faithfulflame | Seventh Prayer: A Raging Bonfire [Action/Voice]

[The last few weeks had been a fairly frustrating affair for Rei, and so she'd thrown herself into her studies and practices. Tsukino Shrine had been prepared for winter, summer shrine trappings exchanged for winter, and wood had been pre-chopped so the sacred fire could keep the honden warm for visitors. Still, there were marked signs of annoyance all around the temple, most notably the area where Rei practiced her magic being scorched fairly badly. People who might have seen her around would definitely notice that she looked more tired and overworked than usual, with dark rings under her eyes.

Anyone visiting the shrine today, or even in the general vicinity can clearly hear roaring flames and a series of minor explosions coming from the outdoor workspace. After one particularly deafening blast, the crows around the shrine took off, all save for the two largest. Phobos and Deimos watch as the miko keeps at it, drawing deeply and chanting words Helios had taught her. Onlookers or visitors might notice her hands weaving together, like sewing together a tapestry made out of fire. And then it's released with a rush of heat and a pealing cry. A phoenix shaped fireball rips through the targets she had set up, the heat incinerating them before the fiery construct exploded and sent shards of wood in all directions.

Rei turns up to the crows with an excited gleam in her eye!]

I did it!

[She keeps practicing the spell a few more times before she heads into the village proper, deciding to reward herself with something nice for lunch. As irritated as she was, she did feel somewhat accomplished, like she'd turned that anger into something positive. It didn't really help alleviate the frustration, but it did at least lessen the tension a bit.

For part of the afternoon, Rei can be found at either the bakery or the tea shop, trying to enjoy herself. She looks tired and annoyed, but she's not overly hostile if someone approaches.

Late in the afternoon she returns to the shrine and settles in, deciding that it'd be better to stay here tonight. She stokes altar flame to a golden blaze, and opens her journal to broadcast, and hopefully clear her head with some conversation.]

Voice

Good evening everyone. For those of you who are new, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rei Hino, and I maintain the shrine here in the village. If you need assistance, even if it's just a peaceful place to meditate. I perform flame readings, and I'll be here all night tonight and any day of the week from ten to four. If you would like a charm, I can provide those as well.

But, I've got a question, too. How do you deal with anger? What do you, personally, do to control your temper when you get frustrated? Do you repress it, or do you turn it into something positive? I'm curious, it's just something that's been on my mind lately.

Thank you for your time, and have a pleasant evening.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Good.

[Though she levels a look that says 'If you forget, or break it I'll be very angry']

Now that we've settled our differences, I think it's time I showed you what I said I was going to.

Ah- that's right. What was it you wanted to show me?

Do you know what I do when I get angry, Ami-chan?

[She finishes her tea with a tilt of her hand as she waits for an answer]

Maybe something like meditation. [Her voice trails off, making it more of a question.]

No. I push myself, like fire.

[She smiles pleasantly but she DOES look very tired, like she's been working hard.]

It's not healthy, I know what you're going to say. But I've discovered something.

[Rei, if whatever this is really could be dangerous to your health, she's not going to be able to approve of it.]

What is it, exactly?

Magic.

[She waves Ami outside, hopping into her shoes, her gait proud.]

Come, and I'll show you.

[She has to admit she's curious. Has Rei awakened some new power? And does that mean Rei is awakening as a senshi, or that Ami, too, might have more growth to work towards?]

Magic?

Remember, I've been studying Helios-san's magic, filial magic and have my own spiritual powers?

[Rei leads her out to the practice area and closes her eyes in concentration. Her fingers move in circles and patterns, and a tapestry of flame magic forms in the air before her, a combination of the three spells she's weaving together.]

It's not just one spell, you see? It's three.

[That's... pretty amazing, and Ami immediately wants to know how.]

They all three work together?

Yes. And do you know what happens when three flames combine?

[As if in answer, she flicks her wrists forward and the spell explodes forward, taking the shape of a phoenix and racing out into the sky where it ripples and comes apart in a terrific and deafening explosion]

They get bigger.

You've really become more powerful! [There's a twinge of... it's not envy, she tells herself, though she'd always felt weaker among the senshi. It's just surprise.]

I've studied a lot.

[There's a hint of pride in her voice as one arm comes to rest against her side]

And being angry makes me push myself.

You should be glad of what you've accomplished, but if it's through anger, I feel a bit like maybe that isn't the best way.

Anger is passion, Ami-chan. Passion is who I am.

[Ami's never found it easy to accept her own darker feelings. But she does understand what Rei is saying. Hot temper and righteous anger can still fuel fighting for what someone believes in.]

I think I understand what you're trying to say.

Passion is my strength, you know. The Soldier of Flame and Passion.

[Rei smiles, her expression intense]

That's just who I am.

It's a part of you.

It's...most of me.

[She hadn't been trying to contradict Rei, and Ami falls silent for a moment.]

I wonder how much it means we had left to learn about ourselves.

[There's a certain lingering nostalgia at the thought that, in her world, it had seemed to be over. Their powers had been restored temporarily, which Luceti had made longer, but one day, she will go back to give them up when they fade.

Rei will go on.]

[Rei smiles and nods]

Me too.

[And then she does the unthinkable. She hugs her friend]

[Ami's never been good at those small, spontaneous gestures; but after everything they've talked about.... after an awkward second, she puts her arms around Rei, too.]