Darkness held Rei, a suffocating shadow that pressed against her skin like stone fingers. Everything was oppression and smoke, an endless void where the sacred light of fire couldn't reach. The cloying scent of ash and decay filled her lungs, discordant and disgusting. Her breath came in shallow gasps, struggling to latch on to anything real. She was a drift in the nothing, her senses dulled, her soul stifled.
Disoriented, she struggled to make sense of her surroundings, her mind reeling as reality seemed to warp and twist around her. How long would she wallow like this? How long had she been here?
Was this how she'd passed from this life? Was this the gateway before she entered her next life? A brief flash of a swirling mass of darkness and stars swirled before her mind.
Suddenly, a flicker of warmth brushed against her consciousness. It was familiar, a presence she'd felt before, in dreams and visions, in moments where the boundaries between past and present blurred.
The darkness gave way, giving way to wisps of silvery mist that danced and swirled like ethereal spirits. As if summoned by an unseen force, flames erupted from the ground, their heat a comforting caress against her skin. The fire spoke to her in ancient whispers, echoing the voice of countless kami that guarded sacred land for millennia.
"What are you trying to tell me?"
Through the veil of flames and mist, a figure emerged out. Rei's breath caught in her throat as recognition slammed into her. The man from her dreams. But now he had a name.
Jadeite.
He sat before a ceremonial fire, his golden hair gleaming in the firelight, his gray eyes reflecting the dancing flames with an intensity that made her heart skip.
He looked at her, a smile playing across his lips. "What are you waiting for, Princess?"
She huffed, crossing her arms. "Don't call me Princess."
"Then don't make it so tempting," he whispered. Then his eyes locked on hers. Fire rolled across his gaze, warming her, comforting her.
"I'd rather not be here all night."
"Sorry, Princess, but I'd rather do a good job."
Twin flames burst from both her hands. "Stop calling me that!"
"Why?" the smile deepened. "You're a princess of Mars. 'Princess' is a perfectly good title."
She resisted a moment longer before sitting next to him beside the roaring, sacred fire. This was so natural, so right. Almost like she belonged by his side. A burst of warmth shot through her every time their eyes found each other. Each time "Princess" slipped from his lips.
They'd shared a lifetime together. An unspoken bond that defied the gods.
Yet, this wasn't reality. Rei knew that. The flames spoke the truth. The wind whispered it. Even the ground hinted that this was only a gift from the fire. A way for her to remember.
"Jadeite?" Rei's voice was barely above a whisper, still clouded by hesitation.
Did she want this to end? Or did she want to stay with him forever?
He stilled and looked over at her, and in that moment, the world stilled. His eyes—those mesmerizing pools of stormy gray—held her captive. They were not just windows to his soul but the very essence of the fire that burned within him, a fire that matched her own.
The depths of his gaze were endless, swirling with a thousand shades of gray and blue, flecks dancing like stars in the twilight sky. There was an intensity evident, searing heat the spoke of passion, of power, and a bond that transcended time itself.
As if the gods had poured all the fire of the universe into his eyes, making them both a blessing and a curse, a beacon that drew her in even as it consumed her.
With each second that passed, she remembered just a little more. Their relationship went beyond friendship or romance. They were bonded. They were Fated Souls.
Now afraid, she broke the contact, but she couldn't stay away for long. Soon, her gaze returned to his, only to find his eyes roaming across her face. Gone was the playful expression of youth and joy. Now his face was a mixture of longing and loneliness.
"I've missed you," he said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to reverberate through her very soul. "God's, I've missed you so much."
Rei's heart broke. Perhaps he'd been as lonely as she'd been. She reached out, desperate to touch him, to confirm he wasn't just another fleeting dream. But as her fingers neared his face, something shifted.
A shadow fell across his eyes. Slowly, she watched them turn to stone.
An acrid taste filled her mouth—the unmistakable flavor of evil, of corruption so deep it threatened to swallow her whole. Her Jadeite was gone. Replaced by this impostor.
The world fractured, reality bleeding through the cracks of this supernatural dreamscape. Jadeite's form began to waver, like a mirage in the desert heat.
With a sudden, violent motion, he lunged at her, his hand closing around her throat. Rei gasped, more shock than pain, as she stared into eyes that no longer held any trace of the man she once knew.
"So you've finally arrived, Sailor Moon." It was Jadeite's voice, but not.
"Let go of Rei-chan! I'll never forgive you for imprisoning innocent children!"
Rei knew that voice. Knew the passion behind it.
"In the name of the Moon, I'll punish you!"
Then a new voice joined. "Mercury Aqua Mist!"
Despite the suffocating pressure around her neck, despite the screaming of fear in her chest, everything felt so familiar. As if she should join these voices in their fight. To protect… who?
"Go save Rei-chan now Sailor Moon."
Jadeite's chest rumbled behind her, a twisted laugh that contained none of the joy it once did. "Don't be stupid."
A flash of power rolled across Rei's skin.
"The fog is lifting!"
"Ouch! Now the fog is ice. I can't do this. I can't do this. Why do I have to fight more!"
"Sailor Moon, you can't cry! This is a fragile dimension. You'll endanger everyone," an unknown voice shouted.
Rei struggled against the force around her throat. She fought against the constraints. No matter what, she refused to go into the next life without fighting for her life. For those she swore to protect. These were her sisters. Not of blood, but of… what!?
"Moon Tiara Boomerang!"
Without warning, light burst across the dark. It flooded Rei, brushing aside the tendrils of shadow that held her captive. It was more pure than the sun and even rivaled the sacred fire. This light, whatever it was, contained true power. Not taken by force, not used for evil. But a power that was freely granted by love, by hope, by everything that was good in the universe.
It moved with grace and gentleness that spoke of unity and purpose, untainted by the hunger for control that so often corrupted. This was a power that brought life, that restored, that carried with it the promise of protection and peace.
As it flowed through her, Rei felt not just freed, but whole—connected to a familiar strand of fate.
When the light faded, she found herself completely free from the darkness. Almost like waking from a nightmare, the darkness fell away.
The world around Rei was a barren wasteland, a vast, cavernous chamber. Walls of lifeless stone stretched upward, archways carved from the stone flowed across the walls. Shadows seemed to consume the stone. Only the barest trace of illumination fought against the darkness, struggling to hold it back.
The air hung heavy and still, carrying a bone-chilling cold that seeped through skin and muscle, threatening to freeze the very marrow within.
Rei gasped, seeing the frozen forms of children scattered across the cold floor. Without out a doubt, Rei would save them.
"Ha! That can't hurt me!" Jadeite shouted, batting away the bright light.
Rei winced as the power flowed across her skin. Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury fell backwards, smashing into the stone. Before she could latch onto the feelings swirling around her chest, a glittering gold and red pen flew towards her.
A surge of recognition flooded her. These were not just masked vigilantes, they were sisters, bound by a destiny that reached across time and fate. The realization hit her with the force of fire, igniting something deep within her soul.
Then, her fingers closed around the pen.
Flames burst across her chest, spreading outwards with an increasing intensity. Her forehead burned, as if the sacred fire she'd tended for so long had taken residence within her very being. The heat grew, not painful but purifying, burning away doubt and fear, leaving only purpose and resolve.
Phobos and Deimos appeared with a crack. Shattering everything with their call.
Flames erupted around her, a swirling vortex of crimson and gold. They danced across her skin, caressing rather than burning, weaving themselves into fabric and form. The fire of Mars, ancient and powerful, answered her call, infusing her with its strength and wisdom.
As the transformation took hold, Rei felt herself changing—not just physically, but spiritually. The flames reshaped her, molding her into a warrior of fire and passion. Her miko robes gave way to the familiar sailor fuku, red and violet, replacing the traditional red and white.
When the cold tiara materialized on her forehead, it reminded her of the responsibility she once carried and would carry again.
As the flames receded, Sailor Mars stood tall, a new determination blazing within. The chill of the Dark Kingdom's lair no longer touched her, warded off by the fire that now burned within.
Jadeite sneered. "It wouldn't matter if there were a hundred of you. Because you're in the Dark Kingdom, where darkness holds power."
"Good always triumph over evil!" Sailor Moon yelled.
"Then end me if you can! That pathetic tiara already failed. The fog was nothing but a minor inconvenience. Is that the best you have?"
Sailor Mars stood frozen, her heart pounding against her ribs. The chamber seemed to close in around her, the oppressive darkness pressing against her newly awakened powers. Before her, Jadeite's form flickered between the corrupted shell of evil and the fleeting glimpses of the man she once knew—the man she loved.
"Please don't make me do this," she begged.
Jadeite laughed. "As if you could. Fire is nothing compared to the darkness."
Every fiber of her being screamed in protest. This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be real. But the heat of her powers surged through her veins, demanding action. She knew what had to be done.
"Phobos! Deimos!" she cried.
They responded.
"Evil Spirit…" The words caught in her throat, choking her. Tears stung her eyes, blurring her vision. "Be exorcised."
Jadeite's beautiful eyes met hers one last time. For a heartbeat, she saw something flicker—a flash of the bond they once shared. A bond they would share again.
The spell erupted from her, a conflagration of crimson and gold. Phobos and Deimos shot forward, adding their own power. It engulfed Jadeite, his scream of agony piercing her very core. She watched, horror and determination warring within her, as the flames consumed him.
His body crumbled, leaving only a ghostly white skeleton.
A sorrow she'd never felt before crashed over her, drowning her. She fell to her knees, a keening wail tearing from her throat. The weight of her actions pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity.
She'd killed him. Her lover. Her Fated Soul.
Yet, even as the grief threatened to consume her, a small voice whispered in the depths of her mind that this was the only way. The only path to free him from the corruption that had taken root in his soul. Now, liberated from the Dark Kingdom's hold, his star seed could begin anew.
"Is… is he gone?" Sailor Moon asked.
"I think so," Sailor Mercury responded.
Sailor Mars pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the steady thrum of her heartbeat. Somewhere out there, Jadeite's soul still existed. One day, cleansed and reborn, he would find his way back to her.
Their bond, transcending death itself, would guide him home.
Trembling, she rose to her feet. Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury flanked her, the comforting balm of sisterhood resonating through her chest. As naturally as breathing, they came together, their energies intertwining in a dazzling display of light and energy.
Mark took a shaky breath, her gaze lingering on him. "Goodbye, my love," she whispered. "Until we meet again."
"This is bad!" Sailor Mars didn't know where the voice came from, but she knew to trust it. "The fire is causing distortions! The dimension is going to collapse. Gather everyone together."
They worked swiftly to gather the children, making sure to leave no one behind. With a surge of prickling power, the evil aura faded. Replaced by an effervescent light that both cleansed and rejuvenated.
As the last wisps of dark energy dissipated, reality seemed to reassert itself. The cold, oppressive chamber of the Dark Kingdom gave way to the familiar grounds of the Hikawa Shrine. Sailor Mars blinked, momentarily disoriented by the sudden shift.
The night air was thick with the rich scent of soil and incense, a welcome contrast to the acrid smell of the battle that still clung to her. In the distance, sirens wailed, growing louder with each passing second. Sailor Mars's heart clenched with the weight of what she'd done—what she'd lost. Somehow, she knew it would remain etched on her soul for a while.
"Sailor Moon," Mercury's voice cut through the haze of her thoughts. "The police are coming. You should—"
"Awweeewwww!" Sailor Moon wailed. "Do I have to? Really? The police are so dry. And they always try to blame me."
Sailor Mars smiled. "Perhaps you're the dry one."
"Hey!" Sailor Moon pouted. "I'm a bubbly and energetic girl. There is no part of me that's dry! I use extra moisturizer to make sure that's true."
"It's your responsibility as the leader," Mercury said.
"When can I retire?" Sailor Moon sniffled before turning. With a last sniffle, she squared her shoulders and stomped off to meet the first of the police cars.
Mars watched as Sailor Moon stood tall. Somehow, she seemed even more brilliant in the moonlight. Each moonbeam almost worshiped her. There was something regal in her bearing, a hint of power that Sailor Mars didn't understand.
"Never fear!" Sailor Moon called out. "I is here! The situation is completely under control, thanks to your friendly neighborhood Guardians!"
"Not you again," an officer moaned. "Weren't you behind the cram school debacle?"
Sailor Moon frowned. "I was the reason all those students didn't get brainwashed and their energy sucked out, yes. But not like the bad reason behind it."
Another officer approached. "My niece was there. I'm glad you saved her. But you are?"
Sailor Moon struck a pose, and for a moment, Mars could have sworn she saw a crescent moon gleaming on her forehead. "I am Sailor Moon, champion of love and justice!"
"Where did you find the children?" the officer motioned to the kids, just now waking.
"The Dark Kingdom! It was terrible, super cold and depressing. Personally, I never ever ever wanna go back. But we saved them!"
As Sailor Mars continued to speak with the police, a commotion drew her attention to the shrine steps. A small figure broke free from the group of rescued children, running towards a man and woman.
"Mii," Mars whispered.
Mii flung herself into her mother's arms, both of them sinking to the ground in a tight embrace. The man crouched beside them, holding both close. "Mama! Papa! What happened?"
"Oh, my darling," Mii's mother cried, pressing kisses to the top of her daughter's head. "You're safe now. You're home."
The scene blurred as tears filled Rei's eyes. Joy for the reunited family warred with the ache of her own loss. Jadeite's face flashed in her mind—not the corrupted version she destroyed, but the man she'd loved in another life. The man she hoped would find his way back to her someday.
"Don't worry, officer," Sailor Moon continued. "Everything is all good. I didn't even ruin any buildings!"
A gentle touch on her arm startled her. Sailor Mars turned to find Sailor Mercury smiling softly at her, and just a moment later, Sailor Moon joined them.
"Police officers really need to get a sense of humor," Sailor Moon sighed.
"You did well, Sailor Mars," Mercury said, her blue eyes shimmering in the dim light.
Sailor Moon nodded, reaching out to grab Rei's hand. "Welcome to the team, Sailor Mars! You're so brave and pretty. You'll be a completely excellent guardian."
The genuine affection in their voices broke something inside of Rei. A sob escaped her as she allowed herself to be pulled into a group hug. The warmth of their embrace seemed to soothe the jagged edges of her grief, if only for a moment."
"I—" Sailor Mars began, her voice thick. "I don't understand everything that's happening, but I know this is where I'm meant to be. With you."
Sailor Moon beamed, her smile as bright as the moon itself. "We're more than just a team, Sailor Mars. We're family now. And as your sister, I'll always be here for you."
"Me too!" Sailor Mercury smiled.
As they stood there, bathed in moonlight and the flashing lights of police cars, Rei felt a spark of hope ignite in her chest. From inside the shrine, she could feel the power of the sacred fire roll over her. The road ahead would be difficult, filled with battles both external and internal. But she wasn't alone anymore.
Yes, she'd lost a love, but she'd gained sisters. And together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"I am Sailor Mars," she said. "The reason I've got power is because I'm a guardian."
"Yes! And I'm so happy we found you!" Sailor Moon beamed.
And despite everything—the grief, the uncertainty, the looming threats—Rei found herself laughing. This was the beginning of their story, and deep in her soul, she knew it would be legendary.