Pluto: Meiou Setsuna Hair Color: Dark green
Eye Color: Garnet
Age: 20

Saturn: Tomoe Hotaru
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Purple
Age: 13

Uranus: Tennou Haruka
Hair Color: Blond
Eye Color: Royal blue
Age: 19

Neptune: Kaiou Michiru
Hair Color: Aqua
Eye Color: Aqua
Age: 18

Venus: Torit Sukareru
Hair Color: Blond
Eye Color: Blue
Age: 18

Jupiter: Shinozaki
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Age: 18

Mars: :Kumada Yuuichirou
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Age: 18

Mercury: Urawa Ryo
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Age: 18

Chapter 13-Shakaku a.k.a. Angle of Fire

Twisting her fingers nervously and accepting a wide grin from a college student she didn't know at all, Hino Rei stepped into the director's office. She was going to try out for a drama production outside of school, actually at Juuban University (it was the first time high school students were allowed to try out)...on top of her homework and senshi training. What had she been thinking?! 'Ah,' an annoying voice reminded her, 'you wouldn't admit defeat after the school's chorus teacher told you your voice wasn't fit for singing in the ensemble. She said you were better as a soloist.'

Rei growled back, 'And that's supposed to make me feel better?'

"Konnichiwa. Hino Rei, I presume."

"Hai, sensei."

Thoughtfully considering the miko of medium height, for a girl, with long raven tresses and large purple eyes, he instructed, "There is a sheet with a monologue on that desk to the far right. I presume you know about the procedures? On Friday afternoon, the call-backs will be posted. Please read from the script now." Heart beating and pounding ringing in her ears, she read confidently, if a bit fast.

When she had stepped out of the room, discontented with her attempt, Rei thought that she probably would have no part anymore, since there was no use if she couldn't do what he wanted. Sighing, she thought she had done moderately well reading the monologue.

"Konnichiwa."

She turned to see the same brown-haired student that had smiled at her before and smiled back slightly. "Konnichiwa. Do I know you? For some odd reason, you seem very familiar."

Letting a corner of his mouth turn up mysteriously, he said, "Perhaps not, pretty lady, but my name is Kumada Yuuichirou."

"Hino Rei," she replied, blushing faintly.

"Did you try out for the play?"

"Oh, yes. I just finished, actually. Are you?" When he nodded mutely, unable to say anything else while his past memories were screaming at him to remember who this luminous persona was, she smiled nervously and said, "It was nice meeting you. Maybe we'll see each other again if we both make it in."

He nodded again, eyes almost glazed as he stared at her. Rei let her smile fade uneasily as she turned and walked away. Just as she was about to open the heavy glass door, he called after her, "Rei!" When she faced him again, he added, "It was really a pleasure to meet you, too. I was wondering–what's your major? Maybe I'll see you around campus."

Her amethyst eyes narrowed dangerously. Stiffly, she answered, "I don't go here, actually, so I don't think that would be possible."

"What? How can you try out for this, then?"

"I'm in high school." With that, she stomped out without even a "Sayonara." While he glanced rather cluelessly at her retreating back, he could have sworn that she was muttering something about being mistaken for a college student _again_...
~ * ~ * ~
At that moment, Rei's brunette friend was setting down a bag of heavy groceries, while Shinozaki held two bags of the same weight as one of hers, she marveled at his strength and muscle. 'Mind over matter, remember, mind over matter,' she thought to herself. But, Makoto admitted to herself, Shinozaki was doing excellently in college with average grades and managed to keep an infectious laugh and grin in the dorm room he shared with Ryo. Sukareru and Yuuichirou shared a room, which suited both, since the blonde was hardly ever in (he preferred to spend his time stalking Minako), and no one else could stand Yuuichirou's singing or guitar playing. Shinozaki didn't mind rooming with Ryo; all he asked was to keep the place decently clean and running. They had managed to make a rather neat split in middle of the room, with Shinozaki's half crowded with sports posters and a few other articles that coincided with his hobbies, Ryo had strange equipment hooked up all over the place. But he wasn't a hermit, as they all thought, and he had a very good sound system that he devoted quite a lot of time to improving. "So where is everyone today?" Makoto asked curiously.

"We all know where Sukareru is...Ryo ran out to get some absolutely important piece that we all know would have affected the Earth's gravity or something like that, and Yuuichirou, surprisingly, decided to try out for some production the college is putting on."

Fetching another bag, she blew airy bangs out of her eyes. "Is that the one Rei's trying out for, too? Where juniors and seniors of Juuban High are allowed to participate?"

Grinning, he affirmed, "That's the one. Tell me, did you have anything planned today?"

She shrugged. "I think I've got a free hour to cook dinner for four poor bachelors without a whit of sense–well, Sukareru may not get home, but it wouldn't be anything new. Then I've got to run home and finish some temple chores for Rei's grandfather."

"Can I help?"

Shoving him out of the kitchen and laughing at his hurt expression, Makoto exclaimed, "No! I know what you guys consider cooking...using the microwave for those horrible things called 'tv dinners' and instant noodles!! They're unhealthy and foul, claiming to be cuisine, and you guys just–"

The hurt look faded away from Shinozaki's face as he went to his room. He called back, "I know, Mako-chan, I know! But four men in college who can't cook aren't always going to meet a beautiful angel who happens to be the best cook in Japan, ne?"

"Men?! You must be kidding me," she laughed, blushing a delicate, petal-pink.

"Hey, guarantees of the stronger sex. We're always right."

"Why, you egotistical maniac!! Get back here and take that back!!"

Now running to his room, he shouted, "Not when you've got the butcher knives! I need some ammunition!"

"What you need is courage!"
~ * ~ * ~
Shippou had, with Artemis's consent, taken charge of their current spying. "There are eight floors so far; an even two floors for each of us to check out. We meet back here in an hour and a half. Don't get yourselves in danger for nothing. We've got the heirs to the Solar System to guard. I've assigned Koori to the first two, then Artemis to the third and fourth, Tokage to the next pair, and then myself to the last. Can we get on it now?" Vigorous nods were given as the special powers granted to guardians as long as the senshi and generals needed protection allowed them to become invisible, and flying devices from Mercury, before the blue planet had been wiped of the incredibly brilliant scientists, appeared.

The crab decided that she was too small to go scuttling around inside the business and chose flying–after all, Mercury had also been her home planet. She was used to such instruments by now. The media specialists certainly weren't doing anything interesting; many TVs and security cameras were being manned, and paper work and filing cabinets filled the rooms. Staying for another few minutes, just to ensure that nothing was going on, she found the accountants just as absorbed and boring. Calculators, abacuses, computers, ledgers, and a whirlwind of stray paper sheets flew around as a few frantic workers tried to save their last hour's work. She hovered at the windows and watched, hoping that the surveillance time would be over soon.

The white Moon cat was more interested in the third floor, where tuna and other fishy items beckoned, delicate smells wafting to his nose. Frowning and shaking himself, Artemis decided that it would be better to visit the next floor, where nothing but microscopes and white-robed men and women were in sight, all clad in goggles. The scene was just too creepy for him, like an alien movie Minako had recently. It was amazing how no nightmares had visited her that night. He chose to enter the building, walking through the walls and getting an uneasy feeling. Ignoring it, he made sure to keep clear of shoes and people, watching sharply.

Erimakitokage ran around inside, wincing as his tail was stepped on more than once. Where was Yosouya? He had to be here, from his snooping in school records and other items, he didn't have a class, and he wasn't at his dorm, either. Mind-blurring telescopes and star charts greeted him. There seemed to be many scientists here... Kyosei had liked those brightly burning gases once, maybe he was here? However, the green lizard didn't spot the brunet. In another room were mirrors and crystal balls galore, with many oddly-garbed people staring intently into the mist. Shaking his head and wondering why the corporation was so queer, he went to the next floor. Hm.....people working with others, and to his enhanced sight, it looked like they were testing auras. Kasen would have loved that; it was almost the only thing he was serious about besides sports, but he joked during games as well. Had joked, he thought miserably.

The silver snake had joined the crab outside and looked at an empty floor. The whitewashed walls and echoing halls made chills creep up his spine. Everything and everyone else was bustling, why was there no one here? Was it meant to be a storage floor? Most companies, however, had warehouses. A comforting mist crept into his sharp mind, dulling it for a moment. He then decided, not important, and continued on. The next was also as empty, perhaps it was something to do with the fact that the floors were new? And yet....he felt energy emanating. Power. But there was no one there... He desperately needed his master of old, the General Kunzite who had been the most powerful person on Earth, excepting Endymion and Zoicite's magical talents. Frowning, he recalled that the silver-haired student hadn't shown up recently, not even to sleep. Kouseinou was a workaholic at times, even in college, but it just wasn't like him....the same cool fog permeated his being and he thought about nothing at all for a while... Nothing....nothing at all.
~ * ~ * ~
Chiba Mamoru smashed his fist furiously into the hard wood of his desk and winced. He waved off his gens angrily and sat again, nursing the bruised a knuckles, stretched at the skin when making a fist and now exposed to such sudden pressure. "Sit down! This is not going well. Four guardian were snooping here, and I felt their presence and used almost all the power the Unnamed One had in storage to guard it. They still glimpsed nothing, however, yet tried to resist the mist. Yosouya, tell me what you are currently working on. After you finish that, if I deem it reasonable, perhaps you could perfect something like that. And you, Kasen, Kyosei, report to me afterwards."

Running long fingers through curly blond hair, Yosouya said, "Currently, I'm testing the energy storage of crystals. I can start that soon; my labs are just testing the capacities of the different types."

Kasen was next, although all his instincts were screaming. His awareness was heightened by the mood Mamoru was in. "Devices to help disguise auras, with a bit of help from two of the labs. After all, there are awakened or unawakened aura sensors out there that feel us, and it would be best not to meet one."

"Wisely said. What about you, stargazer?"

The brunet nodded solemnly and crossed his fingers, good nature draining away little by little, even faster than it had at the start. The prince did not take failures kindly."Channeling star power; after all, I think it's a bit dangerous for me to transfer each time, and I might not be able to hold large amounts. Souya's said that as soon as his tests are done, possibly tomorrow or the day after, he'll let me try putting the energy into those."

"Sounds feasible," muttered Mamoru thoughtfully. "Yosouya, you're going to be very busy. Perhaps it's time to hire a secretary?"

Shrugging, he replied, "I'm doing alright with college and everything else, so nothing's suspicious. I like working alone. Maybe if I feel stressed out I'll try, but for now, I'm keeping to myself. How's–how's Kouseinou?"

Resisting the urge to bang down his already maimed hand, the black-haired one glared ominously. "General Kunzite is resisting quite strongly, and the Princess and senshi of Venus are proving annoying in their defense of him. But," he smiled darkly, "another week or so, and I'll have broken him." None of them mentioned that when he had begun, he had said the same thing. It had been a month already.

As the other two departed, the green-eyed man approached Mamoru cautiously. Eyeing him sharply, he asked, "What is it?"

"The hand, Mamoru," he said humbly. Before the black-eyed one could as much as open his mouth, long, cool streams of green flowed into the hand, pulling the skin back together or altogether replacing it.

Meditatively, as the blonde youth left, he began to wonder about the healing and crystal abilities he had. Exactly what kind of uses could they be put to, as well as aural and star powers?
~ * ~ * ~
Staring intently at the call-back list, as if daring it to tell her that it was real, Rei felt the world crashing down on her. She knew a few girls on the list, very popular ones that were Minako's acquaintances. And speaking of the cheery, golden-haired girl, the priestess also noticed that she was on the list. A stab of bitterness and resentment spread through her, of which the righteous part of Rei was ashamed about–it wasn't Minako's fault by a long streak.

Walking to physical education later that day, she thought acidly that it was yet another class that her friend excelled at, wishing all the while that she wasn't thinking such thoughts. Minako was walking behind with three of her friends and looking a bit unhappy about it when one of them exclaimed, "This is so great! We all made the call-back list, and wouldn't it be so cool if we were all in the production together?"

Minako said it softly, but to Rei, it sounded like it had been broadcasted all over the world, booming in her ears, as was her heartbeat. "Rei didn't make it."

"Gee, thanks," she mumbled.

Looking hurt and sorry, the blonde said, "But Rei! I didn't mean it in a mean way...."

Throughout class, she was watching her sadly, but the raven-haired one ignored the glance, depressed. After class, she was waiting for Makoto until a light tap on her shoulder made her turn around. "Gomen nasai, Rei-chan, are you mad?"

Biting back the obvious, she shook her head, purple eyes filling with tears. "She just said that 'we' had all gotten onto the call-back list, that it would be so cool to have everyone in the production. And I didn't want them all to know. She probably forgot I even tried out. It hurts, and the words were right. It would have been so nice to act with all my friends–and–"

As her voice cracked, the brunette slung an arm around her and tugged her out of the locker room, Mina following close behind, anxiously. Ami was the only one that didn't have Phys. Ed with them. "Come on, Rei-chan, cheer up. You can't do so many things anyway, like trying out for the region-wide chorus or whatever, chorus ensemble, AND drama."

"I wouldn't have tried out for the show if I had made the others. Why does it seem like I never achieve any of my goals?"
~ * ~ * ~
Mizuno Ami wiped her sweaty palms nervously on her jeans, deciding that with the amount of sitting her person needed to do recently, they were a better alternative to skirts or dresses. Her sharp-eyed teacher was watching her like a hawk, hoping her expertise and teaching had paid off for the petite blue-haired girl. Sighing and reluctantly drawing her fingers across the strings, she cringed while her teacher jumped at the screechy noise coming out of the beautiful instrument, which was supposed to sound like a waterfall. It sounded like a cacophony of dead people in great pain. 'I feel like a complete idiot. I feel stupid. I feel foolish. What made me do this again?? I am never opening my mouth again, what was I thinking?? I just want to enter a convent and never talk again.' Bowing her head, she whispered, "Gomen nasai, sensei."

Taking in the pain and extreme upset in the girl's eyes, the woman wondered why she felt so sad; after all, not everyone succeeded at music the first few times. "Ami-chan, you aren't comfortable with this instrument. Maybe it doesn't suit you? Do you dislike it?"

"No, no, I have to take the harp!" Her large blue eyes shined with the utmost urgency, knees trembling and foot refraining from tapping on the flowered green Oriental carpet. "Please, sensei, you have to teach me."

Blinking, the teacher said gently, "Ami-chan, if you aren't suited to it, I want you to think how much you want to play it. Maybe it doesn't really fit you. If so, then you won't ever like it and have happiness from playing. Music is the melody of the soul, and if this doesn't match that harmony, it just doesn't work. Darling, you're only fifteen, and I realize skipping a year must have set your goals higher, but maybe it's too much work."

Closing her mouth, the tears gathered but never fell. She whispered, "I can't. It doesn't feel right."

"Then stop taking the harp, it's making you so upset!"

"Hai," she nodded, before she knew what she had said. Mechanically moving out the door, feeling as if she was frozen. Although it was cold outside, she left with a polite farewell and walked home in the icy weather. Ami talked to herself for a bit, murmuring, "I can't play the harp, can't attack offensively, and I'm a sailor senshi. I need the harp for my main attack, yet I can't even play it." The tears that had previously formed at the corners of her eyes flowed freely as she hugged the harp to her chest and just walked on, following her instincts and barely making out the shape of any objects in her way. She was actually doing quite well until a misty shape, in her eyes, came into view so suddenly that she slammed directly into it. Both landed on the ground, but Ami jumped up immediately and wiped away the tears, now too startled to keep up the impulsive flow. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going. Are you all right?"

Picking himself up and seeing that the customary gentlemanly hand couldn't exactly be offered when the lady was standing before him, he said, "I'm fine. It wasn't your fault, I wasn't exactly concentrating on anything in my path either." Taking a closer look, he asked, "Are _you_ all right?"

"I was just upset before...that's why I wasn't watching where I was going." Medium blue eyes narrowed for a moment, as if placing him. His eyes also did the same but drew a blank, while she identified him. "Are you...Kouseki Yosouya?"

Feeling a sense of deja vu coming over him and also blinking, he nodded. "Yes, I am, but...do I know you? You look slightly familiar, but I just can't remember where I've seen you. Do we know each other?"

"You were in the hospital once for a head injury, and my mother was your doctor. You taught me to swim when I was around the age of five, but you don't remember, do you?" When he shook his head, puzzled and getting a very uncomfortable itch in the back of his mind, she mused, "That's really quite odd, you remembered last time even faster than I did."

Looking uneasy, Yosouya stated, "I'm told that I lost my memory just a while back due to a high fever. I'm so sorry. Would you tell me your name, please?" 'Kami-sama, I knew I recognized her from somewhere. But where from? This life, apparently, but it seems to go back further than that. Did I know her as General Zoicite? No, she can't possibly be....can't possibly be who?'

A so-far silent shadow detached itself from the dark landscape and made its way over. "Ami, this is indeed Kouseki Yosouya." Icily glaring at him, Urawa Ryo muttered, "Quite interesting for you to be meeting this time of the evening, isn't it?"

Wondering who the newest arrival was, the green-eyed young man stared curiously at the brown-haired one and ran a hand through curly blond hair. "Who are you?"

"I'm Urawa Ryo. This is Mizuno Ami."

Eyeing Ryo suspiciously, Ami tried to keep her voice and tone polite. "It's really a shame you had amnesia, Yosouya-san."

"I think I should be going now," Yosouya stated, glancing between Ami and Ryo. Not even to find out who exactly she was to him would he stay on this silent battleground. "Sayonara, Ami-san. I'm so sorry I don't remember how we met, but I hope we meet again." He nodded to Ryo civilly and walked off, making a mental note to discuss the incident with Mamoru.

Ryo made no comment to him and ran to catch up with the blue-haired girl, who tried to refrain from giving him a hostile look–but it wasn't working. "Pardon me, Ryo-san, but I got this distinct feeling that you were spying on me, to be blunt."

"If you aren't beating around the bush this time, neither am I. I was."

Angrily, eyes glinting furiously, she demanded, "Why?"

Sighing and wishing he hadn't stepped out or upset her, he made the best excuse...which was really his reason. "Because he's evil," Ryo stated flatly, "and I despise him as much as I love you."

"I thought you were better than that...Greg. I guess I was wrong. You've become so much like Ace. Or should I be calling him Sukareru and you Ryo?" She walked off, tone almost daring him to try walking with her again, but he sighed and took off in the opposite direction. Ever so softly, she added, "Just because he turned at the end of the Moon Kingdom for reasons unknown doesn't mean that a reborn General Zoicite can't be on the self-proclaimed side of 'good.'" Inwardly, she added, ‘Right?'
~ * ~ * ~
The weather was horrible, but she had managed to finish her temple chores and homework. Unfortunately, all the other senshi and Usagi were all unavailable. Sighing at her ill-luck, it seemed Rei was fated to watch the newest movie that had come out in one of Juuban's only two movie theaters. A familiar, gleaming blond head came into view, and she began feeling panicked. When the figure got closer, complete with a wicked grin and bright, azure blue eyes, she wondered what new trick destiny had decided to play on her now. Hino Rei was positive that it was smiling as widely and brightly as the sun...one Tabiki Kasen. Fumbling around with the clasp of her purse, she bowed her head and ran past him, trying to divert all attention from her noticeable features–which was almost impossible. He saw her, beamed evilly, and walked to intercept her eagerly. Breath catching for some odd reason besides her annoyance, she spotted a brown-haired young man in the crowd. "Kumada Yuuichirou!! Yuuichirou!"

He turned around the see a raven-haired miko, sweating profusely but still looking as beautiful as every. "Konnichiwa, Rei-san. I didn't know you would be here today."

Just then, Kasen had the wonderful luck to come upon them, and his smile shrunk slightly. "Konnichiwa, Rei-san. Who might your friend be?"

Giving the brunet a desperate look, Rei replied, "Konnichiwa, Kasen-san. I haven't seen you in awhile. Let me introduce you to my..._friend_, Kumada Yuuichirou. Yuuichirou-kun, this is an acquaintance of mine from a long time ago, Tabiki Kasen."

"Eh....konnichiwa, hajimemashite," he smiled, in seventh heaven. The uneasy fact lingering in the back of his mind said she could be using him for revenge against an old boyfriend, but he ignored it and slung an arm around her shoulder.

Trying to keep the glower from his face, Kasen shook his head and said, "It's nice to meet you, and it's always a pleasure to see you, Rei, but I think I've forgotten an appointment I had. What a shame, ne?"

"I'm sure," the black-haired girl muttered. "I didn't know your job was so demanding; after all, eighteen is _ever_ so young."

He coughed. "And you're fifteen, Rei. I work for the newly-opened business under Chiba Mamoru."

Looking mystified, the brown-haired one asked, "Hey, is that the one that's gone without a name for like months?"

Wincing, the blond nodded and confirmed, "Hai. Mamoru wants to hold off on revealing the title until the 'grand opening,' he calls it, which will probably be in another month or two. After all, I believe there are only seven more floors to build. That may take about a year, but he wants another floor or two done when it's opened."

'Only?' thought Rei. "Oh, I suppose you'll have to go then. What a shame. Ja ne!"

"Ja!" Yuuichirou had to add his two cents' worth.

Kasen walked off, feeling beaten. 'How can a girl _almost_ four years younger than me make me feel this way? I used to be such a suave person.....ah, remember, Kasen-kun, power. Power, power, that's what Mamoru says is supposed to sing in my veins. Yep, he's definitely getting nutty. Must be battling with Kouseinou recently.'

"Uh, hey, Rei-san?" Yuuichirou asked, peering through long bangs.

As they walked into the theater, she pretending to pay absolutely no attention to him or anything (one) else but the screen, she returned, "Hai?"

"Is he like, your ex-boyfriend or something?"

She tried to laugh lightly. "No, I would never go out with a jerk like him. He once insulted me in a park about never getting a boyfriend because of a volatile temper." She was still smarting from that comment and unable to forget it, prepared to wage war on the wrongdoer.

"That's horrible!" he exclaimed, looking shocked.

"It is," she agreed absentmindedly, planning his demise.

"Uh...Rei, could I ask you a question? I mean, it's more like a favor, but–"

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes. "Well, since you just did me one, I'll try."

"I know we don't know each other very well and all...I mean, it's only our second meeting...but do you think you'd like to...go out sometime?" Hurriedly, he pressed on, "And if you didn't mind and we both liked it, maybe we could do it again?"

She stared straight ahead for a few minutes, silent, before nodding her acquiescence. "All right, Yuuichirou."
~ * ~ * ~
Aino Minako sat disconsolately on the curb outside the house, praying that Usagi wouldn't come out and interrupt her peace. Truthfully, she hadn't meant to hurt Rei, but now she seemed depressed and sad. Had she really meant that she failed at everything she tried? Hopefully not–after all, the last thing they needed was a depressed senshi if trouble came along. Now, she reprimanded herself scoldingly, she was thinking as a leader and not a friend. She sat with her chin in her hand and thought.

She remembered parts, bits and pieces, of the Silver Millennium. While she was the commander of the planetary senshi, no one had ever seemed to think she was quite right for the job. Besides, once they found the Moon Princess, if possible, wouldn't she want to take control? Rightfully, as heir to the Moon Kingdom before it fell, this generation of senshi would have served her and listened to every beck and call. They could only hope she wouldn't be a spoiled brat and rule for her own good and not the world's. This was just too much for a teenaged girl to think of, too much to handle. A commander of women warriors in the past life was now a reborn teenager, searching for a princess who would one day take her birthright and rule the entire Solar System? The entirety of the thought was just giving her a headache.
~ * ~ * ~

Paths of Thorns