The shrine was spotless; the paths leading to it visible grey snakes sliding through the over-whelming white, the traditional clothes of the shrine-maidens pressed neatly into perfection. A thin layer of snow hung in the trees, and it kept on falling as if it were to protect the holy ground from being sullied by the traces of footfalls. Wind had arisen.
Two black ravens sat on a branch, miraculously ungrazed by the falling flakes and untouched by the air's movement that caused the shrine's silver bells to tinkle in order to deliver the messages placed by the praying visitors. Once the guardians noticed the approaching blonde, they started into the sky in search of their mistress, leaving a white whirlwind behind. The girls met under the spindly branches of an oak tree that seemed bend on gripping their hair and tangling it into confused webs, binding them to this place forevermore.
But Minako Aino was not to be bound to anything. She impatiently put her hair into a ponytail so that neither the fresh wind nor the wild branches could tempt it into staying were it didn't belong. Also, she doubted that she wanted to be anywhere near the centre of apocalypse that this place was to become once she shared her news.
“I have something to tell you. As your friend, but also as your leader.” The statement hung ominously in the air, commanding respect and understanding where likely neither would dwell.
“Hiromasa is not the only shitennou who has returned. Ami met Jadeite in a park about three weeks ago, but then, he had not regained his memories. This has changed recently due to him accidentally running into Zoisite. Ami and Zoisite are talking as we speak.”
Rei had gone, and Mars had taken her place. It was something Artemis had never told her, but you didn't need to wear a fuku and lift a pen to turn into a senshi. Still dressed as priestress, the heiress of the long since destroyed world of fire and war stood before her, anger not clouding her eyes but making them so clear and sharp that a lesser person would have winced and run away into safety.
“He is waiting at the bottom of the stairs, and if you want me to, I will go and get him. He is back; he remembers. The rest is up to you.”
Having said all she needed to, Minako let the uneasy silence envelop her. Still facing her friend, holding her ground, fearing for the worst.
“Take him away, and yourself with him. You have no place being here. Go.” The last word struck her as a slap might have, but it stung far worse. Blood was trickling from her heart, and she silently mourned. The laughter of the visiting schoolgirls reached her ears, and she marvelled at how long ago they had been this carefree.
Mars strode away, every single step oozing of rage and royalty, her steps tainting the perfect white cover of the ground.
