must still study. I suppose I can endure whatever may come. I guess you'll just have to share books with me and look on to keep up." She winked before moving close to him so they could both see. "I hope this isn't…too close." Her voice changed to a quiet and sweet tone. She was leaned in close to him, so that he was looking over her shoulder.
"Uh…um…n-n-not at all." He picked up a pencil with a new notebook full of blank pages to write on.
'Ooooo sneaky sneaky Minako.' Usagi watched from across the table. 'I need to go see Mamo after this. There's so much to tell him. And he's been so busy lately, I miss him…'
Some time passed as they touched up a bit on every subject, it was just enough to prepare Katsuro for where they were now academically and to get them ready for up coming tests in the next week. It began getting late as Makoto yawned and stretched.
"I'm beat. I still need to get home and do some meal preparations for lunches." She rubbed her eyes as Ami looked up at the clock.
"We did cover a good bit of material with the time we had. And it is late. It would be a good idea to call it a night. We have to be up for school in the morning anyways." Ami began packing up.
Rei began to pick up and organize the room, Makoto began to help as well. "At least its almost the weekend. It was nice meeting you Katsuro." Rei glanced over as she cleared the table.
"Oh yes, it was nice meeting you as well! I'm glad my first week was coming in at the halfway point and not a full week." He laughed, standing up and helping Minako up.
"Katsuro…would you be a dear and walk me home?" Minako asked sweetly, gazing up into his eyes.
'She's really laying it on thick, isn't she?' Makoto couldn't help but to laugh at the sight.
"Oh, sure. No problem. Yeah, after today I'd want to make sure you're safe getting in." He fumbled for words at first, just being caught off guard by her sudden sweet tone.
"I'm going to go by Mamo's place! I'll see you all tomorrow!" And with that, Usagi was out the door and rushing to go see her love.
"I got a taxi arriving to get home. Mako, want to join me? You can get dropped off at your place on the way." Ami offered
"Yeah, thanks. I will. Rei, Minako, Katsuro. See you guys tomorrow. Minako, let us know you get home safe ok? Not that we don't trust you Katsuro, its just—"
"Oh no no no, I totally understand. Always make sure your friends let you know they make it safe."
"Thank you for understanding." With that Makoto and Ami waved and said their goodbyes, heading out and down the shrines stairs.
"Thanks again for letting me join you all here and having me over." He politely bowed to Rei. It was more so an excuse to do one thing, sneak a look at her foot. Most likely, this wasn't Sailor Mars' true identity. It was still a fun thought and intriguing mystery. That cloth looked exactly like what he tore from his jacket. Then there was also the fact that there were five guardians today, and there's five of them here. 'Well gang…it looks like we may have a mystery on our hands…'
Rei took notice of how he was acting, and his eyes. She glanced to her foot where her ankle was wrapped. 'If I had known this was who was coming, I would have taken more precautions and changed the wrapping. I don't like the way he's studying me like that.' Her heart raced, growing more nervous. Seeing him standing back up straight, she instantly felt relieved. "It's no problem. It was nice meeting you. You be good to Minako, you don't want to see what happens to people that mess with one of us." She gave a quick death glare.
His eyes went wide and his body tense. "Oh, yes. Definitely. I would not dream of hurting her or making her sad. Leave it to me!" He gave a salute. 'Why the hell did I salute?!'
Minako chuckled before taking his hand. "Come on, lets get going before we get a lecture from mom." She teased.
"Be safe you two. Don't get attacked again alright?" As they left, Rei closed the door and began to lock up everything for the night.
Katsuro and Minako began to walk together down the stairs leading to the shrine to the sidewalk, the night sky was clear and full of stars, the moon full and glowing brilliantly. He glanced over to her only to see how her hair seemed to glow in the moonlight, and her blue eyes lit up. "Something up?" She asked, seeing him quickly look ahead and away from her.
"Oh, uh, no. Just. You really look gorgeous…" He almost mumbled the last part. He wasn't really used to this kind of stuff. In fact, he had never had a relationship before. His heart raced being alone with her, walking by her side like this. What does one do in these situations?!
"Oh, thank you…" She replied, her cheeks full of color with a content and happy smile on her lips. She had dated guys before, nothing lasted of course because of her busy double lifestyle. Even so, most of the guys were far different. They were always either too full of themselves and arrogant, or like a typical high schooler, just wanting a higher body count or dating around. Something was different with him. She wasn't quite sure what all it was, but one thing was for sure. She wanted to see where this went and learn everything about him. She slowly took her hand and brushed it up against his, hinting to him.
Feeling her soft, warm hand against his like that, he understood what she was hinting at. He may be dense when it comes to romance, but there is obvious moments like this he could pick up on. His hand slowly grasped hers, their fingers interlocked with each other. She moved closer to him, feeling his warmth.
"Hey, Katsuro. I know we jumped into this dating thing. Mostly to get one over on my friends. Even so, I…I want to take this seriously. I want to know you, all of you. I don't know how to explain this, but deep down, I feel this strange sense of security. That I can trust you. I'm talking nonsense, I'm sorry." She looked away, her face red, blond hair covering over her eyes. What was she saying? This was a strange feeling for her.
"Hey, you're not talking nonsense. I get it. You say we jumped into this, but honestly, I don't know any different or what the norm is. Believe it or not, you're kind of, the first girl I've dated." He got nervous. "But I want to know all of you as well. I really hope to build something together with you. Its been an interesting day. I've met a stunningly beautiful girl and have the honor of being able to start dating her. I've met some pretty cool friends too. I definitely look forward to what the future holds." He smiled as they continued to walk.
"This is my place. I'll be ok from here." She said as they stopped. She figured like most guys he would want to try kissing her as soon as possible. She was used to it honestly. She turned to him, closing her eyes slowly and started to move towards his lips.
His index finger gently set upon her soft lips to stop her. "Hey, lets take it a bit slow. I don't want to rush something like that. Especially not a first kiss." He quietly told her as she moved back slowly, surprised, a little hurt at the same time.
"Do you not want to kiss me?" Quietly she asked, gazing up to his sapphire eyes. "Did I do something wrong?"
"No, trust me, you haven't done anything wrong. I want nothing more than to just kiss those beautiful lips. I don't want you to feel like you have to though because of past experiences. Let's get to know each other more, so we can make it a moment to really remember." He smiled gently at her.
Her eyes watered up, he really was different from most guys. "Alright, lets wait then." She smiled back at him. Her eyes widened though as he wrapped his arms slowly around her, pulling her close to hug. "I will leave you with this though." He whispered to her ear.
Minako felt shivers go down her spine and goosebumps all over from him whispering. "Uh huh…" Was all she could whisper back out, almost dazed. "So, I'll see you at school in the morning."
"Yeah, see you then. Have a good night." Smiling, he waved to her, watching her walk inside. Taking in a deep breath then letting it out, he gazed up into the sky with content. This had been some day. Despite being attacked by monsters, a moment like this made it worth it. "Time to head home." With that, he began his walk down the side walk.
