Sailor Moon: What If We Could Start Anew? By Ending Another? Chapter 4: Episode 4:The Car::Another Day:, a sailor moon fanfic

Episode 4: The Car/Another Day in the Lives of Retired Sailor Guardians

Usagi and Rei were putting finishing touches on the car after an entire week without it. Naru had been extremely kind to them, giving a slight discount on the materials and installation she did with her soon-to-be husband, Umino.

Usagi was fixing the new gauge cluster and wheel to the car, connecting wires and testing the current, a small "Yes!" coming when the gauge cluster lit up and displayed the correct information.

(Usagi) So... about last week. How's the other Usagi?

(Rei) Well's she's been pretty normal, except for that night.

(Usagi) Yeah. It's just- It was THIS close to making all the effort of hiding her existence from the people that would easily see that there was a different me.

(Rei) I know, and to be honest, I was a little pissed myself, but I figured that I could lessen the blow and prevent her from getting too emotional.

(Usagi) Well, that's probably for the best.

(Rei) Well, it's not like it worked.

(Usagi) Why's that?

(Rei) Well, let me put it this way. Usagi are you gay? And would you go out with me?

Usagi stopped what she was doing, slowly turning her head towards Rei, a mix of surprise and confusion on her face as she tried to compute what Rei just asked her.

(Usagi) Okay... What did you say? Because I don't think I heard you right.

(Rei) I said, let me put it like this. Usagi are you gay, and are you in love with ME right now?

(Usagi) She told you that she was in love with you!?

(Rei) Yeah, well... not directly.

(Usagi) Uh, what the hell does that mean!?

(Rei) I woke up to her at my damn door! Breathing right outside. I went to confront her, but she ran away. So I tried pretending that I went back to sleep. THe she said some freaky stuff, that she would get rid of you and take your place, that you were a BITCH, that she would kill everyone if I asked her to... Just really weird and freaky stuff. And, you know what happens when I pretend to sleep? SHE FUCKING WALKS IN and watches me sleep like some weirdo.

(Usagi) ~Psycho!~ Did you confront her?

(Rei) Damn right I did! The morning right after in fact.

(Usagi) And? What happened?

(Rei) Well, before I could rip into her about it, she just started crying, begging me to stop repeating what she said that night. Apparently. she had drank some Sake before going to bed, thinking it was water.

(Rei) She had no recollection of what happened the night before. So after she said that, I just let her off by repeating everything she said, Word. For. Word.

(Usagi) Huh. So she's not crazy then, but is she a lesbian? Also... HOW? Hoe does she mix up Sake and think it was water? You'd have to be an idiot to do that.

(Rei) I asked afterwards, but she declined, saying she had thought about it before, but never wanted to follow through with it until she was sure she could handle it. And about the mix up? She just thought the water was in a fancy glass.

(Usagi) Wow... that's kinda weird and dumb. And after that?

(Rei) Back to normal. (Also, you know you're talking about yourself right?)

(Usagi) That's good.

20 minutes later...

(Usagi) And thaaaat should... DO IT. Okay, we're done.

Usagi threw Rei the keys.

(Usagi) And here you go Rei. You are now the proud owner of a classic 1978 Nissan 280z, with a turbo.

(Rei) Wait what!?

Rei darted her eyes from Usagi, to the keys, to the car and then back to Usagi.

(Rei) So... That's it? There's nothing else to do on the car?

(Usagi) I mean... There is One thing...

(Rei) What is it?

Usagi smiled brightly.

(Usagi) You dummy! It's time for you to finally drive it.

(Rei) I have my license, but should I really be driving?

(Usagi) Rei. We've driven this car one time and it worked perfectly. If you mess something up, I'm here to fix it. And come on, you can't tell me that you haven't been ogling it. You've been wanting to drive this car since we found it.

Usagi got into the passenger side of the car, motioning for Rei to get in.

Rei got in the car. She looked at the shiny metal key and placed it inside the ignition and turned it. The engine roared to life.

Before the two left, Usagi put her own car inside the garage and closed the garage door, excitedly getting in the car.

(Usagi) So? Where we going?

Now Rei was smiling excitedly.

(Rei) I got an idea.

Rei put the car in first and sped out of the neighborhood.

Usagi was a little shocked. The last time she saw Rei drive, she was super nervous and followed all of the rules, but now? Here she was, shifting from third to fourth, then slowing down and shifting down to second and drifting using the extra torque provided as a small boost. Was her "dangerous" driving rubbing off on Rei?

She looked at Rei, who seemed to be having the time of her life, swerving through traffic. Then she saw a cop.

She was about to hit the brakes before Usagi told her to speed up.

(Rei) WHAT?! Are you crazy!? I can't run away from the police.

(Usagi) Just keep going and speed up. Trust me on this one.

Rei floored it passed the parked cop, 197 Kilometers per hour on the radar gun.

Rei tensed her grip on the wheel, waiting for the red and blue lights. But they never came.

(Rei) What? Why aren't they chasing us?

(Usagi) Well, unlike the movies, police cars are factory stock and can't keep up with something that's modified and fast as hell.

Rei eased her grip and her smile returned.

(Rei) Well! Isn't that nice.

Rei kept going, eventually getting to the cafe that they and their friends frequented. They arrived to see that everyone was present, since Usagi called them there to show them something.

When they arrived outside, Usagi asked Rei to do something for her.

(Usagi) Hey Rei, remember when we had to warm up the engine a few weeks ago and there was a loud bang after you revved the engine at high RPM's for a while? Well, do that real quick, lets see if they hear it from inside.

The two parked right at the window and Rei began revving the engine. Then, after a few seconds, there were a couple extremely loud pops from the exhaust.

As soon as the bangs rang throughout the parking lot, everyone of the girls inside jumped in their seats and looked outside, freaking out, only to see Rei and Usagi in the car, laughing their asses off.

The two walked in, still laughing a little and telling each other to stop.

(Usagi) Hey guys, thanks for getting here early.

(Minako) If my coffee had spilled onto my shirt from that crap, I would've thrown a rock in your windshield.

(Usagi) Oh relax, I'M the one that told her to do it.

(Ami) Seriously Usagi? you gotta stop doing stuff like that, you might get in trouble one day.

(Usagi) Sure, and one day, you'll be 90 and have to admit to your grandchildren that I was right.

The group sat down talking about the car and congratulating Rei for getting her own car. Then teasing her, calling her car another one of Usagi's projects.

The girls continued talking for a while, but something outside caught Minako's eye.

(Minako) Hey... Is that Mamoru?

(Makoto) And who's that with him, looks like a girl.

(Usagi) What did you say?

There was now a heaviness in the air.

One thing from high school that only got worse over time.

After high school, Usagi became extremely protective over her and Mamoru's relationship. Ever since he messed up with the test that the future King Endymion gave the two of them, she had become extremely protective when Mamoru had other girls around him. But Ami, Rei, Makoto, Minako, everyone in the Sailor Guardians had permission to be around him and she was fine.

The girls were nervous when she got like this. Unless there was an explanation for who he was with, she would storm over to him and quietly, but sternly ask who he was with. It was a rare occurrence, but when it happened, the girls had to think fast before Mamoru and the girl were at risk.

Minako looked outside, relieved.

(Minako) O-Oh! It's just the other Usagi.

The heaviness in the air was lifted and Usagi went back to normal.

(Usagi) You know, that reminds me, I had to go do something today! See you girls later!

Minako and the other's were confused. Usagi's house was a half-hour walk from the cafe.

(Rei) I'm . . . gonna follow her. She might still be pissed because it's the other her.

(Minako) Okay... Be careful Rei.

(Rei) *Sigh* I know.

Rei went outside and saw Usagi walking away from the cafe.

(Rei) Hey, Usagi!

Usagi turned around.

(Rei) Wanna ride?

(Usagi) Sure.

The ride to her house was quiet.

When Rei dropped her off, Usagi thanked her and she opened her garage.

She saw Usagi get a baseball bat and get in her car.

Alarmed, Rei followed her again, this time, speeding and trying to follow Usagi as best she could through the traffic.

She knew the girl had a temper, worse than hers at this point, but she wasn't sure how bad it was these days because she smiled so often and helped everyone out when she could.

After a long time on the road, Usagi seemed to be getting off the highway. Rei followed.

The two drove. Rei wondered where the hell Usagi was going, until she saw a beach.

They parked in the lot adjacent to the beach.

As they parked, Usagi went over and tapped on Rei's window.

(Usagi) Come on, you've followed me this far.

The two walked on the sandy beach for a little before stopping at a certain distance away from the street.

(Rei) Usagi. What are we doing at the beach?

(Usagi) I'll show you.

With the bat at her side, Usagi went near the water and picked up a large stone.

Usagi went back to Rei.

(Usagi) You might want to step back.

Rei stepped back a few feet until Usagi was comfortable.

Usagi then tossed the rock into the air and smashed with the bat, sending it a few dozen kilometers out to sea.

Usagi held the bat out to Rei.

(Usagi) Wanna try it? Helps relieve stress.

(Rei) No thanks, I'm good. But are you okay? When you heard that the other Usagi was with him, you left. Why is that?

Usagi searched for another stone as she responded.

(Usagi) Well, when Minako said that, I went back to what you told me she said. About "taking my place", and I thought, well... what if she was? Would Mamo even want me anymore if she were to persue him? I mean, after high school ended, we fought more often, usually about me being overbearing or too "clingy" or worse, "obsessed" with who he was around. He hates that I'm weary around other girls. But that's because, what if one day, he just, cuts me off? What if he gets tired of me and goes to her because she's so much more relaxed than I am? She doesn't know him, at least this version, but still. It made me so angry that she of all people was with him, so I came here, to release those thoughts, so that I can be better when I go back.

(Rei) So... You're scared that he might take a liking to a version of you that's still 16? Another two whole years younger than you, and four years younger than HIM?

(Usagi) Um... Hold that thought.

Usagi went back near the water and looked for another stone, this time going deeper into the water to search. Then, she finds a stone that a little larger than her hand.

Walking back, Rei just watches her.

Then, using the bat, Usagi throws the rock high into the air, high enough for her to prepare her swing. Then with a yell, Usagi launches the rock so far into the sky that it exits the atmosphere. The force of the strike creates a loud metallic ringing and a gust flow by Rei, blowing up the sand and blowing hair over her face.

(Rei) Holy shit... Usagi are you sure you're alright talking about this?

(Usagi) Yeah!... Totally!... Why do you ask?... And HOLY CRAP! I think that's the hardest I've ever hit one of those rocks!

Usagi celebrated her little "new record" as she cheered and panted.

Rei could only look with concern for the girl. She knew that her and Mamoru's relationship had taken a few turns since high school, but after their most recent revelation, it seems that their relationship was being tested, again. But at the same time, maybe she should do this to help her as a friend. It may be a bit extreme for the average person, but it seemed like it really helped her out.

(Usagi) I think... I might go home for now... That last one really took all the strength out of me. Hmm?

Rei looked at Usagi, slightly embarrassed, but kept telling herself that she was doing this for Usagi, and not because she thought it looked cool when Usagi slammed one into space.

Rei took the bat, only now noticing the many dents on the normally smooth metal surface.

She went and found a medium sized stone, it's smooth surface reflecting the fading suns rays.

(Rei) (Hm... Seems easy enough.)

Rei threw the stone in the air and tried to hit it, but missed and the stone landed in the sand.

(Usagi) Don't worry! It took me a few dozen tries to finally hit it.

Looking back out to the sea, Rei tried three more times, missing each time, but Usagi cheering her on each time with her soft and soothing voice.

On the fourth time, Rei was getting frustrated. So, she planned to hit this rock with everything she had, gathering strength from every other stressful part of her life, being single still, having to deal with crappy people visiting the shrine, couples going on dates during her shift, foreigners going to the shrine to take pictures and leave, all of it for one swing.

She threw the stone in the air and swung with all the stress she had gathered and hit the stone with a loud metallic *ding* and saw as the stone went flying with a small bright red trail behind it.

She excitedly watched the stone fly for a few kilometers before disappearing into the sea.

She jumped for joy, but realized that Usagi was right, a powerful swing really takes everything out of you.

Rei went and sat down next to Usagi, who handed her a cold bottle of water.

(Rei) Thanks.

The two sat, watching the Sun set.

(Rei) So... What now?

(Usagi) We just sit here and relax for a bit.

(Rei) Also, about earlier. I don't think you should be worried about Mamoru taking a liking to anyone else. Sure, he messed up back then, but he did it to PROTECT you. Also you two, along with the rest of us, have been through hell and back, and on more than one occasion.

(Usagi) Yeah, I hear you. But still, the feeling lingers, even when things are alright.

(Rei) Then ignore the feeling.

(Usagi) Ignore it?

(Rei) Yup, just ignore it, and go on with your day. Even if you were to see him with other girls, just think that it just might be a coincidence. It should only if you see something extremely suspicious, like he has another girl at his place, or he's dodging questions about what he does with said girls, but I bet that not a issue, is it?

(Usagi) No...

(Rei) Then do it! It'll mess with you for a while, but eventually, you'll be better off without the feeling. Also, Mamoru will probably argue with you a little less.

(Usagi) I don't know Rei... I'm not sure if I can just... ignore the feeling.

(Rei) If you keep it up for a month, I'll treat you to a nice restaurant. (WHY DID I SAY THAT!?)

(Usagi) Deal!

It was so quick, that Rei just kept a smiling face, but internally was freaking out. There were many nice restaurants in the area. The bad part? Just one outing with a friend would take half of a month's pay!

Usagi smiled for the rest of the time they were there, just thinking about a nice outing with her friend. She wasn't gonna let Rei pay for her, but the nice outing was something to look forward to and give her a reason to go through with what Rei told her.

As the Sun dipped below the horizon, both girls got up. They said their goodbyes and went home.

The next day, Rei went through her usual routine, but felt weird. She felt a little sore, but she also felt, better. She wasn't annoyed like she usually was when she was getting up start cleaning the Shrine. She felt like a weight had been lifted over night. She was even more surprised when the things that usually annoyed her, didn't bother her, not even the lovey-dovey couple bothered her, even though she usually wants to tell them to get a room.

She went through her daily business with the other Usagi, the two of them peacefully going about their day.

But in the middle of a perfectly fine day, she heard familiar voices coming up the steps.

(Ikuko) I can't believe we've never done a date like this! It's so peaceful and relaxing here. It's nice to get some good fortunes for when we're out in Hawaii!

(Kenji) 20 whole years almost... I can't believe we've already been together this long. It still feels like we're newlyweds about to go on our honeymoon.

She and Usagi were in the front of the Shrine.

Rei looked at the other Usagi, thankfully, she knew to avoid these voices. The other Usagi was already sprinting into the Shrine, making sure to hide in her room until Rei gives her the ok.

It was super close. The other Usagi had only just ran into the main entrance of their home when Ikuko and Kenji made it to the entrance of the Shrine. If the other Usagi had been any slower, the two would've seen her full face.

After seeing that the other Usagi was hidden, Rei calmed down and greeted the pair.

(Rei) Hello Mr. and Mrs. Tsukino, nice to see you.

(Ikuko) Come on Rei, I'm not that old. Also, I've told all of you already, that you can just call me Ikuko!

(Rei) We know... I just feel that it's more polite.

(Kenji) Oh, I guess it can't be helped. Anyway, could you help us get a pair of good fortune Charms? We're taking a vacation to Hawaii tomorrow and we just want some extra luck to make our 2oth anniversary the best one yet without anything happening.

(Rei) Ok, right this way.

Rei took the couple to the small booth that was connected to the main house and wrote the two a pair of Good Fortune Talisman.

Before the two left, they thanked Rei, and she congratulated the two on their anniversary.

Rei had the other Usagi come back to work with her.

At the shop, Usagi and Haruka worked with clients to get their cars fixed and out of the garage. The two worked quickly and efficiently to the point that they would only have a car in the shop for maybe an hour at most if the problem was severe enough. So, they were usually sitting around talking if there wasn't a customer around.

But today was different. A customer comes in but is completely covered from head to toe. Dark jeans, grey hoodie, sunglasses, black surgical mask, like a cartoon spy or thug. But he seemed like a younger guy. Maybe Usagi's age?

(Haruka) Hello there, how can we help you.

(Strange Man) Oh um, I was hoping that she could help me.

The man pointed at Usagi nervously.

(Haruka) Ok, hey Usagi, a customer wants your help.

(Usagi) Um... Okay. How can I help you?

(Strange Man) I was hoping you could look at my car, it's suspension feels a little off and I was hoping you could take a look at it?

The guy seemed nervous and squeamish.

(Usagi) Okay, just pull into Bay #1 and we'll take a look for you. I'll let you know if anything's wrong. I'll let you know in a second, just take a seat in the waiting room.

(Strange Man) Yup! Sounds great! Thanks!

The guy hurried and went to sit down and wait for the results.

Thinking it was a little odd, went to inspect the car.

It was a New Honda Civic. Usagi thought they were cute but didn't like the Front Wheel Drive system. It had a racing suspension system installed. Just looking at it made Usagi feel broke. She searched around for a bit, but didn't find anything at first.

She bounced the car, checked the air pressure, and didn't find a thing. She was about to do a road test when she went to get in the driver seat when she found a note on the dashboard.

It was a sheet of paper folded in half with blondie on the front.

(Usagi) Oh come on... Really?

Usagi opened the note

Dear, Blonde Girl,

I saw that you have a boyfriend, but your twin sister doesn't. Could you give me her number or introduce me?

Thanks,

Itsuki

P.S.: Please! I'm not creepy or anything, I'm just really nervous around girls and she seems really nice! :)

(Usagi) Weirdo! Good thing I have a pen on me.

Usagi scribbled in a number and put the paper back on the dashboard.

Usagi took the car off the lift and went back to the front.

(Strange Man) So... did you find anything wrong with it?

(Usagi) Nope, not a thing. The car's suspension is completely fine. The system is working as it should.

(Strange Man) Oh, then I'll be on my way then.

(Haruka) Hey, not so fast! Aren't you gonna pay for her time?

(Strange Man) What?

(Haruka) Well, she just did you a service and you have to pay for it.

(Strange Man) Fine...

The man paid the service fee and left.

(Haruka) What'd he want anyway?

(Usagi) He wanted me to introduce him to the other Usagi. He put a little note on the dash for me to find.

(Haruka) And what'd you do?

(Usagi) I may have . . . given him the number for a military recruiter.

(Haruka) He He. Nice. He's gonna be super pissed when he calls the number.

(Usagi) Yeah, weirdo.

While Rei and Usagi were the one's mostly involved with the other Usagi, Ami, Minako and Makoto were on their own ventures.

Ami Mizuno:

Ami worked long hours at the hospital, but she was happy. Helping people in other ways then the Sailor Guardians was something she was passionate about. But with this anomaly, she wished she could just squeeze some time in to study her.

When she saw that there were now TWO Usagi's in her life, she couldn't help but wonder how this was possible. Not knowing where to even begin, and not wanting to stress herself out even more, she just accepted that it was an error in one of the Sailor Guardians abilities. She did say that the procedure was interrupted when their Rei was killed in action.

But at the hospital, she could hardly focus, she wondered and worried. Since Usagi already has a life here, what will come of the other Usagi? Will she have her own life? Will she have to be someone else? No matter what she would do, it wasn't gonna be easy.

She was deep in her thoughts as she made her rounds around the hospital, checking on some of the patients, making sure they were comfortable and healing properly.

Suddenly her name was shouted from across the hall she was in. A doctor wearing surgical scrubs was sprinting full speed towards her.

(Panicked Doctor) Dr. Mizuno! Dr. Mizuno!

Ami looked at the doctor and half sprinted to meet him halfway.

She soon recognized that the doctor was her mother.

(Ami) Mom!? What is it, is everything okay?

(Saeko) I need your help. There's a patient, they were hit by a car in a residential area. Dr. Chiba is currently working on getting the fragments of rock, asphalt and metal removed from the patient.

(Ami) I understand, but why do you need me?

(Saeko) During the procedure, Dr. CHiba found a small splinter of wood that went through the middle of the patients head, but it didn't hit either hemisphere of the brain. But there's a problem, two of our nuerosurgeons are on leave and the other three live an hour away. We need to get this splinter out now before it causes brain bleed and the patient dies.

(Ami) But I've never done surgery! I've never even been trained on how to perform surgery. Mom...! I don't know what to...!

She was hyperventilating.

Saeko grabbed her wrists and stared at her.

(Saeko) You may not be a neurosurgeon yet, you may have never done surgery before, but I know how smart you are Ami. And I know you're scared, but I need you to save this girl's life!

(Ami) NO...

Ami ran to get ready, now running with newly found urgency. When her mother said that it was a girl, not a woman, or a boy or a man, all she could think about was that, for all she knew, she might be trying to save the life of one of her friends.

Nearly sprinting to the operating room, Ami prepared herself.

Once in the operating room, she was greeted by everyone and Mamoru.

She looked to see that it was a blonde girl, but not one she particularly knew.

She saw the splinter in the girls head. It was larger than she had initially thought. The "splinter" had turned out to be a part of a wooden pole that had a piece of bark coming off. most of the bark had been removed, now there was a large gaping wound in her head.

(Ami) Where's the rest of it?

(Mamoru) It's stuck in between the two hemispheres. Think you can do it?

(Ami) I'll do my best.

Ami looked at the x-ray nearby. The splinter had been wedged perfectly in between her hemispheres. If it were to be moved too fast, or too far from the center, the tiny edges of the splinter could scratch the patients brain and she would bleed out and die on the operating table.

Ami took a very thin and long set of pliers and dug into the girls head. She moved very slowly, barely moving in order not to move the splinter fragment further inside.

After what felt like ages, Ami felt something solid at the other end of the pliers.

(Ami) Found it. Would it be possible to access the brain through the scalp to get a visual?

(Mamoru) Unfortunately, no. Her head is to unstable and we don't want to risk further damage.

(Ami) Are you saying that I have to go in blind!?

(Mamoru) Yes. You're going to have to remove the splinter from the brain using nothing more than what you can feel yourself.

As Mamoru proceeded with the removal of foreign objects from the rest of the girls body, including the abdomen, arms and legs, Ami very slowly, opened the pliers and grabbed the splinter.

She waited until Mamoru was done almost 45 minutes later to begin gently and slowly removing the splinter.

It was made so that there was no noise or movement from anything other than Ami and her hands.

After another 30 minutes, the other end of the splinter exited the girls head successfully, a shiny red gloss covering it as it was removed and placed into a metal bowl for sanitary disposal.

The group of doctors waited until the girl's wounds were stitched up and she was sent to the I.C.U. to recover and hopefully regain consciousness.

After the surgery, the doctors, nurses and Mamoru all congratulated Ami on her successful and first surgery. She was sent to the waiting room to give the news.

There were two sets of people waiting. There was the girls parents and the driver of the car that hit her.

As Ami entered the waiting area, the parents almost ran her over, with tears in their eyes.

(Girl's Father) Is... Is our daughter okay? Did she make it?

The mother looked with despair, but with a small hope in her eyes.

But Ami also noticed that the driver who hit her, was secretly listening as well.

(Ami) Yes, she made it through the surgery and is now recovering in the I.C.U. She's going to be okay.

The parent's burst into tears as Ami went back.

Back in the main area of the hospital, Ami continued checking in on patients, looking for her mother in the process.

After checking in on over a dozen patients, she found an empty room where her mother stood at the window, telling her to quietly come in. She wore a proud smile on her face as Ami entered the room.

(Saeko) Close the door on your way in.

(Ami) Okay.

She closed the door, now the sounds of the busy hospital were muffled.

(Saeko) Was the surgery a success?

(Ami) Yes, we were able to treat the patient in time. But i needed to talk to you. Why send me? I know I'm studying to be a neurosurgeon, but I can't just perform surgery without any experience! What if that girl had died!? What if she had died by MY HANDS!? HUH!? I've never even performed surgery on a test dummy, what made you think I was ready to SAVE A GIRL'S LIFE!?

Ami was nearly shouting at this point. She had saved her emotions for after the surgery, waiting for the proper time to let them loose.

But now she was tearing up as she stood in front of her mother, who's look now seemed concerned.

(Saeko) Ami... I... I didn't know what else to do. I was telling the truth that none of our neurosurgeons would be ready in time, and you want to know why I chose you to do it?

Saeko's expression softened again.

(Saeko) It's because I trusted you and had faith that you could do it.

(Ami) I was so... scared. She could've died all because I didn't know what I was doing.

(Saeko) Well, to tell you the truth, that how almost all surgeries are. You're fighting to save a person's life before it ends, and you have to be quick enough to be able to save it before it's too late. It's a heavy burden that no one ever tells you.

The rest of the day went fairly normal for Ami. But afterwards, she called Usagi to see if she was available, she needed to relax after a day like this.

Minako Aino:

For Minako, everything was going as she had dreamed it would. She had fans of her own, she had a sprouting career and she was doing what she loved most, making music that people loved and singing it in front of thousands of people. She was nervous for a little while, but soon her fans adored her for it and it boosted her confidence and she was able to break out of her shell and do an entire set without getting even the slightest bit nervous on stage.

She was thinking back to when she accidentally pissed off Usagi at the cafe. She felt like she had accidentally ruined the mood for everyone that forced Usagi and Rei to leave.

She wanted to make it up to them, but didn't know when since she had two gigs coming up in another prefecture and wouldn't be back until the end of the week.

She was thinking of things to do to make it up to everyone when her manager, Marin knocked on the door and entered. She was a tall, young woman in her mid 20's who had naturally white hair. She was extremely laid back, but could be forceful when it was needed.

(Minako) Come in.

(Marin) Hey Aino, how's it hangin?

(Minako) Pretty good. How are those two shows looking in Kyoto and Osaka?

(Marin) Okay... So for the first show, the one in Kyoto, you'll be the opener for the night, and at the one in Osaka, you'll be the closer.

(Minako) Okay then, how should we prepare?

The two went on to discuss travel plans, public appearance, costume designs for each show and a list of other topics.

TO go over everything it took over 3 HOURS.

Afterwards, Marin saw that Minako was starting to doze off.

The two wrote everything down and Marin let Minako off for the night.

Minako called Usagi, she needed some to relax with, outside of work, over some nice, cold tea.

Makoto Kino:

Makoto loved her dojo. She had bought it after saving up for the place for two whole years. It took a lot of fighting, getting slammed on the mat and a few roudy opponents to finally get the money required to open the place.

She spent the first few days cleaning the whole place out, even getting Rei's second opinion... which turned into Rei cleaning the place a second time, complaining about the poor job that Makoto had done the first time.

In the end, Rei showed Makoto how to clean the place properly, and since then, Makoto has cleaned every spec of dust out of fear that Rei would come back to complain about the dirty dojo.

To her surprise, when she opened the dojo, she immediately had applicants ready to learn from her, young and old, fit and out-of-shape. Everyone had different reasons for joining, but over time, it felt like she had a small family of herself and her ass-kicking students.

On this day, she had a normal class as per usual, but there were a few new kids in the back. Makoto kept an eye on them though, they were smirking and whispering to each other the whole time.

Usually Makoto would let this go. There were always times when people were forced to try the class by others, so they would just half-ass a class then leave saying "It wasn't for them." But Makoto could see that there was a girl, Remi, near them who was usually very vibrant and cheerful, now seemed uncomfortable and reclusive, like when she first joined a few months earlier.

(Makoto) (Not in my dojo you little bastards.) Everyone, stop! Line formation!

All the students stopped what they were doing and quickly got into line from highest, to lowest rank.

The two boys went into the line, but still smirked at each other as they looked at the girl.

(Makoto) You two, at the end! Step forward!

The two boys stepped forward, their smirks slightly shaken, but still there.

(Makoto) Why are you two here?

(Boy 1) We just wanted to try the class, it seemed interesting enough.

(Makoto) Really? Because the whole time you've been here, you've only been together, whispering to each other and barely putting any strength into the kata. Another thing? I've been watching you look at one of your superiors and laughing to yourselves. Is there a reason for this?

The air in the class intensified as all of the students looked down the line at the two boys, slightly enraged.

(Boy 2) Oh come on, we weren't doing anything to her!

(Makoto) Her? I don't think I mentioned your superior's gender did I?

The smirks were gone and both boys now looked nervous.

(Makoto) Now, I ask that you two please leave and allow us to train in peace. Do not come back unless you're actually interested in learning my style. Now go!

Even at a low volume, Makoto had a deeper, booming voice. But it was effective at getting the two boys to scurry out of the dojo, stumbling as they left.

Thinking it was over, Remi seemed vibrant and fierce in her training, and that was all Makoto needed to make this worth it.

But a few minutes later, two large and muscular men walked in, stern looks on their faces.

(Makoto) *Sigh* (When will some people learn...) Hello there, how can I help the two of you?

(Muscular Man 1) Well, you see, we sent our boys here, thinkin it might be a good fit for them. But it seems that something has happened to where you kicked them out for no reason, even calling them out in front of everyone.

(Muscular Man 2) Yeah, and you see, we don't take to kindly to someone thinkin they can bully our boys like that and get away with it. SO how about you apologize to them and we'll just leave it at that. How's that sound?

The students look at Makoto, who, if looks could kill, she would be the cause of a double homicide.

(Makoto) Well, you see, that's definitely not gonna happen. But I propose an in-between. How about I take both of you on in a fight? If you win, then I'll profusely apologize, on my knees and everything. But if I win, you never show your faces or you your boys ever again. How about it?

This type of interaction always excited the students. Every time there was an angry parent that seemed strong, Makoto would offer them this "impossible to refuse" offer to get them to fight her. Then, she would put her talents on display for everyone to see. SHe won every time. It was something she enjoyed, it may not be the kindest thing she could do, but some people needed to learn the hard way that they weren't the center of the universe with their strength.

Both men smiled to each other.

(Muscular Man 1) Jeez! How could I refuse such a generous offer? What about you?

(Muscular Man 2) Why the hell not!?

The three went into the center of the dojo.

(Makoto) ~When you're ready.~

Both men ran at her with large fists raised.

The first took a shot to her face with his left, Makoto lowered herself and used her right hand to gut punch and when the man didn't immediately go down, she lightly kicked the back of his knee and he fell like a brick tower. LOUD. He hit the hard wood floor with a muffled thud.

The other man was shocked and embarrassed. His friend had been brought down so easily.

The second man gained a stance.

He ran at Makoto with his stance and tried hitting Makoto with a flurry of punches and kicks as he tried, at the same time to defend himself from oncoming attacks.

Makoto blocked and parried most of the hits. A stray kick landed on her abdomen, but after fighting in tournaments with people trained to kill, this was nothing compared to them.

After quickly recovering from the blow, Makoto ran at the man with no stance, only holding her hands close to her face.

Cautious, the man prepared from an onslaught of kicks and lowered his guard to protect his legs.

Then, Makoto released a flurry of punches to different parts of the upper body. She split the amount of punches she sent to the mans face and chest, she would punch full force with one hand, but keep the other at a close guard.

The students were amazed by her speed. Her hands were only visible when she held one hand back to guard her upper body.

After her punches, the man didn't react, he just fell. She had accidentally knocked him unconscious.

After waking him up, he and his friend apologized. They made their kids apologize as well, and to Makoto, it was absolutely priceless. When they saw that their buff dads had been beaten to a pulp by the dojo's sensei, they were quick to apologize to everyone, as they shook where they stood.

After the whole ordeal ended, the group finished with some kata and everyone went home.

On her way home, Makoto called Usagi to see if she was busy. No one made her feel as good about this kind of win except her.

Usagi ended up calling everyone to the cafe where everyone spilled to the group their gloominess and happiness of their days over tea and coffee.

The Car/Another Day in the Lives of Retired Sailor Guardians

Hey guys, if you can find them, I put a couple references in here.

-Emerymiles2004