Minako had been unconscious for hours. Mamoru had arrived after Psyche disappeared with his car, and took Minako back to Makoto's place. The girls did their best to remain calm as they called Minako's parents, letting them know that she had lost her voice from singing too much karaoke and would be staying over at Usagi's.

Somehow, unlike before, Adonis was able to remain in his physical form without any time constraint due to the impermanence of his state. "It's as if she is feeding me power, even now," he whispered, astonished at his ability to stay by Minako's side for so long.

"Minako… please wake up soon…" Artemis nudged her gently. "We're all waiting for you here."

….

I didn't get to learn any more from that memory. I seem to only be able to see fragments—still I cannot remember everything. I am now within another memory… or at least, I think I am. Maybe none of this is real at all. Maybe all of it is just a dream.

"Please, Sister, let Cupid come visit me! He is the only person on all of Earth whoever stood by me, who accepted me for what I was," the young girl—not just any girl, a young Psyche—begged Minako, tugging on her dress.

"All right, all right," Minako giggled. "I shall make the petition to temporarily transfer this Cupid to Venus tomorrow."

Psyche's eyes lit up as she hugged Minako tightly. There's absolutely no hatred in this girl. All I can feel is her warmth, hope and excitement. How did she change so much? The pit in Minako's stomach revealed the answer. But this is definitely no dream. I remember that even at this time I felt concerned. I couldn't say no to her. But was sending for this boy really a good idea?

….

Time and space whirled around Minako as that piece of memory came to an end and she entered yet another memory. She found herself hiding behind a door, discreetly spying on Psyche.

"I wish I didn't have to go," a young man's voice said. Minako peeked in and saw the tall dark figure holding Psyche's hands in his. She squinted, trying to take in his face, but it seemed to be covered in shadow. I can't seem to see who it is… My memories aren't complete, as I thought. But I can guess…

"Why do you have to?" Psyche said sadly as she got closer and closer to the figure. She stood on her toes, as if ready to kiss him.

"According to your sister," Minako could hear disdain in his voice, "people from Earth are not allowed to associate with those from other planets. She claims she made a special exception for me, considering your circumstances. But now she is insisting that I leave. She doesn't trust me. She thinks I'm going to change you."

"Change me? But without you, there is no me!" Psyche cried.

Minako shook her head. She is still so young. How can she think that way? If only I understood the history between her and Cupid. Why does she cling to him? Why is he trying to sabotage our relationship?

"Listen," Cupid lowered his voice. "Venus fears you. I think it's the reason that she brought you here to begin with. You are the only person whose powers rival her own, who could possibly take her place as Princess and Senshi of Venus. She's got you under her thumb."

Minako gasped. He's lying through his teeth! None of that is true at all. I may not have all my memories, but I know that I would never have done such a thing. I brought her here because I cared about her. It was the people on Earth who feared her. It isn't normal to be able to send blasts of energy out of your hands on Earth, after all.

Upset, Psyche turned around and ran out the door. Minako shrunk further into the corner, making sure to keep hidden from her.

"And now I've got her under my thumb," she heard Cupid's voice say, a chuckle emerging from the room.

….

For a second, everything went black. Then, all at once, Minako felt her consciousness come back to reality. When she opened her eyes, all of her friends were standing over her.

"Minako! Oh, thank goodness you're finally awake," Usagi said, tears streaming down her face. She leapt forward and hugged Minako tightly. Just like Psyche did, what seemed like only a few moments ago.

She wiped her eyes groggily. "What happened…?"

"Well," Ami spoke softly. "You fell to the ground right in front of Psyche, we didn't know what was wrong. Artemis told us that you had travelled into Adonis' memories and were likely still weak from that experience… but you were unconscious for almost 24 hours."

"We were all so worried!" Rei exclaimed.

"We tried everything we could to wake you, from shaking you to smelling salts, but you seemed to be somewhere far away," Makoto added.

"Princess," Minako whipped her head around to find where the voice was coming from. She saw Adonis kneeling next to her bedside, his hand on his heart. "I have been by your side this entire time. The limitations on my ability to stay in this form seem to be lifting…"

It seemed to Minako that Adonis was blushing. I feel like the bond between us has gotten stronger. I'm growing to trust him more, to understand his past more. And he is learning to be free of Queen Metalia's curse once again. We're going through this together, him and me. She smiled. "Thank you, Adonis. I could feel your strength and support within me."

"I could sense yours," Adonis said, seemingly surprised.

As Minako gazed into his eyes, she noticed that he seemed more real to her than he had since he first appeared from the card. His form… it's not translucent anymore. She fought the urge to reach out and touch him, to see if she could feel his warmth as in her memories. It's too embarrassing in front of everyone. I have hardly even told them anything about Kaitou Ace—only the basics. Maybe they wouldn't understand, or wouldn't approve.

"Well? Aren't you going to tell us what happened?" Rei asked, her hands on her hips.

"Ah… it's a bit complicated," Minako responded, scratching her head. The room was silent and everyone's eyes were on her. Then the room was full of the sound of her stomach grumbling. "What? It's been over a day since I've eaten! I'll explain over food."

Everyone laughed, both exasperated by Minako's carefree nature and relieved that she was still able to act that way despite the seriousness of the situation ahead of them.