Minako sat by the classroom window, her gaze drifting away from the boring and mundane scribbles on the blackboard to the vast expanse of the sky. The pale crescent moon hung low, visible even in the afternoon light.
A silent presence that felt both distant and infuriating close.
Its ghostly form seemed to mock her, a constant reminder of what was lost and what was to come. A flutter of anticipation stirred within her. Soon, it would be time to reveal herself to the others. To finally reunite with the girls who were more than friends. They were her sisters, her confidantes, her other half. Yet, an unexpected nervousness clawed at her edges.
She pressed a hand to the cool glass, letting out a shaky breath that fogged the pane, momentarily obscuring her view.
Two years.
The weight of that time pressed down on her, making each breath a labor.
Two long years since Artemis had found her, since he'd awakened the memories locked deep within her soul. Two years of solitude, carrying the weight of the knowledge that set her apart from everyone around her. Two years of watching from afar, her sisters in arms suffering, unable to reach out, to embrace them, to fight alongside them.
She had relived the camaraderie and laughter of times long past, but without the warmth of their presence. Every night, dreams of Kunzite haunted her. Her silver haired guardian whose smile lit up her world. The hollow ache in her chest throbbed, a phantom pain that served as her only reminder of what she'd lost. What she'd yearned to regain.
Minako closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment to remember Serenity's infectious laughter, Mercury's gentle wisdom, Rei's fiery passion, Jupiter's steadfast strength. Then Kunzite's smile flashed across her mind, vivid and painful, torture and relief. The memories were so vivid she could almost hear them, feel their warmth.
But when she opened her eyes, she was alone. Always alone.
Her fingers unconsciously traced the outline of her transformation pen in her pocket. Soon, she reminded herself. She would reveal herself to them. Rejoin them. The thought sent a flutter of nervous energy through her stomach, the feeling so at odds with her usual confidence that it almost made her laugh.
What would their reactions be? Would they welcome her with open arms? Or would they resent her for keeping her identity secret for so long? These unanswered questions bit at her, adding another layer to the complex tapestry of emotions that had become her constant companion.
Then there was Kunzite.
His face swam before her mind's eye—those piercing eyes, that rare, heart-stopping smile. Two years dreaming of him, reaching out in the dark only to grasp empty air. The bond between them had once defied the gods, and now it lay dormant, waiting to be rekindled.
Now her hand moved to her chest, pressing against that spot behind her ribs. It pulsed faintly, reminding her of what she had lost and what might never be regained. Until she was reunited with him, until he was by her side once more, she wouldn't be whole. But the path to that reunion remained covered in mist, drowned in uncertainty and potential heartbreak.
The school bell's shrill ring shattered her reverie, making her flinch. The classroom erupted in sounds and voices. Books sliding into bags. Papers fluttering. Voices clamoring. A commotion she could never fully lose herself in. Minako gathered her books and slipped into the hall. Friends clustered together, talking excitedly about upcoming plans. Couples held hands, stealing kisses.
Demonstrating everything she was denied.
"Soon," she whispered to herself, casting one last glance at the indifferent moon. "Soon, but not soon enough."
She moved through the sea of students like a ghost, present but unseen. Reaching her shoe locker, she kneeled to swap out her indoor slippers for her street shoes. Fingers working automatically to tie the laces, not really thinking. The cool metal of the locker door pressed against her shoulder, a slight distraction from the thoughts flooding her.
A cluster of girls approached, their voices bubbling with enthusiasm. Their excited chatter broke through her melancholy haze. She knew them, recognized them. Classmates she'd collaborated with on projects, shared polite conversation, even gone out with a few times.
But they weren't friends.
Not like Serenity, with her boundless energy and propensity to create mischief. Not like Mercury, whose quiet intelligence brought comfort. Not like Mars or Jupiter, whose strength and loyalty had been pillars in another life. Not like him.
The thought of her true friends sent a pang through her chest, sharp and bittersweet.
"Minako!" one girl called out. "A group of us are going to karaoke to celebrate the end of testing. Come with us! You should totally come!"
Another chimed in, "Yeah! You're an amazing singer."
"Seriously, that song you did for the talent show was fantastic."
For a heartbeat, Minako's resolve wavered. She loved to sing and bounce around in front of an audience. Belting out a song was her idea of a good time. The thought of losing herself to a catchy melody and good food was undeniably tempting.
But the urge faded as quickly as it had come, smothered by the weight of her responsibilities. Reality crashed back in, heavy and inescapable. The Dark Kingdom's activities were intensifying. Their oppressive aura hung over the city like a storm cloud. Shadows lurked around every corner and she still hadn't pinpointed the location of D Point. On top of that, rumors of a new criminal gang had been circulating.
Responsibilities claimed her night that the others couldn't comprehend. Songs and laughter couldn't compete.
Minako forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as brittle as it felt. "I really appreciate the invite, but I'm super busy tonight… with some things I need to take care of. I'm sorry I can't make it."
"If you say so."
"Sing Eternal Melody for me, okay?" She finished tying her shoes and stood, shouldering her bag.
The other girls gave her a small wave before she turned. As she walked away, the sound of snickering reached her, each a tiny barb lodging in her heart.
"Minako isn't very social."
"Yeah, she always says she's busy."
"Wait, I know! Maybe she's a superhero like Sailor V!"
"Ha! Yeah right! That's a good one."
Their laughter followed her, stalking her, haunting her. The irony of their joke didn't escape her, but it didn't bring any amusement, only intensified her feeling of deep, aching loneliness. If they only knew that every night she donned a mask to protect them, to keep the darkness at bay. That her absences weren't born of indifference but of sacrifice.
Serenity would know. The others would be the first to defend her.
She glanced back, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. In that moment, the absence of the others hit like a physical blow. To be deprived of that companionship, that unconditional love and acceptance, had been the hardest trial of these last two years. The bonds they shared went beyond friendship—they were sisters, comrades, pieces of a whole that Minako missed more than anything.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to center herself. The weight of the transformation pen was a reminder of her duty, of the reason for her isolation. But knowing the necessity didn't make the loneliness any easier to bear.
A familiar voice cut through her gloom. "There you are."
The sudden appearance startled her, and she turned to see the white cat perched gracefully atop a nearby fence. His blue eyes observing her with a mix of concern and gentle admonishment. Sunlight gleamed across his white fur and reflected off the crescent mark on his forehead.
Quickly, she shook off the lingering haze of emotion, attempting to mask the vulnerability that had surfaced.
Artemis leaped down, landing softly beside her as they began to walk. "Thinking about them again?"
Minako's shoulders slumped, facade crumbling. There was no point in lying to him. "I'm always thinking about them."
He jumped to her shoulder, a comforting weight. "I know it's been hard," he said, nuzzling her cheek. "But remember, you'll be reunited soon. Everything will be as it was."
She exhaled slowly, and her gaze drifted up to the moon now peeking through the evening clouds. Its silvery glow cast an unseen light on the streets, illuminating their path. She could always feel the cold stone sensation of the moonbeams. It was such a stark difference to how they felt during Silver Millennium.
Now the moon was dead, devoid of any warmth or power. Not like before.
"I know," she whispered. "But sometimes 'soon' feels like an eternity."
"Cheer up, don't be so gloomy."
"Soon." The word echoed, tasting bittersweet on her tongue.
They continued in a comfortable silence, the city's sound enveloping them—a distant siren, the hum of traffic, muffled conversations from open windows. The familiar rhythm of the city usually brought her a sense of grounding, but tonight, it only emphasized the emptiness she felt.
Minako tried to focus on Artemis's words, on the promise of a reunion. But a sudden flare of darkness ignited in her chest, cold and sharp. Her steps faltered, a hand pressing against her chest.
"Minako?" Artemis's concerned voice seemed distant.
She pressed a hand to her heart, knowing what this meant. "Kunzite is being reprimanded again. The darkness around him is… suffocating."
This connection was a double-edged sword. Allowing her glimpses into his world, but also forcing her to feel his turmoil.
"He has failed to capture the guardians and find the Legendary Silvery Crystal."
Minako allowed her mind to drift back to a different time to the memories she shared with him. It surfaced with vivid clarity. When the Dark Kingdom had just surfaced, when they still had hope. As the leaders for their respective groups, they were responsible for strategy.
A sad smile crept across her lips. They'd argued over strategy. Kunzite tended to be more cautions while Venus wanted to smash the threat of rebellion as fast as possible. Together, they leaned over a table strewn with maps and lists, their heads close together.
But most of all, she remembered his smile—that rare, precious expression that could light up her entire world. It was a smile so deep and emotive that it made her heart ache even now. Then he'd look over at her, and his lips would caress her nickname, savoring every syllable like a sweet secret meant for only her.
She could almost hear him now. "Starshine."
Minako blinked away tears as she pushed the memory away, refusing to let herself be consumed by them. Because if she let herself go, she'd remember that day. Remember how he looked when the darkness had tainted him. Remember the last time he looked at her with those eyes that had turned cold.
"He had such a way of making everything seem possible," she whispered.
"I know you miss him."
"Every day. Every minute. Every second."
They turned down a quieter street, the buildings older, worn but still full of character. Minako took a deep breath, letting her lungs fill with crisp air.
"Do you think there's still hope for him? For the others?"
Artemis paused, his tail flicking back and forth. "I believe that where there is love, there is always hope."
She glanced at him. "I think so too."
He leaned into her, offering his support. As they continued, Minako steeled herself for the night ahead. There would be time for memories and longing later. Right now, she had a duty to fulfill. As they approached their apartment building, the stifling sensation of loneliness appeared once more. As always, the windows were dark, the silhouette of the structure looming against the night sky. She hesitated at the entrance, her hand resting on the doorknob.
"Some nights, this place feels emptier than ever," she admitted.
Artemis jumped down from her shoulder. "I still maintain you'd hate having a roommate."
She stood on the threshold of her apartment, the key cold in her hand. The silence that greeted her was deafening, a vivid reminder of her isolation. Inside, the apartment was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the refrigerator. Flicking on a light, the warm glow cast gentle shadows across the room.
The apartment was a study in contradictions. Tidy yet unlived in. Decorated, yet devoid of warmth. Photos of smiling faces adorned the walls, but they were the stock photos that came with the frames. Not true friends. Not her sisters.
"I hope I don't have to beg to get the good stuff for dinner tonight," Artemis said, wandering into the kitchen. "I may be a cat, but I'm a higher intelligence! You shouldn't make me beg to get the salmon and rice."
She dropped her bag, and the thud echoed in the empty space. Her gaze fell on the only photo that meant anything to her. A candid shot, taken in secret of Usagi, Ami, Rei, and Makoto at the arcade. They were laughing, arms around each other, unaware of the camera. Unaware of her.
"Besides, you're my partner." He was rambling to make her feel better. "We should work together. Not make each other suffer, and you denying me salmon and rice is pure torture."
"Do you ever wonder if things could have been different?" she asked.
Artemis jumped onto the table and looked at her, his tail curled around his paws. "What do you mean?"
"If the fall of Silver Millennium hadn't happened. If the Dark Kingdom hadn't taken hold. Where would we be now?"
He tilted his head. "It's hard to say. But dwelling on 'what ifs' won't change our path."
The ache in her chest intensified. Her sisters, her best friends, didn't remember her. She could walk down the street, and they wouldn't turn to greet her. She could be sitting at the arcade, and they wouldn't join her, wouldn't share in the laughter and joy that once came so easily.
She had all the memories of friendship without the friends themselves.
"Cheer up, Minako," Artemis said. "You'll be together soon. Think of how happy you'll all be then."
She whirled on him, eyes flashing. "Soon isn't soon enough!" she snapped. "It won't undo these two years of isolation, of watching from the shadows. Of these months watching them fight without me. Even then, what about Kunzite?"
"You'll get them back. But the Kunzite you knew…"
Anger burst through her chest, and she flung a pillow at him. "Don't say it! Don't you dare."
Artemis offered his best cat shrug. "It's a truth you have to face. Queen Serenity sacrificed her star seed to ensure that you and the others were reborn at the same time. Without that sort of power behind his reincarnation, he could be reborn a million years after you die, or not at all."
She growled and picked up another pillow. "Artemis!"
"Sorry, sorry! I just don't want to set you up with unrealistic expectations."
Unsure she could face a lifetime without him, she squeezed her eyes shut. "I have to believe that the Galaxy Cauldron isn't that cruel. That the gods aren't that vicious. They denied us love back then. They can't be heartless to deny us now."
"If I say that it will happen, will you get me some salmon and rice?"
A smile spread across her lips as she stepped into the kitchen and opened the cabinet. "What about turkey and vegetables?"
Artemis choked and gagged, wrenching.
"What? You just love turkey and vegetables."
Artemis turned his back on her. "I'm not begging."
"Good, because I got you a special treat that I've been saving for a special occasion."
He turned and looked back at her.
"I got some grilled mackerel with some shrimp and milk-poached rice."
Artemis's eyes went wide and his tale whipped back and forth. "I love mackerel! I love milk-poached rice!"
"See, I do love you."
"Yeah, you do."
She set the plate down and stroked his soft fur while he ate. Once he was completely engaged in devouring the food, she settled down in the living room. It had taken some serious work to get the Moon Central Control up and running here. But eventually Artemis got it to work.
Granted, it meant her power bill was crazy high every month, but at least now she had a connection to what remained of the moon central computer. The screens flickered to life. News reports, police scanners, and arcane energy reading filled the displays.
With a few clicks, she began her nightly ritual, searching for signs of the Dark Kingdom's activity.
"Too bad Mercury isn't here," she mused to herself. "She was always better at getting this crap to work."
The only answer Artemis offered was chewing. Hours passed, the room growing darker as the sun set. Minako leaned back, rubbing her tired eyes. A flashing alert caught her attention—an energy spike in the Azabu-Juban district. That was where Usagi and the others lived.
Leaning in, she enhanced the image. A shadowy figure stood on the rooftop, silver hair gleaming in the moonlight. Kunzite. He was surveying the area, no doubt searching for signs of the Legendary Silver Crystal.
She wanted nothing more than to transform, to confront him, and break through the darkness that held him. But she couldn't. Not yet. She wasn't capable. Not when the darkness held him so firmly.
Casting a quick glance over her shoulder to make sure Artemis wasn't looking, she reached into the desk drawer and pulled out a small crystal fragment, no larger than her pinky finger. She discovered it inside the capsule that had held Artemis.
It was the only physical remnant of the Crystal Palace, the only tangible memory of Silver Millennium. As she rolled it between her fingers, the crystal caught the moonlight, sparkling with an inner fire. In its facets, she saw flashes of a lifelong past. Grand celebrations, nights laughing in moonlit gardens, fierce battles fought side by side with her sisters and the man she loved.
"Will we ever get that back?" she whispered to the crystal.
But it offered no answers, but as she clutched it to her chest, a warmth spread through her. It was hope, fragile but persistent. One day, she would stand with her sisters again. One day, she would look into Kunzite's eyes and see recognition, not the cold emptiness of the Dark Kingdom's thrall.
Until then, she would watch, and wait, and fight. For her princess, for her sisters, for the love she refused to let die. Sailor Venus, the guardian of love and beauty, would not falter in her duty.
In the quiet of the night, with the moon watching over her, she drifted into dreams where she wasn't alone. Where laughter and love were constant, and where the shadows held no sway.