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, Katsuro. He was just a normal guy, 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. She paused for a moment, just remembering his touch and how much care he showed towards her.

"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. "How is he? He was already injured when he rushed to keep those things away from me. Please tell me he wasn't hurt real bad." There was worry in her voice. She didn't get like this about strangers, but with just the short encounters she had today with him, there was just something about him that was different, that stood out.

"Don't worry, he's alright. He took a bit of a beating, but he seemed more excited about coming here, probably to see the 'stunningly gorgeous girl' he ran into today." She teased, laughing.

"What?! H-He said that?" Rei became flustered all of a sudden as she looked away.

"Yep! When he was explaining what happened. After we saw it was your ID, I figured I'd just help grant his wish. So I put your number in his phone, and then invited him over after I sent that message." She giggled. "And he gets to come hang out with new friends."

"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. Though, all of them knew what happened.

"Please, tell me it didn't involve smashing into anymore people today." Rei chuckled lightly. "Usagi messaged me earlier today and told me about the run in you had with these two just after what happened with us." She winked at him. "Oh, and that reminds me that there's something we need to do." She went into her bag and grabbed his ID.

"Oh, right." He grabbed Rei's out of his pocket, then exchanged them. "And no, it didn't…well, sort of. I mean, I guess in a way, you COULD say there was a slight, tiiiiiiny bit of smashing involved?" He gave a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his head. When she went towards her bag, he could have sworn he saw something wrapped around her ankle and foot. He quickly shook the thought for now, however.

"Oh?" Rei quirked an eyebrow in amusement to how he was going to tell this story.

"Yeah, what happened to you? You did seem a little exhausted when you got here." Makoto asked, crossing her arms.

"Yeah, things got a bit…out of hand and crazy this afternoon. These weird creatures came out of nowhere and attacked me. "

"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 beforehand. "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.

'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?

"But then just as whatever it was drawing out of my chest was about to emerge, then WHOOSH! This flaming arrow came out of nowhere at the creature 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. . I looked back to where it came from and there was Sailor Mars! She even did the whole catchphrase and pose, then came down to fight the monster. But there were so many foot soldiers.

"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." He looked over to Rei after mentioning the ankle. As that statement left his lips, he noticed her trying to move her foot out of sight.

"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.

"Really now? I bet you were quite heroic." Rei spoke up. She had to admit, as mad as she was that he didn't run when she told him to, she was thankful he did what he did. If it hadn't been for him, who knows what that creature would have done to both of them? 'I wish there was some way I could thank him. AND scold him for not listening.'

"Sooooo? Which Sailor Guardian is your favorite?" Usagi asked, nudging him. She was hoping for a certain answer from him.

"My favorite? Well, hopefully it's not bias because she saved me, but I did get some one on one time with her. So, I feel pretty lucky to have experienced that. I'm going to have to say Sailor Mars."

Rei could feel herself starting to blush, she looked away to try hiding it by writing in her school book.

'Perfect.' Usagi thought, looking over to Rei's reaction. "Mars? Really? Why's that?"

"Well, for one, her fire powers are awesome. I'm kind of a pyro myself." He laughed.

"And is that the only reason?" Rei sort of chimed in, her voice filled with amusement and keeping a straight face.

"No, that's not all. The way she fought was amazing, she was fierce and so strong willed. You could just see the determination shining in her beautiful deep violet eyes. Then, when I was helping her, and taking care of her injury…I could just see an entirely different side of her. She had this shy and vulnerable moment. I'm not saying she was weak and frail whatsoever. I meant, its one of those moments that lets you know…that they're human too. They have to be so tough and fearless to save lives so everyone feels safe. She's amazing. I don't think I could ever do something like that." There was a light chuckle that cut through his serious tone.

"You think she has beautiful eyes?" Rei asked, gently brushing her hair behind her ear so he could see her eyes. She had to admit, this did seem like a good moment to catch him off guard and tease him some. Though, the way he spoke about her…even though it wasn't HER right now but her alter ego in a way, she felt her heart flutter. It was kind of sweet to hear.

He looked into her eyes, realizing her eyes were violet. He gulped a bit. "Y-Yes, kind of like how yours are." His voice had a hint of nervousness to it.

The others giggled at how uncomfortable Katsuro was starting to look.

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 with how he spoke about her. Then thoughts 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.

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 in a less crazed and rushed manner, Katsuro." Rei teasingly jabbed at him. She then made a step in his direction, accidentally using her injured foot first. "Ah!" She yelped with pain then stumbled forward, falling.

"I got you!" He dove forward, catching her in his arms. "Are you alright? Are you hurt from this morning?" He asked. "It looked like you hurt your foot. Let me take a look at that for you." His words were filled with concern. 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…'

She turned red when he caught her, her hands holding onto his arms, his hands placed on her back as he held her. The side of her face was against his chest, she could feel his heart beating. Then she heard him offer to see if her foot was ok. "Oh! Uh, no, no. That's perfectly fine. I'm ok. I just tripped on a loose board or something." She was flustered, shaking her head and waving her hands as she moved back.

"Oh, ok. Just making sure you were alright." He rubbed the back of his head.

Everyone began to say their goodbyes not long after and head out.

"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.

"Hey, Usagi wait! My place is on the way. I'll walk with you. See ya tomorrow!" She waved to Katsuro and Rei as she scurried off to catch up with Usagi.

"I guess that means I should get going as well. I'm so crashing hard when I get home. My body is honestly starting to feel it now." He joked, making a few stretches. "Thank you for having me over with everyone. And sorry again for this morning."

"Don't apologize, you're totally fine." She waved. In all seriousness, they were both able to be here in good health because of the way he acted during that crisis this afternoon. "You know…I bet wherever she is right now, Sailor Mars is very grateful for what you did. It sounds like you acted very bravely." She added. "And don't worry about thanking me. You have my number, and you're welcome here anytime." She smiled. 'Oh no, that sounded too forward and flirty.'

"I still feel bad about it though." He heaved a sigh. "You really think so? I'm honestly just glad I could make a difference in that moment. "Oh, yeah…I do." He let out a nervous chuckle. "Well, I suppose I'll be…seeing you around." He began to walk out the door then stopped. He looked up to the sky, taking a deep breath, he turned back around. "Hey…Rei?" He was about to ask a question, but suddenly he felt an immense pain in his chest. His eyes went wide with pain and shock. "ARGH!" He yelled out, wrapping his arms around himself, his body collapsing to his knees.

"Oh no! Katsuro!" She rushed to him, kneeling down in front of him. "What's wrong?!" Worry filled her eyes as she watched him curled up in what seemed to be excruciating pain.

"M-My…chest! GAAAAH!" He quickly shot up straight, still on his knees, calling out into the night sky being tortured by some unknown cause. 'It feels like my chest is going to burst open!' Was his only tangible thought.

"Your chest…?" She questioned as she jerked back, falling onto her rear when he shot up screaming. An image from today flashed into her mind from when she fired her attack to help him. Then the mentioning of him having something pulled out of his chest tonight. 'Could this be an after effect from that attack he took head on?' She tried to go over every viable cause or solution of what could be going on. She was surprised this wasn't waking her grandpa up.

'K…at…su…ro' A deep echoing voice rang out within his mind. Was he hearing things now?! Was the pain causing him to completely lose sanity?

'Do…not…fight…it. Let…go…' The voice echoed in his mind again.

"Who are you?! Leave me alone! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" He yelled out, one arm around his chest and one hand gripping the front of his forehead and face.

"Who's who? Who won't leave you alone? There's no one else here!" She was starting to fear for him. She needed to call the others to come back. No, she wasn't just Sailor Mars, but a priestess. There had to be something she could do. "Out of your head?" Was he hearing someone in his subconscious? 'Ok, think Rei. You know full well he's not just screaming in insanity. This has to have something to do with what the youma was after today. Something is attacking him from within.'

She pulled out some sutras and began to chant. If something was possessing him from within or trying to attack him from inside, she would use her spiritual powers to exorcise it. "Begone evil spirits!" She called after chanting, throwing the sutras to him. When they stuck to his body, there was a fire like energy that surrounded him. He began yelling out in pain, rising to his feet with fists clenched at his sides. His eyes slowly lost their color and went blank.

"AAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!" He made one last scream out in agony before going completely silent. His fists unclenched, blood dripping from his palms. Then suddenly, his body just went completely limp, plummeting to the ground with a thud face down.

"Katsuro!" She called out, rushing to him. "Hey, wake up! Come on!" She shook his body, then checked his pulse. "He's alive." She sighed with relief. Something told her whatever happened wasn't over. There was definitely another power at work right now. "I can't just leave him like this…" She kneeled down to get his arm around her shoulder. With a struggle, she slowly rose to her feet, clinging to his body to get him up. She made a few steps, dragging him back inside with his feet sliding on the ground.

Once inside, she crumbled to the ground with him onto the pillows they used to sit on the floor with. Heavily wheezing to catch her breath, she leaned back with her hands propping her up. She grabbed her phone to send out a mass text message to the others.

'Something has happened to Katsuro. He suddenly started screaming about a pain in his chest. There was something about a voice in his head. I think it has something to do with the attack this afternoon. He finally blacked out and collapsed. I've managed to get him inside. I'm going to get him somewhere to rest here for the night. Don't worry about coming back tonight, I have it handled. Everyone just head over tomorrow.

Rei.'

She looked over to him laying on the ground. "What's happening to you in there….?" Her soft voice whispered with worry and fear.