Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ The Loveless Goddess ❯ Chapter 3
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: HimeVenus 
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.05.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.6K | Visits: 245 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.05.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.6K | Visits: 245 | Status: Completed
The Loveless Goddess By Michi-chan
Chapter3
****************************************** *****************************
Her screams echoed all around her. The images were too much. She continued toscream. In her mind it was horrible. Her happiness and her morals were questions. So many deaths. So many memories. Too many.
Mako heard the screams. In an instant she dropped everything and came running. Ami met up with her in a matter of minutes.
"You herd?" she panted and the screams continued to ring out.
"Yeah, where do you think it's coming from?" Mako strained to listen. Ami pulled out her mini computer. She punched the keys with rapid force.
"It's Minako! And it's coming from over there!" Ami practically screamed and pointed to their right. Mako grabbed Ami's wrist and pulled her behind in her in neck breakingspeed. They reached Minako. She had her hands over her eyes and
was screaming until her voice was fighting to be herd.
"Minako! Minako!" Mako shook Minako as hard as she could. Minako stopped screaming and just looked at her with such horror that Mako almost recoiled. Ami kneeledbeside them.
"Minako, please snap out of it," Ami pleaded, almost crying. Mako shook her harder.
"Mommy..." Minako whispered just barely. The other two scouts fell silent and waited. "I'm sorry mommy... I couldn't help you," she wispered looking at nothing. She blinked rapidly then passed out. Ami looked at Mako. They had just gotten a small insite of what Minako hid so well.
************************
Minako blinked her eyes open and looked around. She was in her own bed, but how? She looked around. All her friends. They were sleeping in chairs and on the floor. Even the princess had curled up in the most comfortable chair. Mako was leaning against the wall next to the bed. Ami had completely stretched out over the floor and Rei was in a small ball near the princess. Minako sat up slowly and almost fell back. Memories and pain tried to hammer back in her head.
Minako blinked once more and slowly got out of bed. She padded across the floorin her bare feet and left her room. She walked blindly around the halls not sure where she was going. It was when she stopped; she realized that she was at the edge of the balcony.
In a daze she climbed up on the rim balancing. She saw the roses where there was water. Blue skies instead of lack. A shimmering orange dress where there was just her fuku. Small hands and feet instead of long ones. She was a child again. She was home. Her mother was alive and happy. Artimis was running around looking for her. She did a cartwheel on the edge. She wasn't afraid, there were roses and tulips below her. She jumped and spun and did another cartwheel. She decided that she would never grownup and do cartwheels all day.
Someone pulled her down and she passed out again. Mako held her up and started to take her back to her room. She had seen Minako wake up and leave. She had followed and saw her friend doing cartwheels on the edge of the balcony. Minako need help, and Mako decided that she was going to give it to her.
******************************************
"You can't possible believe that Minako is mental can you Makoto?" Rei snapped.
"Ok so she's quiet, but that doesn't mean... Mako..." The princess looked at Makoto. "If you tell mom, Minako will be kicked out for sure."
"But you have to consider the facts princess," Ami said sadly.
"She's got.... things that she has to get over. I think it's mostly her mom." Mako said.
"She was telling her mom sorry when we found her yeterday. She was screaming before," Ami said.
"And I think Artimis knows, but he won't say anything until Minako does."
"Look if we don't then she could really hurt herself." Mako said. Everyone nodded.
"But please, let me tell mother. If you don't mind." The princess said. Everyone nodded again.
**********************************
Minako walked slowly down the hall the queen's meeting chamber. Three days ago she had been found screaming and talking to invisible people. People who were dead. Then she was a child again. ~ I must be going crazy, and it's all Kunzite's fault. If he wouldn't have kissed me.... ~ she stopped and touched her lips. He had kissed her, and now that was all she could think about. She resumed her walk, he gown slightly hovering over the floors.
She met the queen inside the meeting chamber and bowed. The queen looked at her slowly watching her moves. Minako inwardly winced. By know the whole castle knew she was crazy. Did Kunzite know? She almost frowned. What did she care? The queen interuped her thoughts.
"Minako...." she started in a formal tone, and then stopped. She sighed and her voice changed. Lighter, softer and more caring. "Minako, my dear Minako..."
"I'm sorry for my actions my queen. I promise it won't happen again," Minako said quickly.
"But can you be sure of that?" the queen asked. Minako startled. She didn't know how to answer that one.
"...No." she said slowly.
"I didn't think so. Minako, I've been watching you for a long time. You have secrets that are eating at you. Your a danger to others, but mostly to yourself," she went one. Minako closed her eyes holding back tears. Soon she would have to leave, to go to the one dreaded place. Her home.
"I only want the best for you. So because of this you will be released of your duties," she said. Minako winced. "But you will stay here." The queen smiled as Minako's head flew up.
"You mean it? ... I can really stay?" she stammered.
"Yes Minako. I want you to overcome your fears, but if I send you home you may not come back... alive." Minako gasped. "Yes I know. I know you tried to kill yourself that day, and I'm glad that Kunzite of Endymion's guards stopped you. Even if that was a forbidden area."
"He told you?" Minako asked in disbelief. The words betrayal flashed across her mind. But did she ever trust him?
"Yes, but asked me to keep quite about it, I didn't know why at the time, but I do now."
"I'm sorry... I just..." Minako stopped. If she told...
"I want you to overcome your fears. When you can tell me what your awful secret is, then You can return to your duties. Understood?" she said back to her formal tone.
"Yes." Minako bowed and left.
****************************************
Kunzite watched Minako cross the large garden. Another ball was at the Moon palace, and as usual the princess had begged her mother to invite Prince Endymion and his guards. Of course the queen agreed and they came. That was when he had spoken to the Queen about Minako. That was when he learned her situation. He had to see her again.
Right behind a large moss covered tree he watched her cross the garden and go over the tiny walking bridge, her skirts lifted over her ankles. She was in a rush and he knew why. His mind flashed back to the ballroom they had came from as he followed her.
"Are you as cold as the say Lady Venus?"
" I'm sorry for you loss."
"She's so pitiful standing over there."
"Look at the horrid scowl."
"Never smiles or cries that what I herd."
"I think she's not human."
"I wonder if she killed her parents, I heard she was a crazy child."
"I wonder what her folks were thinking, rising a kid like that."
"I hope that she doesn't endanger our princess."
"I think she's not quite right."
"Her eyes are scaring me mommy." All those whispers. Knuzite knew some of the people said in a whisper and others said it loud so that Minako could hear. Did they not care? Obviously they didn't. He followed Minako through the castle grounds, past the gate, and to a shallow gorge. He should have known that she was going to do something drastic. He came to the clearing a good distance behind her. He watched her hiccup. Was she crying? Was it possible that Lady Venus, was crying, for the first time in years outside of her secret place?
"Kunzite, I know you're here," she said quietly. He fell still. "Who am I tryingto kid? Now I'm imagining things."
"Minako, I'm here," he said softly. She spun around and stared at him. Her eyes were clear.
"What do you want? Haven't you made my life a living hell already?" she accused him with piercing blue eyes. They seemed to cut into his very soul.
"No, Minako-" he whispered, but she interrupted him.
"Don't talk to me Kunzite. You told the Queen, you almost got me sent home!" she screamed. Kunzite wondered if it was really that bad. "You can't be trusted."
"Did you ever trust me?" he asked. Minako's frowned intensified.
"No!" she stalked up to him pulling out her mother's dagger. She held it up to his neck, Kunzite never moved. "Your a man. No man can be trusted. No man, but Artemist." she hissed.
"Why don't you trust men, Minako? Has someone hurt you?" he asked gently. Minako bared her teeth. The tip of the dagger touched the base of his throat. He didn't even flinch.
"They're evil, no regard for anyone else but themselves. Where's the princess' father huh? You don't see him protecting his wife and child."
"Minako, he's dead, you know that." he stressed. She fumed.
"I know! All of you should die!" she screamed, no longer fighting the tears.
"Minako..." he whispered. She almost dropped her dagger at the softness in his voice. She withdrew and backed away from him, until he was gone from sight.
***************************
"Get off of her!" Aphrodite yelled. Her husband looked up at his wife, his foot still planted in Minako's stomach. Artimist stood silently watching, prying for a way to help this child.
"You disappoint me wife. I would have thought you have taught this little animal some manners." he hissed.
"Stop! You've already killed me; don't hurt Minako! Please!" she yelled, tears coming down her flawless face. Every thing became dark. Minako's father pulled out the dagger and buried it into Aphrodite's stomach. After she fell to floor he kneeled beside her and stabbed her over and over again. Blood poured onto the floor covering Minako. She screamed as bloody hands reached for her dragging her down. She was drowning in blood. She screamed, but no one herd her cries. She slipped into darkness. She was cold and alone, always alone.
Minako shot up in bed. Sweat made her bangs stick to her head. That horrible dream. Drowning in blood. Her father, her mother. Blood. Minako hated blood. She started down at her hands in realization. She hated blood. The blood of the people she loved. Her mother, and her friends. Kunzite.
"Rrrr, don't think about it!" she hissed at herself. Kunzite was a man. So what if she saw his blood and did a double take? So what? It didn't mean she loved him, did it? No she....
"I don't love him, I don't," she told herself.
"Is that so?" said a soft voice. Minako gasped and reached for the dagger at the side dresser. She flinched when something cold touched the front of her neck. Her dagger was missing.
"Mako, what are you doing?" she said menacingly. Mako smiled in the dark.
"Minako, I'm worried about you. I want to know what happened to make you stop laughing. Smiling. We miss your smiles."
"I can't tell Mako. You know that," she sighed and flipped the lamp by her bed.
"Then tell me who you don't love," Mako chided, slipping the weapon back on the table. She sat down on the side of the bed.
"Mako... Why are you here?" Minako sighed again. Makoto looked out the darkened window.
"You were screaming in your sleep. You and I sleep light cause he have night shifts,so I was the only one who woke up." She looked at Minako. "You called out to Aphrodite. Your mother." Mako touched her friend's shoulder. Minako looked at her sheets. She never noticed how nice the stitches looked until now.
"Minako, please. I want to help. You have nothing to be ashamed of." That did it. Minako burst out crying. Mako gathered her up in her arms in a friendly embrace.
"Don't cry. It's ok. Really," she whispered.
"I can't keep it a secret anymore Mako. I can't. It hurts too much, and Kunzite is just making it worse," she cried.
"Kunzite? Is he the one you don't love?"
"Yes. I want to, but something isn't right. My heart and my mind don't agree."
"Your ready to talk then?" Mako asked quietly. Minako nodded. She felt relived.
"When I tell, please don't hate me. And please, don't pity me. I can't stand it," she said. Mako laughed.
"You never could Minako," she smiled as her friend driffted to sleep.
"You'realways trying to protect someone, but you never protected yourself did you?" Mako's question went unanswered.
*******************************************************
"What the hell are you doing here?" Minako yelled. Kunzite smiled.
"That's no way to treat your guest Lady Venus." Minako frowned. She didn't love him, did she?
"Your herd to see me make a fool of myself aren't you?" she snapped. He shook his head.
"A confession isn't a fool hearty thing Lady Venus. Minako," he whispered hername. She shivered. He looked around and when no one was watching he grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him. She resisted of course, but it wasn't until they reached an empty hall did he let her go.
"What do you want from me?" she almost yelled. He put her arms around her waist, holding her tight. "Let me go." She pushed against his chest. He lowerd his face towards hers and kissed her. He was soft and gental with her until she stopped struggling. Until she gave in. He lifted his head. Minako was frowning at him. He laughed, she almost smiled. He kissed her again, and again, and again. She frown slowly faded and Kunzite released her.
"My mission is done for now," he whispered, kissing her cheek. "I took away your frown." He smiled and walked off. Minako sunk to he knees. What the hell was wrong with her?
Mianko blinked, and allowed herself to smile. She was in love. Why didn't she feel bad? Why was she giddy? Because her brain stopped working and her heart took over, that's why, and she didn't want that to change. Suddenly
the world didn't look so cold, and cruel. It looked warm, inviting and comforting. The leader of this beautiful world was smiling on her. Her and only her, and his name was Kunzite.
Minako stood up and felt a heavy weight get lifted from her body. She smiled as sunlight poured through opened windows. The warmth was nice, and she walked down the hall with a determined smile. She was going to tell her secret, and no one would pity her. Just understand her.
"Before I speak, I must tell you all one thing. Understand me, don't pity me please," and that was how her new life started.
* You like. It's not done yet, so just hang in there.
Chapter3
****************************************** *****************************
Her screams echoed all around her. The images were too much. She continued toscream. In her mind it was horrible. Her happiness and her morals were questions. So many deaths. So many memories. Too many.
Mako heard the screams. In an instant she dropped everything and came running. Ami met up with her in a matter of minutes.
"You herd?" she panted and the screams continued to ring out.
"Yeah, where do you think it's coming from?" Mako strained to listen. Ami pulled out her mini computer. She punched the keys with rapid force.
"It's Minako! And it's coming from over there!" Ami practically screamed and pointed to their right. Mako grabbed Ami's wrist and pulled her behind in her in neck breakingspeed. They reached Minako. She had her hands over her eyes and
was screaming until her voice was fighting to be herd.
"Minako! Minako!" Mako shook Minako as hard as she could. Minako stopped screaming and just looked at her with such horror that Mako almost recoiled. Ami kneeledbeside them.
"Minako, please snap out of it," Ami pleaded, almost crying. Mako shook her harder.
"Mommy..." Minako whispered just barely. The other two scouts fell silent and waited. "I'm sorry mommy... I couldn't help you," she wispered looking at nothing. She blinked rapidly then passed out. Ami looked at Mako. They had just gotten a small insite of what Minako hid so well.
************************
Minako blinked her eyes open and looked around. She was in her own bed, but how? She looked around. All her friends. They were sleeping in chairs and on the floor. Even the princess had curled up in the most comfortable chair. Mako was leaning against the wall next to the bed. Ami had completely stretched out over the floor and Rei was in a small ball near the princess. Minako sat up slowly and almost fell back. Memories and pain tried to hammer back in her head.
Minako blinked once more and slowly got out of bed. She padded across the floorin her bare feet and left her room. She walked blindly around the halls not sure where she was going. It was when she stopped; she realized that she was at the edge of the balcony.
In a daze she climbed up on the rim balancing. She saw the roses where there was water. Blue skies instead of lack. A shimmering orange dress where there was just her fuku. Small hands and feet instead of long ones. She was a child again. She was home. Her mother was alive and happy. Artimis was running around looking for her. She did a cartwheel on the edge. She wasn't afraid, there were roses and tulips below her. She jumped and spun and did another cartwheel. She decided that she would never grownup and do cartwheels all day.
Someone pulled her down and she passed out again. Mako held her up and started to take her back to her room. She had seen Minako wake up and leave. She had followed and saw her friend doing cartwheels on the edge of the balcony. Minako need help, and Mako decided that she was going to give it to her.
******************************************
"You can't possible believe that Minako is mental can you Makoto?" Rei snapped.
"Ok so she's quiet, but that doesn't mean... Mako..." The princess looked at Makoto. "If you tell mom, Minako will be kicked out for sure."
"But you have to consider the facts princess," Ami said sadly.
"She's got.... things that she has to get over. I think it's mostly her mom." Mako said.
"She was telling her mom sorry when we found her yeterday. She was screaming before," Ami said.
"And I think Artimis knows, but he won't say anything until Minako does."
"Look if we don't then she could really hurt herself." Mako said. Everyone nodded.
"But please, let me tell mother. If you don't mind." The princess said. Everyone nodded again.
**********************************
Minako walked slowly down the hall the queen's meeting chamber. Three days ago she had been found screaming and talking to invisible people. People who were dead. Then she was a child again. ~ I must be going crazy, and it's all Kunzite's fault. If he wouldn't have kissed me.... ~ she stopped and touched her lips. He had kissed her, and now that was all she could think about. She resumed her walk, he gown slightly hovering over the floors.
She met the queen inside the meeting chamber and bowed. The queen looked at her slowly watching her moves. Minako inwardly winced. By know the whole castle knew she was crazy. Did Kunzite know? She almost frowned. What did she care? The queen interuped her thoughts.
"Minako...." she started in a formal tone, and then stopped. She sighed and her voice changed. Lighter, softer and more caring. "Minako, my dear Minako..."
"I'm sorry for my actions my queen. I promise it won't happen again," Minako said quickly.
"But can you be sure of that?" the queen asked. Minako startled. She didn't know how to answer that one.
"...No." she said slowly.
"I didn't think so. Minako, I've been watching you for a long time. You have secrets that are eating at you. Your a danger to others, but mostly to yourself," she went one. Minako closed her eyes holding back tears. Soon she would have to leave, to go to the one dreaded place. Her home.
"I only want the best for you. So because of this you will be released of your duties," she said. Minako winced. "But you will stay here." The queen smiled as Minako's head flew up.
"You mean it? ... I can really stay?" she stammered.
"Yes Minako. I want you to overcome your fears, but if I send you home you may not come back... alive." Minako gasped. "Yes I know. I know you tried to kill yourself that day, and I'm glad that Kunzite of Endymion's guards stopped you. Even if that was a forbidden area."
"He told you?" Minako asked in disbelief. The words betrayal flashed across her mind. But did she ever trust him?
"Yes, but asked me to keep quite about it, I didn't know why at the time, but I do now."
"I'm sorry... I just..." Minako stopped. If she told...
"I want you to overcome your fears. When you can tell me what your awful secret is, then You can return to your duties. Understood?" she said back to her formal tone.
"Yes." Minako bowed and left.
****************************************
Kunzite watched Minako cross the large garden. Another ball was at the Moon palace, and as usual the princess had begged her mother to invite Prince Endymion and his guards. Of course the queen agreed and they came. That was when he had spoken to the Queen about Minako. That was when he learned her situation. He had to see her again.
Right behind a large moss covered tree he watched her cross the garden and go over the tiny walking bridge, her skirts lifted over her ankles. She was in a rush and he knew why. His mind flashed back to the ballroom they had came from as he followed her.
"Are you as cold as the say Lady Venus?"
" I'm sorry for you loss."
"She's so pitiful standing over there."
"Look at the horrid scowl."
"Never smiles or cries that what I herd."
"I think she's not human."
"I wonder if she killed her parents, I heard she was a crazy child."
"I wonder what her folks were thinking, rising a kid like that."
"I hope that she doesn't endanger our princess."
"I think she's not quite right."
"Her eyes are scaring me mommy." All those whispers. Knuzite knew some of the people said in a whisper and others said it loud so that Minako could hear. Did they not care? Obviously they didn't. He followed Minako through the castle grounds, past the gate, and to a shallow gorge. He should have known that she was going to do something drastic. He came to the clearing a good distance behind her. He watched her hiccup. Was she crying? Was it possible that Lady Venus, was crying, for the first time in years outside of her secret place?
"Kunzite, I know you're here," she said quietly. He fell still. "Who am I tryingto kid? Now I'm imagining things."
"Minako, I'm here," he said softly. She spun around and stared at him. Her eyes were clear.
"What do you want? Haven't you made my life a living hell already?" she accused him with piercing blue eyes. They seemed to cut into his very soul.
"No, Minako-" he whispered, but she interrupted him.
"Don't talk to me Kunzite. You told the Queen, you almost got me sent home!" she screamed. Kunzite wondered if it was really that bad. "You can't be trusted."
"Did you ever trust me?" he asked. Minako's frowned intensified.
"No!" she stalked up to him pulling out her mother's dagger. She held it up to his neck, Kunzite never moved. "Your a man. No man can be trusted. No man, but Artemist." she hissed.
"Why don't you trust men, Minako? Has someone hurt you?" he asked gently. Minako bared her teeth. The tip of the dagger touched the base of his throat. He didn't even flinch.
"They're evil, no regard for anyone else but themselves. Where's the princess' father huh? You don't see him protecting his wife and child."
"Minako, he's dead, you know that." he stressed. She fumed.
"I know! All of you should die!" she screamed, no longer fighting the tears.
"Minako..." he whispered. She almost dropped her dagger at the softness in his voice. She withdrew and backed away from him, until he was gone from sight.
***************************
"Get off of her!" Aphrodite yelled. Her husband looked up at his wife, his foot still planted in Minako's stomach. Artimist stood silently watching, prying for a way to help this child.
"You disappoint me wife. I would have thought you have taught this little animal some manners." he hissed.
"Stop! You've already killed me; don't hurt Minako! Please!" she yelled, tears coming down her flawless face. Every thing became dark. Minako's father pulled out the dagger and buried it into Aphrodite's stomach. After she fell to floor he kneeled beside her and stabbed her over and over again. Blood poured onto the floor covering Minako. She screamed as bloody hands reached for her dragging her down. She was drowning in blood. She screamed, but no one herd her cries. She slipped into darkness. She was cold and alone, always alone.
Minako shot up in bed. Sweat made her bangs stick to her head. That horrible dream. Drowning in blood. Her father, her mother. Blood. Minako hated blood. She started down at her hands in realization. She hated blood. The blood of the people she loved. Her mother, and her friends. Kunzite.
"Rrrr, don't think about it!" she hissed at herself. Kunzite was a man. So what if she saw his blood and did a double take? So what? It didn't mean she loved him, did it? No she....
"I don't love him, I don't," she told herself.
"Is that so?" said a soft voice. Minako gasped and reached for the dagger at the side dresser. She flinched when something cold touched the front of her neck. Her dagger was missing.
"Mako, what are you doing?" she said menacingly. Mako smiled in the dark.
"Minako, I'm worried about you. I want to know what happened to make you stop laughing. Smiling. We miss your smiles."
"I can't tell Mako. You know that," she sighed and flipped the lamp by her bed.
"Then tell me who you don't love," Mako chided, slipping the weapon back on the table. She sat down on the side of the bed.
"Mako... Why are you here?" Minako sighed again. Makoto looked out the darkened window.
"You were screaming in your sleep. You and I sleep light cause he have night shifts,so I was the only one who woke up." She looked at Minako. "You called out to Aphrodite. Your mother." Mako touched her friend's shoulder. Minako looked at her sheets. She never noticed how nice the stitches looked until now.
"Minako, please. I want to help. You have nothing to be ashamed of." That did it. Minako burst out crying. Mako gathered her up in her arms in a friendly embrace.
"Don't cry. It's ok. Really," she whispered.
"I can't keep it a secret anymore Mako. I can't. It hurts too much, and Kunzite is just making it worse," she cried.
"Kunzite? Is he the one you don't love?"
"Yes. I want to, but something isn't right. My heart and my mind don't agree."
"Your ready to talk then?" Mako asked quietly. Minako nodded. She felt relived.
"When I tell, please don't hate me. And please, don't pity me. I can't stand it," she said. Mako laughed.
"You never could Minako," she smiled as her friend driffted to sleep.
"You'realways trying to protect someone, but you never protected yourself did you?" Mako's question went unanswered.
*******************************************************
"What the hell are you doing here?" Minako yelled. Kunzite smiled.
"That's no way to treat your guest Lady Venus." Minako frowned. She didn't love him, did she?
"Your herd to see me make a fool of myself aren't you?" she snapped. He shook his head.
"A confession isn't a fool hearty thing Lady Venus. Minako," he whispered hername. She shivered. He looked around and when no one was watching he grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him. She resisted of course, but it wasn't until they reached an empty hall did he let her go.
"What do you want from me?" she almost yelled. He put her arms around her waist, holding her tight. "Let me go." She pushed against his chest. He lowerd his face towards hers and kissed her. He was soft and gental with her until she stopped struggling. Until she gave in. He lifted his head. Minako was frowning at him. He laughed, she almost smiled. He kissed her again, and again, and again. She frown slowly faded and Kunzite released her.
"My mission is done for now," he whispered, kissing her cheek. "I took away your frown." He smiled and walked off. Minako sunk to he knees. What the hell was wrong with her?
Mianko blinked, and allowed herself to smile. She was in love. Why didn't she feel bad? Why was she giddy? Because her brain stopped working and her heart took over, that's why, and she didn't want that to change. Suddenly
the world didn't look so cold, and cruel. It looked warm, inviting and comforting. The leader of this beautiful world was smiling on her. Her and only her, and his name was Kunzite.
Minako stood up and felt a heavy weight get lifted from her body. She smiled as sunlight poured through opened windows. The warmth was nice, and she walked down the hall with a determined smile. She was going to tell her secret, and no one would pity her. Just understand her.
"Before I speak, I must tell you all one thing. Understand me, don't pity me please," and that was how her new life started.
* You like. It's not done yet, so just hang in there.