Minako hit one more serve – tossing the ball into the air and slamming it over the net – and then finally decided she'd had enough for one day. She crouched, breathing hard with exertion. Her forehead was slick with sweat, dampening her blonde fringe. She reached up and wiped it away with the back of her aching hand. She'd been practising for almost two hours now.
It was late afternoon, the first onset of evening just beginning to make its presence felt in the sky outside the gymnasium's open door. Minako remained in her crouched stance for a moment longer until her breath returned, and then stood and slowly walked around to the other side of the long net that stood in the centre of the large room. A dozen white volleyballs were scattered across the shiny hardwood floor. She began to gather them up, returning them to a large basket next to the net, humming a Love Heart Boys tune absent-mindedly.
Her thoughts turned to Artemis. He'd been acting strangely recently. There was something troubling him, but he hadn't said a word to her. She hadn't asked him outright, because she knew he'd just deny it. Despite his speech a couple of nights ago about honesty, he clearly didn't think it was necessary to share everything with her.
She was sure he had his reasons, but it irked her a little that he didn't consider her mature or responsible enough to share it. Sure, she was young – her fourteenth birthday would be coming up in October – and she had a fondness for the finer things in life, namely idols and volleyball, but she didn't see how that mattered. She was a normal thirteen year old girl, in addition to being a soldier of justice. The way Artemis spoke sometimes, it was as if there was a choice to be made, and she was always making the wrong one. Minako didn't see why she couldn't be both a normal girl and a soldier.
She retrieved the last of the volleyballs and headed toward the net to deposit it. Her eyes focused on the ball in her hands. She rolled it over in her palms slowly, her mind still on the Artemis problem. She didn't see the boy.
With a yelp, she collided with him in mid step. She stumbled backwards, her trainers squeaking like a marker pen on a whiteboard, before losing her footing and landing hard on her tailbone on the solid floor. The volleyball in her hands freed itself and bounced merrily away towards the corner of the gym. Minako groaned painfully, rubbing her backside.
"Aino, are you okay?" said a voice from above her. Minako looked up to meet the eyes of the voice's owner. It was a boy, her age, wearing the same uniform – a green sweatshirt and skin-tight shorts – that she wore. His handsome face, topped with dark-brown hair, wore a look of legitimate concern.
"Asai-kun?" asked Minako, recognising him. Tsutomu Asai. He was in the same year as her and he also played volleyball, although he was only on the reserve team. She'd seen him practice a few times and he seemed like he had the potential to make the team full-time if he tightened a few things up.
"You alright?" he asked. Minako thought for a moment, before a smile crossed her face. "I suppose I'll live," she said. He extended a hand towards her, and she took it in hers. His hand was sweaty, like hers, although he didn't look like he'd been practising. She stood up and their hands parted. Minako dusted herself down. It occurred to her that she probably looked terrible. Her hair was all over the place, her face and hands were red, her sweatshirt was soaked with sweat. Not the best time to literally bump into a cute boy.
"You should watch where you're going, Aino," said Asai with a friendly smile. Minako blushed slightly, embarrassed. "Sorry… I was thinking about something," she replied. She rubbed her lower back gingerly. It'd be bruised tomorrow, she knew it.
"Anything important?" asked Asai curiously. Minako shook her head. "No, not really."
A couple of seconds of silence passed between them, before they both spoke at the same time. A syllable in, they both stopped. "Please, you first," said Minako politely. "I was just going to say that I saw you practising," said Asai. "You looked great."
Minako raised her eyebrows slightly. "I mean, the serves," he added quickly, breaking eye contact with her. "The serves looked great. Um, what were you going to say?"
"Oh, just that you're improving all the time too," replied Minako. "You'll be in the first team soon."
Asai shrugged modestly. "I sure hope so," he said.
"Nyaaan!"
The pair turned towards the door to see the source of the sound. A white cat sat in the open doorway, its tail sweeping from side to side. The golden crescent moon on its forehead shone prominently in the gym's overhead lighting. It looked over at Minako with intense blue eyes.
"Oh, Artemis!" she exclaimed.
Asai headed over to him and crouched down on one knee. He put a hand on Artemis' head and stroked him, smiling. "Cute kitty, Aino," he remarked. He stood and turned back to her. A grin crossed his face. "Does she always come and pick you up from school?"
Artemis frowned. She? Did he look like a female?
Minako put a hand to her mouth and giggled. "Yes, she does!" she laughed. "In fact, we do everything together! We're like sisters!" She headed over to them and crouched down to pat the cat on the head. "Isn't that right, onechan?" she asked childishly.
Artemis glared at her hatefully.
Minako stood and turned to Asai. "I suppose I'd better go," she said. "I don't want to be late home".
"Sure," he said. "I'd better get a little practice in before they close the place up. Jaa."
He headed off towards the basket of volleyballs, giving her a brief wave as he went. She returned it with a smile, and then turned and started towards the locker room. Artemis caught up with her. He waited until they were safely out of hearing distance before he spoke, his tone distinguishably annoyed.
"Like sisters, are we?"
Minako giggled. "Oh, Artemis, lighten up. It's an easy mistake to make. You do have a girls' name, after all."
Artemis' frown morphed into a full-fledged scowl.
Showered and dressed in her school uniform again, Minako stepped out of the school building and into the yard outside. Artemis was waiting for her by the school gates. He flicked his tail irritably as he saw her approach. "You took your time," he grumbled as she arrived beside him. Minako shrugged nonchalantly.
They set off for home. The evening was just beginning to set in and the sky was a pleasant orange. Minako took a deep breath and sighed happily. She was tired, but it had been a good day. The streets were quiet, no more than a couple of cars visible at any one time.
They walked in silence for a while. Artemis seemed to be deep in thought, as he had been for a few days now. Minako stole glances at him as they walked. There was definitely something wrong. She wondered if it was anything serious. Walking along the quiet streets on a pleasant evening, it was difficult to imagine that there were evil beings out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.
Minako decided to take the direct approach. Her subtle hints hadn't turned up any clues.
"Artemis?" she asked. The cat looked up at her. "Um, I was just wondering…" She pushed the tips of her index fingers together, nervously. "It's just that… well, you seem a little… troubled these last few days. I was just wondering if anything was wrong?"
Artemis seemed to think for a moment, and then he shook his head. "No, nothing's wrong," he said firmly. Silence descended upon them again. It lasted for about five paces before Minako stopped and spoke again, frustration seeping into her usually pleasant voice.
"You know, Artemis, you say we're partners, but you keep things from me. You won't tell me who or what you are, or where you came from, or even what my true purpose is."
Artemis opened his mouth to say something, but Minako spoke over him, building up steam. She'd been wanting to say this to him for a while now, and now that she'd started she was going to finish. "I guess you have your reasons, but I don't think it's fair. Something has been bothering you for days and you just won't tell me! Do you think I'm too immature?"
"Mina-" managed Artemis before he was cut off again.
"Or perhaps I'm not responsible enough?" she said, folding her arms across her chest. "Well, if you don't trust me then I don't see why I should trust you either. You can just find somebody else to be Sailor V."
She stormed away dramatically, exaggerating her footsteps for maximum effect and holding her chin up. She waited for him to come charging after her, tears flowing, uttering heartfelt apologies and begging for a second chance. After five stomps, it didn't come. After ten, she began to worry.
"Mina! Wait!" came his voice from behind her. She stopped and grinned to herself. It worked every time. She heard the pitter-patter of his paws grow nearer and put on her "angry" face again. Aino Minako, she thought to herself, famous actress. She stifled another grin and turned to him, frowning.
"Mina," said the cat. "You're right. I should be more honest with you."
Minako raised her eyebrows. "Then, you'll tell me why I was chosen as Sailor V, what my true mission is, and where exactly you came from?" she asked, a touch of excitement sneaking into her tone.
Artemis shook his head. "No, but I'll tell you why I've been bothered this week."
Minako debated whether to throw another tantrum, but decided against it. She doubted he'd budge for anything. He was probably working for some weird organisation and was sworn to secrecy, or something. Whatever the case, she'd made a little progress at least.
"Go on," she ushered. "What is it? Some kind of evil monster?"
"No, nothing like that," said Artemis. "It's a girl."
Minako resisted the urge to grin for about a second, before it burst free, threatening to swallow her face. "ARTEMIS!" she cried, scooping him up in her arms and hugging him tightly. "This is wonderful! You've fallen in love! I should have known from those forlorn eyes and restless dreams! After all, I'm an expert in the matters of love!"
Artemis rolled his eyes. Big words for a girl who's never actually had a boyfriend, he thought. "Mina, put me down," he said wistfully. She placed him back on the pavement, and he shook his head. "I'm not in love," he affirmed. Minako winked at him. "Sure you aren't!" she said, clearly humouring him. "If you're not in love, then why do you keep saying a girl's name in your sleep? Who's Luna, hmm?"
The very fur on Artemis' cheeks blushed crimson. His tail stood on end. He shook his head furiously. "No, no, no! You've got the wrong idea! Luna… Luna is…"
He reigned himself in, regaining his composure. "Luna is top-secret information," he said calmly. "Need to know basis only."
Minako looked disappointed. "But I need to know!" she whined.
Artemis sighed. "Mina, we're getting off course. You wanted to know why I've been pre-occupied lately. Now let me tell you."
Mina nodded. Artemis opened his mouth to speak, and then noticed something, in the corner of his vision. There was a person standing at the end of the street, a good distance away, watching them. The man, middle-aged and dressed in a suit, was close enough for Artemis to be able to see the expression on his face. It was one of curiosity.
Artemis looked up at Minako and lowered his voice. Luckily, the man was too far away to have actually heard him speak, but that didn't stop him being cautious. "Mina," he muttered. "This probably isn't the best place to hold a conversation."
Minako glanced around. She quickly spotted the unwelcome observer. Her eyes widened and she giggled nervously. "I think you're right," she said out of the corner of her mouth. "Come on, let's go."
They continued on the path to the Aino residence, which unfortunately meant passing the nosy stranger. His eyes remained on her suspiciously. Minako smiled innocently as she passed him. "I was just telling my cat to be more careful," she explained. "He's very stupid and I'm worried he'll be hit by a car." She grinned down at Artemis, revelling in the fact that he couldn't speak a word.
The man said nothing, instead shaking his head and walking away in the opposite direction. Minako lowered her head and sighed. "He probably thought I was crazy," she muttered.
"Probably?" sniped Artemis.
That evening, a troubled expression darkened Minako's face as she settled into bed. Artemis had told her all about the tuna sandwich girl at the park, and her attack. It was no surprise that he'd been worried. Minako was worried too. Something terrible had happened to this girl, a young girl like herself. She had to help her somehow.
Beside her, Artemis shifted restlessly. He was having trouble sleeping too, she guessed.
"Artemis?" she asked quietly. "Mm?" he replied, not turning to face her. Minako put a warm hand on his back and stroked his fur gently. "I was thinking about what you said, about the girl. Do you think it would be a good idea if I went with you? To the park?"
Artemis said nothing, and for a few moments Minako thought he'd fallen asleep after all. Then, he shifted over to face her. "It could be dangerous," he replied. Minako smiled. "That doesn't matter! I'm the soldier of justice, Sailor V, remember? If anyone can help a poor girl in need, it's me, right? Besides, this could be something to do with those mysterious enemies you keep mentioning."
Artemis thought for a moment, and then smiled. He was impressed. Perhaps there was hope for her yet. He should have thought of this sooner. It was possible that the girls behaviour was the work of the enemy, but even if it wasn't, Minako was just about the friendliest girl he'd ever met. That in itself could be a blessing. If she'd suffered some kind of crisis, then a friend like Minako was exactly what she needed.
He licked Minako's palm, and she giggled. "I'll meet you there tomorrow, after school, okay?" she said. Artemis nodded. "Hey, don't worry," she said reassuringly. "Everything'll be just fine."
"Thank-you, Mina," he replied gratefully, before turning away again. He closed his eyes. He felt better already. Beside him, Minako closed her eyes too. Tomorrow, they'd get everything straightened out. With that in mind, she quickly drifted to sleep.
The next day, Artemis stepped through the iron gates at the entrance of the park. It was another beautiful afternoon. A clear blue sky populated with cake-shaped clouds bestowed a gentle breeze upon the green treetops all around. Approaching the foot of the staircase that led up to the little garden, Artemis' high spirits wavered a little. It wasn't that he was afraid, but the memory of the girls' dead eyes was not an easy one to shake. Still, Minako would arrive shortly, as school had finished a good five minutes ago.
He began to ascend the stairs. He was ashamed of it, but part of him hoped that she wouldn't be there. He chastised himself for such a thought. He'd come to help her, after all. He steeled himself and hopped the last step, emerging into the secretive little garden.
Sure enough, she was there. She was sitting cross-legged on the grass a short distance away, with her back facing him. Artemis hesitated for a moment. Should he wait for Minako to arrive before approaching her? The question was nullified when she turned her head to look over at him. Her face was pale and devoid of expression.
"Bald spot kitty," she said quietly. Artemis approached her slowly. "Nyaan," he said, by way of greeting. As he approached her, the cold feeling he had experienced before surrounded him. He noticed that her clothes were ruffled and dirty, and her hair was unkempt. "I won't hurt you," muttered the girl dully. "I'm so sorry about last time. I let it get the best of me."
She reached out and stroked his head slowly. Her hands were like blades of ice, and Artemis pulled away. The girl sighed, letting her hand drop to the floor weakly. "I don't blame you for hating me," she said, sadly. "Everybody hates me. Yukio hated me, that's why he dumped me. It's right. I'm a useless, hateful girl."
Artemis frowned. That was the second reference to "it" she had made. He was distracted from his thoughts by the sound of a whimper. He looked over at her. She was crying, her right hand pressed against her eyes.
"I… I can't do this any more, kitty…" she murmured, her voice trembling. "It just won't stop… the voice… it won't leave me alone… it wants me to hurt people… I…"
She let out a sob, before regaining enough composure to speak again. "I don't want to hurt anyone… so I… I…"
She pulled up one of her sleeves, exposing her right arm. Artemis' eyes widened with horror. Her arm was patterned with deep pink lines. They looked like cuts made with a razor blade. She pulled her sleeve back down and began to weep, managing to choke out an occasional word.
"It… always… always… comes… back… I… I… can't…"
The last fraction of control she had gave way and she collapsed forward onto the grass, sobbing wretchedly and beating her fists up and down weakly. Artemis watched, stricken. He looked desperately back at the entrance behind him, hoping to see Minako appear. She didn't.
"Nyaaan!" he mewed, feeling useless. The girl's sobs gradually subsided, and she sat up again. She looked down at him, her eyes glassy. "Thanks, kitty," she whispered. She reached into a pocket and produced a small bottle. She began to unscrew the cap slowly, speaking gently as she did.
"The only way to make it stop… except for hurting… is sleep…"
She finished unscrewing the cap. Artemis managed to read the label on the bottle. His eyes widened. They were sleeping pills. She poured the contents of the bottle – at least a dozen pills – into her palm and gazed down at them.
"I just want to sleep…" she murmured.
She raised her hand up towards her face. Artemis reacted quickly, leaping towards her. He sunk the claws of both of his front paws into her palm. She screamed and jerked her hand away, a reflex action. The sudden movement caused the tiny pills to scatter. They disappeared into the grass. Artemis was thrown clear too. He twisted in mid-air and landed on his feet. The girl screamed again, a horrific sound of anger and despair in equal measures. She fell to the ground and began to tear up handfuls of grass wildly, desperately searching for one of the lost tablets. Her breathing grew heavier and heavier until she was sobbing again.
She turned to him, her eyes black with rage, her hands curled into fists. "YOU!" she screamed through her tears. She advanced on him, mangled sobs clawing out of her throat. Artemis backed away quickly, desperately eyeing the stairway. There was still no sign of Minako.
Without warning, the girl collapsed to the ground. To his horror, she began to beat her face against the grass savagely, screaming wildly and thrashing her limbs about. Wordless cries of agony erupted from her. Artemis felt sick to his stomach. He'd never felt so helpless in his life. What could he do to help her?
Suddenly, she stopped. Her frantic motion and her anguished cries ceased as suddenly as they'd begun. She lay still. Artemis approached her cautiously. Had she hit her head too hard and passed out? Moving nearer, he could see that her nose and mouth were bleeding quite badly. He looked over at the stairway again. Where was Minako?
He yelped loudly as an icy hand wrapped tightly around the end of his tail and squeezed, hard. He struggled wildly as he was lifted up into the air and then hurled with incredible force across the length of the garden. He managed to land on his feet, but the velocity caused him to stumble and he crashed back to the ground. He quickly regained his footing and span around to face his attacker.
Someone or something was approaching him. It had the vague shape of a person but he couldn't make out any specific details. The figure was blurred and indistinct, like a smudged photograph. It hurt his eyes to look at it. He backed away and scanned the ground for the tuna girl. He couldn't see her. The little garden was empty save for himself and the shadow. He gasped as realisation dawned on him. This thing was the tuna girl!
Walking blind, he stumbled and lost his balance. In only a second, he felt the icy hands on him again. He struggled against them, but to no avail. It was too strong. He was lifted up into the air again, until he was face-to-face with it. He felt it make eye contact with him, although it didn't have facial features. He jerked his head away. Looking at it made his heart hurt, like it was trying to claw into his mind.
He shuddered as it chuckled. The sound seemed to come from every direction, not limited to a specific place. It penetrated his mind slowly, a dull blade sinking deeper and deeper. "Little kitty…" came a whisper. It chilled him to the core. He shivered, terrified.
Mina… please… hurry… he thought desperately.
He felt a cold hand clutch his throat, and then everything went dark.
