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Minako woke with a start. The screaming would not get out of her head. Then, she realized the screaming was coming from outside. She got up quickly and looked out the window. It was the senshi! They were in some sort of trouble but she couldn’t see a monster or enemy. They were all there though, even Tuxedo Mask. Where was that screaming coming from? Her question was soon answered when a black figure emerged from behind the tree. It was Usagi.

She didn’t waste any time. She got her pen out of her pocket and screamed, “VENUS STAR POWER, MAKE UP!” As soon as her transformation was finished she leaped from the window onto the nearby tree and quickly and silently climbed down. She wanted this to be a surprised attack. She noticed the other senshi were helpless. The figure had Sailor Moon with his arm around her neck. But if she could surprise the enemy from behind, that might give Sailor Moon time to escape and destroy him. This was her only chance, she decided.

She ran out from the tree and into an alley. She kept going from alley to alley until finally she was behind him. Her heart was beating uncontrollably but she had to be strong and keep her wits about her. She quickly went for him silently until she was almost upon him. She wanted to make sure she wouldn’t miss with her attack.

“Venus Love Chain Encircle!” She cried as her string of hearts hit the figure straight on.

Sailor Moon cried out of joy and slipped from his grasp. Unfortunately, this enemy was strong and seemed only stunned by Minako’s attack.

“Sailor Venus!” yelled Tuxedo Mask.

Minako just looked away, still too painful to talk to him. She had to focus on the enemy, who was snarling and hollering. Mercury took a shot at him but seemed to do nothing. Then Jupiter, then Mars, nothing worked.

“How about you cape boy?!” The creature yelled to Darien. Just then the monster straightened his arm, he brought it back and then shot spears right at Darien. Minako panicked for a split second, realizing she had no time to warn him.

Without thinking, Minako ran in front of Darien and stared into his eyes just before she was hit with the spears. Everyone cried out as Sailor Moon just finished the monster with her tiara. She ran to Minako’s side, as did everyone else.

“No!” Darien choked out. The rest of the senshi were speechless. Darien took her into his arms, she was still breathing, still conscious.

“Minako! No, you’re fine, we’ll just get you to the hospital, you’ll be fine, you’re fine!” Usagi blurted out between tears.

Ami started, “Usagi-”

“No, she’s fine, she’s doing ok,” Usagi now trembling, leaned closer to the dying Minako.

“Darien,” Minako whispered, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you OR Usagi. I just- I fell in love with you and I had to express my feelings, just once. Promise you will never forget me, I still love you even though we’ll never be together now,” Minako coughed and shivered. Darien was about to speak but she stopped him. “Don’t feel bad, have no regrets. I will be with my parents now, I will be happy. If I can’t have you, they are the next best thing, you know that,” Minako, hardly able to talk, still had tears in her eyes, as did Darien.

“No! Minako you don’t understand, you’ve always had me. When you left I called out to you. You didn’t hear me but I told you I loved you too. Please believe me, and I’d do anything for you to be okay now. You saved my life, I wish I could save yours. I love you,” Darien took her hand and kissed her as she slipped away. The senshi just stood there, shocked and crying. The only one who wasn’t crying was Usagi.

“Darien, I never knew you felt this way. I just have to say that I still love you and I’d do anything for you.”

“Usagi, I-” Darien said, still crying.

“No, wait, let me finish. Since I love you so much I will give you one last present. You said that you would do anything for Minako to live. Well, you can’t do anything, but I can,” now Usagi had tears in her eyes as she got her crystal out and held it up to Minako, then held it up to her heart. “Moon Crystal Life Star!”

Everyone watched as Usagi was lifted into the air and transformed into her princess form. Minako rose with her, still lifeless. Usagi drew an object from her body, another crystal. She lifted the crystal and it floated into Minako’s body, giving her a soft pink glow. The pink glow replaced the blood and her wounds and also transformed her into her princess form. A gust of wind seemed to come out of nowhere and surrounded Minako.

Minako fluttered her eyes and gazed up at the floating Usagi. Everyone gasped. Minako said nothing because she already knew. It was her dream. Usagi gazed upon everyone with eyes so sad as she brought the crystal down to Minako. Minako accepted the crystal and she began to cry.

“Please, don’t cry for me senshi. I am the Moon Princess and as you’re leader I have to put my friends before me. Minako will take my place as Sailor Moon. I love you all and I will see you someday in the future perhaps,” Usagi cried and before anyone could argue or say goodbye she vanished.

“Sailor Moon!” Rei cried.

Minako, now on the ground, was crying, but crying tears of joy. For she knew Usagi had made the ultimate sacrifice, Darien knew it too. As they gazed into each others eyes they thought about Usagi and how they had loved her so much and how they will remember her forever. They kissed the most romantic kiss ever made right before they glanced at a new star shining brightly.