To the kind readers who opened this window: Looking back on it now, this first attempt at fanfiction was a total embarrassment. And it's also likely to be discontinued. So if you're up for a laugh at the horrible use of random Japanese desu and the "plz leave a review!!! Arigatou~" tendencies, by all means be my guest.

Cloud Nine

Minako's eyes widened in disbelief, "Really?"

She automatically gripped the telephone receiver harder as she heard a shaky laughter from the other side of the line.

"Is it too sudden? I've been wondering myself, but you know Motoki…"

"No, of course not, Makoto," Minako quickly corrected herself. "I was just taken by surprise, that's all. Anyhow, congratulations!"

"Thanks, Minako-chan." There was a slight pause. "So, I know this is really a short notice and you have a busy schedule and all, but we would really appreciate it if you can make it to the wedding."

"Of course I will be there. I just have to get my manager to work something out. I'll update you guys as soon as possible."

"That's great, Minako-chan. Hey, wait Usagi, I'm not done talking yet…" Makoto's voice trailed away as her princess tried to grab the phone from her.

"But you've been talking for the past fifteen minutes!" Minako heard Usagi whine and her smile broadened. She could imagine her princess jumping up and down in the room in protest.

Finally the commotion seemed to die down and she heard a low grunt from Makoto as Usagi took possession of the phone.

Minako, however, didn't react fast enough and the next thing she knew she heard the all-too-familiar, overenthusiastic scream of her name.

"MINAKO-CHAN!"

Minako winced hard but couldn't suppress her smile. "Hi Usagi-chan."

"Oh my God we haven't heard from you in sooooo long," Usagi emphasized.

There was a mumble from Makoto in the background, saying that she saw the idol everyday on TV.

"Yeah but that's different, ne Minako-chan?"

Minako sighed, "Hai, I know I should have called but my schedule has been really busy lately. And whenever I get some time off it's always past midnight in Japan."

"But that's okay!" Usagi said in her cheerful voice. "Cuz we're going to be all together again at Mako-chan's wedding and have lots of fun! I can't wait for…"

There was a slight knock on her hotel door. "Minako? Are you ready?"

"Be there in a minute," Minako called back in English.

"Sorry Usagi-chan, but I have to go. It was nice talking to you. And tell the others I said hi."

"I will. Oh, and good luck at work!"

Usagi shut her, or rather, Makoto's cell phone and smiled. "So that's two down and one more to go."

Makoto sat down on her designated chair in the Crown and sighed. She and Usagi had miraculously ran into each other nearby and decided to visit the Crown like in the old days. Of course, with Motoki running the place now Makoto had always been there once a week, but visiting with Usagi somehow felt different.

It reminded her of their senshi lives, the adventure, the thrill. Sometimes Makoto wished they still fought youmas. Nearing the age of twenty, she occasionally got empty feelings inside her, but she dared not raise the subject with her friends, knowing that they felt the same way.

"But we sent Rei-chan a letter three weeks ago and she still hasn't replied. God knows why those remote shrines don't have telephone or internet access," Makoto said.

"Rei-chan will come, I'm sure of it!" Usagi exclaimed.

Makoto gave her friend a puzzling look and tilted her head sideways in confusion.

A mysterious grin spread across Usagi's face and her eyes shone with an inner light that took Makoto by surprise. During the years, Makoto have observed how her friend changed from an innocent schoolgirl to an increasingly responsible young woman. Part of her wished that Usagi retained the innocence and carefree nature of her younger days, but she knew it was impossible from what she experienced as Princess - what they all experienced as senshi.

"You sure are dense, Mako-chan. But it's a secret. Maybe you'll find out at your wedding!"

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A soft fire glowed in the dark room, threatening away the advancing shadows by its blazing glare. A young woman sat there silently, beads of sweet forming on her brow. The flames in front of her grew brighter, trying to show her something. But all she could see was the shadow of the only person she had been trying to forget.

Impossible. I swear I felt some sort of foreboding presence just a second ago.

Concentrating once again, she searched deeper in the flames. Nothing, not even a fleeing sensation.

Sighing inwardly, Rei stood up and walked out into the courtyard. The ancient shrine where she had been staying was located in the distant countryside of Kyoto, offering her a calm atmosphere for training.

She breathed in the morning air and retrieved a letter from her robes.

Why don't you just admit it that you're too anxious to see her? You're just making up an excuse about some presence so that you can leave for Tokyo sooner.

Logically, Rei knew that the wedding wasn't for another ten days and she was in no hurry to get back to Tokyo. However, since she received Makoto's letter two days ago she has been experiencing – how shall she put it? – a dread. She initially thought it was her sixth sense trying to warn her, but after two days of intense meditation, she found no trace of danger.

I should just go pack my things. It's just a waste of time to stay here anyways since all I'm able to see in the fire is her face.

With her mind set, she went in search of the shrine priest to inform him about her absence.