I knew you would be coming to visit. I saw it in the flames during my meditation this morning. Do not bring any ill will with you, there's no room for that here at Hikawa Shrine, for it is a sacred place. I live here with my grandfather and my two crows - Phobos and Deimos. I am a shrine maiden here at Hikawa, but my dream is to someday be the Priestess of the Shrine.

I'm an Aries with blood type AB and my birthday is April 17th. My favorite color is red and my gemstone is ruby. Casablancas are my favorite flowers, and I used to get them for my birthday each year, supposedly from my father, but that's another story. Yes, I've been in love before.

I suppose I've always been a loner. My dad is a well known politician and he's never had time for me. My mother was sickly and weak and she died a long time ago. I've lived with my maternal grandfather for many years now, and as far as I'm concerned he's the only family I've got. Every year my father sends a car to pick me up on my birthday. He takes me to an exclusive restaurant to have dinner with him - if he shows up. Last year he didn't. That's the only time I ever see him, but I don't care since we don't get along anyway. Maybe he's the biggest reason why I don't trust men. I don't have a boyfriend, and I don't want one either. There's only ever been one man I cared for, and he became engaged to another... he was the young man who works for my father and sent me the casablancas.

I've never really had many friends at school or anywhere else. People have always talked behind my back and said that I was either snobby or just strange. I have special powers to see and sense things before they happen. I never knew where my powers came from, but apparently other people sensed them and were afraid of me. I always found it easier to keep my distance from people and not make friends with anyone. After I became friends with Usagi, Ami, Makoto and Minako, however, I noticed that people thought I was more approachable.  Like Sarashina Kotono, head of the Supernatural Phenomena Study Group at my school.  She even asked me to do readings at the 5th Annual May Fair at T-A Private Girls' School.

Sometimes, there are people you just can't avoid. I first met Tsukino Usagi at our shrine. One day, after I had ridden the bus home from T-A Private Girls' School, I sensed what I thought might be an evil or strange presence behind me. I noticed my crows, Phobos and Deimos, swooping down on someone so I used my spirit attack "Aku Ryo Tai San," which is a chant to ward off evil, and hurled it at the person. To my surprise, I flung my attack at Usagi, which knocked her down! I felt really bad and made apologies to her, and that was our first meeting.

It was then that we briefly discussed the strange occurrences that were taking place at the top of Sendaizakaue Hill, where five roads come together, and where Hikawa Shrine is located. Supposedly, the six o'clock bus would take a phantom sixth road, and disappear with all its passengers.

A vision came to me one day which showed me that Usagi was in great danger. By trying to protect her and keep the vision from coming true, I found myself captured and in danger.  It was because of Usagi's and Ami's intervention as Sailor Moon and Mercury, that I discovered my power as the soldier of fire, Sailor Mars.

I'll admit that even after my transformation, and the destruction of Jadeite, I really wasn't convinced that I wanted to be part of the Sailor Soldiers. For one thing, I just had too many other things to do, and I didn't want to be bothered with it.  And the second reason was that I had no clear idea of who these people were! It was really Luna that finally convinced me that I had a duty to carry out as a soldier for love and justice.

Usagi really exasperated me in the beginning. I felt like she was often immature, not taking her role as Sailor Moon seriously.  I found that to be irritating and frustrating especially since she was supposed to be our leader. I didn't get why we had to follow her lead. Half the time she seemed more interested in playing video games and reading manga than in defeating the enemy. She also had a way of saying the dumbest things sometimes, and she could be a crybaby.

As I've gotten to know Usagi, I now realize that she is really a very warm, caring, thoughtful person. Her innocence is unmatched and she has a truly pure heart. Her love for her fellow soldiers, boyfriend, friends and family are truly touching. Usagi is someone in whom we can trust and depend. She's really matured quite a bit since we first met, and I'm honored to fight by her side. I wouldn't want to have anyone else for our leader, or for our Princess.  

I'm still attending T-A Private Girls' School, but now I'm in the high school division. I feel like the five of us studied for the entrance exams forever (of course I wasn't actually taking entrance exams, since I was just moving up to High School at T-A)!  I sometimes worried that Usagi and Minako might not pass, but it was fun to have study groups together. Especially with Ami leading the group! It's a wonder we ever got anything accomplished, what with the antics of Usagi and Minako to keep us distracted!

Well, I see I have a customer looking for a love charm, so I've got to go now! Things are always busy here at Hikawa Shrine, and I've neglected my duties long enough. Besides, I'm meeting the gang at Crown Fruit Parlor later and I've got to get ready for that.  Gotta look good, cause you never know who might be there!  Hey, if you are ever in need of a charm, please come visit the Shrine. Enjoy your stay at the Palace!