[ 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.
I'm just treating the masks like any other nonsense in Cerealia. sometimes people here act different than they would otherwise, and that's just that. But...yes, since you want to learn, let's get started.
[Rei nods and stands up from the bench, jerking her head towards a public restroom. she sure wasn't going to help Rapunzel dress out in the open for wandering eyes to inspect.]
[ Shockingly it takes her about a minute total to change (after the last hurry-and-get-dressed task CERES had them do, she'd sort of forced herself to learn).
And far from exaggerating about the theatrical quality of her "miko" outfit, now that she can model it for a real miko, Rapunzel wonders if she shouldn't have been less generous about the accuracy. ]
Um. Something tells me this is... not quite right.
[Rei just smiles fondly when Rapunzel appears, because no it's not quite right...but she really could not have known. And that's perfectly fine, since she is lovely and she's so earnest and trying.]
Not quite, but it looks good on you. [She represses the urge to laugh at how awkward Rapunzel seems...]
I mean, it's more like something we'd wear for a special occasion. The skirt's a little bit short too, but that's a common misconception.
[Play it off, Rei.]
And it looks a lot more comfortable than what I wear.
It– [ Her hands go unconsciously to the impractical sleeves and skirt, eventually dropping to her sides where they grab for her hair. As usual. ]
...does it? [ She laughs, finally relaxing after all the sad, serious talk and the self-consciousness. ] I don't– Tight clothes like these are really – I mean, they seem popular in the more modern worlds, but I still think they make moving much harder.
I liked your shoes, though. The... ones you transformed into? Heh. Even I know priestesses don't usually wear heels that high, but wow were they nice.
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[ 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...
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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?
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[ 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...?
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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. ]
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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.
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Rei's transformation in the tunnels certainly seemed like that of a warrior. ]
Heh. It's... not the magic powers, is it?
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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.
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...I'm sorry, Rei, you - you don't have to answer that. [ She's said enough of her turbulent past for the moment, really. ]
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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.]
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[ 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...?
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[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.
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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. ]
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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.
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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.
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[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.
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[ 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.
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[Rei nods and stands up from the bench, jerking her head towards a public restroom. she sure wasn't going to help Rapunzel dress out in the open for wandering eyes to inspect.]
That'll be more private.
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And far from exaggerating about the theatrical quality of her "miko" outfit, now that she can model it for a real miko, Rapunzel wonders if she shouldn't have been less generous about the accuracy. ]
Um. Something tells me this is... not quite right.
...what do you think.
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Not quite, but it looks good on you. [She represses the urge to laugh at how awkward Rapunzel seems...]
I mean, it's more like something we'd wear for a special occasion. The skirt's a little bit short too, but that's a common misconception.
[Play it off, Rei.]
And it looks a lot more comfortable than what I wear.
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...does it? [ She laughs, finally relaxing after all the sad, serious talk and the self-consciousness. ] I don't– Tight clothes like these are really – I mean, they seem popular in the more modern worlds, but I still think they make moving much harder.
I liked your shoes, though. The... ones you transformed into? Heh. Even I know priestesses don't usually wear heels that high, but wow were they nice.
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