MINAKO THROUGH THE MIRROR
Chapter 10: "Mission to Mount Akida"
By Bill K.
"It's all true."
Minako sat off in the corner of the room, the unofficial meeting room in Hikawa Shrine for the Sailor Senshi, and surveyed everyone's reaction. They were all gathered there, Usagi and Ami and the cats, listening to Rei with varying states of disbelief and incredulity.
Oh, yes, and Ryoko - - Sailor Venus. All the inners were there except Makoto, who was still recovering from delivering her baby. Toshihiro was there, too, beside Minako. She didn't look at him, but she felt his presence near her. It was a good feeling.
"Interesting," Ami replied and everyone could see her immediately focus inwardly as her great brain turned the facts over and examined the situation from every side.
"But how is that possible!" gasped Usagi. "We've all known Ryoko for years! Her work as Sailor V was what I patterned myself after in the beginning!" She glanced nervously at Minako. "Um, no offense."
"I've been theorizing about this ever since I met up with, um, Minako was it?" Artemis began. Minako nodded, concealing the sting. "That's the whole concept behind alternate reality. In this reality, you've known Ryoko for years. But in the other reality, it was Minako who became Sailor V."
"Only you're not quite correct in your theory, Artemis," Ami spoke up. She had a very serious demeanor. "This isn't a case of 'alternate reality'. It's a case of 'altered reality'."
"I don't understand the significance," Luna challenged.
"Alternate reality is created by the action taken or not taken at a critical point in reality," Ami explained. "In this case, someone - - this Sureiya Dodekai that Rei observed - - went back in time and removed Aino-San from reality, altering all the events that came after her birth. Most things stayed the same."
"Then how did I end up being Sailor Venus?" Ryoko asked.
"Well, I imagine when Queen Serenity the First sent the spirits of the senshi to Earth to be reincarnated, Sailor Venus's spirit needed a place to reincarnate. With Aino-San not available, she chose you. I can't tell you if it was from sheer chance or if there was an underlying quality to you that attracted the spirit. Metaphysics quite frankly is beyond my capacity for explanation. But you were chosen."
"So if Aino-San was supposed to be Sailor Venus," Ryoko asked, her brow knit by her troubled thoughts, "then what was I supposed to be?"
Everyone looked at her with sympathy. Artemis in particular was torn. He wanted to go and console her, but he was aware that Minako was in the room and that all the memories he shared with Ryoko may have originally contained Minako instead.
"What puzzles me," Ami continued, hoping to draw attention away from Ryoko's discomfort, "was how Aino-San still exists. Logically, if she were removed from the time line, she shouldn't exist."
"That wouldn't fulfill the oni's need for vengeance," Rei explained.
"I grasp that," Ami argued. "I don't understand how it was done. From a chronological physics standpoint . . ."
"None of that matters," Rei interrupted. "Sureiya Dodekai's supernatural ability defies standard science. He's above the laws of physics, just like he's above humans - - and onis. I felt his power. At first I thought he was a tengu, but he's older - - more powerful. He may be a tiangou."
"What's that?" Usagi asked nervously.
"Some Japanese tengu demons are descended from the Chinese tiangou," Rei explained. "They were 'Heavenly Dogs' - - canine demons of great power and warlike demeanor. But something like that dates back before the Dynastic times, to the very beginnings of Chinese civilization. If he survived this long, he has to be very powerful. This demon is on a whole other level."
Everyone could see the priest's expression darken as she recalled brushing against the great canine demon.
"So what do we do?" Usagi asked.
Minako bristled for a moment, but calmed when she remembered that even though Usagi probably sympathized with her plight, Ryoko was the friend she remembered and the friend she was currently loyal to. It was probably tearing them all up inside facing this dilemma.
"We stop him," Ryoko said. Everyone looked at her. "That's why we exist, isn't it? To put a stop to people or things like this tiangou demon and make what they've damaged right? I mean this demon has turned all of our lives upside down, and for what? Because some oni asked him to and he thought it would give him a chuckle? We can't let that go. We can't."
"But Ryoko," Usagi said, tearing. "What about you? If we change things back to the way they were . . .?"
"I know," Ryoko replied softly, so as not to betray the emotion in her voice. "I know what it means. I don't want it. You guys have been the best friends I've ever had. And I really feel like being Sailor Venus is accomplishing something. I feel like I'm making a difference." She let out a shuddered sigh. "But I'm not supposed to be Sailor Venus. She is," and she nodded at Minako. Ryoko forced a smile on her face. "Hey, as long as I still have Seiji in my real life, I'll be OK."
"Man, now I feel like a king-size rat just for wanting my old life back," Minako groaned.
"It's not your fault," Ryoko said - - without looking at her. "It's that tiangou's fault. He's probably watching us right now and getting a big kick out of it."
"So what is the proper course of action?" Ami gently asked Rei. "Must we force this creature to reverse his spell?"
"Well," Rei sighed. "There's three ways we can go, as I see it: We can appeal to him to reverse his spell. He could do it very easily, but it would probably involve a sacrifice to him - - a blood sacrifice, probably of one of us."
"That's out," Usagi proclaimed.
"Amen," Rei nodded. "We can try to use physical force to coerce him into changing things back. That's going to be extremely difficult. This tiangou demon is as powerful as just about anything we've faced."
"Galaxia level?" Ryoko asked.
"No, but he's up there," Rei nodded. "The third way is to seal the demon. If the demon can be sealed into an inanimate object and held there, his spells will be broken and everything will return to what it was. It's the way I'd prefer to go, but I don't have enough spiritual presence to pull it off. Not by a long shot. The fact that a tiangou that powerful still exists today unbound makes me think nobody does."
"Perhaps it would be wisest to wait and consider the relative strengths and weaknesses of each plan before acting," Luna suggested. "That would give everyone a chance to explore the details and possible outcomes. It would also give Makoto an opportunity to recover from giving birth and rejoin the team. Adding Makoto's power to the group can only be an asset. I can even attempt to persuade the Outers to join the cause." The cat turned to Minako. "I realize this may be difficult for you, Aino-San. No doubt you're desperate to regain what you've lost. I hope you can see the advantage both to having a solid plan of action and having the team at full strength."
"Yeah," Minako sighed. "Much as I'd like to do it this minute, it does make tactical sense to do it that way." She glanced over at Toshihiro. "At least I've got a nice place to crash until then." Toshihiro reached over and grasped her hand affectionately. "Um, but could everybody stop calling me 'Aino-San'? I know you're trying to be courteous and all, but it only makes me feel like that much more of an outsider. It's Minako, OK?"
"I apologize," Luna nodded.
"We all do," Usagi offered, "Minako. I can only imagine how hard this has been for you."
"Thanks," Minako said. Then she glanced at Ryoko. The woman was staring at the floor.
The meeting adjourned and everyone began heading off. Ami instantly huddled with Artemis and Rei to start preliminary stages of their battle plan. After a few minutes, Ryoko emerged from the shrine and headed for the stairs leading to the street. Along the way, she found Minako leaning against a tree. The woman pushed off and ambled up to her.
"Sorry about how things went down in there," Minako offered.
"I should be saying that to you," Ryoko replied. "After all, I am living your life - - at least part of it. It's going to be weird not being Sailor Venus anymore. Of course, after we bag this demon and break the spell, I may not even remember being Sailor Venus." She thought for a moment. "I don't know if that would be a good or bad thing."
They walked along the path together.
"Tell me," Ryoko said suddenly. "Are they any different? The gang?"
"Not from what I can tell."
"Then I understand why you want them back so bad." Ryoko sighed. "I wish I didn't have to lose them. I wish," and she stopped and looked up at the approaching evening. "Well, I've got to get home. I've got to go to work in a few hours and I haven't had any sleep. Hope Seiji doesn't mind take-out."
She turned to Minako and presented a brave front.
"Don't worry, Aino - - um, Minako," Ryoko said as cheerfully as she could manage. "We'll put this right."
Minako smiled and gave her a respectful nod. Ryoko turned and was off down the stairs.
Toshihiro surreptitiously observed Minako all through dinner and all through the evening. She was conversational, but subdued, as if matters weighed upon her. It bothered him. It bothered him because he didn't like seeing other people suffer. It also bothered him because in the very short time he knew this woman, he'd come to like her. It was still a little hard to believe that this woman - - or any woman - - could fall in love with him, but he could understand his falling for her. Despite the hardship and deprivation that was permanently etched on her face, she had a spirit and a vision of greatness that he found captivating. Some might see it as ego, but he saw it as supreme confidence. She remained buoyant in the face of a daunting situation. If he were in her situation, Toshihiro knew he would have folded under the odds.
But not her.
"Boy, I'm wiped," Minako sighed after the television show they were watching ended. "I'm for turning in."
"I think that's a good idea," Toshihiro said and he hit the remote.
"Um - - Toshi?" Minako began suddenly. "Is it OK if I don't sleep on the sofa tonight?"
"Of course!" Toshihiro exclaimed. "I was going to offer to sleep there myself last night, but you were already asleep."
"No," Minako began, ducking her gaze to hide the sentimental smile on her face. She glanced up and caught his hand. "I meant sleep with you. I miss sleeping with my teddy bear."
Toshihiro swallowed.
"I know this is a big step," Minako offered. "I'm still a stranger to you. We can just snuggle if that's all you can handle. But if you want more," and she kissed his hand, "well, I won't say 'no'. But I don't want to rush you."
Gently Toshihiro pulled Minako to her feet. He held her hands to his chest.
"I'd be a fool to refuse," Toshihiro told her. "But I have to warn you - - I've never been with a woman before."
"Yes you have," Minako smiled, tenderly caressing his cheek. "You just don't remember. But you've got all the moves we girls like."
Temptation got the better of him and Toshihiro leaned in. Minako eagerly met him half way and the pair kissed. As the kiss endured, the passion behind it grew.
Two cars approached Mount Akida from the east. One was a Toyota mid-size, containing Ami, Usagi and Minako. The other was a Suzuki 4-wheel drive with Ryoko, Rei and Makoto. Luna was in Ami's car, while Artemis rode in Ryoko's.
"I do wish we'd been able to contact the Outers," Luna fretted. "It's such a dreadful time for them all to go in communicado, but that's the Outers for you."
"It can't be helped, Luna," Usagi replied softly. "We'll just have to manage it."
"Have you been getting the proper rest and nutrition?" Ami asked Usagi as she drove. "I don't want you to risk another fainting spell. As I understand it, this adversary will be formidable enough as is."
"Yes, Ami," Usagi sighed. "I've been to bed at ten every night on the dot. Boy, you have one fainting spell and people never let you forget it!"
"I can attest to her getting the proper rest," Luna added. "Nutrition and her, on the other hand, are still adversaries."
"Nobody likes a tattletale, Luna," Usagi said through clenched teeth.
In the back, Minako quietly listened to the banter with pleasant familiarity. She still felt divorced from them all, but hopefully that wouldn't last much longer.
At the foot of Mount Akida, the group exited their cars and looked up. Rei pointed to where Sureiya Dodekai's cave was. Resolute, the five women nodded to each other. Four produced their henshin sticks, while Rei stayed in her more useful priest form. Minako watched them transform and felt a yearning in her heart.
"Well, let's get climbing," Sailor Venus said.
"But it's so far," moaned Sailor Moon. "Isn't there another way?"
"Actually, I was about to suggest we use Sailor Teleport to gain the ledge," Mercury suggested. "It would be far better use of our time and power. Additionally, I don't think Jupiter is up to mountain climbing just yet."
"I feel fine, Mercury," Jupiter sighed.
"You have to be careful, Jupiter. Your abdomen is still healing and your stamina isn't at full, either. Don't push yourself."
"Yes, Jupiter, let's teleport," Sailor Moon agreed. "I don't want to put you through too much stress." She chose to ignore the cynical glare she was getting from Rei. The four senshi joined hands around Rei.
"Um," Minako spoke up. "I'd like to come, too."
"This isn't a battle for someone with no power," Rei advised her gravely.
"Look, you won't have to baby-sit me," Minako argued. "I may not have the short skirt or the attacks, but I've been doing this since I was thirteen. I know how to take care of myself. And - - this is my fight as much as it is yours. I don't want to sit on the sidelines. Please!"
Venus, Jupiter and Mercury traded unsure glances. Minako could tell Rei was dead set against the idea, though not from any personal malice. She more than any of them knew how formidable a foe they were facing and what they were all risking.
"Of course," Sailor Moon said, "Minako. Rei was only concerned for your safety. But this is your fight, too. Hopefully we can resolve it without fighting, but your presence only makes us more formidable."
Smiling, Minako joined Rei in the circle. The senshi were about to combine their power.
"Venus!" they heard Artemis call out. Both Venus and Minako looked to him, but Minako saw the cat was looking at the black-haired Venus. "If this works - - this is probably the last time I'll ever see you. I-I just wanted to say - - well, it's been a huge honor working with you."
"Thanks, Artemis," Venus replied, choking in mid-sentence.
"Minako," Artemis continued. "This isn't meant as a slight against you. Please don't take offense."
"Sure, Buddy," Minako smiled timidly.
Everyone nodded. The four senshi yelled "Sailor Teleport" as wind and energy swirled around them. And a moment later they were gone.
"Everything will work out, Artemis," Luna said to him.
"But even if it works," Artemis mused out loud, "we lose one."
The senshi materialized on the bluff outside of a cave. Instantly Jupiter and Venus fanned out to defensive positions. Rei was to Sailor Moon's left, staring intently into the cave. Minako, who was behind them, could see discomfort lining the priest's face. Mercury was to Sailor Moon's right. Her visor was out and she was recording telemetry from the entire area.
"It would be dangerous to go into the cave," Rei advised them. "We'll have to find something to lure him out and then enact the plan once he's," and then she noticed Sailor Moon walking toward the cave. "SAILOR MOON!"
"Hello?" Sailor Moon called into the cave. She came to a stop at the mouth. "Please forgive me for bothering you, Sir, but I must ask you something."
"She's determined to get herself killed," Minako heard Rei whisper. The priest had a dozen wards in her hand. Glancing around, she saw Venus and Jupiter were crouched and ready for anything.
"Why do you disturb me?" came a guttural growl from inside the cave.
"Well, Sir," Sailor Moon continued, completely certain that she could appeal to the demon's better instincts, "in helping an oni a few days ago, you hurt one of my friends terribly. I came here to ask you to please reverse your spell and restore her life to her."
Dull red eyes could be seen in the dark, staring at Sailor Moon. Minako felt her stomach begin to do flip-flops. Upon seeing the eyes, Rei nearly launched her wards, while Mercury was busily analyzing data that didn't seem to make sense. But Sailor Moon stood calmly at the mouth of the cave and waited for an answer.
"You are a rare creature," the darkness growled at her. "I have not seen your like in my lifetime and I am nearly as old as this Earth. You intrigue me. Your aura . . ." and the voice died away for a few seconds. "I will consider your request."
"Thank you," Sailor Moon beamed.
"And what will you offer?" the darkness asked.
"Offer?" Sailor Moon asked.
"Did you think my favor came without a price?"
"She shouldn't have to offer you anything!" Minako found herself bellowing. Rei looked at her with abject horror, but Minako was too mad to notice. "You took my life and turned it on its head! You destroyed everything I accomplished, everything I had, everything I was! And now you want to be paid to put it right?"
"Shut up!" Rei hissed, trying to pull Minako back. "The last thing you want to do is make something like that angry!"
"You sneaking little shake-down artist!" Minako continued. "You're no better than those dime a dozen thugs in those Yakuza joints I used to sing in! You should be on your knees begging my forgiveness!"
"Be gone then," the darkness rumbled.
Cyclonic winds blew out from the cave. Everyone on the bluff was caught by the wind and hurled over the side, where they began falling to the jagged earth below.
Continued in Chapter 11