Title: The Fire From Within --Chapter 1 Author: Blue Ice E-mail: Blue_IceSM@hotmail.com Rated: (G) Hi everyone!! How's it going?! I finally finished Something Unexpected after 3 weeks of sleepless nights...literally. Since it's summer vacation, I stayed up really late working on my fanfic. Now that it's over with, I'm starting another one. Hopefully I won't work myself to death. I'm still kind of short on ideas sometimes, but I'll figure something out. This story is not a Serena/Darien fanfic. It's about Rei. I guess you can kind of tell by the title. I wanted to write something different to add a little variety to my writing. I'm kind of sick of Serena and Darien romances at this moment. But, that's going to change pretty soon, because I'm getting some ideas for the next one I'm going to write after this. This story takes place during the Silver Millennium. It is a story about romance, love, and friendship. I hope you like it! Sailor Moon does not belong to me. Gees how many times have I said that already. Oh well on with it..... In the royal palace of the fire planet...Mars.......... "I can whip him if I really wanted to." Rei defended. "Please Rei, stop talking crazy. We mustn't think about doing foolish things as princesses." Ami replied while flipping through a thick book. "Now let's see, ah, here it is....the complete guide on hosting a gala. This must be interesting." She read on while no one was actually listening. The princesses of the inner planets meet together once every month on mars to celebrate the anniversary of the king and queen. "Why is it that your parents celebrate their one month anniversary instead of a year's?" Serenity asked as she arranged various flowers in a vase. "That's because my father proposed to my mother exactly one month after they met. I guess it's just special to them." Rei said casually and walked to the window. "They are forcing me to marry soon." Rei sighed. "to some stupid arrogant prince." "That's awful Rei." Mina stood up. "Why is it that our lives have to be controlled. Why can't destiny just run its course. It isn't fair!" Lita said feeling miserable by the second. "Do you think we will all be forced into a loveless marriage someday?" she asked and sunk to the floor beside Ami. "I'm only 17 for crying out loud. There are so many things I want to do, to experience. I want to become a warrior and help defend the kingdom. And...and explore unknown places. Not marry some lowlife creep who I haven't met and sit around on a throne all day. Is that too much to ask?" Rei said, fire burning deep within in her soul. "Rei, I'm sure there's more to our lives than that. Just be patient." Amy softly chided. "I just know something bad is going to happen tonight. There's always an air of finality when my mother's up to something, usually trying to find a suitor for me for the hundredth time." Rei breathed in the fresh morning air and watched as noble men and women walked about in the courtyard, visiting and chatting pleasantly to each other. "Wouldn't it be grand for just one day when I'm nothing more than just a peasant?" "Oh Rei. Don't say that. Sometimes wishes do come true. It isn't wise to wish for such an unthinkable thing." Ami scolded. "Come on girls, we've got a gala to host tonight, shouldn't we be going over the instructions?" "Ami, don't be such a worry head. There's plenty of other galas we can rehearse our manners on." Mina said lightly while straightening out her yellow gown. "Hey, who are they?" Rei suddenly said suspiciously. "No guards other than the marsian soldiers are suppose to be on the training grounds. Something fishy is going on..." the rest of the girl hurriedly gather at the window. "Here's a binocular, I'm going to take a closer look." Lita held the lenses to her eyes and stood over a chair. "Oh my goodness...." she trailed off. "What, what....I want to see!" Serenity jumped. "Oh for crying out loud....give me that." Rei grabbed the binoculars and stared intently. "I'm going to find out exactly what the hell is going on. Come on girls, we're on a mission." Rei stepped away from the window and went to her huge walk-in closet. "What are you up to Rei?" Mina asked curiously. Rei has always been unpredictable when it comes to almost everything. "Those soldiers don't know the difference between a kick and a punch. And I'm going to teach them....the hard way." "Uh." the girls all groaned. "Not again." Stepping out of the closet, Rei was wearing none other than her favorite outfit. It consisted of a plain white blouse with dark pants and boots. Her hair had been tied up and wrapped into a large bun in the back. "I'll prove to them that girls can fight as well as men. That'll teach them not to criticize the idea." she said angrily. "I'll do this until they get the point!" stepping proudly with her head held high, Rei marched out the door. "This is going to be interesting." Lita said as the rest of them followed. "Hadn't it always been?" the girls giggled. "Remember the last time she beat up some poor soldier just because he was trying to be a gentleman?" Serenity whispered. "He shouldn't have treated me like I'm some stupid defenseless girl." Rei said in defiance. "Ya, you knocked out the attacker too. I think there were some permanent damages." they laughed wildly at the incident a year ago. It was during a race horse event, when a robber from Mercury had escaped prison and teleported to Mars. Rei had been riding on the trail by herself when she was suddenly pulled from the horse. It had taken her a couple of seconds to realize what was happening. When the robber tried to steal her horse, she gave him a blow in the stomach. He still did not relent. Grabbing her arm harshly, he had planned to take her with him, not knowing that she was the royal princess. If caught the penalty would be death. Stepping on his foot with powerful strength. He fell slightly forward and was kicked in the grin with Rei's knee. It was to say the least intimidating when the officer had showed up and acted like Rei's life was in danger. Rei at the time did not feel like a victim and was insulted when he tried to protect her after the attacker was painfully hurt and could not get up. So the only thing that would release all the pent up anger is to beat the crap out of the officer for treating her like a baby. But now Rei has learned better than to act without consideration. So she says. Most soldiers stay well out of her way and bows only when it's necessary. No one dares to even suggest protecting her anymore. Their body parts would no doubt be in major risk of permanent damage. So here she goes again trying to prove her point. Sometimes people are going to start realizing that women had the same amount of willpower and courage to be a warrior. And Rei is sure that when she's queen things are going to change drastically. That almost made the majesties reconsider this suitor business. But not quite. It's no longer a losing battle where Rei's concerned. The girls giggled wildly at the remembrance of the incident as they raced down the hallway. Pushing the double doors open quietly, they hid behind a thick bush to watch the training. "Ouch Serenity, you're pulling my hair." Mina hissed. "Oh sorry Mina....what's this... ah it's a bug get it off! Get it off mpphhhmmm!!!" Rei covered her mouth before they were discovered. "Shhh, keep quiet guys. We don't want them to find us hiding here." Rei whispered and gave Serenity a warning look. "oh alright. But get it off my dress." Using a little piece of branch, Lita picked the fly size caterpillar off of Serenity's dress. "There, now shut up." Rei pushed the thick leaves aside to get a better look. "Look at them. They're pathetic. My grandma can kick their behinds all the way out of the solar system." Rei said impatiently. "They're not that bad. Really Rei you should give them more credit. Look at their uniforms, I bet they just enrolled into the services last month. And looks like they're front earth" Lita said as she leaned forward a little. "Well I guess, but look at their trainer speaking as if he's the king. Why don't he show some moves already." Rei said as she also leaned against Lita's shoulder. "I can't see." Serenity said and poked her head up a little. "Hey, I've heard of him. His name is um...is um. ..it's something. I just can't place it right at the moment." Mina wondered as she leaned against Serenity's back. "Alright soldiers. It takes more than just some weapons and magic to defeat the negaverse and that's why we're here because mars has the best training grounds in the solar system." Rei grinned as she heard this. "You better believe it buddy." she whispered causing the girls to groan. "I'm going to show you some moves that would be skillful and useful incase the time comes. I need two volunteers." "Finally." Rei sweat dropped. "I'm dying of boredom." Two brave soldiers stepped up with their heads high and back straight as an arrow. Standing in front of the general, they saluted respectfully before taking a fighting stance. "Now I want you two to attack me with everything you've got and don't be afraid to hurt me." he said as he rolled up his sleeves. "I hate men who talk big." Rei snickered. The two soldiers charged at him from both sides with great force as they both ran to tackle the general. With surprising strength and agility, he leaped up and did a back flip. The two soldier ran head first into each other and landed on the rough ground. "Strength isn't always the key to fighting." he said and dusted his gray uniform. "Any more volunteers?" he asked as he ran a hand through his shiny blonde hair. Three more soldiers came up and tried to fight him and was also unsuccessful. He was excellent. That was for sure. Then all of the soldiers teamed up with swords and charged at him all at once. "50 against 1 huh? He's pancakes." Lita winced at the thought. With lightning speed and accuracy, he sword fought with both hands. It was to say the least intimidating that he ended up beating all of the soldiers combined and without a single bruise or cut. Only a rip at the arm of the uniform was the only damage on him. "That was amazing." Serenity cooed. "Did you see how well he handled all those soldiers? Wow, I'd give him a 10." "Ya, tell me about it. He swapped them like they were a bunch of flies." Lita joined in. "He's on my Christmas list this year." Mina flashed a meaningful look. And the girls giggled. "That was nothing. It was puny. I could easily handle him." Rei defended. "Uhhh." the girls hung their heads in defeat. Rei just never gives up. "Bet you I could knock him out in two punches." Rei smiled mischievously with a certain unnamable glint in her violet eyes. "Oh ya?" Lita asked. "Ok, Rei, if you can whip him and prove worthy of your words, then we will all do something bad at the ball." Mina said. "But if you don't. Then you have to spend the whole evening with him." she pointed to the standing general. Rei flinched at the thought for a moment. "It's a bet." she said finally and shook hands on it. "Um guys I don't think we should make a bet on someone like that. It isn't proper. What if she does win, I will never again be able to show my face if we had to pull a prank." "Ami!!" the girls all groaned. "Ya, Ami. It'll be worth it. Trust me." Serenity exclaimed and smacked Ami on the back...eh just a little too hard. "Ahhh!" she screamed and pushed the girls forward. Lita could no longer hold her kneeling position with four girls leaning on her shoulders and fell into the bush. They all screamed loudly as they got themselves tangled up in the branches. "Nice job Serenity." Rei mumbled. "Hey my leg. Lita get up. You're breaking my leg." Mina yelled. "Eh.. Sorry." "My hair, somebody quit pulling my hair." Rei screamed. "Please if everyone would just calm down." Ami said while trying to pull her dress from underneath Serenity. "My arm. Someone is smashing my freaking arm!!!" Lita yelled. "It's all your fault Serenity, why did you have to...." Before Rei could finish, three pair of boots stopped right in front of her face. "What do we have here.." a guard said while rubbing his chin pretending to be clueless. Rei looked up to his face slowly and smiled. "Nothing officer, we just..um... dropped by to say hello." The three guards laughed and pulled them up to their feet. The general walked by with a baritone voice. "I hope you ladies are alright." he said and looked at Rei from the corner of his eyes. Something about her attracts him. 'I can't believe he's not bowing. Doesn't he know that we're royal princesses?' Mina thought as she glared at him. "Yes, yes we're fine. We'll be going now." Ami apologized and dragged the girls away. "Anyone who makes this much trouble should be reported." the general said mockingly. "Why you, don't you know who... umpphh." Mina covered Rei's mouth. "Remember your bet? We don't want him to go easy on you just because you're a princess." Lita whispered behind her hand. Rei nodded and turned to walk away. "Oh and one more thing. Women are not aloud to be on the training grounds ever. It's dangerous you know." the same baritone voice said. "I don't want to be responsible for your injuries ladies." he laughed and turned his attention back to the soldiers who were also snickering. "That's it! I've had it with the way men treat women like their nothing but delicate flowers. We're strong and confident. We can do anything men can." Rei spoke loudly for everyone to hear. "And what if I don't want to leave. What if I say that I can beat the crap out of you." she walked up to him and pointed her index finger right in his face. He was tall even compared to her 5 foot 8 inch height. He had the most gorgeous green eyes and nicely combed blonde hair. She straightened her back to stand as tall as she could. "Is that a challenge?" he asked and raised an eyebrow. "You better pray that you won't return to earth in two pieces." "This is going to be good." Lita said as they watched with fascination. Rei drew out her sword and held onto it tightly with a determined face. "Come on pretty boy, I thought we were suppose to fight." Rei said taking a step forward. "I really don't want to hurt you miss." he said and also drew his sword and stood in a fighting position a couple of feet away from Rei. "But....if you insist." Their swords clanged and clashed, each trying to outdo the other. "Come on Rei!!! Whip him!!!" Serenity cheered. "What are you doing Serenity? Remember the bet???" Mina warned. "Oh...right." "You might as well give up, because you can't beat me." the man yelled and barely ducked as Rei's sword whipped over his head. "Why? Because I'm a woman?" Rei said angrily and slashed at his side. Scooting to the right, the sword missed. "I always hate men who think themselves superior over women." Rei said through clenched teeth. "That's because it's true." he said and cut off the ribbon that tied her hair up. The shiny full dark hair fell down around Rei's body making him gasp at the sight. She was so beautiful with tanned skin and dark violet eyes that sparkle whenever she's mad. The burning flames of a great roaring fire burned within her soul. Rei had been truly a magnificent sight to see. Losing his concentration momentarily, Rei took the opportunity to lash at him. With the tip of the thin sword, she cut off all the buttons on the front of his uniform and tackled him to the hard ground making him groan in pain. "Now look who's talking?" Rei said triumphantly and punched him hard in the stomach. "owww" he groaned loudly "That'll teach you men to mess with me! Anymore volunteers?" she asked and turned around to look at the rest of the soldiers. They all backed away not wanting to be in their great general's position. "wimps." he murmured and looked up to Rei. "You Mister General Sir owe me an apology." Rei demanded still sitting on top of him. "I would if you get off of me." he replied with an amused tone. "Oh." Rei got up feeling foolish for acting like a little stubborn kid all of a sudden. 'Stubbornness is in my blood.' she thought and pushed herself off. "My back." he moaned and rubbed his probably already bruised aching back. "You're good I got to admit. Who are you?" he asked as he picked up all the buttons on the ground. "That's not your concern. Who are you? And why are you here in the marsian training grounds?" Rei accused. "Whoa, please miss. I mean no harm." he said and held out his hand. "I'm General Jedite, of Prince Endymion's court on earth. I'm here for extensive training. Does everyone on Mars have a fiery temper like you?" he asked and arched a golden eyebrow. Rei rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Is everyone from earth a stupid arrogant wimp and ill- mannered like you?" she retorted not letting him leave satisfied. "Gee I'm hurt. I didn't come all the way here to get cold remarks from a headstrong young woman." Jedite feigned hurt as Rei turned to leave. "Let's just keep it that way shall we?" Rei flipped her hair back in triumph and led the rest of the girls back inside. "She got me good." Jedite mumbled as another soldier stepped up to him and watched them leave. "Tell me about it. She was beating you up from the beginning. It was a loosing battle and doomed to the end." he laughed and slapped him in the back. Jedite was starting to boil. He had actually lost to a young woman no much older than 17. Annoyed at the all the remarks he was getting for the soldiers, he marched up to them angrily. "Alright. That's enough!! Drop and give me 50." he commanded. All of them dropped to the ground and did 50 pushups still laughing and snickering. "Oh no. I'm never going to hear the end of it from Endymion." he sweat dropped. In Rei's room.... "Wow, Rei. You really were great. I would have never thought in a million years that you could do that. I mean who would have known you had it in you. Gee if I were him...." "Alright. Serenity I get the point." Rei grinned and leaned back on the pillow. "It felt great to land some punches on that jerk, Jedite. He deserved to be whipped." "I thought he was kind of cute." Lita said while fixing her hair at the dresser. "Did you see his green eyes. They were so gorgeous." "Oh, ya and his hair...I just wanted to run my fingers through it." Mina joined in. They were really torturing Rei. "I don't see what you saw in him." Rei snapped. "He was nothing but a self-absorbed man with a title. I wouldn't date him if he was the last man in the whole universe." "eh....um.....ok guys, we need to get ready for the gala remember? The gala at 6 P.M. tonight." Ami finally chirped out. The girls looked blank for a moment. "Oh the gala! I forgot about it completely. Gees, I...I don't have anything prepared." Mina said nervously and begin going through Rei's closet. "Mina, we've already picked out our dresses silly." Lita giggled and got up to leave. "See you guys downstairs." she said and shut the door with a soft click. "I guess we better leave too." Serenity picked up her long skirt. "Don't want to miss all the hot guys there." Mina winked and dragged Serenity down the hallway. "Well, it has been a very exciting day so far. What do you um...have in mind for the prank?" Ami asked a little nervous. "Oh I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Trust me." Rei said and gave Ami a secret smile. "I knew I shouldn't have agreed to the bet." Ami sighed and closed the door. "Oh Ami?" Rei asked just ask she left. "Yes?" Ami poked her head back in. "I'm not going to the ball tonight. For one reason I don't want Jedite to know that I'm the princess." Ami looked shocked. "But what would your parent think?" "Just keep quiet and meet me downstairs ten minutes earlier with the rest of the girls. I'll tell you my plan then." "Whatever you say." Ami said and shut the door. "Why are we here early?" Lita asked as she, Mina, and Serenity were dragged by Ami down the stairs. "Rei asked us to meet her to tell us her plan." "What plan?" Serenity asked. "Just hurry." The girls rushed in front of the double doors that leads to the ballroom. "Rei, you're not dressed?" Mina asked confusedly. "Shhh. I'm not going to be at the ball tonight. What am I going to miss anyway? We have one every month." "So where are you going to be?" Lita asked quietly not wanting the guards to overhear. "There's this really awesome cave just a mile outside of the palace gates. If I can escape without the guards seeing me then I can spend the rest of the night there. I've always wanted to check it out. This is the perfect chance. Everyone would be so occupied, they won't notice I'm gone." Rei finished, proud of her plan. "Uh Rei...there's one teeny weenie little problem. Just a tad really. We're going to be announced remember? And you won't be there!" Mina whispered. "Oh I know. That's going to your part of our bet. You guys better come up with something. Get a disguise or whatever. If you get caught it's not my fault." Rei smiled and ran the other direction. "Oh no. oh dear." "Where are we going to get a disguise?" Lita asked and looked around. "Do you see what I see?" Mina asked the girls as they poked their heads around the corner. "She's perfect. The same color hair... .the same height.....and....uh, well not as pretty as the original one, but she'll have to do." The girls sneaked quietly behind the busy maid. With Mina's hand over her mouth to keep her silent, they dragged her to Rei's room. "Mission complete." Lita gave a thumbs up as she looked around the corner to make sure no one saw them. "I feel like we're on an grand adventure." Mina said and they let go of the maid. "Princess Mina, Ami, Lita, oh....Princess Serenity. Forgive me." she bowed all the way to the floor. The girls gave each other a strange look. "Please miss, get up. It's our fault for scaring you like that." Ami said and helped her up. "Forgive me your highnesses for asking, but why did you bring me here?" she asked, feeling like a nervous wreck. "Aloud me to explain...you see..." Serenity begin. "We need someone to ah....um....to disguise as Princess Rei because she's unable to attend the gala tonight." the maid nodded. "And we don't want to disappoint the majesties." "It was a bet." Ami blurted out. "Ami, please..." Mina laughed. "So what you need to do is wear one of these gowns, whichever one you like." she opened the closet door. Hundreds of gowns and dresses hung in so many different colors. And dozens and dozens of shoes were placed on the shelves arranged by style. "So take your pick. You're going to be a princess tonight." Lita smiled. "You mean I can wear anyone I want?" the maid asked in shock. "Oh I couldn't, I shouldn't." "You must!" Serenity stepped up with a beautiful red gown. "We're counting on you." nodding her head, the maid went into the bathroom to put on the dress. "Not bad. I think it'll work." the princesses analyzed the maid skeptically. "Now for the hair and the makeup. Oh I know this'll will be fine.." Serenity put some roses into her hair. "And a little blush here, and a little eye shadow here, and then some lipstick.... and there!" "Ohhhh." the princesses cooed. "This has to work." Mina said and stood up from the bed. "I must say Serenity. You did an excellent job." "Thanks you." she bowed playfully. "It's almost six. We better get going." Ami said and opened the door. "Here better take this." Lita handed the maid a red fan. "Put this over your face incase anyone get too close to you and recognize you as a fraud." taking the fan nervously, she followed the princesses downstairs. "Alright, don't be nervous ok? It's going to be very brief." Ami soothed the shaking girl. "By the way, what's your name?" she asked kindly. "My name is Anna, this is my first week here at the palace. "Welcome aboard then!!" Mina extended out her hand. "Oh thank you. I would have never thought to be so close to a royal princess. It's such an honor." Mina smile. Suddenly trumpets could be heard on the opposite side of the door. And then followed by a high squeaky voice of the announcer with a funny accent. "And now may I present to you, ladies and gentlemen, your royal highnesses, Princess Mina, of Venus." Mina stepped into the well lit ballroom and waved as she stood on the grand staircase. "And Princess Ami of Mercury." Ami stood next to Mina and looked out to the audience."And Princess Lita of Jupiter." Lita gently patted Anna's shoulder and walked to stand beside Ami. "And her supreme majesty's daughter Princess Serenity." Serenity smiled and whispered to Anna. "Try to hide your face from the audience with the fan. There's someone here that can't know who the princess is." Anna nodded. "I'll try my best." Serenity stepped onto the marble floor of the ballroom and stood next to Lita. "And now may I present to you the lovely princess of Mars, her majesty Queen Lea and King Mathew's daughter....(drum rolls)...Princess Rei." he finished as Anna stepped hesitantly into the ballroom. Hiding her face with the fan, she walked briskly to the other Princesses. The guests kept on clapping as if nothing was different about Princess Rei. The only thing different about Anna and Rei was that Anna had dark brown eyes instead of Rei's violet ones. But it was well obscured because Anna had kept her head low. "They bought it!" Ami whispered a little surprised. "I can't believe I fooled them!" Serenity jumped up in excitement. "What do you mean YOU?" Mina asked. "Well, if it weren't for my expertise in applying her makeup, she wouldn't look so much like Rei." "Hey we all contributed. It was I who spotted her in the first place." Mina defended. "Hey guys, where is Anna?" Mina and Serenity turned to Ami. "Ahhhhhhh OH NO!!!." The end for chapter 1. So what did you think? Do you like Rei stories? If you have any comments or better ideas, or which character you would prefer me to write about, please don't hesitate to e-mail me at Blue_IceSM@hotmail.com. Stayed tuned for chapter 2. Oh and thank you all for your great comments. Bye for now!!