Rei's POV "That's it?" We were all seated around a desk in a cushy looking room. The place certainly seemed extravagant; with the pink, fuzzy rug that blanketed the floor and various plush animals littered the shelves...speaking of shelves, they appeared to be connected in an odd pattern, making me feel slightly uneasy. Looking at the mass amount of structures whole they formed a giant maze or a giant computer network with the lights blinking erratically on their metal sides. I looked up towards the ceiling, observing the population of wind instruments. Strange...I found my eyes narrowing at the suspicious items. There's no wind in this practically air tight office, even I had trouble breathing in here! "Aren't they beautiful?" Manuke mused. I did admit, the mix of colors did attract my eye but that wasn't the only reason. "I suppose so..." Both our eyes met with a suspicious gaze, obviously searching each other's eyes for an answer to whatever was on our minds. Keeping the contact I quickly emptied myself of all emotion, everything of my being rebelliously rebuffed Manuke; his voice, words, false smile. He was hiding something. Whether or not Minako had realized it, I had and I wasn't about to let anything slip for both our sakes. "I-It's kind of hot in here isn't it?" Minako suddenly squeaked nervously. "Hard to breathe..." She half whispered the comment. I had wanted to scold her, to tell her that the air wasn't heavy here because of the heating system but backing down from Manuke's gaze wasn't an option. Instead to my satisfaction I growled at that man, "She said she's feeling hot." I watched his face, waiting to see if his mind would think to perverted thoughts at the suggestion. Slowly his expression relaxed but snapped suddenly into a frown when the realization hit him. Only for a split second, but it was there. The corners of my mouth curled upwards in a smug smirk. "Yes...the air is a bit warm in here..." Manuke finally spoke up, no doubt trying to clear up any suspicion of his intentions in case Minako had also noticed. But she didn't, the blonde only nodded her head in quick motions. The dark haired man picked up a large fan from behind his desk and turned it on. For a moment I stared at the blades, trailing them as they sped up with intense concentration. Really I was watching the figure behind those metal pieces. The moment was broken when Manuke moved to place the fan on a corner of the desk. "Back to business..." He shoved the contract towards me again. "Yes, this is all that there is to it, nothing more, nothing less." I found myself looking over the parchment again. Every word may have looked so innocent to the average person but I wasn't convinced. There was something that bothered me, about this paper, about this place. Or...am I being too paranoid? "Rei, come on..." Minako was getting anxious. She wouldn't stop fidgeting. Scanning through the print there was only line that stood out in particular. "You'll be our manager?" The idea had greatly disgusted me. "Yes, unfortunately no one else in our company is trained or available for the position currently. However...that does not mean it cannot change in future time." "There is no other option?" 'I don't like you' I directed the thought to the blackmailer. "Afraid not." 'Deal with it' came the response. "Rei, it's not the end of the world." Minako tried to convince me. I shot her a disbelieving look. "Manuke said so himself, it's only temporary." "Or maybe, Minako...Rei doesn't care about you." Manuke smugly stated. The sentence hung in the air as if it were bait for vultures. It stunk and it infuriated me. I could only look at my companion as she trembled slightly, tears welling in those hurt cerulean eyes. The pain...could she really believe this...this stranger? "That's not it!" I spat at Manuke as he lay his head on his hands, watching my reaction with a knowing look. "Rei..." Minako squeaked out. Oh damn it! The world seems to be against me in this. For awhile numbly was I aware my fingers were drumming the hard desk surface. What to do, what to do? "It's not true Mina..." I tried. A small light of hope broke through the swirl of emotions in the blonde's eyes. Slowly I found myself sighing thoughtfully, closing my eyes and taking in some deep breaths. "Would you leave us for a moment Mina chan?" "But Rei!" "Trust me on this...." I silently begged. When she did not move I added quickly but softly, "Please..." Never had I been polite about anything, even I was conscious of my flaws. But in times such as this I did not want her to see this, what was about to happen. The woman stood up and walked out of the room with such dignity that the average person wouldn't have noticed that she was crying. Silent sobs, anxiety and nervousness radiated from the depths of her soul. I couldn't have see at first when I first met the woman...no, the leader of the inner senshi must be strong at all costs but there were the signs. Please be strong a little longer Mina chan... The door locked with a click. Minako's POV I heard the door lock with a small click behind me. Why did Rei ask me to leave? I thought we were a team; that we'd go through any 'mission' together. "What are you thinking Rei?" I half whispered to myself. For a split second I considered listening in on their conversation but soon that thought was confirmed impossible judging by the door's structure; thick steel, no cracks at the bottom or side. Whoever had built it, they sure didn't want to risk someone eavesdropping. Feeling slightly flustered I strolled stiffly to the mass of huddled chairs directly across in the room. There was a flop as I through myself down onto the black leather. Flop. The silence around the halls crashed into my ears again. I found myself burrowing my face into my hands. Everything was riding on this...everything...While I was stuck out here, useless, my best friend who is known to be very short tempered was talking to the contractor and...they hate each other's existence! Good or bad, Kami, please let this end quickly... Rei's POV No other sound punctuated the heavy atmosphere say for the wobbles of the fan. That was, until the arrogant son of a man had dared into the danger zone. "Usually you're so calm and composed. What happened?" He sneered. "Quite an act you put up in the alleyway." I calmly responded. He was pushing it, ever so close now. "Heh...I'd be more concerned about the matter at hand. You know you have no choice; are you really willing to risk your friendship?" He leaned forward onto his elbows. I found my hands clenching, changing into a deep red in my lap. "She may never forgive you." That was true, it was Mina's dream after all. But was putting her well being into a potentially questionable situation worth it? Both sides of me screamed 'no' but they did not want to lose the adorable blonde's friendship either. If that was gone, everything would be lost. "Or I might just make the contract for her. I can tell her she doesn't need you... and who do you think she'll believe?" The worm inched closer until his face was beside my ear. "Quite the goddess isn't she? Maybe when it's all over..." "URUSAI!" Bam! Suddenly I was on my feet, glaring down at the lowlife situated beneath me. I had clobbered the loud mouth. The evidence left was his head lying on the cool desk. Small trickle of blood smudged the black solid as he looked up at me. I scowled; nothing serious about a bloody lip...But he deserved so much more! Human, he's only human I told myself, hoping the information would hold back the anger swelling in my chest. Even if he's insufferable, blackmailing twit! My fist automatically came up over my head, aiming for another blow when his small chuckle froze the action. "Feisty aren't you?" Manuke was laughing in my face. "Amazing...But..." He pointed up to the wind instruments hanging above us from the ceiling. "I don't advise any more violence." A small sparkle in a crooked neck of one instrument had told me everything. "Video cameras?" Curses instantly came to mind. The man grinned as he gathered himself together and walked around the structure to meet me face to face. I noticed how he brought himself up to full height to stare me down. "Make your choice." "We'll do it." I growled. There was no way I'd leave Mina alone, especially with him. "Sign here." Those few minutes were the longest minutes of my life. Never had I felt so irritated with the presence standing behind my back, scratch that, I've never been this irritated period! Compared to the time where Minako had called me every five minutes to consider this deal I could honestly say this was worse. Much worse. "There, all done." I threw the pen at the bastard and made a motion to leave, turning towards the door. "I hope your beautiful friend isn't as temperamental as you are...Rei chan." He cooed. Forgetting the cameras, in a split second I felt my foot pivot on the spot as I lashed out. Feeling the material of his tie in my hands I threw all my energy into crashing the heavy body into the closest wall. Thud! "If you ever hurt her...I'll kill you." I whispered in a calm voice to him. So calm it even surprised me but the hatred was there nevertheless. The shocked look on Manuke's face convinced me that he heard my threat. Which was very good because I was definitely not in the mood to repeat it. I released the figure, watching briefly as he slumped onto the pink carpeting. Perhaps he isn't used to women standing up for themselves or fighting back was my conclusion. Well that's life; it's full of unexpected surprises. Now that the two of us will be working together he'd better be get used to it. I found myself smirking as I left through the room. Only days ago had I been cursing life and my existence but now I was laughing at it. Amusing... "Rei!" Minako spoke up as I entered the spacious hallway. She had been waiting on one of the chairs outside. Curiously I noticed some people were wandering around, maybe its their break. "No worries Mina chan, we're all hooked up." I gave her a thumbs up. "You mean it?" She started forward. The way her jaw dropped told me she was disbelieving what I had said. "Absolutely!" I flashed her a smile. "Eeeeeeee!" The blonde squealed as she tackled me with a flying hug. Her arms flew around my neck in a sudden rush and I had not been ready for such a reaction. "Gah!" I gasped as I stepped back to brace for the full weight of the figure falling on me. "Careful Mina chan!" Pairs of curious eyes watched us from a distance. "Could you say this for later?" I whispered into the woman's ears. They seemed to perk up at the words before she finally released me. "Gomen ne Rei chan! I-I just..." Minako blushed. "Got excited, I know." For a moment there it had also made me excited. No! Bad thoughts I mentally slapped myself. A blush had started to creep around the corners of my cheeks sending me into a panic. Change the subject! my mind commanded "Now let's go, I need some sleep!" I hurriedly turned to leave, not ready to face Minako anytime within the next few minutes. Almost made it too until a strong force had grasped hold of one of my arms. "Mina chan?" I looked down to see her clinging to me as if her life depended on it. Kami, I hope she wasn't crying. I wouldn't know what to do if she was. "Arigato Rei chan...for staying with me." She looked up, tears welling in her eyes. Never did she let go. I was speechless at first; too captivated by the gratitude radiating from her delicate face. Very rarely had anyone had been so happy to be near me, even when the sailor senshi were together. Always had people kept their distance from me, since the beginning. Partially it was my fault for being so reserved but it wasn't always like that. It all started because they left me to fumble through the days alone when I needed them the most. Abandoned was the word. My parents...so called friends. I watched Minako for a few more seconds, patting her back in a reassuring way. Now that someone needs me... "It's all right Mina chan." Minako silently nodded her head and cried into my shoulder for a few minutes before we walked out the door in silence, enjoying each other's presence. I didn't want to think about the contract or Manuke...Kami, let this moment last just awhile longer. Back in the office The door locked again with a click. "W-What a barbarian of a woman!" Manuke exclaimed, still on the floor from the last encounter with an angry fire goddess. "I can see why you want her out of the way." He directed his attention to the shadow in the corner of his office room. "The job..." "It will be done soon enough, be patient. Once she's out of the way...I'll get the other girl won't I?" The man picked himself up and ventured towards the cushy chair where his guest had positioned conveniently. The mass of black energy met him as the man had seated and started to rummage through daily documents. Upon contact his eyes clouded over with a red haze. The only solid reply of a promise of 'yes' echoed through his dream like state. "Heh." Manuke smirked. Then in a voice not his alone he darkly promised, "Time will tell...Mars." Minako's POV, end of the day, starts in a dream I ran through the battlefield, hoping to find you. Where are you? Vaguely I could hear my footsteps mush into the weak, mud-like ground. My own breathing had picked up significantly as screams and cries of people battling around me grew louder. The dreaded question burned its way into my mind every moment, 'were you all right?' "HAAA!" My steps came to a skidding stop as I finally spotted you. Fighting...But something was very wrong. The senshi of fire shot various fireballs into the mass of human soldiers, all screaming their last breathes before crumbling into piles of ash. "Mars, what are you doing!" I screamed. This couldn't be happening, it couldn't be her, it just...can't be. Everything inside went cold watching the horrific massacre take place before me. Blood splattered through the air and was absorbed into the barren, dusty ground, dying it a crimson red. Their screams continued, filled with so much pain, evidence of their quick suffering. "Stop it, stop it..." My head hung low, staring at the ground. I could see another stream of blood flow towards my feet. "STOP IT! Venus love-me chain!" A chain of glowing hearts zoomed the senshi of fire. The other woman briefly glanced behind her shoulder as hard amethyst eyes met mine before she evaded the attack. "Why are you attacking our allies!" I demanded. The chain did a double take and aimed for Mars again. "Gah!" Mars winced, taking a nick to her cheek. A red scratch marred the spot where the blow had landed. "Tell me!" I couldn't accept what I had witnessed. Where was the Mars I loved, the Mars who was loyal, strong and compassionate? Her cold eyes bore down into me, as though she was searching for something. I bit my bottom lip as I met that gaze. "Who are you?" She asked me. "Answer me." Besides completely brushing off my question to my surprise her voice almost had croaked. What the hell was she talking about? "You know who I am." I sternly replied. The other woman eyed me suspiciously, what did I do to deserve that look? Confusion whirled about as I tried to grip everything that has come to pass. I gripped the golden chain in my palms tightly. She killed them, slaughtered them. "Why did you kill them!" I screamed at her, my body trembling. Mar's eyes widened slightly and drew her hand up suddenly, "Fire Soul!" More flames shot out. I braced myself, bringing my arms up waiting to feel the heat engulf me. However, only a few ashes lightly warmed my skin. "AHHHH!" A man cried out. I pivoted on the spot to see a burning corpse sink to the ground. That as it! "Yah!" In blind rage I brought the chain back to life, its snaking movements danced and caught a weakened Mars in its hold. The woman was captured and suspended slightly above the ground in mid-air. "G-Geh..." Mars gasped. With her arms had been pinned to their sides she chose to lash against her bonds by kicking her legs out. It was absolutely futile. "What are you..." She started to accuse but stopped short. The moment of humanity caught me off guard. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" I angrily hissed, feeling the emotions well up again. She had betrayed me, us...the kingdom. After all we had been through, the promise before the mission, her love-was it all a lie? All for nothing? "Snap out of it Venus!" Mars desperately called to me. Souls... "What?" I questioned. A strange voice filled the atmosphere of the area. "You've got to let me go!" Mars struggled again against her binds. More souls... A dark I cloud accumulated over the ground before sharply zigging and zagging along the ground, bright red eyes in its center gleaming. I froze; my body and my mind watched helplessly as it gained distance. It made contact with the reinforcement soldiers rushing towards it and I watched the grown men all stop dead in their tracks. Many gripped their heads and yelled at the top of their lungs before swiftly turning on one another. Clashes of spears and swords rang in the air, their eyes hollow and...soulless. Give me...your soul! The youma bee-lined towards me. Still frozen my body involuntarily trembled at the fear that had taken me. "Venus!" It all happened so fast yet so slow, each motion playing slowing in my eyes. Mars was yelling my name and the chain that I gripped so tightly yanked my body back. I was falling towards the ground. Slowly my head fell back in the fluid motion and I could finally see what had done it; Mars had jammed the back heel of her sailor footgear into one of the chain holes and roundhouse kicked backwards. Realization had struck me as the cloud shot over me, slicing through the air towards the senshi of fire who was still suspended mid-air helpless. I watched horrified as the mass of negative energy engulfed the woman, her screams pierced my ears just as I hit the ground with a thud. "MARS!" I screamed. End dream Briiiiiiiiing My eyes shot open and I again found myself in my apartment room. Tears were running down my cheeks, staining as the rivers marked their trails. It was too real. I was there... "A-And I..." I felt my breathing hitch, unable to speak the words that threatened to shatter my being. Briiiiiiiiing After taking in large gulps of air I finally realized the telephone was ringing. Still slightly trembling I shoved my legs over the side of the bed and took shaky steps out of my room and into the dark living room. Cautious not to wake my mom I quickly picked up the loud device. There was an odd silence at the other end of the line for a moment before a loud ecstatic voice boomed, "Hey! Hope I didn't wake you!" "Shhh!" I hushed the speaker, whoever it was they were ten volumes too loud. "Who is this?" I whispered. "Don't tell me you forgot me already." A disappointed, recognizable pouting voice whined. "Look this isn't a good time Manuke." Entirely truthful, I was feeling sick right to my stomach. "Gomen ne, but I had to tell you, we've got a concert lined up for you n' your 'friend'..." I listened intently, feeling my eyes go wide at the last bit. "IN TWO DAYS!" I screamed.
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