"Minako, you've been acting really strange lately. Is everything okay?" Usagi asked out of concern for her close friend who was normally so cheerful, but these days barely cracked a smile.

She shook her head. "I'm fine," she answered, though the tone of her voice said otherwise. I can't keep this from them much longer… But I can't tell them either.

Before she realized it, Usagi was shaking her, trying to get her attention. "Minako! Can you hear me? We have to go! Rei just contacted me… something has happened."

Reluctantly, Minako followed Usagi as they ran through crowded streets. What am I going to do once I get there? I can't join in what ever fight lies ahead. Some leader I am…

….

The scene was worse than either Usagi or Minako could have imagined. Makoto, Rei, and Ami had gotten there before them, and were already hurt badly and collapsed on the ground by the time they reached the place.

Usagi hurriedly transformed and started looking around, trying to understand what had happened. Then she turned back to Minako and frowned. "Hurry up and transform before something bad happens!"

"I…" Minako started, as if finally prepared to explain her problem, but she was soon interrupted when Mars woke up and tried to force herself up.

Sailor Moon ran over to Mars to hear what she was trying to say. "It was…Venus…" she said in a hoarse voice.

"What? What do you mean?" Sailor Moon asked, confused. "Minako is right here. She hasn't even transformed yet."

"No… not Minako… but Venus… she attacked us," Mars spoke before fainting once again.

As she heard Sailor Moon gasp, Minako slowly started to turn around, preparing to run, though she didn't know why. What does this mean? I don't understand what's happening!

Suddenly, Minako saw her own chain coming towards her, about to attack her. Without even thinking, she closed her eyes, preparing for the blow, and pulled out Ace's card, as if planning to use it to protect her.

The card did much more than that: when she opened her eyes, she saw that she had transformed… but not into Sailor Venus. Her skirt and shoes were completely white, as was the jacket she found in place of her usual bow and collar. She touched her face and noticed that she also wore a mask, just like she had as Sailor V. She lifted her hand and easily deflected the chain with a simple flick of her wrist.

Somehow, Minako knew exactly what had happened. These powers aren't mine. But I sense that they do come from my home planet, Venus. Kaitou Ace… I don't know how, but he has given me his powers, his transformation. I have become Kaitou Ace myself.

"Minako? What's going on?" she heard Sailor Moon call from behind her. "That transformation…"

Of course. Usagi never met him… She wouldn't understand what's happened. I never told any of them about him. It was too painful. "It's a ghost from my past," she responded. "An old friend of mine has lent me his strength."

Though confused, Usagi accepted this answer and ran to Minako's side. "Plenty of time to ask questions later. For now, we've got to deal with this. Any idea how someone is using your powers?"

Minako shook her head. "I didn't want to tell you all… but I haven't been able to transform for some time. It must have something to do with whatever is happening right now. But these aren't my usual powers… there's something off about them. I can sense it."

"What do you mean?"

"My powers are based in love and beauty… But this is an act of pure hatred," Minako started.

"That's right," the two heard a voice say from behind them. "It certainly is hatred. Because… I. Hate. You." With these last few words, the person stepped forward and out of the shadows.

Minako gasped. She looks so much like me. Blonde flowing hair, blue eyes, and she's even wearing my uniform. It's as if I'm looking in a mirror. She smirked. "Really? Because it seems like you're a bit obsessed with me. You are trying pretty hard to copy me, aren't you?"

Their opponent smiled. "Oh, not copy you. Replace you. Not much good you are without your powers anyway, right? So you won't mind if I take over charge of Venus."

"I think I'm managing quite well," Minako retorted. Why do I feel like I've spoken with her before? It's as if we're old rivals…

"Yes, by some miracle you did manage to transform into… whatever that is. But I'm sure it's a fluke, a one-time thing. It won't happen again."

"Whatever you say," Minako responded.

"Um… Minako?" Sailor Moon nudged Minako. "Do you know her or something?"

"No… at least, I don't think so… she does seem familiar though," Minako answered. I can't shake this feeling that I once knew her very well.

"Ah, that's right. Where are my manners? I should have realized you wouldn't remember me," the enemy laughed. "Don't worry, this time I will make sure that you never forget. I am Psyche," she bowed.

"Psyche?" Minako repeated. Where have I heard that name before…?

"Yes, the only woman who could possibly think to rival the Goddess of Beauty," Psyche flipped her hair, practically giggling.

"So, what? All of this is because you're jealous that I might be prettier than you?" Minako snapped.

"My, you really don't remember anything, do you? It's so much more than that… You ruined my life. And now I'm going to ruin yours."