One Step Ahead
(A sequel to the Sailor V story)
Act 1
A pair of blue orbs and golden locks emerged from the swirling inferno. The fire was blinding, the acrid smoke thick. Katrina felt as if her lungs were on fire, the rasping cough tore at her chest with relentless intent. She could barely make her way out of the superheated chamber, the bricks molten red were dripping sizzling blobs onto the floor.
The orange light that burst from her chest heralding her ultimate princess form she knew was certainly not a case of spontaneous combustion, but a lifeline.
"Venus Cosmic Power!"
As the cornflower-blue protective shell enveloped her luminous body, the scene changing within the wall of flames took on the appearance of a landscape upon the Moon, a vast crystal dome overhead, it was enchanting and very, very old.
Suddenly, the tranquility of the scene was replaced by swirling thunderheads, these spewing out quivering fiery red lightning. As the explosions rocked the beautiful metropolis, she stood as a warrior princess, her golden sword cutting down youma, then she was slicing her way through angry red-eyed men whilst trying to reach Serenity and Endymion in time before Metalia could do her worst.
After the vision faded, she came back to herself. Sailor V called her Sailor Teleport and soon joined Artemis on an adjacent warehouse roof watching the drama unfolding like a newsreel as the building went up in flames, fire trucks and police cars racing to the scene.
"Good-bye Katrina, hello Minako!" she whispered, tears slipping under her mask down her sooty cheeks.
Italy
Naples
Act 2
Sitting back in the loveseat on the open veranda of the sleepy old house, she sighed in pleasure. Artemis sat close by purring contentedly.
Minako had become somewhat of a backpacker enthusiast. She loved making entries in her travel journal. Artemis would also add his own unique entries, a dexterous cat, and marveled at Minako's maps, filling in the itinerary. He could write with a neat hand, or paw, dipping a claw into an inkwell, the sight making Minako giggle.
Her fondest memory of all their travels, and there were many, was the day she, Jacqueline and Arti went mushroom hunting. They'd collected more than they could eat, what to do. They had stopped by a medieval monastery nestled into a cleft between two lush green hills sprigged with dark copse of trees and their problems were solved.
The structure, converted to a private wine cellar with a small cake shop out front where they feasted on pastries and hot cocoa while reading the magazines that Minako and Jacqui found fascinating proved a most rewarding pastime. It turned out to be a feel find for sure and indeed a fabulous day all-round.
The proprietor, Jerome, and his daughter, Samantha, accepted a bag of the mushrooms for two bottles of fine wine, a choice dry red. Minako smiled at the memory.
---
She was roused from her musings by a familiar feline mew, or was that a whine?
"Hey, I served Serenity as her legal advisor and as Royal Protector to Selene on the Moon you know, and that part of my memory, I remember well."
"You're ,more than just a cute fuzz ball then, hey kitty?" She'd answer, giggling once more as he shook his head and she'd sip her merlot.
"You bet!"
She looked up at the blue sky, few clouds to be seen. The sun was gentle upon her long, smooth and recently waxed legs that were getting a good tan. Minako had followed the prerequisite of applying plenty of sun block and donned a pair of shades to protect her azure-blue eyes from the sunlight.
She inhaled the scent of the flowers, especially enjoying the roses. Setting down her wine glass, she prepared to continue painting her toenails.
"Ah, this is the life, Artemis!"
"Minako that is a contortionist's trick, don't expect me to unravel you if you get tied up in knots. I expect that one of the guys in town will have to do that, but then again, you'd enjoy that, wouldn't you!" Artemis tease.
"Oh yeah Arti, that's a great idea, Hmmm…" she giggled, and threw him a wide grin, and he then trundled off to chase some butterflies, all the while shaking his head.
The blonde warrior wiggled her toes in satisfaction and set to work on the other foot, catching the royal blue sheen of the nail polish in the sunlight as she brandished her resplendent limbs to reach her intended target.
Act 3
With plenty of funds to support their wanderings through Europe and the subcontinent, she'd gotten to know the quiet haunts, and found the most enchanting of coffee houses, guesthouses, and happened upon people who would offer them shelter in their homes. During the day, they'd explore and discover little known shops in ancient cobbled streets or dusty laneways that opened onto surprising little courtyards, served by trees and the occasional street market stall and or a musician or two, armed with flute, harp, violin or piano accordion.
---
Several weeks earlier, after arriving in Spain, A French girl en route to the south of France, on her way home, befriended Minako and Artemis. After saving the terrified girl from being run down and killed by a crazed and drunk delivery van driver during a thunderstorm, by way of thanks she escorted them to her home and offered shelter for a time.
"You are so… Magnifique, monsieur Artemis, and soft ears I just love so much, Minako, can I take him home?" she giggled, as the said object of conversation wound himself around her jean clad legs. She squatted to stroke the enthusiastic cat and gave him a hug.
She had introduced herself as Jacqueline Mahout, a shy pretty brunette with dreams of becoming a concert pianist and vocalist. She sang for the two of them often. She was enchanting, Minako sang along with her and learned some duets and the girls were in their element, and Arti, more than happy to enjoy their impromptu performances whilst sitting atop Jacqui's baby grand that in fact was white, just like Artemis, setting off his sapphire blues.
Soon they had to part company as Eastern Europe beckoned. Beyond that, the Asian lands, their final destination, Tokyo Japan.
Act 4
They had trekked across the EU, gliding over the Pyrenees in a light aircraft, that was fun and Artemis loved it, after which they traversed the Swiss Alps by hang glider, and Arti was having the time of his life, as was his charge.
Upon the slopes of the snowy peaks, the skiing was glorious, Artemis wasn't too bad at tobogganing either. Minako laughed as he dug his way out of a snowdrift. To reward her valiant would-be tour guide, she baked him a juicy stake, roasted potatoes, and other treats for his trouble. Enjoying a similar meal and washing, it down with a hot cup of chocolate donned with two large pink marshmallows in front of a blazing fire, she stretched out like a cat.
---
They dined in Warsaw's finest eateries, Artemis lapping up the most delicious cream having devoured a pastry and cupcakes. Then Prague, photos and the ancient charm of the city held them each spellbound. Vienna was next, and after that, they headed south to Hungary, spending two weeks in Budapest delighting in the music of the streets, the chamber music, and the taverns with a little contemporary dance. They had a great time, Artemis of course, had on his earmuffs.
Croatia and Serbia possessed a magic of their own, the people and the sites, a land of contrasts, dark and light, but the times were more progressive and peaceful these days, artisanship alive and thriving throughout the Balkans.
From there they ventured to Athens, Minako had lots of fun dressing up in a skimpy white shift and pretending to be, herself, Venus, Goddess of Love. Many tourists had visited the shrine where Minako and Artemis were holed up. Minako was treated as if she was the deity, and of course, she was, wasn't she?
Next, they flew to the jungles of Kerala, India, every now and again back tracking to evade shadowy pursuers that they knew were spies for the Dark Kingdom. But it wasn't all cloak and dagger: Rotterdam, Stockholm, the magic of Lisbon, Rome and now, Naples offered some respite from their flight from London. She sat in the hire car remembering the delicious Toblerone mud cake more like an infusion of cheesecakes immersed in chocolate delight.
Act 5
Minako had shed her former identity, and Katrina was believed lost in the warehouse fire. She was sad, for the pseudonym seemed a part of her she didn't wish to let go, but let go she had. Yet, that wasn't all she'd left behind. Cursed, shattered and disappointed, the price of forbidden love. She was after all, the Goddess of Love, was she not? Trysts she'd rather keep secret were the cause of her pain, self-inflicted, on that account, she would not deny it, but it almost cost her everything.
"Lady, you look kind of green around the gills, the name's Joey, Joey Guairá, at your service, tour guide and friend to pretty ladies and white cats… how's the fish and mice hunting going fella?" he said, ruffling Artemis's ears.
"Hi, I'm- sorry, I must not trouble you, please-" Minako piped up as Artemis purred and mewed under the ministrations of the friendly stranger in their midst. He was tall, dark, and handsome. Minako especially loved his hair: black, cut short and a classic face with a hint of laughter in his brown eyes. She was drooling and caught herself, blushing. Artemis rolled his eyes as she began gesticulating while prattling on about anything at an unintelligible pace. Joey could only make out something about the latest James Cameron film, chuckling and nodding, grinning and winking at the white cat by her side he figured understood what was going on with his owner.
---
The girl in a denim skirt, and a white woolen blazer stumbled, her cat's eyes were blinking in a panic, Joey put out a hand to catch the pretty blonde with the prettiest legs and figure he'd seen and he'd seen plenty of attractive women as they passed through Naples. But there was something, yes, something unique about this kid.
"Hey, I've some good friends out at the university, there are rooms available and I have connections, step this way folks!"
Minako sensed no danger trusting this young man and nodded. The small party wove their way through a series of narrow streets and soon stood on a wide grassy knoll, and were met by a number of young men and women, most students, and their significant others by their sides.
"Thank you for all your help and kindness," she said, shaking his hand.
"Minako, no trouble, let's eat… like Focaccia?"
"Like it, I love it!" she exclaimed, licking her lips.
Act 6
After making their way across Europe, wicker cat basket, with white cat inside, and a small suitcase her only belongings, Minako stumbled upon a gypsy fortuneteller in Florence, she had shown her the face of the man she loved, yet he was under the power of darkness she had said. Minako shuddered as an image of the Shitennou's powerful leader, Lord Kunzite came into her mind as clear as day.
The pidgins gathered around the public square seeking the breadcrumbs thrown by children, and adults alike, cooed and squawked as they negotiate as birds do over scraps, funny, and a little sad at times, especially the younger and injured birds, Minako went out of her way to make sure they got their fair share.
As the birds rose en masse, she saw a redheaded woman in a black robe, a circlet of gold holding back her bounty of vermilion standing atop an ancient building, the pidgins encircling the witch who threw back her head and laughed, touching one or two of the birds that burst into flame, Minako gasped.
Suddenly, the dome of the chapel was empty, the countenance of Beryl gone. As her vision returned to a more terrestrial setting, she observed the street poets reciting to swooning schoolgirls and blushing older women, some with children in tow, falling for the charm and word craft of the latter day bards. On a whim, Minako moved to watch the dancers performing, athletic young boys and girls, older dancers, closer to her own age, bowing, winking and grinning as she sat on her suitcase, allowing herself this brief respite.
Joey, still some distance away, had purchased some cassata and some chilly dogs, and was weaving his way through the crowd to rejoin his new friends.
Minako was focused on a sword swallower, his gleaming torso bedecked with chains and bracelets as he held a flaming torch aloft.
Her vision blurred once more and Minako then could make out a colonnade, men and women, some older children, tied to these, some aflame, others torn apart by youma. She gasped in horror, it was that same setting outside the Moon Palace. She was thankful the poor citizens of the Lunarian city were long dead before they were secured to the pillars. The hideous sight faded. The image of the man, breathing fire for his enthusiastic audience was superimposed over the distorted vision. Then she saw the silhouette of Jadeite appear and from behind him emerged Kunzite, handsome and yet possessed by an evil force that kept him out of reach. He was leering at her.
"Venus my love… Come to join the party? You should have taken my advice and remained with the refugee ship. Nobody can help you now, or these poor fools!" He blew her a kiss, the flames gushing towards her from the other Shitennou, Jadeite, enveloping her in a fireball as Kunzite shoved the other man aside, drew his sword, and approached her. She was burning alive, but then she was back in the present, joining the crowds in their heated fervor. Minako was screaming. She realized her reaction to the horrifying vision was drowned out by the cheering onlookers and sighed with relief, her body bathed in sweat.
For a moment she could see him, a black leather clad warrior, the other man, similarly attired, Jadeite was smirking, and then they were gone.
Minako lowered her eyes, Artemis meowed once more in an attempt to console her , for this was all he could do in public, but thankfully, Joey was on the scene in a flash and put his arms around the trembling young woman.
"You okay Minako? Here, get this into ya!"
"Thank you, don't forget yours, Joey!" she smiled, and he grinned, wiping her tears away.
"You sit, and I'll keep an eye on you, and later, if you want, you can tell your buddy Joey all about it, right Arti?" he saluted the cat who purred and sauntered over to his charge.
"Artemis… I-" she whispered, Joey couldn't hear them as the laughter and applause made that impossible. She looked down at him through tear-stained eyes, her fingertips caressing his fur.
"I know, but I feel the darkness creeping toward us Arti, and it's going to get ugly!"
"You're right, we're being followed, Dark Kingdom agents, come on, I will lay a energy dampening field, that will only hold up until we're across the border. We've quite a way to go yet!"
Act 7
Joey, having finished his meal a short distance away, approached Minako and Artemis sensing something was up.
"Look Minako, I don't know what's going on, but four goons have been shadowing us for three days now. I've got friends keeping an eye on them. You are in some deep shit, no?" he said, looking down at Artemis, "Arti, we're going to get you guys to wherever it is you need to get to, so level with me!"
Minako and Artemis exchanged looks. They figured since Joey and his friends were helping them, they owed him an explanation. Minako nodded and grabbed Joey's arm and the small party returned to his motorbike, she climbed in behind him, her arms wound around his leather-clad waist, her taught thighs pressing against the muscular legs of the young man playing white knight. Minako only hoped he and his friends wouldn't get hurt, but was she underestimating him?
Soon they were seated in the downstairs café lounge talking quietly amongst themselves.
"I won't say this is easy to swallow for you, but it just isn't, okay. So, we're on the run, but not from the law or anything like that. You could say, we're being followed by a fanatical cult, that calls themselves the Dark Kingdom, and they're very dangerous. You ought to know as they have already tracked you, and you need to watch your back."
"Don't worry about Joey, he's doing all right, I can take care of myself. So these goons, shall we lose them?"
"I've arranged my luggage to be sent onto Rome Airport, but we need to move fast, my contact will meet us at the departure lounge on the flight leaving for Beijing. Let's do this!"
Act 8
Soon they were riding on Joey's bike once more, Artemis between Minako and Joey. As they glided down the streets of Rome, the sounds of other motorbikes zeroing in on them had Joey putting his foot down on the throttle.
"Here's where it gets wild guys... show-time!"
The robed menaces hurled several dark energy spheres towards them. Artemis, lifted a paw and sent out a pulse of silvery-blue force shielding them as the red, black and fiery red orbs struck the shield leaving them unharmed.
"Hang on, we're moving into hyperdrive folks!" Joey cried, as the wind rushed through his hair as was the case for Minako. He spoke into a wrist communicator, Minako was impressed, seemed there was more to Joey and his friends than mere male bravado. "Sid, Karl, Isotope maneuver!"
They flew through a labyrinth of snaky lanes, narrow streets and over parkland and vacant industrial blocks. The robed figures on their carbon fiber bikes, with eyes glowing hemoglobin-red were closing in fast. But Joey did something seemingly impossible; He followed a steep incline at full speed, the Dark Kingdom agents in hot pursuit. He launched the bike over a huge gap, manipulating the bike so it landed on a narrow ledge that led to a rooftop plaza. Meanwhile, most of the enemy bikers fell foul of several explosive charges that made the road give way and the pavement crumbled and only two riders survived, but two more explosions had caused them to miscalculate the jump. As a result, the dark agents were going much too fast to prevent the inevitable, unable to avoid falling into the raging river below. As dark light exploded, a disembodied scream of hideous proportions rang out over the immediate area. Beryl, that evil wench was voicing her rage and then a wall of silence fell over the city.
Act 9
Joey stood facing the two women and white cat, all three sporting blue eyes. Minako, and the girl named Mau, thanked Joey. She revealed her cat ears, and tail. Pale as a ghost, he was finally convinced by Artemis's elegant speech if the feline woman wasn't enough to convince him. But after what he had seen first hand, he was ready to believe in talking cats and magical girls and those globe toting evil emissaries from a realm called, the Dark Kingdom.
"Nope, there's no ventriloquist here, and Mau is a feline humanoid shape shifter, and ruler of a world far across the stars. Joey, we need people here on the ground, to help the Sailor Senshi as things will soon heat up when the full force of their dark armies arrive on Earth. That is our job, to stop them, and do this in any way possible."
"Hey guys, I'm honored, it's not every day you find a girl you've got the hots for is some kind of super heroine, wow!"
Minako blushed, and hugged him, kissing his cheek, then nodding to herself flung her arms around his neck and gave him a full kiss on the lips. Stunned and all smiles, they laughed. "Well, that is one heck of a way to start my career working as the EU's representative for Central
Control. Arti, you guys rock!"
---
Soon they were well on their way, over 30000 feet over the continent of China, and in three days, they would arrive in Tokyo. Mau had arranged everything, their heavy luggage was sent ahead and accommodation organized.
"You left nothing to chance, Mau. Thank you," Artemis said, purring.
"All part of the service, and the network is almost for full operations, Joey is very sweet, and I'm looking forward to working with him," she winked at Minako.
"Mau, you're as bad as I am!" Minako giggled.
"Yeah, and that's an achievement in itself, Mau. I think we're all going to get along fine!" Artemis chuckled.
"So do I Artemis, so do I!" she said, closing her eyes and picturing Joey's kind and good-looking face.
END
