Disclaimer:I don't own Sailor Moon, who'd have guessed?, but Naoko
Takeuchi and some really big businesses with feocious money eating
lawyers do. Trust me, its not worth the trouble to sue me. I didn't
create the main characters, I did create some of the minor ones. If
you like them and want to use them in your fics, whatever, feel free
and just mention me in the disclaimer somewhere. Geeze I feel like
I'm repeating myself in these things, wonder why. Anyone have any
original ideas for disclaimers or have heard my desparate pleas for
email and wish to take pity on me drop me a line at
inspiredthoughts@hotmail.com =)=)
Rei: First Love
Rei looked sympathetically at Ami as the other girls crowded
around her in her room and grilled her. Rei was perched on Ami's
elaborate dresser, one knee pulled up to her chin, leaving one
graceful leg dangling own, toes brushing the blue carpeting as she
swung it back and forth. She was dressed casually like the rest of
the girls, in black shorts and a silk red sleeveless top, and tried
not to laugh as Mina jumped up and down on Ami's bed, long blonde hair
flying, Lita begged in a tearful voice for information, and Serenity
grasped Ami's hands and joined in the general melee. Ami looked
confused, not surprising since the troop had woken her up in their
impatience.
"Ami-chan...where were you last night? We knew you were with
a man Ami! Tell us who... PLLLLEEEEEAAAASSSSEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Lita and Serenity wailed the last note together and Rei finally
laughed as Ami blushed furiously and drew the covers back over her
head. Mina lunged forward and yanked the covers back again and a
tug-a-war resulted as the two girls began to pull their hardest.
Finally Mina let go and Ami fell back with a thud. Ami spoke,
begging for silence.
"Please guys, I'll tell you already, just calm down!" Instant
silence reigned as they all leaned closer, eagerly waiting to hear
what she had to say. Ami bit her lip and sat up again, tucking a
strand of blue hair nervously behind an ear.
"I met someone last night..." The girls leaned even farther
forward as they breathed encouragement for her to continue.
"Yyyeeesssss..."
"His name is Zoicite, from earth. We...we went out in the
gardens and danced and talked and...and he kissed me." Four sets of
eyes got huge and round as they all stared at their shy friend.
Serenity got over her shock first as she cheered and swept up Ami in a
huge bear hug. Abruptly they all began to pelt her with questions...
What was he like? Was he nice? Ami giggled and answered all of their
questions before Rei's brought her to a halt.
"Ami-chan, you're a princess...how can you ever see someone
that isn't royalty?" Ami met her troubled gaze bravely as she clasped
her hands together.
"I already thought of that. It doesn't really matter because
I have to forfeit the throne any ways since I am a Sailor Scout. If
it gets serious we'll just wait until Anni and Aski are old enough to
ascend the throne. Its all very simple, really." Ami smiled brightly
but Rei was worried for her friend. She remembered that monster
Hawrek and shuddered at the remembrance of the pain he had visited
upon her gentle friend. But she swallowed her fears, and doubts, and
showed Ami that she supported her and all she did but privately she
decided that she would make sure to watch this Zoicite. Never again
would she allow a man to hurt her friend.
"Yes, it is rather simple," she agreed softly. "I am happy
for you Ami-chan." Ami beamed and Rei muttered an excuse to exit,
leaving Ami with the others who continued to drill her until they were
satisfied with the answers.
Rei strolled out of the palace and down by the sweeping river
that wound its way slowly around the palace. As she walked next to it
she allowed herself to be drawn deep into thought.
Their situation was unique. Every generation the great
planets' spirits chose a warrior from their noble house to become a
Sailor Scout and protect the universe with their powers. This was the
first time ever though that all of the senshi were princesses. That
meant they would not only have to forfeit the throne but also reveal
their secret identities to their people who would demand an
explanation for their forfeit. They would no longer be seen as
royalty but as outcasts of their society. Normal lives would no
longer be an option because everyone would know their secret. Why had
the planets decided to doom them to such troubled lives? The possible
answer chilled her.
Because they needed their chosen to wield their full powers.
Princesses, as the highest royalty of their planets next to the kings
and queens who were their fathers and mothers, could handle all of the
power that the planets had to offer. Which meant that they would need
that power. Which meant that something was coming to threaten all
that they held dear. A sense of foreboding chilled her and Rei wished
she could see the future like Rani, instead of talking with the great
fire.
The raven haired princess smiled fleetingly as she thought of
her twin and sent a tendril of thought across the vast distance that
separated them for the frist time in almost a year.
'Rani?...' Their bond was close, closer than any other twin
she had ever seen, and they could communicate mind to mind between the
powers that they shared.
'Love?...' came the hesitant reply and Rei felt herself smile
again. Ever since Rani had married their relationship had become
strained. Rei couldn't stand his wife and his wife, a duchess from
Neptune, couldn't stand Rei either. But she made Rani happy so Rei
never complained, at least not publically.
But it was hard to have the closest person to her heart bring
another one in closer to his. He had always been there for her when
they were children, growing up in the shattered and hate filled place
called home, and he had protected her. When their father would scream
and hit Rani would shelter her from the blows. He was stronger than
she could ever be. After all he had the strength to get married after
living in the hell of the royal house of Mars. He had the strength to
do his duty for his people, for even though Rei was older by a scant
five minutes, he would take the throne and would have the children
needed to sustain their line. But what she admired and hated the most
was that he had the strength to fall in love. He didn't just marry
Jutance because she was a suitable match, he married her because he
loved her and that broke the promise they had made as children, to
never fall in love. They had seen what love could do. Their mother
loved their father and he had hit her until the day he died. It had
been the happiest day in their lives. And in this alone, this matter
of love, Rei could never join him, her brother and closest friend.
'I'm here brother dearest...' She felt his joy in her talking
to him, after shielding him out for the last year. It had taken
awhile for her to get over the hurt, and yes she could admit it now,
the jealously. Then she felt his caution yet barely concealed wonder.
'Rani what is it?'
'...Jutance...Jutance is pregnant. We're having our first
child in a month!' Rei felt her mind reel with the news and guilt at
not talking to him sooner. She knew this was probably the most
important thing that had ever happened in their seventeen years of
life to him and she hadn't even give him the chance to tell her.
'Rani...that's wonderful! And I'm... I'm...I'm sorry for not
talking sooner.' Rei felt his startlement at her apology. She never
apologized.
'I'm sorry too Rei-chan. I should have handled it all better,
but I didn't. I've talked to Jutance and she's sorry too for the way
she acted with you. She was jealous.'
'So was I Rani, so was I. I'm not used to having to share my
twin with anyone.' She felt affection for her coloring his tone.
'I'm sorry I broke our promise...but what we and Jutance have
is different. We aren't like mom and dad. I'm not sure we know how
to be. The very thought of it makes my stomach churn. When I met
her I knew I was in love and wanted to spend the rest of my life with
her. All my anger, the coldness I held inside, just melted away. And
what about you big sister... has anyone managed to warm your heart? I
want you to have the happiness I have...you deserve it.' Rei wiped
tears away from her violet eyes.
'No Rani. But you and the senshi are all I need to be happy.
And now that dad is gone mom can finally have the peace she deserves,
and a grandchild to bounce on her knee!' He sent his laughter across
their mind link but Rei still sensed his disappointment. Well she had
met that charming man Jadeite last night...
With ruthless ferocity she suppressed that thought before Rani
picked it up. Asking Jadeite to dance had been a weakness, a passing
whim. Besides she had more important things to ask him.
'Rani...do you still see the future?' He was quiet so long
she wondered if he heard her.
'Sometimes I see flashes...I sense feelings...but nothing
definite anymore...its all blurry and distorted.'
'And what you do see?' When he replied his mind voice was
sober and full of quiet fear.
'What I see makes me run to Jutance and hold her and our
unborn child with all of my might. I see destruction and death.'
She knew it! The nine princesses had been chosen because they
were going to be needed. Great troubles lay ahead, for all of them.
'Rei... promise me you'll be careful...please. I love you.' Rei felt
her throat tighten with emotion and eyes cloud with tears. She
stumbled a little as she walked along the river-side.
'I promise Rani. I'll be careful. Take care of yourself and
Jutance and your child. Continue to watch the future and Rani...my
mind will never close to you again.' She felt his mind reaching out
across the expanse of time and space to hug her, at least in spirit,
before leaving her with her own thoughts. Her reverie was broken by
the urgent call of a familiar voiced counselor.
"Princess Mars! Princess Mars!" Rei looked up to see Luna
trotting up to her, her pace conserved and dignified. Rei knelt down
to ruffle Luna's ebony fur.
"Hay Moon Eyes. What's up?" Luna sighed and allowed herself
to be caressed before straightening.
"Did you forget that the senshi have a friendly 'training'
session with earth's generals?" Rei blushed and ducked her head in
answer. She had forgotten. Luna sighed sternly again before
grinning a bit.
"Don't worry Rei-chan. Everyone else forgot also. Sometimes
I worry about you guys." Rei laughed as she began to walk back to the
palace with Princess Serenity's advisor.
"So what is this friendly 'training' session Luna?" Luna
grumbled for a moment about nobody ever listening to her before
answering.
"Its more of a show of power. I believe that the Terra Queen
and King aren't entirely sure that the Moon Kingdom is powerful
enough to ally themselves with it, though with the way Serenity and
that prince are going at it they might not have a choice." Rei
bristled.
"Not powerful enough? We brought peace to eight of the nine
planets and that is no small accomplishment!" Well not true peace,
only peace among themselves, for the outers were absent for this ball
because they said there were some problems back home and she had those
strange forewarnings...
"That's just it! They say, well not say of course but hint,
that if a war ever came that we couldn't hold our kingdom together.
That's really why they insisted on this match. They want the senshi
and the generals to have friendly sparring matches. I guess if you,
as our best and most renowned warriors, pass the 'test' they will
seriously push this treaty between them and us."
"Really now," Rei all but hissed. It angered her that they
dared to question their power and ability.
"And how do they plan to have a 'friendly' match if we use our
powers. Those aren't toys and they are meant to kill. It would
hardly look good if one of Prince Endymion's protectors died here."
"I believe this will be a purely physical match. I've heard
that the generals possess mystical powers as well but it has been
agreed that none of the powers will be used." Rei felt herself smirk.
Many underestimated them as fighters because they were women, in
skirts no less!, but they soon learned better. She almost wished
Neptune and Uranus could have been here. Especially if they had
gotten Neptune mad. She was the gentler of the pair, true, but rile
her and there would be hell to pay. Of course people said that about
her also... More amused now Rei grinned slyly. There would be
another added benefit to this match. She would get to see Zoicite's
and Jadeite's true colors.
She was a firm believer that you could see the true person
underneath all the masks that people were so fond of wearing in battle.
In battle words meant nothing, only actions. The bravest new
recruit that ran at the first sight of blood was in truth a coward.
She could see if this Zoicite was worth Ami, if not she would
make a point to not so gently inform him that his attentions weren't
wanted. And then there was Jadeite.
She had asked him to dance the other night on a whim. He had
looked almost vulnerable there on the balcony and the jealousy that
flared when his friend had so smoothly asked Lita to dance was almost
endearing. In a weak moment she had asked him. They had shared
dances for the rest of the night. He had been charming, quiet,
polite, and treated her like an equal!
People treated Sailor Mars as an equal. But men never treated
her like an equal as Princess Mars except for Rani. She was always a
prize to be won, a willful girl to be broken, and it infuriated her!
Of all the senshi her sailor persona, her true personality, was
closest to her princess persona. Ami was so much self-assured, so
much more daring and brave in battle. Lita went from fiercest fighter
in battle to boy crazy girl as a princess, though her loyalty to
Serenity was legendary in both forms. Mina was so strong when she
fought, just as much in spirit as in power, and always had a plan,
always knew what to do. In the court though she was never serious,
was bubbly and sparkling and always brought a smile to everyone's lips
as she and Serenity caused havoc in the kingdom together.
Rei's strength, her will, her authority put people off. Rani
was by far the more beloved of the twins. It was already whispered
that if would be better if he was king and she knew no few people
would sigh in relief when she forfeited the throne in one year. One
more year to live a normal life before she turned eighteen and had to
formally proclaim herself a sailor scout.
By all rights Michiru should have already forfeited the throne
but her father and mother both lived and she was not the heir yet but
since Rei's father was dead if something happened to her mother she
would inherit the throne. Ami and Lita had two more years since they
were only sixteen and Serenity was barely fifteen. Mina could keep
her secret if she wished since her older brother Marcus would someday
be king. Horatu was still a child and Haruka was in the same position
as Mina.
Shaking off troubled thoughts Rei returned to Jadeite. He had
been so shocked that she had taken an interest in him and it hadn't
bothered him a bit that she had asked *him*. Reviewing all that they
had talked about she shook her head regretfully. He was a geuinely
nice man but he was too timid, to cool to ignite her passion. Though
perhaps in battle... Shrugging she decided not to hope for anything
so whatever happened she wouldn't have to be disappointed, she had had
enough of that already in life.
Reaching the palace with Luna she slipped behind a pillar in a
darkened corner of one of the hallways leading to the weapon practice
building and transformed. Teasing Luna on their way, now as Sailor
Mars and Luna, Rei couldn't help but walk a little bit lighter. If
Jadeite truly was all that she wondered, wanted, needed, then perhaps
she too could break the childhood promise made to Rani so many years
ago. Perhaps she too could find the strength to love.
Author's Notes:Not a lot of action I know but Rei just seems like such
a complex character and I wanted to show some of that. Did I suceed?
Let me know by emailing me. Thanks to the people who *did* email me
(Jeny,Sailor Tears,Venusian Goddess-check out her fan art and mine!-,
Echo-chan, Yoshi)and those of you who didn't please please do. Those
that did your imput was appreciated!*luv ya!* Hope you had great
holidays and on the age thing I *kinda* messed up a bit. I made Rei
and Rani twins but couldn't make them fifteen since I made Rani
married, dunno why just a nice twist, which seemed kinda wierd for
fourteen. Sixteen, were married then by these ages, still seemed
early but not as bad as fourteen, which would have been when they were
married if they were fifteen now. Umm that didn't make a lot of sense
but oh well. LOL I tried. Anyway more action next time. Emails
pleeze! Till next week,have a good one.
This story is part of a larger series that can be found at Generals Love. http://members.tripod.com/GeneralsLove/
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