Rei and the Black Ninja [Part One]

I wrote this while I was a freshman in high school. I am now a sophmore in college so my writing has changed a lot since then. Rei and the Black Ninja is a Sailor Moon fanfiction, about Sailor Mars. The Japanese names are used for the characters.

An airy stillness settled over the gigantic field of fiery red and orange Indian Paintbrushes. Princess Rei of Phobus Deimos the Mars Kingdom sat right smack dab in the middle of them, breathing in their sweet scent. It’s so peaceful here.
Why yes it is. Her lover and dear friend thought-spoke to her as he stood beside her in the cool breeze.
Princess Mars looked up into his oceanic eyes. Can't it stay this way?
He reached down and touched her face gently. No matter what you choose, know that I will stand beside you until the very end. Even if it takes my life.
"I know..." I just feel so alone. "I don't know what to do about Mistress Laizween. With every attack our forces grow weaker and we can't protect ourselves against her lairens. It seems that no matter how powerful an attack we send against them they continue to take over. My men are defenseless against them and my father." Tears welled up in Rei's eyes. Who knows what's happened to him...
I'm sure King Deimos is right out front fighting for our lives!
I know... that's what I'm afraid of...
Miss Rei, I know that you will make the right decisions when the time comes. No one can top your fiery personality and beauty. Plus, you have your unfailing attack. He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
Yes I know. The power of my soul.

Rei looked out the temple screen doors at the rain. It's so calm. I love the sound of the rain. She breathed in heavily taking in all the auras of her surroundings.
"Rei!!!" Grandpa called from the kitchen.
"I'll be right there," she replied. Rei took one last glance at the peacefully falling rain before jogging to the kitchen.

"Just as we thought," said a dark shadowy voice. "She may be able to sense auras to her, but we seem to escape her waves."
"All her memory's not back yet," another tone sneered. "But the question is will she recognize us in our 'true' forms?"
A maniacal laugh boomed. "I guess we're just gonna have to watch her grow."
!
"Yes, Grandpa?"
"Ah, Rei, I need you to prepare dinner tonight. I need to go to the airport to pick up a friend of mine's son, his name is Jesse." Rei looked at the old man puzzled. "After Yuuichirou left I thought we needed a man's help around here. I haven't met the boy personally, but I hear he's a real gentleman," Grandpa explained.
"Sure, of course, Grandpa. When are you leaving, so I'll have it ready when you get home?"
"I need to leave around 7:00; can you have dinner ready by 9:30?"
Rei looked at the clock. It was 6:44. "You need to go get ready; I can take care of things here."
"You're such a good girl, Rei," And he hurried out the door.
Rei watched the door bang shut behind him. She walked over to the cabinet, and flung open the wooden door. Hmm, now what should I make? She looked at each box, carefully studying each picture.
"This looks tasty," Rei said to herself pulling out a box of steamed pork buns. "Now, flour mixture in bowel, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt..." She continued reading the ingredients off to herself.
Rei ran busily around the small kitchen grabbing utensils and ingredients. "O.k., let's see," she mumbled opening the box. This shouldn’t be too hard.
Rei was singing along with the radio. "In your eyes I see eternity. And if you could see how beautiful you are." A stranger entered the kitchen. "I never want to make you cry," she sung beautifully. "I never want to say good-bye; I swear my love will remain. I know my love will be here for eternity. I will swear it all over again!" The song ended.
"That was stupendous," the strange young man said. "You sounded like an angel from heaven." He said as he looked her up and down. "You must be, Rei."
She blushed at his attention. "Yes, but who are you and what are you doing in this part of the temple. This is the family chambers. No visitors allowed in this area."
The young man had shoulder length long curly brown hair. It framed his face perfectly. He had lovely blue eyes that shone like a silver lake in the moonlight. He smiled at her, with perfectly straight white teeth. He was the most beautiful man Rei had ever seen.
"My name is Jesse. I've come to help your Grandfather."

Rei looked at the clock. It was only 7:47. Grandpa said he was going to be home around 9:30. I wonder where he is.
"Jesse, where's Grandpa?" She quizzed.
"I walked here, why was he going to come get me?" Jesse looked puzzled.
Walked here? Then Jesse's flight must have come in a long time ago! Rei ran to the phone. She dialed the airport. It was busy. Nothing I can do about that. She thought.
"Well dinner's not done yet, so..."
"Oh, its o.k. I already ate." He responded. I went to all that trouble for nothing...

Rei and Jesse sat on the yellow sand colored mats and watched a program on TV. It was a Sailor Moon cartoon.
"Who even believes that stuff anymore?" Jesse remarked.
Rei flinched. "Well, who knows, I mean they could exist." Jesse shrugged his shoulders. "Plus it's good to believe in something." She turned and looked at him. He was starring at her. She looked deep into his sapphire eyes. He leaned forward. Rei closed her eyes. BBBBZZZ! BBBZZ! Rei's communicator went off. Their moment was ruined.
WHY MUST THIS HAPPEN NOW? "Hello?!" Rei answered angrily.
"Rei, we need you down-, who's that?" Amis face popped up on the screen.
"This is Jesse, my grandpa's assistant, now what did you need?"
"Well, um..." Ami sounded uncomfortable. "We need you at the park. Uh, come quickly!"

Rei arrived down at the park. Sailor Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus, were already down there fighting. "Mars Planet Power Make-Over!" Rei transformed into Sailor Mars. She ran down to the scene.
"What took you so long?" Sailor Moon asked.
Well Meatball head, I'm surprised you're here." Mars remarked.
Sailor Moon looked as if she wanted to cry.
"Oh, Rei, stop it!" Jupiter yelled at them. "This is bad enough as it is!"
"Fine, Mars Fire Sniper!" She let of her attack and it destroyed one of the slime colored demons attached to what looked like a person.
"What are these guys any ways?" Mars asked. "They're like massive ferns."
"I don't know they just appeared and started racking havoc." Venus responded.

The battle was coming to a close when the last monster jumped at the tired Mars. Leaves sprang forward in an attempt to bind it's self to the famished scout. "AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!" she screamed trying to get away. A star dagger with an electric current buzzing through it crippled the monster. A black ninja with a blood red fabric belt stood on top of a nearby roof top. He had red star daggers in his belt.
"I am the living nightmare to all those who are evil. I am the Black Ninja."
The crippled creature sprang up and reared forward after Sailor Mars.
"Star Shock!" The Black Ninja said and spun a dagger at it. Lighting ran through the blade as it pierced the demon's upper right arm.
"My hero," breathed Mars.
Just as fast as he appeared, the Black Ninja disappeared into the night, becoming only a shadow.
Back at the temple the scouts sat around in various places in Rei's room.
"What do you suppose we make of that?" Ami asked.
"I don't know, maybe it was another form of Tuxedo Kamen," suggested Makoto.
"No, I doubt that," replied Usagi.
"Well, he was hot whoever he was," Minako said.
"You couldn't even see his face, so how do you know he was so hot, Minako?" questioned Makoto.
"I just do," she replied.
Rei just sat in silence, with a dreamy look. The scouts all looked at her. Rei was humming to herself.
"I think she's in love, guys," Makoto said.
"Totally, she looks like Usagi when she thinks about Mamoru," said Ami.
"Majorly," Minako agreed.
"Hey, that's not fair!" yelled Usagi.
"Let's get back to business. Who are these new monsters? Where do they come from?" Asked Luna.
"They seem like actual people but with plant parts," remarked Ami.
"You're right, Ami, I think I might have recognized one, a boy named, Mishizo, from school," said Makoto, "What do you think, Rei? Rei? Hello? Are you in there?"
Rei just stared on.
"Hell-oo!?" Makoto tapped her on the head. "Rei?"
Just then there was a knock on the door.
"Hello? asked Minako, "Who is it?"
Jesse entered. "I just thought you might like some food." He set down the tray on the coffee table. He shook his head at Rei. That girl is so weird. What's her problem? She's so nice, and serious one minute, then the next she's spac'n it. What a strange chick. He stood back up and strolled out. His curly brown hair swished back and forth as he walked. The girls looked lustfully after him.
"WOW," Makoto stammered.
"Who's he?" Minako asked.
"That's Jesse," Rei said wistfully, "he's the new guy. Jesse is from America. He is a swordsman, and is one of my Grandpa's friend's sons. He's here training. He wants to be a ninja."
"That’s so cool!" replied Minako.
"Ya," said Usagi.
"Sign me up for lessons!" Makoto joked.
"But, he thinks that the Sailor Senshi is fake. He doesn't believe in them." Rei muttered.

Rei was outside sweeping the temple grounds when Grandpa walked over.
"Hello, Rei, how are you doing this fine morning?" he asked.
Rei smiled at him, "Fine and how are you Grandpa?"
"Just great, dear, so what do you think of Jesse?"
"He's quite nice," she answered.
"Good, good," he looked over to the training grove, then back to Rei." After you finish your chores, I would like you to come over to the training grounds; I need you to do something for me."
"Of course,"
"Good, good," and with that Grandpa walked to the grove.
Rei smiled at her Grandpas back. He tries so hard. He really shouldn't, he's so old, but he does such a good job...
Rei went back to sweeping. She also cleared the pathways of rubble, and washed the windows.
"Clean enough for a bird to think he could fly through it," Rei congratulated herself.
Jesse walked up to her and stopped. He looked at the windows. She half expected him to congratulate her on the good job she did on them, and the other half to just walk on. He strode forward and pointed to a spot.
"You need to re-do it here. It's kinda smudged," he turned and walked into the training grove.

Rei walked toward the training grove. It was a small clearing in a forest behind the temple. It had a sweet scent to it. It smelt of white daisies, yellow sunflowers, and freshly fallen rain, for it had rained the night before. Grandpa was crouched into the tall green grass; he held a large pointed spear. Jesse stood guarded, with a long, thin katana in his right hand. He wore a bright red kimono. His curly brown hair was tied back with a blue rubber band.
Grandpa lunged forward at Jesse. He thrust the spear straightforward towards Jesse's neck. He blocked swiftly and with a violent swish, Jesse had pinned Grandpa to the ground.
"Call mercy, old man," Jesse spit in his face.
"Never," Grandpa threw the younger man off and jumped back up.
Beads of sweat rolled off their faces. It clung to their clothes and hair like glue. It had the look upon their skin as if they just got out of the pool. Jesse's hair stuck to his face and got in his eyes.
He jumped backwards as Grandpa lunged again. He couldn't see his feet though his hair and took a fatal misstep. He dropped down on one knee. As he tried to get back up he twisted his ankle. He landed hard on his back.
"Enough!!!" Grandpa yelled. He put down the spear.
Rei ran forward.
"That wouldn’t have happened if you would just cut your hair, boy." Grandpa turned to see Rei looking concerned at the swordsman on the ground, examining his ankle.
"Then the ladies wouldn't swoon," he looked directly at Rei. She huffed turning away before he could see her cheeks turn a light rose color.
"Here Rei help me get, Jesse, into the house."
Rei took on arm and Grandpa the other. Together they managed to hobble into the temple.

Rei stood in the kitchen preparing green tea for Jesse. That stupid boy. Every fighter knows that long hairs a disadvantage. Why does he keep this so long? Because then he can get the ladies... Blah, blah, blah, like any girl would be dumb enough... She thought as she poured the tea into a cup and put it on a tray with cookies. She picked up the tray, careful not to spill the tea. Well, the hair is gorgeous. I'd be sad to see it go... She walked slowly toward Jesse's room. It was in the far west side of the temple.
She lightly knocked on the door. A grunt came from inside.
"Yes?" a horse voice answered.
"I have some nourishment for you,"
"Come in..." the voice answered.
Jesse stood in the middle of the room waving his katana. Rei gasped. What is he doing out of bed, he's going to hurt himself. No future husband of mine will be crippled! WAIT! What am I thinking?!
"Sit back down right now!" she yelled at him sharply.
He glared at her, and continued to fence. Rei laid the tray down and put her hands on her hips and stared. He completely ignored her.
"Humph!"
He still ignored her. She rolled her eyes and completely stormed out of the room. He looked at her back out of the corner of his eye.
"Women," he mumbled.

The graceful September Sunday morning sun shone warm and bright. Rei walked outside with a loaf of stale rye bread to feed the birds with. Her black birds flew around her. She picked off pieces of the bread and threw them to the birds. She smiled and them. They're so kind. They don’t fight at all; I wish people were more like that. Working together and helping each other. She pulled off more parts of the bread, and tossed it on the ground. The ravens shared the bread clumps evenly.
"Take me as I am," she sung to her birds. "Don't tell me it's not worth fighting for." Her voice was so sweet. Cold lemonade on a hot summer's day, nice. "Everything I do, I do for you. There's no love like your love."
Grandpa walked out the screen doors, interrupting her.
"Rei," he called.
She looked up from the birds. He was waving at her. She stood up.
"Yes Grandpa?"
He started to walk over. She ran toward him, her white temple kimono flying behind her.
"I need to go out for a bit."
"O.K.,"
"So I’m going to need you to change the dressing on Jesse's ankle. Make sure he doesn’t walk on it. Get him something to eat, and change his sheets."
"Sure," she forced a smile. To think, the Royal Princess of Mars, changing sheets, sometimes I wish we were still on the Moon Kingdom...
"Ah, that boy! He's so strong! He reminds me of myself when I was his age. Ahh, to be young and kick'n again..." He smiled at his recollection. "Alright, I'm off," He started off down the sidewalk his bright cerulean blue kimono flapping in the cool September breeze.
"Well, I guess I must go clean the tyrant's wounds," Rei said to her ravens.
They looked up at her. She smiled at them. Rei threw the rest of the bread pieces to them and went inside.


Rei reached inside the medicine cabinet. She pulled out a new roll of Ace wraps, a tube of cooling cream, three safety pins, and a gauze pad. Just in case, he says something rude. She smiled to herself, as she picked up the duck tape roll. She stuck it in her robe and then put the rest of the stuff into a basket. Rei closed the wooden doors and skipped down the hall toward Jesse's room. On the way she picked up a pair of scissors, and put them in her robe along with the tape.

Jesse was sitting up in the bed staring at a fly on the wall when Rei entered. He didn't even glance at her. The least he could do was say 'hi', but nnnnooooooo he just too good for the likes of me...
"Hi, Jesse, did you rest well?" she smiled trying to look as cute as possible.
He looked in her direction, not at her though, but through her. This really annoyed Rei.
"You are so rude!" she screamed at him, "You don’t smile, you don't respond, you look through me not even at me. I'm sick and tired of it! Grandpa is being too hospitable, housing you, feeding you, and training you! You never say a word!" she paused so breathe. "I don’t know what your problem is but, I have the mind to just leave you with your dirty wraps,"
"Then do,"
She looked at him hard, then away. "I can’t, I promised, Grandpa, I would change your dressings so he didn't have to do it. So I must, now give me your foot." Rei said quietly then sat down on a stool and took his leg in her lap. Silent tears streamed down her face. Jesse smiled at this. How can he possibly have the nerve to smile?! You're such a jerk Jesse! I detest you! She finished dressing his wound and left, never taking her eyes off the ground. "You can clean your own sheets."

It was almost midnight and Rei was walking down the hall towards Jesse's room. She peeked inside. He lay fast asleep. She tiptoed as quietly as possible inside. Rei looked at Jesse dreaming. Wow, if he wasn't so rude, I could really fall in love with him. He's so beautiful... and strong. He's gotta be smart too.
His katana lay next to him, his left hand on the scabbard and the right on the hilt. His shirt lay on a chair next to the bed. He lay on the bed in just his billowy pajama pants with the pant cuffs were rolled up. His darkly tanned skin glimmered in the pale moonlight that shone through the slightly cracked window on the far wall. His abs was perfectly chiseled into his stomach.
His skin's so perfect. Rei breathed deeply taking in all of her surroundings. She reached forth her hand and touched his chest. She stroked her fingers up and down, back and forth. She smiled taking in every detail and cell of his body.
"If only..." She whispered, "if only you weren’t so mean..."
A creak on the floorboards outside the room brought her back to reality. She must complete her mission. She took out the scissors from the afternoon and cut off a chunk of his long milk chocolate hair. Lock by lock, his beautiful hair fell. Only after it was all gone, and he practically had a buzz, did she stop. Rei stood back. He doesn't look half bad. She cleaned up the hair and left as quietly as she came.

Jesse opened his eyes when Rei shut the door. He got up and looked into the long mirror on the near, right, wall.
"Humph," he grunted. She thinks she's so sly. But it was good... and clever, almost like she used to be. I have to give her that. He smiled and crawled back onto the mattress. But I have to wonder, was it supposed to be a punishment? Or possibly an asset to me fighting, so she doesn't have to help me again... Or something... else?

Rei was posing in the mirror in her room when Grandpa came in the open door.
"Rei," he began, "I want you to take Jesse to school with you. He came here to train so he might as well train his mind as well as his body. He's already outside waiting for you."
Great... I have you take him to school with me. NNNNOOOOO! It’s not o.k.! Why can't he go to another school?
"Sure, it's o.k. with me," she tried to grin. And who will be paying for this? My school is expensive.
"Good, good," he patted her on the back and walked out leaving her there to sulk.

Jesse stood outside the front screen doors of the Cherry Hill Temple when Rei came out. He was wearing a male version of Rei's uniform. She sighed. He turned to her.
"Are we going or no?" he questioned.
"Yes," she mumbled.
Rei led the way down the walk. She smiled as two lizards passed them on the way. That was a good omen. Maybe this won't be that bad. She thought gaily.

Rei sat down next to Hedika. She smiled at Rei. Hedika was a pretty girl; she had long baby blue hair, and dark blue eyes. She had darkly tanned skin, which she voiced to anyone who cared that she loved the beach.
"Hi, Rei, did you have a good weekend?" her voice was like a cool breeze on a hot summer's day. She flashed her pearly whites.
"Fine. How was yours?"
"Perfectly peachy in every way possible."
"Cool," Wonder which pathetic boy lost his soul this weekend.
"Very."
"Class will come to order." The teacher Ms. Himanzio said sharply. The two girls turned forward. She rapped her desk. "Today we have a new student from America. He has been staying with Rei Hino, and her Grandfather. He is here to train katana with her Grandfather. Please kindly welcome, Jesse Riley."
Jesse strode in through the classroom doors. All the girls gasped.
"Wow," a chorus of ladies sighed at once.
"Oh, my gosh! He's so buff." One girl shrieked and fainted.
"He's amazing," another swooned.
Rei looked over at Hedika. She had her determined look in her eyes. She was known to get what she wanted when she wants it. Hedika was also known for going too far too fast. It was rumored she had a few children.
No! No! If she likes him she'll get him, then I'll have to deal with her more than ever at the temple. That would be hell!!! No! Jesse, please don't like her. I love you! What! Did I just think that? Where did that come from?
Rei's thoughts were interrupted by Jesse sitting down on her left side. Hedika smiled her dazzling grin at him behind Rei's back, he being, Jesse, didn't notice, or care to notice. That really agitated Hedika and made Rei very happy.
Maybe I will get him after all, and not Hedika. That'll be a first. Filled with happy thoughts she went through her day in peace.

Rei and Jesse walked slowly to Cherry Hill Temple from school. She shot a nervous glance at him. He looked back. Rei could feel her face grow hot.
"So, um, how did you, um, like school 'n all?" she mumbled.
What was up with that? Why did I stutter? He's only a guy...a very cute guy, but never the less, plus he doesn't believe in the Sailor Senshi. He's sooooo totally not my type.
"It was interesting," he said rather quickly.
"Goo-" she was cut off by the buzzing of her communicator.
"Hey Rei, do we need to meet after school today?" Minako asked.
"Ya, sure, why? Don't we always?"
"I just called to make sure so I could tell Usagi before she went into detention."
"Again?"
Minako just shrugged.
Well...bye then." Minako signed off.
Rei folded up the compact and put it back in her pocket. She looked toward Jesse. He jumped up on the wall.
"What are you doing?" she questioned.
"Balancing," his answers were always bland and straight to the point.
She shook her head. I'll never figure him out. He jumped and spun around, landing on his toes, then did a front handspring. Rei gazed in amazement. He smiled one of his wonderful smiles at her. Her whole body felt like it rose 80 degrees. Rei started skipping off toward the temple. Jesse jumped down in front of her. She ran straight into him. Her hands landed on his strong chest, as he caught her stomach. Rei slowly looked up. Their eyes met. He leaned forward; their faces were so close they could fell each other's breaths. Oh, my gosh! She closed her eyes, and tilted her head upward.
"You need to strengthen your guard."
Rei's face grew hot. When she opened her eyes he was grinning. She pushed him away.
"What did I do this time?" His voice was mocking.
She escaped past him and sprinted down to the temple.

Rei was breathing heavily now. That jerk! I can't believe him. I can't believe me! Why did I ever think he would ever kiss me, me, of all people? I'm nothing compared to Hedika. Well, whatever, the Senshi will be here soon, so I better get ready. Rei entered the front of the temple, slamming the sliding doors behind her.

The scouts all sat around Rei's room, except Usagi, who was in detention as always.
"Where is she?" Rei's patience was quickly diminishing.
"Hold your temper, Rei, your always so hard on her," Makoto responded.
"I know, but she's always so late. I don't know why I couldn't have been the Moon Princess."
"Because you weren't Serenity's daughter."
"Shut-up, Minako.
Rei!"
"Whatever"
"I'm here! Usagi puffed as she barely made it into the room, without collapsing.
"Took you long enough!"
Usagi had no air left to retort.
"You always make us wait. You're never here on time. You never get your job done."
"Rei, you're not allowed to say that to me, I'm the leader!"
"The only reason you're the leader is because we feel sorry for you. Your leader because you have low self-esteem, and you'd cry if you weren’t. I should so be leader; I could lead the scouts, a lot better than you!"
"Oh, yea?"
"Yea, I'm smarter than you, I'm prettier that you, I'm tougher than you, I have better reflexes, better skills, and I'm well...me. The end, done. I'm better."
Usagi just gaped at her. The moon princess just sat and glared. I know that was hash, and I'm sorry, but I just can't bring myself to just apologize to her.
"Jeeeezz what’s got you all wrapped up and emotional all of a sudden, Rei?" Makoto asked. "That time of the month?"
"Nothing, now let's get down to business, Luna, what do you have for us?"
Makoto and Ami looked skeptical about it, but nobody, nobody messes with Rei when she’s mad.
"Well, you all know we have a new enemy. Plant-people. Where they come from we’re not sure but, Ami, got a weak negative signal from the left shoulder. There must be some sort of power source there. Did any of you see anything unfamiliar?"
"You anything that's not planty?"
"Precisely,"
"No..." they all responded.
"Well, on our next party with them, try to look at the left shoulder and find that source."
"Right."

A shimmering, icy blue crystal lake glowed under the summer sun. It seems warm enough for a quick swim. A young boy in military clothing stepped out from behind a tree, tore off his jacket and shirt, threw off the dark black boots and jumped in.
"Now this feels good," he had a light, airy, voice, but definitely masculine.
Now all that needs to be done is find Jesse and bring this to an end.

Jesse stood on top the steeple of the temple. I can feel him, he’s getting closer.
The swordsman sighed. I guess beating me once just wasn’t enough for that fool.
He leapt down from the arch. He landed perfectly, almost cat-like. Turning northward he sprints off.

Rei stood at the window and watched Jesse speed off northward. I wonder what he could possibly be up to. Rei moved toward the door. Should I follow him? Rei spun around pondering. No, no, that would be rude, but then...yes. She turned back toward the door, and opened it. Jesse was nowhere in view.

Rei turned back into the temple. Something black flashed before her eyes. Her defenses rose. A feeling of negativity over came her. This is not good, not good at all.
"Aku Ryo Tisin" A burning light filled the room and a small black shape looked out from behind the tea table. Two pairs of large green, triangular eyes snapped open. The creature slowly brought itself up to its full height. It was no more than three feet tall. In the fires light Rei saw that it was not black but a dark green. The thing had a blossom for a mouth, then ferns and vines made up most of its body, yet it held a very human-like pose. Some of the monster was human, the right shoulder, part of the arms, and the feet were 'normal'. What the heck? I've never seen anything- The creature lunged forward opening its flowered mouth to full bloom showing vampire teeth. With no time to act it pinned Rei to the wall and her spell fell from her hand igniting a pillow. Rei screamed as it drove its teeth into her side, sucking her energy from her. For a 'little guy' it was quite strong. With a burst of strength she threw it across the room, leaves flew in every direction. The plant thing hit its head and stopped to steady itself with vine hands. In the time it took the plant to recover, Rei, stood up and transformed.
"Mars Planet Power Make-Over!" An orangey red flame flew around Rei and dressed her in her scout uniform. "Now let's play!"
The demon lunged forward again.
"Mars Fire Sniper," she released the attack.
The arrow hit the creature in the right shoulder and it went down. "There, it's gone." She breathed in and sat down staring at it.
Closing her eyes she tried to think of what to do with the "body". The sunlight shining in from the window warmed the tea room. The plant parts of the demon moved subtly. Photosynthesis occurred, the plant's vines wrapped around the place where the arrow had hit its shoulder. The small thing stood up. Mars was concentrating so hard, she didn't feel the new negative energy. The plant shot out its vines and grabbed hold of Mars's throat. Mars grabbed hold of them. I can't breathe! I can't breathe! I don't wanna die!
Please someone- "help me" she gasped the words. The plants grip tightened as she struggled. Two lighting stars shot out and cut the vines, the demon flew backwards. A few more seconds and Mars would have been dead.
"Sailor Mars!" The Black Ninja helped her to her feet. "Aim for the left shoulder."
Rei looked into his eyes and knew she had to trust him. Balancing herself on his large muscular body she attacked.
"Mars Fire Soul Bird!" the attack hit right on the left shoulder.
The thing burned up in the holy flames. Mars passed out and fell into the Black Ninja's arms and de-transformed. Black Ninja sat down with Rei and his arms. Reaching into his belt he pulled out a mini-computer that looked like Sailor Mercury's except it was red and had the sign of Mars. But with a lighting star around it and a sword through the bottom circle. Black Ninja lifted Rei's face and kissed her, as their lips touched new energy entered Rei and revived her. Rei was completely unaware that she had de-transformed.
"Sailor Mars, look here." Black Ninja pointed to his computer. She looked at the symbol. That's my symbol! But not? My symbol with accessories. Who the heck is this guy? Three holograms popped up of the plant things Rei had just fought. Rei sat forward. "These creatures are called laierns. (Lairr-uns) They are really just plants until they have taken over a human's body, then they become quite powerful." Rei nodded. "Sailor Mars they are only weak against holy fire, soul fire. Regular fire attacks will not singe them."
He closed the compact then got up and turned over the remains of the lairen's body.
"What do you mean by holy fire?"
"Spiritual flames, the fire of the heart. The stronger the heart the stronger the flames. I don't know. You're the Sailor of Fire you figure it out. Look here." Her said pointed to the left shoulder. Rei got down on the floor near the carcass. On the back of the left shoulder was a tattooed symbol.
"That symbol, I've seen it before"
"If you have ever played the game Zelda you have."
It was the Zelda symbol within a green leaf. Two triangles were black and the other was green. In the upper right corner was the sun, and in the lower left was a water drop.
"This is the power of nature." Black Ninja said pointing to the green triangle. "These two triangles represent fire and ice. Both destroyers of plant life. A leaf and the sun and water represent photosynthesis." He looked to Rei to make sure she understood. She nodded.
"But how do you know all this?"
"Years of studying and research, plus it's all in the computer I just had out. Sailor Mars, he picked up the corpse. "You will need to clean up these creatures don't disintegrate like others. They are possessed human dead. Watch your back. Tell Sailor Moon, Luna and Artemis of this." He stole a kiss. "Farewell." And he was gone.

Rei thought dreamily of her 'Oh Mighty Protector' the Black Ninja, while walking to Usagi's house. The scouts had some business to discuss. Rei knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in!" Ami's voice rung from inside.
Rei entered, Ami and Luna were sitting on the blue couch. Thousands of books were piled around the room. Ami was trying to help Usagi study for an upcoming test, and failing miserably.
"Rei, hello, how are you?" Luna asked when she saw her.
Rei walked over and sat on the coffee table. Luna jumped from Ami's lap to hers and started to purr.
"So what's this about, Rei?" Makoto questioned.
Rei related the story of the Laierns, and what the black ninja has said. The group sat in silence for a while.
"Well now," Luna finally spoke. "Now we know what were up against."
Minako sighed.
"What is it?" Rei asked.
"I still can't figure out who the Black Ninja is and why he has the Sailor Mars symbol."
"Oh, yes," Luna remembered, "each one of you have a planet protector." Each scout turned to Luna. This was news! ... And interesting, "Just like the Moon Kingdom each of the sailor Senshi had a planetary kingdom. With each of you as Princesses." They nodded this they had heard. "I can only remember tidbits, but Ami, you had a young blonde woman for a protector, she and her race were from the sun kingdom. Minako, you had the kitrinas (kit-reena-z) a cat like people. They could transform from cat to person at will. Makoto, you had..." Luna paused. "hmm ...you had...oh yes...spell casters."
"Spell Casters?" Makoto questioned.
"What are they?" Usagi asked.
"Let me explain." Artemis continued. "Spell Casters. They aren't really alive, yet not dead. They are made up of light. They cast spells and illusions with their light. Rainbows, star light, moon light, sun light, they use that too."
"How interesting," said Ami.
"What about me?" Rei asked impatiently.
"I'm getting there." Artemis looked her straight into the eyes. "As Sailor Moon is to tuxedo Mask and King Endymonin to Neo Queen Serenity, the Ninja are to you."
What does that mean?
"Well your order was the Ninjas. The leader of them is your Black Ninja. In the Moon Kingdom each of you scouts also had a lover."
Ami blushed at the thought of that.
"Yes, even you, Ami. Rei, having the Black Ninja hunt you down and return to you means there has to be something wrong. These laierns you told us about may only be it but I feel there is much more. With the return of the Black Ninja, the White cannot be far behind."
"White Ninja!?!?!" Usagi and Minako exclaimed at once. "Holy Hell!"
"Yes, there is a Ninja for every color of the rainbow. The White Ninja betrayed us. I can't remember any more."
"Isn't white supposed to be a pure, holy color?" Minako asked. "Did you mistakenly switch them?"
Luna shook her head, "I just don't know."

Rei sat down in her seat just as the bell rang on Tuesday morning. Who could the Black Ninja be? Why did the White Ninja betray us and to whom? What do these laierns want? When will the White Ninja show up? What happened on the Moon Kingdom? Why can't I remember!?
"Attention class." Ms. Himanzio tapped the ruler on her desk. "We once again have a never student joining us. Please be polite and welcome our newest student from China. This is Samuel Riley." What? Riley?
Rei tuned in to watch Jesse tense in his seat.

The entire room lit up as the sexy Sam entered the room. No one spoke, a pencil fell from the hand of Oshi, the lead cheerleader. It sounded like a thunderstorm as it echoed throughout the room. Wow! Now that what I call fine!
"Well Samuel, how about telling us a little about yourself." The teacher said nervously.
He smiled brightly. "Well," his voice was like music floating on air, "Well, I like to draw, and could always do with a good fair fight. I've said enough, I'll sit down now."
"Of course, Ms. Himanzio loosened up. She pointed at the seat in front of Rei. "There please,"
"Sure," he walked to Rei and smiled, "Hi, how are you?"
"Um, Fine"
"And hello to you too." He said to Hedika.
"I'm wonderful now that you're here." She looked quite smug.
Samuel looked her over his eyes resting on her chest before he smiled and sitting down. Hedika turned to Rei.
"You can have Jesse Riley now. I have myself a better catch." Hedika said and turned to Samuel. Uggg! How I hate that girl! She's such a snob and always! Always!! Always!!! Gets what she wants!!!!
"Class," Ms. Himanzio interrupted her thoughts. "Please turn to page 153 in your text book."

Rei was skipping dreamily to her next class. He's so nice and sweet, and kind. He has such a great smile and a fun personality! I wish Samuel was staying with me and Grandpa instead of Jesse; they are both Riley's so no one would know, and that boy, Jesse is such a bonehead!
"Hey, Rei," Samuel said in his sexy voice as he walked up behind her.
"Hi," she turned to face him blushing.
"So, where are you going now?"
"Well, next I have English, then after that I go to track and field."
"Ah, so you're a runner are you?
"Yea," she blushed again.
"I'll take you out for a smoothie and you could show me around this afternoon, at 5:00."
"O.K."
"So you live up in the Cherry Hill Temple."
"Yes that's right,"
"I'll see you at 5:00."
"Great,"
"Bye," he flashed his heart-melting smile.
"Bye," she gushed.
Samuel spun around and walked off. Rei shrieked with joy. He asked me out! He asked me out! He asked me out! In your face Hedika! Wha ha ha! She jumped up and clicked her heels, then ran to class.

Jesse watched Samuel walk up to Rei and talk. After Rei blushing a few times, he set off with a smug look.
"Well now...seems as if you have already started again, but what do you want...who are you working for Sam?" he followed Rei into their English class.

Rei went to Makoto's apartment after her date.
"Hey Girl! How are you?" Makoto asked as Rei entered her apartment.
"Hey,"
"You look happy. Who asked you out?" Minako teased.
"Well actually, there's this new guy at school and we just got a smoothie."
"What does he look like?" Ami asked.
"Well he has short dishwater brown hair, bright blue-gray eyes. And a great sense of humor."
"You say as practically a short haired and fun Jesse?"
"Basically."
"So whe-" Ami was interrupted as a loud crash came from the street outside.
"HELP ME! PLEASE SOMEONE! HELP ME!" a voice screamed outside.
"Let's go scouts!"

A tall blue-green lairens with yellow, spiked ears was wrapping around a young girl. The blossom mouth was yellow and green striped.
"Cosmic Moon Make-Over!"
"Mercury Planet Power Make-Over!"
"Mars Planet Power Make-Over!"
"Venus Planet Power Make-Over!"
"Jupiter Planet Power Make-Over!"
The scouts transformed and ran forward.
"Please Hel-" the girl's voice was cut off as the blossom closed around her mouth, giving her a deadening French kiss. She kept getting paler and paler until all her energy was drained and her body went limp, then she exploded. Where her stomach once was, was a tiny seed that started feeding off her organs. Sailor Moon with a groan threw up her lunch.
"Hi-ya!" Jupiter charged forward with a flying kick. The lairens dodged with the girl's corpse held fast. "Jupiter Oak Evolution!" the monster leapt and swallowed the attack's energy. The tiny seed in the corpse grew into a bud.
"Sorry, My Ladies," a dark masculine voice said, "Only the holy fire can destroy my pets." A man stepped forward in the identical outfit to the Black Ninja, but white. Well, almost white, with the exception of a bright blue belt and large splattered blood stains.
The White Ninja! Mars gasped.
"Watch it girls, this is no game!" Luna yelled.
"If you were smart you'd listen to the old fur ball." He smiled. "I know that you have lost all but a little of your memories princesses, but I haven't." The scouts gasped. "Princess Usagi, Princess Ami, Princess Rei, Princess Minako, Princess Makoto. He pointed to each of them in turn. "Guardians of the Moon, Luna and Artemis. I don't know all your earthly forms yet, but don’t expect that to take me long." He grinned showing vampric teeth. He bowed directly at Sailor Mars. "Queen Rei of the Planet Mars." He said mockingly. Queen? "Your Highness, where is the Black Ninja, is he not your lover and protector?"
"I don't know..." Why is this all happening to me? I'm not the Moon Princess! Just because I continually bug Usagi about it doesn't mean I actually wanted to be!
"You don't. Isn't that a pity? I guess I'll just wait then." The White Ninja and his lairen disappeared into a whirlwind of leaves, leaving the girl's corpse on the pavement.
Sailor Moon looked up at the body, and then threw up again, Mercury and Venus joining her. Jupiter went toward the body.
"She's gone alright," she cried. Well duh. She just got her guts eaten.
"And we better be too," Mars said as police sirens filled the air around them.

"Once again monsters attacked the city of Tokyo. No one knows the culprit or the cause. Witnesses say the Sailor Senshi and a man dressed as a White Ninja were at the scene. The Sailor Senshi destroyed the two in a whirlwind of leaves. Before police-"
Minako switched off the TV. After the battle and the sight of the young girl's corpse they went to Cherry Hill temple to talk. They were all sitting in the tearoom along with Jesse, standing at the door.
"Sailor Senshi, humph." He grunted.
"Just because you don't believe they exist doesn't mean they aren't real." Rei exclaimed.
"Well IF they are real then they're definitely wimpy." Rei jumped off the cushion she was sitting on. "I can see why you five believe in them, you're just as ditsy." He turned and walked off just as Rei lunged after him. Makoto jumped on her so she couldn't do any damage.
"Let me go Makoto, let me go!"
"No, Rei."
"What's up with you, it's just a stupid boy's opinion. It's never mattered before, why now?" Usagi asked.
"I swear on my life, Jesse is the White Ninja and Samuel's the Black!"

Author's Note

ingore grammar and spelling. pay attention to details and if all questions are answered. organization. I do not own Sailor Moon, that right belongs to Naoko Takeuchi alone.