[ It's more than the usual few days that it takes her to chase after most of her friends when Rapunzel's text finally comes. She'd spent a lot of time at work and school that morning weighing the dark spectre of her discomfort and wondering why it seemed to haunt her friendship with Rei too. After all, she hadn't say anything cruel or revealed anything outside the whole automatic healing gig...
Still. The way she'd acted during the absurd underground adventure hadn't been her. Thinking about it now, knowing that CERES could or its absurd coding of her could change at any moment, turn her into an enemy rather than an ally, makes Rapunzel sick to her stomach.
That's why she doesn't mention it. Instead what she'll do is leaven the entire thing with a silly picture and an even sillier offer. ]
look what i Found not as big as the one you fried but close enough!! lol ☜(˚▽˚)☞ there's a man playing japanese music too he reminds me of you actually
I was wondering if maybe you'd want to meet and talk?
[Rei hadn't really talked to anyone outside of her immediate circle, of...three...very much for a few days herself. It wasn't meant to be anything against anyone, but she was reeling from the loss of Ami and Kael'thas. That made her insular, private, and withdrawn.
But that didn't mean she wasn't happy to hear from Rapunzel.]
That's dreadfully cute.
I wouldn't mind meeting. Is there any place you want to go in particular?
[ And it's with this that Rapunzel makes her way to the shrine in question, following the light, haunting music she'd mentioned earlier to the steps of the temple in the residential district. The gardens, at least, are a pleasant distraction from any unpleasantness to come. Her stomach is twisting like a mad snake. ]
I hope she's okay. [ Time to seek Pascal's advice again! He's missed it and she needs it. ] Do you think this will bother her? What if she got hurt after we split up...
[Right on track, Rei approaches, dressed this time in her miko's outfit. If Rapunzel wanted to see what a priestess looked like, there was that. However, she stopped just out of sight, frowning. That unhappy knot of emotion in the girl she'd come to meet was...interesting...to her psychic senses. Upsetting, even. Was something wrong?
She almost steps around the corner with that frown, but reins it in, and steps into sight with a small smile.]
[ It's only because she's been turning it over that she even says the name correctly instead of simply blurting "SORRY!" like someone deranged. Rapunzel is quick to put on a smile after that, squeezing the straps of her backpack rather than fiddling with her hair, which is, for once, pulled back out of her face. ]
Ha-- Hi! Hi there. Hello. Um--
[ Great start... ]
I - I brought clothes! Yours are lovely, though. Much better than what I have. Mine are like a costume. The modelling agency I work for has a few things in the Japanese traditional style, so...
Hi. Thanks for, um. For meeting me here. Are you okay...?
[Okay that energy really startles her. She hadn't quite expected Rapunzel to zip up like that, and barrage her with questions...since she'd only met the girl twice and 50% of that was apathy-land.
But like any old soldier she recovers quickly, the owlish expression departing, replaced with a genial smile.]
I'm perfectly fine, a little drained, but I think everyone is. [She steps closer]
[ "On edge." Right. Her database of limited knowledge regarding social mores tells her that this... is not a good sign. She's being neurotic. Hyperactive. Manic. Strange!
Time to calm down. ]
I'm... just--
[ No.
No chance. She's done her eighteen years of faking it. Rapunzel's face crumples a little despite her trying to fake a chipper, ditzy smile, and she shrugs.
This smile is sober. Genuine. ] Rei you're... you're not stupid. And-- Look, neither am I, honestly. I was behaving really strangely when we ran into each other so I... I wanted to apologise for that. For whatever I put you through. And--
[ Here she relaxes a little, shoulders rolling back, head lifting. ]
...And I wanted to make sure you were all right too. You helped me, Rei. I remember that much. I remember your... change. So if there's anything I can do to repay you...
[Rei's own expression fades into something gentle, genuine yes, but there's also a little bit of tightness in her eyes, a wrinkling at the edges. Of course she remembered, but she was the first that didn't think anything of it beyond...well...just that. Most people demanded answers, and this was new.
Pleasant, though.]
You didn't put me through anything that I haven't faced before. Really, it's perfectly alright. I imagine the mask was at work, changing your behavior pattern. That happens sometimes. I was more worried that I'd terrified you or something.
[She closes the gap finally, standing an arm's reach away now, shoulders up, a tiny hint of that commanding presence...of Mars...returning.]
All I ask is that you keep that change a secret. It's...my power, the strength of my past life. And I don't like people knowing about it unless I've told them or shown them directly.
[She muffles a laugh, the edge in her words ebbing slightly.]
To tell you the truth, though, it's a relief that I don't have to hide it from everyone here.
Wow. [ She can't help it: she laughs. Rapunzel's smirk, though, is inclusive rather than haughty. She meets Rei's gaze and then giggles, looks away, and toys with her hair.
As familiar as this sort of thing has become, it's still no small miracle to find herself at the mercy of someone else's need for secrecy. ]
[Ah, Rei smiles and gestures towards the temple grounds.]
Let's have a seat, and I'll tell you more...rather than standing around in the street.
[And like she'd done when they first met, she takes Rapunzel by the hand and leads her ahead, explaining a bit as she goes.]
Past Life means someone that I was in a previous existence. Like, my soul's been reused, reincarnated, into a new body. That person I can become is who I used to be.
Souls again, huh... [ This isn't the first she's heard of the concept, though with every new telling the idea of a "soul" becomes more and more mysterious rather than less. ]
I see. Souls sound... very powerful. And you remember who you were in a past life? Even though that means you'll have...
[Rei's a little quiet as she mulls over what Rapunzel's said, taking the time to sit and arrange her outfit a little bit. Hands in her lap, she nods and makes sure there's room for two.]
That's right, I do remember everything from my last life. And yes, that includes my own death. I died during a war, fighting to protect my kingdom, my friends, and my queen.
Though, I'm something of an unusual case. Most people, humans, can't have that happen.
What makes you different? [ Something, curiosity perhaps, keeps her from relaxing entirely just yet. Her eyes, sharp as a cat's, follow the path of a drifting cherry blossom.
Rei's transformation in the tunnels certainly seemed like that of a warrior. ]
[Rei's eyes flit away, upwards to the simulate sky and she huffs out a quiet sigh.]
It's not because of the magic powers. It's because that other self, Mars. That's her name. Is a goddess. The Goddess of Flame and War, the princess and ruler of the planet Mars, and a member of the royal guard of the Moon Kingdom. All things long gone, destroyed in that war.
[Eyes closing, she smiles sadly.]
The Queen used her power to ensure that the royal guard, us, and her daughter would be reborn again on Earth. And that we'd one day remember the past, and inherit our power again.
Why? [ It's out unbidden, this impetuous question, before she can stop herself. Her fingers fly to the tips of her ears for a favoured lock of hair as she looks away sheepishly. ]
...I'm sorry, Rei, you - you don't have to answer that. [ She's said enough of her turbulent past for the moment, really. ]
Because she was using the bulk of her power to seal the demon that our enemy had unleashed upon the world. If she hadn't contained it, then there would not have been a future to send us to. It broke her to make that choice, but she gave us a future.
[She listens patiently to the questions, finally holding up a hand.]
Slow down, one question at a time. I'll start with the last. Usagi Tsukino is my friend. Her story is hers to tell in her own time. Not mine.
[Which is true.]
Just...breathe though. I'll explain, but slow down.
[ Not quite shamefaced but certainly something very much like it as she shrugs her shoulders somewhat sheepishly, Rapunzel nods and waits for Rei continue.
For a beat.
Then: ] It’s just - Usagi… told me she wasn’t special when I asked her about the demons. The, uh - the monsters, I mean. In your world? She said they were common so I guess I just... don’t understand why would lie if you’re all aware of her powers already. Was she hiding it from me specifically...?
[ Because Rapunzel is Rapunzel and her first thought is always to take the blame. ]
[That explains some things. That explains a lot of things, actually. Okay. Rapunzel...]
It's not you. We're supposed to keep it a secret. It's safer for us, at home. Or if an enemy from home were to arrive in Cerealia. Our powers are supposed to be kept quiet. Usagi's only been here a few weeks, and she hasn't lied to you. She just is doing what we're supposed to do, and being quiet about our powers. She's also from a time years before mine, from when we first started doing things. When it was more important that we keep our secrets.
Now? We're all more powerful than her, we've grown through our struggles, and she's still back at the beginning of our story. So, it's not you.
[Rei puts on a reassuring smile.]
I trust you. Or I wouldn't be telling you anything at all.
[ Now she feels even worse because concealing important facts for safety reasons is the entire reason she is who she is. Magical abilities and the secrecy surrounding them are her life story: past, future, and present.
Well. Sort of. Rei knows now, and Rei trusts her. So she returns the smile because that's what's important. Feeling sorry for herself can wait. ]
I understand. And - Rei?
[ Here comes the hard part. ]
I... I trust you too, you know? You haven't told anyone about my secret, and - for that? I'm grateful.
...But I'm also sorry. Really, Rei, I - I'm so sorry for what happened out there. About the way I was acting? You could've gotten hurt and I wouldn't have cared at all.
I know that. [ If she weren't surrounded by such beauty, this would come out as a snap. Instead, her brows merely come together in a pensive frown. ] I know that, but... It's not like the mask made me different, Rei, just - the way I was acting.
[ And what it's taught her is that she's reckless. A danger to her friends. ]
..Mm. [ Rapunzel closes her eyes. ] It doesn't matter. You're right, I guess. Can you... show me how to put on these clothes now? I keep my promises, too, and I promised myself I'd learn as much about priestesses as you're willing to teach.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text (post-event).
Still. The way she'd acted during the absurd underground adventure hadn't been her. Thinking about it now, knowing that CERES could or its absurd coding of her could change at any moment, turn her into an enemy rather than an ally, makes Rapunzel sick to her stomach.
That's why she doesn't mention it. Instead what she'll do is leaven the entire thing with a silly picture and an even sillier offer. ]
look what i Found
not as big as the one you fried but close enough!! lol ☜(˚▽˚)☞
there's a man playing japanese music too
he reminds me of you actually
I was wondering if maybe you'd want to meet and talk?
no subject
But that didn't mean she wasn't happy to hear from Rapunzel.]
That's dreadfully cute.
I wouldn't mind meeting. Is there any place you want to go in particular?
no subject
there's a shrine or something not far frome here
maybe its a Church actually
*from
i was wondering if you wanted to meet there for tea or something!
you could show me what being a priestess is like
i dont know
is that silly? lol
no subject
I owe you a bit of explanation, too. I'll see you shortly.
text/action.
:)
[ And it's with this that Rapunzel makes her way to the shrine in question, following the light, haunting music she'd mentioned earlier to the steps of the temple in the residential district. The gardens, at least, are a pleasant distraction from any unpleasantness to come. Her stomach is twisting like a mad snake. ]
I hope she's okay. [ Time to seek Pascal's advice again! He's missed it and she needs it. ] Do you think this will bother her? What if she got hurt after we split up...
no subject
She almost steps around the corner with that frown, but reins it in, and steps into sight with a small smile.]
Rapunzel-chan, good afternoon. How are you today?
no subject
[ It's only because she's been turning it over that she even says the name correctly instead of simply blurting "SORRY!" like someone deranged. Rapunzel is quick to put on a smile after that, squeezing the straps of her backpack rather than fiddling with her hair, which is, for once, pulled back out of her face. ]
Ha-- Hi! Hi there. Hello. Um--
[ Great start... ]
I - I brought clothes! Yours are lovely, though. Much better than what I have. Mine are like a costume. The modelling agency I work for has a few things in the Japanese traditional style, so...
Hi. Thanks for, um. For meeting me here. Are you okay...?
no subject
But like any old soldier she recovers quickly, the owlish expression departing, replaced with a genial smile.]
I'm perfectly fine, a little drained, but I think everyone is. [She steps closer]
What about you? You seem...um...on edge.
no subject
Time to calm down. ]
I'm... just--
[ No.
No chance. She's done her eighteen years of faking it. Rapunzel's face crumples a little despite her trying to fake a chipper, ditzy smile, and she shrugs.
This smile is sober. Genuine. ] Rei you're... you're not stupid. And-- Look, neither am I, honestly. I was behaving really strangely when we ran into each other so I... I wanted to apologise for that. For whatever I put you through. And--
[ Here she relaxes a little, shoulders rolling back, head lifting. ]
...And I wanted to make sure you were all right too. You helped me, Rei. I remember that much. I remember your... change. So if there's anything I can do to repay you...
no subject
Pleasant, though.]
You didn't put me through anything that I haven't faced before. Really, it's perfectly alright. I imagine the mask was at work, changing your behavior pattern. That happens sometimes. I was more worried that I'd terrified you or something.
[She closes the gap finally, standing an arm's reach away now, shoulders up, a tiny hint of that commanding presence...of Mars...returning.]
All I ask is that you keep that change a secret. It's...my power, the strength of my past life. And I don't like people knowing about it unless I've told them or shown them directly.
[She muffles a laugh, the edge in her words ebbing slightly.]
To tell you the truth, though, it's a relief that I don't have to hide it from everyone here.
no subject
As familiar as this sort of thing has become, it's still no small miracle to find herself at the mercy of someone else's need for secrecy. ]
Uh. Heh. Trust me, I... I know what you mean.
[ ... ]
What do you mean by "past life", though?
no subject
Let's have a seat, and I'll tell you more...rather than standing around in the street.
[And like she'd done when they first met, she takes Rapunzel by the hand and leads her ahead, explaining a bit as she goes.]
Past Life means someone that I was in a previous existence. Like, my soul's been reused, reincarnated, into a new body. That person I can become is who I used to be.
no subject
I see. Souls sound... very powerful. And you remember who you were in a past life? Even though that means you'll have...
[ Died? Yikes. ]
no subject
That's right, I do remember everything from my last life. And yes, that includes my own death. I died during a war, fighting to protect my kingdom, my friends, and my queen.
Though, I'm something of an unusual case. Most people, humans, can't have that happen.
no subject
Rei's transformation in the tunnels certainly seemed like that of a warrior. ]
Heh. It's... not the magic powers, is it?
no subject
It's not because of the magic powers. It's because that other self, Mars. That's her name. Is a goddess. The Goddess of Flame and War, the princess and ruler of the planet Mars, and a member of the royal guard of the Moon Kingdom. All things long gone, destroyed in that war.
[Eyes closing, she smiles sadly.]
The Queen used her power to ensure that the royal guard, us, and her daughter would be reborn again on Earth. And that we'd one day remember the past, and inherit our power again.
no subject
...I'm sorry, Rei, you - you don't have to answer that. [ She's said enough of her turbulent past for the moment, really. ]
no subject
Why were we given power again? Or why...was there a war?
[She's genuinely curious about which Rapunzel meant. she has no objections to sharing, frankly.]
no subject
[ But then she stops when the horror of such an existence settles upon her. It's exactly what she'd always been afraid of in some part of her mind. ]
...Why was there a war? What - What happened? Where did your powers come from? Why Mars? Is--
...
Is Usagi...?
no subject
[She listens patiently to the questions, finally holding up a hand.]
Slow down, one question at a time. I'll start with the last. Usagi Tsukino is my friend. Her story is hers to tell in her own time. Not mine.
[Which is true.]
Just...breathe though. I'll explain, but slow down.
no subject
For a beat.
Then: ] It’s just - Usagi… told me she wasn’t special when I asked her about the demons. The, uh - the monsters, I mean. In your world? She said they were common so I guess I just... don’t understand why would lie if you’re all aware of her powers already. Was she hiding it from me specifically...?
[ Because Rapunzel is Rapunzel and her first thought is always to take the blame. ]
no subject
It's not you. We're supposed to keep it a secret. It's safer for us, at home. Or if an enemy from home were to arrive in Cerealia. Our powers are supposed to be kept quiet. Usagi's only been here a few weeks, and she hasn't lied to you. She just is doing what we're supposed to do, and being quiet about our powers. She's also from a time years before mine, from when we first started doing things. When it was more important that we keep our secrets.
Now? We're all more powerful than her, we've grown through our struggles, and she's still back at the beginning of our story. So, it's not you.
[Rei puts on a reassuring smile.]
I trust you. Or I wouldn't be telling you anything at all.
no subject
Well. Sort of. Rei knows now, and Rei trusts her. So she returns the smile because that's what's important. Feeling sorry for herself can wait. ]
I understand. And - Rei?
[ Here comes the hard part. ]
I... I trust you too, you know? You haven't told anyone about my secret, and - for that? I'm grateful.
...But I'm also sorry. Really, Rei, I - I'm so sorry for what happened out there. About the way I was acting? You could've gotten hurt and I wouldn't have cared at all.
no subject
[Rei nods, still putting on a gentle smile, reaching out to squeeze Rapunzel's shoulder once. That much she understands, but the last bit...well...]
It was your mask, Rapunzel-chan. It was doing something to you. That's hardly your fault. Truly, you've done nothing to apologize for.
no subject
[ And what it's taught her is that she's reckless. A danger to her friends. ]
..Mm. [ Rapunzel closes her eyes. ] It doesn't matter. You're right, I guess. Can you... show me how to put on these clothes now? I keep my promises, too, and I promised myself I'd learn as much about priestesses as you're willing to teach.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)