(Venus, Cupid Palace, Minako)
Sometime later in the day, Minako returned to her mother’s room. The woman slipped through the door, closing it softly behind her, and proceeded over to the bed. She peered at it for a moment, recalling when she had laid here in recovery after the incident; the memory saddened her, but at the same time it made her happy to know that everyone came for her.
Minako climbed onto the bed and fell down onto the sheets, inhaling deeply, and sighed happily. She was sore and exhausted from her work earlier that day, but she never felt more content. Minako lay there for a few minutes, feeling herself about to drift off to sleep until she snuggled further into the sheets and realized that there was something was hidden beneath the blanket.
Hm? She swore that her foot hit something. What’s that?
Minako reached over and pulled a fistful of blankets away to see a sheathed sword. There was a note on it.
“Minako.”
She stared at the sword in confusion. Is this for me? A knock came at the door and she rushed to hide the weapon again in surprise.
Knock, knock.
“Yes?”
“Lady Minako? It’s Taya. May I come in?”
Oh. “Yes, of course!”
A smile lit Minako’s face as the woman entered the room. Despite her fatigue, she couldn’t resist getting up and giving her friend a big hug.
“I missed you!” She laughed as they briefly embraced. “And wow...you look...uhh...”
Taya arched an eyebrow at that. “Old? I wouldn’t finish that if I were you, young Miss.”
“Hah, I was going to say tired, but okay. That works too! Hey. Don’t look at me like that, you did that yourself.”
Taya placed her hands on her hips and shot the girl a reproachful look. Minako briefly glanced down at the clipboard in one of her hands and noticed that it happened to be stuffed to the brim with papers. She was almost as bad as Luna.
“C’mon...turn that smile upside down.” Minako grinned and gestured.
She couldn’t help it. What had meant to be a smile came out like a half-snort. “...That was terrible. You got it all wrong.”
“Nope! I got it right. You smiled.” She winked.
Taya couldn’t fight that logic. “In any case, it is good to see you again My Lady. I would have come sooner, but I was tied up in a meeting.
“...Yeah? I think Sapphro mentioned something about it earlier.”
“Did he now?”
“Mhmm. But he never actually said what it was about. From the sounds of it... a lot has happened while I was away.”
“...You...could say that.” Taya frowned. She caught the mischievous look on Minako’s face and before she could open her mouth, she quipped, “Please try to be serious, My Lady. This is no laughing matter.”
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it... So, what were you about to say?” Her excitement died away when she saw the serious expression. “Did...something bad happen?”
“...Perhaps. Lady Minako?” She was surprised when Minako suddenly grasped her hands and led her over to the bed where she sat them both down.
“I'm sorry... It’s just, you really do look tired. I thought you might feel better if you sat down.”
“But, this is Her Majesty’s...”
“It’s fine. Trust me.” The words seemed to have their desired effect because the tactician appeared to calm down a little. “Taya...before I say anything else, I just want you to know that I appreciate everything that you’ve done for me. Not just for back then, but for now as well. Believe me...even while I was gone, I felt really guilty for leaving you with all of this. You’re all worn out on my account. But I’m here now. I want you to know that I am taking you seriously, and that I’ll listen to anything you want to say. You’re my friend... So, please...tell me everything that’s happened while I was away. I need to know.”
Taya appeared to be somewhat hesitant still, but the look of determination in her charge’s eyes made her stare in wonder. It had happened again.
She’s changed again...
“All right,” she finally said. “To be honest, the reason that I was late was not because of the morning meeting. It was the second one.”
It took a moment for Minako to realize what she had said. “You mean you went to two meetings today?”
When her friend met her eye, Minako suddenly felt like she was being put on the spot. She signed in relief when the woman turned her piercing gaze away.
“Yes. You see… after you left, the people eventually found out about Her Majesty and Lord Eleutherios’s fate. They immediately took to the streets and began to riot. It took almost every able-bodied man we had to calm them down. I had intended to keep the news withdrawn from the public until you had returned home, however...it appears that privacy can be difficult when you have so many palace staff.” Minako could detect some annoyance in her voice, but she didn’t press it. “As a result, the number of injured increased significantly, and its putting an even greater strain on our system. To put it simply...Venus was never properly equipped for war. There were so many injured during the battle, and now this! The meeting this morning was called to address our shortage of medical supplies.”
“Oh.” Should I tell her that it isn’t a problem anymore? But if I do, she’ll know that I wandered off again. Already Minako could hear her guardian launching off into another lecture.
Maybe-I-should-just-stay-quiet-after-all.
“If that wasn’t bad enough,” Taya continued, “sometime during the meeting a messenger barged in screaming his head off that there was a strange being within the Capital. My first inclination was to think that we were being attacked, but apparently that wasn’t the case. He claimed that a saviour or an ‘angel’ had descended upon us. When I confronted him on the topic, he described her as a woman bathed in a golden light, that she was performing miracles, curing the sick and the injured without asking for anything in return.”
Minako gulped. An ‘angel’? C’mon, isn’t that going a bit too far?
“Umm...Sounds interesting?” She warily eyed the tactician as stood up and began to pace around in front of her.
“Indeed. I’ll let you know that the incident has created quite the ruckus. Even as I speak, there is practically a mob outside the palace gates. When I inquired a guard about the disturbance he said that the people were demanding to see the ‘captain’. Apparently, the citizens claim that this individual was a commanding officer of our military ranks, but they had no other name to go by. If you can believe it, they are calling for this ‘captain’ person to become the next ruler.”
Taya stopped pacing, adjusted her glasses, and stared Minako directly in the eye.
“Can you explain this to me…Captain?”
Minako went pale, and braced herself for the lecture. But when it didn’t come, she realized that Taya was serious.
“W-Well... I was just waiting for you, but then someone said they needed my help... And then, it just kind of snowballed from there. I didn’t mean to cause more trouble for you...I’m sorry.”
Taya’s eyes softened and she sighed. “I know you meant well, but this does complicate the situation for you. The people now believe that they are asking someone other than their rightful ruler to ascend to the throne. If we tell them the truth, there is the small chance that it may create some resentment despite what you’ve done for them. On the other hand, if you present yourself as the captain, you will forever lose an important piece of your identity. And, on top of that...this forces your official appearance to happen quicker than I had anticipated.”
“Taya...” The regret in her friend’s voice made Minako’s heart ache.
“Why did you come back?” She heard her former student gasp behind her, and slowly turned around to face her. “If you had wanted it, you could have disappeared forever. You could have cut your ties to Venus, and gone wherever you pleased. You could have lived a normal life.”
What are you saying?
“The people would never have found out. We could have told them that the entire royal family had perished that day.”
“Wait, I don’t understand. You mean, you would have lied to them for me? But why?”
In the background, a faint sound of noises could be heard in the distance.
“Lady Minako... If you wish to, it’s still not too late. You can still turn back.”
“What?”
“You don’t have to become the new ruler if you don’t want to. It won’t change the fact that you’re a Goddess, but at the very least you can live life the way you want.”
...Taya... The woman’s word reminded her of the first time she had met Rei and the others.
Minako shook her head. “No. I didn’t come back here just to run away again!”
“My Lady--”
“Taya--you knew ever since the incident... that this would have to happen someday. So why are you trying so hard to stop me now?”
“...Because you’re my friend.” She said sharply, and silenced her. “It’s true. I was well aware that this day may come the moment I laid eyes on you after Her Majesty’s death.” In the woman’s vision, she could see a strong, golden aura around the Goddess. “You may already be aware of this, but Her Majesty’s power resides within you. No matter what anyone says, youare the rightful heir.”
Minako felt her heart skip a beat. “But Eros...”
“Lady Minako. Please come here. There is something that you need to see...” Taya beckoned the young woman to the window. When she pulled aside the curtains, the entrance of the courtyard could be seen in clear sight. Minako felt her eyes go wide and her breath, quicken. At the palace gate there was a large crowd of people that spread across the hill the palace was built upon. Was the entire city here?
Her guardian had anticipated Minako’s reaction, and felt partially overwhelmed herself by the situation.
“Do you see them?” She asked her. “They are all here because of you, regardless of who you presented yourself to be. Your Mother, Lady Aphrodite...also chose you.”
Lubb Dubb
Suddenly, Minako looked vulnerable. There was a hint of uncertainty at what was to come.
“Do you understand, My Lady? Although it’s true that Lord Eleutherios was the intended heir, this is the reality of things. If you choose to ascend to the throne, you will be required to address them. Also, you would be expected to put their needs ahead of yours from this point on. In my personal opinion...I think it would be a terrible, heavy burden to put on your shoulders since you are still very young.”
Even for someone such as Lord Eleutherios, this would be...
“However... I would like to make it clear that this is your choice and yours alone. Whether you decide to become their ruler, or walk away from this... Regardless of what your choice will be, you will continue to have my full support.”
“Taya...” Minako was at a loss for words. For a moment, she thought she was going to cry. “I--I really don’t know what to say.”
Taya smiled back. “You don’t have to say anything. For now, I would find a quiet place and just think things over until you are ready.”
“But, what about them?”
They both turned their gazes back to the crowd. The guards in front of the gate were starting to have trouble keeping them calm.
“I will go out and meet with them.”
“What?”
“As the substitute ruler, it is my duty to address the people’s concerns. But please don’t worry... I will only ask that they be patient and wait until you have made your decision. If they are truly serious about wanting you to become their leader, then they will wait, even if only for a little bit. I’m afraid this is all I can do for you at the moment.”
“No. Don’t apologize.” Minako surprised her friend and gave her another hug. “This is more than enough. Thank you.”
“...It’s no trouble at all.”
When you’ve made your decision, come to the Audience Chamber.
Minako watched Taya leave and reappear down in the courtyard below to quell the masses. She had to admit that Taya was right; after seeing so many people at once, it had startled her terribly. She needed a quiet place to think, and she just knew where to go.
Minako past the bed and picked up her communicator. As she was about to leave, she suddenly remembered the sword she had hidden under the bed covers. Without really thinking about it, she picked that up as well before she left the room.
(Palace Garden)
Minako had eventually found herself in front of the royal gardens once again. It was in considerably worse shape than when she had seen it last. Some of the walls that held a few of the flowers beds had collapsed, spilling flowers and roots alike on the brick pathways, and a few of the pathways had been ripped out altogether. The flowers in the plots that appeared to be relatively unscathed were largely trampled—it was as though a child and a group of his friends had stomped around on them, but Minako knew better; this place was like the others. Nothing had been left untouched by the war.
The woman eventually made her way to the far end, preparing herself for what she may see, but sighed in deep relief to find that her sister’s plot was still intact.
“Whew...They’re all right.” She smiled. It was one thing less to worry about.
Minako sat herself down on a patch of dirt, right where a row of plots used to be. She knew her friend had told her to sit down and think, but now that she was trying to think nothing was quite coming to mind.
This would be easier if I had someone to talk to. Rei’s face instantly came to mind. Minako took out her communicator and stared at the machine for a moment. Well, she diiiiiid say that I could call. And if she’s busy, she just won’t pick up.
Minako inputted the channel, and watched the screen light up.
…Channel secured… opening transmission…
Bleep!
Minako was momentarily surprised when Rei’s projection showed up. But she was even more surprised because the woman appeared to be in a strangely good mood.
“Hey. Well, this is a bit of a surprise. I didn’t expect you to call. Did something happen?” She heard Rei ask. In the background, she could hear distinct shouting.
“Umm...Well, kind of...But, before we get to that, what’s that in the background?”
“Hm?”
“Correct me if I’m wrong but...is someone is screaming?”
She saw Rei smirk. That was never a good sign. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” For an instant, Minako could have sworn that she saw the Martian’s first officer fly through the background. Was there something chasing him?
“Is that Zen?”
“Maybe.” Rei turned her head for a moment, but then shrugged. “He and Nozomi are just playing, so it’s nothing to worry about. Anyway,” she turned her attention back to the blonde, “what did you want to talk about?”
“Oh, well...You know. I was just wondering how you were doing.”
“Oh. Well, as you can see, everything is going well.”
“You mean it worked out okay?”
“Mhm. It’s just like I told you. It wasn’t a problem at all.”
“I see.”
It felt like someone had burst her bubble; Minako thought she should be happier for the woman, but now she felt like she was falling behind. Out of their group of friends, she figured she was holding them back.
Rei seemed to notice the suddenly dip in the blonde’s attitude. “Why? How are things going with you?”
There was a silence on Minako’s end as she racked her brains for the best way to explain things. In the end, she just gave up.
“Not so good.” She finally admitted.
“What? What do you mean? Nothing bad happened did it?”
“No. Not exactly,” Minako assured her. “I’m not really sure I would call it bad. It’s just...I did something, and now everyone wants me to be the ruler.”
“Okay? I won’t ask you what you did but...what’s the problem then? Are you starting to have second thoughts about this?”
Minako absent-mindedly picked up the sword she had brought with her and leaned it against her shoulder. Rei eyed the weapon with mild interest and then looked back to Minako. She was clearly distracted by something but the Martian didn’t know what.
“So, where did you get the sword? I thought you were just going to use your chains in battle from now on.”
“Hm? Well, I do. It’s just...It’s kind of a long story. I just feel comfortable when I hold it, that’s all.”
Rei seemed to nod her head in understanding. “I suppose I can understand that.”
Minako tapped the sword for a moment and looked at the seedlings before her. “Hey. You know how I had a lot of siblings right?”
“...Yeah.” Rei wasn’t sure where this was going, but she decided to play along anyway.
“Aside from Eros, there was one other person that I was remotely close to. I had an older sister named Marie. When we were younger, we would pass the time by planting flowers. They’re right there. See?”
Rei shot her a look.
“What?”
“It’s a one way projection Mina. Unless you turn your communicator around then I can’t...”
“Oh! Sorry.” She laughed at herself and turned the machine around. “There, do you see them now? They’re right over there.”
“You mean those seedlings? Yeah, but it doesn’t look like they’ve quite grown yet.”
“Yeah,” she nodded. “They’re what we’d call, ‘late bloomers’. That’s because they’re always bloom later than the others. In any case, I was in the city today and it got me thinking about my sister. You know...she died on the battlefield, just like Eros.”
“...”
“When I thought about it, it got me thinking about the war again. Like, how many people are going to lose their lives when we fight? Do we really have any chance of winning?”
“I don’t know.” Rei replied. “But I do know that if we don’t fight back, our enemy won’t stop until he gets what he wants. When you look at it, we really don’t have much of a choice in the matter.”
We don’t have a choice? She thought back to Taya’s words. That’s right...Even if I ran away now, nothing would get better. Ares and Apollo would just hunt all of us down, no matter where we go.
The knowledge seemed to limit her choices to just one, but somehow it gave little comfort.
“Even if we don’t have a choice in the matter, doesn’t it make you even a little nervous? You’re responsible for everyone’s lives and, what if you make a mistake? Setsuna wants us all to become rulers so that we can strengthen our forces but even after the war is over we’ll still be the rulers. It just doesn’t end there.”
“That’s right.” Rei said. The confidence in her voice startled Minako. “When you become the leader of a people you can’t just go back and forth whenever you feel like it. It’s a lifelong commitment.”
“It almost sound like marriage,” the blonde chuckled.
“I’m serious!”
“I know. I know...I’m listening. It’s just, I know it’s obvious and I know what I need to do, but the idea of speaking in front of so many people all at once is kind of nerve wracking.”
“Oh, so you have to give a speech?”
“Kinda.” Minako sighed. “Hey, can I ask you something Rei?”
“What is it?”
“If I didn’t become queen, would you hate me?”
There was a long silence. Minako was afraid to see how the woman would react, so she looked away at first, but when she finally looked back she could see a deep, contemplative look on the Martian’s face.
“I don’t think it would be a matter of liking or hating at that point.” Rei finally said. “I mean, there are many ways at looking at it. If you don’t become the ruler, then someone else will but there’s no guarantee that the person will qualified to fill the role. Also, aside from the obvious fact that Venus may not join our fight against Apollo, would you really be happy with yourself?”
Huh?
“After fighting with us all this way, would you really be satisfied with walking away from everything now? Besides, for what it’s worth...I think you’d make a great ruler.”
“Really? You aren’t just saying that because of what I said before, are you?”
“I don’t say things that I don’t mean.” Rei retorted. “But why are you surprised? Do you really have that little confidence in yourself? Really Mina, I swear! If it’s not one thing it’s another with you! Before, you used to worry about becoming stronger, and now you’re stronger aren’t you? You’re strong enough to protect anybody you want to.” Her gaze then softened. “But... just because a person is strong, it doesn’t mean that they would be a good ruler. You have to care about your people, and I know you do. I’ve seen you shed tears and worry yourself sick over this. If you really, and I mean really feel that you won’t be a good leader, then that’s your choice. But I’d still tell you that you’re wrong.”
I believe in you.
Rei was surprised when Minako started laughing out loud. “W-What so funny?”
“It’s nothing. Really...” The woman wiped away the tears from her eyes, and sniffed. Somehow, Rei looked skeptical. “Well, it’s just...you’re really blunt, aren’t you?”
You’re the only one who scolded me for even thinking about running away. In a way, my shoulders feel almost lighter somehow.
“It’s no wonder I fell in love with you.” She saw Rei turn a deep shade of crimson.
“A-Anyway... Is that all you wanted to talk about?”
“...Yeah. Oh, actually, there was one other thing.”
“Yes?”
“These flowers... I don’t think they’ll bloom before we go and fight.” Behind her, the wind began to shift. “When everything is over...Would you come and watch them with me?”
...fwooooOOOOoooosssh...
“...Sure.”
“You promise?”
“Promise.”
After she turned off her communicator, Minako stood up with the sword in her hand. She spared one last glance at the samplings before she finally turned around and headed back towards the palace.
I’ve made my decision.
(Cupid Palace)
Minako marched back into the palace and began to make her way towards the Audience Chamber. Somewhere along the way, she heard the beginnings of voices.
The Venusian made it to the doors of the Audience Chamber when she ran across Sapphro. The man had been standing there as if he had been waiting for someone.
“Minako!” He greeted her.
“Sapphro? What are you doing here? Where’s Taya?”
“Ah, well, she’s a bit busy at the moment, so she asked me to wait here for you. Anyway! I guess if you’re here, that must mean that you’ve made a decision. So kiddo...? Lay it on me. What do you plan to do?”
She steadily met his eyes. “I’ll succeed my mother and become the new ruler!”
Sapphro just smiled at that. “Yeah, I kinda figured as much. Anyway! Taya is waiting up ahead... We’re all waiting for you,” he winked and then began to lead the way.
For a moment, Minako just gaped at him. That jerk! You can at least pretend to act surprised! She almost wanted to ambush him from behind but that wouldn’t be a very Goddess-like thing to do, would it?
The two changed course and continued to climb higher and higher into the palace, while the entire time the shouts became louder.
Halfway up their climb, Sapphro kept shooting glances over at the woman. Eventually, he said,
“So, I guess you received it without a problem.”
“Huh?” Mianko looked up. She then followed his gaze to the sword. “Oh, you mean this? I found it on Mother’s bed. Were you...the one who left it for me?”
“...Maybe.”
“But why...? You know, I don’t need a sword to fight anymore. My powers are a lot stronger than they used to be.”
They both came to a stop.
“...Sapphro?”
“That’s true. Since you inherited your mother’s powers, you are stronger. But...I didn’t give you that sword because I thought you needed one to fight. I gave it to you because I thought you needed that sword.”
“I’m afraid I don’t quite follow...”
“Look at the hilt. Do you see anything on it?”
“Umm...Well, not really...” Minako furrowed her brow in confusion. Is there something I’m supposed to be looking for specifically? As she analyzed it, she noticed Venus’s insignia engraved on it but then again she saw that everywhere. Finally, she gave up. “I give up Sapphro. What are you talking about?”
“You mean you didn’t see your planet’s insignia?” Sapphro’s blue eyes twinkled when he saw the look of surprise on her face.
“Huh?”
He couldn’t help but laugh at that. “You’re probably thinking ‘so what’, right? Well, I guess that’s normal, considering that you grew up around the palace. A planet’s insignia is like a royal crest. You’re probably used to seeing it, but most people aren’t. So, since it’s on that sword, that must mean...”
Minako fell silent. It can’t be.
“Have you figured it out?” He calmly asked.
“You don’t mean...that it belonged to Eros, do you?”
“That’s right. It was your brother’s sword. I wasn’t able to do anything for him, but...if he were here, right now... I think he would like you to have it.”
“...Thank you.” She smiled. “It means a lot to me.”
Sapphro nodded back and they continued along their way. It wasn’t long before they reached the top floor. In the highest corridor of the palace, there was a small doorway at its middle. A set of red curtains draped to either side of the circular archway, acting as an entrance to a narrow, dimly lit tunnel inside. It wasn’t particularly long; they could already see the end from the entrance. Sapphro and Minako walked through the space and walked straight into small but brightly lit room. It appeared to be connected to a balcony in the very front. As Sapphro had promised, Taya was waiting there for them. Since the last time Minako had seen her, the woman appeared to have aged a few years in a matter of hours.
“Hey Taya! Been waiting long?” Sapphro shouted over to her. As she turned around and began to reprimand him, Minako’s ears perked up. The voices were the loudest up here. As she listened, she could clearly make out the word ‘captain’ amidst the shouts.
“...Captain! Bring out the Captain!”
Are they really calling for me? Minako was getting butterflies in her stomach just thinking about it.
“Lady Minako…” Taya approached her. There was a very serious expression on her face. “Have you made your decision? Sapphro didn’t force you to come here, did he?”
“No, he didn’t. I chose to come here on my own accord.”
“I see. So then, that means...” He voice was suddenly cut off when loud shouts could be heard in the corridor outside. A handful of the elite guards within the room exchanged glances and then ran out to see what the disturbance was about.
“Please let me through! I need to speak with the Captain!” A familiar voice pleaded.
Minako’s eyes widened. That couldn’t be, could it?! She remembered the trio of guards she had met with earlier. There was only one person who was that persistent.
“Minako!”
Minako ran outside into the corridor and turned her head towards the good of guards. “Captain!” Approximately halfway down the hallway, she spotted Render and his two friends being barred by a line of the elite guard. The young man stood on his tip-toes to try and get a better look at the Goddess, but one of the guards promptly shoved him back.
“Oof!”
“Render! Are you all right?” Ernest caught him.
“Y-Yeah...I’m fine. Thanks.”
“I strongly advise that the three of you leave now,” the head guard said sternly at a distance away. “If you continue to persist, then you will be punished!”
“No! I swear I’m telling the truth! I know the Captain!”
“Just like the rest of the mob outside, I’m sure!” He retorted. “Do not let them pass!”
“Wait!” Render bit back when he saw the line of soldiers took the neutral stance. If they even took one step forward, he was sure they would draw their swords on them in an instant.
I don’t understand! Why is the elite guard here with the Captain? Aren’t they supposed to be loyal to the royal family?!
Render drew down into a squat as the rest of his teammates also prepared themselves. It looked like a fight was about to ensue when someone shouted,
“Stop! Don’t hurt them!” Minako commanded the men. The head of the elite guard looked shocked.
“What?! But—with all due respect, they could be rogue soldiers!”
“It’s all right. I will see him. Let him and his men through!”
The head guard didn’t appear too pleased with the order, but he followed it nonetheless. With a gesture of his hand, his troops obediently parted to the sides. Squad RED didn’t waste any time. The trio ran up to the Goddess and dropped to one knee.
“Our thanks to you, Captain!” Render bellowed out. Behind Minako, Taya and Sapphro were shooting curious glances at the three soldiers while their comrades shot them looks of disdain.
“Do you know them?” Taya inquired the to-be ruler.
“Yes, they were a part of the squad that I commanded during the invasion. Also, I’ve met with them earlier today. When I went to the city they acted as my escorts.” She returned her attention to the soldiers and noted the beads of sweat forming on their leader’s face. “Render. Why have you come here?”
“Before I say anything, Sir, I would like to offer you my thanks again on behalf of the people you helped today! ...And...For what you did for my grandmother, you also have my personal thanks.” Minako patiently waited until he gathered enough breath to continue. “But there is something that I need to ask you... The people outside are clamouring for you to take up the throne as our new leader. Will you do it? Will you accept the position?!”
Minako blinked. “You came all the way here just to ask me that?” That was when a thought hit her. “Why is it so important to you? What would you do if I did accept the position?”
“If… If you did…” He bit his bottom lip. Despite his armor Minako could see that he was trembling from some internal conflict. “With all due respect Sir, I believe that I speak for my squad when I say that we believe you are more than qualified for the position. You truly care about our people, and have come to our aid when we were at a loss... more than once in fact… However! While we joined the military to protect our homes, didn’t we also swear an oath to protect the royal family as well? By taking up the position of ruler now, even though there is a chance that the true successor is still out there... wouldn’t that be considered treason?!”
“Render.”
“We all swore an oath to Her Majesty, Aphrodite’s family! Therefore, Sir… If you should take the position now, I will not stop you. BUT!” As he said this, his voice shook. “But if the successor to the royal family is ever found… then I cannot guarantee that we will not clash in the near future. For this, I offer my apologies, Sir!”
Minako found herself speechless.
Wow. I really can’t believe it... Their dedication goes as far as this? She noticed Ernest, the very man who had argued against searching for the heir also bowing in agreement. Even if I wasn’t the appointed successor to the throne, if it was another person, they would still fight against their superiors for someone they’ve never met?
“I understand.”
Render’s head shot up. “Sir?”
“I commend your dedication. It’s admirable.” Minako smiled, and then walked back into the room.
“Wait! What do you mean--” He rose to his feet, but was stopped by a firm hand on his arm. Render gasped. “L-Lady Taya? But...why is the substitute ruler allowing this? Are you really okay with this?!”
The tactician’s eyes were trained on her charge now; the young Goddess was a mere step from leaving her cover, from making her appearance.
“Lady Taya?”
“If you are loyal to the former Queen’s family like you say you are, then I ask that you give the ‘captain’ a chance. Watch and listen carefully. You may even learn something.”
Minako stopped just outside of the balcony and swallowed hard. A steady stream light was beaming through the open doorway and the voices beyond it were louder than she last heard them. It seemed that the crowd was becoming restless. Behind her, she could also feel multitude of gazes intensely watching her back.
She was trembling inside.
“Now, tell me... what’s the problem? What’s bothering my little sister?”
“… I only met you, and I’m already making a fool of myself.”
No. That’s not it. The problem is... I’m scared...
fwoooOOOooossssh…
…………………….……..Minako………….
She blinked when she felt a tug on her hand.
Huh? Is it just my imagination or... why does it feel like someone is holding my hand?
She didn’t know why, but Minako allowed herself to be pulled from the shadows and into the light where she was exposed for all to see. Instantly! The crowd erupted into enthusiastic cheers that were so loud that they were deafening.
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
The invisible force released the young woman’s hand, and Minako shakily gripped onto the balcony railing for support. It was a breathtaking sight, far different than what she had anticipated from the shadows. Out here, in the sunlight where the wind played with her golden hair, a realization hit her.
This must be how my Mother felt when she addressed her people…
…From this same place…
…Exactly like this…
From inside, the thin silhouette of a longhaired woman caught Render’s attention. He blinked and rubbed his eyes. In the instant he lost sight of it, it was gone.
T-That’s weird… for a moment, I thought I saw a shadow behind the captain…
Minako inhaled deeply, and then tilted her head upward towards the blue sky. Immediately she was filled with awe at its expansiveness; it stretched further than the crowd below her, over her entire planet. If one were up there, how far could one possibly see? Those who passed on from this life, from this world of sorrow and joy, were they watching now?
What would you tell me… if you were here, Marie?
The sun briefly flickered behind the clouds, and Minako raised her hand for silence.
“Everyone!” She tested her voice. “Everyone, please listen to me!”
The crowd hushed…
“My name… is Venus, Minako! I am the youngest child of the former Queen Aphrodite!”
Inside the castle beside Taya, Render nearly fell over in astonishment. The man wasn’t quite sure if he heard correctly.
“Y-You mean… She’s the survivor?!”
The captain was the remaining member of the royal family? She’s one we’ve been searching for all this time?
Taya turned to him and regarded him calmly.
“Young man… do you not find it odd how a person can heal as many as she did in such a short time span? Or the fact that she has the ability to heal at all?”
Render recalled back to earlier that day when his grandmother was made well. There actually had been something unusual that had caught his attention.
“I remember that there was a strange light…” He confessed. “I didn’t know what it was, but maybe, I just didn’t care. She was helping people, and that was all that mattered to me.”
“A Goddess can heal others at the expense of their own strength. What she did today was a very reckless thing to do, but… that is the type of person Lady Minako is.”
“Lady Minako...” The man repeated the name, the Goddess’s true name.
When we needed her she appeared out of nowhere to help us. Back then, it was our fault for not staying focused, for not remembering our duty. It was our fault for not realizing anything then…
His earlier worries disappeared and a sad relief flooded into his heart.
I’m glad. Even though we won’t be able to hang out together anymore, I’m glad that she’s the true successor...Truly. With all my heart!
“You know, I...I’ve always wanted to become part of the elite guard. A lowly soldier like myself isn’t permitted to be in the presence of the royal family...but... it was my hope that, someday, I would be able to speak with them and protect them personally. It was a dream of mine...”
“And you have.” He turned his head in surprise. “You have spoken with a member of the royal family quite a bit, or at least from what I have heard. You escorted My Lady to the city capital today, did you not?” She watched the youth weakly nod his head. “Although you did not know who she was, you still believed in her. That type of loyalty is rare, and is essential for our members of the elite guard.”
“Lady Taya, just what are you saying?”
Their eyes met.
“Please continue to protect My Lady... as you always have…”
Lubb dubb!
As part of the elite guard?
Tears blurred Render’s vision in overwhelming gratitude. Even Dael and Ernest were lost for words as they tried to support their friend. However, it was not over yet; Minako hadn’t finished yet.
“I’m sorry that I wasn’t there for all of you earlier. But I am here now, and there is something that I need to tell you.” She took a deep breath. “The enemy who attacked us, and killed the late Queen is still at large!”
A murmur flew through the crowd.
“I understand that many of you would rather not fight again, and I will not force you! But as long as we sit idly by and do nothing, then it’s guaranteed that there will be more unwanted battles! There will be more unnecessary deaths! That is why... I believe we should join forces with the other planets and fight back! Although I may not be worthy of your trust... please lend me your strength. If you won’t do it for a ruler, then do it for yourselves!”
Minako’s plea rang throughout the area, echoing against the walls and back faintly to her ears. Her hands pressed against the balcony’s railing, barely keeping a grip on the slippery, marble surface as she silently pleaded with her people; she had said everything she could say, and now she waited for their answer.
A faint humming caught in the woman’s ears first, quickly followed by quick movements below. While she waited for the possible rejection, she registered another familiar sound.
…Clapping…?
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
Inside, Render weakly lifted his head and smiled at the Goddess’s surprised expression.
What’s that face for? Even if you were gone for a long time, you still came back to us. You helped us when we needed you... That’s all that matters.
Minako’s knees went weak upon hearing their response. She was so happy that she wasn’t sure if she should laugh or cry.
Bleep! Bleep!
An insistent noise dragged the Venusian out of the clouds; Minako’s communicator was detecting multiple incoming calls. Without hesitation she simultaneously opened all channels. In a blink of an eye, all around the balcony from where she stood, six different projection windows popped up and within each of those panels they depicted the other planet rulers also addressing their people. Haruka, Michiru, Ami, Makoto, Usagi and Hotaru (with a strange man she’d never seen before in the background), and, lastly, Rei made their appearance.
She couldn’t resist smiling.
There was another re-adjustment of the transmission panels before the representative rulers were specifically focused on. Meanwhile, the citizens on all of the planets were left taken aback from seeing so many high ranking individuals gathered at once. As a result, the same questions were being asked among the different cultures.
“Those are the rulers right?”
“I recognize a few, but I don’t recognize Mars’s. Wasn’t their ruler Ares? What’s a woman doing there?”
“Wait… I think I heard something about them having a substitute ruler…”
“Never mind Mars! It looks like Earth is getting involved as well.”
“Earth, Mercury, Neptune… I’m actually surprised Venus is here too! But somehow I thought Aphrodite looked older.”
“Maybe it’s not her?”
“What’s going on here?!”
Haruka glanced down momentarily at her communicator, re-checking to make sure they were all present. Once she counted off the correct number of windows from her side, she nodded to herself.
“Then we are all here?” Her projection boomed and instantly all observers fell silent to witness this unusual meeting. “It appears that there is a much needed announcement!”
From where she stood Rei whole-heartedly wished she could shoot the wind ruler a glare, yet she resisted to uphold her diplomatic form.
“Yes, that is correct.” Rei’s window began to temporary zoom out to reveal the kneeling Martian soldiers behind her. They were numerous in their numbers.
“As many of you may already know, I was formerly the substitute leader of Mars in Ares’s place. However, there has been a change in command! From here on, I, Mars Rei, am the leader of Mars!”
Though statement prompted many whispers among all of the planets, none of the rulers seemed to mind; secretly, the majority of the women were already having a hard time as it is trying not to grin at their friend’s success.
“I see,” Uranus mused. “And I see there is also a new face representative for Venus as well…”
Minako glanced back at the people below her, reassuring herself of their decision. There were many grins and ‘go on’ type of gestures from both the crowd and her support group behind her. It took everything the new ruler had to suppress her excitement.
…Everyone…
“Yes.” Minako replied in a serious tone. “Due to a few unforeseen circumstances there has also been a change in command for Venus. I, Venus Minako, am the new ruler of Venus!”
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
Thank you.
“It would also appear that we have one other unfamiliar face among us.” Michiru pointed out. All attention shifted towards Earth’s window.
King Endymion was zoomed upon.
“Please allow me to introduce myself. I am King Endymion of Earth.” He politely gestured. “Today I have not come to solely speak for myself, but on the behalf of both the people of Earth and the Moon. After speaking with the ruler of the Moon, we have come to an agreement to bridge our two societies together! As it now stands, Earth will remain as our center of command until re-settlement to the Moon is established.”
Haruka narrowed her eyes a little. Getting all the help we can get, huh, Setsuna?
“Very well.” Haruka reluctantly accepted the fact. “Then we, the rulers of Uranus, Neptune, Mercury, and Jupiter hereby recognize Venus Minako, Mars Rei and King Endymion as the rulers of their respective planets!”
There was applause sounding in the background, especially on Venus. However, Uranus wasn’t about to stop until it was all over.
“We all have gathered here today to formally dissolve any previous alliances, and to swear a new allegiance under the Planetary Alliance! Together, it is our hope that we may finally gain peace!” She raised her hand.
“Therefore, as the ruler of--”
“Uranus--”
“Neptune--”
“Mercury--”
“Jupiter--”
“Earth--”
“Mars--”
“Venus--”
“--SWEAR ALLEGIANCE TO THE PLANETARY ALLIANCE!”
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
As the people celebrated the new unification, Minako finally let her hand fall down to her side and basked in the joyful atmosphere-- finding herself pleasantly exhausted from all the excitement.
I was so afraid back then, that now I don’t even know what I had to be afraid about. Thinking back on it, it almost makes me feel silly.
Maybe… It’s just like Rei said. I just lacked confidence. I could believe and trust anyone but myself. But if I had never taken that first step to address my people, then none of this would have been possible. I would have never known…
But I’ve decided! No matter what the outcome is, I will have no regrets!
A gentle breeze blew up against the Goddess and sent her hair-flying back; the coolness against her flush face momentarily refreshed her. Yet the gift was not enough to entirely distract the woman from the light pressure squeezing against her hand. Minako’s eyes widened and her heart raced upon feeling the comforting gesture.
…It was familiar…
…All too familiar…
“What would you tell me… if you were here, Marie?”
“…You…” Tears stung her eyes.
“There, there… The past is the past Minako dear… What happened is done. Why don’t we focus on the present?”
Minako gently squeezed back, finding the tears already falling. The final good-bye between loved ones-- to the one who rescued her, who showed her, her world and home. Every unspoken emotion was expressed within a single heartfelt gesture, to be forever cherished between two souls until the final distant reunion.
…I’ll miss you…
Minako felt the breeze slowly pull away, the ghostly fingertips keeping contact right until the tips of their fingertips slipped apart. Her heart cried out but she knew that no matter how much she desired it, it was one wish that cannot be granted.
The memories that they shared, would always be filled with laughter and warm embraces. It was with that one consoling thought, that with a heavy heart, Minako was finally able let go, and watch as the breeze soared upwards towards the waiting blue sky.
You don’t have to worry anymore Marie…
…From now on…
………………….…I think I’ll be okay…
“Good-bye…” She whispered. “…And…”
“…Thank you…”
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