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CHAPTER FIVE

The morale of the Senshi plunged into an abyss of icy coldness as they left Hino Rei at the house. After leaving her there, the house disappeared leaving behind nothing to remember Sailor Mars with.

Ami suddenly understood what always went on in Rei's head. Of course she was mean to Usagi sometimes, because she understood that Usagi could do better if she really wanted to. Because of Rei's disposition, she felt frustrated by the fact that Usagi was a clumsy bimbo because she chose to be.

Ami shivered as a chilling feeling swept through her body. She pointed her finger at a common where she suddenly sensed the presence of people. "There," she said to Minako and Makoto. "We can stay there."

Minako, Ami, and Makoto walked to the green. It was the center of life for the city and many travelers had come to rest on its green grass. Makoto found a nice spot to sit under a massive tree. The shade kept away the hot afternoon sun's rays away from the three senshi. A gruff man approached Ami, he swaggered as he bent down to talk to her. Ami sensed a fight coming and looked to Makoto to be prepared.

"Move," he said.

Ami raised her eyebrows and gulped back the fear that was placed in her. She realized this was what she was made leader for, because of her ability to put on a facade.

"Is that a suggestion or an order?" she asked.

He rolled his eyes and began to look impatient. "Listen, you move and I'll leave you alone."

"What if we said no?" said Minako, stepping up to him.

This time his face became dark as he looked Minako over. "You rich aristocrats and you scholars think you own the world 'cause the emperor likes you best. Well that's gonna change…" He looked over his shoulders at two other men. " …right boys? We don't mind hitting ladies."

Makoto stepped up to her full height, "Well, we Spartan women don't mind hitting men."

He laughed. "You're from Sparta—oh please, they used to rule Greece; now look at them."

Makoto faked anger. "You bastard."

She hit him with her best shot sending him sprawling across the green.

She turned away thinking she was done when two of his friends emerged form the crowd.

Ami sensed the danger. "Watch out!"

Makoto turned around in time to severely injure the idiots who had tried to attack her. "Anyone else?" she inquired. The busybodies who had been watching the fight now turned, ever so slowly, back to their duties.

"Wow," said Makoto, "that kicked ass."

"Literally," said Ami and Minako in unison, and they all sat down to enjoy what little shade they had under their tree.

Night approached the party and by this time they were really starving. Makoto looked pale as a ghost and Minako had tried to stop her stomach from rumbling long ago.

"This is ridiculous," said Ami. "don't we have money?"

They checked their pockets but it was gone. "It must have been stolen at Vulcan's house."

The group went silent at the remembrance of their friend's passing.

"I have an idea for once," said Minako while staring up to the crescent moon in the sky. " I'll charm some food out of some people, and..."

"That would be like stealing," said Makoto. "Ami, why don't you consult the Mars fire?"

"I don't know I'm not Rei, I don't know how to."

"'Course you do," said Makoto. "I'll start it and with that ribbon you can't fail. I'll be ready in half an hour."

"I can't..." Ami began to say, but was cut off when Minako said, " You're the leader, remember?"

"I guess I am."

Makoto did have a fire ready in half an hour. Ami's palms were sweaty as she sat down in front of the fire the way she had seen Rei so many times.

"I call upon the power of Mars," Ami said, some shakiness in her voice. "Oh, Sacred Fire, what shall we do?"

Ami's eyes flashed open. Ami saw a handsome man in winged shoes, he kissed her cheek and a woman gave bread to her and her party. "Thank you, Mercury and Ceres, goddess of grain."

"What are you talking about?" asked Minako but remembering the same look in Rei's eyes once, she backed off and ate her share of the bread.

"That was freaky, I don't know how Rei does that all the time. It gives me chills."

Makoto yawned. "It's time to turn in. 'Night."

Ami made herself as comfortable as she could. "Good night."

Minako stood up. "I've got to go use the bath... I mean, whatever they have to use right now. But for now, good night."

Minako turned her back on the group.

"VENUS CRYSTAL POWER!"

Ami was jerked to action, she and Makoto sprung to the voice.

There was Minako who had suddenly remembered she couldn't transform, and a guy in a purple cape with grapes on his head.

"Bacchus you traitor!" cried Ami.

Bacchus sent a sphere of light to Ami but Minako leaped in front of it. "She won't live," he said. "Just give up."

"Never," cried Makoto.

Ami summoned her arrows. " I call upon the power of Mars, Mercury, and it looks like Venus pretty soon… Help me defeat this evil traitor."

Her arrow was strung. It was released with a twang, it brushed the air with grace and deadly accuracy and hit Bacchus in the arm. He disintegrated and Minako disappeared with him.

The coral necklace was left behind. It slithered to Ami and clasped itself around her neck.