Minako stood in the Command Center, still in her Venus form. Her mind was racing from everything she had remembered. Her memories as Minako and her memories as Venus refused to properly combine. She clutched her head that had so recently blazed with the mark of Venus. It felt like her mind was trying to break apart.
Artemis sat on the console and watched her, not saying anything. She tried to smile at him but it faded as a lance of pain went through her head.
"I'm sorry, Minako. I didn't restore your memories because I was afraid you would be like this."
She shook her head as if that would help. "I'll be fine, Artemis. I just need a moment to collect my thoughts."
He shook his head. "I think it will take more than that. That's ok. I prepared something just in case this happened."
He pushed a button on the console and an image appeared on it. Minako felt her mind flow back in time to a time that had long since gone.
*Sailor-Moon*
Baby Serenity lay in her crib. Venus approached the crib. She had given up her rule of Venus and her status as Aphrodite for this moment. She fell to her knees before the baby and spoke.
"My princess, I am Protected by Venus, the planet of Beauty. Guardian of Love. I swear my eternal loyalty to you. I forsake the comfort of romantic love, so I remain at your side. I will always protect you, my mistress."
The baby opened her eyes and deep blue eyes met Venus' own blue orbs. The baby smiled and reached for her. Venus felt her eyes prick with tears.
"I'll take that as an acceptance."
*Sailor-Moon*
Even over a thousand years later, Venus would recognize the face of her beloved Princess. The girl lay in her bed, sound asleep. She might have been reborn as a human, but it was clear that this person was still Serenity. She even splayed all over the bed in the same way she remembered fussing about all those mornings in Silver Millinum.
"This is why I was reborn," Minako said as she wiped away the tears as she tried and failed to touch the image. "To be reunited with my liege. I gave up everything for her. Artemis, we can't allow anything to happen to her!"
"My thoughts exactly. We can use a portion of the Silver Crystal's power to awaken Sailor Guardian's powers for her. Meanwhile, we can present you as Her Majesty, Princess Serenity."
Minako nodded as she looked at her Venus outfit. "That was my role. I was the Princess' Body double. Let's go, Artemis. We have much work to do."
*Sailor-Moon*
That night, when Artemis was sleeping, she went to the house in the vision. The girl who was her princess still slept deeply. Minako fell to her knees beside the bed.
"You who are my only mistress. My reason for living. I am protected by Venus, the planet of beauty. Guardian of love, I Sailor Venus have arrived. I swear, my beloved Princess Serenity, I will do everything I can to protect you and your prince this time. Please, don't die on me again."
Minako pressed a gentle kiss to the girl's head. "When we meet again, I hope I can remain at your side. Farewell for now, my Princess."
She rose and departed, looking back as she left. She knew it would be some time before she returned. Her mind was clear now, her idenity combined properly. No more self-doubt or distractions.
She never told Usagi about that night. She served first Sailor Moon, and then Neo Queen Serenity with joy in her heart.