Hello. I had left this SM fanfic gather dust for months 
now, mainly because I had developed interest in Neon Genesis 
Evangelion. I'm afraid to say that this will probably be the 
last Sailor Moon fanfic I'll ever write. I'm asking that you 
please C&C it so I can leave my legacy with this final fanfic.
	Oh man, I'm crying already...

	Author's note: Once again, the disclaimers.
	All rights regarding Sailor Moon and characters, 
including Minako, Sailor V, and Artemis, belong to Naoko 
Takeuchi. However, this fanfic belongs to me.
	This fanfic sort of serves as an explanation for 
Minako's drastic change in her personality (which was 
analogous to Usagi's, but a tad worse :)), during her early 
adventures as Sailor V. However, when she changed into 
Venus, her personality sort of disappears (not really, see SMR 
and SMSS episodes).
	Be aware that I used Sailor V manga as canon for this 
fanfic, so you may not be really familiar with some things. Or 
not. Oh yes, Japanese family names comes first, so Minako's 
name goes as Aino Minako. Same goes for everybody else in 
this fanfic.
	Enjoy.


	"You think I'm crazy? You *betcha!* You're so pretty, I'd 
gladly put my life in danger again if that's what it will take 
to have you rescue me again!"

					 -Unnamed male victim's response
							to Sailor V's question


A Lesson Hard Learned

By Sailor Alpha
<AlphSailor@aol.com>



	"Who's there?"
	I didn't even bother to raise my head when I asked the 
question; I just wanted to be left alone. Alone. Doesn't 
anybody know what it meant anyway?
	I couldn't hold it back, and I began to cry again. Just as I 
had for days now. You'd have thought I'd have run out of tears 
sometime ago.
	There was no way things would ever be same for me 
again. My life had been a heck of mess ever since it happened 
three days ago. Since he was--
	No, I won't think about it. I *mustn't* think about that 
incident.
	I was crouching in some alleyway, cuddling my legs to 
myself. I was well aware of how filthy I must have looked. I 
hadn't changed my school uniform, which bore numerous 
stains, lately. My hair was also a mess. I didn't care. I was 
feeling utterly despondent, which was of no surprise to me.
	The alleyway was a surprisingly clean, devoid of the 
usual rotting garbage. I could see that it was a beautiful day 
today; the temperature was rather chilly for early midday, 
but not too bad. There was scarcely a cloud to be seen, which 
was unusual in Tokyo. I could hear beautiful songs sung by 
few songbirds.
	Why can't I be happy? Why am I here, instead of being 
with my friends at my school?
	Because it happened, and it's all my fault. My fault. I 
had--
	My ears pricked up slightly when I detected that same 
sound again. Footsteps. Gentle and muted, like sneakers. The 
steps were hesitant, yet solid. Somebody was here, in the 
alleyway with me. I quickly stopped crying.
	God, whoever this person is, why can't he see that I 
want to be left alone? Why is he still here?
	"Go away. Please leave me alone." I rasped as the last 
tear streaked down my cheeks.
	Silence.
	What is the stranger doing? Why isn't he leaving?
	I decided to lift my head a bit, just enough for me to 
take a peek at my stranger. Whoever my unwelcome visitor 
was, I could see that it was a light-skinned male, fairly 
middle-aged. Probably in late-forties. He had several streaks 
of white hair which contrasted greatly with his short, thick 
black hair.
	He wore a white buttoned shirt with light green 
stripes, and green khaki pants. I saw that they were wrinkled, 
as if he had slept in them last night, like I did.
	I found myself staring directly into his light green 
eyes. The eyes had been dulled somewhat, full of pain and 
something else. Sadness? Or anger? But they were the same 
ones, nonetheless. His eyes were identical to that guy's--
	I snapped myself to reality, averting my gaze in 
process, tucking my head back in my arms again. Why did I 
think about that? Why do I keep on going back to that day? 
Why can't I just *forget* about it? I had no desire to dwell 
upon that day again any more than I had. Even so, I still 
couldn't believe that it had happened to me. why did it have to 
happen?
	I took another peek at the man. He remained silent, 
watching me. I could almost feel his gaze roving all over me, 
taking in account of my disheveled appearance. I squirmed 
slightly, extremely uncomfortable. It was almost as if he 
was trying to bore into my soul, and uncover my terrible 
secret. After a while, I decided that I had enough. I told him 
to leave.
	He did not leave. Instead, he merely sighed and 
straddled over to a spot on the other side of the alley, not far 
from me. He then collapsed along the wall to the ground, 
assuming a sitting position similar to mine. He help his head 
up high, staring at the wall on my side. I dropped my head 
back in my arms again in frustration.
	It was just great. He just wouldn't leave me alone. I 
*want* to be left alone! No need to have somebody pestering 
me.
	I continued to think indignantly at the man, expecting 
some sympathetic response from him.
	None came.
	I lifted my head hesitantly until both of my eyes were 
exposed. What I saw was a sad sight, indeed. The man 
remained immobile, staring blankly at the wall. It was as if 
nothing existed to him. He had cast a sort of heavy 
atmosphere in the alleyway, as if he was carrying a sort of 
heavy burden. I wondered what could have happened to him to 
have caused a such detachment from the reality.
	Several minutes passed, and the silence was deafening. 
I wasn't sure about what to do: either ignore him (which was 
very difficult to do), or spare any of my remaining pity on 
him. Eventually I decided to do the latter, as the man was 
starting to get on my nerves.
	I mustered enough courage to ask the man, raising my 
moistened face a bit higher and wiping my eyes dry. "Are you 
okay, mister?"
	He did not reply. There was no reaction from him. I 
wasn't even sure if he had heard me. I frowned, upset. This 
man was starting to annoy me, and the gloomy feeling inside 
me continued to grow worse. All thoughts of my sorrow left 
me as I tried again.
	"Mister?" I asked bit more forcefully. "Are you all 
right?"
	This time, he heard me. I saw him blink eyes, inclining 
his head slightly, as if he was unsure that he had heard me. I 
pressed on with my questions.
	The elder turned his attention to me slowly until our 
eyes met. I quickly averted my eyes, but I still could feel his 
gaze. The gaze was noticeably less intense than it had been 
few minutes ago. I risked another glance. When I did, I saw 
something that surprised me.
	Tears.
	The tears streaked across his face slowly as he cried 
softly, shaking his head in sadness. I was unsure about what 
to do. I certainly hadn't anticipated this, so I simply sat, 
dumbfounded.
	Few minutes passed before he finally wiped his tears 
away and let his eyes lay upon me. The pain I saw in his eyes 
was nearly overwhelming, and I gasped slightly when I saw 
anger inside them for the first time. It ran so deep that I 
cringed. God, what had happened to him? I had no idea a such 
anger could run so deep.
	I couldn't bear his gaze any longer, so I edged away 
from the tormented man. The man must've realized what he 
was doing because he shifted his gaze to the ground when I 
moved, and resumed his blank stare.
	Despite all of my recent sorrows, I couldn't help but 
feel sorry for him. Somehow I felt compelled to help him out. 
perhaps I wanted to help share his burden, not that I already 
had enough burden after that terrible incident.
	"Uhm," I hesitated, unsure about what to say. "All right. 
Uh, mister? My name's Minako."
	I felt stupid for saying a such thing. Oddly enough, it 
seemed appropriate, so I continued. I added a small smile, and 
lowered my arms to make myself look a bit more presentable. 
"Aino Minako. It's uh, nice to meet you."
	The old guy gave me another of his blank stare before 
returning his gaze back to the same spot on the ground. This 
method definitely was not working. I decided to try a 
different track. "It's a nice day outside. Why are you here in a 
such gloomy place?"
	Still no response. I kicked myself mentally. Yet another 
stupid remark. It was even more ridiculous when I was 
included in the picture. I made several more attempts to 
rouse the man's attention in vain. I became more frustrated 
and angry with each consecutive failure.
	Unable to contain my feelings, I simply burst. "Ah, who 
needs you anyway?! I try to be a nice girl, and what do you 
do? You practically ignore me!"
	I banged my head against the wall gently in disgust, 
muttering, "I doubt you would've listened to me if I had told 
you that I actually am Sailor V, you know--"
	The old man brought his head up instantly, and I caught 
myself, cutting off my words abruptly as I realized in horror 
about what I had done. I had revealed my identity as Sailor V 
to him! Artemis would be furious. Beads of sweat slowly 
accumulated on my forehead as I quickly glanced over to the 
man, gauging his reaction.
	His body became rigid, fists gripping against the 
ground. He turned his head to me so slowly, instead of a quick 
jerk, narrowing his eyes. His eyes slowly became slits and I 
could barely discern emotions on his face. His face was cold 
and unfriendly. It also expressed something else, but the man 
had quickly suppressed it before I could pinpoint it. 
Gradually, the man relaxed his body and turned away from me.
	Rejection and resentment? This was unexpected. I 
blinked, unbelieving what I had just witnessed. It was 
dramatically different reaction from what I had usually 
received when I was Sailor V.
	As Sailor v, I was often adored by my fans. Heck I was 
practically their idol! My fans had gushed over me, asking for 
autographs until my hands had become sore from signing. My 
Sailor V pose had become my trademark overnight when I 
made my first appearance no less than a month ago.
	But why the rejection and resentment? I couldn't 
understand what was going on. "What's wrong, mister? Why 
are you ignoring me? Is it because that I'm..."
	My voice trailed off when I heard him sobbing angrily. I 
crept back to my original spot I had vacated less than half an 
hour ago. I couldn't see his face because he had covered it 
with his hands. I fidgeted slightly, unsure about what to do 
next.
	The elder finally ceased his violent sobbing, not 
bothering to dry his eyes. He turned his eyes to me, watching 
me carefully. He then spoke for the first time.
	"Tell me about yourself. Tell me who you are."
	Taken aback by the unexpected verbal response, I began 
stutter. "Whu? Uh, You know, I'm... wait, I mean, I- I'm really-
-"
	I stopped abruptly, forcing myself to calm down. I took 
a few breaths and tossed my head around to clear away few 
stray hairs from my face.
	"Tell me about yourself. Tell me." The man pressed.
	I let out my breath and replied, "I am Aino Minako, and 
am 12 years old. I'm in 7th grade at Glory Cram School. And... 
yes, I also am Sailor V." I sat there, my body frozen and my 
eyes unblinking. I couldn't believe what I had just said.
	I surprised myself again when I continued, "I don't know 
about you, but my life's a mess right now. I thought it was all 
so easy, I mean, being Sailor V and all."
	I slowly cuddled to myself, ignoring the man's gaze. 
Memories from the incident came tumbling back to me, and I 
nearly lost it then. I struggled to restrain my body from 
screaming and crying. I did not know why, but I had to pull 
myself together before I went nuts. Maybe I should've let 
myself go crazy, but I refused to let that happen.
	I didn't care what the unnamed old man thought about 
me. I just didn't care. I just let the words flow right out of 
my mouth.


	"I don't know if I'll ever find out for sure, but it was 
probably only an accident that I stumbled upon Artemis. 
Literally, when I flung off the high bars and landed on top of 
the white cat with a golden crescent moon mark on his 
forehead. He wasn't too happy about it, though.
	"All day, he followed me everywhere and sometimes got 
me into trouble. But I didn't know how troublesome Artemis 
would become until I got home. When I was about to take my 
bath, Artemis came in, talking to me.
	"I acted as any normal girl would have done; I screamed 
and ran to my room, hoping it was all a dream. I didn't really 
realize that the cat had talked until he came into my room. He 
claimed that I was Sailor Venus, chosen by fate to protect 
planet Earth from any enemies that might appear to threaten 
this planet.
	"I dismissed it as some ridiculous theory or fantasy 
tale. Next morning, I changed my mind when an enemy which 
turned out to be affiliated with some evil organization known 
as Dark Agency, or something like that (wish I had listened to 
him). Artemis gave me some kind of a pen, and told me to 
shout the following words, 'Venus Power Transform!'
	"I complied, holding the pen up high, and I instantly 
transformed into Sailor V, and it actually felt so good. The 
tremendous power coursed throughout me, and it was so 
warm...
	"Anyway, the excitement faded quickly when the 
monster attacked me, but thanks to the crescent compact 
Artemis gave me, I used my Crescent Beam to fry the 
monster, which turned into dust and vanished.
	"It was so sudden, I mean, it was all new to me. One day 
I was an ordinary school student at Glory Cram School, next 
day, I'm Sailor Venus, code-named Sailor V, the soldier of the 
justice, the sailor-suited beautiful solder, and--
	"Well, you know the rest. I captured the robbers, beat 
those Dark Agency people, and made fun out of the local 
police (it was funny, though to see them mad). I became 
famous overnight.
	"Sure it was fun, but I had to keep my identity as Sailor 
V secret, and Artemis told me this much. Nobody was to know 
of my identity as Sailor V, or I'd be in serious trouble. I 
couldn't even tell my best friends, and I felt like a some 
outsider because of this.
	"Even as I fought all those creepy people, I tried to be 
like a normal girl like I used to be before all this. But I knew 
deeply that things would never be same for me again."


	I stopped talking, took a deep breath and let it go. I 
shifted my head so I could see the man opposite from me, 
frowning slightly. I couldn't understand, or rationalize what I 
was doing.
	I had just admitted everything about my life as Sailor V 
to a complete stranger. I knew I would be in deep trouble if 
Artemis ever found out about this. I haven't seen Artemis 
angry before, so I'd probably be for in a quite scene.
	I couldn't figure the old bloke out either. He was still 
watching me, but displayed no emotion at all. I had 
practically told him everything, well not everything, about 
my life as Sailor V, and he wasn't even fazed at all. 
Something terrible must've happened to him to create a such 
callous reaction, but what?
	I looked up at the sky, watching some clouds drift away. 
Inevitably, I turned to the crouching man, my mind too full 
with wonder and confusion to feel any sadness and sorrow I 
had experienced only an hour ago.
	Slowly, I started talking again, despite my will. It 
almost as if conscience had demanded it. I wondered briefly 
about why I was admitting all this to him, but couldn't find 
any answers. I shrugged, feeling that it was probably the only 
sensible thing to do.
	Besides, it felt good to be able to let it all out.


	"Although it was difficult being Sailor V, being in a 
constant training and all, I enjoyed it. It was so simple to do, 
I just had to punish the evil-doers before the school bell 
rings, or I'd be late. Everything was so easy, too easy for me. 
I grew over-confident with my abilities. And this turned out 
to be my biggest mistake, and paid a terrible price.
	"It happened three days ago, and it was so quick that I 
barely grasped what was going on. Artemis and I were 
returning home from my school when we heard some 
commotion nearby. It was some guy who was attacking people 
and absorbing their energy. I heard him shouting for Sailor V 
to make her appearance. Seeing the damage the marauder had 
caused, Artemis ordered me to transform and defeat him. I 
agreed and transformed from Minako into Sailor V, and 
confronted the monster directly.
	" I think his name was... Chin? Whatever. He introduced 
himself as a member of the Dark Agency, and I waved him off 
and used my Crescent Beam to polish him off. The beam was 
unexpectedly deflected by some invisible wall.
	"I was completely unprepared for this kind of magic- 
the former members of the Dark Agency which I had defeated, 
had no powers of any kind, except siphoning energy from their 
victims and manipulating them. If they had any powers other 
than these, they didn't use them. They used humans to do all 
their dirty work and attack me, but not this one. Chin used his 
own power, a some kind of force-field.
	"Nothing could penetrate his barrier; I used a couple 
more Crescent Beams, but they were deflected every time by 
the force-field. I resorted to various techniques, namely 
throwing various objects that I could find and lift. Even those 
trash had no effect at all.
	"Chin must've realized my situation, because he 
attacked me, engaging in hand-to-hand combat. He was just 
too fast for me to handle him, and got punched several times. 
Artemis told me to retreat, and I saw that I had no choice but 
to do so. Chin, however, had no intention of letting me escape.
	"I tried my best to dodge his attacks while trying to 
avoid places filled with innocent bystanders, and next thing I 
knew, I was flying in the air. Chin had grabbed my leg and 
lifted me up high, and had unobstructed view of my bottom. 
When I realized this, I became furious and kicked him in his 
face as hard as I could. It must've hurt because he hurled me 
into the ground hard.
	"It hurt like hell. My ankles were badly sprained from 
the throw, and my back felt like it was going to give out on 
me. This was a different experience for me. All during the 
past battles, I had always escaped unscathed. Well, maybe a 
bruise or two, but they were nothing. This was different, I 
*hurt* all over!
	"Badly injured and breath knocked out of me, I was 
temporarily immobilized, giving Chin an opportunity to finish 
me off. I became scared, begging him not to. Thank God for 
Artemis, who quickly came to my assistance. He came in 
howling and clawing at Chin's face, but he was easily 
swatted aside. no sooner than he had done so, did gunshots 
come. The police had arrived, firing their weapons uselessly 
as bullets were deflected by the force-field.
	"I realized that I was being picked up by someone, a 
young man. I tried to warn him weakly not to get involved, 
that he'd get hurt. He ignored me, replying, 'No, you're hurt, 
and you need help. I won't stand by and let someone like you 
die. Especially not you, Sailor V.'
	" Chin must have realized that I was trying to escape 
because we had gone only few meters when he appeared out 
of nowhere, demanding that I be turned over to him. My 
would-be rescuer let me stand up, and stepped in the front of 
me, refusing to comply with his orders. he picked up a piece 
of wood and proceeded to attack. I was impressed by his 
courage, but I knew it would be futile, so I shouted, 'No! It's 
too dangerous! You'll be killed!'
	"No sooner than the words had left my mouth, did Chin 
smashed his force-field into the man, hurtling him into a 
nearby brick wall head-first. I heard bones break, and I froze. 
An innocent person had been killed trying to protect me. Me! I 
had killed him!"


	I began to crumble mentally, sobbing and shaking 
uncontrollably. I completely ignored the old man now, 
focusing all my energy in an attempt to contain my crying. 
Despite my tears, I kept talking, though my words were now 
mingled with them, as well as sobbing.
	I heard my words echo around inside my head.
	*I had killed him! I had killed him! I had killed him!*


	"Everything about me as Sailor V began to fall apart as I 
had killed an innocent person who did not deserve to die. I ran 
over to the body, enduring the intense pain I suffered with 
each step. I knelt beside him, shaking his body. I heard 
menacing voice behind me. I twisted around, and saw Chin 
gloating, 'How amusing. He actually had the imprudence to 
attack me. He deserved what he got.'
	"His laughter echoed inside me, and I felt my rage 
overwhelm me, taking control of my emotions. I simply 
snapped, went berserk. Caught off-guard by my sudden out-
burst, he let down his guard was decked Chin by a flurry of 
punches and kicks. I quickly leapt backwards, taking up a 
attack stance. Chin realized what I was doing, and hastily 
erected a force-field. Lotta of good it did for him.
	"'Crescent...'
	"'Beam...'
	"'SHOWER!'
	"The beam split itself into hundreds of beams and 
pelted Chin's shield endlessly. His force-field tried to deflect 
them all, but it was just too much; it shattered and the 
beams impaled Chin. He quickly turned into dust seconds 
later.
	"But I didn't pay any attention to it, turning back to the 
man, rousing him up temporarily. I was so relived that he was 
still alive, but the guy knew otherwise.
	"I croaked, 'I'm really sorry about all this. I didn't mean 
to do this to you. It's all my fault...'
	'He shook his head, 'No, it's okay, it's not your fault.' He 
smiled to me, 'And besides, you're so kawaii. I couldn't help 
myself.'
	"After this words, he closed his eyes, and ceased 
breathing. I screamed, shaking him again, 'No! Wake up! Please 
don't die! NO!!'


	I wiped off my tears, but they kept on coming. "I can 
only vaguely recall what happened afterwards. I picked up his 
body and ran as fast as I could across the rooftops for the 
nearest hospital. As soon as I entered through the doors, 
nurses and doctors swarmed towards me as I asked 
frantically for help. They checked up on him, but it was too 
late. His neck and spine had been broken. There was no way he 
could have lived for long after that incident.
	"I was in shock, denying doctors' words, hoping that 
there was some way he could be brought back to life. A doctor 
attempted to console me, but I couldn't take it anymore. I ran 
out of the doors. I wanted to run away from it all, from the 
words that hammered my head; *I had killed him!*
	I was finally regaining control of my body, quelling 
down the shaking and convulsions. I couldn't halt the tears, 
however. "I don't remember anything after that day, except 
that I must've transformed back to my original identity and 
wandered ever since. It had happened so quickly..."
	The fragile hold I had regained over my body fell away 
and I began to cry again, this time more violently. I held 
myself close, screaming loudly, and squeezing my eyes 
tightly. "It's all my fault! I had killed him! He's dead because 
of me, and I didn't mean to do it! I didn't even know his name!"
	"Akagi. Hasoko Akagi."
	"Huh?" I cut my actions abruptly and quickly turned my 
head to the source of the response. It was the man sitting 
opposite from me. I had completely forgotten about him. I 
stopped sobbing, confused. "Pardon me, what did you say?"
	"His name was Hasoko Akagi." He replied coolly.
	"Hasoko Akagi? You mean--"
	He nodded his head. I was taken aback by the answer, 
and confused at the same time; how did he know about the 
dead guy's name?
	"Akagi is- was my only son."
	*What?!?*
	"He's what?" I was completely shocked by the 
unexpected answer. Akagi was his only son?! A-and I had 
killed his only son!!
	"Y-you are h-h-his...?" Fear began to creep into my voice 
as I heard his words.
	"Yes, I am Hasoko Miyamoto, father of Hasoko Akagi. He 
was my only son, and he now lies dead because of that 
incident three days ago."
	"Oh my God, what have I done? Your son..." I whimpered, 
terribly frightened of what would happen next.
	Miyamoto coughed a couple of times and wiped off his 
tears, continuing, "Akagi was born to Mika and me twenty 
years ago. I had watched him grow over the years from a 
young infant into a strong, mature man. I taught him 
everything I knew and instilled a strong sense of moral and 
society into him. I was so proud of him that I knew he would 
succeed at whatever he wanted to do.
	"It came as a shock when I found out that Akagi was 
killed during an unusual event three days ago, which had 
involved Sailor V. I trembled with anger and swore to myself 
that I would find killer of my only son and bring him to 
justice."
	Miyamoto clenched his fists, his voice deep with anger. 
"I soon found out after I visited Akagi, that Sailor V had 
brought him in shortly after the event. I decided to search for 
Sailor V, even though everyone told me it was impossible to 
find her. I had hoped that once I found her, I would be able to 
find out about the truth regarding my son's death.
	"For three days, I searched relentlessly for her. I 
followed every bit of clue and traces connected to V, but they 
all turned up nothing." Miyamoto choked with emotions while 
I watched him in fear. I wanted to run away from my quilt and 
from him, but I found myself unwilling to move, listening to 
his sad story.
	"I went on without food or drink in sole pursuit of the 
elusive Senshi. I grew so tired, and it was increasingly 
becoming difficult for me to continue. I was about to give up 
when I stumbled upon you of all people, in here. I didn't 
understand why a such young girl like you were doing here, 
but I was too exhausted to contemplate on this subject any 
further. I would never have suspected anything about you 
until you admitted that you were Sailor V, whom I had been 
looking for three days."
	Miyamoto went quiet, and I didn't know what to say. I 
was struck by his story and his desire to find her which had 
cost him so much.
	"I-I'm sorry about your son," I stumbled over my words, 
shaking. I drew myself close, whimpering. "I'm sorry about 
this, really. It was all my fault that I got him killed."
	I screamed into my arms, "I didn't mean it! By God, I k-
killed him!"
	I went on like this for long time until I finally 
subsided, now all spent. My chest was heaving, and I was all 
alone. I was so scared of what would happen to me, and what 
about my parents? They would die of heart attack if they ever 
found out that I had killed someone. I lifted my head and 
watched Miyamoto, who was observing me intently.
	I decided to not to postpone the inevitable any further 
and asked Miyamoto weakly, "So now you know who killed 
your son. I killed him, and what are you going to do about 
this?"
	There, I've said it. "Are you going to put me in jail? Or... 
k-kill m-me?"
	There was unbearably long silence between us as we 
looked at each other in eyes. Somewhere nearby, I distinctly 
heard a bird twitter a song, and dogs yapping.
	I had to know. "Are you going to kill me?"
	Miyamoto sighed heavily and replied, "No."
	Surprised at his answer, it took some time for me to 
ask him why.
	"I know that Akagi, my son, is now dead, and it is 
impossible to bring him back. I did not understand why he 
died that day; reports were all contradictory." Miyamoto 
hesitated for a moment, "Until I met you. Everything makes 
sense now. I now understand at last. It was Akagi's last 
words that made me understand." He rose slowly to his feet 
and walked towards me." He was protecting you, Minako. It's 
not your fault."
	I felt uneasy as Miyamoto extended his hand towards 
me. I looked up at his eyes and saw that anger and resentment 
were all gone now. They were replaced with gentle glow and a 
smile on his face. I hesitated for a moment, then reached out 
for his hand. I was pulled up to my feet, still feeling nervous. 
"But he was killed because of me. If he hadn't--"
	Miyamoto shook his head, "No, it's not your fault. It was 
Akagi's choice. He wanted to help you, and I would've done the 
same thing myself." He grasped both of my shoulders, and 
shook me firmly. "Minako! You've got to understand that it 
wasn't your fault! My son made a decision and accepted the 
consequences."
	"But I--" I tried to protest.
	"Listen to me! You didn't kill him! *Chin* did, not you! It 
was that monster who killed Akagi. He gave up his life so you 
would live! Akagi doesn't want you to go on punishing 
yourself; he wants you to live! Please respect my son's 
*wish!*"
	I opened my mouth, but no word came out. I began to 
tremble and tears returned to me again. I buried my face in 
Miyamoto's chest, sobbing for few minutes while he consoled 
me.
	"I know it's hard for you to accept, but that's the way of 
life. There's nothing you can do about it, except to accept it 
and go on with your life."
	"I-I understand, I guess." I stepped back from him, 
sniffling. A thought came to my mind, "I'm sorry about your 
son, but what will you do now?"
	Miyamoto sighed heavily, releasing me, "I don't know. My 
son is gone, but I still have my life, and my wife. Maybe we 
will try again someday. Until then, we will just have to go on. 
You should do the same, Minako. Because of Akagi, you still 
have your life. you should respect his wish. you also have your 
parents too, right? They're probably worried about you.
	"You also should continue to do your job as Sailor V. 
Tokyo needs you to protect them from the Dark Agency. If you 
don't do your job, then who knows what will happen to us. You 
must not let others suffer same fate as my son, understand?"
	I nodded slowly and the man added, "So, it's a deal: I'll 
go on with my life and wife while you go on with yours? You 
promise to be Sailor Venus, code-named Sailor V, the soldier 
of the justice, the sailor-suited beautiful solder?"
	A smile crept to my face for the first time I could 
remember for the past few days and wiped away the 
remnants of my tears. I felt as if a great weight had been 
lifted off my shoulders and I could breathe again with ease. I 
bowed slightly, "Yeah, it's a deal."
	"Good. Don't worry, I'll keep your identity secret, Sailor 
V." He checked himself and corrected his mistake. "Uhm, I 
think 'Minako' would be more appropriate right now."
	I nodded briskly once, and watched as a smile appear on 
his face. I was so thrilled that things were finally getting 
better. Yes, I would have to live with what had happened, but 
I now understood that I was not to blame for Akagi's death.
	We embraced each other closely in a deep hug. A 
moment later, we let go. Miyamoto regarded me, cocking his 
head to one side, "I can see why Akagi would help you out. Not 
only that you are Sailor V, but you also are one beautiful 
young lady. He'd probably have asked you out for a date."
	As Miyamoto laughed, I blushed a bit, protesting, "C-
come on..."
	"Okay, okay, I'll stop." He took a few breaths before 
continuing, "Well, I think it's getting pretty late. I think it's 
time for you to go home. Your parents are probably worried 
sick about you."
	"Oh, right. Oh no!" I snapped myself to reality, my 
parents! I haven't seen or called my parents for three days 
now. I'm certain that they'd have worried themselves to death 
about me. "You're right, I've got to go. no need to worry my 
parents any more than I already have."
	Miyamoto stopped me as I was about to turn around to 
leave, "I know you feel bad about Akagi, but it's not your 
fault."
	"Yes, I know."
	"Even though he's not here anymore," he turned his head 
to the skies and I followed the suit, "I know he'll be watching 
us from the stars. He'll always be in my heart, no matter 
what."
	Touched by his words, I could only nod. After a brief 
farewell, I watched Miyamoto leave the alleyway into real 
life. I stood for few minutes, then followed the same path the 
father took out of the alley, only to meet...
	"Artemis!" I exclaimed as a white cat hopped down from 
a nearby window balcony. "How'd you manage to find me?"
	"Well, It took me three days, but it does not matter 
right now. Are you all right? I mean, after that day, I thought 
you'd be--"
	I cut him off, "No, I'm okay now. Sure I've been bawling 
out for days, but I'm feeling better right now." I smiled 
broadly as I watched the sun descended slowly behind the 
mountains.
	"I'm glad, but who was that man you were with?" 
Artemis inquired.
	I blinked and turned to Artemis bit too quickly than I 
should have, "You saw us? How long have you been snooping on 
us!?" Did Artemis hear everything? if so, he'd be furious!
	Taken aback, Artemis replied in surprise, "Uh, not much. 
I came in just as you were hugging him. Is he your, uh, your 
boy--"
	"No! He's isn't!" I shouted and Artemis stammered an 
apology. I sighed a relief. Good, Artemis didn't hear 
everything...
	"Who is he then?"
	"Just a friend." I replied quietly. :A friend..."
	"I see." Artemis nodded, "I think it's time for you to get 
home. We can discuss this matter further there. Your parents 
are looking for you."
	"I know, Artemis. Let's go."
	Artemis jumped into my open arms as I bent to pick him 
up, and began strolling down the direction that would take me 
home. I glanced backwards, but there was nobody in the 
surrounding area. Miyamoto had vanished.
	I resumed my walk after I whispered my thanks to the 
father.


	I yawned again. "Man, doesn't anything happen around 
here at all?"
	"You should be paying attention to your homework, 
instead of strolling down some floozy stores!" Artemis 
jumped to my side.
	I shrugged, revealing an evil grin, "I can always use my 
special pen..."
	"No! That's for Senshi business!"
	I laughed and spread my arms wide, running ahead of 
Artemis as he meowed angrily. I felt like I was a whole 
person again, ever since I returned home three days ago. Sure 
my parents were worried sick for a while, but I eventually 
got punished for 'reckless and irresponsible behavior, and 
worrying your parents like that!' as my mom had put it. It'd be 
a while before I got my weekly allowance and curfew my 
parents had imposed upon me lifted. It didn't matter because I 
felt better than ever.
	Artemis finally caught up to me and was about to 
launch into his 'Responsibility of Senshi lies upon good 
grades,' when there was a ear-splitting alarm. I winced, 
covering my ears as Artemis did the same.
	I realized that there was a bank robbery in progress, 
and sure enough, I saw a couple of bank robbers running right 
out of the nearby bank. Artemis insisted that I transform, but 
I hesitated. What if it happened again? I don't want anyone to 
die...
	**So, it's a deal: I'll go on with my life and wife while 
you go on with yours? You promise to be Sailor Venus, code-
named Sailor V, the soldier of the justice, the sailor-suited 
beautiful solder?**
	I blinked, did I just hear Miyamoto?
	**Yeah, it's a deal.**
	I nodded. Miyamoto was right, no matter what happens, I 
can't let harm come to the people. I quickly ducked into a 
hiding place and took out my transformation pen. I gritted my 
teeth and opened my mouth...
	"Venus Power Transform!"
	Once more again, warm energies enveloped me, 
dissolving my clothes and transforming into familiar red and 
blue Sailor V uniform. Oh I had missed this part! it feels so 
comfortable and relaxing...
	With my transformation completed, I leapt out of my 
place and landing near the back doors in time to greet the 
robbers. I flashed my smile and held up my traditional 'V' 
pose, addressing the masked people.
	"Robbing a bank? How petty of you guys! I am Sailor V! 
The soldier of justice, the sailor-suited beautiful soldier! I 
will punish you!"
	I prepared myself as the frightened robbers tried to 
escape. I leapt again with enthusiasm as I unleashed my 
Sailor V kick...


	Somewhere nearby, a dark figure stood inside a store, 
unnoticed by Sailor V.
	Having witnessed Minako's transformation and actions, 
Miyamoto nodded in satisfaction, "As promised, I will go on 
with my life. Thank you... Minako."
	He exited the store and strolled down the sidewalk, 
avoiding the swarm of people who rushed out to applaud 
Sailor V's success in capture of the robbers, even as sirens 
could be heard in distance.
	He soon disappeared into the city of Tokyo.



	Please tell me what you think about my fanfic. And PLEASE C&C!
	Please send comments, questions, suggestions, or 
flames, to me at AlphSailor@aol.com.

	Sailor Moon fanfic: A Lesson Hard Learned

 ____
 |   _  \   Sailor Alpha
 |  |_\  \    <AlphSailor@aol.com>
 |   __   \      The First Sailor Senshi of the Silver Millennium
 |_|   LPHA