AN: This is an alternative version to part of Act 36. I wrote this in English class a few months back, and I'm finally getting to post it. The reason it's alternative is because I didn't have a computer in front of me at the time, and I had to keep it to a page, so I had to end it. Maybe if I have an inspiration I'll come back and add a few more bells and whistles, but this is the main idea.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. If I did, we'd have a season on Crystal Tokyo!!!

This does have spoilers, so you have been warned!!!

I watch as the chain of energy flows toward Zoicite, whipping the air. I see it light up his face, waiting for the impact when --

He disappears. The chain snaps at the place he had been standing just seconds ago. Quickly, I pull the chain in, looking around frantically, trying to see where he would appear next. Hearing Artemis' frantic "Watch Out!" told me I'd forgotten to look somewhere behind me.

Faster than I can blink he's behind me, holding his curved knife to my throat. I struggle. He jerks me, enough to make me slightly dizzy I pause in my attempts to free myself to fight off the vertigo that is now crashing through my head.

Taking advantage of my brief stillness he pushes my arms against my body and presses the knife against my throat where I felt its cold breath against my skin.

"Let go of your weapon." It is an order, not a suggestion; but I don't want to give up the warm, soothing feeling I receive when holding it.

"Now." I let the power flow back into my body. He relaxes his grip slightly, and my hands immediately fly to his arms, trying to pry them off me.

The pressure increases slightly on my neck. I stop struggling. Mouth close to my ear; he starts to talk, sending shivers through my body.

"My master is dying because you can't keep your princess in line Venus." He spat my code name out like it was something filthy.

"How is it my fault?" I ask, trying to sound cool. "I have no control over what he does. I have enough to do, protecting this world and keeping Usagi calm. I assume you've seen more and more youma appearing?" I feel my rage building and give up trying to remain calm as contempt creeps into my voice. "Or have you been too busy playing music?"

Zoicite probably feels it too, but apparently doesn't care. "I have noticed, but the princess isn't my problem. You are the leader of the senshi. That is your job. I protect my master; the prince and the earth. But;" he becomes quiet, "That is your job as well. Protect the princess and the earth. We have something in common. Earth."

He becomes silent and releases the pressure on me. Tentatively, I pull myself away, and to my surprise he let go. I turn to face him, trying to figure out what he's up to.

"I have a proposition for you." He says quietly

I wait for him to continue, but suddenly waves of vertigo crash into me, and the world spins. This confrontation has been too much on my weak body right after the IV drip. I sway slightly, the crumple, vaguely aware of Zoicite first speaking, then shouting.

"Venus?... Minako?... MINAKO!!!!"

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