Chapter 8
In a flash of white light, the former crimson haired phoenix knight appeared standing amongst what seemed to be a battlefield. There were signs of a great struggle, one that involved powers not known to a mere mortal. A cold sweat crept upon his face as his gaze slowly scanned his surroundings, hoping he wouldn't find that the outcome of this fight ended with his greatest fears. However, there stood a figure in the distance clad in black armor, pitch black hair flowed with the breeze of debris. "Z-Zeo…" His body became almost weak, shaking in fear, despair, and worry. He quickly continued to look around, in hopes to find his comrades still alive.
"Hm?" The figure asked, slowly turning his gaze behind him with bloodshot red eyes, piercing in his direction. "Oh, its you. I'm surprised you even had the gall to show your face after I've already made quick work of the other guardians…and the gods." He gave a smirk at his last statement.
"You're lying! The others would NOT have fallen to your hands. Let alone with the gods on our side! There's no way you could have taken them all down." He growled with venom in his voice. However, the lack of presence from the others almost confirmed there was truth to what he said.
"See for yourself…" He motioned his hand to the ground between them as the debris slowly began to clear. There were three bodies face down into the ground. "You're right, I wouldn't have been able to hold up against their combined power. Not alone anyhow. You see, it was quite simple. I was blessed with power from Metalia. The power to take fate into my own hands and seize the power I needed." He gave a dark evil chuckle.
"Everyone…no…" His sapphire eyes slowly began to swell with tears, however hard he fought them. He crept slowly to their bodies, kneeling down near them. "Come on, please, please get up." He grasped the body of the fallen tiger knight, his hand slowly propping his head up, fingers intertwining with his white hair. He looked over to the other two bodies. "Get up everyone, please. We have to fight! I-I can't do this without you all." His voice began to waver and shake.
"All I had to do was lure that Golden Dragon in to 'discuss some concerns and ideas.' He didn't see it coming. I slaughtered that so called god and took his power for myself. It awakened my fullest potential and cause me to evolve! I became a deity! I am a god! Oh how those weak pissants tried to oppose me. Even the gods joined in the battle. But thanks to Metalia and the power I absorbed, I was unstoppable!" He boasted, laughing. "This is all that remains of those lesser beings." He revealed four jewels, two in each hand. An orange phoenix shaped jewel, a white tiger head shaped jewel, blue dragon, and a green and black tortoise shaped jewel were flaunted in the former knight's direction.
"The gods…are gone…?" His voice became even more broken. His body felt petrified with despair. He fell with his hands to the ground, grasping the dirt and grass, the tears falling freely. "I should have been there for you all…I'm so sorry. I failed you all." He managed to choke out the sentence.
"Oh don't beat yourself up. The results would have been the same. At least you bought yourself a few more moments of life though. And saved me some more fun to test out my new powers. It's a pity you're so weak. This won't be a challenge at all. I have enough power in my pinky to dispose of you." He continued to chuckle.
"This is so fucked up…this is my past?" Katsuro asked, his heart racing, pouding against his chest as they all watched. "I don't want to watch anymore. Please! Can we just go back?! Make it stop!" He gripped his head with his hands, grasping his hair tightly.
"Katsuro…" Usagi quietly and softly spoke to him, her hand clenched over her heart. This was so gut wrenching to see someone having to witness things like this. They had to go through the same process when they saw their past. But even then, it wasn't this in depth and drawn out, or painful. "I think that's en-!"
"Stop doing this to him. He's seen enough. I don't get what you're trying to show him, but we've seen enough! Why are you putting him through this!?" Rei exclaimed, the fire returning to her eyes and her spirit.
"I know this is hard to witness. But this has to be done to understand everything. Please, bear with me just a bit longer. Everything will be made clear to all of you. This is all very important." The voice echoed from the jewel.
"He said he's had enough! I suggest we stop and listen to him." Makoto stated ever so sternly, her arms crossed.
"N-No. Its ok. I can take a bit more." Katsuro slowly released his hair and lowered his arms, his eyes hidden by his hair. "If it's to make sense of everything, and find out how I'm connected to all of you, then I want to know." He slowly looked up, his sapphire eyes filled with tears that were held back.
"Are you sure…?" Rei asked, her hand gently touching his arm. She jerked back, her hand moving to her heart. What was she doing? She still barely knew him. Sure, she was seeing past memories of their 'feelings' but that doesn't mean anything right? They were strangers still.
"I'm sure, thank you for your concern." He gave a slow gentle smile before turning his gaze back to the memories playing out before them.
Something clicked inside him as he kneeled before Zeo. He slowly wiped the tears from his eyes as he began to rise up to his feet. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. You could easily just erase me from existence right here and now. You've won. You're the strongest and the ultimate being it seems." His fists clenched as he turned his gaze away then turned back to him, only now, with a smirk. "But it seems like a waste doesn't it?" He asked, now attempting to lure his opponent in.
"A waste? Just what are you trying to get at? I'm giving you the opportunity to join your fallen comrades in the afterlife. Doesn't seem wasteful to me." He shrugged.
"I'm not talking about that. I mean, sure you could swipe your hand and I'd be gone in an instant. But come on, as evil as you've become, you can't tell me your warrior pride is gone can you?" He asked, pointing to Zeo. "I mean, wouldn't it be more fun to fight me man to man? I mean come on, make it a bit more challenging. I'm the last guardian. What fun would it be if you just wasted me in seconds?" He shrugged with a smirk.
"I see what you're saying. You want to be able to go out fighting don't you? It would be more interesting to play around more. Seeing you struggle would be oh so satisfying. Sure, I'll abide by your little request. Then I'll crush you after I've fully broken your spirit." He smirked. A dark fog and black lightning surrounded him, then in a flash, he stood there in black clothing, his red eyes glowing.
"Yeah, that's it. Let's reminisce some old times sparring before I decide to check out into the next life. We never did get to settle who was the best without using powers." He smirked, getting into a fighting stance.
"I hope you use this time to finish making your peace before I send you to the others…I'm going to have fun snapping and breaking every bone in your body…" He began to approach him, the two made punches, grazing each other's cheek. Zeo came back with an elbow to the crimson haired boy's back, then kneeing him in the gut.
"UGH!" He exclaimed, bent over in pain, but then swiftly rose up, headbutting Zeo into the chin, knocking him back. He then landed a blow into his sternum, then began landing more punches followed by a kick to knock him back.
"Damn! Ugh! Augh!" Zeo exclaimed, stammering backwards. "Good recovery…you've improved your down time it seems." He rubbed his chin.
"While you were sneaking off…we were hard at work training and bettering ourselves. Something you seem to lack, self-improvement. You couldn't obtain more power yourself, so you had to go find someone to give you a damn handout. Kinda pathetic if you ask me…" His sapphire eyes shot daggers at Zeo. "Cheating gets you nowhere." He wagged his finger at him.
"You arrogant little shit…" He growled, charging at him again. "I'll show you just how pathetic I am. I'll make you eat dirt like the insect you are." He landed a punch to the boy's face, knocking him down to the ground. He then stood above him; a black katana drawn. "Now then, to end this little charade. Say hello to those other weaklings…" He smirked, beginning to stab downward. But as he did, his eyes went wide. A burning sensation shooting into his body?!
"Mars! Flame Sniper!" The boy called out, shooting a blazing flame arrow straight through Zeo's right shoulder, through his back, began to stagger backwards, dropping his sword. The four jewels dropped down from his possession as well. "Sic-AYA!" He jumped up with a roundhouse kick, knocking Zeo back to the ground more.
"UUUUGGGGGWWWWAAAAHHHH!" He screamed out, yelling in pain, rolling on the ground with his hand on the wound. "What the hell?! How the fuck did you have any power!?"
"You underestimated the human spirit, and let your pride blind you." Katsuro quickly grabbed the four jewels then leaped back a few jumps. "You don't get it? Isn't it obvious? It's because I choose to accept the help of others. These weren't my only comrades, they weren't my only family." He looked up towards the moon. "You see…when you believe in the bond you have with a partner, someone that's precious to you. Then anything is within your grasp." He raised his hand to the sky then grabbed the air, making a fist.
"You were hiding power this whole time!? You deceived me! You little runt!" He yelled with venom as he stood to his feet.
"I deceived YOU!? What about what you did to my friends?! My family?! All of us?! From the very beginning, you lied to us. You used us for your own selfish gains. You didn't care about anyone but yourself! And your own selfish desire is what brings your downfall!"
Zeo transformed in a black energy fog yet again, wearing black armor with a dragon head on the chest and shoulder pads with red eyes. His wound slowly started to heal. "Just wait, I'm going to send you into oblivion!" He held his arm up, palm opened towards the phoenix knight. "Now say your last words…"
"I call upon the gods! I beseech thee! Byakko! Genbu! Seiryu! And Suzaku! Seal of the Four Gods!" He called out as he held the jewels up, they began to float before him, spinning in a circle. A large circle with glowing symbols appeared under where Zeo stood.
"Wait, what is this?!" He exclaimed as a circle formed above as well. He was entrapped within a cylinder of white light.
"This is another thing we learned while you were off sneaking around. It's a last resort technique…." He began to explain, his breath becoming short as he struggled to keep the seal up. "The downside…it comes with a pretty hefty price…" There was a strange steam like aura leaving his body. He looked up into the sky where the moon was.
"Wait, last resort? What are you doing?! You would trade your life for this?! Wait, we can rule together. With two of us as gods, no one would dare stand against us!" He became almost frantic, smashing against the wall of the energy cylinder.
"Heh…I'd never join someone like you. Not if that meant risking innocent lives…and the woman I…I'm sorry, it seems I wont be making it back there to tell you my feelings." He closed his eyes, turning his look towards the ground. "The best part is, this technique, it takes all involved and not only takes my life as tribute, but…it comes at the cost of any memories of the user, and the target. Which means, no one will even remember you. Now isn't that just grand?" He smirked.
"What do you mean?!"
"I mean, as tribute, I give my life, and all memories of our existence is erased. Which I am alright with…at least the princesses won't have to mourn our loss, nor will their beautiful hearts be filled with sadness or pain. However, that must really have you steamed. Nothing you did will even be remembered. You disappear, an enigma, nothing." His voice became stern, angry and a tint of solemn numbness. "Now. Seal of the Four Gods! I offer myself and my comrades as tribute! Take our souls, and knowledge of our existences! By the power of the gods! By the elements that hold this world in balance! I banish you from this plane!" He called out as the two circles began to close in on each other.
"No! Stop! I'll get out of here! I'll find you! All you hold dear will suffer for your foolishness!" The circle on the top began to lower down, slowly causing him to disappear. When the circles met together, there wasn't a trace left of Zeo.
"I…did it everyone." His voice was drained and exhausted, his eyes near void of any life as he slowly dropped to his knees. The jewels that were hovering before him plopped to the ground. He looked up towards the moon, his arm extended up. "I'm so..sor…sorry…" was all he could get out before hitting the ground face down with a thud. A breeze blew over the battlefield, the trees and grass calmly swayed in the wind. All was now quiet and peaceful, however, there was one outsider who remained unaffected by the memory wipe.
The wind that blew softly in one direction, now began to become drawn into a singular point, circling around. A white light began to glow in the center with the shape of a person inside, a woman. The figure had hair that was in two long ponytails on each side.
"Oh my god…is that…?" Minako gasped gazing in awe at what was taking place before her.
"My mother...Queen Serenity…" Usagi softly spoke, watching the elegant woman slowly reveal herself from the white light.
"Could it be that the Silver Crystal's power rendered her immune to the memory wipe?" Ami questioned.
"That seems to be the case." Makoto studied the scene unfolding. What could Queen Serenity possibly be doing here? Paying her respects?
Her footsteps were soft and quiet as she approached the body of the crimson-haired knight that lay before her. Her silver eyes filled with sadness, and yet, appreciation and kindness. She slowly kneeled next to the body, brushing his hair from his face gently. Tears rolled from her face and onto his. "Thank you, for all that you have done for not only my daughter and her guardian princesses, but for my people as well." She spoke softly, her voice was so caring and filled with love for someone who was almost a stranger to her. She glanced in the direction where Katsuro and the girls were, as if she almost knew they were watching.
"Mother…" Usagi whispered with sadness, the memories of her past life racing through her mind. How gentle and loving her mother was, a queen that ruled her kingdom in a just and kind way. Even showing feelings such as this to someone considered to be an outsider.
"You fought hard and bravely to keep your word to me, to Mars, and my daughter and kingdom. You did all of this knowing that you would not make it out alive, and sacrificed so much to make sure his kind of evil did not place anyone else in danger." She stood up slowly, gazing down to him, then the bodies of the others. "None of you deserved such a tragic fate such as this, it breaks my heart seeing and ending filled with such sorrow." She motioned her arm in the direction of the jewels, her palm opened; her hand began to glow white.
"What's Queen Serenity doing?" Rei asked, eyes filled with intrigue and curiosity.
"I think we all know what my mother is doing." Usagi spoke soft, her eyes locked onto her past mother.
"You don't mean-?" Minako began to ask, her eyes darting to Usagi then back.
"Its exactly what the queen did to give us this second chance at a happier life. She's going to use the Silver Crystal to allow them to be reborn again." Ami explained.
"That is correct, your queen, Queen Serenity granted the four knights the opportunity to resurrect and live their lives once more." Suzaku explained as the phoenix shaped jewel flashed with every word he spoke.
"The sacrifice you all gave today, I swear will not go without notice or reward." The jewels began to levitate and float before her hand. She could sense faint presences within the jewels. There remained residual spiritual energy left of the gods within them. "There will come a day when dark evil comes to threaten lives of the innocent, and you, my brave knights, will be there to face it." She spoke as she slowly swiped her arm in the direction of the four knights' bodies. The jewels slowly began to sink into them. "I feel a darkness will soon come for us to end our era of peace. My dear daughter and her guardians will need you all one day. When that day comes, I know in my heart and trust that they will be safe with you and Endymion." As she spoke, the bodies slowly began to fade away, leaving behind small light particles that sparkled and shimmered as they rose into the air.
The vision finally began to fade out, the last thing they saw was a loving glance from Queen Serenity, as if saying one last goodbye to everyone. "Mother!" Usagi called out, trying to reach out, but it was in vain. They found themselves back in Rei's room.
"It was after that I assume you guardians all met the Shitennou through Prince Endymion." Suzaku spoke through the jewel once more.
"It makes sense now why we have no memory of this. Using that sealing technique erased the very memories of you four from existence, except from Queen Serenity. Which I suppose is how and why we were able to view that past." Ami began putting things together in her mind, mental notes. Her hand was placed gently on her chin as spoke.
"Katsuro, how are you-?" Makoto was about to ask how he was doing after seeing that, but once they returned, it was obvious. His feelings were written all over his face.
"Zeo…" He almost growled. How could you have so much anger and hatred for someone, a being you had never even met before? This was so much to take in at once. He felt so lost and confused in all of his thoughts and emotions. Being deeply and thoroughly in love with Mars? Suffering through the betrayal of a well trusted comrade and friend, and losing everyone close to him? He gripped his head tightly, dropping to his knees. Tears? He felt tears running down his face. Why? He didn't know these people; he had no connection to anyone. Something like this was just similar to watching a drama or sad movie. Why did it hurt so intensely inside?
"Katsuro…" Usagi slowly moved beside him, kneeling down with her hand gently on his back. They had all been through this before, she of all people knew how much of a complete mental shock this must be to him. "Hey, you don't have to process this all alone. I know this is confusing. Especially when past and present memories start mixing with each other. But, you have all of us here." She smiled.
"Why? We're complete strangers. Two days ago we didn't even know about each other's existence. How can you just so easily go out of your way to care about someone like that? Someone like me? For all you know, I may have been reborn to just be complete trash." Katsuro slowly looked at her, one hand still grasping into his hair.
"That's our Usagi for you." Minako gave a friendly chuckle.
"Once she has her mind set that you're friends. You just have to accept the fact that you're stuck with her forever." Makoto joked with a shrug as Usagi shot a slight glare over to her.
"Yes, and you are not a complete stranger to us. Though our lives are very different and we are technically born as new people. To our very cores, we're the same as we were then. Our interests, our values, ideals, even personalities. Its our gift from Queen Serenity." Ami explained with a light smile.
"And your definitely, are not complete trash." Rei finally spoke, kneeling in front of him. She gently placed her hand on her cheek. The only love she really ever knew or remembered was Jadeite. It was strange and wild to think that there was someone before that. Seeing those memories though, how they were with each other, their emotions, the way they interacted seemed so natural and in sync with each other. There was this feeling deep in her heart that just knew it felt right, like she was subconsciously reaching out to him. She had to keep a cool level and logical thinking mind about all of this though. "Anyone who would risk his life fighting monsters to save someone like you did with me as Sailor Mars, is a truly noble and caring person." Her soft voice spoke.
"Rei, Usagi, everyone, I don't know what to say, or do. I'm so lost it feels like."
"Don't say anything and just, you know, stick around?" Usagi asked with a wink.
Katsuro blushed slightly, looking to the ground.
"Usagi's right, and after all, you are MY knight in shining armor aren't you?" Rei asked, giving a teasing wink. She wasn't one for dating, or boys. She definitely wasn't ready to just be with someone just because of what they were in the past. Though, after seeing them together like that, even just watching, she could feel the emotion, the love they once had. This was the present though, things were different now. The things she had been through with everyone else in this life had changed her ever so slightly. Having to face a man she once loved and fight him because of Beryl, then suffering that loss. She felt that she needed to protect her heart at least a little.
"I-Uhm, yes, it would seem so." Katsuro sounded almost embarrassed saying that, or rather just bashful. He didn't see himself as the kind of person or hero that he was in that past. Hell, the most challenging thing he faces in his life is simply getting up on time and going about his day. Somehow though, he realized that none of this was avoidable. One way or another, he would have to come to terms with everything and face it head on. He had a lot of growing that needed to be done, and unfortunately in just a short time to do so.
"Ahem…Katsuro…" The voice from the jewel spoke once more as everyone just realized and remembered his presence. "I am sorry to say, but I will not be able to join you on this journey, nor the trials you will have to face." Suzaku explained.
"Wait, why not? I need you. I don't know what I'm supposed to do, I need your guidance. Not only that, but though I still don't have all my memories, I feel you burned into my subconscious. You weren't just some god to me, nor just a mentor. You're a precious friend and ally to me. Though I can't see the memories, or remember our interactions, I feel the emotions resonate in my heart." He began to plead.
"You are strong and courageous. You always were, and by seeing you now, I know you always will be. My objective, my last duty to you and this world is complete. Zeo destroyed our bodies, but thanks to Queen Serenity, a small piece of our subconscious and spirit inhabited the jewels so we could carry out one last task to say our goodbyes and help set you forward on your journeys in this new world." He explained as a phoenix emerged from the jewel.
"There's so much more I need to learn, that you need to teach me. Please, stay and help us fight Zeo."
"You have the best people around you right here to help you learn and grow. I have and will always believe in you. I knew the very second I chose you as my knight, that you would make me proud. I couldn't have had a better partner. Be strong my young warrior…" With those final words, the flames slowly began to dwindle, and his body became transparent.
"Wait!" He reached out, but it was too late, all that remained were sparkles of light. "Suzaku…" He took a moment to wipe the tears from his eyes, and almost like a switch being flipped: "Alright, you got it, old friend. I'll give it my best no matter what." He clenched a fist and raised it up.
Usagi knew the look of someone who was just absolutely crushed inside but trying to be strong for the people around. He had them now though, whether he showed it or not, if there was ever a moment of pain or sadness, any one of them would gladly be there to lend a shoulder to lean on. "That's right. We believe in you." She nodded.
Ami looked at her watch then outside. "Oh gosh! It's late! The time really went by while we were stuck in that vision. We missed our study time tonight too."
"Woah, I didn't even realize it. It doesn't feel like its been that long. But you're right, it's nine o'clock." Minako looked at her watch. "At least tomorrow's Friday?"
"Yeah, but we have multiple tests tomorrow. That's what we were going to review tonight." Makoto stated. "I mean, I'll manage. Ami will whiz it no matter what. But you and Usagi…that's…another story." She nervously laughed.
"That's just mean." Usagi stuck her tongue out. "I am heading to Mamo's place tonight, I'll get him to help me study some." She nodded.
"I'll study a bit when I get home."
"You BOTH know that's a damn lie." Rei's eyes glared daggers at them.
"I mean…it MIGHT not be." Usagi nervously chuckled.
"Now that you say it…hey, Ami, your family wouldn't mind if I came over the night and gave a quick look over stuff with you would they?" Minako asked.
"They're going to be out late working, so it should be ok. But we need to hurry if we are going to with how late it is."
"Minako staying with Ami? Well, at least that's ONE of the dynamic duo that'll show up on time, even if by default." Makoto teased.
"Mamo will make sure I get there on time."
"Well, it's been an interesting day/night. Everyone be sure to get home safe and get plenty of rest. See you all in the morning." Ami politely bowed as Minako waved goodbye as well. They headed out from Rei's room and out the front doors.
"Mamo is picking me up, Mako, you want me to have him drop you off?"
"That would be amazing, thank you." She nodded before the two looked to Rei and Katsuro.
"I'm glad everything turned out alright. Though it's not what we were expecting in getting to know you, I'm glad we could all learn more about each other today. Make it home safe and get yourself some well-deserved rest alright?" Makoto waved. "See you tomorrow, Rei." She went on outside to wait for Usagi.
"Rei, if you need to talk or anything…" Usagi began to say.
"I know, I'll call, thank you Usagi." Rei nodded.
Usagi got close to Katsuro to whisper into his ear so Rei wouldn't hear her. "Rei's an amazing woman and a lucky catch. Do anything to make her sad and we'll all hunt you down." She tried to sound threatening. "So yeah! Don't forget that okay?" She exclaimed happily as she waved. "See you both tomorrow, goodnight!" She then rushed out from the room and out the front door.
"Uhm, what did she just tell you?" She quirked an eyebrow.
"She uh, let me borrow a notebook to try and catch up some. It had-" 'Think fast think fast think fast, oh! I got it!' "A love note to her boyfriend in it she wrote. And she pretty much told me if I said anything I'm dead." He laughed nervously.
"Yeah, sounds about right for her…" Rei sighed. "Hey, Katsuro? I think you were trying to tell me something last night before everything happened and you passed out. Do you mind if I ask what it was?" She comfortably crossed her arms and leaned against the wall.
"Huh? Oh, right. That." He was going to ask her out on a date last night, but given the circumstances now, was that such a good idea to do or bring up? Then again, after everything they just saw, maybe it was only natural to do? No, that's too much at once to process. Or would it factor more convenient with him in this situation? Ugh, decisions! He began to go back and forth in his mind trying to decide what to do or say. He didn't realize just how obvious he was being.
Rei watched with confusion as he began holding his hands up like he was weighing things, then his eyes darting from left to right, scratching his head then lifting his index finger as if about to speak then lowering it, and moving it to his chin as if pondering something. His behavior suddenly became just erratic. No, that wasn't the word, nervous. There was definitely something he was worried about or nervous about saying or getting out. But what could it possibly be that he couldn't just put it out there? "You don't have to be so nervous or uptight. Just lay it out and be open with me alright?" She cocked her head curiously to the side to see what he would say next.
'Just be open with her…alright, I can do this.' "Rei…I WANT TO TAKE YOU OUT ON AN AMAZINGLY AWESOME DATE SOMETIME AND GET TO KNOW YOU!" He finally blurted it out, eyes closed as he bowed at her.
"EH!?" Her eyes were full of surprise and shock. That was the furthest thing away from what she thought he would be asking. Her cheeks turned red, she stuttered to try and find the right words. What WERE the right words? They still were trying to process everything they just learned, and he wants to go on a date with her? Wait, no. If this was what he was trying to ask her that night, that was before all of this. Which means his interest was in her as Rei, the normal average schoolgirl, not Sailor Mars or Princess Mars from the past or that he met during that attack. Her hands went to her cheeks as she turned around red and flustered, trying to think.
"I wanted to ask you last night. I'm sorry if this is sorta, sudden. Honestly, something about being around you felt so comfortable and natural. Given all we just learned and witnessed, it kind of explains why now. But that isn't why I want to. I admit I'm envious of my past self. I know that sounds weird. The past is the past though, I don't believe we have to follow a set script for our destiny or fate. Maybe those feelings were so strong within my heart and soul that they transcended time to draw me back to you somehow." He was trying to think of the right way to put it, but it was all so strange and difficult. He was already bad enough when it came to talking to or interacting with girls.
Rei had this way of being able to read people, to understand how they think, how they feel, and act. Call it spiritual intuition from being a shrine maiden. She knew he was being sincere, and it was understandable to now have all this confusion tossed on top of things with these memories. "Hm? So, what are you saying?" She simply asked.
"I think what I'm trying to say is…my interest was in Rei to begin with, you. Not knowing about anything to do with Mars or that you were her. It just felt, right talking to you. And honestly, you did spend a whole night making sure I was ok and took care of me. I'm just not used to that sort of kindness. I'd be lying if I said that seeing how in to you I was in the past and how just, YOU, made me a better person wasn't a strong variable in how I feel now comparatively. I don't know really what I was like in the past, but knowing me now. I couldn't have POSSIBLY gathered up the strength and courage to be able to go through that. I'm pretty sure I would have had a complete mental breakdown seeing everyone gone and just become an emotionless husk." He tried to laugh nervously.
"Katsuro, I see what you're trying to say, but I don't think-"
"Please, let me finish." He held his hand up, taking a deep breath. He honestly didn't understand why, but there was just this feeling, this force deep inside him pushing him to do this. Like it was a life-or-death sort of matter where he could not allow himself to fail. "Look, I know nothing is certain. We may end up not being compatible in this life. However, I do know this, there is a burning in my heart right now that I have NEVER felt in my life. Like the moment we met, some puzzle piece was popped in to complete it. All I want, is a chance to know what kind of amazing woman fills any version of me with so much strength and certainty that I can somehow pull off the impossible in the face of despair. I want to know that feeling. I want to know you, the good, the bad, all of it." He finally looked her in the eyes.
She studied his movements as he spoke, with her violet eyes, she gazed into his as if reading his feelings to know they were true. She would honestly be lying if she said she wasn't strongly affected by living those memories and seeing just how they were together in the past. Then there were thoughts of Jadeite, and how she was in love with him. Those feelings, those emotions, she knew and remembered firsthand. She couldn't remember any of this or feeling those emotions for him. It was just like watching some tragic and sad movie where she was playing another character or something. Admittedly, she was afraid. What if things went completely wrong? Or what if she got hurt or hurt him? This life that she and the others lived was a dangerous one.
"I-I'm sorry. I really shouldn't have overstepped so soon. I think I'm just really being hit hard after seeing all of that. I guess I'm being a bit to emotional right now." He gave a nervous chuckle. "I'll let you get some rest. You probably need it as much as I do." He rubbed the back of his head as he turned to leave. 'Damnit, what is wrong with me? I've never done anything like this. Why can't I have more self-control and hold back?' He thought to himself, but as he took two or three steps, a hand grasped his arm.
"Please, don't go yet." Her voice this time was quiet, her cheeks a light red with a certain shyness in her eyes as she glanced away slightly.
"Huh? Oh, ok. What's wrong?" He asked, then realizing she was still holding her hand on his arm, he blushed.
"It's hard to really explain, and complicated. Just like most aspects of my life, of our lives. I have very mixed feelings about all of this, and its confusing. I'm going to be honest with you though." She looked back into his sapphire eyes. Something about this time though made her feel different somehow, a familiarity in her very soul that seemed to just relax her. "Not being able to remember you after you were gone. We all fell in love with the four Shitennou, Endymion's knights. We suffered a tragic end with Metalia's evil, mind-controlling people of earth to attack us and her army. We were reborn like you by Queen Serenity. Queen Beryl, like your Zeo, was under Metalia's control and she had brainwashed the Jadeite and the others into being her knights and turned them against us.
"That happened after we were gone? I'm so sorry…and you remember all of that. That sounds so…hard and cruel…I'm sorry we weren't there to-" Rei placed her index and middle fingers to his lips to stop him.
"They died in that battle about four years ago. They were able to come to their senses and try to fight back against Beryl. Our memories were all back of how we loved them in the past. We still felt that then and held on to those feelings even after. I just want you to understand what you're getting into if we do go through this. That's my concern. This isn't some normal high school kind of relationship. What we do, puts us in dangerous situations that any second, one of us may not make it back from. As you and all of us just witnessed." She quietly explained. "The others and I also have a mission to Usagi, to Serenity as her guardians. Just like in the past, protecting her and serving her comes as a priority to us. Before anything. Do you really want to have to deal with all of that when you could find a normal person and be happy with?" There was more she wanted to say, but that was the basic gist of the situation.
"Rei…" He closed his eyes for a moment, processing everything she told him. He tried to put himself in her shoes so to speak and think of how she must have felt losing Jadeite, how it's been for her and the others to deal with this kind of life. Then slowly, he grasped her hands in his. "Look, I may be new to all of this. Powers, demons, secret lives, and…the loss of the ones we love. Nothing you have stated has changed my mind. I understand your duty to her, more than you would actually think right now. Honestly, I would gladly offer up my chance at a normal life to protect her and make it my mission as well to serve her as a knight and keep her and you all safe. I'll take it all, the battles, the monsters, keeping each other safe, the pain and sadness, everything if it means getting to know you, and being by your side."
Her eyes gave a hint of confusion, but also being in an emotional state, she could feel tears starting to swell. How, after even seeing the pain and loss of battle, after watching himself even die for her already, could he POSSIBLY be so willing to give his life for all of this again?! Surely, he had to just be saying this only to score a date with her right? It would be so cruel if that was the case. But if he isn't, and if he was sincere about every word he said, could it possibly be so wrong to give in to her heart? Just this once?
"I'm truly sorry for what happened with Jadeite, I know that had to be so hard and painful to suffer through. I'm glad though at the end, he and the others were able to fight it to try and protect you all. I'm grateful to him. I'm not going to promise I'll never end up like that, and I don't want you to ever forget him. But what I can promise and swear to you is that as your knight, no matter whether or not we end up together, I'll always be by your side. And I suppose I'll just have to rely on my sheer dumb luck as an agent of absolute random chaos and destruction to manage to always survive." He joked with a laugh at the end, winking at her.
At this point, how could she possibly put up an argument against all of that? She slowly slipped her hands out of his to wipe her eyes, and in her normal Rei-like fashion and fiery attitude, turned around, her back to him.
"Rei?" He asked, worried, making an attempt to raise his arm and reach out to her.
"It's late, you really should get home and rest. Your body has been through a lot." Her voice was just normal, as if ignoring everything that was said and happened. "And Katsuro…? Saturday, noon, we'll meet at the park and I expect you to plan out this 'Amazingly awesome date' And you better not disappoint me." She gave a glance over her shoulder as a relieved and happy smile slowly crept up onto his lips.
"You got it, shall be fit for such an elegant lady of your high caliber." He gave a bow with his arm across his chest.
"Good to know. I'll walk you out." She gave a small smile to him, it was real and sincere, but at the same time, had other emotions behind it. For now however, she just had to leave it to the future to see what comes of this. When they got to the door, she opened it to let him out then stopped. "Hey, thank you for all of that. Hearing those words really meant a lot to me." She quietly spoke.
"You don't have to thank me for something like that. I just spoke from the heart and gave you my honest thoughts. I guess I'll see you after school tomorrow with the others. Goodnight." He gave a gentle wave.
"Goodnight don't forget to at least text me and let me know you made it home ok. Just so I don't worry about you being out slaying demons and conquering evil. I don't want to see you on the late-night news, alright? Todays had enough excitement." She gave one last teasing jab at him then waved back as she closed the door to go to bed herself.
'As wild and insane as today has been, along with a roller coaster of emotions. I can actually say, I'm excited to see where this leads and what the future holds for once. Rei…I'll do my best for you, no matter what.' He thought as he walked under the light of the full moon to go home and crash for the night.