Author's Note: A big thank you to everyone who read the prologue. I'm still ironing out the details of my overall outline for this story, but I do hope to update regularly every other week. That might be a bit hard b/c my full bar review starts on Wednesday, but I will try my best! This new chapter picks up directly where the prologue left off, so we're less than a week away from Mamoru and Usagi's wedding. The next few chapters will lead up to that "big event" and then we'll go from there. If anyone who reads this has not seen PGSM, I guess it's important to note the following:

-the girls are all 18;
-Ami is a doctor in the United States (Doogie Howser, M.D. anyone?);
-Makoto owns a florist shop with Motoki, I believe;
-Minako is still a popular idol (like in the series);
-Before returning to Tokyo, Rei had been honing her powers in Kyoto; and
-Usagi is... I'm not sure. Unemployed?

With that said, I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. :)

Disclaimer: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon belongs to "Princess" Naoko Takeuchi, Toei Animation Co., Ltd., Kodansha Animation, etc. etc.

In the long run
You're just the person to
catch my eye
All of a sudden
There's a thin line between
You and I
And now it's on...
-Glos

On the outskirts of the Solar System, time seemed to stand still as the dwarf planet Pluto continued its slow orbit. To the uninitiated, the silence in this easily forgotten area of space could be unbearable. But to the guardian of Castle Charon, it was comforting. It meant that all was well, that the Gates of Time were still protected and unharmed. And so it had been day after day, month after month, year after year for a countless number of millennia.

But not today.

Today, there was a disturbance. The feeling of the intrusion hung heavily in the air, reverberating around the Guardian of Time. She stood near the gates, eyes closed, waiting for her "visitor" to approach.

"So you've come," she said, finally opening her eyes and concentrating on the shadowy, cloaked figure before her.

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you've been expecting me, Pluto."

"Nor should you be surprised when you fail... again."

"Hmph."

The figure in front of her disappeared and the guardian immediately twirled her time staff and held it in a defensive position. She didn't have to wait long for the first attacks to come. Dark energy bolts materializing from the shadows and flew toward her. She easily dodged and blocked them with skill. Analyzing the trajectory of the strikes, Pluto returned fire with her own orbs of purple energy, targeting the areas where the attacks would have most likely originated. Her calculations were rewarded when she heard the sound of a grunt as one of her orbs made contact.

"Impressive." The dark figure once again appeared before the guardian. "But I've learned from the past mistakes of my… predecessors."

The green-haired soldier narrowed her eyes as a second hooded figure appeared next to the first. The second intruder stepped forward, pulling back the hood.

Pluto took a step back in shock. "You…?"

"It's been a long time… old friend."

Taking advantage of her momentary distraction, the first intruder disappeared and rematerialized instantly behind the guardian, placing her in a full-nelson. As she struggled against her captor, Pluto watched as her "old friend" approached her and began gathering energy.

"Why…?"

"You of all people should know why. I'm doing this for all our sakes."

"…"

"It doesn't have to be this way. I don't want to hurt you. Why not join us?"

Pluto laughed through clenched teeth. "Have you lost your mind? I'm not a traitor."

"Loyal to the end I see. Then forgive me, old friend…"

Pluto could do nothing as her captor held her in place while an attack was unleashed against her. At the last minute, he released her only in time to teleport away from also getting caught in the assault. The guardian bore the full brunt of the blast. She landed on her back, her head snapping backward onto the hard floor.

She struggled to get up, but the first intruder immediately put a foot on her chest, forcing her back down. The second attacker walked up to where she lay and looked down at her.

"Someday, you'll see things my way."

The last thing the Guardian of Time saw was a flash of energy before darkness fell around her.

"I'm glad she's all right…"

"Yes. Hmm…"

"What's wrong?"

"Well, nothing's wrong per se. But, based on my visual assessment of Rei, it doesn't seem like her injuries match those on her charts…"

At the sound of the hushed voices, Rei slowly surfaced from unconsciousness. She opened her eyes, willing them to focus on the figure beside her.

"M…Minako…?" she murmured without thinking.

"Ah, it's Makoto actually. Don't tell me Mio hit you so hard you don't even recognize me anymore."

Rei blushed furiously as her vision cleared and she saw the former Guardian of Lightning and Courage watching her with an amused expression on her face.

"That's Ami, by the way," added Makoto, nodding to the woman standing on the other side of Rei's hospital bed. "Just in case you thought it was Artemis."

Feeling more than mortified, Rei turned her head toward the genius who smiled shyly at her. "Hi Rei."

"Ami." Rei nodded slightly, returning the smile.

As her two friends helped her into a sitting position, the miko's eyes quickly darted around the room. She felt both relieved and disappointed to find no other visitors – the latter emotion annoying her to no end.

As if sensing her thoughts, Makoto said, "Don't worry. Minako's not here. But rumor has it your favorite idol did stop by last night. That is, if all the chatter around the nurse's station can be believed."

"And why would I care?" Rei huffed indignantly, trying to ignore the way her traitorous heart leapt at the news. She forced herself to feel irritated. Minako never changes - she just shows up whenever she pleases, just like back in our senshi days. Am I really supposed to jump for joy whenever she decides to grace us with her presence? The miko did her best to disregard the tiny voice that responded with a feeble "yes."

A simple "mmhmm" was Makoto's response. "So not only can you not tell us apart, you even lost your short-term memory? You did just call out her name a minute ago, you know."

Rei blushed again and let out a forceful breath. She did her best to check her temper at seeing the knowing sparkle in her friend's eyes.

Inwardly sighing at Makoto, Ami decided it would be best to interrupt before her two friends got too carried away. "How are you feeling Rei?"

"I feel…" Rei paused, noting with surprise that she was not in the excruciating pain she experienced the previous day. "…just fine actually. Good even.

"In fact," Rei lifted her bandaged right arm and tentatively flexed her wrist. No pain. "What on earth?"

"That's amazing," Ami said, her eyebrows raised. "I hope you don't mind Rei, but I took the liberty of glancing over your charts. It says here your right wrist was fractured, and normal recovery time for such an injury would take at least six weeks. Not only that, but the charts take note of lacerations and abrasions all over your body. But except for a few bruises here and there, there's hardly a scratch on you."

The confusion was apparent on Rei's face as she continued to flex her wrist.

"Maybe it was the 'Spirit of the Senshi,'" Makoto said, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"The what?"

"The sword from the moon that let us transform yesterday."

Ami nodded. "That would make the most sense. When we used to transform regularly, we always did heal more rapidly."

"So… Rei received the benefit of Mars' power even though she laid around all day while Minako did all the work." The mischievous grin reappeared on Makoto's face.

Rei looked sharply at Makoto and then to Ami. Did she just hear her right? Minako… had…

"That's right, Rei," Ami said. "Minako did harness the power of Mars during the battle."

"Aren't you just tickled?" Makoto added.

"Whatever," Rei said, deciding to not acknowledge Makoto's presence any longer. "If it was the sword, I'm thankful. I'm not about to look a gift horse in the mouth."

Just then, the door to her hospital room slid open followed by an excruciatingly loud exclamation of "REI-CHAN!"

Rei, Ami and Makoto all cringed from the ear-splitting noise as Usagi bounded into the room and launched herself at the defenseless priestess.

"Usagi! We are in a hospital you know…" Mamoru winced as he trailed behind his fiancée.

The energetic woman, however, was too absorbed in greeting her friend to heed Mamoru's words.

"Rei-chan, I'm so glad you're okay!" Usagi squealed as she wrapped her arms around Rei. "And you're feeling better too! Oh we missed you last night! I wish you could have been there. It was incredible!"

Rei couldn't help but smile at her boisterous friend. She felt herself relax as Usagi regaled her about the previous day's adventures, with Mamoru, Makoto and Ami chiming in at regular intervals. It felt like old times.

The only thing missing was…

"MINAKO! What were you thinking!"

The idol stifled a sigh for what seemed to be the hundred and eleventh time as she listened to her manager's continuous and super-hyper rant about her decision to cancel her London recording and fly to Japan. As she navigated through Tokyo's afternoon rush hour to reach her hotel, she imagined Sugao Saitou pacing around his London office and waving his hand emphatically as he continued his lecture.

"Really Minako, do you know how much money we wasted when you didn't show up for the recording? You just won that award for heaven's sake and then you pull this stunt!"

"I'm very sorry, Boss."

"Don't tell me I need to dig up some raw material again. I wonder whatever happened to that Mars Reiko-chan?"

"That isn't necessary!" Minako exclaimed with a bit too much force. She gritted her teeth and tried to calm herself. "I do apologize, Boss, but it really was important."

"Important! Important! What could be more important than your career? Unless…"

Minako held her breath.

"I got it! You wanted to show your appreciation for the award by thanking the fans who have supported you from the beginning! Of course you would go back to Japan!"

"Um…yes…" That was as good a reason as any.

"Minako, you clever girl you."

"Boss…"

"I know, I know, I know! We'll need to start planning right away!"

"Sure…" The glee she heard in Sugao's voice was starting to make her feel nervous.

"O-kay! Forget London! We can record your next album in Japan! Minako Aino: Homecoming!"

"Uh…"

"Oh that's not enough is it? Of course you'd want to show your growth and maturity! We should get an appropriate guest artist on your next single! Something adult…"

"Adult?"

"…like classical music!"

"Classical…" But I'm a pop artist…

"I know just the person to get! Michiru Kaioh - the violin prodigy taking the classical world by storm!"

"Okay…?" Minako heard the tell-tale beep of the receiver signaling that she had an incoming call.

"But then you would need a nationwide tour! Twist my arm, why don't you! Ahhhh! So much to do. Good girl Minako-chan! I knew there was a reason you were my favorite! I will fly to Tokyo immediately. You report to the office tomorrow morning bright and early!"

With that, Sugao unceremoniously hung up. What have I gotten myself into?

Minako stopped herself from letting out a groan before pushing a button to accept the incoming call. Now what...

"Hello?"

"Minako-chan? Hi, it's Ami."

Relief flooded through the idol when she heard the shy voice of the young doctor. "Hey Ami, what's up?"

"Um… Makoto and I were wondering if you were busy?"

"No. In fact, I just made my great escape from the agency. Is everything okay?"

"Yes. Everything's fine. In fact, more than fine. Rei's being discharged from the hospital this afternoon."

"So soon? But how…" Minako's brow furrowed in confusion before realization hit. "The sword."

"That's what we think too," Ami paused before hurriedly continuing, "Unfortunately, no one else can pick Rei up from the hospital and since you're not busy, we all hoped you could do it."

"What? Me? I..I guess, but…"

"Thanks Minako! Her grandfather is also out of town so she'll need some company at the shrine."

"Wait, Ami…"

"I knew we could count on you! I'll call you soon."

Click.

"Hello? Hello?"

The singer pulled the phone away from her ear and stared at it in disbelief. When had Ami learned to channel Sugao? She tried dialing Ami's number but immediately got the doctor's voicemail. Her attempts to reach Usagi and Makoto also went straight to their voicemails. It was then that she remembered who Ami had mentioned early in their conversation.

Makoto.

Minako squinted. This was definitely her doing. It had to have been. How could all of them be too busy? It was unlike any of them to leave a friend in need. I'll get her later. She took in a deep breath and exhaled as she changed course to head toward the hospital. It looked like she was in for a long evening.

After turning her phone off, Ami glanced guiltily at her grinning companion, who also made sure to shut off her cell after she hung up with Usagi.

"Are you sure we should have done that?"

"Most definitely."

"But…"

"Don't worry, Ami," Makoto interrupted, her eyes retaining their mischievous gleam. Leading her friend away from the hospital's entrance, she added, "Rei will be in good hands."

"That's… not what I meant…" Ami wanted to continue her protest for the sakes of both Minako and Rei, but she lost her will to argue upon feeling a certain other pair of goods hands gently gripping her shoulders.

"Ami, you worry too much! Just wait. Someday, Minako and Rei will thank us."

Rei scowled. Deeply.

"I really can walk on my own," she said dangerously through clenched teeth.

"Y-y-yes, Ms. Hino," the hospital volunteer stuttered nervously. "But, it is hospital policy to discharge patients by wheelchair."

Rei held back a growl and remained silent. Humiliation aside, she supposed she should be grateful that she was even leaving. The amazed doctors had not been keen on releasing their "miracle" patient, but they eventually capitulated under the fiery temper of the priestess. It didn't hurt that her primary care physician – one Dr. Ami Mizuno – had also insisted on her discharge. By the end of the day, the only injuries she had left were the ones to her left eye and left wrist, both of which remained bandaged.

"H-h-here we are, Ms. Hino. H-have a good day!"

The volunteer brought the wheelchair to a stop on the curb next to a black Mercedes Benz, bowed and walked back into the hospital. Rei looked at the car in confusion. "What? This can't be right."

"And why can't it?"

That voice… Oh. God. No. Anyone but her.

Rei turned her head toward the sound of the voice she had longed to hear for the past few months and fought valiantly to hold a blush at bay. She watched as the familiar figure approached from her right side. The singer was as beautiful as Rei remembered even though she wore her favorite "disguise" of dark sunglasses and a baseball cap to cover her straight black hair.

"Minako…" Rei felt embarrassed that the idol of all people had seen her in the wheelchair. She quickly stood, at a loss for words.

"Try not to look so shocked."

It was the pop star's half-smirk – with one side of her mouth tilting upward – that jarred Rei out of her stupor.

"You can't blame me for being surprised," Rei said, crossing her arms. "I didn't think a little princess like you actually knew how to drive. Was your chauffeur sick today?"

Minako smiled sweetly even though her eyes narrowed oh-so subtly. She refused to take the bait.

"Now, now," she patted Rei's cheek and moved to open the passenger door.

Rei didn't move. "Where is everyone?"

"Apparently, they couldn't make it."

"…"

None of Rei's previous visitors had mentioned any pressing plans for later that day. While it was possible something came up, what were the odds of all of them being busy except Minako? The whole situation reeked of Makoto. I'll get her later, Rei swore just as the idol had earlier.

"I didn't realize I needed to carry you into the car. Perhaps Ami was wrong when she said you healed quickly."

"I can find my own way home."

Rei turned to walk away.

"If you do that, I'll be forced to make a phone call so a certain Senator's aides can pick you up."

That stopped Rei right in her tracks.

"You wouldn't dare."

"Wouldn't I? Are you sure?"

The priestess knew all too well that Minako would be more than willing to make good with her threat. With a huff, Rei climbed into the passenger seat and shut the door herself. Forcefully. Satisfied, Minako walked around the car, took the wheel and drove off.

As they made their way down the busy streets, Rei held her breath, waiting for the inevitable lecture to come spewing from Minako's mouth.

None came.

They continued to sit in silence. After a few more minutes passed, Rei sensed that the idol was on the verge of saying her peace about her run-in with Mio Kuroki. As such, she decided a preemptory strike.

"I'm really not in the mood for whatever you have to say."

The pop star smirked. "Why, whatever are you talking about, Mars Reiko-san?"

Despite the bandages around her head, Rei still managed to raise one eyebrow.

"Did you ever stop to think that maybe you don't know me as well as you think you do?" Minako questioned.

"Besides," she continued, "judging from the way you looked last night, I think you learned your lesson."

Rei's heartbeat sped up a notch. So she really did come to see me last night. The priestess shook her head. It doesn't mean anything…

"You know, Rei, I thought you would have known better than to try to imitate me."

The priestess threw a sharp glare at Minako. "What?"

"The whole fighting solo bit. Best leave that to the professionals."

"I would have if I knew any," Rei retorted, turning her head away from her driver to stare out the window.

Minako smiled in response. She couldn't help teasing Rei. She was just so cute when she was annoyed. Minako gently covered Rei's hand with her own, causing the miko to turn a startled gaze back onto the idol.

"Really, though, Rei, what on Earth were you thinking?" Minako gently asked, all teasing gone from her voice. "Going off on your own…"

"I am now fully convinced you were a pot in a former life."

Minako sighed and ignored Rei's comment. "And without being able to transform either. It could have been much worse. I…we… were all worried about you."

Rei swallowed and tried not to think about the effect Minako's words were having on further increasing her heartbeat. She was worried about me…

"Did you harass Luna too? Or am I the only lucky one?"

"I believe Artemis has Luna covered," Minako grinned, the teasing back in her voice. "But yes, you are the lucky one. It's not everyday someone has a wonderful and beautiful idol to chauffeur them!"

Rei snorted and was in the middle of rolling her good eye when she realized they had pulled to a stop near the Hikawa shrine.

"Here we are, your highness," Minako said as she exited from the car. Rei followed suit and watched with confusion as the idol pulled a duffel bag from the trunk.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting my stuff, silly."

"Stuff? For what?"

Minako closed the trunk and approached Rei.

"To sleepover. Your grandfather isn't here, right? You shouldn't be alone."

"I don't need a babysitter!"

"Oh right, because you proved that so well the other day?"

Minako immediately regretted her last remark as Rei threw daggers at her with her eyes.

"Look, I'm…I'm sorry," she quickly said. The singer knew that butting heads with the stubborn Ares would never get her anywhere. So she tried a different tactic. Minako looked Rei straight in the eye.

"You're right. You don't need a babysitter." Minako paused and smiled. "But maybe I don't want to be alone tonight."

The priestess' breath caught in her throat.

"Won't you let me stay over? It'll be like old times."

Without waiting for a reply, Minako left Rei standing by the car and began climbing the steps toward the shrine. "Are you coming? I draw the line at carrying you up this staircase."

With a sigh of resignation, Rei followed the dark-haired beauty home.

As silently as possible, Minako slid the shoji door to Rei's bedroom closed and walked quietly to the guest room. The rest of the evening had been rather enjoyable after Rei began to relax. The two women had shared a light meal consisting of peanut butter sandwiches before Rei bathed and prepared for bed. Even though they hadn't seen each other for months since Minako moved to England to record her new album, it really had been just like old times – complete with the familiar ache in the idol's heart at being so close to the woman she loved, but could never have.

When she entered the guest room, Minako immediately locked the door and retrieved her duffel bag from the side of the bed. She rummaged through it for a few seconds before pulling out her old Teletia-S cell phone. Flipping it open, she scrolled to a specific selection and pressed "ok."

Instantly, her clothes underwent a familiar transformation and when Minako glanced at the nearby wall mirror, the image of the blonde Sailor V stared back. Nodding to herself, she pulled a shoulder harness containing two kodachi as well as a belt attached with various gadgets from the duffel bag. After fastening the two items around her, she moved to the window and carefully slid it open.

I'll just be gone for a few hours. Rei should be okay in the meantime.

With that, Minako climbed out the window and disappeared into the night.