Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 67: Minako's Secrets Exposed
By: Sora Kazeno
Usagi stares at her room wide eyed. This is not how she left it before the tour. It didn't look like this the times she visited home during the tour either. She can feel her cheeks flush a little bit. It was kind of embarrassing how it looked.
Seiya slowly looks around the room for a moment before turning to Usagi. "Umm… when did you…." He can't finish his statement as he continues to look around the room noticing the drastic increase of Three Lights merchandise.
There is a poster of Taiki, Seiya, and Yaten hanging on the wall behind Usagi's bed. The chabudai (low table) near her bed is stacked high with newspapers, magazines, and fliers from the tour or announcing information regarding the tour. On her dresser are some acyclic figures of Three Lights. Next to them are some CDs and DVDs of some past concert events.
Usagi had never seen any of these things before. She looks like some crazy fan standing next to Seiya. "Mom!" Usagi shouts before running out of the room toward the stairs. She barely misses Luna.
"Be careful Usagi-chan!" Luna scolds trying to not be flattened by the blonde hurricane.
Seiya slowly walks out of Usagi's room with a look of utter confusion. All that stuff wasn't there before they left for the tour, was it?
Luna smiles at Seiya's reaction. "Usagi-chan's Mom… might have gone a little overboard."
"That was her Mom?" Seiya asked incredulously.
"It's a funny story." Before Luna can continue she can hear Usagi shouting, "What happened to my room? Where did all that stuff come from?"
Seiya shakes his head slowly walks down the stairs wanting to hear the explanation as well.
"I don't see why you are so upset," Ikkuko looks at her daughter questioningly. "After the article of you and Seiya-kun in the newspaper, everyone wanted to talk to me. The man at the magazine stand made sure I received a copy of any magazine he had for the Three Lights. I went to the grocery store and passed a Hard Off* store. The owner still remembers me taking you there to buy lots of used manga when you were little. When he saw the article he started saving a lot of things to give me whenever I walked by. So many people were excited to say they know Seiya-kun's girlfriend's mother."
Usagi blinks a few times, unsure of how to respond to her mother's story. "Umm… that is a lot of stuff they gave you."
"I kept trying to decline them at the beginning but I gave up," Ikkuko comments with a shrug.
Usagi teardrops. "There was more…?"
Seiya's eyes widen when he discovers this is only a fraction of the items that could have ended up in Usagi's room.
Aunt Koemi listens to her sister's story with a disapproving scowl. She hates it when Ikkuko is the center of attention all of these years later.
"The phone stopped ringing but now that you're back… I'm sure it's going to start all over again," Ikkuko tries not to cringe. She used to be excited to receive a phone call to catch up with family or friends but it became a nuance because it was constant and at odd hours.
"Seriously…?" Usagi looks at her. She didn't realize it was that bad.
Seiya frowns after hearing this information. "I'm sorry if the press keeps bothering you."
Ikkuko smiles at him. "It can't go on forever."
Seiya laughs nervously. He didn't want to be the one to tell her.
"Now," Koemi interrupts the conversation. "Usagi, have a seat. I haven't seen you in a few years."
"Umm… errr…." Usagi fumbles with her words trying to find a way out of her aunt's invitation. "Let me see Seiya out first." Usagi finally finds an excuse.
Ikkuko looks slightly disappointed to hear Seiya is leaving so soon. "You have to rush off already?"
Seiya nods his head yes. "They want us in the studio tomorrow recording. Since the tour ended a little earlier due to some issues in Brazil, they made sure we are using the rest of the original tour dates to work on our music."
"Recording? So you're working on new music already?" She smiles wanting to know more.
"Sorry, top secret for now," Seiya adds with a wink. He wasn't sure what he could and couldn't reveal at this time.
Ikkuko nods her head. "Then I look forward to hearing what you come up with! It was good to see you and congratulations. I heard the tour was a huge success."
"Thank you," Seiya acknowledges with a slight head bow. "Have a fun evening catching up."
Usagi grabs Seiya by the arm as they walk to the front door. "You can't leave me with my Aunt." She grumbles quietly for him to hear.
"Your mom is there too. I don't see what is so bad about spending time with family," Seiya pauses. He's not sure if any of his distant relatives are still alive. They all seemed to disappear after the death of his parents.
"Like Taiki-kun and Yaten-kun never annoy you," Usagi whispers back.
"Well at least he has some manners!" Aunt Koemi spoke loud enough for Usagi and Seiya to hear near the entranceway of the home.
Usagi teardrops as she opens the front door of the house to talk to Seiya outside for a moment away from her family. Once he joins her outside she continues, "I'm sorry. My Aunt…. likes to speak her mind about everything." Her next statement is said with a tone of annoyance. "She has always disapproved of my mother for some reason since they were kids."
"It's okay Odango," Seiya reassures the blonde next to him. "I have an interview tomorrow but I'll call you in the evening." He pauses to grab her hand for a moment and hold it in his. "I'm really glad you were able to come on this tour with us. It was some of the best weeks of my life since I was able to spend them with you…as much as the schedule allowed…" he fumbles at the end. There were some days they barely saw each other. Plus the fight they had.
Usagi can't help but blush a little. "I would have missed you a lot if I wasn't there," she admits.
"After the remaining events from this week are over, I'm all yours." He moves his other hand to her cheek. "I can't wait to show you more of Kinmoku."
Usagi nods her head, not taking her eyes off of Seiya's. His lips quickly find hers and they kiss several times. Reluctantly he breaks away. His lips near her ear. "I wish I could take you with me. I'm going to miss the time we were able to spend alone together." He leans in to kiss her on the cheek before taking a step back.
Usagi doesn't respond, her face as red as his suit.
Seiya chuckles. "Good night Odango," He turns and walks down the path to the street where the driver is waiting to take him back to his apartment.
Usagi stands there for a few moments unmoving after his departure. Those simple words left her mind spinning, recalling the nights she spent with Seiya during the tour. She rubs her lips together for a moment before shaking her head. She has to go back inside to her mother and aunt. She takes a few breathes and tries to think about anything else to remove the blush she knows in on her cheeks.
Yaten and Taiki stare at their apartment building in disbelief. Their hope for a tranquil, peaceful night completely shattered. They are greeted by several dozen screaming fans. They smile and nod while quickly walking to the entrance of the small building. The sight of seeing all the fans and knowing where they live unnerve them.
As soon at the front door to the building is closed, Yaten turns to Taiki. "How do they know where we live?" He will never have a quiet moment again. The fans will follow him everywhere making it impossible to spend time with Minako in secret.
Taiki sighs in response. He didn't have an answer either. "As least they were outside the building." He would hate to see what would have happened to their apartment if the fans somehow made their way inside. He pauses. He hopes they haven't been inside the apartment. The solution becomes obvious. "I think it is time to move."
"To where?" Yaten's too annoyed to really think this through. Seiya isn't here yet either. "We'll figure this out tomorrow. I just want to sleep in my own bed."
The two men walk in silence up the two flights of stairs to their apartment on the top level. They had picked this apartment so long ago because it was a place no expected an idol group to stay.
As they approach the door they find a sheet of paper tapped to the door. "What is this?" Yaten asks while scanning the document. The first thing he sees is a noise violation from their landlord. "How can we have a noise violation when we haven't been here for weeks?" He stops talking when he sees the document above it; the one Taiki is staring at intently.
"We have a few days to move out according this eviction notice." Taiki finally speaks as the meaning of the document truly registers. This doesn't make sense. They have never caused any issues before. This has to be a mistake to have so little time before they need to find a new residence. He is about to take the notice off the door and Yaten stops.
"Let Seiya see it. He needs to be as dumbfounded as we are to find this; otherwise he's not going to believe it." Yaten suggests.
Taiki reluctantly agrees. They can remove the notice in the morning to show the manager. "We will show it to Kazuki-san tomorrow. He can figure something out while we are recording the remix."
Once inside the apartment, Yaten flips on the lights. He's thankful nothing looks out of place when they entered. He frowns. His nap is going to have to wait. "I guess we should start packing."
Taiki nods his head in agreement. "Maybe we can relax once we travel to Kinmoku. I'm sure it will be more peaceful than this."
An hour later Seiya returns to their apartment. The crowd of fans that waited to greet Yaten and Taiki are gone. He is in a good mood as he climbs the stairs to their apartment. The mood comes to a crashing halt when he witnesses the papers tapped to the apartment door. His eyes scan the documents. Only one thing comes to mind as he reads the word eviction. "What the hell is this?" He snatches the papers off the door. The papers shake in his hands as he reads them. "They can't do this."
He storms inside the apartment. "What the hell is this?" He repeats to his two cousins, still in disbelief that someone could evict them out of their home. Some of the anger stems from losing his home more than once on Kinmoku; when his parents were murdered and when Galaxia attacked the planet. He wasn't supposed to lose the home he created on Earth. He is about to say more but stops when he sees Taiki and Yaten with a few boxes packing things. The same boxes they should have thrown out months ago but instead were left lying around the apartment.
He sighs. "It's always something." Maybe it was time to move on from this place. They had briefly discussed it once before and this is the pushed they need to make the change. Sometimes change can be for the better. He grabs a box and starts putting a few things in the box. He reminds himself he might be able to rest more after he travels several galaxies away. It doesn't take long for him to fill the box. He looks at the area he just packed. It barely made a dent. When did they accumulate so much stuff?
The next day, the Three Lights are at the studio by mid-morning for their first attempt to record an updated version of Nagareboshi He. They listened to the music for the remix and didn't have any complaints. It was as good as Kazuki claimed it would be. They sang the song a few times before recording it to the new tempo. They had minimal issues since they have sung this song so many times.
While they were singing, their manager was extremely busy with a realtor to find them a new place. Unlike most individuals, income was not a concern. Availability and location was. "Are you sure you want to stay in the Minato Ward?" He confirms with them.
"Yes," Seiya states. Staying in the same ward will keep them close to the other senshi in case something happens. It would be ideal if they moved closer but at this point remaining in the same ward would be enough. Teleportation can always shorten the distance.
"We are all on agreement on that," Taiki adds.
"Well… there is nothing immediately available in the ward. I found a place that will be ready in a few weeks. Other wards have something available right now," Kazuki explains their options.
"That works out perfectly," Taiki eagerly responds. "We'll be here for the rest of the week and then we'll be gone the following two weeks."
"Okay. I'll let them know you are interested and I will set something up before Seiya-san's radio interview tonight." He looks at the schedule in front of him. "Yaten-san is tomorrow and Taiki-san is the day after." He pauses to look at the time. "Minako-san has an interview in a few hours and I need to meet her at the station. In the meantime, I will work on having someone pack the rest of your belongings to be placed in storage and arrange a hotel for you the rest of the week." He nods his head after hearing the plan he created out loud. "Let me handle that part and the three of you keep recording the new music from the tour."
Sailor Cosmos stands on the grounds of the Silver Millennium. She had hoped sleeping in her own bed last night would help allow her to have a peaceful night's sleep. It was restful for most of the night until the same premonition with the Starlights about to attack her took center stage.
She still feels run down and makes a note to go to sleep earlier tonight as well. Her Aunt won't be visiting until late in the evening. She grumbles recalling last night. Her Aunt had to say something about every city she went to and how she was too young to be there. She claimed she was worried something would have happened to her young niece.
A smile tugs at Cosmos' lips; she is very capable of taking care of herself, protecting herself.
Her mind shifts back to the present. She's nervous. The things she had dreaded are approaching. She is going to see Ami and Makoto on Friday when all the girls get together and spend the evening at an onsen; the day she will tell them about her battle against Chaos in the other timeline. Filling in the gaps she hadn't told Rei and Minako.
She is trying to muster the strength to call Setsuna, the other person she is not in a hurry to speak with. How do they move forward? She wants to be able to trust all of the senshi that have vowed to spend their lives protecting her. Should she just go to her apartment today? Her heart races at that idea. She decides to call this afternoon instead. She would rather meet somewhere else.
Then there is the reason she is standing on the grounds of her former home. She is here to help Endymion learn how to use the Golden Crystal to the best of her ability. Seeing him as King is difficult. It is a constant reminder of the timeline she just walked away from where she was supposed to rule by his side.
Before she can think about it anymore, flashes of golden light appear before her taking the shape of King Endymion and Sailor Earth. They are a few minutes premature.
"You're early Usako," King Endymion comments genuinely surprised to see her there before the designated time. He pauses. "Are the nightmares still present?"
"Sometimes," she responds softly. She doesn't want to explain to him what she had seen. One could say it was a sign she shouldn't be with Seiya if Fighter is about to attack her for some unknown reason. "It's gotten better since the last time I saw you," she adds, trying to prevent him from worrying about her. "I think some of them could be premonitions but I'm not sure yet. They don't make sense." She is being vague on purpose but gives him enough information for now hoping it will make the rest of the day easier. "I don't know what will cause it but it looks like everyone is working together." She looks at Sailor Earth as well, a gesture to signify she was included in what she had seen.
After several long moments of awkward silence among them, Sailor Earth addresses King Endymion and Sailor Cosmos. "I'm not sure where to start with trying to figure out how the Golden Crystal works."
King Endymion nods his head in agreement. "Should we see if there is any reaction from the Ginzuishou first?"
"Why?" Sailor Earth looks at him with a raised eyebrow.
"If I can learn more about how the Ginzuishou works it might help me to understand this crystal." He gestures to his staff.
Sailor Earth shrugs her shoulders in response.
Sailor Cosmos hesitates for a moment. She has better control of the crystal as Neo Queen Serenity than she has Sailor Cosmos. That is how it has always been, even when she was Sailor Moon. She is resistant to take the form of the Queen next to the King. "Do you know what your crystal's powers are?"
"I'm not sure. If it is similar to your crystal, it might amplify the abilities I already have."
Sailor Cosmos is taken back slightly. "What powers do you have so far?" She knows about him being able to find someone on Earth, he proved that when he showed up in Brazil at the café.
"I have some healing abilities." King Endymion begins to explain. "Sailor Earth as well."
Sailor Cosmos looks at them wide eyed. "That's great! It is hard and it takes a lot of practice." She pauses, "and a lot of energy."
"Yes, it's exhausting," King Endymion agrees. "I haven't been able to do much so far. They are nowhere as advanced as yours."
Sailor Cosmos nods her head in response. No one's healing abilities are advanced as hers. She can resurrect someone that just died. Her eye twitches recalling the blood that gushed from Fighter's side when she was struck. The aftermath of how she felt when she thought she had lost Fighter forever.
She realizes she is going to have to transform into the Queen. The eight pointed star on her forehead flashes for a moment before it shifts to a crescent moon and her short sailor fuku turns into a long flowing gown.
Within seconds of opening her eyes, she can feel her heart race. No doubt the Serenity side of her soul is very aware of his approximately to her. "Maybe the Golden Crystal can also purify things as well." She suggests.
Sailor Earth is taken aback by the suggestion. "What is there to purify? "
King Endymion looks thoughtfully at Sailor Cosmos. "Maybe not purify… but restore?"
Sailor Earth can sense some of the tension in the air between the two former lovers. She could only imagine how it would go if she wasn't present. Maybe this is the chance that Endymion needed to talk some sense into Serenity. She pauses. But it might only hurt him more given how their last conversation went in Boston. Besides, she was here to try to learn about the Golden Crystal as well. "Maybe… we can try restoring a part of the Golden Kingdom?" She turns her full attention to the white haired Queen. "You were able to restore the Silver Millennium… how did you do it?"
"After I came back from learning about some of my powers on Kinmoku, I just felt… a calling of some sort telling me I could restore the palace. It is difficult to explain." She pauses for several seconds. "It was a… very difficult time in my life. I'm not sure how it worked." She had fled to Kinmoku to learn how to control her powers, terrified she would hurt everyone if she didn't learn how they worked. She had just ended things with Mamoru and was starting a relationship with Seiya. She was trying to come to terms that awakening as Sailor Cosmos meant the end of Crystal Tokyo and never seeing Chibi Usa again. It was so much to handle at once. Over time she began to make peace with all of her decisions.
Sailor Earth turns her full attention to her older brother. "Did you want to try that?"
"Umm… sure…" He responds slowly, not having a clue where to start such an enormous task.
"I can teleport us there," Neo Queen Serenity offers as her staff glows slightly.
Sailor Earth immediately declines the offer. "No, Endymion needs to work on being able to teleport himself to various locations."
King Endymion looks at Sailor Earth for a moment before he agrees.
"Can you give us a few minutes after we leave before teleporting there? I'm sure you can travel a lot faster than us." Sailor Earth makes a request to the Queen before her.
Neo Queen Serenity smiles, "of course." Her gown vanishes as she shifts back to Sailor Cosmos. Once back in her senshi form she feels relief. She didn't have any issues with Serenity during the brief encounter. She hopes it will continue for the rest of the training session.
Endymion and Sailor Earth begin the process of teleporting. She watches as the trail of light grows dimmer as they move closer to the Earth. She raises a hand to mouth trying to hide a yawn. Maybe she will take a nap when she gets home before Seiya's interview.
She sighs. No. She needs to call Setsuna. She needs to talk to the Senshi of Time before she leaves for Kinmoku. She has delayed it enough already. And she doesn't want to fall asleep and miss Seiya's interview.
Sailor Cosmos admires the bright shining stars in the sky around her. Stars she would not be able to see on Earth. Everything seems so bright and soothing here. Why does she feel like she has fewer problems when she is at the Silver Millennium?
Her eyes shift to where she had last seen Endymion and Sailor Earth traveling to Earth. They are no longer visible. The ring on the ring finger of her right hand begins to emit a pale light. Her staff reacts to the light and within seconds Sailor Cosmos is soaring among the stars once more.
Minako keeps her hands under the table on her knees. She is extremely nervous to complete her first interview for the radio. She tells herself it will be fine. She'll get used to having interviews all the time. Taking a deep breath she looks at the radio host across from her.
He is a young man with light blue hair wearing a red baseball hat. "We go live in one minute," He warns as he flips a switch on the control board in front of him.
Minako rubs her sweaty hands on her skirt in a last ditch effort to calm her nerves.
The previous song ends. "Welcome back listeners, I'm here with a new artist Aino Minako-san today. She just made her debut and we are really excited to have her in the studio with us."
Minako smiles and nods.
The interviewer teardrops while he gestures for Minako to speak into microphone in front of her.
Minako suppresses a nervous laugh. "Hello everyone, I'm really excited to be here." Her voice is a little shaky at first.
"I understand you auditioned to be opening act for the Three Lights tour in Tokyo?"
"Yes. That's correct. I almost didn't audition but at the last minute I attended. My friends encouraged me a lot to try out."
"I understand you had previously won an idol contest. Why didn't you start your idol career then?"
Minako can't give him and the fans the real answer but she can give the answer she has prepared over and over again her mind. "I was in high school… my grades weren't the best." She laughs a little. "I needed to make sure I graduated. I was going to wait until after I graduated and then this opportunity came along. I knew the tour began after school ended."
"I heard you also went to school with the Three Lights."
"Yes… all of them were in the same class as me when they first transferred. Yaten...-kun and Seiya-kun were in the same class as me when we graduated." She mentally kicks herself for almost missing an honorific when speaking about Yaten.
"That must have been an experience then, debuting while touring with the Three Lights on an international stage."
"I've always hoped to debut as an idol for years. I never expected it would be on such a huge stage and in front of such a large crowd. The fans were very supportive to a novice." Minako is able to respond quicker. She is relaxing more as she speaks.
"So… what can you tell us about the Three Lights after spending so much time with them? Are they as nice as they seem?"
"Absolutely! We're all good friends and knowing each other before the tour helped a lot."
The reporter pauses to look directly at Minako while he asks the next question. "Are you particularly close with any of the Three Lights members?"
"Not… not really…" Minako answers carefully.
"You sang a duet with one of the members right? Did you pick who you would sing with?"
"The producer based the selection on which voices seemed to work the best together and it happened to be Yaten-kun." Minako shifts in her seat, trying to remain calm anytime she mentioned or discussed Yaten. "It was a great experience and I feel like I've grown a lot as a signer from help and tips I received from Yaten-kun."
"Oh? Where there a lot of late nights rehearsing? I heard he can be really picky."
Minako laughs at what the reporter is trying to imply. "Yaten-kun is very serious when it comes to his music and wanted to make sure everything was perfect."
"When are we going to hear the duet? So far only fans that attended the concert were able to hear the song."
"Yaten-kun and I will be in the studio recording the song this week. It is going to be released on my first album." She pauses for a moment. "I'll be recording some more of my songs later in the week as well."
Throughout the interview he tried to trip her up so many times and was unsuccessful each attempt. He smiles knowing his ratings are going to skyrocket for his next statement. "There have been some reports you were spotted with Yaten-kun in a couple cities on the tour looking rather cozy."
Minako immediately lets out a nervous laugh trying to deflect the statement. "Well, I'm sure all of us were spotted hanging out whenever we had free time."
"Rumors are starting to surface you and Yaten-san are an item."
Minako stares at the reporter wide eyed. How can he ask her such a question on the air? She tries to stay calm. "Where would you get that idea?"
"So you haven't seen this?" He passes a paper over to Minako.
Minako inhales sharply. It was picture from the other night right before the after party began. She is sitting next to Yaten on the couch, her head leaning on his shoulder and their hands are intertwined. Taiki is sitting on the other side of Yaten and part of Rei is visible next to Minako. They had been so careful the entire trip and let their guard down on the final night. It must have been one of the staff members that snapped the picture. As she stares at the picture again, she notice's Yaten's chin is resting right next to her forehead.
Her face turns bright red. She doesn't know what to say. How can she deny this picture? "I… ah…."
"So I guess it is true, you and Yaten-san!" The interviewer pushes the topic more.
Minako's first instinct is to continue to deny there is a relationship but how could she at this point? They didn't want to say anything until after the tour unless they had to. Maybe this is the moment where their status is revealed. She wishes she could have spoken to Yaten about this first.
The interviewer takes Minako's silence as an omission. "So what is it like to date a member of the Three Lights?"
Minako realizes this man won't lighten up. She's stuck. "I… I don't know….we never really…" She fumbles to string along a coherent response to this blindside.
He pushes her further. "So you admit the two you are together."
Minako can't take her eyes off the picture. How can she deny it? "Umm… well… ah…." She pauses to look at the clock above the interviewer's head, thankful they were out of time. "I'm sorry it looks like we out of time."
The interviewer checks the time. He curses at himself. He wasted too much time on the questions at the beginning. "So we are. I'll be back tonight as I start interviewing the different members of the Three Lights each night, starting with Seiya-san."
Without another word to the man across the table, she stands up and hastily exits the booth.
Sailor Cosmos stands next to Sailor Earth and King Endymion near the ruins of the former Golden Kingdom. She can't avoid it anymore; she has to switch to Neo Queen Serenity again. She hopes her Serenity side will not be an issue. She takes the form of the Queen once more. Out of the corner of her eye, she can see King Endymion tense slightly seeing her like this.
Sailor Earth's eyes narrow slightly, no doubt some lingering resentments remain regarding how Queen Beryl had destroyed the Earth.
"I'm sorry," she begins to apologize to both of them, "But in this form I can control the crystal the best." Almost as if the emphasize her point, the Ginzuishou flashes a few times as it begins to re-appear outside of the crystal orb on top of her staff.
Neo Queen Serenity closes the gap between her and King Endymion. Her eyes remain focused on the crystal hovering between her hands. "I'm going to see if the Golden Crystal reacts to any of the light from the Ginzuishou."
She raises her eyes up at King Endymion, waiting for a nod of approval before she resumes. Once she receives the gesture, she continues.
In deep concentration, she focuses her energy on the crystal. She then uses the crystal to try to probe the Golden Crystal for any kind of reaction to the energy surrounding it.
King Endymion keeps most of his attention on the Golden Crystal on top of his staff. He watches how the Queen is struggling to help him but is not successful. After several minutes of nothing happening, he feels discouraged. "Save your energy Usako, it doesn't seem to be working."
Neo Queen Serenity slowly opens her eyes to look at him. She can hear the defeated tone in his voice. His frustration of not being able to use his crystal is evident.
She reaches for his arm to grab it tightly, trying to encourage him to not give up hope. "We'll figure this out. However long it takes." There is determination in her eyes as she speaks.
King Endymion is surprised by the intensity in her eyes. He's touched by her gesture. "Thank you Serenity."
She retreats a little pulling back her hand. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean…"
"It's okay," he reassures her.
The voice Usagi had dreaded returned. "He's right there, don't you dare let him get away again." Serenity murmurs to Usagi.
Neo Queen Serenity clears her thought, trying to focus on what is happening before her and ignoring the nagging voice telling her who she should be with. She needs to take some of the focus off of her. "Maybe the crystal can be used to attack?" She reflects on the abilities of the Ginzuishou for a moment. "Or maybe defend?"
"It seems unlikely," Sailor Earth speaks up. "We already tried that and nothing happened." She pauses, "it's almost as if the crystal is dormant."
Neo Queen Serenity frowns. She wants to help him make progress with his abilities but nothing seems to work today. "What….if you tried to heal something, a living object?"
Neo Queen Serenity reflected on the training she received on Kinmoku from then Princess Kakyuu. Her eyes scan their surroundings and stop when she finds a dying tree. She slowly walks over to the tree, studying its size. Her fingers brush against the rough bark. "What about his tree?"
King Endymion looks at the tree a little skeptically. He didn't have any other ideas. "It's worth a shot," he finally answers.
"A tree would be a lot easier than a kingdom…" Sailor Earth comments. "I've never tried to healing something that wasn't a person…" she examines the state of the tree a bit more. "Not healing the tree… but rather restoring it…" She smirks a little, fully understanding Serenity's approach now.
"Go ahead and try," the Queen encourages the King. "I'll stand nearby in case you need help."
Neo Queen Serenity's presence makes the process more difficult for him. He wants to figure out his potential and be able to use his abilities in the same ways he has seen her use her powers but he has so much to learn. He feels like he is so far behind on something she can do so easily. King Endymion places his hand on the tree, trying to silence his thoughts and focus on restoring part of the tree; if he could restore a few of the larger branches it would be a victory. He would gradually work on this tree to try to have it fully restored before the next training session.
He is too focused on what he needs to and wants to learn rather than on the tree. As a result, only a small fraction of the needed energy is actually transferred to the tree. A few of the branches straighten and one branch sprouts a few leaves. He sees it as a sign of encouragement but had focused his energy in the wrong area.
A large branch snaps next to Neo Queen Serenity, the sound momentarily shocking her as it crashes into her arm, leavings a large cut on her forearm.
King Endymion rushes over to her apologizing, "I'm sorry, I wasn't able to do to save the tree before the branch broke."
"It's okay." Neo Queen Serenity begins to respond and then stops.
King Endymion placed his hand over the cut on her arm and a soft golden light emitted from his hand.
Serenity can feel the warm energy flow into her body and a sense of calmness as the cut grows smaller until it vanishes. She watches in amazement until it completely fades. "That's great Mamo-chan!"
He downplays his accomplishment. "It's not much… I still have a long way to go."
Serenity encourages him. "It's a great start! Healing abilities are difficult to learn and master." She pauses. "I know I still have a lot to learn."
Sailor Earth stares at the tree a little more. Did more leaves grow on the tree in the past few minutes while King Endymion was healing Neo Queen Serenity, or is she seeing things? It couldn't be. Either way, they need to wrap this up to prepare for classes tomorrow. "It's getting late… for us anyway."
"Thank you for your help Serenity. Perhaps we can continue next week at the same time?"
Neo Queen Serenity shakes her head no. "I'm sorry but I won't be available for the next two weeks."
"Is everything alright?" Endymion looks at her questioningly.
"Everything is fine. I'm going to Kinmoku for the next to two weeks with Sei… the Starlights." Neo Queen Serenity quickly corrects herself. She will be traveling with all of them. Maybe one day it will be easier to say his name in front of King Endymion without it causing him pain.
"Oh…" King Endymion is disappointed.
"What about when you get back?" Sailor Earth counters. This couldn't be the only training session they have.
Neo Queen Serenity nods her head in agreement. "How about in three weeks?"
King Endymion did not want to wait that long but he didn't have a choice. He eventually agrees. He glances at the tree near him. "It will give me time to work on this tree so it will be full of leaves by the time you return."
Serenity smiles at him. "I look forward to it."
She is about to add more but hears Serenity's voice in her head screaming at her not to leave Endymion, not at a time like this. She attempts to push those thoughts to side while questioning what is meant by a time like this.
With a flash of white light, Neo Queen Serenity returns to Sailor Cosmos, putting a little more distance between herself and King Endymion. She needs to leave before the Serenity side becomes unmanageable. She tries to sound happy and bright when she feels anything but. "Great! I'll see you then!" Within seconds, Sailor Cosmos is a bright flash of light heading in the direction of Tokyo.
Sailor Earth turns to her brother. "Kinmoku…hmmm." She has never left this solar system.
Minako rushes to the studio after she left the radio station. She has to tell Yaten what happened. She is relieved to find the Three Lights in the recording booth finishing up a song. Her sense of relief quickly transforms to panic. What is she going to tell Yaten? They weren't planning on going public for a while and she completely messed up the interview the first day they're back.
Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten are in a hurry to leave as soon as the song is over. If they move quickly they can see the new apartment.
"Did you forget something?" Yaten asks after seeing Minako in a state of worry.
"I just finished my interview." She starts.
"That's great," Yaten comments not fully understanding where this conversation is about to go.
Minako shakes her head back and forth. "Yaten, the reporter had a picture of us together on the couch at the after partying holding hands! He showed to me on air asking if we were together."
His look of confusion switches to anger. He wasn't ready for this yet. He needed to figure out what was going to happen to Seiya on Kinmoku before they went public... if they needed to. That was his plan. That is now impossible. He sighs. This is not how he wanted things to play out. "I'll handle it during my interview tomorrow."
Minako's eyebrows rise. "What do you mean you'll handle it tomorrow? What are you going to do?"
"I don't know yet. I still have time to figure it out," Yaten is starting to realize how upset Minako is by this development. "Everything will be fine."
Kazuki finally caught up with Minako after she had bolted from the car to go inside to see Yaten. "I don't think it went so bad." He pauses to make sure Minako is listening before he adds, "With how well you've done so far, it will probably boost your career."
Minako's shoulders slump. "I don't want to be known as the girl Yaten is dating. I want to be known for my own voice and style."
"I'm sure you will be. Things like this take time," Kazuki tries to reassure her but he doesn't have much time. "We will have to discuss this later. I'm sorry. I need to leave with the Three Lights to look at the new apartment."
Minako nods. "Okay." She exhales deeply. "I hope it's a good fit." Given the reception of the fans waiting for them outside of their apartment, they do need to find a new place quickly.
Yaten rubs his hand on her back for a moment. "I'll call you later tonight and we'll figure something out before my interview with the guy tomorrow." He pauses. "I don't know where I'll be calling from since we haven't checked into a hotel yet."
"Okay…" Minako slowly acknowledges. She feels little calmer after speaking with Yaten but there is still a lot to navigate.
Usagi flops down on her bed looking at the ceiling. Her mind replays the mini training session with King Endymion and Sailor Earth. It took a lot of concentration to keep Serenity at bay as much as she had. There was a few times Serenity tried to take control.
She closes her eyes tightly. She wants to help Mamoru learn how to use the Golden Crystal but how can she when she is still struggling with Serenity? She hates this. This was never a problem until she became Sailor Cosmos. Too many parts of her are fighting for control. Each having their own view of what they believe is best. She was past this… until she came back from the other timeline.
She questions how she is going to be able to continue to help King Endymion if the Serenity side of her is going to continue to fight for control when she is in his presence. She won't be able to help him if this continues.
She has three weeks to figure this out before the next session. Maybe she can sort this out when she is on Kinmoku, being away from Earth and everything that could remind her of the time she spent in the other timeline.
Once again she is going to Kinmoku to avoid some problems she is having on Earth. But it's different this time. No one is protesting she is going. She's not afraid of her powers. But she is afraid of what could happen to Seiya on Kinmoku. What if his Change Star is taken away?
Her eyes slowly open. Seiya has been loyal to Kinmoku… but now he lives here. Because of her he is in this position. She pouts her lips a little. Life was less complicated before she became Sailor Moon. All she cared about then was playing games and boys.
Usagi sits up and forces herself out of the bed. There is one more thing she needs to address this week. What she has dreaded during the past week. She has to take care of this before she leaves for Kinmoku. She can't put this off any longer. She picks up the telephone to make a call. Her fingers are a little shaky as she dials.
Seiya sits down in the black leather chair on the other side of the table. He puts on the headset wondering what questions he is going to be asked given how Minako's interview went earlier today. But he doesn't have quite as much to hide.
The music concludes and the interview begins.
"Welcome back everyone. Earlier today we spoke with Aino Minako-san regarding her experience on tour with Three Lights. We have a special guest this evening, Seiya-san from the Three Lights."
"Thank you for having me on the show," Seiya chimes in recognizing his cue.
The first few questions are simple. The interviewer asks about the differences between performing in front of an American audience versus a Japanese audience. The questions start to shift to the tour schedule and then finally the questions Seiya was anticipating.
"You surprised us a little when you made an official announcement that you were dating someone. I had assumed you would continue to deny it." He looks at Seiya trying to get a reaction.
Seiya smirks a little. "I explained in Peru we kept the relationship private since we were both still in school."
"Hmm. So how did the two of you meet? At school?" He digs for more information. He hopes to uncover information that will raise his ratings even more.
Seiya laughs a little. "No. It's actually a funny story."
The man across him looks at him intently waiting for Seiya to continue.
"Usagi and her friends went to the park to watching the filming of a television show featuring Itsuki Alice-san. Taiki and Yaten were on the set getting ready to film for the episode. She was separated from her friends and was going to try to sneak back stage to see Alice-san. I was near the entrance of the trailers lying on a bench out of sight and caught her trying to sneak in."
"She must have been really surprised to see you there."
Seiya smiles before he continues. "She had never heard of the Three Lights until earlier that day and didn't know what we looked like. Some words were exchanged and then she tried to yell at me for going to the trailers that it is only for staff."
The interviewer is at a loss of words for a moment. "So she didn't know who you were the first time you met?" His shock was clear from the sound of his voice.
"Yes. I ran into her another time by chance. The third time we met was when I transferred to the high school with Taiki and Yaten. Her friends told her who I was and were confused how she already knew me."
"That is an interesting story! So is that what caught your attention? A girl that didn't know who you were?"
"Not quite." Seiya responds with a shrug. "I just knew from the moment I met her, there was something special about her." He wasn't going to tell the interviewer everything and it wouldn't make sense to an outsider. Trying to describe the pull he felt toward her because of her light.
The interviewer isn't done. "Is she the reason you came back to the Japan?"
"One of the reasons," Seiya answers carefully. It was to prevent her death and the death of the other senshi. They weren't successful but were lucky everyone was reborn because of the Ginzuishou.
The interviewer looks at the clock. He doesn't have a lot of time left. He brushes his hand through his short blue hair. "Any wedding bells in the future?"
Seiya was not expecting this question and could feel his cheeks burn. He's sure they're bright red. He clears his throat trying to put together a response.
"It looks like the question even has you flustered." He smiles as he knows this moment is going to boost his ratings.
"Well… you never know." Seiya finally answers. He quickly adds, "When we are out in public together, please give us some space. Sometimes it is hard to find time to spend together due to my schedule."
"Final question of the night," the interviewer pauses for an additional effect. "Are Minako-san and Yaten-san together?"
"I don't discuss my families' personal lives." Seiya answers as he narrows his eyes.
The man frowns for a moment. "Thank you for joining us tonight! Tomorrow we will speak with Yaten-san and we'll finally get a comment!"
Usagi stares at the radio, holding a pillow against her chest. She gripped the pillow closer to her when she hears some of the questions for Seiya. She couldn't believe what the reporter had asked him.
Her cheeks turn bright red at his response. Or rather, lack of a response. He doesn't confirm it and definitely didn't deny it. She stares at the radio listening intently until the interview concludes. Once it's over, she shuts off the radio and sits back down on her bed.
The topic is one they never discussed. Well…. Except that one time she had a premonition of the future where they were in the gardens at the Silver Millennium. They've only been together…. She pauses. A little over a year. She turns her head to the side to look at the Three Lights poster now hanging on the wall. She can't help but smile a little bit looking at his face. She tells herself it will happen when it will happen. There is no need to rush. They have their whole lives ahead of them.
Minako closes the door behind her as she enters the house. "I'm home!" She calls loudly with enthusiasm. Maybe her parents didn't hear the interview. They might have been very busy today she hopes.
She enters the kitchen to find her parents staring at her. They heard the interview.
Her father is actually glaring at her.
Minako's shoulders slump a little bit. She knows this is not going to end well.
"What was the meaning of that interview?" He demands raising his voice.
"… um the guy was just asking questions, trying to find a story…" Minako stammers hoping that will be enough of an answer for them.
Her father was just getting started. "I can't believe I listened to Kenji-kun and allowed you go on a concert tour with boys."
Mrs. Aino jumps in. "What kind of role model are you being for the younger fans? Running off with some boy around the world?" She starts waving her finger around; a motion that really annoys her daughter. "Why couldn't you be more like Sailor V? She would never do something like this. We might not have seen her for a while but she was such a good role model to girls everywhere." She pauses, "or more like Sailor Moon or Sailor Venus?"
Minako's eye twitches. She can't take this anymore. Ever since she became Sailor V at the age of thirteen she has listened to her parents tell her she needs to be more like Sailor V. She is supposed to be more…. Like herself? She wants to rip her hair out. She has listened to this for nearly five years. She is at her breaking point. "I am a great role model for girls! I've been an amazing role model for years!" She wants them to leave her alone. She wants to say so much more to them but stops when she witnesses the sour look on her father's face.
"You're grounded!" Are the first words out of her father's mouth in response to her outburst. "You need to learn to be responsible. You're going to be an adult in a few years. Then what? You can't keep acting like his. You barely passed high school. What if your singing doesn't work out?"
"I can't be grounded tomorrow," Minako shouts back. "I'm expected at the studio to work on some music."
Mr. Aino shakes his head side to side. "You are not leaving this home until you learn some responsibility and demonstrate you can do what you are supposed to."
Minako looks at her father confused. "I'm expected at the studio tomorrow and it would irresponsible of me to not show up! How is that supposed to work?" She can't believe what she is hearing. Her parents have been unreasonable in the past but this was just absurd.
"I'm sure you will figure it out." Minako's mother smiles at her. "And when you do, you'll be a great role model!"
A large vein forms on the Senshi of Love's forehead. She can't believe they are serious. "That's it! I can't take it anymore!" Her fingers brush across the orange crystal pendant around her neck. This is the only way to stop them and make them understand. She has kept this secret from her family for years. Maybe it was time to reveal her greatest secret. Everything seemed to work out for Usagi when her family learned she is a senshi. If she is going to Kinmoku she will have to tell her family something.
Her hand clasps the crystal tightly. This is the only way. "You want to know how responsible I've been? I have been protecting the Earth for years!"
"From what?" Minako's mother asks. She doesn't understand what her daughter is trying to tell her.
"Don't be silly," Minako's father shakes his head at her declaration.
Minako realizes she is at the point of no return. She has to prove to her parents she is responsible somehow. How did it come down to this to protect her budding career as an idol? Wasn't being an idol enough for them? "Fine." She utters.
The look on their faces etched into her mind before she speaks the four words that change everything. "Venus Eternal, Make Up!" Orange light bursts from the crystal around her neck. Her body transforms to a series of rainbow colors and as her planetary symbol shines brightly on her forehead. Orange ribbons appear taking on the shape of her fuku. In a final flash of golden light Eternal Sailor Venus stands there. She doesn't speak a word as she watches the shock register on her parent's faces.
The two continue to stare at their daughter. They don't know what to say. This continues for another ten seconds before tears fall from Mrs. Aino's eyes. "You've been a sailor senshi this entire time?"
Sailor Venus nods her head yes.
Minako's mother steps forward and hugs her daughter tightly. "I'm so proud of you, to know that you have protected the Earth and saved so many people." She sniffs a little and takes a step back to look into her eyes. "Why didn't you say anything before?"
"I had to keep my identity a secret to keep you safe. If the wrong people found out they could harm you to get to me. It is why very few people know who we really are," Sailor Venus explains to her parents hoping they understand why she changed since junior high.
"Is this why you never had time to study? Why you were always rushing off… with…" He pauses. "The new friends that you made, Usagi-chan and everyone else, are they…?"
"Yes," Venus confirms. There was no point to hide this part anymore.
Her father sighs slightly. "It appears I have misjudged you. You have been trying to balance so much at once. I just wish what you are doing is not so dangerous."
"When we all work together we're able to succeed," Sailor Venus tries to keep the atmosphere light. They didn't need to know how many times she died. And the likelihood she will die again at some point to protect her Queen and this planet.
"That boy will still be a distraction," Mr. Aino points out.
Minako looks at her parents. She can't tell them about Yaten being a senshi. That would be too much and that is not her secret to tell.
Sailor Venus shakes her head. "No. Yaten has been very supportive of me. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be an idol right now. He was the one that told me to audition for the tour. He helped me with my music… and …. Things changed between us along the way." She can't believe she is having such a frank conversation with her parents about this. She realizes telling them she was a senshi first is making everything easier. They both see their daughter in a different light. "If I can be a senshi, finish high school, and start my idol career, I can handle anything!" Venus winks at them.
She has to resolve what led to her transforming. "I still need to be at the studio tomorrow to continue recording my album."
Minako's father frowns slightly. "I guess it can't be helped. You don't want to disappoint anyone."
Sailor Venus lets out a small sigh of relief. This is her chance and the best time to bring it up. "Next week…. I have to go on a mission with Sailor Cosmos that will be on another planet. We will be gone for two weeks."
"Sailor Cosmos…?" Minako's mother repeats slowly. "Is that the new senshi that appeared? Whatever happened to Sailor Moon?"
Sailor Venus teardrops. "Sailor Cosmos was Sailor Moon… her powers changed and she became a lot stronger," she quickly explains as simply as she can.
"You said you are going to another planet. It is safe?" Minako's father looks at his daughter questioning her welfare.
"Yes. I've been there before. The people there are very friendly and will welcome us with open arms." Sailor Venus tries to remove any concerns they would have.
Mr. Aino frowns. "We will discuss that in a few days. Your mother and I have a lot to chat about."
The phone rings. Minako's mother is closest to the phone and picks it up. "Hello?" She listens for a moment before responding. "Yes Minako is here." She passes her daughter the cordless phone. "It's a boy calling for you."
Sailor Venus reverts back to Minako and takes the phone from her mother. "Hello?" Her face lights up. "Yaten!" She looks at her parents for a moment.
Her mother waves her off to take the call elsewhere.
Minako rushes up the stairs, leaving her parents to talk. She closes the door behind her. Yaten couldn't have called at a better time. Her parents need time after learning the secret she had kept for so long. They will never say she is irresponsible again. She smiles as she leans against her door.
"Mina, are you okay?" Yaten asks her. It's not normal for Minako to be this quiet.
A few tears trickle down her cheeks. "Everything is perfect." She begins to tell him what happened with her parents. How they didn't want her to go to the studio, how she needs to be more responsible. And then everything changed as soon as they learned she is a sailor senshi.
Yaten listens; surprised by her actions. "You told them you're a senshi?"
"Yes. I told them about the senshi of this galaxy," Minako explains, letting him know his secret is still safe. "I also told them about a mission I need to go on next week which includes going to another planet. They said we will talk about it in a day or two."
"A mission, huh?" Yaten shakes his head. "And what would that be?"
"Learning more about Kinmoku!" Minako smiles brightly. Her voice lowers a little. "How did your family react when they learned you were a senshi?" She only knows parts of his past and she wants to know before she goes to Kinmoku.
"They… were not very supportive given the history of males born with the abilities to be senshi." He is silent for a moment before he adds, "they were murdered shortly after because they were trying to protect me when I was a child. The same happened to Seiya and Taiki's parents."
"I'm sorry," Minako adds softly. "Is this what you meant on Nemesis when you had mentioned being cursed children? That someone would…" Her voice trails off not sure how to finish the sentence. She doesn't want to cause Yaten any more pain. "I'm sorry," she apologizes again not realizing how sensitive of a topic it is now that she knows more of the story.
Yaten tries to respond as neutrally as possible. "It's okay. You didn't know. It's something we don't usually talk to anyone about." Another pause. "It's also something most people on Kinmoku already knew so it was never discussed."
The silence lingers between them for a few moments before changing the topic. "How was the apartment search? I take it you found a hotel to stay in too?"
"The new place looks like it will be really nice. It's larger than our old place and has security and everything. Apparently we're lucky there is an opening at this place since it is hard to get into." Yaten tries to recall what he can from earlier. "It's a little further from everyone but we'll still be somewhat in the area. This was the closest we could find."
"You'll have to show me your new place," Minako grins, trying to picture what it will look like.
"Sure. But we won't move in until sometime after we're back from Kinmoku," Yaten explains.
Minako smiles when she hears the phrase "we". "The others are okay with me coming to Kinmoku?"
"They will be. Given that premonition, it would be good if you're there with Usagi-chan too." Yaten thinks back to what transpired on the plane the other day.
"Okay. Good." Minako bites her lip, not sure how tomorrow is going to go. "We need to talk about the interview I had earlier today. Your interview is tomorrow with the same guy."
"I'm going to figure it out tonight. He had no right to confront you like that; especially over something so personal. These reporters are willing to go to any length for a story." He sighs loudly. "I hate this part of living on this planet."
"Um…" Minako twirls her hair around her fingers not sure how to respond to his statement. "I'm going to be in the studio tomorrow recording another song. Are you going to be there too?"
"You're recording in the morning and we will be there right after you," Yaten confirms. "We're almost done recording the new songs."
"So soon?" Minako asks in disbelief. It took her several hours to record just one song.
"It will get easier for you over time. We know what the manager is looking for too." Yaten tries to explain to Minako.
Minako looks up at her closed door when she hears scratching. Artemis. She winces; he is going to have a lot to say to her.
Seiya looks at the clock noting the time. It is later than he thought and he had told Usagi he would call her after his interview. He is about to pick up the phone but stops. Did she hear the interview today? The questions the interviewer asked? His heart beats a little faster. This was not a conversation he had expected to have so soon. He figured it would happen sooner or later and he assumed it would fall under later. Much later. He takes a deep breath and picks up the phone to call her.
Usagi picks up the phone. "Hello?"
"Hi Odango," Seiya greets her brightly.
"Hi…" She responds with less enthusiasm.
"Is everything okay? You sound a little down." Seiya did not expect this kind of greeting.
"I spoke to Setsuna-san briefly today. We are going to meet in person tomorrow to discuss… what happened. After all of this, I still don't know what to say to her." Usagi confesses.
"Do you want me there with you?" Seiya immediately offers. "I have a few things I wouldn't mind saying to her too." He stops himself from continuing. He doesn't want to upset Usagi.
"It's okay. It's something I have to face as a Queen. I know I will have to have other difficult conversations in the future and I need to be able to do this on my own." Usagi finally explains. "If I'm meant to rule the Silver Millennium, this is something I have to be able to do."
Seiya's eyes widen at her response. "I… understand. When are you going to talk to her?"
"In the afternoon at Crown," Usagi recounts the brief conversations she had with Setsuna.
"How about if we meet later on? I will be free in the evening. I'm due in the studio in the morning. Then there is Yaten's interview. It's important we listen to each other's interviews with this reporter… given what happened today." Seiya is not sure how to approach the topics that were discussed on air.
"How could that guy ask you such questions?" Usagi looks over at an acrylic figure on her dresser of The Three Lights. The figure is next to a framed picture of her and Seiya at a school festival during their final school year.
"It is what they do to try to boost their ratings. I'm sure the interview with Minako-chan drew a lot of attention this afternoon. She was pretty upset afterward." Seiya adds.
"Hmm. I tried to call her but the phone was busy," Usagi wonders who Minako could be talking to for so long. Her thoughts shift back to Seiya's interview. She had to know. It was easier to ask him this over the phone. "Where you really blushing when he asked about… ummm…" Usagi's voice trails off. It sounds strange to mention that topic out loud.
Seiya feels his cheeks begin to flush already just mentioning the topic with Usagi. He clears his throat trying to figure out how to answer. "Yeah… I mean… it's not something we ever talked about…. other than the dreams, or rather premonitions that you had."
"Yeah…" Usagi responds slowly not sure what else to say. The awkwardness between them was a clear sign they were not ready for this kind of conversation regarding their relationship at this time.
Seiya's changes the subject. "Last night, there were fans waiting for Taiki and Yaten at our apartment."
"They found out where you live?" Usagi gasps after hearing this. "That's horrible. They will never leave you alone!"
"We looked at a new place closer to Tokyo Bay today. It is still in the Minato Ward but not in Juban. It's hard to find something in this area with such short notice." Seiya explains part of what happened today. "We're staying in a hotel this week since we have an eviction notice to be out within a few days."
"Eviction!?" Usagi repeats. "That can't be right!"
"That is what we thought. It is for noise complaints while we weren't even here. Apparently the noise of the fans was too much for some of the neighbors. But it's probably for the best." Seiya thinks of how to describe their new place. "Even if the fans find us again this time, it will be easier to get in and out of the building. Some other celebrities live in the building so there is a lot more security. If it was up to me, I'd just teleport everywhere but it that would also raise too many questions." Seiya leans back in the chair picturing the stunned looked on people's faces when he would arrive too quickly between locations.
Usagi tries to suppress a yawn. "I had some training today with Mamo-chan and Ayumi-san… but I'm not sure how much I can help him. He tried a few things that didn't work too well. Maybe I'm not the best teacher."
"Or… his powers are just a lot different?" Seiya suggests, not wanting Usagi to doubt herself. "I'm sure you'll be able to help him, it just might take some time." His eyes narrows at the thought of her spending more time with Mamoru. She's been through so much because of him. "When are you going to meet again?"
"In a few weeks after we come back from Kinmoku. He's going to try a few things out before the next session." Usagi recounts their conversation. "You mentioned you would be free after Yaten-kun's interview. Where should we meet?"
"How about at Ichinohashi Park? Where we met for our first date?" Seiya suggests. "Around six o'clock? Everything should be wrapped up by then."
"You know that was a really sneaky way to have a date!" Usagi thinks back to how Seiya just expected her to show up and hang out together on a Sunday.
"But you still showed up," Seiya laughs.
"Well… I mean…. I wasn't going to leave you there waiting for me…" Usagi mumbles a response. "But… I'm glad you asked. It was the first time I had a lot of fun in days." She doesn't have to explain why she struggled; it was because Mamoru wasn't there.
"Okay. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow," Seiya begins to wrap up their phone call.
The next morning, Minako is at the studio, watching the clock tick by knowing soon she will be able to see Yaten. She finished recording thirty minutes ago. Today's session was a little better.
She comes across Seiya first. "Is Yaten here too?"
"Yeah. He'll be along in a minute," Seiya explains, knowing he has a few minutes to talk to her before she will be distracted by Yaten. "Odango's birthday is at the end of the month. I'm trying to figure out what to do for her birthday."
"Oh. Um, the past few years we've sung karaoke on her birthday. We're planning on doing the same thing this year… usually it's just Ami-chan, Mako-cha, Rei-chan, Naru-chan and me. Just the girls." Minako explains the tradition they created. "Accept that one year we had to study..." She frowns recalling the night she pretended to be Sailor Moon to fool Kaolinite.
Minako asks the next question. "Do you know what you are going to get Usagi-chan for her birthday?"
"I'm not sure. My first thought was to get her a necklace… but she has her crystal pendant that she always wears. I mean… she should always wear it but…" He fumbles with not being sure how to explain why he thinks a necklace would not work.
"Maybe a bracelet then?" Minako suggests. Other than the bracelet she wore as Princess Serenity, it was rare to find Usagi wearing one. It would be something different.
"That's a great idea!" Seiya exclaims, happy to finally have an idea for a special gift for his girlfriend. "But I'm not sure where would be a good place to get one for her."
"Let that to me! I know just the place. If you don't find something you like, I know they can make a custom order for you too." Minako reassures him. "I can even help you pick something out. I'll call later and figure out a date and time."
"Thanks that would be great." Seiya smiles; relieved at how simple this process might turn out to be.
Usagi sighs as she forces her feet to propel her forward. She had well over a week to figure out what she would tell Setsuna and she doesn't know. A lot of her anger is gone. She is frustrated but in control of her emotions now. She is thankful she waited to have this conversation. Her emotions were too high and she was exhausted, barely able to stand after the entire ordeal when they spoke in the Time Streams.
Seeing a familiar red car snaps her out of her thoughts. The car pauses at a red light at the end of the block. The more she stares at the car, she realizes it is his. As she moves closer, she sees the license plate number, confirming her suspicions. It is his car. But isn't he in America? Or is he back in Japan? Did someone steal his car? Usagi runs forward hoping to catch the driver of the car before the light changes.
* Hard Off is the name of a huge used goods chain store throughout Japan. They have a huge variety of used goods. They also branch off with Hobby Off and Book Off. Love these stores. You never know what you will find.
Taiki thinking Kinmoku will be more peaceful. Buddy, you have no clue!
Any guesses where the Three Lights will be moving too?
In the 1990s, a person is considered an adult at age 20. It has since changed to 18.
Did Usagi see Mamoru's car… or did she get it wrong?
A snippet will appear in the next act!
Be sure to check out "Lost Kingdom" a short story written for Rare Pair week in March. It is a backstory with the future Setsuna had seen and has hinted at in previous chapters. I would suggest reading it before the next part if you haven't. It is rather short.
Thank you to everyone that has left comments, private messages on Tumblr or Wattpad, kudos, reviews, etc. All of your feedback is really inspiring me to keep going!
Today's chapter focused on Minako more as she builds her idol career. But fear not, the other girls will be showing up soon for their onsen outing! But first Usagi speaks with Setsuna and needs to figure who is driving Mamoru's car in the next act to be posted on 5/24, Act 68: Dating an Idol is Complicated
I forgot I'm going to a wedding on the 5/25 so the chapter will be posted a day earlier on Friday.