~Wavering Destiny~
by Strawberry Moon Rose

This chapter is the longest yet. I wanted to cut it in two, but it flows best as one, so I left it.

So I'm not really a Directioner, but my sister is. She's got all their songs on my iPod. I was listening to music on shuffle when all of a sudden this song made me stop in my tracks. I can't even believe how similar it is to the situation between Minako and Yaten in this story. So I feel the need to mention it:

"They Don't Know About Us" by One Direction.

A/N: 11/29/20 - What a different time this was written in! An ipod? Haha! 1D was still together, now Harry Styles is grown up and on the cover of Vogue wearing a dress (and rocking it!). Crazy.

Anyways, enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi.

Chapter 30: SuperStar

Thinking back on the moment, Minako didn't know why she didn't just run to her room. Perhaps because it was a ten minute walk from the ballroom in the enormous Kinmokian palace. She didn't have time for that. Her performance started in fifteen minutes, and she was supposed to be getting ready with the Three Lights at that very second.

Instead, Minako held back tears and threw herself into the hallway, almost taking out a waitor with a tray of beverages. She broke into a sprint, scrambling to find a nearby bathroom. Heaving herself against the door, she nearly took out two workers exiting. She muttered an apology and headed straight to the sink.

It was a small bathroom with only two stalls. It occurred to her that in her hurry she hadn't even managed to find the main washroom intended for the guests. She was glad for her mistake, this way nobody could witness her in the frazzled state.

She stood on her tip toes and lifted the front of her dress into the porcelain sink. Cranking the faucet handle on high, a cold torrent drowned the stain. She pumped a couple squirts of soap in her hand and vigorously rubbed it into the spot.

Minako clenched her teeth as she scrubbed. She couldn't decide which emotion was stronger; anger, hurt, or humiliation. It was too close of a call.

I can't believe those three. Seriously, wasn't shooting me down satisfying enough? Why did they have to do this too?

She turned the water off and wrung the bottom of her dress with her hands, squeezing out the excess water. The blotchy red stain was now an even larger pink stain. Minako groaned. It was punch, it wasn't coming out.

Minako sank to her knees on the cold tile floor. I can't go out there, I just can't. They can sing without me. I'm sorry Yaten, I know we worked so hard on that song. It looks like only the two of us got to hear it.

Yaten...

Minako buried her face in her hands. Those girls are right. Yaten isn't serious about me. It was just an excuse after all. She knew the whole time that we could never really be together. I feel so stupid for thinking I had a chance. Not when we're from different worlds. Not when I don't know her at all.

Suddenly, Yaten's voice rang through her head. 'I think everybody should hear your voice. You're amazing, and I don't know any other girl that shines like you do.'

Minako gulped. A hot blush crossed her face.

'This is your dream, isn't it?!'

Minako bit down hard on her lip. She's right. Singing is my passion. I finally get to perform for an audience, and better yet, a song the two of us wrote together. And if I don't go out there...

She imagined the three girls cackling like hyenas into their manicured hands. They'd be ecstatic if she didn't appear. It was exactly what Ai and her friends wanted.

I won't let them get the best of me. They don't think I'll go out there, but I'll show them!

Minako forced herself up. She brushed the dirt off the back of her legs. She walked over to the blow dryers and hit the button. Holding her dress out under it, she waited impatiently for the hot air to dry the large wet spot on the front of her dress.

She glanced up at the clock on the wall. 6:51. Come on...It's gonna start soon!

It was frustrating knowing there was nothing she could do to make it dry any faster. Minako took a step backwards and gazed in the full body mirror. It was a strapless orange dress that poofed out, falling just above her knees. It was beautiful...except for the giant pink wet stain on the front.

Minako groaned. "It's useless," she mumbled aloud. "Even if I go out there, they won't even pay attention to my voice. I look like a mess."

She shot another desperate glance in the clock's direction. What should I do? If I try to scrub it out again, it'll never be dry in time! I don't have anything else I can wear. I can't believe I have to go out in front of everybody looking like this. They're all gonna laugh at me.

Minako punched the button on the hand dryer again and stepped up next to it. Maybe if it wasn't soaked the stain wouldn't be as evident. As of now, it looked like she'd wet herself.

Bam! The door burst open.

"Minako! What are you doing in here?!"

Minako nearly jumped out of her skin. She whipped around. The hot air blew her dress up around her. Squealing, Minako quickly pressed it down, way past the point of being embarrassed that whoever was in the doorway had just seen her panties.

Rei quickly looked away before remembering why she had come in. "Why are you in here?" She sounded out of breath. "Yaten's going crazy looking for you! You're on in five minutes!"

"I know," she said dully, stepping away from the dryer. After a few seconds, it clicked off. The room was silent.

Dark-purple eyes fell to her ruined party dress. "What happened? Did you spill?" Rei asked.

Minako shook her head and sighed. "Let's just say some of Yaten's fans don't think I'm good enough. One of the girls dumped a glass of punch on me. Whatever, they're probably right anyways..." She hung her head.

Rei pursed her lips. She knew better than to get angry, it wouldn't help the situation. There was plenty of time for that later. She reached for the wet fabric and rubbed it between her fingers. "It won't come out?" she asked.

"No."

Rei let go. She brought her hand to her chin, thinking for a moment. Rei then stepped past her and held one of the stall doors open. "Take it off," she commanded.

"What?"

"Go in there and take it off," Rei repeated. She took her hand and pulled her into the stall. "You can wear mine."

"But Rei... Are you sure?"

"Yes. Now, hurry!"

Minako locked the stall door behind her. She stood for a second, feeling almost...happy. After being dumped on by Ai and her friends, and having her self-esteem squashed by Yaten's stubborn attitude, she was relieved there was one person out there that had her back. A different kind of tears sprung to her eyes. Oh Rei... you're amazing. You're always here for me.

"Are you changing?" Rei's voice echoed on the other side of the separating wall.

"Huh? Oh yeah." They had no time to spare! Everyone was out there, gathering to watch the Three Light's performance. Even if they left now, they'd be pushing it since Minako was up first.

The blonde quickly stripped out of her ruined orange dress. It fell in a pile at her feet. She stepped out of it.

"Here." Rei's hand shot under the stall, holding her bunched-up red gown.

Changing as quickly as she could, Minako pulled the tight dress up her body. Their body shapes were different, and Rei was a little taller and slimmer, but it worked.

Creak. Rei stepped out of her stall wearing Minako's clothes. "Are you done yet? Come on, we've gotta hurry!"

"I'm...c-coming," Minako managed, struggling with the zipper in the back. "I can't...reach it." She slipped her heels back on and pushed the door open. Minako turned around and gathered her hair above her head.

"Can you help me?" she asked over her shoulder.

Rei sighed. In one swift movement, she was complete.

"Thanks." Minako let her hair down and faced the mirror. She swallowed and smoothed out the unfamiliar material. The red color matched her bow and went great with her blonde hair and blue eyes. A perfect triadic color scheme. It was a much simpler dress; spaghetti straps, shiny, silk material, falling just short of her knees. Red was always Rei's color. It seemed odd seeing it on her, but comforting at the same time. It smelled like cinnamon. Minako fluffed her bangs and took a deep breath.

"Minako...are you okay?"

"Huh?" Minako forced a smile. "Yeah! Of course. I mean, I've dealt with worse before, it's no big deal."

"Is there something else bothering you? You look kind of shaken up," Rei said. There was an uncertainty in her friend's blue eyes that worried her. Minako looked on the verge of tears.

Minako shook her head. "Nope. I'm okay," she insisted.

"Alright," Rei said skeptically. "In that case, let's get going."

They raced around corners to the ballroom entrance. They could hear the murmurs of a gathering crowd inside. The guards gave them a nod and they entered.

The stage was to the right. It wasn't big, but it wasn't small either; just a risen sleek surface equipped with three microphones on stands. Speakers taller than both of them lined the wall. The music was recorded, but the singing would be live.

Most of the people in the ballroom were gathered right there in front of the stage in buzzing anticipation. Everyone chatted and laughed as they waited in curiosity over the three performers. Others lingered in the back, eager to see if they could dance to the new music.

Minako gulped. When everyone was grouped together, there sure was a lot of people. She guessed at least 300. Throughout the sea of faces, she couldn't spot Usagi, Ami, or Makoto.

"Mina! Where the hell have you been!?" Yaten jogged over to them. "You were supposed to stay here! We've been looking all over for you!" Angry brows pulled together over relieved eyes.

Minako tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, about that..." she started in a small voice. Yaten's tone was intimidating, but she knew she had the right to be stressed out. After all, they'd shown up just in the nick of time. How was she going to explain this to her?

"Well you see, I-"

"Thank goodness you're here." Taiki approached the three girls. "Seiya's going to start the introduction. You know what to do, right?" she asked the blonde.

Minako nodded. "Yeah I think so..." Her hand fell to her stomach. The tight knot had disappeared, but was replaced with butterflies. She hadn't had the ten minutes to prepare herself like originally planned. Maybe that was Ai's intentions after all; not to stop her from performing, but to make her late and panicky. If it was, it was working.

"Alright then, come with me." Taiki took Minako's hand and led her to the steps by the platform. "So when Seiya..." her voice trailed off as they walked away.

Minako glanced over her shoulder and met Rei's gaze. "Thank you," she mouthed with big eyes. After the performance, she'd have to find the chance to really thank Rei for saving her.

"Good luck," Rei mouthed back. She gave her two thumbs up.

Yaten breathed a sigh of relief. Standing beside Rei, she leaned against the wall and anxiously brushed her fingers through her bangs. She gave the raven-haired girl a double take. "Hey...why are you wearing Mina's dress? And what the hell happened to it?!"

Rei shot her a look. "Some of your fans ganged up on her. I didn't ask what happened, but they clearly dumped a glass of punch on her. I found her in one of the bathrooms, frantically trying to wash it out. I made her switch with me so she could go on. That's why she's late."

Yaten's mouth popped open. Her gaze snapped over to Minako in Rei's red number, standing by Taiki. She was nervously pulling on the material.

"She's a total wreck," Rei continued. "I can tell. And I don't think it's just because of what happened with those girls. The Minako I know wouldn't let something like that bother her this much. Something or someone else must have let her down..." Violet eyes drifted with a glint of accusation.

Yaten frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she snapped. All this time she'd been freaking out and thought Minako had gotten cold feet. She felt terrible knowing Minako had a crisis of her own and even worse now that she'd yelled at her.

Rei crossed her arms. "Did you upset her somehow? She's been with you all night, I don't know who else it could have been."

Emerald eyes fell to the floor. "I don't know what you're talking about..." Yaten grumbled.

"Whatever," Rei said in a tired voice. If she was lucky enough to have Minako, she wouldn't make her feel so insecure. She didn't understand what Minako saw in the Starlight, or what she used to see in her either. Yaten was selfish, lazy, and the only thing she had going for her was her looks. "I'm going to find a spot," she muttered and disappeared into the crowd.

Yaten watched as Taiki spoke with the blonde. I can't believe one of my idiotic fans went that far. After this, I'm gonna find out who did it and let 'em have it. Damn it. If I had introduced her as my girlfriend from the start, would they have done this? Probably not. They know I would've kicked their asses for laying a finger on someone important to me. They think Mina's just another one of them - their competition. Of course they would stoop that low.

And is she still upset about the whole thing with Saeko? To think it bothers her that much...I must have really hurt her feelings.

Her fist clenched. Why is it that I always end up hurting the people I care about? What am I supposed to do now? This is all my fault.

Just then, the lights dimmed and Seiya made her way onstage. Everyone immediately fell silent. She was a real head turner in her shimmering mermaid dress. With each step she took towards the middle mic, it threw sparkles in each direction like a prism under sunlight. The leader of the Starlight's heels clicked across the hard surface. Her high, ebony ponytail bobbed up and down as she sauntered across the stage.

Seiya tapped the microphone twice to be sure it was on. "Hello and good evening! Everyone, thanks so much to all of you for coming here today. Are you having a good time?"

There was a short round of applause and cheers.

Seiya smiled. Although it was nothing like the roars of screaming girls at concerts, it was something she missed. "I'm Seiya Kou, a member of the band, The Three Lights. This will be our first performance here. We hope you enjoy it!"

Another round of applause.

"But first, I'd like to introduce a close friend of ours. She will be performing the opening song." Seiya motioned to the side of the stage. "Everyone, please give a warm welcome to Minako Aino!"

"That's your cue," Taiki said.

Minako bit her lip and made her way up the stage. Even though there was only four stairs, she was extra careful not to trip on them. Falling flat on her face was something reserved for Usagi.

She could feel everyone's judging eyes on her as she walked across the stage. Resisting the urge to adjust her new dress, Minako held her head high, rolled her shoulders back, and stepped one foot in front of another. She made herself smile as she approached the lead Starlight.

Seiya stepped way from the middle microphone. "It's all yours," she said in a low voice. "Break a leg."

Minako smiled uneasily. "Yeah, thanks."

Seiya joined Taiki and Yaten just off to the side of the crowd.

Minako stepped in front of the mic and gazed out into the sea of faces.

Gulp. She'd never performed in front of this many people before. She didn't recognize a single soul. Where were Usagi and the others? Were they out there somewhere? Where did Rei go? She quickly scanned the dozens of faces, but couldn't find any of them.

The lights dimmed even more, and a harsh spotlight shone down on her from above, making her squint.

The knot in her stomach returned on top of the butterflies. Wrapping her hands around the mic, she felt sweat collecting under her palms. Oh god. Why am I so nervous? This is just like the time at the idol competition when I psyched myself out! Oh, if Artemis was here, he'd kick my butt if I mess this up too. I've got to do this right! I didn't come this far to give anything less than the best. I won't settle for mediocre.

The music began to blare. She could feel the vibrations from the massive speakers behind her. It was magical melody, upbeat and powerful. It was pop, similar to the Three Light's style, with Yaten's own touch stitched in every note.

Minako could feel a beating in her chest. She couldn't tell if it was the bass drum or her heartbeat.

The introduction was a good ten seconds before the first verse. She closed her eyes, trying to relax. Focusing on the song brought back memories. Those moments were special to me. Everything between us was precious, whether it was for real or not. Oh Yaten...

Minako swallowed hard. It was getting closer. Her grip on the microphone tightened. Even if I like her a hundred times more than she likes me, that's fine. Someday, I'll make her love me so much that she can proudly tell the world I'm hers. Until that day...I'll just have to try harder. Try harder so I can be good enough for her...

Here it comes. Minako took a deep breath. 3...2...1.

Nothing happened. Her mouth popped wide open, but no words came out. The empty instrumental verse continued to play, seconds ticking by. Minako eyes widened. I missed my chance! Crap, where am I in the song? At what part!?

Hushed whispers echoed throughout the audience. People exchanged confused looks with one another.

"What's going on?"

"Why's she just standing there?"

"Is she okay?"

Oh no! The words...What are they? How does it go again?! Think!

The instrumental song echoed in the ballroom. She stood there staring blankly into the sea of people, clutching the mic in her hands.

At the side of the crowd, the Starlights exchanged glances. "Should we do something?" Seiya asked frantically.

"I don't know." Taiki hesitated. "We could kill the lights..."

Yaten looked away from the painful sight and clenched her teeth. Mina... I'm so sorry. None of this would have happened if I hadn't been such a jerk. I've got to do something, but...

In that split second, Yaten knew what she had to do. Frustrated with herself, she tore away from the crowd.

"Yaten!" Seiya cried in surprise. "Where are you going!?" she called. Yaten ignored her.

Minako's hands started to tremble. We practiced it so much. It's our song! Why can't I remember the lyrics? I knew them by heart, what happened? Yaten...I've let you down. They're right, I don't deserve to be standing up here.

The world was bleached of all color and the room began to sway. The atmosphere became frightening, like a child lost at a mall, separated from their parents. All of the faces in the crowd became menacing and multiplying. The music continued to boom. It sounded wrong without the meaningful words.

A cross of fear struck her face. She saw them. Standing in the back, they were there: Ai and her friends, enjoying every second of this. Her icy eyes, makeup smeared from when Minako threw water in her face, laughed with mockery.

I don't know the lyrics. It's over. I can't do this. I have to get out of here! Minako took a step back. Then another.

Suddenly, a smokey voice sang out. It cut through the air like a shooting star.

"A glistening star in the velvet sky.

You point up and wonder as it soars by

How big is this galaxy of ours?

Is there someone out there for me? Somewhere past the stars?"

Minako froze and whipped around. Making her way across the stage, Yaten held a cordless microphone to her lips. She did not face the audience, her body was squared at Minako. Their gaze met. Yaten gave her an encouraging nod as she sang.

"When the sun drops into a kaleidoscopic twilight

The moon shines vivid and sparkles so bright"

Hearing the silky voice took her back to when she first heard the song. At the time, the lyrics hadn't been written. It was a blank canvas for them to paint together, and that's just what they'd done. Minako remembered all the effort they'd put into the song, sitting at that piano bench side by side every day. The way Yaten's delicate fingers had flown over the black and white keys, to the way her own voice had sounded singing along. Pouring out those lyrics...those words...

And just like that, it all came flooding back. Minako joined the Starlight.

"Our paths have crossed, so let it be

We'll create our own miracle destiny"

Minako's voice, tremulous and soft-spoken at first, grew louder and filled with confidence as the verse progressed. The Starlight reached her, smiling as they sang facing each other. Yaten's breathy voice mixing with Minako's higher pitch created a sweet-sounding harmony.

The look in Yaten's eyes was something special. Usually half lidded in boredom or wide in frustration, her lime-green eyes were now sincere with sentiment. Her voice was filled with the same telepathic energy they had used to project their message to their Princess. Although her voice rang beautifully with little effort, the strong message she conveyed to the girl standing in front of her was coming straight from the heart with all her might. It was as if she were trying to tell her something.

Thump. Thump. Whether it was nerves, adrenaline, or Yaten's presence, her heart rate skyrocketed. Minako's eyes sparkled. She could feel it; Yaten's message in her song. No, their song. She did care about her. Enough to get up onstage and help her out. Her insides were burning.

Minako turned and faced the crowd, her zealous voice surpassing Yaten's as it echoed from the mic. The chorus was reaching its climax.

"The sparkling light falls down to Earth

You catch it in your palms, the colors burst

From this moment on, fate is here in our hands

The power within us I know, together we can

Together we can"

Somewhere during the chorus, she forgot about everything and let herself exist in the moment. Singing was her passion and took her to a special place. It was like the euphoric feeling after running a marathon. It lifted her higher and higher, sprouting angel wings and taking off to the sky.

The crowd gaped in awe at the Venusian princess. Beautiful. Confident. Radiant. Her voice was strong and unwavering, belting the song with all her heart. She did not miss a single note. She remembered every word.

Nobody noticed Yaten sneak off the stage, not even Minako. Everyone was so entranced by her performance, they couldn't take their eyes off the beauty. Minako shone. Her voice was enough to make jaws drop, let alone how beautiful she looked in an appealing red mini-dress.

Baby-blue eyes drifted along the crowd as she sang, a grin on her face. They stopped at the front row. Everyone was there; Usagi, Rei, Makoto, and Ami. They wore big smiles, cheering her on. She hadn't seen them before, but they were right there in front of her all along.

Minako was so happy she wanted to cry. She pointed into the crowd as she sang, spreading her arms out and bringing them close to her heart. She took a deep breath and sang out the last line with all her effort, "From this moment on, fate is here in our hands. The power within us I know, together we can. Together we can!"

The music faded out. Minako held her breath. Thunderous applause boomed. The crowd went wild.

Minako beamed. Her chest rose up and down as she breathed, heart racing. She waved and gave a small bow. Oh my god. I did it! She closed her eyes and let the deafening applause swallow her up.

The Three Lights made their way onstage during the cheers. Minako saw Taiki take her place at her mic and suddenly remembered the reason why she'd been able to go on.

"Yaten!" Minako whipped around.

The silver-haired beauty was standing right beside her. Yaten smiled and looked in her eyes. "You did it, Mina" she said.

"Yeah...I guess I did. And thank you," she said over the applause. "I...I'm sorry for messing up the beginning, I don't know what happened. I just-"

She was cut off when Yaten suddenly leaned in and kissed her.

Minako's eyes grew large. She froze, unwilling to believe it was actually happening. Not here, not in front of everybody. She would never do that. But it felt too real; Yaten's warm hands at her shoulders and moist lips on her own. Eyes open, she could still see the white spotlight shining on them.

Standing behind them, Taiki's jaw dropped. Seiya let out a low whistle.

The crowd went nuts.

Standing in the back of the ballroom, Ai was fuming. A black cloud of rage was visibly radiating off her.

"Oh my god! Like, no way!" Yaya gasped.

"This can't be happening," Tae cried. Chomp, chomp, pop, went her pink bubblegum.

Ai huffed and stormed away. "We're leaving," she snapped.

The redhead and brunette stood, eyes glued to the lip-locked couple.

"NOW!" Ai barked.

Yaya and Tae broke their trance and quickly followed her, struggling to catch up to Ai's furious pace. When she wasn't looking, they stole another glance over their shoulders.

When Yaten pulled away, she looked straight into Minako's eyes. "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings earlier. I'm not ashamed to be with you, Mina. You mean the world to me. I'm done with my stupid pride if it's gonna tear us apart. You were right; I shouldn't care what everyone thinks about us, and from now on I won't."

Minako swallowed. "Yaten..." She brought her fingertips to her lips. They still tingled.

"Um, I hate to interrupt this sweet moment," Seiya said, stepping between them, "but we've got a performance to do, love birds."

Minako sweat dropped, realizing everyone was watching them. "Oh, right. Ahaha." She gave Yaten a shy smile before scurrying off the stage.

Seiya smirked. She took her place at the middle mic, but didn't take her eyes off the shortest Starlight.

Yaten tried to ignore her blatant stare, but Seiya was grinning like a fool. "Shut up," Yaten muttered with a faint smile, avoiding her taunting gaze. Her face glowed a light pink.

Seiya chuckled. "What? I didn't say anything."

Yaten quickly took her place at her own mic, grateful for a distraction. As embarrassing and impulsive as her actions were...she regretted nothing.

Minako hurried off the platform and down the steps. She squeezed through the crowd, making her way to the front row. Immediately, her friends huddled around her, drowning her with congratulations.

"Minako, you were awesome!"

"You sounded wonderful!"

"Great job!"

Minako smiled and accepted their praise with a lot of 'thank yous'. After the concert, she'd have to explain the whole story.

"Hey!"

Minako recognized the high-pitched voice.

"Over here, superstar!"

Her gaze dropped. It was Saeko, Yaten's little sister. She was standing between Makoto and Rei. Like before, her cute little face was mischievous.

"See? I was right all along!" Saeko bragged, hands on her hips. "You are Yaten's girlfriend!" She giggled. "And boy, she wasn't ashamed to show it!"

Minako flushed and Usagi and Rei elbowed her.

"Yeah Minako, you and Yaten?" Makoto asked. "How long's this been going on?"

Ami smiled and shook her head. "Somehow this just doesn't surprise me..."

Minako ignored their teasing and gazed up at the stage.

The Three Light's performance had begun. Three spotlights shone down on them; red over Seiya, white over Taiki, and yellow over Yaten. Her eyes climbed up the silver-haired pop star. Minako outlined every feature of her face; her striking green eyes, porcelain skin, and soft, delicious lips.

Yaten met her longing gaze and shyly looked away. Her eyes flitted back again, giving Minako a small smile that made her heart sing.

She smiled back. First row; a perfect view with Yaten all to herself. There wasn't anywhere else in the world Minako would rather be.