Part 5: Mirage

Chapter 5 dedicated to Lise-san, my mentor and friend. Thank you for your words of wisdom.

Seven auspicious characters descended upon Awayuki High School Gym in the midst of a volleyball tournament. They were known as the Leafe Knights, a mysterious group composed of men and boys gifted with special abilities defending Earth from the evil clutches of Fenryl, the Princess of Disaster. All knights were aided and guided by a Prétear named Himeno as the chosen one. As their power emerged, she transformed into a modern day heroine though not as famous as Sailor Moon.

Upon entering the building, all knights took the last vacant seat on the bench to watch their friend Himeno play on her very first tournament. Coincidentally, the inner scouts were sitting in a row just before them giggling and gossiping among themselves. They too came to support and rally Mina on her victorious day. Darien, Rini, Hotaru and the three guardian cats (Luna, Artemis and Diana) were there as well with the girls but outer scouts were nowhere to be seen. However, they graciously declined the invitation to come but preferred to remain at home in an event of an emergency.

"Mind your manners," Kei said warningly, looking sternly at the three stooges better known as Mannen, Hajime and Shin. The younger, less experienced Leafe Knights still under supervision and guardianship. "Remember we're not in a playground." He had the authority of respect around him, considered to be the "brains" of the group.

"Yes… mother." Mannen retorted back, his eyes blazing in anger. He was rather the most stubborn knight in the group and hated to be treated as a little mischievous child but rather as a grown up with respect and dignity. Yet, he has a long way to go to prove himself worthy as a Leafe knight in the eyes of his superiors.

"You count on us," Hajime and Shin chirped, nodded in response. They had more likeable personality than Mannen, so innocent and naive eager to please anyone who pays attention to them.

Goh snorted. "Wanna bet on that?" Known for his light humor, he was easy-going and laid-back person as anyone would take him seriously sometimes. Sasame chuckled and presumed watching the game in progress.

"Just sit back and watch the blasted game," Hayate growled in annoyance. He was in no mood for another sparring session.

Unsuspectingly, they were being "spied" by Diana, Rini's guardian cat who took a special interest on the group. She sat comfortably atop on Rini's hairdo, all curled up in a resting position. She sensed their aura, having similar powers equaling to the sailor scout. Not born as an ordinary cat, she too possessed an extraordinary gift just like her parents did – Luna and Artemis. The ability to talk and think like a human being, she had no way of communicating to others of her arousing suspicion. The tingling sensation couldn't be ignored but she felt no harm or danger coming from this group of strangers. They emanated pure, kind auras that she hasn't encountered in a longest while.

"Hey look, a kitty." Shin pointed excitedly at Diana greeting him a friendly "meow" as a way of saying "hi."

"She's a pretty one, unusual coloring but unique in a way." Sasame remarked, stared directly at Diana's forehead consists of a crescent moon shape. Diana blushed at his compliments. She took an immediately liking to him. As if on cue, she hopped off from Rini's head and landed on his lap. She meowed, begging to be petted. Sasame brushed his hand softly over her fur and she cuddled right next to him. For the time being, she decided to stay and get acquainted with the Leafe Knights.

All eyes were on her, she could feel them penetrating through her skin and behind her back. Never once in her life, she was pressured this much to win. Win or lose, her classmates depended upon her to give all of her best as if she was fighting against the demon larvae in order for her to survive and stay focus on winning the objective. To conquer her fears, she must first face the obstacles and strategically plan her attack. Unfortunately, she was a newbie and being as such, put more stress unto herself and her self-confidence slipping away. Her troubles began to stir.

"C'mon Awayuki! What the hell are you waiting for and quit standing there like an idiot?" Her captain obnoxiously yelled at her, tapping her foot impatiently. Himeno's other team members grew weary and irritated by the minute while Yayoi looked on helplessly.

Over to the other side of the gym, Mina watched the entire drama unfold and yet unable to repress her raging emotions inside. "Why those dirty little witches! Taking out their abuse on poor Himeno? Why can't they see that she's so scared?" Her hands clenched in anger.

"You can do it, Himeno!" Mina exclaimed suddenly, encouragingly. "I believe in you!" Her own team stared at her dumbfounded, shocked beyond words that their own captain supporting the other rival.

"Way to go Mina. That's the spirit!" Mina's friends applauded proudly for her sportsmanship. "Woohoo!" Sasame's gaze fell upon Mina, was quite impressed and touched by her kindness for his friend Himeno.

Himeno's eyes widened in surprise, she thought she must have been hearing things that she wasn't supposed too. Believe or not, Mina of all people would be the last person on Earth rallying for her. A stranger had complete faith in her abilities to succeed. Mina, the talented and confident player whom she envied from afar gained worthy of Himeno's utmost respect and admiration as a true leader and a newfound friend.

"This one's for you, Mina." Himeno whispered happily. It was her turn to serve. She stepped forward and threw the ball into the air. She jumped off, stretched her right arm and slammed the ball hurling towards Mina's direction. Mina intercepted the ball with her famous flying somersault. The crowd cheered wildly…

Once again, Juuban High School won the match. The final score was 7 – 6, a close call for Awayuki High School to beat their odds of winning against their rival. It had been a good tournament. Unfortunately, Himeno became the target of her classmates' fury blaming for her bad luck and incompetence.

"This is ALL yourfault, Takashina." Her captain snarled, shifting her full rage now on Himeno's best friend Yayoi. "If you have stuck your nose somewhere else and hadn't meddled into ANYTHING. We WERE so close to winning this game!"

"I….I…." She stuttered. For once in her life, Yayoi was speechless. She was trembling in fear.

"That's enough." Himeno said defensively. Even though, she was physically and emotionally exhausted from the game. Like a true friend, she would never abandoned Yayoi in this time of crisis. Because of her, Yayoi had taken partly responsible for Himeno's mistake and now punished as a result of contempt and cruelty from her classmates.

"Stay out of this, Awayuki." The captain said firmly, "I'll deal with you later."

"No, you won't!" Mina said viciously, stepping in front of the girl's face. "You'll be dealing with me and you should learn how to shut your mouth. Go back to kindergarten and learn some manners!" Her face no longer gentle but show a sign of hate in those cold blue eyes. At this point, she no longer cared and felt the need for violence. She was fed up by the way Himeno and Yayoi being treated unfairly by their team.

The girl's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Oh, you're that blonde bimbo from the other team. Go back to your little corner in your high heels and be on your merry way. This is none of your business."

"I'll MAKE it a point of my business." Mina said threateningly, raising her hand and planned to slap the girl across her face…

"Is there a problem miss?" A male voice suddenly interrupted into her thoughts. Sasame approached her from behind with a concern look on his face.

"Sasame!" Himeno genuinely smiled for the first time, relived to see a familiar face of her friend. Her arms were around Yayoi, comforting her best friend shedding in tears.

"….That voice? It can't be!" Mina was stunned, shaking her head in disbelief. She couldn't be hallucinating. She knew where he came from.

Himeno's rival, the captain became fully aware of her surrounding. No longer alone, she decided to leave the group in peace which no one took notice.

Mina slowly turned sideways to get a glimpse of this mysterious man that Himeno befriended by the name of Sasame. She was rewarded by one of his captivating smile. "You must be Mina Aino."

He was even more handsome than she remembered in her dreams. "Finally, it's nice to meet you Sasame." She reached out her hand to his…

Part 5 ends/to be continued