Total Eclipse- Minako's Story
Part Three
By: Zellie

"Don't you know that we're no different to anyone

We stumble

We falter

But we're no different than anyone

And all the winter snow has melted down

Into a pool of silver water"

-Stay By Me by: Annie Lennox

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The moon palace was huge. I had grown up my entire life thinking that Magellan was large. It was nothing but a shack compared to the splendor of the moon palace. But then, it would never supply the small comforts and joys of home. I would eventually have to learn to call it so. Although it was beautiful and large, it was my prison. I was considered to be one of the children, yes, but basically I was under what seemed like a witness protection system. But I'll always be thankful to them for accepting me as one of their own.

Usagi was a sweet girl. Her eyes held devotion, a love far greater than I could ever imagine possessing. My life had been altered, but one is always able to accept change. Though it was inevitable, it still hurt for a good long time. Usagi kept life interesting, to say the least. We were kept busy every moment of the day. We were perpetually preparing for this, or helping with that, studying, and generally relaxing. Fate, it seemed wanted me to keep occupied. The days were long and with every moment filled to the optimum, I didn't have time to think. But the nights were my own.

I have always loved the sea, or oceans that were ever changing with the currents. At night I spent my time on the shores of the Mare Serenitatis, or what is more commonly known as the "Sea of Serenity." There I could be alone and no one could stop me from doing what I pleased. The days were what seemed to be everlasting, but the reflection of the Earth against the water and the warm breezes that made the water shimmer in it's light always drew my attention away from what really needed to be let out. I hadn't cried since the last day I was home, and refused to torture myself by thinking about the events. I would sit on the cooling sand and watch the sky and the Earth. I would always wish on the stars to help guide me to a point where I wouldn't feel as if I was drowning in my sacred seas. They did eventually.

Within three years of my staying there, I had matured greatly. I possessed a strength that was deeper than just outside appearances would reveal. I was stronger emotionally. I could shut out anything I pleased with little mental maneuvering. Soon the other girls from the other planets began arriving to their new home. Being the leader I would automatically jump at the chance to settle them in. Rei needed little of this. She was one of the elite people who knew about my move to the moon. As soon as she arrived we were chatting, training and were so busy that people called us Siamese twins. I have to admit, we were relatively inseparable. I also met some of the sweetest girls I would ever know there.

Makoto was a challenge. She would constantly pick fights with me, and kept me on my toes. She was very graceful though, and also a wonderful cook. But I think the aspect I noticed about her first was the way she was willing to do anything for anybody. She would stand up for a fly on the wall if she felt. Instantly I knew she would be a wonderful asset to the team, even if she did occasionally anger me. She did it for fun just to get a rise out of me, I'm sure. But what are friends for other wise?

Then there was Ami. Ami was so intelligent, one would think she was psychic at times. But, Rei was the real psychic one. Ami was timid yes, but a hard fighter when the time came for it. She was also very brave. The poor girl was mobbed by the palace guards, Rei, Makoto and I. Since she was the last to arrive, and came on a day when the palace wasn't aware, we were all thrown off by her early arrival. Ami always answered all of our questions and took our jibes all with tact and a few quips of her own. I knew as soon as the team was complete that it would be a wonderful one. We had been chosen well. Even if it was partially hereditary.

Just as I was beginning to settle into this new life and routine I was summoned to see the queen. It was in the middle of our morning training, meaning it was early. I didn't expect her to be up, as Usagi never was. A guard came to the training room and interrupted our session, asking to speak with me. I looked over apprehensive, then walked over to him. I heard the girls murmuring behind me. After a brief description of what he was there for, I quietly slipped out and followed him. As I entered the hall where Selene was sitting she looked up at me and smiled, a smile that was similar to ones that my mother used to give me. I smiled back hesitantly. I was still transformed, and still felt a little awkward and self conscious in my fuku. The guard nudged me a little farther into the room. I took a step forward. For some reason, she still intimidated me. Perhaps I was in trouble and had done something wrong. She stood and walked towards me.

"Minako, there's someone here to see you." I looked at her confused. She set a hand on my shoulder and leaned closer to me, whispering the next part. "I know you'll be happy about this." She straightened and spoke louder. "I'm giving you the rest of the day off...Ah! No protests. You need this time off. Really, the other girls will be fine without you, I'm sure. Now go!" She gently shoved me into a separate room that was off the main hall. I stood in the room silently waiting, wondering who could possibly have come to see me, of all people. Especially when hardly anyone even knew who I was. I was thoroughly confused after waiting a few moments. Maybe it was Setsuna coming for a visit, her visits were rare and greatly looked forward to. But even those were business related. The door behind me closed with a click and a shiver ran through me. It was unusually cold in this room. Farther down in the room another door opened and in stepped who was awaiting my arrival. I stared. Who was this? I didn't recognize him. And I least of all expected a man. Was I to be betrothed? He glanced at me and smiled. I looked him over and noted his apparel. One of the Earth's generals. He kept advancing and I unintentionally backed up a bit.

"Minako? Is it really you?" He knew me, that was obvious, but that didn't mean I knew him. And he didn't just know me, but he knew my real name. But then the features struck me. The platinum hair, the steel gray eyes, the dark complexion...it all clicked at once.

"Kunzite! How? How'd you manage to get here? Why..." I asked the questions, though it didn't mean they mattered. I ran into his arms and hugged him tightly. It had been too long since I had seen him last and he had matured significantly. He laughed at my last reaction.

"I've never seen you in such a short skirt!" He said. His eyes twinkled. I blushed and looked down. The skirt was short-very short. I looked back up at him, sheepishly. "Ah well, makes you look cute." Kunzite's words threw me a little. I hadn't expected him to grow up like this. "So how shall we spend our days?" He questioned with a grin.

"Days? What do you mean by 'days'? Wait, first off let's get out of this room and then we can go somewhere a little less...." I couldn't find the words to describe that room.

"Empty?" He supplied them for me. "Let's." Kunzite led me out of the room and into a wall purposely. I swatted at him. It felt just like old times again. "I have to learn not to do that. I can't bring myself to hit a lady... But then again, you're not a lady!" He laughed as he ruffled my hair a little. I tried to look angry but couldn't. He was too charming for me to try. We decided to go to my room first. I had to change for one and power down for two. On the way to my room we passed the training room. The glass doors sparkled in the early morning light. The other girls watched curiously and came to the doorway.

"Hey! Mina-chan! Who's the new comer?" Makoto looked very interested in this young man. My young man. I stopped and glanced back at her. Kunzite stopped as well and looked casually towards her.

"He's a peace missionary from Earth. I was told to make him feel welcome." I smiled up at him and our secret joke. We had used to tell my parents that he was the peace representative of our commoners, (not that he knew any). I knew many more. "Maybe you could watch him for a little, while I get changed? I have to give him a tour, and I'm not about to in this." Makoto's grin grew bigger. Ami watched on with growing curiosity, while Rei looked suspicious.

"Sure, no problem, cap'n!" Makoto said enthusiastically, then came out to grab his arm and drag him off to train with them.

"I know that guy..." Rei said as Kunzite was dragged past her. Kunzite had been mouthing 'help me' as he was dragged down the hall. I started laughing, waved and ran for my room, Rei in close pursuit, even though I didn't realize it. My door was pried open as I tried to close it.

"Rei! What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in training!" She glared at me and replied.

"So are you. What's the big secret? You shouldn't be getting any special privileges." She leaned against my door with her arms folded across her chest. I sighed and gave her an exasperated look.

"The queen gave me the day off. I am required to take him around and make him feel welcome." Her expression changed and she giggled a little. "What?" I asked.

"I'm sure you will make him feel welcome. That's Kunzite isn't it?" I nodded, while sheepishly. "Missionary? You've got to be kidding me! He's more like a terrorist!" With that she began laughing so hard she had to hold her sides. "That's a good one. Missionary." Tears were rolling down her face from her laughing bout.

"Ha ha. " My face had become red after what her first statement had implied sank in. "Go on, get back. I have things to do, and you're not to torment him either. Leave that to me." I said deviously. She stood up and opened the door then proceeded down the hall stumbling. I sighed again and shut my door behind her. I powered down and went to my closet to find something decent to wear. I had been a little late that morning and hadn't had time to change out of my pajamas before transforming and scurrying down the hall. I found a nice light pink and white sun dress with checker print and some white sandals. I slipped into these and brushed my hair until it was soft and put part back with a pair of clips. With that I was ready for the day. I slipped out of my room and walked back down the hall.

While I had been in my room, Kunzite was getting the full Mako treatment. Makoto was relentless. She had been testing him on his fighting skills and I'm surprised he didn't fall for her flirting ways and seductive moves. And mostly I could not believe that he was still interested in me after all these years. Ami had done scanning on him, that was training, per say. On that little computer she had whipped up more about him that I doubt he knew himself. Lest to say I'm sure he had an experience. By the time I had walked back into the training center, Rei had already backed him up to a corner. He had his coat off and it was lying on the floor near the door. He had rolled up his sleeves and attempted to put up his hair, it only fell into his face. I surveyed the room in amused, but also slightly surprised. Ami glanced at me and blushed. Makoto had already cornered him along with Rei. He looked past them at me and smiled a grateful smile. Then using a move I hadn't seen since we were children, he picked up Rei and set her down on top of Makoto hence giving him free passage to me and an escape. Ami watched, as her face grew redder. Kunzite sauntered over and picked up his coat. "Miss me?"

"Not really. " I shrugged. Then smiled at him playfully. He glanced at me and I turned and walked out of the room. "We have to get busy, I'm sorry to interrupt your fun." He shrugged and followed, pausing to wave at the door.

"Good day, ladies. I'll see you all later at that party thing later and then I'll introduce you to my friends." Makoto nodded, while Rei shook her head. Then we continued on our way.

"Keep it up, girls. See you later, promise." I called behind me, as I left the room I'm sure they were mocking me behind my back. Farther down the hall I stopped and turned to Kunzite. "Friends? What have you bee keeping from me?" Kunzite brushed back some of his hair from his face and smiled.

"I guess it is time that I tell you why I'm really here. Well, you see," He sighed. Actually, I had to come with Endymion. We're on a business mission of sorts. We're here to see if there is to be peace remaining between the Earth and the Moon. I had to bring my second along with the rest of the group, just so they could meet the darling Minako I'm constantly talking about. Maybe with your girls, I could persuade them to stop talking of war. I don't want to fight a war against you. " He looked away. His eyes returned to that cold color. There was a harshness, and it almost scared me. I took his hand and held it against my cheek.

"Don't worry about that. With that so-called "friendship" between my lady and your prince, there will not be a war. I can tell by the look in Usagi's eyes." I tried to console him. "She's in love with him. Much like the way I'm in love with you." He smiled briefly, but I could tell he was concerned. "Let me take you to my secret place. Then we can tell each other more." I said. I grasped his wrist, then pulled him behind me towards the sea. I had little alcove that I had just found recently. It was where I went when I wanted to be alone. I figured that we needed to be alone.

"Mina-chan...I don't believe it. You've actually managed to keep this place secret?" We had just reached the entrance. The sun was filtering in from behind us, and sparkling on a tide pool. He looked down at me after we had climbed down behind an outcropping of rocks. He stood very still listening to the faint sound of the waves. It was strangely quiet for being right in the sea. I smiled and looked down, as well. The stone floor even shone slightly at this time of day.

"Not anymore." I replied. He pulled me closer to him.

"You work miracles, you know that? I've been so worried I would have to hide my feelings from you again. I was so afraid you had forgotten. You haven't though, have you?" I shook my head. I was glad to see him, yet for some reason, it opened up wounds that I had worked so hard to mend.

"Quite the contrary in fact. It took me all these years to finally figure out exactly what my feelings for you have been. There hasn't been a day that has gone by when I haven't thought about you. You started out as just a friend, but then something changed, something happened, and to this day I still can't figure out what it was." I laughed a little and looked back up at him. He slid his arms around my waist and I set my head against his chest. I stepped out of my sandals, then settled back against him. It was so strange to be held like this. I could hear his heart beating, I could practically feel how alive he was. It was a strange, yet exhilarating experience. "Kunzite, I'm a love sick little girl. Can you stand that? I'm just a child. Especially compared to you..."

"That only makes me want to be with you even more. Besides, I need the support in life that only you have been able to give me. You really are exactly what my mother always told me the princess would grow up to be. You're just like your mother. Minako, you are my princess and always will be." At least he knew where his loyalty lay. I smiled despite my self. To think I had fallen for a lord of my own court! I thought about what he had just said. I had turned into my mother. Was that such a good thing? I shuddered.

My mother had been a wonderful person, yes. But I did not want to be a replica of her. I wanted to be my own person. I had to be myself. Then that horrible day came flooding back into my mind. I cringed then pushed away from him. Sickening images and feelings rushed through my mind. I felt my emotions slowly slipping from my gasp. I turned from him, desperately trying to catchy myself. "Kunzite, I can't do this. I can't repeat my mother. I don't want to die. Not now. Not yet...not after I just realized, just found my place. I...I don't ever want to see you hurt the way my father was. I'm not going to let it get to you, too. I refuse to see that happen again!" I cried. I wrapped my own arms around me and continued backing up. I felt trapped. Trapped between memories and reality. It was too painful, and I wasn't strong enough. I wanted to run, but something was holding me back. I couldn't leave there.

"Minako, what are you talking about? Minako?" His eyes held a new change, he was worried about me. I could see it. I didn't want this to happen. It felt like my mind was being totally taken over. All of a sudden I felt very weak. I crashed down in the sand. Kunzite was immediately by my side. "Minako! What's wrong?" I shook my head as he leaned towards me.

"I...don't know." I looked at him, willing myself to get up. A new feeling was creeping forward from the back of my mind. It slinked continually onward until I figured out what it was. The energy I had had earlier left me completely. I could feeling the draining of it just as I could tell... There was something...or someone else besides us. "Kunzite...I...I don't have any energy..." My head began to spin. I bent over to keep from passing out. The cool floor felt so close to me. Just then I fell over and he caught me.

"Minako! What is going on?" Kunzite looked scared momentarily. He held me closer and looked up behind me. "Adonis? How'd you get here? What are you doing...?" Ace...I knew that boy. He had been a Venusian solider under Kunzite's command when we were back home, he was also one of my playmates as a child.

"I'm simply testing my new powers, sir. Tell your girlfriend thanks for the wonderful energy for the dark kingdom." He practically spat at Kunzite. I looked up at him.

"Adonis...you are so dead!" I would have gone after him, had he not taken most of my energy. It was hard to breathe, it felt like my body was working harder to stay concious.

"Oh, it's you...Minako?" He blinked. "Sorry." He sounded like a child for a moment. "Wait...No, I'm not sorry. Your energy is a treat. So strong you are. Any normal mortal would have been out by now. But you're even weak for a senshi." Ace's voice was frigid and looked towards Kunzite. Kunzite tightened his grip around my shoulders. Something passed between the two that I didn't notice. I glared at Ace as best I could. He was really starting to annoy me. Why he stalled like he did I'm not sure but he should have gotten out of there when he had the chance. Why he told me he was working for the dark kingdom confused me as well, but I didn't have time to dwell on it. In stead he just kept tormenting us. I felt a cold hand slip around my neck. More energy was leaving me and Kunzite seemed stunned. Suddenly, I felt him grab Ace's wrist and pull him off the rock where he was kneeling down. Ace pulled back in surprise. He tried to take his arm away from Kunzite, and tugged repeatedly. He obviously wasn't as strong as Kunzite was, still.

"What do you think you're doing, you spindly little twerp?" His voice was so quiet and cold. It sent shivers down my back. "I don't every want to see you near her again, do you understand me? I'm willing to let you go now, traitor, but next time I catch you on this planet, you won't be seeing that witch ever again. Do you understand me?" I looked at Kunzite. His fury was taking control of him again. But why was he letting him go? I would have finished him right then and there before he could complete his mission. That was my energy he was running off with, after all.

"Don't let him get away..." I said, my voice strained. Kunzite barely heard me, but I know he did as he snapped Ace's wrist. I flinched at the sound. A crack like that must have been more than just a fracture.

"I can't get rid of him here, there's not enough time, plus he has your energy. It'll just be released otherwise. Go!" Kunzite yelled at him. He released his grip and Ace bolted for the entrance. When he got there he glanced back, a terrified look on his face. He was holding his wrist gingerly.

"I won't forget this, you know." He called, and then left. Kunzite let out a deep breath and then looked back at me.

"Minako I'm so sorry...I couldn't kill him. He gave me way too much useful information. Besides...I just can't kill someone. Especially..." He trailed off. "He's not going to just give up! Kunzite, it seems he wants me dead! You know he's going to be back, you KNOW it! Why did you let him go? He's going to kill me! He already almost did..." I was furious. The least we could have done was brought him back as a prisoner. I felt weak yet, adrenaline was kicking in from some reserve I must have had.

"Stop it! Minako! Calm down. You can't be acting like this in your condition..."

"It doesn't matter either way. Give it two, three days and I'm gone." I snapped back.

"Do you really have that little faith in yourself? You're stronger than that and you know it!" He yelled at me. I had angered him.

"Can't you see I'm scared? Can't you see that I'm so scared? I'm so scared...Why must you yell when you know I'm scared?" There it was out. No more little miss tough senshi. I was scared. I couldn't help it. It didn't matter how much or little energy I had, I started sobbing. I had never felt like that in my entire life. I couldn't even move on my own will. Kunzite sighed, and looked at me hopelessly. I wanted him to comfort me. Instead all he did was make matters worse.

"Mina, Mina, quiet...stop, stop...I'm sorry. Stop...Mina...." He relented. Kunzite clutched me tight. "I don't know what I'm doing. I'm sorry. Minako...." The day had hardly begun and I already wished it was over. "He's not getting near you as long as I'm here and the other girls won't let him near you either. I don't know exactly what's going on, but I do know that something is terribly wrong and that something is might happen that we can't control." He was trying to comfort me, but the words weren't kind and gentle. *That's terribly reassuring,* I thought. I had to respond some way. He was trying so hard and was so clueless, so I smiled weakly at him.

"Kunzite...Just be here now." He nodded. He held me closer to him and I felt his warmth spreading over me. Things had happened so fast. I couldn't keep track of the events. I was suddenly calmer, the alcove was fading slowly. Then I blacked out.

I woke up later with Ami hovering over me, along with Usagi and Kunzite. Ami smiled. "She'll be fine. I just think she needs some rest. You said she slipped? That's weird because she doesn't seem to have any injuries, just a tremendous loss of energy." Ami looked down at me. "How do you feel?" I blinked than looked around and tried to sit up. But I couldn't, I felt sick.

"Dizzy..." Was all I could reply. Ami looked worried. She glanced back at Kunzite.

"Are you sure that's all that happened to her?" She asked again. He nodded, looking down at me. Silently, he was telling me to keep quiet. Ami again looked confused. "Alright..."

"Ami-chan, do you think she'll be able to make it to the part tonight?" Ami thought for a moment.

"As long as she gets some rest, I'd say so." Usagi looked relieved. I nodded and laid my head against my pillow. We were in my room. It was light, almost too light. At least I was where I could be comfortable. "I'd better get going, then." Ami stood up and left them room mumbling something about researching and how weird that was. Usagi, who had been relatively quiet all this time glared at Kunzite. Her glare shot daggers towards him.

"What did you do to her?" She asked.

"Nothing...I didn't touch her, really!" Kunzite replied.

"Then what happened to her. Tell me the truth." Her voice was cold as she spoke.

"Usagi...He didn't do anything...." She raised a hand to silence me.

"Out with it, general. And I want everything." She pulled rank over him in order to ensure he spoke to her. Kunzite looked down at the floor, then at me. I bit my lip about to tell her myself when he spoke up.

"It was weird. We were talking, then she all of a sudden went nuts. After that she started to get sick and she fell. She looked really pale and I thought she had hurt herself or something..."

"I got possessed and the little weasle took almost all of my energy." I couldn't take his beating around the bush any longer. Usagi gasped, then looked at me, horrified.

"By who? Do you know?"

"His name is Adonis, Ace for short. He was under my command back home and then on Earth. We've both know Minako since childhood, but he knew her better. They used to play together. He's younger than I am. He would play with her and some other kids while I trained for my position." Kunzite looked straight at me and I felt a tad bit imposed. "Minako, he's my younger brother. That's why I let him go. I couldn't really hurt him." It was my turn to gasp.

"He is? Why didn't see it? How could I be so blind?" I was shocked. I knew that, but I hadn't been able to grasp it at the time. What a change Adonis had gone through. Was that because of the dark energy? I looked at Usagi, regretting what I had just said, knowing full well what was going through her mind. But that was how I felt. I felt incredibly stupid.

"Minako, he's the same age as you. I used to think that he was better for you. -He's loved you for years. But then I got to know you better and now I know that you're mine. I can't let him have you. You were meant to be mine. I can feel it. I'm sorry if I hurt you earlier, but now you know. I hope you'll understand. " I did. I understood well. That little weasel, whom I knew so well hurt me. But how could I have missed that they were practically identical? It was like good twin verses bad twin...Usagi looked at me and half grinned.

"Are you okay? You look awfully pale, Mina-chan."

"Yes I'm fine. I understand you Kunzite, apology accepted." He looked so relieved. Usagi glanced at me and then gently touched Kunzite's arm.

"We had better let her rest now, don't you think?" She smiled and then got up to leave. "I'm glad you're okay, Mina-chan. You gave us quite the scare earlier with that kind of an entrance. Oh, I have many things to tell you! But, they can wait 'till later." Her eyes sparkled suddenly and gave off quite a light. I smiled at her.

"Okay. Later, promise?"

"Deal, sis." She smiled again then left the room.

"Sis?" Kunzite raised an eyebrow at me. "Explain."

"Later... I can barely keep my eyes open and I don't want to black out like that again." Kunzite looked scared again. "Don't worry, I won't if I get my sleep, so go. Spend time with your friends." I smiled at him and his eyes looked a little less anxious.

"Alright. " He pulled the covers up closer to me and kissed me on the forehead. "I won't let this happen to you again. Promise."


~Notes form Zellie~

Hi Ya'll! Do you know the story of Ace? Well, he was a Venusian who fell in love with Minako, and was then possessed by the dark kingdom and he then tried to kill Minako in the Sailor V manga. (Note--This came BEFORE Sailor Moon.) There is more to it, but that is just the gist of it. Adieu! ~Zellie