Sailor Venus's Arc

Chapter 1 of 5

Sailor Venus tightened her grip on the slim pen in her pocket and stepped into the crystal-pillared arena. The glowing columns washed the stone seats in soft purple light. She wore no uniform, no tiara, just a plain jacket and a name tag. Today she wanted to win as a girl, not a Scout. Today she wanted to be seen. She noticed the woman during warm-ups. A stranger in a sharp coat stood behind a jagged crystal arch near the back of the stands. The arch's hollow shadow hid most of her face, but a clipboard glinted in her hand. A talent scout. Watching only her. Venus's pulse jumped. Her last rehearsal flashed back — the blank mind, the frozen feet. If she slipped now, if her hand reached for her transformation by habit, the scout would see something no civilian could explain. She ducked behind a pillar and pulled out the disguise pen. She did not transform. She only twisted the cap and whispered a small wish: give me an ordinary face. A soft shimmer passed over her. Her hair sat flatter. Her name tag read a name that wasn't hers. She tucked the pen away and walked back into the light. Near the steps, Luna Starcrest caught her elbow. "That scout has been circling you all morning," Luna said. Her voice was low and even. "I drew her eye to the south risers. You have four minutes. Do not waste them." She did not wait for thanks. She walked toward the arch, clipboard of her own in hand, and began asking the scout sharp questions about credentials. Venus took the stage. She sang as the girl on the name tag, not the hero in the wings. When she stepped down, the scout was gone — escorted out by event staff Luna had quietly alerted. Venus exhaled. She was safe. But the judges were whispering, and a new name was already climbing the bracket above hers: a rival who had watched her whole set, and smiled.