I thank December Silentvale for helping me.
It was a beautiful day at the Hikawa Shrine, the sun shining as a slight breeze making the weather nothing but pleasant. Standing outside wearing the shrine maiden uniform, made up of a pair of vermilion, long, divided trousers that was a pair of hakama and a white kimono robe called a kosode, Ayame couldn't help but take a moment away from her sweeping and admire the day.
It was odd to be wearing such an outfit, the same type Rei normally wore, but Ayame didn't mind it too much. The two on better terms than they had once been along with the majority of the rest of her team. Nanami still had her reservations about the girl mostly due to her being worried for Yuichiro's sake. But they got along as best they could. Jing no longer looked up to Rei as she once did, but it was mostly water under the bridge now.
Looking at her members, Ayame observed them as they worked. Taura wore the same outfit as the Princess of Earth only with red hair ribbons holding her lapis lazuli hair in her signature high ponytail. Her normally yellow and baby blue hair clips were exchanged for white ones to hold her bangs back. Nanami was with them as well, wearing the uniform and her cyber grape hair braided with a white ribbon. The bespectacled girl wasn't wearing her fedora like she usually would, but it was a nice change every now and then.
The three of them were working, along side Makoto and Minako, at the shrine to help out Grandpa Hino. It was a good thing too, considering the number of visitors they had that day. Most were middle school girls, but there was the occasional boy or elderly woman with her grandchild. With the Cheerleading competition out of the way, Ayame had more free time to help out around the place. Nanami didn't have any major projects at Studio Dive to work on either and Taura was free from fencing practice to work too.
Thinking back to the competition, when some semblance of order was restored, they gave out the awards. While Ayame's team didn't get first place, they did receive the Unique Award for their performance. Since then, Ayame and the rest of Earth's protectors were enjoying the peace.
Finishing her sweeping, Ayame headed back to join the others. From the looks of it, the brunette was about to make her sales pitch.
"Everyone gather round! I have something to show you! The amulets from the Hikawa Shrine work wonders on lovesickness! And I'm telling you this, based on my own personal experience. No matter how many times I've had my heart broken, I've always found a new love with this." Makoto advertised.
"My friend here bought one and met a cute boy." Nanami pitched in, rubbing her elbow into Minako's. Making the blonde blush as she thought of Souma.
"Our amulets are the best cure for problems of the heart." Grandpa added.
"I could sure use one!" One girl gushed.
"Me too!" Her friend cooed.
"For the more studious, we have amulets to help with that upcoming test. Or for the athletic type, we have amulets to help give you that extra push. I bought one and it helped me with my fencing club." Taura declared.
The visiting crowd of girls chattering excitedly as discussed the type of boy they would want. Each were eager to buy one as Nanami accepted the payment for the amulets, Taura selected the amulet the patron wanted, and Minako handed them over.
"Here you go! Come back if things don't work out for you." Minako offered.
"Weren't you listening? These amulets fix everything." Grandpa insisted.
"Oh! That's right!" Minako replied, slightly abashed.
After the business rush, the group rested around the stand. Makoto leaning on the counter outside the stand along with Ayame while Minako, Taura, Nanami, and Grandpa sat inside.
"Ah! Being a Shine Maiden sure is tiring." Minako sighed.
"You can say that again." Nanami joked.
"This is nothing compared to fencing." Taura said with a smile.
"Being busy is a good thing though. Better to have lots of business than no business at all." Ayame added.
"Thank you for all your hard work, girls!" Grandpa thanked them, drinking some tea while they rested.
"Hi, Gramps!" Usagi greeted as she headed over towards them with Ami.
"Ah! It's Usagi!" Grandpa recognized as he watched the two girls approach.
"How come the five of you are here?" Ami asked noticing the girls outfits.
"Hey, where's Rei?" Usagi noticing her arguing buddy was missing.
"Rei is chairman of the school festival, so she'll be coming home late for a few days." Grandpa answered, explaining Rei's absence.
"Since Rei can't work, Grandpa here asked the five of us to pitch in and fulfill some of Rei's Shine Maiden duties. We weren't busy so we agreed." Ayame answered.
"Would you like to be Shine Maidens too, and help out?" Grandpa offered.
Ami chuckled at the offer.
"Well, that would be pretty cool, except for I don't want to memorize sutras." Usagi answered, rubbing the back of her neck as she offered the lame excuse.
"This is a Shinto Shrine. Only Buddhists do sutras." Grandpa disgruntled at the mix up.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Later that day, all the girls at the T.A. Academy for Girls were busy preparing for their School Festival. Among them was Rei, Jing and Hiroko. In preparation, the three were working in the school auditorium.
"A little up and to the left." Rei directed standing in the center of the stage, arms raised high as she motioned where everything needed to go. "A bit more. Right there. Okay!" She declared.
"Miss Rei..." A shy, hesitant voice spoke up.
Turning, Rei looked to see another student and her classmate behind her. "What is it?" She grumpily demanded.
"Um, I have a question about our class exhibition." The girl explained.
"I told you everything you need to know about it yesterday! How many times must I go over it?! I don't have time right now. I'm busy trying to get the stage ready!" Rei told her, walking off to get back to work.
"But we've got a problem and we're afraid to proceed until we get your permission." The girl protested.
Irked by the interruption, Rei sighed before relenting slightly. "Oh, all right. I'll come by later." Rei promised as she walked backstage and noticed something out of place. "Who left this equipment here? Somebody could bump into it, so put it away!" She ordered.
"Miss Rei is so efficient." One of Rei's fans gushed as the girl and her friend beside her watched their idol work.
"She is! We wouldn't be able to have a successful festival this year without her putting everything together." The other fawner gushed in agreement.
"More like loud and bossy if you ask me." Jing muttered under her breath. Irritated slightly with Rei's attitude. Jing did appreciate Rei's hard work, there was no doubt about that. However, Jing just didn't particularly like all the yelling. With all the stress Rei was under, the girl was even more snappish than usual. But Rei wasn't even the worst part. Most of Jing's irritation coming from all the other student's actions.
'Seriously, it's like they can't think for themselves. Is it because they're too afraid to do anything wrong and get their head bit off by Rei or are they too busy admiring her to get any serious work done?' Jing thought as she hurried over to move the equipment since no one else was doing it. 'Because of all the other students that are too busy gushing to actually work, I was pulled away from my own class activities to help out here!'
"You two, stop standing around gabbing, and get working!" Rei yelled at the two sycophants.
"Okay!" The girls cheered, somehow happy to get yelled at.
"Miss Rei actually spoke to us for the first time!" The first girl gushed.
"Lucky us!" Her friend squealed in delight.
"Ugh!" Jing groaned. "I think I'm going to be sick. I hope I wasn't that bad when I was a fan girl." She muttered annoyed.
"Ugh! Jeez!" Rei groaned from her fan's actions. Slumping over under the weight of having to deal with idiots. "I have so much to do that I would even ask a cat for help."
"Hey, Rei!" Usagi called out.
"Huh? Oh, Usagi!" Rei called out, perking up a bit.
"Oh, Ayame and Ami are here too!" Jing cheered, happy to see them.
"Here they are! Luna and Artemis!" Usagi said, the two cats flopped over on her shoulders as Usagi held their paws together. "Oh, and Jadeite is here too!" The cat on Ayame's arms.
"Huh?" Rei asked, confused.
"You said you were so busy, you'd ask a cat for help." Usagi explained, pulling Luna's paws.
"Ow! Ow! Ow!" Luna said, trying to keep quiet so no one would hear her talking, though unable to be silent due to the pain.
"Did you come here just to make me go totally crazy?!" Rei asked.
"Ha! Ha! We came here to support you!" Usagi explained, throwing off the two felines as Jing and Ayame ran to catch them.
"Usagi! Be more careful!" Ayame scolded the blonde.
"Here. Mako made some lunch for you." Ami offered, holding the obento.
"Thank you!" Rei said with a smile, happy to have it.
"You don't mind if we stay and watch rehearsal, do you?" Usagi asked.
"Of course! We're just getting everything ready to run it." Rei told them.
Standing off to the side backstage, Ayame, Usagi, Ami, and the cats waited for rehearsal to begin as Rei headed over to the center of the stage and Jing went to handle the music. With the spot light on and the music starting, Rei began to sing.
I'm not about to ignore you
I will save you...
After all...
It was going well until, the spotlight turned red.
"You on the spotlight! This isn't a cabaret! Don't use those colors!" Rei ordered, the mic helping her be heard from all the way up in the rafters.
"Cabaret?" One of the girls working the spotlight asked as Jing turned off the music.
"We don't know what that is, so we don't know what colors not to use!" Her partner yelled back.
Sighing, Hiroko walked over to the two girls. "Let me explain. It's an underground night club with performers. When she's saying is don't use colors like in nightclub strobe lights. So don't use red, blue, or green. It'll clash with her dress during the performance. Got it?"
"Oh, okay then." The girls replied once they understood.
"Forget it! Take five!" Rei ordered, walking backstage to the others. "Ughh... Besides Jing and Hiroko, nobody really seems to care but me."
"I'm sure that's not true." Ayame assured her.
"If it wasn't for those two, I would have already gone crazy by now." Rei continued to groan.
"Nice song! It sounded really good, and I was wondering who wrote the lyrics?" Usagi asked.
"Well, you have good taste in music." Rei complemented her. "As it just so happens, I wrote every single musical number for the School Festival." She informed them, pulling out a stack of music sheets.
"Huh?!" The three humans and cats asked.
"What is it? You have a problem with the fact that I wrote all the songs?" Rei asked, getting testy.
Laughing to ease away the tension, Usagi waved away the accusation. "No problem at all!"
"Although, it does sound like you're using the School Festival to show off your personal talent." Ami pointed out.
"I sure am! Why do you think I became Festival chairman and on-site manager? I have a lot invested in this!" Rei explained.
The answer causing Ami to giggle.
"And here we thought you had changed!" Artemis explained.
"Thank goodness, you're the same Rei!" Usagi cheered.
"I'm not sure if that was a complement or you're just being rude." Ayame scowled at the cat.
Outside, hidden among the foliage of a tree, outsiders were planning on investing their own time and energy into the festival and reap the grand rewards.
"A school festival..." Seijuro muttered contemplating the possibilities.
"That means tomorrow, this place will be brimming with youthful energy." Natsumi said, her mouth watering at the thought.
"I can almost taste it already." Seijuro agreed, licking his lips in anticipation.
"Yes, then the Makai Tree will be able to thrive once again." Natsumi said, recalling the vague memories the tree had been full of life.
"Yes..." Seijuro muttered, yearning for the day they would no longer have to struggle to survive. Hoping the next Cardian would succeed and they could live in peace.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Soon, before the gang new it, the day of the festival was a good night's rest away. Once again, the two Sailor Guardian groups gathered together at the Hikawa Shrine. Rei in her Shrine Maiden outfit and the others in their school uniforms. While Rei sat on the steps, the others gathered around. But instead of discussing the enemy, the flow of discussion was centered around the festival.
"Hey, Rei! Tomorrow's the big day!" Usagi reminded her.
"We're gonna take the day off from our Shrine Maiden jobs to come and watch the show!" Makoto informed her.
"Oh? Did Grandpa say he's coming too?" Rei asked.
"Yeah. Yuichiro said he's going to cover for us." Makoto informed her.
"Actually!" Nanami interjected. "I'm going to be covering for everyone."
"Really? Why?" Hiroko asked, curious why her friend wasn't coming. "I thought you wanted to see the art club exhibition?"
"Yeah, a little. But Yuichiro looked so depressed when he learned he couldn't go, so I offered to take his place. I don't really mind. What are friends for if they can't help you out when in a pickle?" Nanami answered, happy to help Yuichiro with his crush and having found an excuse to not go.
"Who else is coming?" Taura asked.
"The rest of the Four Kings of Heaven and myself are coming." Jadeite answered.
"So is Kijin!" Jing added.
"It's pretty amazing that you wrote all the songs by yourself." Minako said, addressing Rei.
"I'll say. That must've been a lot of work." Ami added.
"No, not really. The lyrics came to me rather easily. And the melodies just seemed to flow right out of my fingertips. I never even broke a sweat. It was easy. A piece of cake. It's what they call talent." Rei assured them, confidence brimming in her voice.
"Rei! You're so awesome!" Usagi gushed.
Ayame however, wasn't quite buying it. "Rei, something on your face tells me you aren't telling the truth." She said in a sing-song voice, her eyes watching Rei with suspicion as the Shrine Maiden sweated under the harsh stare.
"Uh...isn't it inappropriate for the Guardians to get so excited about these things?" Artemis asked.
"I think it's alright once in a while." Luna assured him.
Hearing the two cats, Ayame whipped around and gave them the nastiest glare she could.
"U-Uh... Um... A-Ayame!? I-Is something w-wrong?" Artemis hesitantly asked.
"How old are we?" Ayame asked.
Seeing the felines confused faces, she elaborated. "How old are each of the girls here?"
"U-Um? Around... Um... F-Fourteen?" Artemis answered, unsure where Ayame was going with this or what he had done to upset her.
"Yes. Around the age of fourteen. Do you know what that means?" Ayame asked, a smile donning her face, warm and welcoming though her voice cold with a steely calm.
Shaking their heads, Ayame's pleasant smile vanished. "It means...WE. ARE JUST. KIDS." Ayame gritted out, stepping closer to the white feline as everyone watched with rapid attention. Looming over him, Ayame took a few deep breaths before continuing in a calmer voice. Though, they could practically see aura of anger wrapped around her.
"We are still just kids, Artemis. This isn't the Silver Millennium any more. We are more than just Guardians." Ayame remined him. "Girls our age should get excited about these types of things. You have a bad habit of forgetting that fact. We were reborn in order to live the peaceful lives that was taken away from us by the Dark Kingdom! So don't think for even a moment of robbing us of movements like this, you insensitive furball!"
Artimis gulped in fear, finding it hard to swallow. "Y-Yes, Ma'am!" He answered.
"Good!" Ayame spoke, turning on her heels and marching away from the shrine, still fuming in anger. The others giving her wide berth.
Stopping, Ayame took a few deep breaths, calming herself before turning around and addressing the others.
"Forgive me. He struck a nerve. I shouldn't have caused a scene. I'm just tired from fretting over the new threat and all. I've had enough for tonight. I'll see you all tomorrow. Goodnight." Ayame said.
"Uh, wait! Do you want to walk home together?" Hiroko asked.
"Thanks for the offer, but not tonight. I need to cool off. Goodnight." Ayame repeated, bidding her farewells and walking out into the night alone.
For a moment the Planetary Guardians and the remaining Guardians of Earth watched in silence as Ayame left, until Nanami broke the ice.
"I'm worried about her."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Usagi asked.
"Sure, she was angry just now, but it's like she said. She just tired and stressed worrying about the enemy. She probably just needs a day to kick back and relax. The festival will be a great chance to do that." Makoto assured them.
"You mean you haven't noticed?" Taura asked, skeptical since Usagi had known Ayame longer than they had and been best of friends.
"She's been on edge ever since the incident with her cheerleading squad was attacked and sent to the hospital." Jing answered Usagi's question.
"She's been having nightmares again." Jadeite added.
"Yeah, just the other night, she called me in the middle of the night." Taura informed them. "She was bawling her eyes out over the phone. I could barely make out what she was saying."
"Me too." Hiroko chipped in.
"I got a call as well." Jing added
"So did I." Nanami raised her hand.
"Why would Ayame be doing that?" Rei asked. "What would be causing her to be bawling of all things?"
"Ayame doesn't seem like the type to call and disturb someone in the middle of the night without reason. What is wrong?" Ami asked
"Ayame told us she has been having nightmares about our past lives and our deaths back then again." Nanami explained.
"She hates that she's been doing it and disturbing our sleep, not that we really mind. We want to be there for her. Ever since the cherry blossom viewing, she been more open and sharing her fears with us, which is good." Jing said, happy Ayame was being more open and depending on them, but sad Ayame was going through such trouble.
"The reason she's been calling in the middle of the night to assure herself we're still alive. She's been afraid that the life we have been living up until now wasn't all just a dream and we're actually dying alone on some battlefield back in the Silver Millennium."
"What caused this relapse? I thought she was getting better with her nightmares." Minako asked
"She was. But we think what triggered this was that she couldn't save the cheer squad when she was right there with them." Nanami answered.
"Ayame takes her role seriously, almost too seriously. You girls are young. You shouldn't have to worry about the chance of dying again in battle against the enemy. " Jadeite said, looking out towards the city.
"Out there are thousands of people. The people of Earth, Ayame's people. Normal girls your age shouldn't have to worry people might be out there dying because of monsters or aliens coming around and stealing the life energy out of them. Up until this point, we have been fortunate that no one has died. People have been sent to the hospital because we were not able to save them in time from getting drained or injured. Most of the time is had been coincidence that leads us to the same place the monsters are at. I believe one of Ayame's fears is that one of these days we will arrive too late to save them. She worries she might lose her friends again and that they will die trying to protect her in battle." Jadeite explained.
"Ayame is rather mature, but deep down she is still a young girl. Going through such trials wears down on a person, especially a fourteen year old." Jadeite ended with a sigh.
"Some of us have been having nightmares too. So it's a relief to get a call from her." Hiroko informed them, the Four Winds of Earth gathering around each other for comfort.
The Planetary Sailor Guardians were shocked by the information. None of them had any nightmares or really thought about anything Jadeite had said. Seeing the understanding and haunted looks in the others eyes, they knew it was all too real for them.
Sighing, Nanami broke the tension. "Well that's enough depressing thoughts for one night. The most of us will see you tomorrow. Goodnight!" Nanami cheered.
With a wave, the four winds of earth left, the planetary guardians muttering their own farewells as they watched them go. Each left to their own thoughts.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
The next day, the T.A. School Festival was well underway.
Jing, Rei, and Hiroko were already at the school either helping out with their classes, their clubs, or in Rei's case the entire festival. Yuichiro had offered to help Rei, so he wasn't there to meet up with the others.
Meeting up at the entrance, Makoto, Usagi, Minako, and the feline companions were waiting for the others to arrive. Of the civilian group of friends, there was of course Grandpa. But he wasn't the only one. Kijin, going to the boys school for T.A. Academy and being Jing's boyfriend, knew about the school festival and had come to show his support and have fun. Hoping to walk around the campus with Jing when her shift was over from the class event she was helping out with. They were surprised however to see Naru and Umino had come along to join them for the festival. Naru explaining Ayame had invited them and wanted to give Hiroko something.
Looking at the duffle bag she was carrying, the Planetary Guardians assumed it was a new weapon for Hiroko.
When Ayame and her team arrived, Usagi noted Ayame looked better than she did the night before. The words Ayame had said had struck a chord in Usagi. She wanted to be a normal girl ever since the whole thing began. The way Ayame had took everything in stride, her grace, dedication, and determination to see things through to the bitter end were things Usagi had admired and envied Ayame for.
A part of Usagi though Ayame almost enjoyed being a Sailor Guardian. But last night... Seeing Ayame just burst out like that... The raw emotion and outrage at Artemis's comment. It was a side Usagi had seen a handful of times. Most of the time directed at herself. Back at the Starlight tower and the D point in the Arctic when facing the Dark Kingdom being some of the more prominent memories. It was odd to see it as an observer and not the one getting yelled at.
The other members of Ayame's group, they knew about it and from the way they acted had been going through the same things. Yet they appeared so happy and cheerful most of the time. Like nothing bothered them.
Last night... It enlightened Usagi. Despite Ayame's amazing ability to handle the burden and responsibilities thrown at her, it appeared Ayame wanted the same normal life Usagi did. It made her feel better that she wasn't the only one that wanted a normal life, but it made her feel terrible she was so blind to Ayame's pain.
Usagi tried to push such thoughts aside, it was a beautiful day after all and they were there to have fun. But envy gave her little reprieve. Seeing Ayame walk hand in hand with Nephrite was another stab through the heart for the blonde.
Mamoru still did not remember her. Meanwhile, Ayame was reunited with her lover. It wasn't fair.
Shaking her head and slapping her cheeks, Usagi finally pushed the dark thoughts away before greeting Ayame and Nephrite, the members of Ayame's team, and the rest Four King of Heaven that lagged behind the others.
"Wow, Rei wasn't kidding when she said it was an all girl school." Artemis muttered in awe.
Ahead of the group, Grandpa was already talking to girls.
"Hey, there... Young ladies! Oh, you're both so cute! Would you be interested in a part-time job at my shrine?" Grandpa asked.
"I'm so sorry, sir, but this school doesn't allow us to take part-time jobs." One of the two girls politely declined.
"Thanks anyway!" The second replied.
"Have a nice day!" The two said as they headed on further on the campus grounds.
"You have a nice one, too!" Grandpa replied before muttering to himself. "I better brush up on talking to young girls so I don't scare them off."
While Grandpa was off to try and get more girls to become Shrine Maidens, the rest of the group stayed close as they looked for anything that would catch their eye.
As they walked around, Usagi began to complain. "Where's the takoyaki? The yakisoba? The curried rice?"
"Is all you can think about your stomach?" Nephrite asked, in slight disbelief and irritation.
"Chill..." Makoto told the blonde and knight.
"We have nearly all day to explore and find out where the food is, Usagi so don't worry." Taura told her.
"If I remember correctly, Jing's class has a café. We can get something to eat there when we go to visit." Kunzite informed them.
"I can't wait!" Kijin exclaimed.
"You mean you can't wait to see your girlfriend in a cute maid outfit?" Zoisite teased, making the boy blush and stutter.
"Where's Ami?" Luna asked.
"Um, I think she went to watch the research presentations." Minako explained.
"So, what should we do first?" Nephrite asked.
"Umino and I are going to go find Hiroko to drop off the bag. After that, were going to hang around and explore on our own." Naru explained. "Do you guys want to set a time and place to meet later?"
"Well, we're all going to see Rei perform later in the school auditorium so we can meet up there. How does that sound?" Taura suggested.
Getting affirmative answers, Naru nodded as she and Umino headed off to find Hiroko. Though, not before Nephrite gave Umino a quick and firm warning to Umino to treat Naru well and make sure nothing happened to her. Along with ruffling up Naru's hair a little as the couple headed off.
Seeing no one else was splitting off from the group yet, Ayame looked around for anything the group could do before they eventually did go their separate ways until Rei's preformance.
"If Usagi's stomach can wait for a little while, how about that?" Ayame suggested, pointing towards the Japanese Dance Club.
With the agreement of the others, it wasn't long until the entire group of girls were wearing kimonos and even took a photo to remember the occasion. Afterwards, most of the group split off to explore the events and clubs that caught their eye.
Makoto couldn't resist taking part in the Cake Making Contest.
At the Fashion Design Club, Ayame and the others ran into Hiroko, who was a member. The club renting costumes that they had personally made.
Zoisite went and surprised the others by going to the Flower Arrangement Club and made a few arrangements himself.
Kunzite headed over to the Film Club while Ayame and Nephrite went to the Art Club Exhibit.
There was one event with Ring Puzzles and Usagi was utterly stumped.
At the Golf Club, Minako wasn't have much better luck than Usagi had with the puzzles. While Taura was winning by a long shot. Even Kunzite joined in, giving Taura a run for it, though he did have practice due to some of his business associates inviting him to join them for a game or two.
At the Feeling Couple 10 and 10, Ami and Rei tried it out and got negative results with the boys they had partnered with. Ayame and Nephrite tried it out, along with Umino and Naru, getting prefect results. Yuichiro tried to get Rei to try it out with him, though his efforts failed since she had to leave to prepare a few things, much to his disapointment.
Later, when they ended up regrouping at a Chinese-style Café which was hosted by Jing's class. Jing was even wearing a cute cheongsam as she seated them along with Kijin who had already eaten and was merely waiting for Jing's shift to end.
Before they could scatter once again, the group stopped to hear a voice over the intercom.
"In a few moments, this year's Queen of the T.A. Girl's Academy, Rei Hino, will begin her musical performance in the auditorium. We invite you to please bring your guest and come to the show."
"Wow!" Makoto exclaimed. "So Rei's queen of this event, as well."
"That's right. Everyone's counting on her for this year's festival to be a huge success." Ami informed them.
"She does have good leadership qualities." Artemis remarked.
"Mm! Someone we know should follow her example." Luna agreed, suggesting the last part patronizing before getting bonked on the head by a certain blonde.
"You deserved that!" Usagi informed the feline.
"I'd appreciate it if you'd warn me first." Luna muttered, the bump growing bigger.
"You had it coming, you really should have been expecting that when you ran your mouth." Zoisite informed the feline.
"While Rei is the organizing the festival, one person can't do everything alone. This festival was made possible by everyone's efforts." Kunzite added.
Ayame looked at Luna skeptically. "Seriously, have you forgotten she uses physical punishment to get others to agree with her? Remember what happened when Usagi first got the Moon Stick?"
"She's not a bad as she used to be." Jing piped up, speaking in Rei's defense. "Sure she yells a lot and is bossy, but she doesn't use physical punishment to motivate any of the girls here."
"She has to be bossy and yell a lot." Hiroko interjected. "Most of the girls here aren't as strong willed as Rei. They're basically pushovers. It was easy for Rei to get her way, it helps she's admired by most of the school to boot. Most were happy that Rei actually spoke to them, even if it was ordering them around."
"Well, either way, we're not getting anything done standing around and talking." Taura reminded them.
"Taura's right. We'd better hurry up or we won't be able to get good seats." Minako said.
"Yeah! Let's go!" Usagi cheered, following Minako.
Makoto, Ami, giggling as they followed behind them.
Sighing, Jadeite spoke with a shrug. "Well, might as well follow them." Leading the way as the others followed him.
As they walked, Nephrite spoke up. "I thought you had forgiven her for that incident?"
"I did. Sort of." Ayame admitted with a sigh. "I want to get along, but it's not always easy when it comes to Rei. I have a bad habit of holding grudges."
"It'll be okay, just don't let it blind you." Nephrite offered his advise, before kissing her forehead before they entered the auditorium and found some seats.
The room dark as they waited for the opening act.
When a stage light turned on, two figures were on the stage in some weird pose wearing some of the most ridiculous outfits Ayame had ever seen. It was a couple of aliens. The boy looked like a squire and the girl looked like her dress was part of a spaceship.
"Uh...Hello!" The boy said, the crowd laughing at his introduction and the outfits.
"Wow! They seem to like us!" The boy on stage muttered to his partner, the crowd unable to hear their conversation.
"It's not so bad after all." The girl agreed.
"Hey, who are they?" Usagi asked, the two looking familiar though they were dressed as some sort of space fighters with a fake sword and blaster.
"I think that's Natsumi and Seijuro." Ami answered.
"You're right!" Minako confirmed.
"What happened to his 'mister cool' image?" Makoto asked.
"Whatever they're doing, they look ridiculous." Zoisite stated.
"As a member of the Fashion club, I had nothing to do with that." Hiroko stated. Glaring at the ridiculous outfits, this time as some sort of squid alien. "You guys should see Rei's dress. I made it myself. It actually looks pretty good if I do say so myself."
Breathing in deeply, Seijuro spoke. "I can feel that energy rising."
"And there's plenty of it, which makes this a good place to steal some." Natsumi remarked.
"Yes, it does. This auditorium is just brimming with it." Seijuro he agreed with a dark glint in his eyes.
"Then I think the time to gather it up would be right now, my sweet." Natsumi suggested.
"Keep watching, Earthlings. You're in for an exciting show!" Seijuro promised as the curtain fell for the end of the fashion show.
Presumably, once the curtain fell, Natsumi and Seijuro left the stage. The crowd waiting patiently for Rei's turn to shine.
Over a microphone, a student announced the next event. "Thank you for your generous applause, ladies and gentlemen. Next we present a musical performance by Rei Hino!"
Behind the curtain, Rei was more than ready to perform. Placing her music sheets on the stand provided for her.
"Finally! It's Rei's turn to perform!" Minako cheered in excitement.
"I am so nervous!" Usagi gushed.
"Why's that? You're not the one who's going to be on that stage." Ami pointed out.
"I know that..." Usagi replied, puffing up in irritation.
"Hm." Kunzite hummed, thinking as he crossed his arms. "Rei wrote all the songs herself, right?"
"That's what she told us." Jing answered.
"I see. Perhaps, if Rei's songs and voice are as good as everyone says, I might just have to scout her for the talent agency." Kunzite informed them.
"What!? Really!? You could do that?!" Minako asked, her eyes starstruck as she fantasied about achieving her dream of being an idol.
"I am in charge of a talent agency. It was one of the businesses left over from the Dark Kingdom. We're always searching for new talent. Though, it would have to wait until we defeat our current enemy and it depends on Rei if she wishes to pursue a career as a singer and songwriter. If her songs are good." Kunzite answered, stressing the 'if' on the last sentence. "I only hire talent, first and foremost."
"You saw talent in me and I'm the second strongest of the Four Kings of Heaven." Zoisite budded in, bubbling with pride for his mentor and in his own skills.
Nephrite scoffed at the younger man before playfully joining the conversation. "You may have talent, but it's too bad you're still a brat."
"Why, you-!" Zoisite started to reply and continue their daily banter, only to be interrupted by the princess.
"Now, now, boys. No need to argue. We're here to watch the show." Ayame reminded them.
"Yes, Milady." The two replied in practiced unison.
"Shh, it's about to start." Makoto scolded them, ending all further discussion.
As the curtain was lifted into the air, Rei was slowly revealed. True to Hiroko's words, the dress was pretty good.
Starting from the top to the bottom, holding back Rei's dark hair was a red headband with floral fabric sewn on top. Lining the edges was small golden dots, that vaguely looked like coins. On the sides, in gold bases, were purple oval-shaped gems.
With the headband holding her bangs and the rest of her hair back from her face, it was easier to see the matching earrings Hiroko had selected for Rei to wear. The jewelry having the same purple oval-shaped gems, though they lacked the floral fabric. Instead having gold tassels that gradually shifted to pink under them.
Residing on her neck, a gold pearl choker adorned by a single purple gem in the center made itself at home. Below it, hanging around her neck was a pendant made of golden loose beads and the same purple gem as her headband, earrings, and choker. Attached to it was two tassels that in a gradient of gold, pink and violet.
Around her wrist were two golden bracelets on her left and on both arms were a matching set of purple and gold beads with another purple gem in the middle. Her nails painted pink to match her clothing.
The collarbone and shoulders of her dress was a light apple red lacy fabric with more golden beads on the end of the sleeves. Below the underarm, the lace gave way to more fabric that matched Rei's headband and trimmed with gold beads. Attached to it was tiny scalloped beading embellishing the dress. The floral fabric was designed like a tub top, before giving way to a white ruffled fabric, in three layers until reaching the waistband. The band was embellished with a golden border, multiple sections created by little medallions. In the sections was a bit of purple with small red dots in the center. In the middle of the band was the same purple gem ornament as her accessories.
The skirt of her dress puffed out in balloon skirt, the same color as the lace on her shoulders, but with a crimson design on the hem. More of the red floral fabric is sewn over it as peplum, lined with gold beaded chains.
On her leg, a ruby gem plate-like ornament with a gold border and several dangles clung on to her. Decorating her feet was a pair of green sandals with a gold ankle strap and foot strap connected by several bead chains. In the middle was a purple gem on a gold base with two gold, pink, and violet gradient tassels hanging from it.
Seeing the queen of the festival in all her glory, the crowd cheered in welcome.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Rei Hino, but I'd prefer it if you'd just call me Rei." Rei greeted the audience.
The crowd cheering, her fellow classmates especially loud.
"Thank you all for coming out to see me today. I'm so happy to have such a large, enthusiastic turn out." Rei continued.
"Good grief!" Luna groaned.
"She thinks she's a rock star!" Artemis muttered, a sweat drop rolling down his head.
"Looking good, Rei!" Grandpa cheered his granddaughter.
"You look amazing, Rei! Knock their socks off!" Yuichiro cheered beside his master.
"This song is from my heart for every one of you!" Rei announced.
"Rei, you are so awesome!" Usagi cheered.
Causing the rest of the group to grow sweat drops as the blonde was swept up in the excitement.
I'm not about to ignore you
I will save you
After all
No one's closer than we are
Outside the auditorium, up on the roof, the two interlopers were done waiting.
"It's time for us to choose a Cardian." Ali announced, pulling out the cards for his partner to choose from.
The selection was made quickly, the card revealing an underwater scenery with the main focus if the image a mermaid with a blue tail and arms. Her pink hair flowing at least down to where her mid thigh would have been if she were human. Her eyes seemingly closed as she floated along the unseen current.
"Come forth! Cardian Siren!" Calling out the monster's name, Ali placed his flute up to his lips and played the familiar tune that would unleash the servant withing the confines of the card. Water escaping the image as the Cardian swam out of it.
"Siren!" She cried.
Back in the auditorium, Rei gasped as she sensed a shift in the air. 'An evil aura!' She recognized, looking towards the rafters in search of the disturbance.
As if materializing out of thin air, Siren appeared in the auditorium. She looked slightly different from the image on the card she came from. Her hair tied up with pearls and her body less like a mermaid and more reminiscent of an orca, though she retained the same coloring as the image. On her back a dorsal fin had grown. The end of her tail, the caudal fin was longer with extended fins above it. Further up her tail was a adipose fin on the back side of Siren and on the front was a pair of pelvic fins.
Moving through the air as if it were water, the cardian screeched out it's name. "Siren!" Diving down as golden dusk flew down towards the crowd.
"What's that?!" Usagi cried, bewildered.
"It's a Cardian!" Ami exclaimed, quickly processing what they were seeing.
"Keep away from that shiny dust!" Artemis warned.
Around them, people groaned as the dust effects kicked in and one by one fell asleep.
"A monster!" Yuichiro yelled, freaking out before succumbing to the monster's attack.
"Young lady, wanna work part-time as a Shrine Maiden? It's a lot of fun..." Grandpa called out the Cardian. His words trailing off as the dust kicked in and he too fell asleep along with the rest of the audience.
Moving quickly before the dust could settle on them, the girls hid under their seats. Unfortunately to the guys, their builds wouldn't allow them to easily fit under the seats. Pretending to succumb to the dust, the men laid down and Zoisite raised his hand above them.
"Zoi!" He whispered, the petals streaming out from his finger tips as them formed a protective shield around them, keeping the dust off, but low enough the monster hopefully wouldn't notice.
On the roof, the aliens were assured of their victory.
"Well, looks like it's going nicely." Ali observed.
"All we do now is wait by the Makai Tree." An stated as her partner smiled at her before taking each others hands and disappearing. Leaving the situation in Siren's capable fins.
"Siren!" The cardian aggressively shouted at Rei, floating just in front of the stage.
For some inexplicable reason, the Cardian had left her alone from the dust attack.
Seeing the monster had given Rei her full attention, she could only gasp in fear. The monster's hair unleashed from the pearl ornament holding them in place. The hair moving like tentacles as the lashed out towards the screaming Rei.
"Look! Rei's in trouble!" Usagi shouted, the girls having gotten up from underneath the seats.
"We've gotta help her." Makoto shouted.
"Kijin! Stay here!" Jing told her boyfriend as he nodded and hid in the seats. The boy wishing he could be more useful in such situations, watching the Four Kings of Heaven with envy.
"Moon Crystal Power!"
"Gaea Feudal Power!"
"Mercury Power!"
"Zephyrus Power!
"Jupiter Power!
"Eurus Power!"
"Venus Power!"
"Boreas Power!"
"Make Up!" The girls shouted.
"I am the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and for justice. I am Sailor Moon!"
"I am Sailor Gaea! The protector of humanity and nature!"
"Sailor Mercury!"
"Sailor Zephyrus!"
"Sailor Jupiter!"
"Sailor Eurus!"
"Sailor Venus!"
"Sailor Boreas!"
"We're the Sailor Guardians!" They introduced themselves, each posing.
"Jadeite!"
"Nephrite!"
"Zoisite!"
"Kunzite!"
"We are the Four Kings of Heaven. Warriors of Earth! Joining out allies the Sailor Guardians in this fight is as well." Nephrite announced, the men having transformed as well. "Prepare to meet your end monster!"
"Who wants a fish fry?" Zoisite quipped.
Up on stage, the Cardian barely gave them any mind and focused solely on Rei. The girl entirely caught up in the monster's hair.
Struggling and grunting in an effort to get out, Rei was slowly being drained and trying to not get choked as the strands wrapped around her neck.
"I'm a star! Let me go you monster!" Rei ordered.
"Supreme!"
"Bubble!"
"Thunder!"
"Spray!"
Mercury and Jupiter attacked, cutting the strands unevenly. Causing Rei to gasp as she suddenly flew backwards with the hair not longer holding her up.
Retracting her hair, Siren turned to see who interfered. "Hm?" She sneered snootily before lashing out at them. "Siren!"
The two attackers grunting as the hair wrapped around their necks.
"Oh, no you don't!" Kunzite shouted as he and his protégé rushed to free the girls while Nephrite and Jadeite covered them with Sailor Zephyrus and Sailor Boreas went to attack the monster and hopefully distract it from the others. Sailor Venus and Sailor Moon rushed to make sure Rei was alright.
"Rei, are you okay?" Sailor Moon asked, kneeling down beside the fallen girl with Venus on the other side. Sailors Gaea and Eurus standing guard beside them. Sailor Eurus wielding her new weapon.
It was larger than her old weapon, the Falling Autumn Mace. It was a huge Sledgehammer!
When Naru had given her the weapon, Hiroko had nearly dropped it from the mass weight. Naru had dudded it, Autumn's Hibernating Hammer.
The very base of the hammer was made like a five pointed red-violet flower. Almost magenta colored. The blossom facing the ground with the back of the petals showing. Crawling up the handle, with a dark crimson color as the background, Naru had etched assorted leaves and fruits, symbolizing the season she represented in gold colors. From the handle, it continued up and around the rounded face of the hammer. From the weight of it, Sailor Eurus wondered if Naru had taken a hunk of solid iron and turned it into a cylinder. Then taking the handle, she had extended it to loop around the cylinder and bolted the thing in place. It was heavy! The cylinder was steel colored with black and gold accents and the loop was the same magenta as the flower at the base.
But there was no time to admire the craftsmanship as they focused on Siren.
"Look out!" Luna shouted in warning. Sailor Gaea and Eurus tensing as more hair lashed out to take them as well.
"Huh?" Sailor Moon cried, looking to see what was happening. Screaming as she and the other girls were captured by the monster's hair.
"Sailor Gaea!" The men cried as the princess was taken. Each of them having trouble with the monster. No matter how much they cut, the hair simply grew back. Wrapping around their legs and pulling their feet right out from under them and swinging them around as they dropped their weapons.
As Sailor Eurus was brought forward, Sailor Gaea swung her sword at her companions bonds, freeing her as she scrambled to create some distance between herself and the monster.
"Sailor Gaea!" Sailor Eurus called out. "Everyone!"
"Siren!" The monster bellowed, her hair drawing energy from her prisoners.
Sailor Mercury groaning as she fell to her knees.
"Her hair's stealing all our energy..." Sailor Jupiter managed to groan out, realizing what was happening.
"Can't free myself..." Sailor Moon informed the others.
"Me neither..." Sailor Venus added.
"I'm too handsome to be fish food." Zoisite grunted.
"Sailor Eurus, call Sailor Notus!" Jadite yelled. "Get help!"
"She's too far away to help now!" Kunzite shouted.
For a moment, Sailor Eurus hesitated. Seeing how easy the monster captured the others she knew her chances of defeating it alone was slim. But Sailor Notus was far away it would be too late by the time she arrived to help.
Hearing grunting behind her, Sailor Eurus was surprised the see Rei was conscious.
"Hang on, everyone! I'm coming!" Rei assured them.
"Don't do it, Rei!" Artemis yelled.
"You're too weak to fight!" Luna warned her.
"Do we really have any other options here!?" Nephrite shouted at the feline.
"Be quiet! Make yourselves useful and distract that thing! Believe in her abilities to surpass her limits!" Sailor Eurus scolded the cats.
"You can do it, Sailor Mars!" Sailor Zephyrus shouted.
"Go Sailor Mars!" Sailor Boreas encouraged.
"M-Mars Power! Make Up!" Rei shouted.
"You ruined my concert and stole energy from my dear fans... Those are terrible crimes! So now... In the name of Mars, I'll chastise you!" Sailor Mars scolded the monster, knees buckling as her energy wavered. Grunting as Sailor Eurus came to her aid. Helping her stand tall in the face of danger as she stood by her fellow Sailor's side.
"I slaved away night and day making Rei's dress. And you go and nearly ruin it, you horrid Cardian! But the worst crimes besides your lack of fashion is your audacity to attack my comrades and princess! In the name of the east wind, I will reap the evil you have sown!" Sailor Eurus shouted.
"Harvest Vines!" Sailor Eurus attacked the vines restricting the monster's movements.
Standing on her own, Sailor Mars attacked. "Fire Soul!" The flames burning the monster's hair as it screamed in rage. The flames easily burning through the hair and freeing the others as some gasped in relief, air filling their lungs. While the men fell in a heap without the monster holding them up in the air anymore.
"Agh! Siren!" She screeched, water flowing from her mouth and dousing the flames. "Siren! Siren!" She yelled, even angrier than before, she went about hacking away at the vines and slowly freeing herself.
"No way! That thing put out my Fire Soul attack!" Sailor Mars shouted, shocked at the new development.
Siren approached the girls, water left behind in puddles as she moved across the stage.
"It's hopeless! Just save yourself, Sailor Mars!" Sailor Moon weakly called out, falling over as her legs failed her.
"Idiot! Don't tell her to do something like that!" Sailor Gaea yelled at the blonde, even though she was hardly in a better state.
"Sailor Moon!" Sailor Mars called out.
"Sailor Gaea!" Sailor Eurus shouted, fighting the urge to rust to the princess's side.
"Siren!" It screeched, almost offended her prey wasn't paying attention to her. Infuriated and growling, Siren rushed at them. Only to stop when something slashed at her face.
Both Sailor Mars and Eurus gasped as they laid eyes on the single white rose, quickly turning to their rescuer.
"In the corner of the silent expanse of the universe, there is a planet that plays a lovely melody. That planet is our Earth. But the song created there belongs to everyone. And if you trample on this everlasting melody, no matter who you are... I, the Moonlight Knight, will make you pay!" The Moonlight Knight vowed, drawing his sword as he stood up above along the stage lights.
"Moonlight Knight! Thank goodness!" Sailor Mars shouted in gratitude.
"Sailor Mars, will you please sing your beautiful song once more?" The Moonlight Knight asked.
"I'll be more than happy to!" Sailor Mars replied.
"Is he flirting with you?" Sailor Eurus asked.
With Sailor Gaea, weak as she was, she payed close attention to what was going on. 'He asked her to sing again... Does that mean he knows who Sailor Mars is!? Did he see us all transform?!'
But those questions, both verbal and mere thoughts, were left unanswered. The Moonlight Knight jumping down from the rafters and attack Siren. Grunting as he jumped down. Retaliating, the Cardian grunted as she swung her tail around, knocking down the stand holding Rei's music.
Much to Sailor Mars's shock, gasping in horror as her hard work was ruined. After all the scrapped rough drafts, plotting down the notes and trying to make a coherent melody. Growing frustrated at herself until it finally came to her.
As the papers fell like leaves, Sailor Mars's eyes began to water before hardening into a glare. "Unforgivable... Unforgivable!" Sailor Mars shouted, fired up and ready to take the monster down.
"Now you've done it, Monster! You will taste the wrath of my new hammer!" Sailor Eurus shouted.
Taking a talisman, Sailor Mars began to chant. "Namah Samanta Vajraanaam, Candamahaarosana Sphotaya huum Trat Haam Maam! Hnnh! Fire Soul Bird!" The ball of fire moving as it normally did until connecting to the talisman, transforming into a bird as it launched itself at the monster.
Seeing the opportunity, Sailor Eurus began her own chant. "Autumn's Hibernating Hammer, filled with the Winds of the East! With a single blow, shake the earth and awaken from your slumbering hibernation, oh great Mother Earth! Break the enemy with a mighty quake!"
"Bountiful Leaf Transposition!" Sailor Eurus shouted, swinging the sledgehammer down. Creating a visible shockwave directed at Siren, surrounding her as leaves appeared. The wind kicked up from the hit sending the leaves up in a pillar, connecting the ground to the sky and forming a tornado and the leaves cutting into the monster's scaly hide.
"Siren!" She yelled, focused on the fiery bird as it shot out more water at it. Only for the bird to fly around it as if alive. The bird cutting into the monster's torso and setting the leaves aflame. "Ah! Siren! Siren! Ah!" She cried, the energy she had collected draining out of the wounds.
"Sailor Mars' true power has awakened!" Artemis yelled, astounded by the new development.
Meanwhile, the energy Siren had drained from the protectors of Earth leaked from the wounds inflicted upon her by Sailor Mars and Eurus. Returning back to their rightful owners, each getting up as they sat up and groaned.
Seeing what was happening, Luna couldn't help but cheer. "Your energy has returned!"
Looking back at her comrades, Sailor Mars called out to her leader. "Sailor Moon! Now!"
"You got it!" Sailor Moon answered, attacking the monster. "Moon Princess Halation!"
"Gaea Magma Inferno!" Sailor Gaea yelled, adding her attack to make sure the monster was defeated.
"Oh! Cleansing!" Siren screamed her final words, throwing her arms in the air before reduced to a simple card once more. Turning black as smoke was expelled.
"Good work, Sailor Guardians!" The Moonlight Knight congratulated them. "Don't ever forget the light shines in your hearts! Adieu!" Biding his farewell's, the Arabic themed man grabbed a hold of his cape and vanished into thin air.
"Thank you, Moonlight Knight!" Sailor Moon shouted back, though the man had already left and probably hadn't heard her.
As for Sailor Gaea, her eyes never left the spot he disappeared from. Eyes narrowed in contemplation, she worried what the mysterious man's motives were and just who was he. He clearly had some sort of power to just disappear the way he did all the time, so he couldn't be a random civilian that liked to dress up. But, he couldn't be someone from the Silver Millennium, she didn't recall anyone from the Golden Kingdom that was like him. Luna and Artemis didn't seem to know him, or if they did, they got better at hiding things from all of them.
Huffing in aggravation, her thoughts getting her no where, Sailor Gaea returned to being Ayame as the lot of them returned to their seats. As they say: The show must go on!
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Before the gang knew it, everything was back to normal. Rei was having a blast as the crowd cheered once again after she completed another one of her songs. As the crowd began to quiet down again, Rei repeated what the Moonlight Knight had said.
"In the corner of the silent expanse of the universe, there is a planet that plays a lovely melody... And that planet is our Earth. My final song is 'Everlasting Melody'. I hope you enjoy it."
I feel the warmth within my heart
Cause I know that's where you are
If I never say I love you so
You will always be a part of me
And now, I thank you for giving me the strength
I found this amazing power
It shines and embraces all that I see
I love you more than I can fathom
And your smile it glows
Surrounding me with laughter
And growing like a seed
And it's flowing in the wind
And I know there are no more limits to my dream
After the song was over, Ayame glanced over to Yuichiro and saw the guy rubbing his eyes to rid himself of the tears he had gathered there. Glancing back at Rei, Ayame wondered if the song was about Yuichiro and Rei's relationship.
After the performance, the group enjoyed the festival long after sundown, the school hosted a bonfire as everyone gathered together. Ami, Minako, Makoto, and the cats were sitting together. Zoisite, Kunzite, and Jadeite were with Hiroko and Taura while Yuichiro was sitting with grandpa. While the couples: Naru and Umino, Jing and Kijin, Nephrite and Ayame were sitting in their own groups.
Not too far from Ayame and Nephrite, Usagi and Rei sat together in silence for once.
"You know what?" Usagi asked, breaking the silence between herself and Rei.
"Huh?" Rei asked.
"I thought that was a lovely song." Usagi answered.
"Thank you." Rei replied, blushing at the complement.
"I never realized, but you're a really super hard worker." Usagi admitted.
Giggling in embarrassment, Rei decided to rile up Usagi and return to their normal banter. "Usagi, why don't I teach you a thing or two about hard work?" She suggested, her words doing the trick.
"What?! No thanks, I don't need to be like you!" Usagi replied.
"Well fine then! You're the one whose gonna regret it later!" Rei warned her.
"Uh-uh! I'm perfectly happy the way I am!" Usagi insisted.
"Are you sure about that?" Rei asked.
"Of course I'm sure! I wouldn't say it if I wasn't sure! And move over! You're hogging the bench!" Usagi complained.
Watching them go at it like cats and dogs, Ayame couldn't help sigh in exasperation. "There they go again. They'll never change."
Chuckling, Nephrite puled Ayame closer as they cuddled. Ayame leaning against his warm, strong chest.
"True, I don't need the stars to predict that." He joked. "But, while it can be annoying and a little loud, it's just their way of showing they care."
"They either bicker like an old married couple or a couple of immature brats." Ayame pointed out, watching the two in question with amusement.
"Well, I can think of a few better ways to express the way one feels." Nephrite teased.
"Oh? What did you have in mind?" Ayame asked, tilting her head back to see her boyfriend.
"This." He answered with a mischievous smirk, swooping down and stealing a kiss.
Pulling back, he watched her cheeks bloom with red as she giggled. The light of the bonfire casing a warm glow, making her eyes light up like stars. The lighting reminding them both of the festivals of the Golden Kingdom. Standing up, Ayame pulled her partner up along with her.
"No festival is complete without dancing, wouldn't you say?" Ayame suggested.
"Quite right, my dear." Nephrite answered before bowing. "May I have this dance?"
"Yes."
With that, the couple danced to the beat of their hearts, eventually drawing other couples to join in around them as they all dance around the fire. Ayame allowing herself to let loose and enjoy the present. Forgetting her worries and enjoy being surrounded by those she loved.