Minako Aino (AST)

**Minako Aino** is the present-day incarnation of **Sailor Venus** and the civilian identity of **Sailor V**

## Appearance

Minako Aino has blue eyes and blonde hair, preferring to wear her hair down with a simple red bow in it.

## Personality

Minako is shown to have both silly and serious sides. Her serious side manifests more often when she is Sailor Venus (as was true for many of the Sailor Senshi), but she is still strongly devoted to her friends and her duties as a Senshi. Similar to Usagi, she is an academic underachiever, and will refer to Usagi at times as her "make-up tests partner." She is, however, much more athletic than Usagi, especially when it comes to volleyball.

## Information

Minako is introduced retrieving Artemis from the pound along with Luna and Usagi. As it was late she wasn’t in the mood to tease him so she just took him home. Meeting at Hikawa Jinja shrine Ami went over the finding she had about C-chan which were inconclusive. The cause Luna to jealously insult her again and when Usagi started teasing her she angrily accused C-chan of being an agent of some evil organization who suckered Artemis before he shut her up so that Ami could continue.

Both Ami and Rei had gotten disturbing readings from Nerima. This caused Makoto to tell them that she was being transferred to Furinkan High School due to the combination of the rumors about her and the time spent fighting youma making her look like a delinquent. She saw this as a good opportunity to perform reconnaissance and see if the new teacher everyone was talking about was a youma. Ami agreed and decided go that night to get some readings. Artemis quickly jumped at the opportunity to join her which Luna immediately called bull on.

Minako waited outside Artemis tried to sneak into Akane’s room. When he showed back up soon afterwards wait and shaking in terror she tried to conceal her mirth from the deeply offended cat as they met up with Ami who was scanning the dojo. Getting constant low reading on the same frequency as those spikes they had discussed that morning. She felt it would be best to plant a monitor on the school grounds. Artemis wanting to go home happily agreed.

When Makoto contacted them about Hinako’s ability to absorb battle aura’s Ami determined that she wasn’t a youma. Usagi and Minako meanwhile were more interested in the fact that Kanada who they weren’t aware was Kasumi in her cursed form could see through the Senshi’s disguise magic. They couldn’t help but laugh at the fact that he believed that Makoto was a cuunibyou.

When Makoto informed the Inners, Artemis, and Luna about Kasumi’s curse they were naturally shocked. After researching Ami discovered that Jusenkyo might have a connection to Moon Kingdom as the creator also made the Henshin sticks. After Makoto signed off Ami remembered that C-chan she had some involvement with Jusenkyo. Luna became ecstatic at this revelation finding it hilarious that Artemis was chasing after some human. Her amusement was short lived when Minako pointed out that the Mau can take on human forms.

Usagi, Minako and Ami ended up being transferred to Kasumi’s Class. By this point the students were required to live in dorms due to the antics of Yotogi Shinja. Unfortunately while Minako’s roommate was Sakura Kasugano, Usagi’s was Kotori Shoushin. Makoto who had come to check out the dorms invited them to a free dinner at the San Cheng Huang, as well as Michiru and Haruka who had driven them.

While there Haruka decided to playfully flirt with Herb as she ordered, not noticing how angry this made her. Minako did and decided intervened by giving her own starting orders which prompted the others to do so as well. Haruka ended flirting with Herb again when she ordered for Michiru who was in the bathroom. This prompted Herb to discreetly send a small burst of chi at her chair.

They got their first look at Kasumi-kun when Makoto served them their opening appetizer. She could just smirked as her friends got absorbed by the image they were seeing. Before she could reveal Kasumi’s true identity Haruka saw him talking to Michiru and marched over thinking he was flirting with her. Much to their surprise Kasumi threw Haruka out in a fit of rage.

Michiru took Haruka home as the others tried to figure out what happened to Kasumi. Ultimately it they couldn’t think of anything and it wasn’t anything serious enough to worry about just yet, so went home as well. Makoto invited her friends to the beach location of the restaurant where she explained Kasumi’s curse. Though she told Michiru to find out about Kasumi’s history with Haruka from Kasumi herself.

The senshi watched the initial exchange between Kasumi and Michiru, and after things seemed to be going alright decided to head into the water, and were soon after joined by Akane and Nabiki. Happosai arrived soon after, dressed up in a colorful suit, complete with a box wrapped up with a ribbon, and followed Shampoo and Ranma as they lead him off. When they returned bit of relaxation in the sun they were left shocked that Herb was able to solve the math problem Ami had been having so much trouble with. Seeing the look in Ami’s eyes when Makoto revealed that Herb was male only trapped Usagi realized that she was starting to develop feelings for him.

They joined everyone else in trying to stop Happosai when informed about the love pills, but they couldn’t use their senshi forms due to Kasumi being able to see through the disguise magic. Usagi ended up the focus of Happosai and hid behind Shampoo and Haruka. Happosai discovered Haruka was a woman and used the pill on her, but was quickly disabled before it too effect. Only when Kasumi, still in male form, showed up did the effect finally take hold, prompting Haruka to kiss Kasumi. Embarrassed by this, and still frustrated by the previous evening's encounter, Haruka got into a fight with Kasumi. Still too shocked to do little more than watch, Shampoo, Michiru and Usagi stood by and watched as the confrontation escalated.

With the fight's conclusion, Haruka learning Kasumi's true identity, and Kasumi learning Haruka's true gender, Shampoo would return home with Kasumi who was confused. Makoto soon did the same, after excusing herself from the other senshi. The other senshi watched the whole thing, still slightly amazed at it all. When the excitement at last ended they offered their assistance, which was politely rejected by Michiru, then headed off themselves along with the others, Ami giving Herb a departing look.

After one of Kotori’s latest outburst Usagi was desperate to get out of the dorms. Minako was going to volleyball try-outs which Usagi wasn’t good at. Just as she was ready to accept her fate for the afternoon Minako reminded her that Luna was going to look into Frost prompting Usagi to join her.

After Principle Kuno returned he implemented a rule that the boys would get buzz cuts and girls would get bowl cuts. While stating that it wouldn’t be if they found a coconut he hit within the school. He then kidnapped Shampoo to blackmail Kasumi into helping him. Kasumi destroyed the schools power relay to buy herself some time. The resulting blackout ended with them flailing wildly in a pile of bodies desperately trying to free themselves. They eventually were with the arrival of Happosai who ended up being smashed through the door by Kotori. Their annoyance was amplified when the girls realized that he had stolen their panties.

Not wanting to walk around with no underwear and unwilling to give the boys their locker combination the girls convinced the boys to switch clothing with them so that they go to the gym and pick up some spare clothes. As they made their way to the gym they tried to figure out why Kasumi had betrayed them. None of the observers were brave enough to do more than let off stifled giggles. When they arrived the boys decided to change into their gym clothes as well. All except Takeshi who had gotten them clean and forgot to bring them to school.

Realizing that running around was getting them nowhere they decided to think up a plan. Ryoga suggested that they found find Kasumi and find out what was wrong. A returning Ukyo called them out for so casually dismissing what she just did. Furious she decided to go and find Kasumi and deal with her herself. Kuno was about to follow her but was stopped by Ranma. They finally noticed that Shampoo wasn’t their when the girls finished changing. Saki would realize that the principle must be blackmailing Kasumi.

They split up into teams of three to go and search for Shampoo, Takeshi, Usagi and Minako ended up together. As an attempt to ignore the teachers running down the hall, carrying coconuts and taunting the groups of students chasing after them, they told each other how they had been transferred. Takeshi explained his relationship with Kotori. Usagi quickly realized that he like Kotori causing him to fell flat on his face to the shock of both girls. They teased him a little more until he turned it back around on them and asked how they were in that department. Minako looked away self-consciously, while Usagi smiled up at the roof dreamily.

This caused Minako to realize that no one had checked the gym. The three arrived at the gymnasium door, with Takeshi taking the lead. They found it had become transformed into a jungle. Usagi and Minako wer about to go get the others, but Takeshi convinced them that it was best to check it out first. The three proceeded inside, taking every step slowly. Hearing a conversation in the distance they changed directions to check it out and found Ms. Hinako and the principal were talking inside a tower.

However, of more interest to the three was the cage hanging next to the tower, which had Shampoo, chained inside. Hiding themselves in the bushes they listened as the principle tried to convince Hinako not to drain him. They tried to sneak out to go get the others. However, after about five steps, Usagi caught her foot on a root sticking up from the ground and fell flat on her face with a loud cry of fright. It took only a moment for Ms. Hinako to spot the threesome after that.

Telling Usagi and Minako to run Takeshi attempted to hold the crazed Hinako off, only to be immediately blasted by the Happo-Tsurisen-Gaeshi. Minako and Usagi had to duck to avoid his flying body. He didn’t dignify Usagi asking him if he was alright with an answer. Since Hinako could only target one at a time the three scattered. Unfortunately Hinako went after Usagi who dove for the ground, just barely dodging her attack. She recovered in time to see a second blast, but dodged slower this time and was sent tumbling into a batch of bushes.

Ms. Hinako then turned her aim on Minako. She jumped out of the way of the first attack, but while still airborne had no way of dodging the second. Takeshi managed to catch her before she hit the ground to absorb the extra impact. He then tossed her clear of Hinako’s next blast which he wasn’t able to dodge. Unable to move he told Minako to run and find the others. Minako wasn’t willing to leave him and Usagi to get killed, but he was sure Hinako wouldn’t go that far. Either way neither would make it if she had to carry him which Minako reluctantly agreed with.

She was able to quickly find Kasumi, Ranma, Ryoga and Kuno and explain what was going on. As they raced off towards the gymnasium Kasumi told her to go get the others. After the fiasco with the Principle the school had been closed for a week and realizing that it had been a while since they had talked the inners were trying to contact Rei. When they finally got her she was naturally skeptical when they explained what happened. Rei by contrast was bored stiff as nothing was happening in Juben.

They were interrupted by the arrival of C-chan , Usagi was the first to notice that she now had a lunar crest. They then received another shock when she spoke. The girls all fell over in shock at hearing the cat speak, with Ami being the first to recover. Scanning C-chan she discovered that her energy pattern had been altered to be near identical to Luna's and Artemis's. Minako went to go get Artemis and Luna and when they returned Mousse introduced himself a Selene and unable to truly reveal the full nature of his situation,  gave Frost cover story that he was her familiar.

The Inner’s started to discuss the ramifications of Frost turning Selene into a luna cat, remembering that she was there going into specifics. By this point Luna had gotten over her shock and reminded them about jusenkyo. Ami scanned her again and got the same reading she received from Herb. Incensed at the thought that Frost might have trapped Selene Usagi decided to confront her. Minako went with her just in case. On their way to Dr. Tofu's office Minako realized that they her know that they were Senshi. So Usagi decided to meet her as Sailor Moon.

Usagi, Ami and Minako were bemoaning the lose of their baseball game when Makoto showed up having finished giving Ranko a tour of the dorms. Usagi jokingly suggested that two on the opposing team had curses, causing Ami to reply with a detailed description of how Jusenkyo worked, which she had been researching because of her crush on Herb. This naturally led to another discussion on her the senshi were interested in. Minako was thinking of asking Takeshi out.

Makoto tried to change the subject by wondering when the Huang would be repaired, but Usagi just accused her of wanting to be with Kasumi. Makoto turned it back around by reminding her about Seiya. As she was teased Usagi accidentally revealed that Seiya had kissed her, before claiming that she had homework to do.

The were distracted from contemplating this revelation by the arrival of Artemis and Luna who informed them Selene knew who they were and had asked them to help Frost finish repairing the Kaisuifu. The moment Usagi was kidnapped Setsuna was flung out of the Space-Time Door, due to the path of time entering a strong flux. They called Mamoru to tell him what happened and he took the first flight back to Japan. All the Senshi could do was stew in worry as they waited, as while Ami attempted to scan the area for Usagi she could find no sign of either her or Kasumi. Luckily Setsuna woke up by the time he arrived. She explained how the shape of the future has been irreversibly altered.

When Mamoru asked her what that meant for Chibiusa, Setsuna explained that the current timeline was no longer connected with hers. That version was still alive, it’s just that their future was no longer hers. This caused Minako to panicking at the ramifications of what this meant, but Rei was quick to calm her down stating that Usagi was alive and they would find her.

Setsuna who wasn’t even aware that Usagi was missing until now could only tell them that only someone of immense power could overpower the effects of the doorway. After a moment of silence Makoto spoke up and encouraged everyone to go in full force once they have a lead. Mamoru having never met Kasumi was surprised when he saw no disagreement on anyone's face.

Three days later they received a frantic call from Makoto telling them that Sailor Moon had just attacked the Kuno mansion and kidnapped Shampoo. She and Ami arrived only to find and unconscious Makoto and Ranko. They took them back to Tofu’s clinic, who helped them bring back all the other guards who were injured. Ranko was the first to wake up and since like Kasumi she could see through their disguise magic demanded the two tell her what was going on.

They were fumbling for words when Makoto woke up and just told the truth. What was more concerning was the fact that Usagi didn’t seem to be affected by Ranko’s anti-magic. They were attempted to figure that out when Saki showed up wanting to ccheck up on Shampoo. They told her what happened and when she heard about the van she ended up calling Kitsune who was at Hotel La Bac. She told Saki that she had seen a van go into the hotel. Ranko tried to ask what was going on, but she said tell her later as she rushed off.

When Sampai called everyone to meet at Hotel La Bac Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Venus, Tuxedo Kamen, and the outer Senshi watched from nearby rooftop. Among the crowd, Makoto was listening in, discretely relaying the plan of how they were going to rescue Kasumi, Shampoo, and Usagi. Mercury scanned the buildings defenses, only for her scans to be blocked. They decided to make their way to the rooftop where whatever was blocking her scans was the weakest and make their way down while the others go in from the bottom.

That left the discussion of what to do when they found Sailor Moon. Venus suggested they try to reason with her, but the plan had little support from the outers. Uranus reminded them that not only did Shadow Moon easily defeat both Jupiter and Ranko, they had no idea what was controlling her, and she was displaying new abilities. They had no choice but to go at her full force and try to deal with things later under more controlled circumstance. Mars was quick to point out that could end up seriously hurting Usagi, only for Uranus to respond that it was better then her killing them. Venus was left in the middle. They didn't know what exactly they were dealing with and maybe it was overly optimistic to think they could simply restrain her, but, the thought of going so offense of her princess was not very palatable.

The stalemate was finally broken by Tuxedo Kamen who advised them to just wait until they had more info, and then improvise from there. It turns out that the building was protected by an anti magic field as they found out when they landed on the field as well as Jupiter when she joined them. Unfortunately without their powers, the La Bac was a very dangerous place. Even with the combined effort of all nine of them, they barely managed to make it 2 floors down, and even that had cost them many bruises and scrapes. They were resting in a hall when the anti magic field decreased in strength one of its power sources having been destroyed.

This allowed Mercury to get local reading, but before she could start searching for Usagi she spotted Shadow Moon walking towards them. Not having expected things to be this easy the group were left confused on what to do next. Scanning Shadow Moon’s body Mercury discovered the nanites contained within it and realized she was being controlled. They were a bit puzzled when she seemed to be hesitating. But before any of them could truly get much hope up that she just might snap out of it, she suddenly attacked. Mercury provided then as explanation of how her new abilities worked while the others tried to fight her off. Having already deal with her before Jupiter was quick to warn them about how dangerous Shadow Moon was.

Sailor Uranus was the first to attack however the confines of the building, combined with the simple speed and power of Shadow Moon's ability had quickly demonstrated the flaw in a frontal attack. In had taken less than a minute for Shadow Moon to disable the outer senshi, leaving them scattered throughout the hall. The inner senshi, after seeing their comrades in trouble, were nearing the same fate. With brutal efficiency, Shadow Moon blocked their attacks and attempts to reach the others. Tuxedo Kamen was also afforded no mercy as he was violently whipped around by the arm, before being tossed down the hall where he collided with Sailor Mars.

They were distracted from their pain by the sound of the Doctor from the speakers. He advised them to surrender revealing that he knew who they were and threatened to make their civilian lives difficult. Given that Usagi disappeared the same day as Sailor Moon it was just a matter of cross referencing her friends and acquaintances. Jupiter was unable to hide her worry at how bad their situation was. He informed him that Shadow Moon was instructed to keep them there, to give them time to think about his offer. For one last taunt he asked that they not stop fighting as he wanted to see what Shadow Moon’s full capabilities were.

While they were able to feel the immediate affects when the second stone was destroyed they still proved to be no match for her. They were given a brief rest when Shadow Moon paused as she received another instruction. Though it ended the moment the buildings self-destruct alarm sounded. Just as they were once prepare to attack Shadow Moon, the Doctor showed up. Uranus jumped to her feet threateningly only for Shadow Moon to respond by moving directly in front of him. He had decided to cut his loses and while there was no time left to gain control of them, the nanites had complete control over Shadow Moon.

Much to everyone’s surprise Shadow Moon refused his order to come with him. Initially the Senshi and Kamen had hope that she was coming around. That hope was dashed when after informing the Doctor that he had served his purpose and thus is no longer required she killed him. The Senshi could only look at this in shock. The man was doubtless evil, but to see him cut down so casually by their princess was not an image they could easily accept. However, as she turned back towards them, they realized their situation had yet again become worse.

The seriousness of the situation was clear, they had three options, attempt to retreat, attack, or die. Shadow Moon blocked the only way down, and up lead only to the roof. Even at best it would take them nearly a minute to initiate the teleport and that left Shadow Moon plenty of time to intervene. So really, there were only two options. Unfortunately their earlier fight made it clear that simple physical attacks were useless and that left only their magical ones which would doubtless hurt her, and none of the Senshi were willing to do that. Even Uranus drew the line at attacking Usagi full force. Simply lying down and dying wasn’t an option either.

This time it was Sailor Venus who broke the stalemate, as much as they didn’t want to, if they didn’t attack Shadow Moon would kill them and still be destroyed. Sadly she proved to be to strong Mar was launched violently away, Mercury tried to think up a way to deal with their situation as she checked up on her but none came. Sadly by this point the nanites had gained full control of Sailor Moons magic as shown when Shadow Moon summoned the Moon Stick.

It took little more then a second for her to completely decimate them. In a last desperate stand Sailor Saturn shielded everyone using her Silence Wall against the worst of the attack, but even her strength quickly faded under Shadow Moon's onslaught. To prevent this Usagi having become aware of what was going on destroyed her star seed. Shadow Moon after gasping in pain suddenly lost all her strength and fell to the floor only to be caught by Tukedo Kamen. Sailor Moon’s consciousness reasserted itself seconds before all life left her body. Then as Tuxedo Kamen began to register what just happened she was suspended in the air as she transformed into Eternal Sailor Moon. Her uniform started to disintegrate leaving nothing but her wings which continued to grow, before unleashing a purifying wave of light.

Just as Usagi was about to fall to the ground she was plucked out of the air by Seiya. Both groups could just stare at each other in confusion not knowing what was going on. They came out of it when Seiya noticed how lifeless Usagi was. Mercury checked up on her and determined that she was alive, though she needed a more proper examine. Tuxedo Kamen took Usagi from Seiya as they made their way outside, deciding they’d figure out what to tell everyone when the time came.

Uranus however broke off to go and find Kasumi. Neptune appeared pensive, but made no move to stop her partner. Likewise, although worry showed on the other Senshis' faces, they too made no move to stop her. Teleporting back to where they left Artemis and Luna Mamoru de-transformed and rushed off to find a doctor. The other’s decided that it would be best to stay as it would make it easier for him to explain things. At this point Luna made her presence known and demanded that they explain what was going on, something Seiya agreed with.

The Senshi were gathered together over lunch in the hospital cafeteria, waiting for news on Usagi’s condition when Seiya arrived to inform them that she had woken up and was fine. While relieved this just brought about further questions, why didn’t she fade away like all the other Senshi who had their stars removed. Not to mention how she summoned Seiya. While Ami couldn’t get a reading since whatever happened to Usagi overloaded her computers sensors Setsuna had a theory.

They were under the assumption that it was Usagi's kidnappers that caused time to shift, neither Rose or Kasumi had that level of power only Usagi herself. Minako was the first to voice what everyone was thinking and asked what they do next. That Setsuna couldn’t answer as knowing Usagi was the cause of everything didn’t mean she knew how or why she was able to do it. They needed more info and to get they needed to go to the Moon Kingdom. It turns out that while everything above ground is in ruins, the complex below the ground is still fairly intact. If Ami could get the city's central computer running again they could get the answers they needed.

That still left the question of how they were going to get there which Rei was quick to point out. Seetsuna informed them that the Moon Kingdom had several special transit points set up as gateways between Earth and the Moon. They also wouldn’t need any space suits. Needing only a small group to go it was suggested that it consist of Haruka, Ami, Setsuna, Usagi, and Mamoru. With that came the problem of Kasumi having seen Haruka who after a moment volunteered to talk to her.

Makoto Usagi, Ami and Minako gathered together to catch up on some back home work. When Usagi went to the washroom Makoto asked the others if they had noticed anything wrong with her. Minako wrote it off as her being upset about Seiya leaving and they decided to give her a few more days before talking to her.

When Usagi randomly sent them a message to meet her at the park they called her to see what was going on, only to become worried when she wouldn’t respond to her communicator. Worried they rushed towards the park and were surprised to find the other Senshi waiting there for them, including Rei. They all received the same message. Minako suspected that Usagi was planning a surprise anniversary party. When Setsuna pointed out that know such anniversary she figured that she had got her dates mixed up.

Before they could further consider that possibility, Usagi finally appeared. She revealed herself to be Quaoar and after apologizing for the deception informed them that Usagi was with the other Ascended Senshi waiting for her fate to be decided. Defensive instincts drove many of the girls to reach for their transformation items, but they found them missing. Quaoar had already taken them as they would only serve as a distraction. After convincing them including Luna and Artimis who were hiding in the bushes that she was on the level she transported them to the moon kingdom.

Once within, the others found Usagi, suspended in the air and completely unresponsive. After the initial shock, they took in the auditorium room they were in. Sensing her wandering attention, Quaoar introduced them to Rhadamanthus and Eris, though they were more focused on the fact that Seiya was there. The Ascended Senshi believed that Usagi was reawakening as her former incarnation of Cosmos and were worried about her being unable to control her power. At Quaoar's request the senshi had been invited to speak on her behalf.

As she introduced the various AS’ they were shocked by how much Ixion looked like Mamoru. This became more apparent when the actual Mamoru showed up. However, whatever response any would have had to his appearance was cut off by the Orcus was immediately told to withdraw her cloak. Quaoar once more ran through the introductions of the others for Mamoru. As one would expect, Ixion grabbed most of Mamoru's attention. However, other than a nod of greeting, the man said nothing.

Quaoar went into detail about the history of the Ascended Senshi, the rise and fall of Cosmos’ kingdom, as well as the Moon Kingdom. This is what led them to the decision on what to do with Usagi. This caused Rei to angrily demanded to know what that meant only to withdraw when Orcus called her out for not listening to their warning of Cosmos’ power. Rhadamanthus ordered her to calm down, but the fact remained they had serious concerns about weather or not Cosmos can control her power. While they didn’t have to like it they all agreed to it when they chose to be reborn that the final decision is up to the Ascended.

The group used the time they waited for the arrival of Huya and Deucalion to consider what they would say. The Senshi, luna cats, and Mamoru had huddled together to the side to plot strategy. With their abilities inaccessible, and their opponents having all the power of Chaos and more, conflict had been quickly ruled out as being the least viable. So, they took the advice they had been given and considered what to say to sway the opinions of those gathered.

When Huya and Deucalion arrived she immediately rushed towards Ami and Michiru and hugged them. Rhadamanthus began to recount recent events for all. There was little to dispute, until she got to Eris’ transgressions. Since that matter would be discussed only with the Senshi she moved on. Finally came to the decision of what to do with Usagi. Do they let her go, keep her in the stasis field indefinitely, or terminate her before her power grows? Luna suggested that they just restore the stasis field if she does lost control. Rhadamanthus agreed that a conditional release was reasonable.

With no other proposal they began to discuss there options. They eliminated termination when it was pointed out that it would just kicks the can down the road a few years. Sealing or other removal of her power, as well conditional release, also proved impossible with their current limits.

Minako suggested that they just train her and Mamoru was quick to point out that permanent stasis was the same as termination, just delaying the inevitable. Unfortunately Huya pointed out that training would go against their rule about not getting involved. Michiru tried to argue that they could restrict themselves from such, but she wasn’t willing to do that. Ultimately the Ascendant weren’t willing to risk the danger Usagi possessed. Eventually Eris spoke up and called them out for being motivated solely by fear.

The discussion ended and those without a voice were told to wait in the courtyard. Gathered around a destroyed fountain in the central plaza of the ruins of the Moon Kingdom, the Senshi, luna cats and Mamoru waited nervously for nearly an hour. Eventually Rei couldn’t take it anymore and despite knowing how powerful they were planned on marching back in and stopping them. Several of the others rose in response and nodded their agreement, only for Ami to remind them that their chance of victory was nonexistent.

They unanimously agreed to let Usagi live. They decreed that they will continue their pact of noninterference. Usagi must be allowed to discover her powers on her own. Them interfering could simply slow that process down, and potentially lead her astray. However, since the senshi were now aware of them, the block on contact was removed. All Ascended Senshi will be allowed to converse with them normally. They may not, however, use their powers to knowingly help or hinder any Senshi within this star system, save in their own self defense.

Because of Eris actions Rhadamanthus also effectively blocked their power while they were in this star system. It was revealed that because of Seiya’s exposure to Usagi’s energy she was evolving into an Asended as well. This meant that she needed to be replaced on Kinmoku. Her request to go back anyway was denied since supposedly if she was away from Usagi the process could stall. Setsuna ended up offering her a room at her place. Quaoar had Eris take the senshi back to Nerima while she returned Mamoru to his university, much to her annoyance.

Usagi, Minako, Makoto and Ami were rescued from having to explain where they’d been all night to the dorm supervisor, by Eris disguising herself as a police officer. Luckily despite being up all night they weren’t sleepy so decided to get ready for class. Minako asked Usagi if she had tried out her new abilities causing Makoto to call her out for not taking things seriously.

Ami and Minako were watching television when Makoto showed up at the dorms inform them that they had been invited to Frost graduation ceremony. Having nothing better to do they agreed to go. She planned on them waiting at the restaurant when she noticed that Usagi wasn’t there. Not wanting to go into how depressed Usagi had been lately Minako just said she was in her room. Makoto could tell by the look in both her and Ami’s eyes that something was wrong so went to her herself.

At the girls' dorm, as the dorm mates were either watching an anime, or chatting quietly, Ranko receiving a call.  A pack of kitsunes had surrounded the San Cheng Huang and they had asked her for help. Makoto offered to help, but she was called specifically for her immunity to magic. With her departure, several conversations erupted over the new info, allowing the senshi, save Usagi, to discreetly gather. She felt that this was the best time to bring up her talk with Usagi. As predicted Rei was furious and nearly screamed over the communicator. Minako and Ami were far more understanding, the later theorizing about how much the incident at the La Bac had taken a toll oh her, something Rei hadn’t considered.

That also brought about the topic of them revealing their identities. Not only were they tired of being sidelined, but at this point it may not be avoidable. They decided to tell Frost, Kasumi, Ranko whom the suspected already knew and Shampoo who would most likely figure it out due to her spirit sense. Ami also suggested Herb theorizing that as a Dragonkin he’d be immune to most mental influences, while Artemis suggested Selene. Minako asked if they should bring in Seiya and Mamoru, but Rei was against it as that would prevent Usagi from talking it out with a neutral party.

They reconvened at Siren's barrier to witness Frost's enchantment; Makoto told Usagi that they were going to meet with the outers the next day to talk it over. Usagi apologized for how complicated she had made things. Ami informed her that they had a number of other concerns and this gave them the excuse to push things along. She thanked her friends as the spell went underway, though she was the only one who was able to see the magical symbols.

Much to everyone’s surprise Minako could see them to if only just barely. When the festivities started Usagi became transfixed on the display in front of her, realizing that she recognized it. When she was brought out of it she told the others that she thinks Frost was Sedna. This shocked the others, causing them all to look to Frost in surprise.

All the senshi gather together at Haruka and Michiru’s apartment with Luna and Artemis save Usagi and Seiya. The inners informed them about how hard Usagi was taking things as well as there decision to reveal there identities. Much to everyone’s surprise Setsuna had no objections however she did caution that taking this step is likely a sign that they would have their identities become public in the not too distant future. Thus it would be best if they told their families so they didn’t hear about it from the news. Herb, Kasumi, Ranko, Frost and Selene gathered together with the Senshi in the apartment of Michiru and Haruka, where the Senshi finally revealed their true identities to them.

After learning that Lemon had been kidnapped the Senshi convene discreetly in the Karaoke room for the moment to try and get in contact with Haruka and Michiru only to learn they were out of town. Which meant there was no way Rei could join them anytime soon. Usagi suggested they ask Ixion for help. He agreed and they met up with the others outside the castle within the pocket dimension. Since Devlin didn’t know them he asked if he could scan them, and was shocked by how strong they were. Ixion introduced himself stating that while he couldn’t fight fight, he’s be a great distraction since the hunters wouldn’t be able to hurt him. Devlin figured he was a Geas of some sort.

Convinced they would be useful the group went over there battle plan. Shampoo gave a few details of the layout within and disbursement of the people within. During said meeting Grenda emphasized how they wanted to be quick and non-lethal as their enemy could hold a grudge. Devlin also provided everyone a potion that was essentially the magical equivalent of a ski mask.

Once the fight began, Mercury and Venus held the first floor with Mercury using her mist as cover allowing Kasumi, Shampoo, Herb and Jupiter to push through to the 2nd floor. The kidnapper turned out to be a Dark Kingdom Youma who turned out to be just strong enough for Ixion to deal with. After the battle had come to an end, everyone would reconvene at the San Cheng Huang to deal with a new situation, that of Kasumi now demonstrating a new personality, that of 'Tex'. Ami, Minako, Ixion met up with Usagi while the other’s humored Tex. Makoto later joined them telling them about the arrival of Rose.

Makoto assured them that while she’ll have some bruises she’ll be fine. She just wondered how a Dark Kingdom youma was so strong. Ixion explained that the Dark Kingdom were actually the senshi’s most dangerous opponent, they just never experienced them at their height. Eris soon arrived to tease Ixion about his breach of rules, even though they both new that wasn’t the case. Ixion was about to leave, but Eris stopped his asking, why he didn’t enspell the youma. He answered in this instance death was more than justified. After he left she explained to the others how blade worked. She also revealed that they still hadn’t come into their full power. Advising them to take this encounter to heart and consider ascending. Eris warned them that Usagi’s power is so blinding that few have taken notice, but it won’t take that long until new enemies come seeking it out.

Frost was testing how strong the Inners have become while making sure that they remained stable. At this point there armor would no longer be able to contain their power, so Ami suggested that simply tap into the energy supply and take what they need instead of trying to store it all up. Though this approach was far less efficient so would end up making them weaker, not to mention the fact that Seiya and especially Usagi were even stronger.

The topic moved to Ami’s success in finding the workshop, unfortunately other than some records describing it she didn’t have much luck. She theorized that after the fall of the Kingdom, the few Dark Kingdom youma still around ransacked the remainder of anything of interest. This caused Makoto to panic at the thought that there were more rogue youma out there. On their way to school Usagi suddenly teleported to America in front of Mamoru. Since the group couldn’t use Sailor Teleport and she didn’t have a passport she was effectively stuck there. Contacting the others Ami was able to calm everyone down by reminding them that she could use the Moon Kingdom's teleportation system though it would take some time. Unfortunately that still left the problem with school after aiding with the rescue of Shampoo Usagi just couldn’t skip again so soon with no explanation.

As the group was unable to come up with any ideas, a newcomer joined them in the form of Herb. After hearing what was going on he suggested that they use Lemon as a stand in for Usagi. Around lunch the three noticed how strained Lemon was becoming. Though she tried to downplay it, they weren’t buying it and Ami transferred some of her mana to her. They discussed some more about Kitsune before returning to class.

The Inner senshi got their evaluations and though they were all cleared they decided to stay in Kasumi’s class. Makoto wanted to continue her training, Ami enjoyed the opportunity (and in fact wouldn’t have even been sent if she or her mother bothered to complain), while Usagi’s parent encouraged her to stay due to how well her grades were becoming. From there the conversation moved to Minako’s dating life and how she kept being dumped for standing her dates up. Ami and Minako choose to head back to their old school taking Artemis with them.

## Abilities

Minako is shown to be more magically sensitive then the other senshi save Usagi as she is able to barely see magical symbols in her civilian form.