Thank you for your reviews and support, it totally made my day and inspired me to finish this chapter quickly. This is quite long and I did try to add a touch of comedy, though mind you, I'm not good at it. It probably wasn't funny, but lighthearted at best. Anyway, enjoy and leave me your suggestions, contributions, criticisms, and thoughts. Anything's welcomed.
CHAPTER I: WHEELS OF DESTINY
A young golden haired girl of 12 stood at the steps of an old gothic structure. She looked oddly out of place in the ancient building, yet she seemed an essential part of it as well. Perhaps it was her sober and almost Victorian style clothing with its skirt that reached mid-calf, tie, vest and ladies jacket all in deep dark blue, coupled with a crisp white blouse. But it was mostly because of her cool light blue eyes that belied an experience that should have not been found in such a young girl.
She stood there looking steadily, her briefcase in front of her, held by two hands in an almost distant manner. The wind whipped her partially unbound hair, held only by two plain dark blue combs that acted as barrettes. The church bells rang in a loud deep gong, signaling that it was 4 in the afternoon and that the school gates where to be opened. She was unperturbed as her eyes took in the laughing identically dressed girls that rushed out into the busy streets of London. She was used to it, how people were drawn as well as repelled to her, how they confided to her yet kept their distance in their untroubled times.
Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock as she took an unsteady step backward. Her head whipped sidewards and she found herself staring at a pair of slanted blue eyes. It belonged to a pure white cat with a hauntingly familiar mark in its forehead. She took a cautious step forward, her right hand reaching out to it which continued to stare at her unmovingly.
"Artemis," she breathed out softly as she set herself down on the ground, her hand beckoning it to her. She watched as the white creature padded happily towards her, and a smile hovered at her lips as she drew it into her arms. It purred contentedly as she cradled it close and stood up, her head still bent as she watched it. She was so intent in her observations that she did not see nor hear the car pulling besides the steps she stood at, nor the uniformed man that stepped out.
"Miss Aino," the man spoke softly, jostling her out of her thoughts.
She looked up and gave a slight smile, greeting him, "Roberts," before she bent down to take her case. He beat her to it, causing her to smile a bit more in gratitude, and she set down towards the waiting car.
"Uh. . .Miss Aino?" he spoke out cautiously as he followed her.
"Yes?" she replied as she turned around to look at him with a curious expression in her face.
"You're keeping that stray?" he asked, his voice and features incredulous.
She nodded and continued towards the car, causing the man to rush to catch up with her. She shifted the cat in her arms, freeing one of her arms so she could open the door. Again, she was beaten to it as gloved hands grasped the handle and swung it open. She looked up, faint amusement lit up her features as she was Roberts breathing in slight exertion.
"Thank you," she spoke with well ingrained politeness, and entered the backseat.
Instead of closing the door, he stared at her and the cat, and ventured out once again, "Miss Aino, your mother will not like this, nor will your father, the Ambassador."
"I know," she replied calmly, "Don't worry."
"But. . ."
"Don't worry," she interrupted him, her voice brooked no opposition.
He sighed and shut the door, leaving her once again in her thoughts. She was lost in her thoughts that she did not realize the car was moving onwards to the busy streets. Not that she cared as she mussed about the state of affairs in her life. She couldn't help but be disgusted, on where she was now and of her parents. It was laughable to her that she had to come and go to school in a chauffeured car, just because she was the Japanese Ambassador's daughter. It was even laughable that here she was studying at a prestigious all girls Anglican school that only boasted of a long line of aristocratic women as their alumni. It wasn't that her parents cared, this was simply all about her mother's pride and her father's distance. In fact, what was expected of her by her mother was to be a beautiful, obedient daughter wherein they could display, and who she could marry off to further her ambitions with her as a useless but pretty trophy wife. It went to such an extent that her life revolved around perfecting in playing the harp with her mother sometimes walking her up at midnight so she could play until dawn, to lessons in creating the perfect ikebana, to perfect manners and etiquette, to learning how to make polite but useless conversations, dancing the waltz, and of course, making perfectly useless but beautiful embroidery. It drove her to the wall, yet there was nothing she could do with it. Her father perhaps cared, with his stories and lessons, but he always wasn't there. She more often than not remembered his distant figure.
She sighed, her thoughts breaking when the cat in her lap purred and snuggled closer. A smile danced on her lips as she looked at it. Just by looking at it, she felt her heart lighten and her mind amending that being in London wasn't so bad compared to Tokyo. She had lived here for 5 years, since she was 7, and she understood that her parent's busy schedule gave her a bit more freedom. In fact one of the perks right now is that her midnight harp playing was pushed to once a week, and that she was able to learn fencing and swimming. She remembered why she wanted to learn fencing. Remembered her fascination with the clashing of the blades and the strategies needed to win. The fascination still clung when she learned it and mastered it, although a part of her thought the sport was too dull, too controlled. As for swimming, it seemed that she felt she needed it and was entranced by the swirling foam that the waters seem to make as it moves. It seemed it was a part of her, calling out to her.
'Duty. . .Destiny. . .Pact,' something whispered in her mind, jostling her out of her thoughts. She blinked, and she realized she was at home and the door was opened, waiting for her to alight. She shook her head and stepped out. She walked towards her house, her steps soft but steady yet she seemed to move reluctantly. She felt a twinge of nervousness, knowing how her mother's temper might erupted at the sight of the cat. But she knew she could not leave the creature.
'Not Artemis,' she thought to herself as hazy images assailed her, all about this cat and a man with silver hair and feline blue eyes. They were one and the same, the ones that took care of her, guarded and loved her so well like a father.
"MINAKO! What on earth is that?!" her mother's loud and angry voice echoed through the room as she stepped in the house.
"I was hoping to keep it," she answered as she softly shut the door and faced her mother's angry visage.
"A stray!!" her mother screeched, "Do you know how it would look like to my friends?!"
"Nobody would know," she answered steadily, while her heart begged and pleaded inwardly, "He does look like a white Siamese cat."
Her mother glowered at her, before raking her eyes contemptuously at the cat in her arms. After an eternity of silence, her mother spoke huffily, "Fine!" as she turned her heel, "Keep it out from sight. Clean yourself up and meet me at the parlor. I'm going to see how you serve tea. And bring your embroidery!"
She nodded as she tried not to rush up the stairs, a small smile at her lips.
******
A young priestess of 12, dressed in white and red robes, stood at the temple steps. She was sweeping, her face flush with exertion while two crows perched on each shoulder, forming a decidedly odd picture. She seemed not to mind it, intent on her work as the broom rose and raked through the ground in rhythmic tune. Footsteps then intruded on her work, causing her to look up while sending the crows flying away from their perch. A smile lit her features when she saw who it was, a young man of 15 with jet black hair and intense blue eyes.
"Oniichan!" she cried out happily, "How was school?"
"Fine imouto," he replied back, a smile lighting up his exhausted features, "How about you?" he asked and immediately regretted his words when he saw her mood changed dramatically. He saw pain flash through her violet eyes, before she could lower them and his heart went out for her. Drawing her into a hug, he spoke, "I'm sorry Rei. Was it really bad?"
She said nothing, relishing for a brief moment in the comfort he exuded. She stepped out of his arms, remembering her determination to be strong and to never be vulnerable.
"I'm fine, oniichan," she spoke with forced cheeriness with an equally forced smile as pain lingered in her mind about the nasty words stabbed at her back.
He looked at her calmly and spoke, "You don't have to hide it, Rei," his voice gentle, "We're family remember? I'll be there."
Her eyes softened and a genuine smile of gratitude shone in her face as she murmured, "Thank you."
He smiled back at her, sharing a moment of companionable silence. Then, her smile brightened as she grabbed his hand and spoke excitably, "Let's have tea!" dragging him inside, while he tried valiantly not to trip at his feet, "Since you're early today," she added hastily, before releasing his hand.
He smiled indulgently, watching how her black hair caught the sunlight and gave out violet highlights. His smile turned to a grin as he studied his foster sister, knowing she will grow up to be a beauty and he'll have to beat suitors out of the door.
"I'm home!" he called out as he stepped into the temple grounds while Rei busied herself. An old man stepped out of one of the structures, a welcoming smile in his weathered features and a pretty woman at his arm. He couldn't help but sigh, knowing what an odd household he lived in yet loving every minute of it.
"Mamoru," the old man spoke in slight surprise, "you're home early."
"Yes, grandpa," he replied with a smile and a shrug, "Not much schoolwork today."
"Ah," was the reply before a mischievous twinkle appeared in his wrinkled eyes, "And were is my granddaughter?"
"Fixing tea," he answered automatically, a part of him wondering what the old man was up to as he saw that familiar and not so comforting look in his eye, "Would you and your guest like to join us?"
"No," his surrogate grandfather spoke, the familiar gleam brightening, "We have something to do. Just tell my granddaughter not to BURN down the temple," his voice becoming exaggeratedly louder and slightly singsong.
"I heard THAT!" Rei's voice rang from inside the temple.
"WHY?" their grandfather bellowed out while Mamoru shook in head in an approximation of a 'give me strength' plea and the woman giggled at the antics, "Is it wrong to speak the TRUTH?"
"What do you mean TRUTH?!" Rei demanded as she huffily stepped out into the open.
The old man ignored her, turning to address the amused woman in his arm, saying, "I tell you my dear. If you're ever going to asked the gods for a child, pray for one that doesn't have a temper like my granddaughter. See how I suffer?" his voice taking a exaggerated sigh at the last line.
"I DO NOT!" Rei bellowed out angrily, before clamping her hands over her mouth, an embarrassed blush on her cheeks. They couldn't help but laugh at the comical expression on her face, her two hands clamped over her mouth while her eyes were wide in her red face.
"Stop it!" she whined slightly and angrily.
"Let's go my dear," the old man spoke with a fond smile at the two youngsters with varying expressions, "Before my granddaughter blows up."
"GRANDPA!" she cried out, scowling while the old man simply laughed and walked away, the woman still at his arm. She continued scowling, twin fires in her violet eyes as she stared at her grandfather's retreating back.
"Now now, Rei," Mamoru's teasing voice broke through her stare, "You don't want grandpa to melt just because of your laser stare."
"Oniichan," she growled before whacking him at the arm, "Be careful, I might pour tea all over your hand."
"You should respect your elders imouto," he chided her teasingly as they entered the tea room, "Anyway, how am I suppose to go to work if you do that to me?"
She humped as they sat down and retorted, "Well at least you'll be able to spend more time at the temple."
A smile twitched his lips and he rose an eyebrow, seemingly thoughtful. Slanting a glance towards her, he grabbed on of the rice balls and spoke, "Sounds good! It would be nice just sitting here and being served like a king while I watch you sweat and work," as he took a bite.
He watched as she stared at him flabbergasted, then humped haughtily and muttered, "I shouldn't have agreed with grandpa that I needed a foster brother."
When he heard her speak, something tugged into his mind as he remembered his dreams. The dreams that have haunted him for years until he came to this temple when he was 10. Now, these dreams were coming to haunt him again, more vivid than ever. He remembered this silver haired princess with innocent silvery blue eyes. How those eyes stared at him with love and tears as she pleaded him to help her.
"Oniichan," a concerned and frightened voice broke his thoughts. He look up and found himself staring at the huge eyes of his little sister as she spoke once again, "Are you all right? I'm really sorry. . ."
"I'm fine," he spoke interrupting her as he gave her a reassuring smile, "It wasn't your fault. I was just tired."
She searched his face to see if her was lying and apparently satisfied, she calmed down a bit. She stared at him for a minute and observed, "It's those dreams again, isn't it?" her voice soft.
"Yes," came his weary reply, knowing it was impossible to hide anything from her.
Her gaze sharpened with concern as she put her hand over his for comfort. Cautiously, she suggested, "I could do a fire reading for you?"
Mamoru's eyes snapped up and he spoke, "Oh no! You're not," his voice firm. She opened her mouth to protest, but he beat her to it, "You're just going to get exhausted. It's not good for you."
"But. . ." she tried again but she was interrupted.
"No imouto," he spoke firmly, "listen to your elders."
"But. . ." she tried again once again, this time getting a word out but not much.
"Don't be stubborn," he cut through, a scowl on his face, "Don't do it," he ordered while his face softened, "Okay?"
She nodded defeatedly and he smiled fondly at her lowered head. Then his eye caught the time and he nearly groaned out loud. He hurriedly stood up, causing Rei look at him curiously as he hastily explained, "I'm going to be late for work. See you at dinner," and he was out rushing.
"Okay!" she cried out after his retreating form. She watched as he slammed the doors shut and disappeared. She sighed, her mind worried about her brother. Her eyes narrowed in determination, her mind asking for forgiveness for she had come to a decision to read the fire. She knew her brother wouldn't be happy, nor her grandfather, but she was too worried to care.
'All right,' she thought to herself and was suppose to leave when she saw the state of the room. Wryly, she amended, 'Well, I guess after fixing this place first.'
******
A neat blue car drove through the streets of Juuban, Tokyo, a woman and a 12 year old girl inside. The woman was chatting animatedly in an attempt to draw the pensive girl out of her shell, but it was to no avail. The woman sighed, throwing a sympathetic glance at the girl dressed in all black, seated to her left. She couldn't blame the girl, her parents getting killed just at the tender age of 7 and now, her aunt was dead, all because of a plane accident. If she remembered the file correctly, the girl did not have a picture perfect childhood. With an aunt that was an investigative journalist, she always had to move from one place to another, never making friends. And worse of all, she was usually left alone at home for hours till end, forcing the child to grow up quickly. In fact, when she looked at the child's emerald eyes, she couldn't help but shudder at the sight of those knowing orbs that no child was suppose to have yet. She sighed once again as she saw the well manicured lawns roll by. She slowed the car down, stopping at a neatly kept white house.
"Where here Makoto," she said to the child as she unlocked the doors and stepped out. She never received an answer, nor did she expect one for the silence in the ride convinced her it was no use.
'Perhaps this family will help her,' she thought to herself, hoped and prayed. She walked smartly across the well tended garden, Makoto silently following her. She couldn't help but shudder a bit, noting the practically noiseless way the girl moved.
'Like a sleek jungle cat,' her mind observed, 'A predator, a hunter. . . a protector.'
She shook her head, annoyed by the flights of fancy within her mind. She ordered herself to stop and rang the bell. Seconds later, the door opened to reveal a smiling motherly woman.
"You must be from the social center," the woman greeted cheerily, "Please," she said as she stepped back to let them enter, "come in."
"Thank you," she smiled as she stepped in, "I'm Ikusawa Yukino and this is Kino Makoto," motioning to the silent girl besides her.
"I'm Tsukino Ikuko," the woman spoke with a smile before her gaze turned to the silent girl. She bent down a bit, not much because of Makoto's unusual height and spoke, "Hello Makoto. How are you?" her manner coaxing and kind.
"Fine, Mrs. Tsukino " Makoto answered softly, her features softening ever so slightly from her blank mask.
Ikuko spoke, a smile crinkling the corner of her eyes, "Why don't you call me Auntie instead?"
"Aun—tie," she spoke cautiously, as if testing the word in her mouth. Both women watched the girl expectantly, but the moment was shattered when a blond whirlwind broke through the room and the silence within it. The three looked up and found themselves looking at a 12 year old blond girl whose clear blue eyes where practically oozing with excitement.
"Is she my new sister, mommy?" the girl practically squealed, drawing various reactions. Ikuko shook her head in amusement, a fond yet weary smile on her lips. Yukino, on the other hand, simply stared in surprised, while Makoto broke into a cautious smile. It wasn't bright or huge, but it was a smile nonetheless.
"I'm Usagi," the girl said, sticking out her hand to Makoto, "You're my new sister right?"
Makoto stared at her in surprise, before taking the blonde's outstretched hand and stammered, "Y-yes," her voice a mixture of shyness and fondness.
"Come on," Usagi spoke as she proceeded to drag Makoto inside the house who had a bemused and surprised expression on her face, "I'm having chocolate cake in the kitchen. You like chocolate, don't you? I mean everyone loves chocolate, right?" she continued babbling on as they disappeared into the house, her voice still echoing towards the two adults.
"Well," Yukino spoke, once she got out of her stupor, "you're daughter's quite a character, Mrs. Tsukino."
"I know," was the wryly reply as the other woman shook her head and chuckled. Soon, she was joined by Yukino as their minds relieved that scene with that little bundle of energy.
******
A 12 year old girl with blue hair walked briskly across the streets and sidewalks. She never stopped nor looked back, all intent on going home as she ignored the laughter and the snatches of conversation that waived through the air. She was used to this, the sense of loneliness and silence that greeted her wherever she goes. It started when she was very young, having a foreign father that quickly made her an outsider in xenophobic Japan. Then, there was her parents who were too busy with their careers to truly be with her. She knew they loved her, giving her presents most of the time to make it up for their absence, but it wasn't enough. Then came the fateful day of the divorce and the custody battle, both her mom and dad seeing each other as not good enough for her. Her mother won custody over her and after which, she never saw her father again. Of course presents still came, watercolors, oils, and sketches her father made, coupled with trinkets to the places he visited, and letters. But that was all, no picture of him or a phone call. She wasn't sure what he looked and sounded like, now. Of her mother, she rarely saw her, always a emergency here, a conference there, a patient here and there. Most of the time, she found herself alone at their condominium with its four walls.
She wanted to be loved. But it seemed fate was against it and her.
'Was it the ice in my veins that banned me from ever knowing it?' she thought bitterly, the lament giving an odd feeling of deja vu, 'Is it because I dreamed of snow and death that I am beyond it?'
No answer was given. Not that she expected it, knowing her pleas, pleas that should not touch one so young as her, fell to deaf ears. She sighed, as the red light blared in front of her, telling her to stop. She stood there, waiting as the cars zoomed by. Suddenly, she heard a pitiful meow besides her, causing her head to whip to the side. She found herself staring at a black cat with a hauntingly familiar mark in its forehead. Images assailed her. Images of lessons and lectures with friends from a woman with flowing black hair and an odd hairstyle. The woman seemed to stare at her with eyes like the cat, telling her they were one and the same. She bent down and took it in her arms, cuddling it close. She felt it snuggle in her arms as it purred contentedly. She smiled, knowing that she wasn't alone any longer.
"Luna," she murmured, calling the cat in her arms.
******
Violet eyes peeked out of the sliding doors, searching for the familiar forms of the temple's inhabitants. No one was in sight, causing a sigh of relief to escape through the paper thin doors. It opened further and Rei cautiously stepped out, as if she was going to commit a crime. Her gaze swept over the place once again before she was fully satisfied that she was all alone. Swiftly, she passed through the halls, intent on getting to the sacred fire room. She knew the consequences if she was caught, but something compelled her to throw caution with the winds. She reached her destination. Wasting no time, she slipped inside and immediately shut the door. Inside, she immediately felt heat. A warm tingling feeling that seemed to welcome her. She turned around, the roaring flame greeting her as it beckoned her closer. She took an unconscious step forward, her hand reaching out towards the blaze. Her eyes turned blank and dull, her body moving by an unseen force, while her mind was long gone in the land of vision.
She saw red. Red heat, red flame, red dust, and red blood coated her vision. She was standing on an ancient ring, dressed in noting but a robe of death. A robe the color of the deepest black, tied and lined with crimson as it clung to every curve her body. She breathed hard as sweat dribbled down her chin, her eyes intent on the man in front of her. A man huge, bronzed, and tall like a raging bull. She saw no one but him. She saw nothing but him, not even the three red robed and hooded priests of Mars that watched over them with their black featureless masks. They were intent on one another, knowing that they had to win.
'There is no room for mercy,' she thought, 'No room for hesitation.'
They circled each other warily, whilst her boot scrapped the ground as she waited and plotted.
Stillness, then silence. The wind neither whipped nor whisper, nothing moved nor spoke, except for the flames dancing as it watched over them. It was broken. A yell rang through the air. They charged at one another, swords flashing through the air as they swung it towards a death stroke.
'I will not fail.'
Three women stood besides her, each beautiful, each strong, and each as cold and weary. One was like light, sharp and quick, and the swirling waters of the sea, so calm and yet so deadly. Another stood proud and strong, steady as the soils of the land and as changeable as the sky and life. Last was like water, soft and gentle yet freezing and distorting. In front of them stood a queen. A woman seemingly made of silver and diamonds, cold, imperious, and biting. She towered over them, clutching a child of silver and crystals, sparkling, light, and tinkling.
'Duty. . .Destiny. . .Pact.'
Her dull blank orbs widened as she stood there with an arm outstretched in a trance. She was so near the fire, the flames touching and teasing her fingers. She was oblivious to it all, trapped in the vision. Then her eyes closed and her slim form crumpled to the ground, her mouth whispering words that mean nothing.
******
A white cat lay asleep upon a white couch, curled up into ball. It peeked an eye open when the door opened, allowing a tight-lip Minako to enter. It watched her curiously with a hint of concern, as she shut down door silently and turned to face him, pressed at the door. Silence reigned between them, as two blue eyes stared and warred at each other, daring the other to start. It seemed like a eternity has passed, though it was truly only a few seconds, when Minako looked away. She sighed and pushed herself off the door, turning away from the creature.
"I was surprised to see you, Artemis," she spoke conversationally, addressing the creature, "I never thought that you would find me."
The cat never answered, simply following her movements until she disappeared at another door.
"Have you become mute?" her voice waived through the room, muffled by the semi-closed door and the sound of running water.
He didn't answer her nor show any signs of reaction as he continued to watched the door she disappeared into. The sound of water stopped and the door opened. She stepped out, once more meeting the cat's blue gaze. She arch a blond eyebrow up and spoke in slight exasperation, "Talk. No one will hear you."
It remained resolutely silent, much to her chagrin. She shook her head in annoyance and dryly observed, "Perhaps I've been mistaken. . .but I think NOT," she spoke, emphasizing the word 'not' as her eyes bore into the cat's, "I don't have time for your games, Artemis," her voice turning cold.
"True," he conceded, at last opening his mouth to speak and meet her stony stare head on, "We have little time left."
"Glad to have you back," she spoke dryly.
He looked at her curiously, standing up to stretch as he observed, "Do I detect a note of bitterness in your voice?"
She didn't answer as she continued to stare at him with an unreadable expression in her face. He sighed, a part of him understood her predicament so well. He studied her, noting how young she looked, and spoke, "Dione. . .No," he shook his head, a tiny sad smile in his face, "You go by the name Minako now. . ." his voice laden with memories, "I'm sorry I wasn't here for you. Your life wasn't that easy here," a pause, "But I'm here now, and your needed. You can make a difference, Mi. . ."
His voice trailed off, interrupted by a short bark of laughter. He winced, knowing very well what it meant. Minako looked at him, a disappointed look in her eyes, as she spoke, "Lying doesn't become you, Artemis. I thought you knew me better than that," her eyes softened a bit, "I'm not a child."
"So it seems. I keep forgetting that," he murmured softly as he jumped down the couch and padded towards her. He looked up at her and spoke, "Are you mad at me?"
"I'm not sure," she answered as she bent down to pick him up, "I'm not sure whether to be mad at you for saying that you'll always protect me but you never did, or at myself for believing you, or at fate for causing it all."
He nodded in understanding, then blinked as he realized he was inside the bathroom. A faint suspicion entered his mind when he saw the sink filled with water and felt her grip tighten around him.
"Uh. . .Minako," he ventured out cautiously, "Why are we in here?"
"For your bath," was her bland answer. It sent him to a panic as he struggled to get out of her grip, but she refused to release him.
"Artemis," she spoke sternly, "stop struggling."
"WHY?!" he cried out.
"You're dirty," was her answer as she valiantly tried to hold him down, "You've already ruined my couch."
"I did NOT!" he howled.
"Quiet!" she hissed, her eyebrows twitching as she watched the struggling cat. She was sorely tempted to strangle him, just to shut him up, but she didn't. She was tempted, but not yet desperate.
He didn't listen to her, struggling as he babbled out, "Dione!" forgetting that it wasn't her name any longer in his panic, "I don't want to take a BATH! Cats DON'T take baths!"
She rolled her eyes in exasperation, at the end of her tether, and spoke, "Stop it! Unless you want to eat dry cat food for the rest of your life."
Her threat entered his panic stricken mind, causing him to go limp as the word 'blackmail' rang in his head.
"You wouldn't!" he choked as he stared at her, his features looking as if it was going to fall apart. A slight smirk tugged her lips as she nodded, causing his face to look more pathetic than it really was before. He groaned out loud, feeling so miserable and powerless as he drew nearer to the water filled sink.
"Wait!" he cried out, curling his tail so it wouldn't get wet, "Please, let me go in the water by myself. For DIGNITY!" his voice and features, begging and cajoling.
Her eyebrows once again arched up in irritation, but she acquiescenced. Artemis sighed with relief as he was set down at the counter, cautiously walking towards the water. He felt her eyes bore into his back with patience and warning as he ever so slowly drew near. He reached the edge of the pool, gulping audibly as he stared at it. Lifting a paw up, he reached for the water but drew back sharply as if stung.
"Good grief!" he heard her exclaim and before he knew it, he was pushed into the water. He came up spluttering. Before he could get a word out, thick soapy liquid was poured over his head sending his nose twitching with its rosy scent.
"Minako!" he cried out as she began rubbing his fur briskly, forming suds, "You. . ."
He never got another word out as she cut through, "Stop complaining! You've wasted enough time."
"Why rose?!" he persisted in a whining tone.
"It's the only thing left," she answered curtly.
He snorted in disbelief, retorting, "You're enjoying this!" his voice accusing.
She stopped her vigorous rubbing, staring at him with annoyance before it faded to turn into a sly smile. Almost purring, she spoke, "Now that you've mentioned it. I am. Maybe I'll do this once a week, especially when a certain CAT irritates me," biting each word like a punishment.
He groaned out loud, sinking deeper into that water as his mind wailed, 'This can't be happening!' while a younger part of him wailed, 'Mommy!'
******
She stared at the little note in her hand. A sigh escaping her lips as the words ran, 'I won't be coming home for dinner Ami.' She expected it, yet she couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. Her eyes scanned the place, noting on the darkening sky and the black cat that had made itself at home at the corner with its newly brought dish. A smile danced at her lips as she looked at the sleeping creature. Whenever she looked at it, she couldn't help but feel safe, warm and loved. Just a picture of it, seemed to tell her that there were friends waiting for her and destiny.
'Destiny,' the word echoed in her mind, causing her to frown as an unexplainable sadness weighted upon her at the mere mention of the word. She felt her jaw tighten as emotions coursed through, emotions that she could not understand. She shook her head, realizing she needed to relax. She rushed to her room, quickly changing to a swimsuit. Dashing out of the condominium, bags and keys at hand, she called out, "I'll be upstairs swimming, Luna," her mind too occupied to note the strangeness of the situation or the understanding gleam in the cat's eye.
She rushed through the halls and into the elevator, not caring how odd or out of character she looked. She needed to calm herself, and she knew the only solution was the water. Water had always beguiled her ever since she was young. Her first memories of it were always its call, it whispering secrets to her ear as it surrounded her, secrets that said they were one an the same. Chimes broke her thoughts as the door opened. She stepped out, the wonderful sight of the pool greeting her, and a smile broke through her face. The bag and keys were laid at the table, the robe taken off, as she immediately dived into the cool waters.
She felt her heart easing out, the waters singing her a welcome as all the pain and confusion washed away. It was only the water that was capable of easing her soul, a feat that not even her studies or gymnastics could accomplish. It was no surprise then that she wanted to learn swimming or that she excelled in it though refusing to compete. What was surprising was that one day, she simply insisted on learning gymnastics. She didn't know why, perhaps she was entranced by the way bodies twisted and moved in the air, as if it was water, but what she was sure of is that she felt she needed it. So she learned and was good at it, as if she knew how to do it all along. Her teacher insisted that she compete, but she refused, saying she simply wanted to explore, to perfect, and to push its limits.
But now, nothing mattered to her except the water. The water that surrounded her and comforted her. All that she was now was the water.
******
Makoto smiled as she looked at the sleeping blond bundle in the room. It was very early, around 8 in the evening, but her irrepressible foster sister was sound asleep. She murmured a soft good night and silently closed the door. She stealthily walked towards her room, her mind relieving the enjoyable dinner. It was fun, helping prepare and cook the meal with her foster mother as Usagi jumped up and down with excitement. She remembered the antics and the conversations during the meal, the tongue wars between the elder sister and the younger brother, and the laughter. She couldn't help but be amazed, having never meet a person as energetic, as excitable, and as friendly as her.
Chuckling, she remembered her reaction when they found out they were of the same age. She looked delighted yet horrified at the same time as she wailed, "NO FAIR! Why is everyone taller than ME?!"
Her reaction surprised her, causing her to laugh out loud. At that moment, she realized she had never laughed for such a long long time. It felt good while she valiantly tried to control her giggles at the sight of Usagi's pouting visage. She remembered apologizing as Usagi imperiously decreed that she would only forgive her if she baked her chocolate chip cookies. She promised, watching as her sister brightened immediately, then apologized shyly. She was surprised and heartened by it, as she stared at those clear crystal blue eyes. Protectiveness welled along her throat as she taught of the blue eyed girl and her new family, and she knew she would let no one harm them.
'I will protect you, Princess,' the back of her mind whispered, unknown to everyone, even to her.
******
It was late when Mamoru got back at the temple. He was tried and hungry as he stepped inside, yet all was banished when the back of his neck prickled. He saw the place ablaze with light, yet it did not ease his fears. His instincts screamed that there was something wrong as he broke into a head run, calling out loud, "REI! GRANDPA!"
"Mamoru!" a voice broke through his rising panic as he saw his grandfather rush to him. Unfortunately, when he saw his grandfather's features a feeling of dread lumped his throat. Breathless and fear stricken, the old man spoke, "Rei's having a seizure!"
"What?!" he cried out, valiantly trying to keep his head and his voice calm, "Where?!"
"The sacred fire room!" the old man cried out, wringing his hands.
"Oh my God!" he exclaimed as his feet flew towards the place, his grandfather close behind him. He ran as if there was no tomorrow, the pounding in his head intensifying, as worse case scenarios came unbidden in his mind. He reached the place in record time, slamming the doors open in fear and in urgency. What he saw nearly broke his heart as he rushed to his little sister's crumpled form. She was at the ground, her body shaking at fits and starts like a jerking puppet. He gathered her in his arms as she continued to shake, his closed lids fluttering as her already death pale lips muttered strange words.
"Hold yourself together imouto!" he cried out as he drew her hear, trying to give her icy body some warmth.
She seemed not to hear him, still lost when their grandfather entered, breathless and gasping, "I've called the hospital."
He nodded, yet his eyes were all on his little sister in his arms. He felt his heart ready to break at her condition and at his powerlessness. Suddenly, her eyes opened to reveal unseeing orbs. Her irises dilating and constricting as her hand reached out for the sky with her struggling in his arms.
"I see it," she gasped out in a distant voice, "I see it!"
He held her struggling form near him as she tried to calm her down. Calling out her name again and again, hoping it would reach her and calm her down. Then almost as sudden as her struggles, her eyes close and she fell limp in his arms.
******
*Thank you again for the reviews. I'm sorry if not much happened here, but be assured the next chapter will have more action, plus the generals will begin to make their appearance. Well. . .their alter egos that is. A warning, this story will be quite different from the series, especially about the views on the silver millennium. Actually, I've revamped the story and its grittier and darker. I promise though that it will be interesting. Once again, review!