Part 21: You make me want

Venus did her best over the next week to return things to normal. It seemed odd to try but she knew it would be the only way to get over everything. Her friend was right, they needed to have more trust in her. Nightly, for the next two days she received reports on the warfare. Ami was winning with flying colors- as everyone expected. The Queen and the senshi were happy to hear it. The princess of Mercury sent word that they should expect to see her again in a week or two once the smoke had settles.

Mars and Jupiter had been conspicuously present in the address to Earth about the matter. Nothing could coax Princess Jupiter's anger- that was Ami's job. Her absence made it all the worse. While Jupiter had a way of showing resentment, the glare of Mars was not to be compared with. She was livid at the notion that they had no idea where the rebels had began. She had to be restrained on some level by Venus and even the Queen herself.

The Moon Princess spent much of her time with Venus playing games and ditching studies. Now and again, she would go missing and would return again within a short time. Everyone had their suspicions but Venus wondered wither to let it continue or not. Perhaps she should be comforted by her love. Or is this the best time to clip the bud of romance?

Once she thought of approaching her on the subject but was suddenly distracted by the thought of seeing Kunzite again. Now would be the worst possible time to see him. She wouldn't know what to say or how to look at all. So her decision, for now, was to let her go uninterrupted so long as she wasn't gone too long.

On the third day since the attack, Venus, Mars and Jupiter were enjoying the last of the fine weather this season outside. They nibbled little cookies Makoto had frosted early that morning.

Sitting at a little glass table under an umbrella of lace with the princes of Jupiter the Princess of Venus started, "Wouldn't they just be adorable together? Ami is so sweet but I just don't think she could have gotten him on her own."

The green one argued "But he's so flirtatious! Who knows if Ami will even need to 'catch' him."

The Venus Princess returned Ami-Chan might be scared off. "Of course everyone knows General Zoicite is smart enough for her."

"Yes, yes we know but there is always something deeper Venus. Something every girl wants in a man and husband."

Venus shoved another cookie into her trap only half listening. But when Rei nonchalantly turned her lustrous raven hair to the sky and spoke, Venus stopped mid-chew.

"He has to be loyal. He has to complete her. And you'll know when it's them when he fills that part of you you never thought was missing. You know?"

"He-"

Venus stared at her friend. The clouds behind Rei's face were gray and swift. She felt a cold wind unsettle her skin. Mars's dark aloof eyes stood motionless as she said-

"He makes you want to be better."

A clank from Makoto turned their gaze. She was holding her stomach and her eyes were wide. None of them had noticed but a strange song was singing from within. Most likely because the bad weather had picked up so suddenly, the small voice was drown in the fresh wind.

"Princess Jupiter! Come quickly!"

"On some unrelated note there has been a similar attack on Jupiter. It's not nearly as strong and we don't believe it's being conducted by the same people."

"You're sure?"

"Yes. We're positive. Everything down to the tactical movements is different from the reports we gathered from Mercury."

"Has Mercury been informed on this?"

"Yes but the replies are a bit irregular. We're waiting for a fuller response. We know how busy they are."

Venus nodded. Mars knelt next to her on the ground in front of their queen.

The Queen responded to her advisor. "Thank you Luna."

"Your majesty, now that Makoto is gone I am worried about the protection of our dear princess."

Mars interrupted. "we'll be fine. The sailor soldiers can get here almost instantaneously if need be. If we need them they will be here."

The Queen ignored this and continued to ask questions. Luna continued to respond but Venus wasn't listening. She was wondering how she was going to smile after this. Makoto had left quickly but not without saying goodbye.

"It's only a small attack Rei. Relax! I'll be back by the end of tomorrow I'm sure. If not, " She winked one of her beautiful olive eyes, "You can eat the rest of the sushi I made. I know it's your favorite."

The green goddess leant down and kissed the Princess of the Moon on top of her lovely head and walked away smiling over her shoulder as though she were gong on a hike. "Don't look so sad! It doesn't suit you!" She grinned and laughed at herself.

Serenity was comforted and smiled back but Venus saw Makoto's hand rub subconsciously over her stomach. A few hours later she had disappeared again- longer this time. She came back just before Venus was going to look for her and just before they were all summoned to the throne of the Queen.

Minako gave her a wary look but said nothing.

Now, the Great Hall looked cold and uninviting. The windows to the sides were covered in dark clouds that drifted in and out of sight. In a few minutes it would clear up again. That was the spring weather here on the Moon.

Sitting at the long table was strange with so few people. Minako, out of habit, kept up her smile and laughter. Even if no one else felt like talking, she tried anyway.

The Queen made an unusual effort to smile and talk. The princess of the Moon was feeling much better since her disappearance. She whispered to Minako if they could ditch history class today again so they could play a game.

Venus shook her head. "You've missed enough history lately and besides- I've got stuff to do today too you know."

Serenity stuck out her tongue unhurt. "Meanie."

She was standing stalk-still looking out from the window onto a large glittering lake. She could not tell what time it was but she felt the weather was ironic considering her current mood. Usually the clear sky and fading light of the sun would have Minako at ease but now it seemed to stretch her heart out. She was confused and her mind was pounding with thoughts of…nothing. All she could do was not to do anything at all. Just stare and let the feeling of loss and pressure weigh down on her. Her eyes were faded and she reached one over-soft finger to touch the window. It felt cold despite the fact that a pit of a yellow shawl was tucked under her palm. She felt tired and empty.

The princess of Mars stood at the door of the great room. Minako had been gone so long from her usual joy spurting about the castle she thought it would be wise to seek her out. When she had found the room she noticed the young woman standing very still taking deep slow breaths. She did not want to disturb her at first for fear of breaking Her obvious attempt to wallow. In what, Mars did not know. But she knew Minako would not want or need to be left alone for very long. Gathering up a little courage she parted her lips and called out.

"Aphrodite…"

Minako turned with a smile on her lips but Rei knew better than to trust this mask.

"Yes Enyalis? What is it?" Minako came forward and Rei took her hand. They sat on a large 'French' couch that spoofed up on one side so Rei could place her back onto it facing Minako.

"Is something…" Minako tried to hold back her hurt. She did not want to bother anyone else about it, especially not Rei. She was looking right into Minako's mask and was boring away into her heart. If she loved Rei so much why should she hide anything? She should hear.

"Is something wrong Enyalis?" She let out a slight sob after a tear slipped down at the name. Rei face was soft and sad. It seemed to droop a little at the edges and her usually deep black eyes of war were brimming with soft tears. Uncharacteristically Rei gave into an impulse and reached up to Minako's face to wipe away the stray tear. Minako sobbed.

"What is it Enyalis? Don't look so sad please! It doesn't look right on you." And she let it all come out: all the worry all the confusion right on Rei hand. She kissed and cried into it. They clapped their arms around one another. Suddenly they were in a world between worlds. They weren't princess or soldiers. They were friends sitting together taking care of one another.

A noise from across the room broke them apart. Venus reached up to wipe her face and her vision cleared for a little girl holding a white envelope.

Venus stood and took the paper from her hand. The little girl, oblivious to its contents ran from the room.

Venus flipped over the paper and read the words on the back of the page. It took her along while to lift her golden head to her friend's anxious face.

"Mars?"

"Yes?"

Venus's face had turned cold and pale.

"It's them."

"It's who?"

"It's Earth…Their attacking."

"Venus-"

Her eyes suddenly grew wild. "It's a war! She grabbed her friend's arms and forcefully shook her backward and front. "It's a war Mars! Go! Go protect Your planet hurry Go!"

"But Venus-"

"Didn't you hear what I said?"

"Yamete, Venus your hurting me!"

"Run!" She pushed Rei away from herself. "Rei! It's a war! Their coming after us all! First Mercury then Jupiter, can't you see why? Your next Rei your people are in danger I want you to go to them hurry!"

"Minako-Chan!"

She screamed unyielding "Rei-chan, HIYAKU!" She almost threw Rei from her. Rei was quick to stand up and look one last time at the golden reflection of her self. What did the letter say? But Rei knew much better than to question her leader's words. It wasn't a request that she go, it was a strategic order.

"Venus." Rei Hardly knew what to say. Venus gave her allowance to say something quick but she knew if it was too long she'd get angry again.

"I'll see you again." Minako nodded solemnly the desperation retreating from her golden eyes.

"I'll tell the Queen you're gone."

"Hai. Arigato."

They ran in separate directions.

One shouted, "You're Majesty!"

The other, "Mars Powah!"

Hoowwww-diee! I posted again! Woo! A record!

For those of you wondering about my other stories (she loved and We loved) I'm putting them on hold until I finnish this one.

Things are going to get fun. Really- next up come rhe parts that I really like. This was just a set up….BTW- that bit with Minako and Rei at the end? I had that written a million years ago. ;p I finally got to it. That's the part I Really want to see comments on sil vous plait. 

I'm almost graduated from college and I have very very little time. (I did start this whole thing when I was a freshman, whew!) But my goal is work on it every Sunday from now on as often as I can.

As I have said, I do have the ending already written but were not quite there yet. This part is really to lead you into how they all feel about the situation but, I'll be honest, it's not coming out the way I wanted it to…

Do you feel the same way? It's coming off not the way it should.?

Well. I've made up my mind that I'm gonna re-write this thing after it's done perhaps re-do the first 3 for fun to see what I can do.

I see so few of you:weep:

Angry Girl aka. Sarah: Your comments made me giggle! Yeah, I'ma gonna re-write but I don't think I'll change the story too much and yes- add new bits. ; with you in 'em probbbbly. I'm so glad you DO review I appreciate it so much! I've always liked gold but would it be too much for her..naw.  how r u these days? Still writing yoiur good stuffs? Get back to me soon! Love love!

Lady Aphadriel: thank you sugar! I hope you come back to read it often! I'm so glad you took even a moment to comment as well.  I know my writing sucks but we'll just have to muddle through together neh? Thankiez!

Vchanny: I love you. What more can I say? Whenever I feel sad I should read what you write. I'm SO GLAD you started to write again:squwee!: I'm so glad! You were always and inspiration to me in 100 ways. So getting it to the computer? Hurry! Heck I'll SEND you a jump drive! A part II huh? Hm..I have so little confidence in myself to write a modern piece. I mean, everyone knows Minako-chan so well, it's much easier to screw her up. Not you though. You got mad skillz. I would just die if meh characters went too ooc. But then, if I do well, I can always ask for your direction, right? As for re-writing this: I'm sorry babe but I think I will. Perhaps I need advice about it though. When I first started writing I did it for myself, but (sadly) I feel more motivated when I have good compadres like you to inspire me to keep going. I dun't know. Perhaps I'll just add parts and make sure grammar and all that is correct. I really don't write VERY well. In fact, the reason I started doing this at all was to help me learn how to type better. We'll see huh+I do love that manga color. What IS that? So graceful and adult-like neh?

Can I say how much I love you though? I can always count on at least one little review from my favorite Vchanny. Hey, thanks so much. I never mind your long reviews. No pressure though. Feel free to leave me to die anytime. ;)

And do let me know when you post again. SO Exciting!

OK so- the question for this time is, why should a person write? For themselves of or self-esteem?

What would Minako write about?

Please R&R.

Please R&R.

Please R&R. ;)

Especially the second R.

I love you all so much- thanks for your time.

All my