Greetings, dear readers! It's KaleidoMirror once again.
I must confess, I have two stories pending for Alex-Keller's writing contest, both from different franchises in which I plan to participate soon. Despite having less than a month to submit them, I'll give my best to deliver them as promptly as possible. In the meantime, I'll focus on finishing the upcoming chapters of this new saga, refining every lingering detail.
I hope you enjoy this offering, crafted with sincerity and a profound appreciation for the works and franchises of Sailor Moon and Fate/Stay Night.
Minako let out a sigh, averting her gaze from Rei. Her fingers nervously toyed with the edge of her skirt, reflecting the tension that filled the room. Discomfort was completely painted on Minako's face.
Rei, lying in her bed and dealing with sneezes caused by her cold, watched Minako with a mix of curiosity and impatience. Strange sounds from the temple's kitchen and occasional meows from Artemis only added to the confusion on Rei's face.
"Mina, could you explain... what the hell just happened?" she asked, trying to maintain patience as her eyes shifted to the kitchen, where mysterious noises persisted.
Minako, persistent in her attempt to avoid confrontation, tried to dodge the question. However, her efforts faded when a stuffed bear flew towards her, hitting her in the face. Taking the improvised projectile with grace, she straightened up, facing Rei's inquisitive gaze.
With her mood turned chaotic, Minako felt cornered as she realized her best-kept secret was about to be revealed. "Humph... Maybe I managed to fool everyone with excuses and half-truths," she pondered, admitting that this small mistake could be a blessing in disguise.
"I wonder what surprise Shirou-kun has prepared for us this time," she commented, bringing a finger to her chin as she let her imagination fly about the culinary possibilities.
"For once, be serious, Mina!" Rei exclaimed, frustrated with Minako's carefree attitude. However, her guard didn't last long against her friend's nervous look, and in the end, both ended up in a chorus of laughter that managed to ease the tension in the air, allowing both sailors to calm their spirits before moving forward.
"Well... to be honest, I don't even know where to start explaining it all, but..." Minako took her phone and examined it for a few seconds before handing it to Rei, "maybe the photos can speak more about him than I could."
Rei silently observed the phone, letting the images capture her attention as the mystery began to unfold in the photographs Minako showed her.
At first, Rei hesitated to take the phone, feeling a certain confusion, unable to comprehend her friend's seemingly senseless actions. However, her curiosity led her to look at the screen, and soon, she found herself immersed in a world of images that challenged what she thought she knew about Minako Aino's personal life.
The room, shrouded in a soft morning dimness and illuminated by the light of a Japanese paper lamp, provided the perfect setting for this revealing moment. Some shadows, unnoticed by anyone in the room, danced fleetingly along the walls, disappearing in the same way they had emerged.
Slowly, Rei examined the photos on the phone, feeling how her perception of Minako transformed with each image.
At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary: pictures of Artemis and some snapshots of the gang enjoying their routine adventures. But as she scrolled through them, the abrupt change in theme became evident. It all started when the first image caught her attention, making her reconsider everything she knew. Navigating through the gallery, she found an abundance of selfies where Minako happily posed alongside the mysterious young man currently in the kitchen. Among them, a Halloween-themed photo stood out, with both dressed as demon and angel, sharing a conspiratorial smile directed at the camera.
As she explored, she noticed screenshots of text messages that she decidedly chose not to delve into, recognizing the intimacy and affection they reflected. However, the images that left her most perplexed were those depicting the couple's daily activities. She would have never imagined Minako cooking alongside the young redhead, watching movies in the company of Artemis, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at the Aino household.
The most recent photos showed the couple in various landscapes, enjoying meals and memorable moments. But what puzzled Rei the most was the anchored gallery, representing a special celebration: her friend's birthday. The room carefully decorated, a small cake between them, and the young man handing Minako a small locket from a box revealed the intimacy of their relationship, while Artemis observed with great happiness from the corner.
At that moment, it became clear to Rei that her friend, Minako Aino, Sailor Venus, was in the midst of a relationship. However, contrary to what the young suitor might have expected, the photographs showed someone affectionate and genuine, proving that the connection between them went beyond the superficial. The truth unfolded before Rei, revealing a facet of Minako she had completely unknown.
Taking a much-needed few minutes to process everything she knew about her friend Mina, Rei delved into the complexity of what seemed to be a universe completely different from what she and her friends knew. "Maybe I can just ask her directly," she thought, debating internally before feeling a pang of conflict with the idea. A headache overcame her as she tried to organize the questions she wanted to ask Mina, but the fresh images in her mind made her reconsider everything, and with a sigh, she let her thoughts escape.
"Mina, before we delve into the more important questions, I think it would be great if you shared more information about the young man currently in my kitchen."
Minako nodded, a joyful expression lighting up her face.
"For now, I only know his name, and that's because we both introduced ourselves before you turned my room into a mess," Rei pointed to the abundance of things out of place, trying to contain her emotions as she remembered the features of the young man. "Shirou... Emiya-kun? That name doesn't ring a bell at all, but I think I understand his role in all of this with you," Rei asked, noticing the spark of joy in her friend's eyes.
Minako laughed gently before beginning, "Oh, Rei, there are so many things I can tell you about Shirou-kun. You know, the time I spend with him is always wonderful, especially because lately, he has agreed to tell me more about his little business."
"Mina!" Rei exclaimed, raising an irritated eyebrow at her friend's ramblings.
"But it's true, Artemis and I have been very persistent about it. It's something we really want to know for a long time, but well, that will be for another occasion," Mina's voice became more nervous as she noticed her friend's impatient looks, "So now I think I'll share some details with you."
The atmosphere between them had subtly changed, but the excitement was palpable. Minako smiled widely, immersing herself in the memories.
"To be honest, I've known him for just under a year. Our meeting was something you could call cliché, but Shirou-kun saved me on that occasion," it was an involuntary act on her part, but Mina delicately took the locket hanging around her neck. "It was magical; I was lost in the middle of London on one of my international missions before joining the Sailor Scouts. Although I managed to complete my mission, I suffered some injuries and setbacks, but Shirou-kun was there for me, and that hasn't changed until now."
Rei continued to listen to Mina, who took intervals to offer details.
"After a while, we kept seeing each other. I don't know how it started, but in less than a month, we were back in Tokyo with a relationship. At first, we had some small difficulties, but nothing a Sailor's love can't overcome." Mina raised an arm in a show of strength amid Rei's laughter.
Mina, for her part, smiled with the same warmth, accepting her phone back, looking at the picture she used as her wallpaper, where her boyfriend embraced her tenderly.
Rei smiled at the sincerity and palpable happiness in Minako's words. "That's quite a love story you had well hidden," she remarked as she took a sip of water from the table next to her bed. "It's clear you really care, Mina."
"More than you can imagine," Mina replied as she put her phone away again.
"I'm glad you found someone so special, but I'm still curious about personal details."
"You're right. Now that you mention it, I always have the bad habit of beating around the bush, but it's because Shirou-kun tends to downplay things. But, on that occasion, it was my lifesaver!"
"I can understand a bit why you've been quite immersed in tales of princesses and knights lately."
Rei, with her characteristic sharpness, made the observation with a playful tone, knowing that she was touching on an intriguing topic.
"You might not mention that little detail to Shirou-kun," Mina's apprehension in her voice was evident, and Rei didn't miss the chance to sow a bit of mischief.
"That will cost you a lot, Mina, but there will be another occasion to pay for it. For now, I'd like you not to make the matter more dramatic and share more about your shining-armored knight."
Looking at Rei with some insecurity, the blonde didn't waste time with the curious priestess's threat. "To start, Shirou Emiya is in his first year at Azabu University. He's a pretty sweet guy for his age, recently turned 17, but due to some family issues, we haven't been able to celebrate properly. Surprisingly, he's quite mature; he lives alone with his grandfather due to some family complications, but he's always incredibly kind and attentive to me despite my constant disasters. He usually downplays it and brightens the day with his smile."
Rei nodded, waiting for Minako to continue with more details about this special young man.
"Also, I know Shirou-kun will surprise you too with his amazing cooking skills. Thanks to his constant teachings, now my rice bowls are my star dish," Minako shared.
"I seriously give you the benefit of the doubt about this Emiya-kun's ability in the kitchen, but I refuse to believe you can do something decent enough to be considered edible, Mina," Rei's incredulous voice left the blonde puzzled.
"You'll see what I'm capable of in the kitchen another time," Mina defended herself, understanding that was one of her weak points but decided not to add more salt to the wound and preferred to talk about more positive aspects of her beloved. "Besides, Shirou-kun has that sixth sense for trouble; he always knows what to do."
"What do you mean?" Rei asked, captivated by the details about Shirou.
"It's hard to explain, but he's always there for me, supporting me at all times. I can't go into details about the difficulties he has faced in his life, but what I can share is that what has me madly in love with him is how he can maintain that incredible kindness in his heart. Sometimes, I joke about how he's my 'justice hero,' capable of making every day with him special, Rei."
"That's evident, Mina. I can see it present in more than half of your gallery," Rei's voice hinted that she understood the point of the relationship between them, but Mina's dreamy expression made her realize how in love her friend was with her boyfriend.
"Of course!" Mina admitted with her smile blooming on her face.
It was a brief contest of looks between both friends, but the friendly and relaxing atmosphere allowed them to enjoy a warm laugh.
"But damn, Mina, I'm too surprised at how you were able to hide something as big as this from all of us for almost a whole year."
"It wasn't an easy task, Rei," Mina replied as she lowered her head nervously, joining her index fingers in an attempt to dodge the question.
"I can understand a bit why you've been quite immersed in tales of princesses and knights."
Rei's observation was received with a touch of complicity by Mina, who couldn't help but smile at the evident connection between her recent readings and her love life.
"Let me guess... it was all about this Emiya-kun?" Rei's intrigue in her voice and Mina's lowered gaze was all she needed to connect the dots.
"At first, it was my idea to keep our relationship a secret because... well... you know, I didn't want things to be rushed. Shirou-kun also had certain issues he's still resolving, and I didn't want to burden him with more problems. But he was quite patient with me and always showed that there was always an answer for everything. So, in the end, with all the Sailor Scouts sick, I decided it would be the most opportune time for 'Nurse of Love Mina and the ever-reliable hero of justice Emiya to save the day.'"
"Mina, I must say you still have to improve in your presentations," Rei teased as she wiped an imaginary tear from her right eye, "But I can see that your feelings are in the right place. Besides, I can hear that our chef finished his dishes a while ago."
"I think you're right," Mina confirmed as she gently got up from the bed.
"I'm not in a position to say anything, but I can see good things auguring in your future. From what I can tell, Mina, he's the whole package. But I'm really happy for you for finding someone."
"Yes, Rei, I'm very grateful," Minako nodded with gratitude.
The two friends were about to continue their conversation, but the abrupt sound of approaching footsteps interrupted them.
"Minako, could you help me with this? I'm sure your friend Hina-san will love this ginger-cooked rice, accompanied by ginger tea; it will help her recover faster from her cold," the male voice behind the door made both share a knowing smile as Mina took a few seconds before walking to the door, ignoring Rei's silent jokes.
"Okay, Shirou-kun, give me a second!" turning around, Mina's mischievous smile surprised the priestess, "You can bet Shi-chan is a very special guy to me, so now that the cat's out of the bag, I know everyone will love to meet him. After all, that's my boyfriend!"
The morning visit to Hikawa Shrine unfolded as charming for the couple. Surrounded by laughter and sharing experiences, the three teenagers wove a unique connection that sparked amusement in the girls and a certain nervousness in Shirou. The atmosphere, saturated with the serenity of the shrine, created the perfect setting to strengthen the bonds between them.
However, during the initial exchange with the ailing Miko, Shirou perceived a momentary and peculiar glint in Rei Hino-san. Unable to fully explain the nature of that uniqueness, he decided, for the time being, to set it aside, focusing on preparing nutritious dishes for her.
Grateful for having witnessed a new facet of his girlfriend, something previously unknown to him, Shirou was immersed in the experience. Meeting one of Mina's friends provided him with a deeper insight into the network of relationships and friendships that his girlfriend valued so much. This experience allowed him to understand a bit more about the reason behind the tales of princesses and knights that had recently captured Minako's imagination.
As their visit concluded, the couple bid farewell to the priestess, leaving behind the tranquil shrine to immerse themselves in the midday light. The sky painted itself with warm hues, despite the snow decorating the surroundings, creating a charming atmosphere befitting the December festivities.
"Maybe we should think about how to introduce you at Ami's house. I'm not sure how she'll take your presence," Minako suggested with a hint of concern.
"To be honest, you need to be more tactful with her, Mina. I recall you mentioning how reserved Mizuno-san can be," Shirou reminded, his expression thoughtful, still retaining the freshness of the incident in the library.
"You're right, but that's something we'll worry about later, Shi-chan," Minako responded with a smile as she tightly grasped her boyfriend's right arm.
"For now, I'm concerned about how Kino-san and Tsukino-san will react," Shirou confessed, scratching his head with a certain apprehension.
"Who knows? I hadn't thought about it yet," Mina replied, sticking her tongue out and playfully teasing the redhead.
Noticing that his girlfriend showed no concern for future visits to her friends' houses, Shirou decided to relax and go with the flow, as he had done lately. Although his life still held questions about why he was here, the company of Minako Aino allowed him to move forward with his ideals. He had found in her someone with a passion as fiery as his for their dreams. Additionally, Artemis's constant presence on his shoulder, sleeping peacefully, was a constant reminder of the uniqueness of his new life in the past few months.
With winter as their witness and the soft crunch of snow under their feet blending with laughter and light chatter, they created a melody accompanying their steps. City lights gradually illuminated their path, adding a magical touch to the atmosphere. Minako, with her cheerful and contagious spirit, led the conversation as they shared anecdotes and laughter.
The snowy landscape enhanced the beauty of the moment, with snowflakes gently descending, giving the scene an additional charm. As they advanced, Shirou couldn't help but feel grateful for these simple yet significant moments amidst the festive season. The connection between them, wrapped in the magic of winter, left a lasting impression on their hearts.
Greetings once again! This is KaleidoMirror bidding farewell after presenting the first chapter of this exciting saga titled "The Secret is Revealed (Venus I)".
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed this initial installment. I'm eager to meet you in the next chapter and continue exploring this fascinating journey together! Until soon!