A/N: I've decided to continue, so here is the second chapter. (I blame a particular friend for poking me for over an hour until I sat at my computer.)
I do not own Sailor Moon. I am merely a fan.
Chapter 1: Last Day in the Land of Ice.
Minako sighed heavily as she welcomed the warmth of one small fireplace. Sources of heat were few and far between. Not that Minako would mind cool weather, normally she loved snow. This fact was quite the contrary on days when she was forced to spend hours in an ice blizzard. The people of Mercury were that of advancement. They could do anything they wanted with computers, or at the very least, they could try. This was one of the reasons Minako had come to visit the home of a good friend and fellow princess. Ami was the extraordinaire out of the group. She was smart, tactful, and beyond the point of eccentric. The term egghead came to mind for anyone who merely heard of the girl. It would be funny to note how wrong they were once they saw through the naturally intelligent surface.
Ami was a girl that was mousy and shy. Her preferred companion was a book, or one of the inner city guards she had known from being a child. Constantly with adults instead of those her own age, Ami had found herself to have more mature tastes in everything she did. She had an overtly tranquil demeanor making the young woman hard to talk too when it came to boys, makeup, or any other thing a person of normal intellect would show an interest in. Ami's hobbies were that of reading, technology, and the occasional scientific experiment. The latter were often the cause of her more troublesome ways growing up.
Minako smiled back on a few fond memories of such a situation. The blond would be busy, sneaking away of the mindful eyes of the adults to find a friend to play with. She would scream and yell providing noisy havoc with dolls galore. Generally she wound up making the lives of those around her a living disaster area with the way she found the need to liven things up. Often Usagi and Makoto aided in such escapades, much to the dismay of Rei who was often dragged along inadvertently. Ami wasn't like them, she was different. She was so far out of what she should have been as a child.
Many reasons could state the why of it. One of the overtly obvious issues was how Ami attracted trouble. Unlike her friends who either made a three ring circus out of a formal gathering, or, innocently annoyed the guards, Ami found a more sophisticated and yet very destructive means. Science experiments led to small fires or explosions. Tinkering with robots and computers often led to dismantling them without the ability to know how to put it back together. Then you had the age old way of getting the entire group into trouble when Minako pressured the shy girl into tinkering with any security camera before a group escapade began.
Looking back the latter one happened most likely due to wanting to fit in. It was something that was very apparent now, but at the time eluded all of them except for Ami herself. Minako never really understood why until this week. It was finally drawing to a close, but she had been rudely awakened to the actual environment and how much it differed from her own. Things were kept sterile and tidy. While in one way it established a healthy environment, it also proved for an odd experience when trying to find solace. Things weren't plush, cleanliness favoring comfort.
The sounds of metal and constant noise kept the entire planet eerie. Not scary parse, yet highly unsettling. It wasn't something that Minako could say she was fond of, yet for someone like Ami this place was not only home, it was a haven. It was a safety that not many would understand. Minako could hear what sounded like another device. This one must have been some type of computer and by the sounds of it, the user wasn't Ami.
Minako put her hands in her thick pockets and walked down the hall where a woman sat with her legs crossed softly typing at the panel before her. Forest green eyes showed a level of concentration, but she wasn't adept like Ami. Astuteness wasn't a strong suit Zoisite could say she owned. In fact even if she was highly advanced for that of a general of earth, it was highly unlikely she would ever match the intelligence of a true blooded Mercian.
The woman saw royalty before her and quickly stood to bow. Minako was of a higher class than any lowly solider of earth could be in the eyes of most. The only non Senshi to stand on equal ground was Mamoru and he was bound to marry Princess Usagi. His generals would each marry a girl from the inner guard. Zoisite had been keen to date Ami; however there was one key flaw in such a plan. Zoisite was indeed a woman, the only woman of then inner generals to be precise. That was why the sperm cell research has been put underway. Since an heir would ultimately have to be produced sooner or later if the two did join in a union.
"Please don't do that." Minako begged as she rolled her eyes flopping down on a metal bench, Zoisite was sure to dutifully follow her. "Must you guys do that every time one of us walks into a room?" Minako was slightly peeved at the continuous devotion. "I'm not made of glass you know."
"It is our job Princess Minako. I must follow protocol." Eyes were bowed in respect as Zoisite awaited a proper order; she wouldn't receive one as Minako tugged her to the bench.
"Order one." Minako smiled lightly. "Stop wigging out and relax." She said as she took on a playful air. "Order two: pretend I'm not a princess and call me Minako like a normal living being." The still smiling blond looked around curiously at all the electronics and random devices. "Are you here alone or is Ami buried in those robot parts?"
"Neither." Zoisite smirked for a moment. "She's in the lab poking at your so called "blobs" again." That earned her a swat on the arm.
"They are blobs. They aren't sperm, and I wouldn't call it bone marrow anymore, so it's a blob." Minako defended as her eyes fell to the computer and the graphs on it. "I take it you were left to reset the planets system for blast freezing this place into a Popsicle?"
"You got it." Zoisite sighed as she stood taking her curly hair out of the band she had it wrapped in to keep it from her face. The cold in the room attracted static electricity, and that was one thing both women hated. "After that I have to rebuild the atmospheric layers to help stabilize the planet. Daunting though it may be I must complete it shortly."
"At least you speak in ways I understand." Minako fidgeted in her seat as her necklace glimmered slightly with her planet and her intended stone of recognition. The piece was extravagant, beauty in all of its glory. Heera, the planetary gemstones were that of Diamonds. Beautiful and expensive it was cultivated on her planet for her people. "Diamonds don't suit me well do they?" A casual question, even if she knew the answer, provided idle banter at the very least.
The piece was of wonderful recognition to her closeness in the moon; some diamonds were known to have discolorations if not that of purity. Light blue hues, or red, and even yellow hues were found on her planet. Some had white dots and impurities, and others held black impurities. Not all were made to be equal, and not all were worn by the same class of people. Indeed that was one thing Minako had learned early on. She was of royalty. She was to be shown reverence for the very ground she stood on if nothing else. In all reality she hated to be viewed that way even if she did allow herself a rare moment of vanity here and there.
"Princess Minako, surely you are mistaken." A lighter voice wafted from the door as a princess donned in the most refined and simple cloth dress made her way to greet her old friend. "You're gem is that for the ruler of Venus, in fact that very stone was chosen by the first ruler of you planet many long years ago. It would be undue for you to cast yourself aside from your family and its heritage." Ami was always respectful, even when she was lightly chiding someone. Very few times could anyone break her from such a controlled and refined personality.
"Indeed, a beautiful stone for a planet such as yours." Zoisite smiled in agreement. "You're planet is refined. Nothing is to be wrong with such a thing. Diamonds with a red or yellow hue or tinge is said to be beneficial and auspicious for kings, political leaders, and occasionally administrators. I have often seen those to wed Martians or that of Jovian heritage wear them with pride. The first great king of Mars had married from your people you know." Zoisite was keen to know the background of each stone.
"That is affirmative, but, Zoisite forgot to mention that the Diamond of yellow hue showers victory and prosperity and that is why those of Uranus may find it suitable if you court one of their people. Also, the Diamond having a white hue is appropriate for religious, social and spiritual works. I know this is one often used on the Moon as a unity and you also wear one yourself along with all of the other colors. The Diamond is well suited for wishes of hope to those wishing to birth a child. Also it unifies the planets Minako. Do not forget that."
"You forgot the one that I do not wear." Minako sighed looking at a Diamond that while she wished she could place upon her breast with the others that shimmered along her neckline, she wasn't allowed. It was not her place and it was not of her stature. "I'll never be able to wear it."
When Zoisite gave a questioning look Ami filled in the missing gap in communication. "She is referring to the Diamond of black hue. It is only suitable for people who are engaged in inferior jobs or professions. It is frowned upon in most of the society since only those of limited means should wear one. Minako, feels it is her job to bear one as a symbol of her people, however it would degrade her status and thus she is unable." Her eyes turned to the small stone in Minako's hand. It wasn't an ugly color, but among the other brighter ones it would be a dark cloud very few would want to see a woman of Minako's magnificence wear.
"Do not feel badly Minako. The stone in your hand is not only for such dark times. Women desiring birth of sons should wear an unblemished white Diamond having a slight black hue to the overall color; this proves that it is not always seen as a bad thing. The wearer of the gemstone Diamond is foretold to be protected from the bad influences of evil spirits and snakebites among other taboos. This is why Mars believes it has a level of healing properties. Some planets also fear it for the many ritual beliefs, but, overall, your stone is that of diversity. Very few of the other planets can be seen wearing a gem as diverse in meaning as you do. That is why you are of Venus. You are of emotion before logic and thus you are to be praised that such a stone has such great power over many."
"With such great power you make me sound like some type of goddess or something." Minako sighed looking squarely at Ami. "Can't I just be a normal girl just this once?" Surely that had been the one thing Minako had attempted to attain, always failing in her distaste for such raw power over her people. "A leader stands too her people because she must, not out of being praised. Can't I be a leader and still be like the normal community?"
"Negatively speaking, I do not see how you could go about that." Ami knew Minako very well. It was the blond before her that while very childish was only exhibiting such the manner so she could be as close to the common community within her age range. The need to act out was a direct issue due to having so many responsibilities that Minako, as of her current status, felt unready to fully take on.
"Positively speaking, no one on your planet expects you to be of common blood. You are a princess, and that of royalty. No one expects you to be equal to them." Her eyes looked to Zoisite, compassion along with barely contained personal aggravation in the features of all the women made it clear they disagreed with the rules on standing. All planets had a level of code that was somewhat offensive.
Ami was much like Minako. She didn't want spotlight, but, she did want acceptance. Her plight confused her; emotions weren't a strong point Ami had. She had always done what she felt would be best for all involved. This time would be no different as she further analyzed the situation. Her emotions cracked through the meaningful surface, although it was only slightly. "Neutrally speaking, we are what we are. Our paths have been given to us as both an order and a privilege. What we will become has yet to be foretold, we are doing the best we can. At the end of the day, that is all anyone can ask us to do."
"What if my best isn't good enough? What if I want to be better than that?" Minako looked at Ami's stone, one that was a beautiful green. "Emerald rules your planet as far as a stone goes. What does it mean for you." Minako knew the basics of each gem and the power it held, however the more importance purposes eluded her highly.
"The gem is called Budah, or as you call it, an emerald, is considered to be an exceedingly auspicious gemstone for all. It tells of good health and a strong body if the wearer owns one in good condition. Apart from this, it also makes the wearer wise and intelligent. It increases riches and property of the wearer and blesses the native with children likely in good health and intellect as well. It is to be believed it will save you from poisonous snakes and protect us from evil, although, no other planets see that is a proper use." Zoisite started, although she wasn't sure how to continue.
Ami picked up where the general had left off, being sure to state more facts about the personal beliefs. "Among my people, it is also considered beneficial for good eyesight. A mother about to give birth often will wear one in hopes of a safe and painless delivery, although that is the more ritual belief behind it." Ami had pride for her simple broach and symbol of her native planet. It was a wondrous color, and very beautiful. "You know, you will be visiting the planet of Mars next, and Rei. You do know the meaning of her gem, right?"
Minako shook her head. Ami was far superior in studying such things, and as a result she knew more about the way the galaxy worked in general. Minako, for as much as she loved to talk late into the night was becoming worried about the trip to the planet known among her people as a possessive place to live. "I plan to ask her that personally when I see her." Her mind remained allowed to wander; the computers would be left behind for basic equipment. The cold would be replaced with heat. Her best friend would be at her side, but that didn't mean she wasn't without worry. "Although, I'm not all together sure I want to really go to her planet. I've heard the rumors."
"Yes, we all have. You should know Rei isn't anything like that. She's not blood thirsty, and she hasn't forced herself onto anyone. She's nothing like what people say, and having visited personally I can attest that you have nothing to fear, well, except her manner of cooking." Ami grimaced at that thought. Most of their food was dealt with by flash freezing it. Provision amounts weren't an issue, and most of the time one could supplement daily needs with vitamin injections and liquid supplements cultivated for just such a problematic situation as needing to sustain on another planet. "That could bring truth to the barbaric bit." She really wished Rei wouldn't have made her eat the fauna. Ami always carried supplement injections for that very reason.
"Do I want to know what you're talking about?" A blond eyebrow raised in confusion as Zoisite snickered remembering the events of Ami's first hunt.
"Put it this way, I'm glad I'm not squeamish about anatomization." Blood was a natural thing, as was basic anatomy. Both of these things were something Ami knew about, and, as someone who toyed in such a field when it came to advancing medicine, she didn't mind dealing with it on a daily basis. Yes, she was a very easily intimidated girl about a few things, but, not about things along the lines of bodily situations. Ami had forced Rei to end its probability of suffering before she even began to learn how to prepare a dish.
Minako nodded dumbly, she could get the basic idea and didn't really want an explanation on it. "I think that's what makes you two similar." She allowed a smile to don her face as Ami looked on confused by the admission. Zoisite had seen it clearly and nodded while listening to the given explanation. Ami hadn't thought herself similar to Rei at all, but then again, Minako was always ahead of the game as far as emotional standing.
"Rei and you have a stomach for that. You do it on a medical level, but I know you've cut into others to treat them when they're ill, or, to remove something causing issues. Makoto and I can't do that. She makes a great chef, but she could never act as a butcher. As much as I care about those around me I'd never be able to eat something I've personally hunted. Neither of us could put a life on our shoulders like the two of you do. It may be for very different reasons, but you both do it. We would never do that. It would be too much to handle."
Ami looked quizzical at that. Confused. Wondering about possible other similarities most likely. There were many. Both Rei and Ami had a level of withdrawn behavior. Both of them were disciplined. Both could calculate quickly in times of a crisis. Planning came first no matter what. Be it a mentality trained and hardened for fierce battle, or, that of precision and perfection it didn't matter. Both of them had the skills, the strength on varying levels.
Rei could take down opponents Ami was unable. Controversially, although Rei knew how to treat a wound from a fight, she would never compare to the proper training that Ami had within her grasp. Both could compute a strategy, but Ami was more adept at the overall situation, while Rei could focus best on the frontlines. These were only a few basic similarities that both made Ami and Rei equals while also setting them apart from the rest of their friends and allies.
"Anyway, I know I'll most likely see things I don't want to see, but then again it can't be as bad as what you do inside the lab." Minako's face contorted remembering some of the things she had seen. Humanoid blood was the least of what had gone on and there wasn't any possible way hunting on Mars could be any worse than that. "I'll be taking my leave tomorrow I guess."
Everyone nodded as a calm silence took over. More visits to planetary rotations would occur. It was only a matter of time before Minako would reach the dusty sands she was so unsure of. More lessons would come her way, and afterward Rei would visit Venus. All in all it was a confusing time. As close as they were this was the first time they would see how the other lived. Minako was apprehensive and perhaps a little excited. She would enjoy the cold now while she could. Time was counting down until she would feel the real heat of her situation. Mars wasn't a nomadic place for survival alone, and tomorrow Minako would find out exactly why that was.
TBC-
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