Chapter two: The transit of Venus
Summary: To everyone Minako is the smiling High school girl, who specializes in klutziness and being quiet a happy person. Everyone knows she's going to be an Idol. But the truth is she's lonely and wants to achieve her dreams however fights day-to-day demons that always frighten her. One day her emotions explode showing her true feelings to all her friends. Soon fate decides to intervene and her life and dreams are never the same again.
Crossover Anime: Fushigi YuugiPairing: I'm still not sure which guy should go for Minako. Thanks for those who chose.
Options: Minako/Tasuki Minako/Amiboshi Minako/Suboshi Minako/Nakago
Key Facts: Slightly AU.this takes place after Galaxia and Cosmos appear. Hotaru is around 15 in this fic.
Takes place 6 months after Tamahome leaves with Mayo in the 3rd OVA series.
This chapter is based on the transit of Venus that happened some weeks back (on 6th June 2004). The transit had not happened for over 200 years so I think it's great if I dedicate this fic and chapter to that historic moment. LONG CHAPPIE! HE HEE HE!
She was walking silently her hands clutching to her portfolio with nerves slowly slipping. The Idol competition was going to start soon and she made sure she had everything with her. Her golden hair splashed around her calves while her fringe played with the wind in silence. She was going to be late. Night would come soon. And it would be to late to achieve her dreams. This was her last chance. She couldn't be late!
Minako wished Artemis was there. She didn't know where he was; she couldn't see his green eyes, his smiling face or his graceful whiskers. All she saw was nothing, and found herself walking down the endless road while autumn leaves sparkled in the wind.
Autumn leaves?
Wait a minute wasn't it summer? Asked the blonde before stopping. And her idol competition was until the end of July. Minako froze looking round her senses tingling. Where was everybody? This path she was taking was usually very busy. The wind grew harsh and with a wink of an eye her portfolio was snatched by the winds.
"No!" Minako yelled trying her best to reach them but she couldn't. The papers flew high up like butterflies before disappearing into the sky.
The wind went harsh again and darkness suddenly grew closer towards her. Suddenly shadows swelled into the sun before eventually blinding the lady of Venus. She felt her self shrink to the floor.
"No…" she moaned "no…"
She could feel herself falling, time seemed to pass forever; the girl was tangled, frightened and very much alone. There where no friends, no happy father or annoyingly haggish mother. No one. She was isolated. And that was the one thing that frightened her…
"Artemis? Rei!! Makoto! Ami! Anyone!!" yelled Minako
No one answered. The dusk grew darker and her heart grew founder. She felt naked and dirty. She itched and smelt disgusting. Her whole scent and heart disgusted her.
Why was she so filthy?
"Venus does not disserve to be a scout!" alleged a demon popping out of her head.
"Venus doesn't disserve Artemis's support nor did she disserve the inners either!"
Added another now smirking with glee.
Soon others joined with the same sly smirk and bitter judgement
"It's a good thing the outers aren't here" It spat "You are so bloody useless."
They laugh at the comment pointing and luring Minako. The Venus princess believed them. Venus was meant to be strong for her Princess, her scouts, and her friends. She wasn't. She would have been so embarrassed if they where there. Scared because of darkness instead of frightening. She could not fight. She could not see. And most importantly she wanted Artemis. Droplets of tears fell down her pallid face, joy dripping from each and every one.
Usagi, Rei…Art-missssssShe was falling and that was all there was too it. Falling, falling into a rather dark spiral…maybe forever maybe she'd never be seen again. Maybe everything would be okay. Maybe, just Maybe….
That was not the case.
Minako landed on her bedroom floor shaking and surprised. It took her a minute to figure where she was (the giant bunny rabbit was a big clue) and finally except her experience was just a nightmare. She sat up clutching her head in pain. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Artemis sleeping in heap on her bed. He hadn't heard the thump, which she thought, was a very good thing.
It was just a dream Minako realised Just a sick horrible dream.
Somehow (though it was very dark) she stood and got back into bed. Minako lifted Artemis before placing a kiss on his soft white fur. He purred slightly and Minako managed to giggle. At least she still had Artemis. Artemis would be there for her even though she was useless.
Artemis is here She told herself Artemis is here
Her eyes faced the clock at her right. 2:00AM flashed in a green font. She warmed up slightly knowing she still had at least 4 hours more to sleep. She wanted to be at the library early so she could catch up on all her schoolwork. Minako sighed before laying her head on her waiting pillow. She hugged Artemis close and kicked her quilt covers far away. It wasn't hot but she felt completely fine.
Her eyelids dropped slowly and she clenched Artemis tighter. Everything would be better in the morning she knew it.
In the palace of Qu-Dong, the emperor remained very impatient. The emperor of Hong-Han (who was supposedly dead and somehow managed to reappear) had once again penetrated his wanting for a war.
"Foolishness." He roared "Absolute foolishness!"
He slammed his fist down on his meeting table. He stood up looking at his frightened servants with eyes of absolute anger.
"Does that rat shit of an emperor think war can be avoid THAT easily?" He spat out in fury. Most of the soldiers flinched.
Hong-Han sent peacekeepers hoping for peace to remain the to countries. The emperor laughed at their attempt and was advised to execute them as soon as they arrived. Afterwards he would lie and say they never came. He was just as greedy as the previous emperor (The new emperor is the old emperors nephew.) yet managed to have some looks that did not disguise him as an "ugly git". He dismissed most off his court and they where more than glad to go. The emperor was extremely frightening when he was angry. Nakago stayed not a bit fazed at the emperor's burst of anger.
"Your majesty if I may speak." Asked Nakago in his usual mellow voice. The emperor raised his head to the general.
"Yes, go one!"
Nakago looked at the emperor's now red face and felt the same disgust that he felt for the last one. Yet his mind remained calm.
"It will be extremely foolish for Qu-Dong to go to war now."
"And why is that?" Asked the emperor, Nakago bent his head hiding his smirk.
"Hong-Han may be a small country but they are friends with very big nations abroad. The nations would quickly come to Hong-Han's aid." He brought up his face and stared coldly at his emperor "And with a civil war in threat and the lack of soldiers in the army rushing to war now will be extremely imprudent."
The emperor gulped. That wouldn't be good. He looked up to Nakago with plateful eyes. He frowned and raised his goblet to his mouth.
"And what do you think we should do?" he asked before drinking.
"Find the priestess of Seiryuu off course."
The Qu-Dong emperor spat the wine out of his mouth. He looked up at Nakago as if he had never seen him before.
"Find the priestess of Seiryuu? We already had a priestess!"
"That was over seven years ago."
"And you want me to find another one?"
"No not you." Nakago said "But me."
The emperor raised his left eyebrow "Why?"
"Because I sense it."
"Sense what?"
"The priestess will come soon."
The emperor looked up at Nakago. He was very serious.
"Fine. Do whatever."
And with that the first part of Nakago's plan was completed.
Tasuki who was now extremely frustrated from the over enthusiastic celebrations from the bandits hideout found himself walking away from the mountains and into the green lands. He couldn't find Kouji nor did he find the entertainment particularly interesting after a few hours.
"Ova al da' fuckin' things they calla bunch'a prostitutes entertainment!" He spat out bitterly. Life had really dragged down over the last few months.
6 years had passed since Tamahome had disappeared and life had continued almost as normally (if that was possible) Hotohori's return had more than welcomed and the empress and young prince were equally happy. Chichiri went on doing tasks for the empress while accepted a permanent resistant Nuriko the palace grounds. Huiki became pregnant a few weeks after the emperors return and since then had a child in which Tasuki did not know his/her name.
Tasuki looked up at the stars and thought of Miaka and Tamahome. He often wondered if those too would ever reappear or in some sense have the same slapstick adventures that he used too.
He found himself looking inside and wondering why his life was going so slow. The fact was he never felt that life would ever return to the way he remembered however thought that something soon may lead him to a new faze.
"Ohh wow…how cool!"
"Awww…Hikaru lemme see!"
"In a minute! In a minute!"
The streets of Tokyo buzzed with heated excitement as the sun gentle rose. The Venus transit had caused uproar amongst the locals in Juuban. Some of them believed in the astrological significance while other believed in the romantic version filled with tales of the goddesses and princes and others. It was 7:50 and the city was buzzing. Makoto, Ami and Usagi walked in a unique line (Usagi in the middle) while people surprisingly celebrated the events.
"The Venus transit is a very rare event." Began Ami "The last transit to be seen happened in the year 1710 and it has been unrecorded before that time. That's because it took an explorer to actually confirm…"
"I don't think we need to here about this right now" remarked Makoto politely but firm. The oak princess looked at the Odango girl to her left. Usagi's head was bent and her braids were blocking her face. After the comment though, the girl tilted her head to the brunette and gave a weak smile.
"It's okay." She whispered before bringing her head up towards Ami "I'm just worried about Minako, that's all."
Both senshi's nodded too. It had been three weeks since they had seen V-babe and found the time and her absence very worrying. They called often and she did not answer. They would visit and Minako's mother would say she wasn't in. Ami wrote her an Email. Makoto even baked a cake with lemon icing saying, "We miss you." in front of it. Both did not seem to reach the Venus senshi. Minako did not come to school anymore. So there was no way of knowing if she was okay.
Usagi looked down at the item in her hand. The symbol of Venus glowed beautifully from the jewel box rimmed jewels equally beautiful. It was a Passover gift Usagi was supposed to give Minako. It was tradition for the Moon's royal family to give the Venusian royal family the box as a token of respect. No other person can open the box except the royals of Venus because inside the box held a special gift that no person could ever receive. The Lunaranian's had to use mental abilities just to get the gift inside.
"I hope she'd be here today." Said Usagi "I spent a lot of time concentrating on this thing, my head really hurt afterwards."
Usagi hoped the gift would help Mina-chan feel better. The other two managed to smile; however both were equally worried about Minako's whereabouts. They hoped with all their heart that Artemis was with Minako and today (being the day that it was) the Venusian would come in.
When they reached school the Venus extravaganza had taken over. The hallways where empty, nearly all the students outside viewing the once in a lifetime event.
"I can't believe it!"
"I know!" Said Makoto "It's as if everyone has been hypnotized Venus, right Ami?"
There was silence
"Ami?"
She wasn't there. Usagi peered out the window and smiled back at Makoto.
"She outside with the science club." She announced with relief. Makoto sighed.
"Good. I don't think I can handle anymore senshi disappearing."
Usagi walked harmoniously through the halls. She missed Mamoru but found she missing Minako just as much. The others scouts where fun at times, but it really didn't seem the same without Minako. Makoto felt the same. Minako brought a lot of laughs and a lot of fun to the inner senshi. Sure she was a scatterbrain most of the time but her heart was always in the right place. The sun's rays kissed Usagi's face with warmness and she felt rather refreshed. When she got to the front of her classroom doorframe however, she froze.
"What's wrong Usagi?" Asked Makoto walking closer to the girl.
Soon she realised why Usagi froze. There in the seat that had not occupied for weeks was a blonde girl with a red bow tapping her table and humming lightly. It seemed she did not realize they where there nor did she seem to care. Usagi's eyes watered and gladness overwhelmed her. Minako was back. The smiling senshi was back.
"MINAKO!"
Minako raised her head only to see where the scream came for before being strangled with a hug by a girl with odango's. A taller leaner girl soon joined and Minako shortly realized she would collapse if something weren't done.
"Come on Usagi stop the hugging!" She managed to say before hugging the two back. How she missed them! After the dream she felt the need to see all go them again. Just to know they were still there & still her friends even though she was so useless. Soon the two let go of her and bombarded her with questions.
"Where were you?"
"We didn't know where you where!"
"Are you okay?"
"I hope you're not mad at us!"
"Did you get my cake?"
"Ami's emails?"
"Minako say SOMETHING for Christ sakes!"
"I'm okay!" Said Minako "I'm okay. I just went to my cousins for a while who lives outside Osaka. I came back yesterday and checked my email. Then my mum gave me the cake you baked which was lovely by the way (Makoto beamed in pride) no I'm not mad at you and I hope you guys didn't worry to much."
With that Usagi found herself giving the jewellery box to Minako. The Venus girls squealed at the sight of it and hugged Usagi tightly before letting go with a sad face.
"What's wrong?"
"I didn't get you anything!"
"That's okay. You can always knit me another scarf."
"Well that's one thing I can do." Minako said before sighing. Makoto frowned
"Don't put yourself down Minako…"
"Yeah you can do lots."
"Yeah you can do sports and sing…"
"You have great strategies…"
"But that's all I am." Said Minako "That's all I can do." She looked at them with her big blue eyes "I'm not going to the idol competition."
"What?"
"WHY?"
"I've had enough you guys." Minako sighed looked out the window "There isn't anything there in that field anymore. I've been auditioning for idol competitions since I was twelve years old."
"Some famous stars auditioned since they where eight and they are now famous!"
"Yes Minako, just give it a while."
"I don't have a while. In a few years I'll have to be protecting you Usagi." She looked at the Odango girl "And I wouldn't have anytime for my dreams."
Usagi felt awful "That isn't true. You'll get lots of time…"
"You guys have already gotten a first shot." Minako sighed "And I've tried my best through all those auditions. They just weren't good enough. I'm just tired now. I don't want to be rejected again."
Minako swallowed hard trying to brace her tears.
"You're not going to fail Minako." Said a silent wistful voice. They all turned to see a blue haired girl standing as if she was broken.
She was as tearful as Makoto and Usagi yet somehow stronger. Ami looked at Minako hoping for some sign of hope she hadn't lost. Minako shook her head. She'd hit rock bottom again. Why did she feel so useless around her friends?
The day went as quickly as she had hoped. The Venusian was lucky enough to see the transit through a telescope. Though she was not a scientific sort she felt something really special bubbling inside her when she saw the dark dot of Venus sweeping across the sun slowly. When she raised up her head she meet the eyes of Mr Takashetei. The girl froze instantly.
"What is it?" Asked Ami
"Nothing." Said Minako now hearing the demons steer up again. Usagi looked behind only to see the thirty something year old teacher sweep away. Curiosity and dread seized her remembering the weeks before. She was only there for a moment but heard enough to make her want to cry. Through the rest of the day Minako tried to joke with Makoto, Ami and Usagi. She wanted them to forget about the idol competition. However they didn't and Minako soon gave up.
"You still are trying for the Idol competition right?" Asked Ami at lunchtime. The sun was high in the sky and the grass was freshly mowed. The three scouts stared at the love senshi. Minako shook her head.
"No, I don't think so." She admitted before biting into her sandwich. The others hid their disappointment.
Minako met Artemis outside the gate where she picked him up and ran away. She didn't want to go to the arcade. Usagi was much more disappointed than usual. Minako tried not to see her hurt face. Her head was all over the place and wanted to be alone.
"I wish I didn't go to school."
"Don't say that. They were all worried. Including Rei. I meet up with her. She wants to talk to you."
"Why?"
"She's worried. They're worried. I'm worried." Artemis looked at her with his huge green eyes "this is meant to be your day Minako. Like you birthday but extra special."
"Even more special than my birthday huh?" Minako thought "And I feel this down?"
Minako walked up Rei shrine with clouds circling her brain. Usually she'd skip and hum but her unusual dream seemed to weave itself into her consciousness. Was she going to fail again? Was she?
Rei was up the stairs a frown carved on her perfectly symmetric face. Minako smiled weakly.
"I was worried." Said the priestess
"So I've heard."
"I mean that."
"Sure you do." Said Minako sarcastically
"Don't say that! I care about you just as much as everyone else!"
Minako looked at Rei with cheerless eyes. The two were in some ways close maybe even considered best friends yet Minako felt herself distancing from the priestess. She was graceful, loved and had a lot of talents. Minako wasn't any of the above. And the fact Rei's dreams where more realistic and suiting than hers made Minako feel very much distance from the second in command of the inner senshi.
"I have to go." Muttered Minako however Rei pulled her sleeve. Rei was not one to let people leave easily. Especially when that person was close to them.
"Here! Have this." Rei pushed a piece of paper in Minako's hand. The Venusian nodded in appreciation.
"Thank you."
"You don't know what it is." Said Rei "Open it."
"Not now! I haven't even opened Usagi's-oh Usagi's!" Minako put her hand over her mouth "I left it at school!"
"Minako…"
"I have to…I'm sorry I just have to go now."
Minako ran down the steps not really knowing why. She hadn't really left Usagi's gift at school. She just felt totally weird around Rei. She hoped it would have gotten rid of her but she soon realised something,
"Minako wait!!"
The priestess was running after her with Artemis close at hand. Minako could not understand why. Rei had other things to do such as sorting out the shrine and pray by the fire. Yet she was running after her just because she supposedly left something at school. But it wasn't that. Rei was also worried about Minako. She was a fellow senshi after all, as well as a friend. Minako in a way was the person Rei had always wanted to be, Bubbly and alive. However today she was different and she did not like that at all.
Minako ran into school without a second thought. She knew what to do. She'd just sneak up to her locker in the sports block. It would be easy and Rei would be okay about that. Sometimes Rei was just too nosy, if she just stayed in the shrine Minako could have gone home and pretend she was in the bath.
The sport locker room was empty. Almost everyone was outside enjoying the summer. Minako reached her locker and put her jewellery box inside her bag. At that moment Rei ran in.
"Oh hi Rei! Just found…"
"DON'T YOU DARE LIE TO ME!" roared the fire senshi "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!!!"
"I don't understand-"
"THE HELL YOU DON'T! LYING ABOUT YOUR GIFT BEING IN YOUR SPORTS LOCKER! YOU DIDN'T EVEN HAVE P.E TODAY!"
Minako looked down at Artemis hoping for some defence. However he looked equally annoyed with her. The jewellery box was sweating in her hands. She felt so guilty.
"I'm sorry." She said, "I'm sorry Rei, I'm sorry Artemis. I just feel messed up…I just can't do anything anymore." Minako couldn't hold it of anymore the tears spilled down her face
Rei's anger disappeared as quickly as it came. Seeing Minako sobbing was a sight she never thought she'd see. Minako always smiled. Even if she was down she managed to smile. But now…she was broken. Why did she feel this way?
Rei came closer and sat right next to Minako. Minako brought up her head and wiped away her tears
"I'm nothing." She sniffed "I just want something. Something to cling onto, and say I did right."
"You've done all those things." Said Artemis "You have."
"Whatever. I don't disserve your sympathy." She grabbed her school bag. She wanted to go home. That was all. She stared back at Rei for Artemis was already beside her. The jewellery box sat in her right hand the only thing not judging her.
"I don't disserve friends like you, Usagi, Makoto and Ami." Minako whispered before she laughed bitterly "I don't even disserve gifts…I'm hopeless -"
"Just stop the melodrama Mina." Snapped Artemis " Your worth being a senshi your worth being our friend and having that gift."
"Yes sure." Minako stared at her furiously "Then why do I keep failing? Why do I never ever get noticed in all those auditions? Why is everyone else succeeding except me? And why are you trying to make me feel better if I was SO good at becoming an IDOL?!"
The silence confirmed everything she feared.
"Exactly. I knew it." Minako's bottom lip wobbled " AND THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN PROVE DIFFERENTLY!"
With those words the lid of the jewellery box flew open in her open hands. Minako stared down only to be blinded by this sudden blast of light. Shortly afterwards she felt a felt a gush of wind that was similar to the one of her dream. Her Venus crest soon appeared on her forehead. Rei gasped allowed however Artemis soon screamed:
"MINA!"
The scream didn't do anything, Minako stood very confused. Soon she found herself being pulled into the box so fast she didn't realise until she found herself lifting of the ground and virtually shrinking. Was she going to be sucked into darkness? She did not have tome to think. Her body was no longer on the floor. It was as floating inside some portal that appeared from the jewellery box. What exactly did Usagi do? Is for she couldn't feel the earth beneath her feet. She couldn't see Rei and Artemis either. What was happening?
"MINAKO!"
She didn't know where the voice came from nor who's voice it was. All she could feel was as if something was pulling her away from them. And that was what was happening she was being pulled away.
But to where was she going? And why was she?
The answers would be answered quicker than she would realise.
HAHAHAHAHA! I'm done now! Sorry for those who thought I'd continue from here! R&R and pick a pairing I'm still waiting.