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Consultations Rei stopped and leaned on her broom. The sun was setting, bathing the temple in golden light. It was so quiet.
‘Not quiet, lonely.’ Resuming her sweeping, she tried to brush that thought from her mind. Instead, she thought about the phone call from Celeste. She admitted that she had been surprised to hear from the American. She was even more intrigued to try to find out more about this mysterious Senshi. However, Rei could tell from the weariness in Celeste’s voice that she hoped that the dark Senshi was just a dream. With a final few passes of the broom, Rei headed back inside the temple. If she was lucky, her grandfather would be busy with temple business tonight. She needed no distractions when she consulted the sacred fire. Luck was with her. Her grandfather was nowhere in sight as she walked through the temple. Breathing a sigh of relief, she closed the door behind her. She sat down before the fire and closed her eyes, briefly relishing in its soothing heat. With practiced ease, Rei cleared her mind. It was time to work. “Celeste, are you all right?” She jumped. With a smile, she turned to Jonathan. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just lost in thought.” “Well, I thought you might like to know that the Bears just scored.” “I guess that explains all the cheering, doesn’t it?” Jonathan nudged her shoulder with his. “Sure you're okay?” “Yes,” she replied, linking her arm with his. “Let’s enjoy the game.” “Go, team, go!” Sofia chimed, earning a laugh from the couple and a groan from Mara. The younger girl just rolled her eyes. “Whatever.” Celeste had to hide her smile. She had learned that most of Mara’s aloofness was a front, a protective barrier she formed during the miserable years with her father. However, kinks in that barrier were beginning to show. Like tonight, she had dressed in the school’s colors. “You know Emily’s pretty good,” Sofia stated, as the group turned its attention to the cheerleaders in front of them. “She said she may try for co-captain next year.” “Hey, I’m hungry,” Mara announced. “Sofia, do you want head to the concession stand?” “Sure,” she replied, standing up and turning to Celeste and Jonathan. “You guys want something?” They both shook their heads. Once they were gone, Jonathan leaned closer to Celeste. “Are you still having the dreams?” Celeste kept her eyes on the game. “Sometimes.” “Celeste, you can’t keep all this bottled in.” “Not now, Jonathan,” she said quietly. “Later, I promise.” “I’ll hold you to that.” She smiled. “I know you will.” Giving him a brief kiss, she turned once more to the game. Shaking her head, Rei slowly sat back up. She didn’t know how long she had been out, but the sacred fire was burning a lot lower. Despite feeling weak and shaky, she added some more woods and made it to her room. “What happened?” she murmured. She remembered consulting the sacred fire about Celeste’s dark Senshi. However, all she could recall about the vision was a freezing sensation. And pain. Lots of pain. And shadows. Lots of shadows. But what did it mean? Rubbing her arms, Rei realized she didn’t know. The fire didn’t always give clear answers. The phone rang, making the young priestess jump. Scolding herself, she picked up the phone. “Moshi moshi.” “Hi, this is Celeste. Have you consulted the fire yet?” “Hai,” Rei sighed, “but I don’t know if it’s going to help you.” There was a pause before the other woman spoke again. “I have to know, Rei-chan. Please, tell me.” Gazing out the window, Rei told her everything. “Thanks,” Celeste finally said. “No, I don’t want you to consult the fire again about this. Yes, I’m sure. Thanks again.” With a sigh, she hung up the phone. Jonathan watched her closely from his seat on the couch. Selene rubbed her against Celeste’s leg. “Well, we tried. Rei wasn’t able to discern much from the sacred fire. All she could remember was freezing cold, pain, and shadows.” The cat shook its head. “That doesn’t sound good.” “No, it doesn’t,” Celeste agreed glumly. “What else can you do?” Jonathan asked. The three of them looked at each, not speaking. Finally, Celeste sighed and sat down. Looking worried, Selene jumped up into her lap. “Celeste?” The redhead scratched the cat lightly behind her ears. “I don’t know what to do,” she admitted reluctantly. “I wish I could believe they’re just dreams, but I feel they’re really a warning.” “Warning about what?” Jonathan asked. “A future battle,” she answered, “a battle coming very soon.” “Well, that sounds ominous.” She managed to smile. “You wanted to know what was going on with me, Jonathan. Have you changed your mind?” “No, but I’m more concerned than ever. Who is this girl?” “That’s the million dollar question,” she remarked, “and the key to everything.” |
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