Hikawa Shrine Late Afternoon

The broom made a soft scraping sound as Rei Hino swept the stone steps. The shrine was quiet, with only the wind moving through the trees and the distant call of a crow. Smoke from the incense burner rose slowly into the air.

She wore her red and white shrine robes, tied neatly at the waist. Her long black hair, straight and smooth, reached all the way down her back. In the sunlight, it showed a faint purple shine. Her bangs framed sharp, focused violet eyes—eyes that had seen both prayer and battle.

Hours ago, she had transformed into Sailor Mars and fought off a creature drawn to spiritual energy. Though the fight was brief, the heat of her fire powers still hummed beneath her skin. Now, her powers rested, and she welcomed the peacefulness of the shrine.

Pausing by the water basin, she washed her hands, watching the ripples spread. Her reflection stared back—calm, yet carrying a fire beneath the surface. She had faced harder battles before, but something about this one unsettled her.

The shrine felt too still. After a moment, she realized what she was detecting was a disturbance at the gate.

Rei stood tall and composed, smoothing her robes. She glanced toward the torii gate and smiled softly as footsteps approached. “Welcome,” she said quietly, ready to greet any visitor with warmth.