Guardians Of the Millenium :
Into the Fire:
Chapter 4:
Rescued from Fears
1. Rei = Raye. Ami = Amy... I'm not sure now as I send this which one I used, and once this is in a text file I can't spell check or find/replace to correct it. You know who I mean. Enjoy!
PAST:
Zoicite intercepted Jaedite as he passed by the room Endymion and Malachite were sharing. Since Endymion was pretending to be a mere High General, rather than a Prince, he'd been put in a room exactly like the rest of them.
"Hey Jed, Lord "Darrien" needs your advice about his attire for this evening's event."
Jaedite rolled his eyes. "I'm no fashion consultant...he's on his own, excuse me."
"Where are you off to in such a hurry? Now, Nephrite I understand is meeting the Princess Jupiter...perchance you are to meet a lady as well?" Zoicite inquired nosily, trailing after Jaedite.
"Mind your own business for once...its bad enough I'm sharing a room with you right now--I don't need to share my entire personal life either." Jaedite said in a low growl.
"You even sound like Nephrite now." Zoicite laughed back. "You aren't usually in such a hurry...You might as well tell me. I'll find out eventually you know. I have my sources...."
"I'm sure you do." He replied continuing down the hall.
Zoicite's laughter rang out again, as he turned the corner. He could still hear him say "Oh,and thank you for distracting the Lady Rei today--Otherwise I should have been deprvied of the most interesting chess match with Lady Mercury..." Zoicite's laughter still rang in his ears, louder than the bell clear sounds of the musicians who played to the waltzing crowd.
Rudely pushing through the crowd, Jaedite entered the room, scanning for the waterfall of black hair that would mark his target...he didn't see her.
He glanced at Queen Serenity--shocked to see none other than Queen Beryl seated with her. He hadn't known Beryl was going to be here...no wonder Endymion was fussing about what to wear. That thought made Jaedite smile...at least he wouldn't be the only one in a bad mood...Usually he and Endymion worked such balls together--pointing out the prettiest women and betting each other who would snatch the ladies' affections. Tonight, Jaedite didn't want to play that game. He only wanted to see *her*...but he'd probably blown his chance...suddenly he felt someone bump his elbow.
"Do you mind?" He said annoyed, then sharply drew in his breath as he realized who had touched him. "Lady Rei!" He bowed slightly...as their eyes met. "Forgive me, I didn't see you." He couldn't think--she was there..
"Lord Jaedite...I'll forgive you for not looking where you were going...but not for breaking your word. You never did dance with me that night on Mars." She said.
"I promised that?" He asked. "I don't think your father or your cousin would have approved."
"Yes...but neither of them is here *now*" She observed dryly.
"No...I don't suppose they are..." He smiled. "And, it would be most inappropriate for someone like Lord Darrien to intefere should you agree to dance with me..."
"Exactly." Her smile was wider now, as she placed her hand on his arm.
"Then, if you will so honor me..." He led her onto the floor. He felt as if he were holding a cloud, so gracefully did she turn through the steps of the dances. The music spun round them, gently folding them in its rhythym. The rest of the crowd faded away, and all they felt were each other.
Present Day
The second boat was nearing the first. "Ok, Girlie, make a sound and your friend dies. You're gonna come with us" The words were not spoken--yet, but Rei heard them.
The sun had set, and Rei who had been irritaded, directing Chad on the best way to row to shore quickly and stop the circles in which they spun. He was standing up, leaning over the boat to see if he could see the boat house.
When she'd felt that premonition of danger, scant seconds before the other boat approached, she knew that her best chance of fighting was if Chad didn't see what she did. With the oar, she gave him one strong push, and he fell into the pond. Internally she thought "Sorry." She wanted him out of harms' way.
The next second she heard the words spoken. "Ok, Girlie, make a sound and your friend dies. You're gonna come with us" The voice was directly behind her. She prayed that Chad, splashing away on the other side of the boat, would have the sense to do nothing.
Of course not. "Rei? What's going on up there--I can't swim!" He cried out.
"You won't need to." The other figure said, as the first grabbed Rei and pulled her into their motor boat. He laid out a hand as if to help Chad out. Rei had another premintion--he was going to shoot Chad! Without thinking, she shrugged off the man holding her and jumped,so that she kicked the thug in the head. He fell over, into the water, his foot catching Chad in the head. Before Chad could sink, Rei grabbed his unconsious form and hauled it into the boat.
She had scarcely done that when the big thug recovered from her scrambling away, and picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder. She tried to kick at his Solar Plexus, but unfortunately he was holding her in just the right way so that her feet couldn't move.
It was times like this, she wished she were as strong physically as Jupiter. Then it occured to her, she probably would be stronger if she transformed. In fact, the power of it would probably knock this oaf right out of the boat.
But then, he'd know who she was...and she couldn't do that.
The other assailant climbed into the row boat. "You'll pay for that trouble, bit--" He swore as the boat rocked, nearly knocking him out again... "And then your rich Daddy will pay for you!" He smiled a lecherous grin. "Ssay goodbye to your fianc!" He turned to focus the gun on Chad's prone body.
Helpless, Rei watched from the motor boat--her mouth now covered by the thick hand of the man who held her helpless against him, having shifted her from his back just so she could watch the execution.
How could this happen? In the middle of this pond? She had to risk the transformation! She couldn't let Chad die! She struggled to get her mouth free long enough to say the three words--"Mars Star Power" that would save them both.
She didnt' have to...out of nowhere, a man *appeared* and hovered right above the man with the gun. With a kick, he pushed the man back into the water. The gun clattered onto the floor of the boat.
Rei's eyes widened as she recognized her saviour---Jaedite. His uniform was similar to the one he'd worn while fighting her...but different..it tugged at her memory ...She knew it was from the time in the Silver Millenium...
"Let the Lady go." Jaedite said confidently.
"Duh, I dont' know how you did that flyin trick Man, but I aint lettin her go." He said...
"My friend, you can hardly steer while holding her--and you can't let her go...she'll only fight you."
"Not if I knock her out!" His hand came down hard on Rei's head. Jaedite's eyebrows rose, the only outward sign of the shock he felt. He couldn't lose his control, or let his enemy know he'd thrown him of balance.
Rei felt the blow, but had anticpated it. Expelling her breath, she tensed her muscles and absorbed the impact. It hurt more than it would have had he hit muscle tissue, but still didn't do a thing to her conciousness.
She winked at Jaedite, and slumped down. She hoped he'd realize she was ok, and was biding her time to attack.
"You just stay away or I'll kill you." The thug yelled. Beads of sweat trickled down his face, carrying the stale odor of his body uncomfortably near to Rei. Please, she thought, Jaedite do something to move him away from me before I really *do* pass out.
"Try it." Jaedite said holding the gaze of the thug. "You're no match for me."
The thug lowered his eyes. "How's about I kill her then?"
Jaedite hovered closer, his eyebrows lowered as he smiled menancingly.
"Why? Afraid to take me on??" He said cockily.
His ears trained by battle heard the sound of the other thief reentering the boat, picking up the strange metallic object. Jaedite didn't know what it was, but he knew it must be a weapon. Some strange memory told him that much.
"He'll shoot" Rei gasped, watching the scene through half closed eyes.
Jaedite didn't understand the warning--but trained by battle, he instinctually teleported to hover directly *behind* the smaller attacker. Enemies never expected that. A quick blow with his sword's hilt knocked the man down--but not before the shot rang out--going through the space where Jaedite had been a split second before. It travelled on, lodging itself in the arm of the first thug. Rei quickly hit him in a specific place... "Duh, the boss ain't gonna like this!" He passed out.
"Lady Rei are you all right?" Jaedite asked, grabbing her arms and looking searchingly into her eyes.
"What--how--" Rei said in shock.. "You were flying!"
"Yes...among other things, My Lady." He smiled. "I've done it before... Part of being a Warrior General...." He started to lean in and kiss her forehead. "I'm glad you are safe..."
"Well, reverse your transformation..-we have to get to the police." She abrudtly shrugged off his embrace,and avoided his kiss.
He nodded. The word was unfamilar...but he knew she meant help....and that he needed to power down..... his ability to understand her was part of the reason he'd sworn to protect her always... He concentrated. Suddenly everything grew more familiar... especially the expression in Rei's dark eyes.
Police..yes, he knew what that was. His thoughts of a moment before, however, didn't make sense. He'd been about to kiss her on top of that....what was he thinking?
"How did you do this?" She asked. "This transformation?" The only sign that she'd conciously avoided his kiss lay in the dark rose blush on her cheek. Her voice was cool and business like.
"I don't know--I just knew you were in trouble...and I ...transformed...Dont look at me like that. I didn't know I could do this..or even what it is...." Now that the danger was over...he felt his head careen inside out. "My head hurts" he said. He placed both his hands on his head, and massaged his temples. He'd felt like a different person for a minute there...
"You're lucky that's all that hurts...with a stunt like that! We'll talk about it later." She said.
"Yeah, but that was so cool! Rei! Did you see me?" He said amazed at what he'd done. "I was awesome!"
She didn't seemed thrilled or awed now that her initial shock wore off. "I thought you might eventually display such talents...I told you...we'll talk later."
"But have you ever seen anything like it--it's like the powers of the women that rescued me, those Sailors."
"Sailor Scouts. Not "sailors"....AND LET'S NOT TALK ABOUT IT NOW." she said. She hopped in the row boat with Chad's prone form. "I'll make up a story to tell him...but it would be best if you motored the thugs ashore. We'll tell the police they attacked you..no, better keep you out of it." She paused thinking. "I don't want to explain to the police how they got injured...or have them explain that...I wonder what Sailor V did in these situations..."
She sighed. "I suppose we'd just better call the police. Go home Jed...it'll be easier to explain without you here."
A few hours later, Chad and Rei left the police station.
"You did end up pushing me into the lake as I feared Rei!"he laughed.
Only he could be amused by that, Rei thought. "Sorry."
"No I understand--wow, I can't believe we got attacked like that. I thought that park so safe...I'll be sure not to take Sarah there....not unless you're there to protect us!" He laughed."I always thought no body in his right mind would mess with you!"
Rei, embarrased, excused herself " You go on home...I need a drink of water." She turned back to the Police Station. Surely there was a water fountain somewhere in the dingy building. Standing by a water cooler, she punched a shiny balloon that was hanging in the hall of the station, to celebrate the year of "no strange monsters." She tried to focus her mind....she had no idea how long she stayed like that. After awhile, she opened her eyes and looked around. A poster hung on the wall "The myth of Sailor-V: how to deal with vigilantes who think they're superheroes by Wolf Malder, formerly of the United States FBI" Rei didn't read any more, her anger cooled, she turned around to leave.
A man in a suit was right behind her. "Well, Miss, you sure are lucky. Those are hired guns, with a history of crime a yard long...They still haven't explained why they tried to abduct you. They won't talk about who hired them... but eventually, they'll talk."
"What have they said?"
"Just some weird story about a flying guy attacking them!" The man said wryly, a hint of amusement dancing in his green eyes. "That's one for the Myth lecture.."
"I suppose." Rei said, not humourously.
"But Miss,uh, Hino is it? You never told us exactly how you stopped them? Their version is very far fetched...
""They had maybe a few too many blows to the head.... IÔve already given my statement." She said tersely.
The man nodded...His green eyes focussed sharply on hers. "Yes....you did. " he said slowly. "They're just a couple of loose ends."
"Loose ends?."
"Your friend Chad--I can't pronounce that last name, and your stories aren't exactly ...complementary...He seems to think he heard three voices--three *male* voices. "
"He was unconsious." Rei replied dismissively. "He saw no one else. He also hit his head pretty hard. Nothing strange about this."
"Maybe. I thought it was strange that you apparently were fairly uninjured, despite the criminal's having a gun....That's pretty strange." He said evenly.
"Oh really? "Rei retorted. She made as if to pass, but the man wouldn't let her. "I'm a 5th degree black belt in Karate. You can ask at my Dojo if you don't believe me."
" Really....Even still, a couple of things don't line up. Number one: Everyone except you alludes to another man--either by sight or by voice."
She shrugged, flicking her dark hair "So what?"
"Number two: If you were the only one concious, how did you *get* to shore? Rowing one boat, steering another, while handling three unconsious men would be a bit much...even for a black belt like you. And you weren't wet--so you didn't swim back to get first one boat then the other."
Rei frowned...this man was sharper than the usual officers who just wanted to get home and get a donought at work. "Why do you care? We're the victims here! You should be happy the criminals were stopped .....I don't understand...."
"I don't understand either....I just don't understand how you took out, by yourself, two longstanding career criminals... "
"I was lucky...it doesn't matter how. Who are you to ask anyway?"
"I'm Wolf Malder...and I believe you may be protecting another of those deluded Super hero-vigilantes."
Suddenly the name of her questioner rang a bell. "You're the lecturer!" She gasped, eyes widening in surprise.
"Yes...I am. Now tell me, am I right? "
"If you are from America, you have no authority here. Leave me alone."
"In a minute..Miss Hino, I need your cooperation... I've been brought all the way from America,as a consultant, to help your police force deal with the weird disturbances that have occured here. In particular to deal with these "superhero" sightings...."
"Good for you. I think its a waste of time to track down superheroes--you should be thankful they exist."
"I disagree...Let me explain: These vigilantes disrupt the peace...but a lot of victims feel grateful, and try to protect them. They break the law, destroy property--but they are just ordinary humans...and not above the law."
"I'm not protecting anyone, but what's wrong with what they do?" She asked.
"You have to understand Miss Hino--these people are loose cannons. The police are supposed to protect, not some silly girl in a short dress playing cop, with expensive and explosive toys. If that's who helped you--we need to know. We need to be able to stop these people." His passion made his voice go up a pitch, so he ended on a squeaky high note. "And if they really are "super" heroes, we need to understand how that's possible."
"I'm cooperating fully,Mr. Malder." She said. "It's late, and I need to go home. May I leave now?"
He sighed. "If you care to add anything to your story, Miss Hino, here's my card." In dark letters, the name spelled out "Officer Wolf Malder, Federal Bureau of Investigations" In pen, he'd crossed out the FBI part, and added the name of his Japanese hotel. Absentmindedly, she crumbled the card in her pocket...of all the people to ask, Rei thought it was ironic she was the one he grilled....Bet he'd like to know he was staring at SailorMars...The thought made her smile wryly as she walked off.
She had barely exited the building when she felt someone tug her arm. She looked up and saw Jed. He was leaning against a lamp post, arms folded, head slightly bowed in concentration. Something about his posture conveyed a panther like readyness to attack, rather than leisure. A black leather jacket and jeans had replaced the shrine robes she'd grown used to seeing on him. He looked dangerous in a rather appealing way. SHe suppressed that thought, wondering where it had come from. She must be tired.
He looked up as she approached, relief spreading across his face pushing aside the tenseness.
"Hey there you are...I was worried." He said. "Chad said he'd left you here a while ago." He took her hands and peered into her eyes. "Are you sure you're all right? You've had quite a day."
"Did he call me?" She asked, ignoring his question. Her pulse quickened a little at the feel of his hands on her. She told herself that it was just her thoughts of Chad, as she tugged her hands away.
"No, I called him...he's shaken up by it all. If you wanted to make an impression Rei, you certainly did."Jed motioned for her to follow. "I didn't think it would be a good idea for you to walk home alone after what happened."
"You think I'd be safer with you?"She snapped.
Jed's face went still and devoid of emotion. He'd had enough. He'd done nothing to deserve this treatment from her, and he wouldn't take it.
"Fine walk home alone." He said coldly.
"Wait..."She said, regretting her sharp tone. "I don't want to be alone." he continued walking. "I want to walk home with you."
He smiled, but adopted a serious expression as he turned and gave her a half bow.
"Would a motorcycle ride do?" He gestured to an old worn out bike.
"Where'd you get *that*?" she asked, surprised.
"Grandpa...It's his old bike..he said if I could fix it, then I could have it ...as long as I let him use it."
Rei laughed picturing her grandfather poping a wheelie on the bike. She'd have to warn him not to use the bike when she got back.
She hung on tight to Jed,as they sped through the night. Neither noticed the tall, lanky suited figure of Malder observing their conversation.
The next day:
"So that's what happened last night...." Rei sighed, as she yawned, Tthey entered the airport diner for a snack. They had half an hour before Ami's and Mina's flight to England. They chose a long booth, and grabbed the menus. "I've asked him not to transform again, and I think he will listen to me. I'm not sure what it means."
"You know, Darrien mentioned he felt something strange last night-- but he didn't know what it was. I guess that explains it." Serena said. "You had quite an adventure! It's so romantic how Jaedite saved you!" "Are you insane, Meatball Head! Romantic!?" Rei yelled....."I was trying to spend time with Chad, and then Jaedite's there floating in space, attacking those thugs....what if someone had seen him?"
"At least you didn't have to transform." Ami said reasonably, while Serena merely stuck her tongue out at Rei..proving old habits die hard, . "And he did save you."
"I could have handled it. All he did is create trouble.... As it is this Malder is asking questions ...what if the Scouts are needed again? What if the police try and arrest us? What if someone finds out who we are... " Rei snapped out.
"Cool your Jets Rei!" Lita said. "First: Jaedite only transformed once to help you...Second: The police'll never catch us. Third: I dont think Jaedite's going to run amok or anything. Fourth: I've seen that Malder guy on TV, and he's *majorly* cute...." That last point earned Lita a patented Rei scowl as well.
"I just meant I wouldn't mind him asking me a few questions" Lita said under her breath.
Mina nodded in agreement, but added "Still, all's swell that ends swell. So stop asking "what if"--and just enjoy our lunch. It'll be a few weeks before we can hang out again...."
Everyone nodded and looked at their menus, except Rei who just stared out the window, obviously troubled.
Noticing this Mina looked at Rei with her big innocent stare she said "You know, you shouldn't distrust Jed so much....give him a chance. A lifetime ago, you trusted him with your heart..."
"And he betrayed it....Stop it, all of you." Rei asked the others
"Stop what?" Mina asked, as she eyed the milk shake on the Menu.
"Stop thinking I should fall back in love with Jaedite... Just like the Silver Millenium came back, as if nothing ever happened. ....just as easily as Serena and Darrien" Rei said accusingly.
"I wouldn't say it was *easy* for us-" Serena said...unusually serious She paused, her eyes clear and bright. "Darrien and I had to learn to love the people we've become in this life. The moon princess is me, but so is Serena..." Serena nodded for emphasiss..."I don't think you have to be in love with Jed...especially with Chad on your mind."
"Yeah...Chad's great...but Jed..." Lita's eyes fogged over.. "He's really cute, those blue eyes, that baby smooth skin, that low voice... ..." She blushed. "He sort "your old boyfriend" They said in unison.
Rei rolled her eyes, ignoring Lita. "Serena, you might not feel that way...but its different for you. I'm trying to point out something. Lita, if you saw Neflite again --and we cured him, what would you do--or Zoicite, Ami, or Malachite--? "
"I ....don't know." Mina said. "I can't hate him..even though we don't know what happened. We forgave Darrien when he was brainwashed, and the people turned into Negamonsters...We even forgave Galaxia... just because people do evil things doesn't mean they *are* evil or beyond investing."
"Beyond what?"
"She meant redemption ... I think." Ami said.
"Does that mean saved?" Serena asked.
Ami shook her head. "Rei, I would forgive him. I just would not be in love with him." Ami continued "As Serena said, we are not quite the same people that we were--so I understand you don't feel anything for Jed. I don't see why the past has to control the present."
Lita took a breath, eyebrows lowering in concentration. "I agree. At first, when we remembered everything about the destruction of the Silver Millenium, I was angry at being betrayed...but then...." Lita's voice softened "If Neflite were the only one I could love-- like Darrien is for Serena, then, I'd live my whole life without love. And if I really loved him, I'd forgive him.....eventually. I'd probably still be angry for awhile though, if I got a second chance."
"As for Jed, Rei, I'd say you should listen to your heart---but let it open first." Serena smiled. "Enough of that--I"m ready to order. Lessseee, I want a tripple cheeseburger, and onion rings,..oooh and cheesefries. What about you guys?"
"Hey it's a long flight...I'll have the same" Mina said. "And a milkshake..."