Chapter 22

After the meeting Ami made her way to the library. Her mind was spinning with all Mina had been dealing with. With all her parents had done, and were trying to do now. She decided to research contract laws, as well as standards for contracts such as this. She also wanted to see if she could find texts on how to help Mina through this kind of emotional trauma. She wanted to find ways to help Mina work thru the emotional turmoil.

As she was looking at books on the shelves about emotional distress, and healing, she thought of Zoisite. He had also experienced great emotional pain, and betrayal. Maybe there was a way to help him the same way she wanted to help Minako. That thought in mind, she sent him a text.

Meet me at the library?

Absolutely. When?

Now.

Which one?

She sent him the address, and went back to her search. Once she had a few books she thought looked useful she moved onto the section of law books. She was just setting the books she collected, on a table, when she saw Ziosite walk over to her.

He looked so handsome. His long strawberry blond hair pulled back into a ponytail. He was wearing a light blue pullover t-shirt, and jeans. The smile on his face warmed her heart.

"Ami, it is lovely to see you." Zoisite said, bowing slightly to her.

"You as well Zoisite. Thank you for joining me." Ami smiled at him, and settled at the table.

"What do you have here?" Zoisite indicated the stacks of books.

"Two things actually. I am researching contract law, as well as healing emotional turmoil, mostly in relation to betrayal, and familial discord." Ami answered pulling a legal text to her.

"Any particular reason?" Zoisite examined the books on emotional healing.

"Yes actually. Today I discovered that Mina's parents had taken advantage of her fame as Sailor V thru most of her teen years by taking 70% of her earnings as her manager. At 16 she cancelled their contract, and cut them off, but now they are suing her for wrongful termination, and lost earnings. I want to see if them taking 70% was even legal to begin with, and to see if she has grounds for a countersuit. I also want to help her work thru her feelings, and upset over their taking advantage of her, and their betrayal. I also thought maybe the healing books would hold some helpful tips for you guys. I hope you don't mind?"

"Not at all. I'm at a loss as to how to help myself or my brothers on how to get thru what happened to us."

"Well hopefully this will help."

"I can only hope. Thank you for thinking of me."

"Of course. You need to forgive each other, and yourselves, as much as you believe you need our forgiveness."

"True. Do you want me to start with the emotional help books, while you tackle the legal books?"

"Yes please."

"OK. I can do that. Just so you know, Kunzite enrolled in college with a major in legal studies. He may find this a topic of interest."

"While I appreciate the information, I think it may be in the best interest of everyone to keep him out of this at the moment."

"While it saddens me, I have to agree. I heard she was very harsh to him when they saw each other."

"Yes. I think she may be taking her anger and hurt at her parents out on him."

"You may be right."

"I think it may be best to keep him out of her crosshairs at the moment."

"Probably."

The pair were silent after that, and began reading thru their respective books. Ami made sure to keep notes on certain points of interest, as well as things she wanted to look into. She noticed Zoisite doing the same as he read.

Ami sighed as she closed the first book, and grabbed the second. What she had read so far angered her. It seemed that there were ways to have prevented this from happening to Minako, from the beginning. From what Ami had read so far, more than a few people failed Minako, including the legal departments at both the model agency, and the production company.

"Problem?" Zoisite asked as he looked up from his second book.

"I think so, but I need to research more to be sure." Ami responded, opening the second book.

"Want to talk about it?"

"Well if I'm right, Minako not only has a case against her parents, but she may have a case against the legal departments of the model agency and production companies."

"How so?"

"Her contracts should have never gone thru with her, as the actual talent, or employee receiving less than her representatives."

"Is there a law against that?"

"I believe so, but I need to research more. How is your reading going?"

"Helpful honestly. I have come across some activities, and some conversation starters that could be useful to not only us, but to all of you. I'll make two copies of my notes so you can review, and share with the girls."

"Thank you."

They both got back to their reading. It was in the middle of Ami's third book that she found the answers she was looking for. She now knew that Minako not only had a case against her parents, but also both agencies. As a minor, it was ok for the parents to take the role of manager, but the law stipulated that the minor MUST have a third party lawyer of their own, to review, and oversee all legal contracts and documents. It was also required that the minor have a third party financial advisor handling their earnings and investments. This was to prevent the parents from embezzling money from the minor. The model agency and production companies legal departments were aware of this. None of the contracts should have gone thru for this reason, and the amount her parents were receiving versus what she was receiving. Ami was very angry for Minako. She slammed the book shut.

"Are you ok?" Zoisite asked.

"No. I'm angry." Ami snapped. "Sorry. Not at you."

"What did you find out?" Zoisite inquired.

"Minako was supposed to have her own lawyer, AND financial advisor to prevent this kind of thing. The lawyer was to review all documents to ensure this didn't happen, and a financial advisor to keep her parents from embezzling money from her. I'm thinking she didn't have either. How did that happen? How was that even allowed? She can rightfully sue all parties for this."

"Wow. What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to ask to join her at her next meeting with the lawyer to discuss this. If her lawyer isn't aware, he needs to be."

"Sounds like a solid plan."

"Yeah. Want to go get something to eat? We can discuss this more, and go over what you've found."

"I would love to. Let me make some copies of my notes, and check these books out then we'll go."

"Great."

Ami and Zoisite walked to the desk. While he was making copies of his notes, Ami checked out the book specifying the requirements for a minor in the entertainment business. Once Zoisite had his books, and notes they headed to a small café near by.

They spent several hours discussing what Zoisite had read, and reviewing his notes. They also talked more about what Ami found in her research. After a time they shifted into talking about life. By the time they parted ways, Zoisite had split his books with her, squeezed her hand, and headed home.

Ami got home feeling better that she would be able to help Minako. She also was very happy with the time she got to spend with Zoisite. She couldn't wait for more. Before she went to bed she sent a text to Minako requesting to join her at her next meeting with her lawyer which Minako agreed to. Ami felt lighter than she had after the meeting. She had a plan, and ways to help her best friend. She also felt she had a good foundation with Zoisite, and felt it was time to explore more between them.