[It is inappropriate, maybe, but Rei doesn't seem to care, and steps back, taking his hand in hers for a quick squeeze.]
I know it feels like it. That's why I wanted to talk to you in person. There's a lot of things about me that you don't know, but...things I want you to know. Reasons I can be so casual about things like this. You know I know about the TV World, your Persona, and things like that. I think it's only fair that I show you my true self as well, but I want to do that maybe on the roof, somewhere we won't be disturbed.
[Canting her head to one side, she peers up into his eyes, and they soften by degrees from their usual.]
But, I appreciate the way you feel. I am truly sorry that I worried you. And I'm beyond relieved that you're alright. And please, believe me when I say that I am alright.
[She takes a step towards the stairwell, if he'll follow.]
I died doing the right thing. It was worth the cost, because I was undoing something...I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemies. The short of it is that I got sucker punched from behind by something while I was distracted, and it overwhelmed my defenses.
[ That...that sounds awfully like some sort of cliched high school-age confession. That's not what it is, is it? She said theyw were friends, but were they--...no, no way. She's totally out of his league, a lot like Yukiko was.
Yeah, he's following, because he's a little mystified and nervous about what's going on. Is he reading into things?? Is he still a little on an emotional roller coaster after meeting up with Yu? Probably. To all the above. ]
Y-Yeah..I mean, if you've gotta go...but--I mean, if people didn't come back from here...or I mean, even though we do, death still isn't an easy thing.
[Rei will lead the way up quickly, pushing open the door and walking over to the edge of the building, standing with her back to him, arms folded around herself. It's the very picture of a dramatic look, her hair caught in the faint breeze, like something out of a high school drama. She's well aware of how it looks, and of what he might be thinking, so she'll immediately quash those thoughts. They've been through this song and dance before, and while she appreciated him? He wasn't her type. He was a good person but...her feelings were different. Dating a boy wasn't off the table completely, but it would take quite a lot for her to even begin to see him]
I told you before, this isn't the first time I've died. It's happened to me three times at home. To me, my girlfriend Minako, and my other close friends. [She puts a subtle emphasis on the word, hoping that he'll pick up on the fact that her partner is 1) the girl she'd said was gone, and 2) is a girl.] For me, it's not as big a deal.
[She shifts her weight, turning to look at him.]
I don't mean to be cryptic. But, I need to ask you a question. [She feels like she knows the answer, but it's hard to tell with each new Yosuke.] Do you believe in gods and magic? Not...like a Persona, or...Shadows or whatever. But actual gods. The Kami, the Olympians, or things like that?
[ He's not sure if he's ready for this, actually. Because this looks exactly like all of his daydream fantasies down to a T. His palms might even be a little sweaty. Oh boy! What would he even say if she--
--Oh.
Uh.
Or...or not.
Oh no this is a serious discussion about serious things. Not--
--he's suddenly very, very glad he didn't say anything too incriminating. A+ job for keeping his mouth shut, for once. Luckily for the both of them, though, Yosuke is actually a perceptive person and while the nervousness in his expression shifts, he definitely picks up on who she mentions. It is a bit of a surprise that Rei is into girls--because it alway is, for him--the fact that the person she cares about died and isn't around anymore...
--God, thinking, what if Yu never came back? Not that Yosuke feels that way about him, but it's comparable, right? He just...how would he even handle that? ]
...You say it's not a big deal, so I'll take your word for it. It...still feels kinda big to me. I'm sorry you had to go through all that.
[ He's sincere.
When she asks her question, Yosuke crosses his arms, giving it a moment of thought. ]
If you'd asked me that a year ago I would've said "no". I mean, sure, we got to shrines on the holidays and I still buy charms for good grades and stuff like that, but it feels more like habit and a hope that something might actually help, you know? It's not like I thought much would come of it. I don't know if I--if we told you everything before, but...we fought a god. It's kinda hard not to believe after that.
[She laughs, a bitter little expression of melancholy more than mirth. It isn't a big deal because her story isn't a happy one. It has it's ups, but it is a tragedy. The story of the end of a paradise and the beginning of a dark age.
Turning, she leans heavily on the wall at the building's edge, looking him square in the face.]
Well, I appreciate it. But I guess it's better for you to know that what we fought against was a little like what you did. [Her lips quirk, eyes softening and growing a little less severe.]
Izanami-no-Mikoto, or her shade. You did tell me that before, Yosuke-kun. The Mother of the Gods, and the Goddess of Death. And Ame-no-Sagiri, as well. [The God of Fog. It was easy to talk about those kinds of things for her, given that they were entrenched in her own religion. She was a Priestess of Shinto, after all.]
I'm glad you believe. It's going to make some of this easier for you to swallow. Because in my world, the gods are also very real.
[She raises her right hand to her chest, pressing it over her heart, and a blazing light ignites there, brighter than even the full false sun of Cerealia. A kind of pressure, presence, and energy pervades the air, washing over Yosuke and the rooftop at large, enough to make Rei seem older...more commanding.]
And I'm one of them. [Okay, she pauses melodramatically, just because she can and it amuses her.]
[ So they did tell her the whole story, huh? He's still trying to wrap his mind around it, considering facing Izanami was one of the last things he remembers before they all saw Yu off to the train.
He's not sure where Rei is going with this, though. Something about CERES? He was always under the impression they were more like Big Brother than a god, but--
Wait, what's she doing? Suddenly she's glowing and he's dropping his hands in awe.
Oh.
No.
No he really wasn't expecting that.
He's just kind of staring. What do you even say to that? Something...thoughtful? ]
[Rei lowers her hand, the power of her crystal subsiding, her presence going back to normal. Just a quiet, lovely, unassuming girl with a kind of fire to her. Of course once you've seen the other side, it's always a little hard to unsee, right?
She smiles then, seating herself on the building's edge.]
I am the Goddess of Flame and War. Or, her reincarnation. It's who I was in a past life, and who I've been slowly becoming since I was fourteen. I'm...ah...would you like to hear a story? That might make it easier to digest. I don't want to hide it from you, and I know how inquisitive you can be, so I feel like it's best to get it all out there.
[She pats the seat next to her.]
If you don't want the full story, I can give you the short version, though. Just...ah...please don't run? I'm not going to bite or anything.
[She honestly sounds worried that he might, given his reaction. Yes it was funny at first, but old habits and bad memories of people growing up die hard. She was never well liked as a child, because classmates were afraid of her, saying she was a witch because she talked to crows and had 'mysterious powers' and it's a trauma that's not quite gone away.]
[ She just, you know, sits there like it's no big deal. NO BIG DEAL RIGHT? When someone just dramatically announces that they're some kind of god but you know don't worry it's cool. Yosuke blinks. ]
"Of Flame and War"...
[ He's supposed to be chill about that? He takes a few cautious steps forward before laughing a little awkwardly. ]
Heh heh, it's not your bite I'm worried about. [ A beat. ] That was a joke, by the way...
[ Despite some of her worries, he does take a seat, offering an uneasy smile. ]
I can't keep being surprised about the things I learn here, right? I mean some of the people I met in that sewer were pretty crazy amazing too with abilities I could have never imagined. So, yeah, if you don't mind telling me, I'd like to hear.
[Well when you're close, personal friends with the Goddess of Time and Death, and you've spent months being intimate with the Goddess of Love it's a little different. It isn't a big deal to be the Goddess of War. It's not nearly as impressive to her, anyway. But then, perspective isn't something Rei's always had in spades.]
I know. [She is grateful that he does sit, her back sagging a bit, some tension leaving her thin frame. It'd be years before she really felt over what'd happened back then, but...honestly? These little steps help.]
People here are all just a little bit extraordinary, if you ask me. Even the people who don't seem like it. [Hiro, for instance.] But my story...our story...is unusual even for Cerealia I think.
[She grips her knees, leaning back and turning her eyes towards the stars.]
In a past life, some...probably hundred thousand years ago...Earth wasn't the only planet with life on it. There was life on every planet in our solar system save for the tenth. [Yes, there are 10] It was a time we called the Silver Millennium, though it lasted for several thousand years. The planets were unified under the Moon Kingdom and it's queen, Serenity. All save Earth, which kept to itself. Humanity lacked the magic we had, and as such humans lived and died much as they do now. We others were immortal, though, thanks to the powers we possessed. Everyone in those kingdoms lived longer though, not just the rulers and royals.
I was from the planet Mars, the princess of the martian royal family, and given my powers and titles there. But I was also in service to the Queen. I was charged to protect the princess of the Moon, to fight and defend her with the princesses of Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter at my side. The other planetary princesses, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto had a different role, largely unrelated to ours. We were the royal guard, and...as you might guess...things were happy for many long years. Until they weren't, and a perfect storm hit us.
[ What else can he do than listen? He tries to visualize it, too. Different planets all full of people. And just boring old Earth, huh? He finds himself missing boring old Earth, so maybe it's not as boring as one might think. Still, he is a little curious about all this. ]
Moon Kingdom? [ That's...interesting. Wouldn't, like, Jupiter be the center of...stuff? Being the biggest planet and everything.
A perfect storm, huh? He nods, showing he's still listening. ]
Moon Kingdom. It was ruled over by the queen, who was something of a unifying force, and someone who possessed unimaginable power. She was wise and kind, and that's...all I really remember. [A sad smile tinges her features, and she looks down at her hands.]
The Princess of the Moon, herself named Serenity, was a bit of a troublemaker, and she kept sneaking off to Earth and eventually fell in love with it's Prince. He was a noble man, and they had a storybook romance, complete with the tragic ending. [This is where things get hard, a knot forming in Rei's throat, her words coming out more of a croak.] There used to be a demonic force that dwelt in the sun, living in the shadow of a sunspot or something, and it'd been hiding there for eons. It craved power above all things, and sought to steal away the magic of the Moon for itself. So it sowed the seeds of mistrust in mankind, lending some of it's power to a sorceress who was already mistrustful of us.
[A breath, her eyes closing.]
She turned that magic on mankind and declared war on the Moon Kingdom. Because we didn't know where the power was coming from, we weren't able to block off the demon and it grew stronger due to all the negative energy, becoming a god-like force all it's own. The war took a heavy toll, and the Earth was shattered by it...the continents breaking apart and the first Ice Age beginning...but the Moon was devastated as well. I don't know how many people died in those battles, but entire populations ceased to be. We were...winning...though, until an enemy assassin killed the human prince, and in her grief the princess took her own life.
[Hence, the tragedy.]
The queen had a plan though. She called all of us together and had us defend her while she performed a ritual that sealed up the demon and her agents. We fought tooth and nail, and the battle eventually claimed all of our lives...but the Queen succeeded. And then ordered the princess of Saturn to end it all, and begin the cycle of rebirth. [Rei's smile turns a bit bitter at the thought of poor Hotaru.] Sailor Saturn, the Guardian of Silence and the Goddess of Beginnings and Endings. She wiped out both sides, turned the Moon Kingdom and humankind into dust, and began the world again, so that we all might live once more.
[The story isn't over, but Rei pauses, pressing a hand to her face, trying to prevent herself from crying. This was never a fun tale to tell, it hurt to think of how Saturn must have felt, having to destroy and rebuild the entire solar system. Just the thought of it was enough to turn her pale, and knowing the girl as she was now? Made it all the more difficult. She deserved so much better, that little girl, and a part of Rei was incredibly grateful that she hadn't come to this little slice of hell.]
That really all sounds like the kind of thing he'd read in a fairy tale. Some sort of sun demon? A princess taking her own life in despair of her fallen prince? This is...a lot, really. But much more, he imagines, for her. It's her past, right? He let's it settle in his mind and heart, visualizing to the best of his ability. It's a little fantastical and...well, sad.
It's hard for her, too. He can tell, despite the fact he doesn't know her as well as he did before. The way she has to put a hand on her face, almost literally holding herself together. His own fingers flex, twitching in the natural urge to reach out, but he refrains. Would she even appreciate that? ]
[She can feel his nervousness, little psychic twinges that needle into her brain, and decides to stop them. She leans over a bit, setting her free hand on top of his. She's fine with contact. Really.]
It's...fine. It's just the past. It's over, it's done. We were reborn in the modern day. The story...well, it goes on, though. The Dark Kingdom, what we called them, reawakened in 1992, and so did we. Our powers woke up when we were 14, and we managed to defeat and destroy the queen and her generals, as well as the demon. [She huffs a laugh.] We gave our lives during the battle to empower the Moon Princess with our magic, and she destroyed the demon forever. And revived us, in the end.
[Which should have been the end of it, but things kept happening. She'll spare him the whole story though, and she finds herself, breathing much steadier.]
More enemies showed up in time though, more powerful ones. Dark gods, monsters from other universes, beings from the past and future. We got stronger, and we defeated them time and time again. I'll tell you about them some other time, if you like, but last year was our final fight, as far as we know. We defeated one last enemy, and died in that battle as well, but we...can't...truly die. Not so long as the crystals we draw power from remain intact. That's why death is really not a new experience for me. In myself, and others.
[The hand over her face drops, resting on her knee, squeezing until her knuckles go white. She hates feeling exposed and vulnerable like this, but she trusts him. He won't take advantage of her, and he gets it. He's empathetic enough to know how hard it is, thinking on the past.]
I'm...not upset by death. My whole story is just steeped in it. I guess I'm just...tired of seeing it happen to decent people.
[ So she's...died and been revived twice? That's a rough life. It's like these girls can't get a break. Yosuke continues to listen, eyes wide and blinking.
Yeah, he...he gets it. He gets why this is just another bump in the road for her, though he starts to wonder if she's ever going to get out of a cycle like that. Does that really make it any easier? Maybe. But definitely not any better, as far as he's concerned. ]
Okay...so, yeah, you're used to it. But that doesn't mean it's good that it happens to you.
[ Since she made the first move, he'll place his other hand on top of hers as an attempt at being comforting. ]
Thank you. I try to be a decent person. I've...killed...but that's what a soldier does.
[And it's in the name of peace.
Rei's aware that they can't quite seem to catch a break but she does have some more good news for him. Something happy. Her eyes turn towards his, fingers curling around his.]
And you're right. No, it's not good. But it's done. It's...in the past for me. I've actually seen my future. There aren't any more enemies. We're aware of that. And when we turn twenty two, the world changes. We...change it. [Her eyes shut, and her lips curve into a wistful smile.]
We use our power to revive the Silver Millennium, and end war and famine and plagues forever. The world unifies under the new queen, and...everything's peaceful again.
[Until Death Phantom shows up in the 25th century, but that's something that they're not only prepared for, but forewarned about this time.]
[ He knows, logically, that it shouldn't feel different when it's some sort of alien or otherworldly deities, but that does feel different to him than humans being killed. It's biased, definitely, but that's how it is.
His eyes widen slightly. She does look...maybe peaceful isn't the right word, but calm. ]
[Honestly, it's biased in the right way. There are very few benevolent beings in the universe, and almost none of them have passed anywhere close to Sol. There's a reason that the gateways in are guarded by the goddesses of Death and Silence. Pluto and Saturn are, in a word, terrifying. Even to Rei.
She perks up a bit, favoring him with a smile and carding fingers through her hair.]
It is nice, I think. I mean...isn't that what people fight for? A brighter future?
However we can. [Squeezing his hand with hers, the skin just a shade too warm to be human, she leans more against him. It's nice, he's new yes...but he's also familiar. And it's rare to have these moments even at home.]
We all have our battles to fight, and if we don't, who will? I know it's hard, God believe me I do. But it's worth it, don't you think? Knowing you did the right thing.
[ It's definitely new to him. Don't mind Yosuke getting a little hot under the collar, nevermind that she'd shut him down just a few moments prior. He can't help it.
Keep it friendly, right? ]
I think so. I used to think that getting recognition was important, but at the end of the day knowing that you did the right thing and helped someone...that's really what you're trying to do.
[She'd apologize for it if she knew. Rei's always maintained that he deserves someone solid, who'll be there for him emotionally. She can't be, though. Physically, he's not bad, but she's not really capable of the kind of affection he needs. She knew that when she met him. He's a good friend, but going further? It'll end up hurting him when she burned him up and took too much, and that's why she'd pushed aside the notion ages ago.
It's better this way, Yosuke. Rei is like fire, and fire will burn you.]
Recognition is almost pointless. It's gratifying, but in the end...humankind is fickle and it's fleeting. To be honest, I think it's better not to be recognized. That way people can have their mundane lives, and go on with the lie that there aren't monsters in the closet or demons lurking in the shadows. It's safer that way. For everyone.
[ He did think about that to an extent. People knowing that there weren't shadows, that some Goddess wasn't trying to continue an age-old feud to make a point and take the rest of humanity with it. But because of what they did, no one else will have to worry about it. At least for now. ]
I used to think life would be boring without getting to do stuff like that, but I think most people'd be happy just getting to live their lives. So if we can do something to help, then that's even better.
It's what heroes do. They make sure that normal people can live normal lives. That's what makes them extraordinary.
[And yes, she's including you in that. Her hand squeezes his more tightly around his, because she wants to make sure he knows that she means him, but saying that out loud? That's probably a bit much.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
I know it feels like it. That's why I wanted to talk to you in person. There's a lot of things about me that you don't know, but...things I want you to know. Reasons I can be so casual about things like this. You know I know about the TV World, your Persona, and things like that. I think it's only fair that I show you my true self as well, but I want to do that maybe on the roof, somewhere we won't be disturbed.
[Canting her head to one side, she peers up into his eyes, and they soften by degrees from their usual.]
But, I appreciate the way you feel. I am truly sorry that I worried you. And I'm beyond relieved that you're alright. And please, believe me when I say that I am alright.
[She takes a step towards the stairwell, if he'll follow.]
I died doing the right thing. It was worth the cost, because I was undoing something...I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemies. The short of it is that I got sucker punched from behind by something while I was distracted, and it overwhelmed my defenses.
no subject
[ That...that sounds awfully like some sort of cliched high school-age confession. That's not what it is, is it? She said theyw were friends, but were they--...no, no way. She's totally out of his league, a lot like Yukiko was.
Yeah, he's following, because he's a little mystified and nervous about what's going on. Is he reading into things?? Is he still a little on an emotional roller coaster after meeting up with Yu? Probably. To all the above. ]
Y-Yeah..I mean, if you've gotta go...but--I mean, if people didn't come back from here...or I mean, even though we do, death still isn't an easy thing.
no subject
[Rei will lead the way up quickly, pushing open the door and walking over to the edge of the building, standing with her back to him, arms folded around herself. It's the very picture of a dramatic look, her hair caught in the faint breeze, like something out of a high school drama. She's well aware of how it looks, and of what he might be thinking, so she'll immediately quash those thoughts. They've been through this song and dance before, and while she appreciated him? He wasn't her type. He was a good person but...her feelings were different. Dating a boy wasn't off the table completely, but it would take quite a lot for her to even begin to see him]
I told you before, this isn't the first time I've died. It's happened to me three times at home. To me, my girlfriend Minako, and my other close friends. [She puts a subtle emphasis on the word, hoping that he'll pick up on the fact that her partner is 1) the girl she'd said was gone, and 2) is a girl.] For me, it's not as big a deal.
[She shifts her weight, turning to look at him.]
I don't mean to be cryptic. But, I need to ask you a question. [She feels like she knows the answer, but it's hard to tell with each new Yosuke.] Do you believe in gods and magic? Not...like a Persona, or...Shadows or whatever. But actual gods. The Kami, the Olympians, or things like that?
no subject
--Oh.
Uh.
Or...or not.
Oh no this is a serious discussion about serious things. Not--
--he's suddenly very, very glad he didn't say anything too incriminating. A+ job for keeping his mouth shut, for once. Luckily for the both of them, though, Yosuke is actually a perceptive person and while the nervousness in his expression shifts, he definitely picks up on who she mentions. It is a bit of a surprise that Rei is into girls--because it alway is, for him--the fact that the person she cares about died and isn't around anymore...
--God, thinking, what if Yu never came back? Not that Yosuke feels that way about him, but it's comparable, right? He just...how would he even handle that? ]
...You say it's not a big deal, so I'll take your word for it. It...still feels kinda big to me. I'm sorry you had to go through all that.
[ He's sincere.
When she asks her question, Yosuke crosses his arms, giving it a moment of thought. ]
If you'd asked me that a year ago I would've said "no". I mean, sure, we got to shrines on the holidays and I still buy charms for good grades and stuff like that, but it feels more like habit and a hope that something might actually help, you know? It's not like I thought much would come of it. I don't know if I--if we told you everything before, but...we fought a god. It's kinda hard not to believe after that.
Rei is a melodramatic jerk
Turning, she leans heavily on the wall at the building's edge, looking him square in the face.]
Well, I appreciate it. But I guess it's better for you to know that what we fought against was a little like what you did. [Her lips quirk, eyes softening and growing a little less severe.]
Izanami-no-Mikoto, or her shade. You did tell me that before, Yosuke-kun. The Mother of the Gods, and the Goddess of Death. And Ame-no-Sagiri, as well. [The God of Fog. It was easy to talk about those kinds of things for her, given that they were entrenched in her own religion. She was a Priestess of Shinto, after all.]
I'm glad you believe. It's going to make some of this easier for you to swallow. Because in my world, the gods are also very real.
[She raises her right hand to her chest, pressing it over her heart, and a blazing light ignites there, brighter than even the full false sun of Cerealia. A kind of pressure, presence, and energy pervades the air, washing over Yosuke and the rooftop at large, enough to make Rei seem older...more commanding.]
And I'm one of them. [Okay, she pauses melodramatically, just because she can and it amuses her.]
WELP
He's not sure where Rei is going with this, though. Something about CERES? He was always under the impression they were more like Big Brother than a god, but--
Wait, what's she doing? Suddenly she's glowing and he's dropping his hands in awe.
Oh.
No.
No he really wasn't expecting that.
He's just kind of staring. What do you even say to that? Something...thoughtful? ]
...Wait, what?
[ Or...or that. ]
And Yoosk is eloquent as always
She smiles then, seating herself on the building's edge.]
I am the Goddess of Flame and War. Or, her reincarnation. It's who I was in a past life, and who I've been slowly becoming since I was fourteen. I'm...ah...would you like to hear a story? That might make it easier to digest. I don't want to hide it from you, and I know how inquisitive you can be, so I feel like it's best to get it all out there.
[She pats the seat next to her.]
If you don't want the full story, I can give you the short version, though. Just...ah...please don't run? I'm not going to bite or anything.
[She honestly sounds worried that he might, given his reaction. Yes it was funny at first, but old habits and bad memories of people growing up die hard. She was never well liked as a child, because classmates were afraid of her, saying she was a witch because she talked to crows and had 'mysterious powers' and it's a trauma that's not quite gone away.]
gotta keep his reputation intact
"Of Flame and War"...
[ He's supposed to be chill about that? He takes a few cautious steps forward before laughing a little awkwardly. ]
Heh heh, it's not your bite I'm worried about. [ A beat. ] That was a joke, by the way...
[ Despite some of her worries, he does take a seat, offering an uneasy smile. ]
I can't keep being surprised about the things I learn here, right? I mean some of the people I met in that sewer were pretty crazy amazing too with abilities I could have never imagined. So, yeah, if you don't mind telling me, I'd like to hear.
no subject
I know. [She is grateful that he does sit, her back sagging a bit, some tension leaving her thin frame. It'd be years before she really felt over what'd happened back then, but...honestly? These little steps help.]
People here are all just a little bit extraordinary, if you ask me. Even the people who don't seem like it. [Hiro, for instance.] But my story...our story...is unusual even for Cerealia I think.
[She grips her knees, leaning back and turning her eyes towards the stars.]
In a past life, some...probably hundred thousand years ago...Earth wasn't the only planet with life on it. There was life on every planet in our solar system save for the tenth. [Yes, there are 10] It was a time we called the Silver Millennium, though it lasted for several thousand years. The planets were unified under the Moon Kingdom and it's queen, Serenity. All save Earth, which kept to itself. Humanity lacked the magic we had, and as such humans lived and died much as they do now. We others were immortal, though, thanks to the powers we possessed. Everyone in those kingdoms lived longer though, not just the rulers and royals.
I was from the planet Mars, the princess of the martian royal family, and given my powers and titles there. But I was also in service to the Queen. I was charged to protect the princess of the Moon, to fight and defend her with the princesses of Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter at my side. The other planetary princesses, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto had a different role, largely unrelated to ours. We were the royal guard, and...as you might guess...things were happy for many long years. Until they weren't, and a perfect storm hit us.
no subject
Moon Kingdom? [ That's...interesting. Wouldn't, like, Jupiter be the center of...stuff? Being the biggest planet and everything.
A perfect storm, huh? He nods, showing he's still listening. ]
cw: suicide, btw
The Princess of the Moon, herself named Serenity, was a bit of a troublemaker, and she kept sneaking off to Earth and eventually fell in love with it's Prince. He was a noble man, and they had a storybook romance, complete with the tragic ending. [This is where things get hard, a knot forming in Rei's throat, her words coming out more of a croak.] There used to be a demonic force that dwelt in the sun, living in the shadow of a sunspot or something, and it'd been hiding there for eons. It craved power above all things, and sought to steal away the magic of the Moon for itself. So it sowed the seeds of mistrust in mankind, lending some of it's power to a sorceress who was already mistrustful of us.
[A breath, her eyes closing.]
She turned that magic on mankind and declared war on the Moon Kingdom. Because we didn't know where the power was coming from, we weren't able to block off the demon and it grew stronger due to all the negative energy, becoming a god-like force all it's own. The war took a heavy toll, and the Earth was shattered by it...the continents breaking apart and the first Ice Age beginning...but the Moon was devastated as well. I don't know how many people died in those battles, but entire populations ceased to be. We were...winning...though, until an enemy assassin killed the human prince, and in her grief the princess took her own life.
[Hence, the tragedy.]
The queen had a plan though. She called all of us together and had us defend her while she performed a ritual that sealed up the demon and her agents. We fought tooth and nail, and the battle eventually claimed all of our lives...but the Queen succeeded. And then ordered the princess of Saturn to end it all, and begin the cycle of rebirth. [Rei's smile turns a bit bitter at the thought of poor Hotaru.] Sailor Saturn, the Guardian of Silence and the Goddess of Beginnings and Endings. She wiped out both sides, turned the Moon Kingdom and humankind into dust, and began the world again, so that we all might live once more.
[The story isn't over, but Rei pauses, pressing a hand to her face, trying to prevent herself from crying. This was never a fun tale to tell, it hurt to think of how Saturn must have felt, having to destroy and rebuild the entire solar system. Just the thought of it was enough to turn her pale, and knowing the girl as she was now? Made it all the more difficult. She deserved so much better, that little girl, and a part of Rei was incredibly grateful that she hadn't come to this little slice of hell.]
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[ Holy shit.
That really all sounds like the kind of thing he'd read in a fairy tale. Some sort of sun demon? A princess taking her own life in despair of her fallen prince? This is...a lot, really. But much more, he imagines, for her. It's her past, right? He let's it settle in his mind and heart, visualizing to the best of his ability. It's a little fantastical and...well, sad.
It's hard for her, too. He can tell, despite the fact he doesn't know her as well as he did before. The way she has to put a hand on her face, almost literally holding herself together. His own fingers flex, twitching in the natural urge to reach out, but he refrains. Would she even appreciate that? ]
...Geez...I'm sorry...
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It's...fine. It's just the past. It's over, it's done. We were reborn in the modern day. The story...well, it goes on, though. The Dark Kingdom, what we called them, reawakened in 1992, and so did we. Our powers woke up when we were 14, and we managed to defeat and destroy the queen and her generals, as well as the demon. [She huffs a laugh.] We gave our lives during the battle to empower the Moon Princess with our magic, and she destroyed the demon forever. And revived us, in the end.
[Which should have been the end of it, but things kept happening. She'll spare him the whole story though, and she finds herself, breathing much steadier.]
More enemies showed up in time though, more powerful ones. Dark gods, monsters from other universes, beings from the past and future. We got stronger, and we defeated them time and time again. I'll tell you about them some other time, if you like, but last year was our final fight, as far as we know. We defeated one last enemy, and died in that battle as well, but we...can't...truly die. Not so long as the crystals we draw power from remain intact. That's why death is really not a new experience for me. In myself, and others.
[The hand over her face drops, resting on her knee, squeezing until her knuckles go white. She hates feeling exposed and vulnerable like this, but she trusts him. He won't take advantage of her, and he gets it. He's empathetic enough to know how hard it is, thinking on the past.]
I'm...not upset by death. My whole story is just steeped in it. I guess I'm just...tired of seeing it happen to decent people.
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Yeah, he...he gets it. He gets why this is just another bump in the road for her, though he starts to wonder if she's ever going to get out of a cycle like that. Does that really make it any easier? Maybe. But definitely not any better, as far as he's concerned. ]
Okay...so, yeah, you're used to it. But that doesn't mean it's good that it happens to you.
[ Since she made the first move, he'll place his other hand on top of hers as an attempt at being comforting. ]
You're decent people too, you know.
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[And it's in the name of peace.
Rei's aware that they can't quite seem to catch a break but she does have some more good news for him. Something happy. Her eyes turn towards his, fingers curling around his.]
And you're right. No, it's not good. But it's done. It's...in the past for me. I've actually seen my future. There aren't any more enemies. We're aware of that. And when we turn twenty two, the world changes. We...change it. [Her eyes shut, and her lips curve into a wistful smile.]
We use our power to revive the Silver Millennium, and end war and famine and plagues forever. The world unifies under the new queen, and...everything's peaceful again.
[Until Death Phantom shows up in the 25th century, but that's something that they're not only prepared for, but forewarned about this time.]
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His eyes widen slightly. She does look...maybe peaceful isn't the right word, but calm. ]
...Yeah? That does sound nice.
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She perks up a bit, favoring him with a smile and carding fingers through her hair.]
It is nice, I think. I mean...isn't that what people fight for? A brighter future?
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Yeah...Yeah, I think so. However we can, right?
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We all have our battles to fight, and if we don't, who will? I know it's hard, God believe me I do. But it's worth it, don't you think? Knowing you did the right thing.
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Keep it friendly, right? ]
I think so. I used to think that getting recognition was important, but at the end of the day knowing that you did the right thing and helped someone...that's really what you're trying to do.
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It's better this way, Yosuke. Rei is like fire, and fire will burn you.]
Recognition is almost pointless. It's gratifying, but in the end...humankind is fickle and it's fleeting. To be honest, I think it's better not to be recognized. That way people can have their mundane lives, and go on with the lie that there aren't monsters in the closet or demons lurking in the shadows. It's safer that way. For everyone.
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[ He did think about that to an extent. People knowing that there weren't shadows, that some Goddess wasn't trying to continue an age-old feud to make a point and take the rest of humanity with it. But because of what they did, no one else will have to worry about it. At least for now. ]
I used to think life would be boring without getting to do stuff like that, but I think most people'd be happy just getting to live their lives. So if we can do something to help, then that's even better.
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[And yes, she's including you in that. Her hand squeezes his more tightly around his, because she wants to make sure he knows that she means him, but saying that out loud? That's probably a bit much.]
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I guess you'd know that better than anyone, huh?
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[She takes a breath, returning that smile just as radiantly.]
Thank you, by the way. For listening to all that. And for...being you.
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