Okay, this chapter is pretty long compared to the chapters I have been posting! But it's all good!
Enjoy!
:)
Minako stood in the recording booth listening to the Three Lights experimenting with the various instruments that were available. They had spent the previous night debating about re-grouping, but finally Minako and Kakyuu had begged and they had relented. They had all gone to bed early and awoken just as early. After a quick breakfast, they had disappeared into the recording room and had spent the rest of the morning in there.
Minako was nodding her head idly at a promising tune when she heard the door behind her open. Kakyuu's head poked in and Minako smiled at her.
"Come on in. They are hard at work but when they decide to take a break we can all get out and go to Makoto's bakery for lunch."
"Thank you Minako-chan," said Kakyuu warmly, coming in and shutting the door behind her. She took the seat that was next to where Minako was standing and watched Seiya playing passionately on the piano.
"I'm glad that you managed to convince them to sing again."
"Well, you did help with that," Minako smiled and then curiously asked, "Do they sing at all on Kinmoku?"
"No," Kakyuu sighed sadly, "It took so long for our planet to heal and the tasks just seemed to have no end. But we have made so much progress, that our planet can spare us while we are here. Even a year ago, that would not have been possible."
"That is incredible. I'm very glad that Kinmoku was able to be healed and that its people were receptive to your return." Minako said genuinely. She was about to turn her gaze back to the Idol group when Kakyuu spoke again.
"Minako, would you consider us friends?" Minako turned to gaze in astonishment at Kakyuu.
"I would say we are, yes."
"May I ask you a personal question?"
Minako covered her surprise and smiling said, "Of course!"
"Why don't you and the other Senshi try to restore your own planets?"
Whatever question Minako had been expecting, this one was surely the last one that she thought would have come to mind. She felt her insides squirm at the question and the emptiness in her heart throbbed. Restore their planets? Restore Venus? Minako sighed heavily.
"The damage that was done… it is too great. I have visited Venus many times. I have been able to restore my castle, Magellan, but I don't know whether Venus will ever be able to sustain life again. Even before Metallia destroyed it, we had a very fine line to keep to. My planet is similar to Earth, but its closer position to the Sun made us considerably warmer. Venus is largely volcanic, and the near constant seismic activity always kept everyone on their toes. But my planet was beautiful. The nutrients that were brought up by all the magma produced the most beautiful and exotic vegetation that our Solar System had ever seen. Colors that Earth has no name for were a daily sight. But now… when Metallia attacked she destroyed everything living and caused the volcanoes to become over excited. Many people died, and even those that survived the lava died when the planet succumbed to the run away green house atmosphere that is still in effect today. The planet is too hot to even try terra forming. I think I will only ever have memories of what my planet once was. The people who were all so lively, but could erupt in a hot temper just as quickly as our volcanoes. The saying once in this Galaxy was "There is no such thing as 'Ugly' on Venus.' Now, Venus is less than a shadow of what it once was."
"It sounds like it was a beautiful place," said Kakyuu, "I'm very sad that I never got to see any of its beauty."
"That's very kind of you to say," Minako said smiling at the alien Princess.
They sat in a comfortable silence as they watched the Starlights continue to rehearse. After a few moments, Ami stepped into the room looking exhausted, but pleased.
"Here you are, I've found you at last."
"Late night?" Asked Mina slyly.
Kakyuu looked at the two girls confusedly while Ami blushed.
"I got paged in at 1 a.m. actually. The young boy I was supposed to operate on this morning started to have organ failure due to the tumor suddenly swelling on his brain. Right now it is unclear if it began to swell due to the drugs we were giving him or if it acted up of its' own accord, but I was able to successfully remove it. He is now recovering in the PICU."
"Way to go Ami-chan! Another life saved!" Minako beamed at the smaller girl.
Ami smiled back at her, "Thank you, Mina. He still has a long road of recovery, but I think he will make it. Do we have anything else going on today other than what's happening tonight?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"Because I think I am going to lie down and take a very long nap."
"You should. I think we are going to go have lunch at Makoto's bakery. Would you like me to bring anything back for you?"
"No, I'm supposed to have dinner with her tomorrow night, so I will get my fill then." Ami watched the tallest Star singing with his two other companions and sighed involuntarily. Kakyuu and Minako shared knowing smiles and then bothturned back to watch the boy band.
Two hungry women finally broke down and drug the three idols from the recording room. In record time Minako, Kakyuu, Seiya, and Yaten were seated in the car. Taiki had insisted on staying behind, saying he would just eat whatever was in the fridge because he wanted to spend some more time in the library, but Minako had a sneaking suspicion that it had more to do with a certain bluette that was remaining behind as well.
Yaten smiled happily to himself watching Minako and Kakyuu talk together in the front seat. He couldn't quite explain why it made him so happy to watch them getting along so well, but it did.
"I think Minako has a new best friend," whispered Seiya to Yaten.
"More like the other way around, Kakyuu really doesn't have many female friends."
Seiya feigned an injured expression; "We are women when we transform."
"That's not really the same and you know it," Yaten said.
Seiya smiled, "I'm glad that the senshi have been so kind to her."
Yaten's smile widened as he listened to the two women laugh, "Me too."
"Hey, what are you two whispering about back there," Said Minako glancing into the rearview mirror.
"Nothing," Seiya said innocently.
"That is the tone he uses when he is not being honest," laughed Kakyuu.
"How far is Makoto's bakery?" Asked Yaten.
"Someone is trying to change the subject," laughed Minako. "It's not far, and technically we will be eating in the café connected to the bakery. Makoto makes the best food in all of Japan. She has been praised by many food critics and is always in the magazines because a certain pop idol is constantly seen there."
"I can't wait," said Seiya closing his eyes and licking his lips.
Kakyuu lay back in the booth rubbing her full belly softly. Kinmoku food was rather good, but the food Makoto had fixed up for them had been simply amazing. Next to her, Seiya was moaning.
"Princess," he gasped, "I think I may have eaten too much."
"I may have over indulged as well," groaned Yaten.
Minako chuckled at the three huge bellies seated next to her, "I remember those days. But several years of eating Makoto's food has taught me when to stop. Though," she said rubbing her own belly, "Sometimes I slip and eat too much still."
Makoto walked over by their table, "And how was that?"
Kakyuu grinned widely at the tall brunette, "You are truly amazing! The food was superb; I don't think I have ever tasted anything so good in my life!"
"Hey! You said that about the breakfast I made for you yesterday!" Said Seiya indignantly.
"I didn't lie; it was the best food I had had up until that point. I don't mean to offend you Seiya, but Makoto-Chan's cooking surpasses anything I have ever eaten."
"I can live with that as long as Mako-Chan is the only one beating me in that area," Yawned Seiya with a grin.
Makoto grinned at the group, "Thanks for coming in today. It was a little quieter than usual before you all came in." She gestured around to the rest of the café. It was true, the place had been quiet when they had first walked in, but now it was bursting at the seems. Minako was used to causing a stir wherever she went, but she had never seen the café quite so full. It must be because no one has seen anything of the Star Lights since their last concert- and that concert didn't exactly end so well. The papers the next day had claimed that the Star Lights must have died in the attack. They are going to need to hire a good PR person to help them answer all of those questions.
"So how much do we owe you for eating you out of house and home?" Asked Seiya.
"Oh, you guys don't pay me!" Laughed Makoto, "Ami, Minako, Rei, and Usagi all gave me money for my start up loan for this place. That was before Ami finished med school and Mina got famous, so it was a big deal. I told them I would never charge them to eat here because of that!"
"So we don't have to pay for Minako, what do we owe you then?"
"Are you kidding? Half of this crowd is in here because of you! No way!" Makoto shook her head. "This is on me."
"If you insist-" muttered Seiya.
"I do," smiled Makoto.
"What time do you get done here?" Minako asked.
"At 6, so in about 3 hours."
"Perfect, we are all supposed to meet at Hikawa Shrine around 7."
"Sounds good! I will see you there then."
Minako, Kakyuu, Seiya, and Yaten all got up and bid farewell to Makoto. Whispers followed them as they made their way to the exit. The minute they set foot through the door, though, an enormous crowd swarmed them.
"Oh MY GAWD!"
"IT'S REALLY THEM!"
"THE STAR LIGHTS!"
"SEIYA-KUN! I LOVE YOU!"
"YAAA-AATEN! I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN!"
"Are we sure we want to do this again. It got really annoying really fast last time," Said Yaten crossly.
"EVERYONE!" Minako shouted. The crowd fell silent, "THE STAR LIGHTS ARE BACK, BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THEIR PRESS CONFERENCE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS. NOW, IF YOU WILL EXCUSE US!" She grabbed Kakyuu and Yaten's hands and bolted through the crowd to the car that was parked on the street. All four of them quickly got in and soon Minako was speeding away.
"Phew, I didn't realize that it had gotten that busy outside!" Said Seiya relieved. "Thanks Minako."
"No problem!" Said Mina cheerfully from the Drivers Seat. "Though, now you will need to organize a press conference so that I don't lose any credibility with my fans."
"That should be easy enough to do, no worries," Said Seiya. "So where are we going now?"
"Well I figured we would go back home. Ami and I will have to leave around 6 to get over to Rei's shrine and prepare for tonight."
Silence filled the car. Kakyuu reached over to Minako's hand, which had balled into a fist, and squeezed it gently.
"Minako, I know that what is happening there tonight is something personal to all of you and for different reasons. Feel free to say no to this, but would you like us to join you? As third party observers that will not hesitate if anything goes awry?"
Minako was silent as Kakyuu spoke. Then she sighed and relaxed. "I'll talk to Usagi about it, but I would love to have you all there." She gave Kakyuu a quick smile and then turned back to face the road.
"I'm sorry that all of you have to be here at such a difficult time," Minako spoke softly.
"Don't apologize, we are just glad to be here," Said Yaten warmly.
Minako was taken aback by the warmth in his voice and looked up to meet his eyes in the rearview mirror. She smiled shyly when their eyes locked.
In next to no time they were back at the house. Everyone slowly climbed out of the car, still heavy and full Makoto's lunch.
"I think I'm going to take a nap," yawned Seiya, covering his mouth as he spoke.
"Me too," said Kakyuu, stifling a yawn of her own and leaning heavily against the raven-haired star. Minako and Yaten watched them walk away toward their rooms slowly. They smiled at each other and then quickly looked away.
"I think a nap sounds great. It will definitely put me in a better mood for tonight." Said Minako stretching her arms over her head and following after Kakyuu and Seiya.
Yaten watched as she walked away slowly. How was it that she had changed so much in just a matter of years? Her walk was so different and mature. Her hair was longer and finer. Her fingers drifted up to her ribbon and she gave it a light yank to make it come undone. The rest of her hair cascaded down and she gave her head a light shake.
"Minako, wait."
Mina turned around to look back at him. Cerulean blue eyes found his and he felt his breath catch.
"You really should leave that ribbon out of your hair more often, you look great without it," He watched as she blushed slightly at his words.
"Are you going to come take a nap too?"
"Yeah, I think so," He strolled passed her to go to his room. He didn't hear Minako hurry to catch up with him but he did feel her arm snake through his. He smelled her hair as she rested her head on his shoulder. He heard his heartbeat speed up and his own breath catch. I need to get control of myself, this can't work. He glanced down at the blonde beside him.
But for right now… I think I like the way this feels.
Minako sat glumly in front of her vanity. She and Yaten had parted reluctantly outside his door and though she had tried to go in her room and rest, sleep didn't come. After wasting an hour in her bed, she had finally given up. Now she was sitting and trying to understand the cosmic joke that was her life.
I will always choose love over duty. That is my fate… My destiny. She pulled out a secret drawer from beneath her mirror. In it sat a single solitary card: The ace of hearts. She looked at it furtively. The card, though several years old now, still looked pristine, as though it had just been drawn from its box for the first time. Minako held the card to her chest.
Adonis, I wish you were here now. Things just seem to be getting so complicated. Everything is falling to pieces and my heart won't listen. I know that I have only Usagi to look forward to by my side for all eternity, but I can't seem to get my heart to understand. Day after day it searches for someone to love. When it finally found someone, they disappeared back across the stars and I was fine with that. My heart wouldn't get in the way of my duty if it were so far away, right? But now, their back and I am so confused. Did my destiny somehow change or is this a test?
Minako laid the card down on the vanity in front of her. I feel so foolish. Talking to this stupid card as if Ace can hear me.
She glared at her reflection. Don't lose focus, Venus. Every time you have wavered from your duty, it has ended in failure and heartbreak. Do you really want that to happen again? Minako shook her head as Kunzite and Ace's faces flashed in her mind. She stood up straight. I can't fail anymore. She glanced down at the card on the table. Maybe I should leave this out for now. Just as a reminder that love isn't in the cards for me.
She smiled to herself. Then she started to snicker. Soon she was rolling on the floor laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Love isn't in the 'Cards' for me… oh gawd…and it's a card… The senshi of love sat up and wiped a tear from her eye. I really need to grow up.
Rei sat in front of her shrine waiting for the senshi to arrive. Phobos and Deimos flew down and sat on either of her shoulders. Phobos squawked softly in her ear.
"Yes, I think it is safe for you to be here. Be ready to transform just in case something happens, 'Kay?" The two crows dipped their beaks in affirmation and then flew off the priestess shoulders to sit quietly in a tree not far away. Rei smiled at them and then turned her attention to the steps where she could see Usagi and Mamoru slowly walking up, deep in conversation. When they drew level with her, both grew silent and came to stand beside her.
"Mina and Ami will be here soon. The Star Lights and Kakyuu are coming with them."
"Yes, Minako and I spoke earlier. She was in favor of them coming, so I gave my permission," said Usagi solemnly.
"I don't think it is necessary for them to be here," said Mamoru quietly.
"They are less likely to do anything brash with them here, Mamo-chan, and if it makes them more comfortable to go through with this, then I am going to allow it," said Usagi in a tired voice.
"What kind of message is that sending to my Generals, though?"
"That they have not yet earned our trust. They deserve to know where they currently stand," voiced Rei, coming to her Princess' defense. "I also have Phobos and Deimos stationed nearby."
"The Shittennou aren't dangerous," Mamoru said defensively.
"With all due respect, we will be the judge of that," they all turned to see Minako coming up the steps, followed by Ami and the Starlights.
"Whom are we waiting for?" Minako asked when they all drew near.
"Just Mako-chan, but she should be here any moment," Said Usagi. "Maybe we should all transform while we wait for her," everyone nodded.
"Silver Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!"
"Mercury Crystal Power, Make Up!"
"Mars Crystal Power, Make Up!"
"Venus Crystal Power, Make Up!"
"Fighter Star Power, Make Up!"
"Healer Star Power, Make Up!"
"Maker Star Power, Make Up!"
"Kinmoku Star Power, Make Up!"
Mamoru closed his eyes and let his power wash through him. When he opened his eyes he was standing as Prince Endymion. He smiled over at Eternal Sailor Moon.
"Those wings still take a little getting used to."
She smiled back at her prince, "Don't worry, after we get married, you won't see them all that often."
"I didn't realize I was so late!" Everyone turned to watch Makoto sprint up the last few steps.
"If you transform, we will be ready," said Rei.
"Jupiter Crystal Power, Make Up!"
In moments the senshi of Jupiter stood ready to go.
"We should set the four stones here," said Rei gesturing to a small table that she had set up, "that was they are in the moon light. Sailor Moon, you should stand here, that way you are in the full view of the moon as well. Endymion, you stand here, across from her. Venus, stand here so that you are facing your planet, Venus," she positioned Minako to the right of Usagi. "Mercury, come stand between Venus and Endymion. Jupiter, if you will stand on the other side of Endymion, I will stand next to you and to the left of Sailor Moon."
Everyone took their places, forming a circle around the stones, as the Starlights watched. Sailor Kakyuu silently reached for Sailor Star Fighter's hand and linked her fingers with hers. Sailor Moon broke the silence as she brought forth the Silver Crystal.
"I call upon the Light of the Moon, of the Holy Moon Tower! Silver Crystal- give me the power to restore these fallen generals!" Eternal Sailor Moon began to glow a soft pink. "Endymion, my friends, lend me your power!"
"I offer up the power of the Earth!" Endymion began to glow a golden color. In the middle of the ring, the four stones suddenly began to shine brightly.
Yes! At last, the moment has come! Do not forget your mission, Beryl!
I can feel it! The energy restoring my body!
"I offer up the power of Mars!" Sailor Mars began to glow a vibrant red. The stones in the middle began to take on silhouettes of men.
"I offer up the power of Venus!" Sailor Venus took on a glowing orange color. The silhouettes continued to solidify.
Beryl has escaped the Galaxy Cauldron and her body will be restored where it last fell.
Everything is going according to plan!
Soon, I, Chaos shall be released upon the Universe once again!
"I offer up the power of Jupiter! A forest green color wrapped around the tallest of the inner Senshi as she spoke.
"I offer up the power of Mercury!" Sailor Star Maker stared in wonder as Sailor Mercury began to glow a light blue.
Four solid bodies now lay within the midst of the circle of senshi. The amount of energy the four Star's witnessed being poured into the four men made their mouths all gape. All of the Senshi linked hands with one another and Endymion. The process was almost complete.
Yaten watched with concern as Venus dropped to her knees. She was about to step forward when Maker grabbed her wrist and shook her head. On the ground Minako was panting. Why is this requiring so much energy?! I am standing in the light of my planet; I should be the strongest senshi here!
Across the way, Mars could feel that something was terribly wrong. The amount of energy this is requiring, it shouldn't be this much! Something is wrong! Whatever it is, it is too late to stop now; the process is almost complete. Oh Holy Moon, I fear we are going to regret this!
The four bodies began to glow impossibly bright. The four aliens shielded their eyes from the light coming from the circle. Suddenly the light faded and they lowered their hands just in time to watch the Venus fall forward.
"Minako!" shouted Sailor Moon as the Senshi of Venus fainted.
Sailor Star Healer ran forward, but stopped when a pair of strong arms caught the Senshi of Love and lifted her up gently. The arms belonged to a tall handsome man with shoulder length silver hair and piercing silver blue eyes. He was standing in a light grey suit with the top button undone and a darker grey cape fluttering gently behind him. Beside him a man with long dark brown hair was slowly rising to his feet. He wore a similar uniform, except all the buttons were done and it was lined with a golden trim. "You did it," he whispered quietly.
"Nephlyte?" Endymion said a little breathlessly.
"Prince!" Gasped a man with short, curly, blonde hair. He dark blue eyes began to glisten as he staggered to feet and embraced Endymion.
"Jadedite!" Mamoru hugged the man back. They released each other as another man with longer, wavy, blonde hair and green eyes sat up and rubbed his temple. "Zoicite!"
The man named Zoicite got to his feet and then turned to bow to Sailor Moon. "Thank you for believing in us, Princess Serenity."
Eternal Sailor Moon gave him a small smile. "I am sure my faith won't be wasted."
"No, Princess."
"Well my love, are you happy now?"
Prince Endymion turned to smile at his fiancée, "Yes. I am the happiest man in the galaxy!"
Minako moaned softly in Kunzite's arms. Eternal Sailor Moon came to stand beside Kunzite with a worried expression. "Why did Minako faint? I don't understand."
Mars spoke up, "Princess, I do not think it was only the Generals we revived."
"Huh?" Her blue eyes widened.
"The amount of energy required was much more than it should have been. Something has happened. Others have been revived as well."
Silence followed Sailor Mars declaration.
"But how is that possible?" Asked Jupiter.
"I'm not sure," said Mars, "But I am certain. Something has gone amiss."
"Kunzite?" Everyone looked at the limp blonde in Kunzites arms. He smiled down at her, "Yes Minako-chan, I'm here."
BAM! The Senshi of Light's eyes snapped open and she punched the lead general in his jaw. She quickly rolled out of his arms and stood in an attack stance as he rubbed his chin.
"What the hell was that for?" He demanded angrily.
"V Babe! The Shittennou are on our side now!" Said Sailor Moon earnestly.
"Huh? Oh-" Venus massaged her temple weakly, "Princess, Kunzite… I- I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me…"
"Maybe you need to go rest," said Mercury worriedly.
"Yeah, rest…" Venus staggered backwards and fell into Sailor Star Healer's arms. "Yaten," she breathed.
"I've got you, Mina," the small Starlight whispered.
"Who are you?" Kunzite demanded suddenly.
"These are the Sailor Star Lights, they are our allies from another part of the galaxy." Explained Sailor Mercury, walking over to stand next to Sailor Star Maker. "They happened to be visiting Earth and agreed to stand guard for us while we revived you."
"Oh," Kunzite said, glaring at the silver haired senshi that was holding Venus.
Eternal Sailor Moon decided to diffuse the situation before anything happened.
"We should all go home for the night. We certainly need to recoup after that. Rei, will you watch the fires for any insight into who might have also been revived?"
"Yes, Princess," Said Mars with a slight bow.
"Shittennou, I believe you are going home with Mamoru. Ami-chan is going to work on getting you documents so that you may establish lives of your own. But for now, we will work on getting you adjusted to this time."
"Sailor Moon is right. Come, my friends," smiled Mamoru, having changed from his Prince form. "We have much to discuss."
"Mamo-chan, I am coming with you. Wait for me at the bottom of the steps," Called Sailor Moon.
"As you wish, don't make us wait too long."
As soon as the Shittennou were out of earshot, all the Senshi de-transformed and waited for their Princess to speak.
"Everyone, Mamoru will need all of our help with the Shittennou. I expect all of you to make yourselves available to him."
"Yes Princess," the four sol senshi chorused.
"This is going to be a good thing for our future," Said Usagi confidently as she walked toward the temple steps to join Mamoru.
"Er, I walked here, so I think I am going to go with you, Usa-chan!" Said Makoto, hastening to catch up with her princess. Usagi smiled up at the tall brunette. They both quickly walked down the steps to catch up with the five men.
"Come on, let's go home," Said Ami. The aliens all nodded and Yaten helped Minako get to her feet. They made their way slowly down the steps, leaving Rei alone at the Shrine entrance. Phobos and Deimos flew down to land on her shoulders once again. The three of them watched as everyone dispersed. Then Rei turned to gaze thoughtfully at the moon.
"I fear that we have somehow set in motion something terrible,"she murmured.
The four aliens, Minako and Ami arrived back at their home feeling very tired by the night's events. Yaten helped Minako to her bedroom door.
"Do you need any help getting ready for bed?"
Minako blushed, "No, I think I'll be fine. I'm just going to shower and then go to bed."
"Okay, if you need anything, don't be afraid to get me," said Yaten, his voice full of concern.
"Thank you, Yaten-kun." Minako smiled at him and then disappeared into her room.
She closed the door behind her and then turned on her bedroom light. She stood there silently, her senses alerting her to a familiar presence. Her face broke into a small smile.
"Of course… I should have realized why I was the only one drained by the revival process. You had your link to the Generals, seeing as you served under them."
A figure by her vanity slowly rose from the seat there.
"I'm surprised you kept my talisman as long as you did."
"You were instrumental to my becoming Sailor Venus and you are also the only person I have from our home planet."
"Maybe that will increase my chances of being more than a lowly foot man in this life." The man said walking toward her.
Minako felt her voice tremble, "Ace, is that really you?"
He halted in front of her and, smiling, took one of her hands in his own and gave it a light kiss.
"Yes Princess, it's really me."
Woo-hoo! This chapter was such a challenge to write, and somehow that sneaky Danburite managed to get himself revived too!
Also, for those of you that don't know: Adonis, Ace, Danburite... They are all the same guy. Seriously, he had, like, a million different names in Sailor V. What's a poor Minako to do?!
As usual R&R!