a/n: an old h&m fic please bekind in reviews as i was only 14 or so when i first wrote this.
a nightmare to behold: Haruka's premonition
Haruka screamed. There she was. Her face in a pained look. She had been looking all over for her. She dove on top of her as a monster attacked. The impact woke her up. " Haruka?" she asked. " I'm here." She said. Suddenly everything was dark. " I know that. What I want to know is why you're on top of me, now get off I can't breath." Micheru snapped. " oh sorry , I was dreaming." She said. " the same one? Haruka that's the third time this week." She said sitting up and taking a long breath. " what did you eat while I was off in Europe for a week? You've got to be up to 110." She teased. Haruka's face squinted. " hay I keep in vary good shape for you." She said. " um hum , that's why I had to tailor your fuku last week?" she asked folding her arms and closing her eyes. "(tier drop.) okay so I pigged out with Usagi ONCE. I was drowning my sorrows." She said. Micheru laughed. " so it was Usagi you were with." She said. " (another tier drop.) why did I admit that?" she asked herself. Turning serious she took Micheru's hand startling her. " I'm worried about this dream I keep having. Every time it's the same." She said. " if you won't tell me what it's about Haruka , I can't help." She said. " all right. You win. I'm in a cave for weeks I've been looking for you. When I find you, you look hurt. I hear something and dive onto you as a ball of fire shoots from a side shaft. Then I wake up." She said. Micheru started laughing hysterically. " what's so funny?" she asked. She put a finger up until she calmed down enough to talk. " what did I tell you. Don't watch that movie , no , you didn't wanna listen." She said. " that has nothing to do with it , and this wasn't a dragon." She said. " oh really , a 'ball of fire' in a cave , and I , naturally would be in the cave , because I'm a princess." She said. " who said that?" she asked. " you do , almost every day , and it's true. Of Neptune if I recall correctly." She said. " all right , so the movie might have something to do with it , I think it's true." She said. " Haruka , think about something. Sure , to many children , dragons are real. It's a part of almost every ones life at one time , but they're not real." She said. Haruka slammed herself back down with a sigh. " you still don't believe me. This is why I didn't want to tell you in the first place , because you'd think it was my imagination. It's not Micheru , I can feel it. This dream is too real. I can feel myself jumping on you , the heat from behind me. It's like Rei always says." She said. " yes well you really do dive onto me , and their starting to get suspicious at work about the bruises I have from you." She said. " do you understand Micheru. It must be important , if I'm sleep walking. If I'm actually doing this , thinking I'm still dreaming." She said. " does this have anything to do with the new house guest?" she asked. " you don't like him either?" she asked. " not really , but if Setsuna likes him , than he's got to stay." She said. " but don't you think it's a little odd Micheru , I mean that she's got a boyfriend?" she asked. " Haruka." She said. " I mean it , she's all ways saying she's not aloud to have one." She said. " maybe that's why she's being so quiet about it , maybe she's doing this against the rules." She said. " which in it's self is completely out of character." Haruka pointed out. " all right , so it's a little odd." She said. Haruka now propped up on her elbows looked over at her and dropped down with a half laugh. " you can't be serious , odd , that's down right weird. When has she ever broken a rule?" she asked. " when she MAY 15 8:11 saved our lives , from the helicopter exploding , remember , she did that." She said. " ya , but that was scout business , this is a boyfriend simply put , and that is too out of character for her." She said. She sat up again. The two now sat the same way staring at each other. " well I think right now we should go back to sleep." She said laying down. Haruka followed her. Resting her head on Haruka's shoulder she wrapped her arm around her waist. Haruka did the same , only resting her head on Micheru's head , and went to sleep.
The next morning Micheru woke. Seeing the peaceful look on Haruka's face she decided to leave her sleep. Neither had to be any where that day so it wouldn't hurt the already damaged Haruka. At seven after dressing she walked into the kitchen to see Setsuna sitting at the table with a cup of coffee. " good morning Micheru." She said through a half yon. "it's offal early for you to be up. Is everything okay?" she asked sitting at the table with her silk robed friend. " it's not up yet , it's still up. I couldn't sleep. I woke up at about one or so. As soon as I laid down again I had this dream about some kind of monster. You and the rest of the scouts , including me , were in this field fighting something. You were hit and went down. Haruka was trying to get to you but something big and dark flew down and grabbed you. Haruka used world shaking, but it didn't even slow the monster down. I couldn't see what it was but it was long too. It was so dark in that field. We weren't sure what we were fighting." She said. " has Haruka told you about the dreams she's been having?" Micheru asked. Setsuna shook her head , closing her eyes. "she's be…" " Micheru! You're okay right?" came a frantic Haruka from the bedroom. In a second she was with her. " yes Haruka , I just got up for some coffee , I figured you would sleep late after waking me up at two this morning , for the third night in a row." She said looking up into her eyes. " it was the same one Micheru." She said. "(sigh) all right , we'll look into it , I still think you're over reacting. How many times did you watch dungeons and dragons any way?" she asked. "(tear) four or five." She said. Micheru dropped her head in her hand laughing. " that's before or after I went to bed?" she asked. " it's not funny Micheru. I really have a bad feeling about this. And what ever happened to 'my guts are following yours'?" she asked. Both Setsuna and Micheru started laughing. " that was ONCE! Way back in the mistress nine fight. Besides I was pretty much following whether I liked it or not." She said. " what's that supposed to mean?" she asked. " forget it Haruka. Nothing." She said. Micheru's communicator suddenly went off. Shortly followed by Haruka's that was in the bedroom on the dresser , followed by Setsuna's who's was in the same place only in her room. Hotaru came out of her room in her night clothes with her Communicator in hand that was also beeping. " this is big." They all said at once. " we're here Sailor Moon." Micheru said. " we've got a big problem down at the park. What's freaky is it's in daylight , we need you're help. All of you. We five did planet power but it only slightly injured it." She said. " we're on our way. All right let's boot up girls!" Micheru shouted holding her wand in the air. Hotaru was next , then Setsuna. " do I have to do this?" Haruka asked then raised her wand. " Uranus planet power!" "Pluto planet power!" " Saturn planet power!" " Neptune planet power!" " make up!" they all transformed.
None of them were prepared for what was at the park when they arrived. It was almost comical in appearance and had over exaggerated features. It's head was much too small for it's body , which was well built. It was blood red in color and had black hair. " what is it?" Uranus asked. " don't let it's looks deceive you , it's quite dangerous." Mercury said. It attacked throwing Neptune thirty feet into a tree. "and so it begins." Pluto whispered. " get her Uranus , we need her." She said aloud. Uranus ran back to her. " are you okay Micheru?" she asked , once kneeling by her. " I'm surprised I didn't brake anything. Let's go." She said as Haruka helped her to her feet. The two ran back into the battle combining attacks and hit it. They formed a semi circle. " Moon cosmic power." Began Sailor Moon. " Mercury star power." " Mars star power" "Jupiter star power" "Venus star power" " Saturn planet power." " Uranus planet power" "Neptune planet power" " Pluto planet power!" finished Pluto. " planet power attack!" they all shouted. Their jewels glowed and their attack hit the monster. With a screech it disappeared. In it's place stood a canvas with the monsters picture painted on it. Neptune walked up to it. She gasped , her eyes growing wide and sank to her knees feeling she was going to be sick. Uranus and the others walked up to her. " what is it Sailor Neptune?" Sailor moon asked. " it's not paint. It's human blood." She said. They all de-transformed. " come on Micheru , I'll take you to lunch." Haruka said. She nodded and stood , careful not to look at it again. A bright light flashed and the canvas turned to dust. All nine senshi stopped and turned , watching it scatter to the winds. Unseen a creature flew over head into the forest and dove threw the trees. To the creature , they were all dressed in their princess dresses , and their auras were strong around them.
After three cups of hot cocoa Micheru was calmed again. " I don't think I remember a mission that I felt sick over. What is this new enemy?" she asked looking into her fourth cup as she slowly sipped at it. " I don't know but their creative , that's for sure." Haruka said. " Haruka don't teas." She said. " I'm not. An art canvas , blood for paint." She said. Micheru remembered it and got up from the table. " Micheru , I'm sorry." Haruka said following her to the bathroom. " well at least I'll be able to eat dinner now." She said. " all right , come on , let's got some water or something." She said. Micheru closed her eyes nodding. She allowed Haruka to guide her to the table again. Setsuna came in. she sat with them. " we figured it out. They're after you Micheru." She said. Micheru recoiled into Haruka's arms at the coldness in her long time friends voice. Both could see her fighting a laugh. " I'm sure we'll get them before that happens Micheru chan." She said. Micheru looked up at Haruka who seemed to be in heavy thought. She suddenly snapped out of it and looked down at Micheru. " hay Micheru , let's go some where. Would you mind Setsuna , if we were alone fore a while?" she asked. " no not at all." She said. " thanks , listen , I have to run by the parts store in a little while , my bike's having trouble getting to school and back , wouldn't want my sea foam walking on those pretty feet of hers." Haruka said smiling at Micheru , laughingly. Micheru and Setsuna rolled her eyes. " I'll see that Hotaru chan gets to bed." She said. " thanks really , you don't know how much this means to me." She said. She took the amount in coins from her pocket and threw it on the table , taking Micheru around the shoulder , they left. Setsuna stared at them evilly as they walked out. ' spend as much time with her as you can Haruka Tenoh. She'll slip through you're slimy fingers soon enough.' she thought.
Once again at the park Haruka and Micheru sat on the swings , now deserted. " now tell me she's not acting strange. That was mean. She did it to frighten you. And it worked." Haruka said. " I know. She's under the enemies power , I'm sure of it. The winds shifted when she walked in." Micheru said. " but why did you leave Hotaru to her?" she asked after a moment of silence from her partner. " she's after you , she won't hurt Hotaru , or me , or any one else. Just you. That's why I'm afraid Micheru. I fear I'll loose you this time." She said. Micheru finally understood. Haruka had some how known about Setsuna. The reason she had the dreams. Suddenly she sensed something watching them from the woods. " Haruka." She whispered , taking her wrist. " I feel it too." She replied. The two stood up. Out of nowhere a long black-ashy creature flew out of the woods and high into the air , to far away to be seen clearly. " what was that?" Haruka asked. " I think that's what was in your dream." She said. " did you see how long that was?" she asked. " all I saw was a black flash." She said. Haruka walked up behind her and put her arms around her. " let's go back to the house now. I think you should rest. I'll cook dinner for you while you take a nap." She said. Micheru nodded and the two left the park. High above , unseen by any in the mortal world , the creature watched and followed them to the house. " her. She is the one I must protect." Said this creature. His voice unheard.
Some time later Setsuna and her 'boyfriend' walked out of the house. The creature is watching , and follows. " I don't want to do this. They are my friends." She said. The man with her , a tall blond , like Haruka , put his arms around her waist and looked into her eyes. " you need not fear my sweet Setsuna , it's for the better , and besides , you love me don't you. Look into my eyes and tell me that." He said. " I do. Any thing to stay with you." She said. He smiled and kissed her. " that's what I thought." He said. Her eyes grew weak in color and then closed as she fell into his arms. He smiled , and when he lifted his hand there was a needle in it. " yes that's what I thought. You know you can't defy me." He said as he disappeared , her dangling from his arms.
It was that night that Micheru would be seriously injured. It was a hard battle. Micheru fought as hard as Usagi. Yet it still didn't die. The two combined attacks for a while. The last double got it , how ever before it died it threw and attack. Micheru was frozen in place as it hit her. " Haruka!" she screamed. Haruka ran as fast as she could but the attack it her first. " Micheru!" she screamed as she watched Micheru be hit and fly thirty feet in the air and ten feet back. They knew she was in trouble when her fuku faded back to her clothes. Haruka ran. Before she got to her the creature picked her up and flew off. " World Shaking!" she unleashed her attack on it , but it didn't even wince. " Micheru!" she screamed once again running after it. Makoto caught her. " you can't catch up , Tuxedo kamen is following." She said. " Jupiter! You don't understand! I knew I was going to loose her! Come back! Bring her back to me!" Haruka screamed as Makoto did her best at holding her down. Mamoru landed in front of them. " I'm sorry , I couldn't catch up. It was too dark." He said. Braking free from Makoto's grip and grabbed a hold of him by the collar. " you listen to me cape boy! If I find out that you could have caught up I'll kill you! There will be no more king of Crystal Tokyo! Do you hear me!" she screamed. She dropped to her knees and curled up in a tight ball sobbing 'Micheru' over and over.
" she just went crazy , I've never seen her like that." Minako said to Makoto as they waited out side the door to her room back at the Kaioh mansion. " I know , but I understand. We've got to find Micheru , if Haruka's ever to gain her senses back." She said. " ya , but we don't even know what took her." She said. " I don't care , she's one of the senshi , and she has to be found." Usagi said , walking out of the room. " how is she?" they asked. " better , the doctor gave her a sedative and said she should sleep till morning , but with Haruka , there's no telling. Listen , don't let Setsuna in there okay. She may be extremely distraught over Micheru , but she's not gone crazy , Setsuna is on the dark side. She's been brain washed." She said.
Some where in a cave in the woods , Micheru wakes. She has not opened her eyes yet , but some one talks to her. " there , that's better. Here sit up , there is a spring next to you if you want a drink." He said. She opened her eyes as she sat up. It was dark. " where are you?" she asked. " near. I don't want you to see me until tomorrow." He said. She felt around in front of her and found the cool water. Silently she took a few handfuls. " where am I?" she asked. " a cave , in the woods. I don't want to give you the exact location , if you leave I don't want you to tell people about me living here." He said. " do you need a place to stay? I can fix a room for you where I live." She said. " honest Micheru. You will understand when you see me. For right now go to sleep. You need rest , the monsters hurt you badly." He said. " than you know who I am?" she asked with a breath. " I know that you are Micheru Kaioh , I know that you are a soldier of what you call love and justice , I know that you live with two women by the names of Haruka Tenoh , and Setsuna Maioh who also fight for this cause. However Setsuna Maioh is being controlled by the man living there now." He said. " how do you know all this?" she asked. " I'll explain it all tomorrow." He said. " vary well." She said. She went to lay down but he stopped her. " wait a minute , I have a pillow for you." He said. He laid it on the cave floor where she was going to lay her head. " can you see me?" she asked. Silence. " good night." He said. She had laid down. " um hum." She said.
By morning Haruka was already scheming about what she was going to do the creature. Then what was she going to do to that man that lived there. 'if you could even call him that!' she thought as she sat , legs under the covers , playing cats cradle with Minako , on her bed. She was not aloud up until she calmed down enough to think rationally. " sixth ladder I win again!" Minako yelled. (tear) " that's nineteen for you , and five for me." Haruka grumbled. " wanna play something else?" she asked. " you're too happy." Haruka said leaning her head back against the wall and closing her eyes. " like go search for Micheru at the park." She added. Minako threw herself down on the bed , her five foot long hair fanning out. " they had to put too blondes together didn't they." Minako said. Haruka looked up at her. 'why not?' she asked herself. Minako had her eyes closed yammering away about how board she was. Haruka crept ever closer until she was right at her ear. "Boo!" she whispered sending Minako up off the bed , and into the corner , screaming. " oh Haruka that was mean!" she yelled. Haruka only half choked on her words which weren't clear enough to make a sentence out of. She laughed even harder as Minako grabbed the pillow next to her and smacked her in the head with it. " Minako chan , you're a trip!" she said , finally able to talk again. " ha , ha , wait'll I tell Usagi chan about this!" she yelled , sending Haruka into another fit of laughter. The laughing stopped when Hotaru came in crying. " fire fly , what's wrong?" Haruka asked. " Setsuna yelled at me and told me to go to my room." She said. " what did you do?" she asked. " nothing , I just asked where Micheru mamma is. She told me she'd send me away because I'm a nuisance. Then she laughed at me because I fell." She said. " oh , Fire fly , come sit down with me." She said. " Minako , do you mind?" she asked looking up at her. She didn't answer , only started out the door to talk to Setsuna. " Setsuna mamma , is not the way she used to be." She said. " is she sick?" she asked. " in a way , but it's not something you can make better. Think of it like the story you all ways beg me to read." She said. " she's being controlled by a witch?" she asked. " no Hotaru , the bad guy. The prince is the bad guy this time , he's got her under his control , I know he seems nice , but he's the reason Micheru is missing , and she's helping him." She said. " oh." She said looking down. " tell you what. You leave this mission to the grownups , and go see Chibi Usa. And here. But it's a secret okay , don't tell any one but Chibi that you have it." She said. She took her wallet from the bed stand next to her and gave her three twenties. " that's a lot of money Haruka papa , are you sure?" she asked wide eyes staring at the money in her hand. " like mother like daughter , trust me." She said with a smile. Hotaru smiled back and stood up. " here , tell Setsuna that you're putting my wallet up , when you go get you're purse. Go a head and put it in Micheru's." she said. She nodded and skipped off , happy again.
Micheru woke , to cool water on her forehead. A little sunlight was filtering through a hole in the roof. She opened her eyes , but saw nothing. " good morning." He said. She sat up. " where are you?" she asked. " outside , I brought you something to eat. It's not much , but it's what I could find." He said. " what about you?" she asked. " I have some dried grains for myself , nothing for a princess." He said. " are you coming in , or am I going out?" she asked. " I'm coming , just please , brace you're self." He said. " now that I'm nervous." She said. He laughed. Slowly she saw his shadow. From the shadow she could tell he was big. Her eyes widened and she breathed in as he came into view. " a dragon! But you're not real! I'm hallucinating , I have to be." She said backing up against the cave wall. " no. I told you , you would understand. Wait a minute for the shock to ware off." He said. " you're real?" she asked. He nodded. " I don't understand though." She said. " I'm not really. I was turned into this because I was caught steeling a dragons treasure. To be human again , I must make and act of selflessness." He said. " how long have you been like this?" she asked. " I lost count about two hundred years ago." He said. " so , you saved me from being killed , why aren't you a human again?" she asked. " because it's a selfish reason. I don't want to let you go." He said. She tensed up a little. " I see." She said. " It's all right. I will , when the time comes. You're safe here , they can't find you." He said. He lowered his head to the ground. " here , wild berries." He said. On his head sat a large woven basket. She picked it up and set it on the floor. "thank you." She said. He only nodded. " what do you know about this new enemy of mine?" she asked. " nothing really , I've been paying closer attention to you. You will be the one who sets me free of my curse , and how funny it is , like the stories I grew up with , a princess , only you're saving a prince in the guise of a dragon." He said. She sat down. " tell me , how do you fly if you have no wings?" she asked. " I don't know , I suppose you'd have to ask a real dragon that." He said. She raised her hand , calling upon her mirror. " what are you doing?" he asked. " seeing you for who you really are." She said. " explain to me about this pretty sailor suited soldier Sailor Neptune , Pluto , and the list goes on." He said. She laughed. "A thousand years ago , Haruka , Setsuna , Hotaru , and myself , were the senshi of the outer planets , warding off enemies that would threaten the moon kingdom , or here , the earth kingdom , and their rulers. We four died in a battle , along with all the others , and were reborn on earth , awakened only if an evil force should try to once again take over. That force was the queen Barrel and her mistress Mitalica , we , known as she outer senshi weren't a part of that , but were re awakened years into the future as sixteen year olds , then sent to this time to live and protect the earth with the others , this mirror is my pure heart talisman , it sees everything for the truth that it is. If I used in on her boyfriend I would see him for the monster he is , but I'm not aloud to use it on humans , no one is supposed to know our identities as senshi." She said. She was startled to find he was right next to her and leaned his head to see himself. In the mirror was the face of a man , with long red hair , warring white and gold. " smile for me." She said. He smiled as best he could. " thank you , you're so much more handsome with a smile." She said. She released her mirror and it floated up and to the center of the cave , spun a few times and disappeared. They talked until she fell asleep.
Hotaru and Chibi Usa walked down the side walk , on the way to the arcade to get ice cream , and flirt with Andrew , though Hotaru was as interested as Chiba Usa was. A yoma stepped out in front of them. " where can we transform!" Hotaru asked. " over there." She answered herself. The two ducked into an ally , confusing the yoma. Suddenly they sneak attacked it. When they emerged the stood back to back. " I'm the sailor of sadness , and I'll make you cry! I'm sailor Saturn." She said. " and in the name of the future moon I am sailor Mini Moon!" she said. " and we're here to destroy you!" they said together. " what are you two? You look to little to fight." The yoma said with a laugh. (tear drops.) " we may be small but we can beat you!" Mini Moon said. " you first and hope the others will get here soon." Hotaru said. " right." Mini Moon said. " pink sugar heat attack!" she yelled. It yelled as the little hearts hit it. " you call that an attack!" it yelled. " what do you think of this! Silence Glive Surprise!" she yelled. " ouch!" it yelled. " honeymoon therapy kiss!" sailor Moon yelled from the top of a nearby building , destroying the yoma. " thanks Sailor Moon." the two said. " welcome. Bye." She said. " bye." They said as the continued walking.
That night at another battle , the scouts are holding out okay. Everything stops. The yoma disappears momentarily. Sailor Moon , takes this time to talk to Pluto. " Pluto , I want you out of this battle." She said , clenching her fists to her sides. " but , Sailor Moon , why?" she asked. " I know you're with the enemy!" she said. " We're only against Micheru." She said. " why?" she asked. " because… I can't say." She said. " if you can't answer that than you're not the soldier you used to be." She said. " I'm still fighting , the other enemy. It's really not my fault , I can't turn away from him. He looks into my eyes , and I don't see anything but him." She said. " you're fighting for all the wrong reasons!" she yelled. " watch out!" Pluto yelled , diving onto her , knocking her out of the way of a blast. With a groan she fell to the ground at Sailor Moons feet. "oh Pluto! Why did you have to do this?" she asked. " because if Micheru dies , I get her power." She said. She stood up and walked away. " don't come back here cowered!" Haruka yelled after her. " and have your things out by the time I get back. You can move in with him! I won't let you take her away from me Setsuna Maioh , false friend of mine!" she added. A strong wind blew at them and they continued the battle.
" I wish I could have helped." She said. " you're still too weak to fight. I know you think you aren't , but you are." He said. " no , I know I couldn't have dodged those attacks as easily as the rest. Haruka is just so worried." She said. " I can tell her." He said. " would you do that?" she asked. He nodded and left the cave.
Minako and Haruka sat on Haruka's bed , playing rummy. " why do I play with you? This is the fifteenth game and I haven't won a round yet." Haruka complained. " at least you have some one to talk to." She said. " I guess. Let's play something else. Hotaru is big on games , go see what she's got." She said. Before she could stand Hotaru , and Chibi Usa bounded in the closed door , papers flapping their hands. Haruka grinned. " just the girl I wanted to see." She said. " good , 'cause we got something to show you." Hotaru said. " we worked on it together." Chibi Usa said. " Chibi , where's you're mother?" she asked. " with daddy , where else." She said. " would you tell on my if I sneak out for a few minutes?" she asked. " no ," she said. " what's the pause for?" Haruka asked. " if you give me five dollars and buy me more ice cream." She said. Hotaru laughed. (tear drop from Minako and Haruka.) " like mother like daughter." Minako said. Haruka nodded. However she was also desperate. " all right , here." She said. She reached into her pocket and pulled out ten. " here , five for you each , and I'll double you're ice cream." She said. The two nine year olds got big grins. " I knew that would work." Hotaru said. " robbed by a couple of third graders. What is the world coming to." She said to herself , rolling her eyes. " well , we saw something on t.v the other day , and found it in a clipping. Here , it might tell us where Micheru mamma is." Hotaru said. Haruka took it from the girl and read it. ' strange noises have been emanating from this cave in this crystal park. We believe it is linked to the resent out brake of yomas in the area.' It read , the picture was of the mouth of the cave , but didn't give the exact location , and there were hundreds of caves in that area , around Crystal Tokyo. " thanks fire fly , it just might. I'll be back up in a minute okay." She said as she walked out. "Hotaru… aren't you worried about Micheru?" Minako asked. " ya , but right now I'm more worried about what Setsuna has to do with this. Not even she knows where she is , and that guy she's with is angry that he can't find her. I glad I know she's safe from them at least. If only Haruka would understand that." She said. Suddenly they hear her scream from down stairs. Minako looks out the window and passes out. " Rini , go see what it was!" Hotaru yelled walking over to Minako. " Ho , Hotaru , you've gotta see this." She said. " what is?" she asked. " just come look out side and see if you see what I do." She said. They look out the window. Haruka if facing off with a dragon. "that's…" Rini said. " a dragon!" Hotaru whispered. Haruka ran in the house and up to her room , threw open the door and stopped. The two girls stood staring out the window , while Minako lay at their feet. Rini grabbed Hotaru and they jumped back as the head of the dragon came through the closed window. Haruka ran and pulled them away. " all I have come to do is tell you that I have her and she's safe. She asked me to tell you." He said. Before Haruka could react it left. Leaving the girls she knelt down to Minako patting her cheek. " come on Minako chan , wake up." She said. Moaning slightly she opens her eyes. " what was that?" she asked " the enemy , and it's got Micheru!" she said.
"stubborn! Too stubborn for her own good!" Micheru shouted. " I tried , she just wouldn't listen." He said. " I should have known better." She said. Suddenly some one enters the cave. " who could that be?" he asked. " I don't know , but I'm not getting a good vibe from them." She said. She thrust her hand in the air , her pen forming. " Neptune planet power make up!" she shouted , transforming. By the time she had posed the intruder was there. " I'm Sailor Neptune , and I am here to protect all innocent lives , including this gentle creature , and in the name of Neptune I will punish all who seek to harm them!" she yelled. Without a word it attacked. " deep submerge!" she yelled doing a few turns to impress the prince. She destroyed the intruder. Closing her eyes for a moment she staggered , but felt a strong force behind her , opening her eyes it was his tail holding her up. Feeling her entire body tingling she shivered and sat down. The dragon nuzzled his head in her neck. She smiled , and ran her fingers lightly along his nose. He laid down. " you're still weak , take a nap." He said. She closed her eyes , leaning against his cool silken scales , listening to his heart beat and fell asleep. He pulled a blanket over her , and took her up into a claw , moving her. In the back of the cave , a side shaft , there was a bed , which he put her on and curled up at her side after pulling the covers over her and went to sleep.
Armed with her space sward , in fuku , and ready for battle , Haruka left in search of the cave. She stood by a tree and watched as the dragon came out. 'good I won't have to fight it.' She thought. She went in the cave. She saw a dim glow coming from a side shaft. She saw Micheru sleeping comfortably on the bed. "Micheru." She whispered. She turned to her side , but didn't wake. Suddenly she dove on top of her as the fire came through the tunnel. Micheru woke. "Haruka?" she asked. " I'm here , I've come to save you." She said. " I am safe , Setsuna's boyfriend is the bad guy." She said. " than what are you doing here for so long?" she asked. " I told you that last night." He said. " I'm sorry princess." He said in Micheru's direction. " it's all right." She said. Haruka who was now sitting by her jumped up sward in hand and lashed out at it. " Haruka no!" Micheru shouted. She jumped up but tripped over the pillow he had been sleeping on. Her mirror appeared in front of her. Starring into it she screamed. Haruka and the dragon looked at her , both worried. Haruka , dropping her sward knelt down to her , helping her sit up , and talking a hand. " Micheru , what is it? What did you see?" she asked. " if you kill him , I will die by your hand." She said. " Micheru! I'd never." She said. " in battle , something will happen , I'll be injured and then you'll go to attack , but it will hit me instead. Please Haruka , I don't want that to happen." She said. She turned to him. " try not to worry about me , I'll be fine with Haruka now. She'll take care of me. " I'm sorry I couldn't be the one." She said. " you will be , you just don't know it." He said. Haruka stood. She tried to stand but had twisted her ankle. " here , let me take you back , it's a long way." He said. " would you mind Haruka , as much as you say you could carry me a mile I know you couldn't. it would give me time to say good bye." She said. Haruka sighed and looked down. " sure , I'm just glad I have you back safe." She said. " it's not over yet. Lets go , she should get as much rest as she can before she fights again." He said. Haruka walked out. A moment later he flew out , Micheru on his head. " see you at home Haruka , Ja ne!" she shouted with a giggle as they passed her. She smiled laughingly up at her. " see you at home." She said. She took off in a run. He flew high in the air. " where are we going?" she asked. " I want to take you some where , I'll return you in a few minutes." He said.
He landed by a lake. She dropped to the ground. " stay here." He said. He dove into the lake. When he emerged he was clean , and his true colors were a red body and head with gold accents , his claws were brown. A chain with an amulet dangled from his mouth. " if you truly are the one who will change me , this amulet will react to you. I want you to keep it. When you need help , any time , just hold it in your hand and call to , I'll come to you , where ever you are." He said. He slipped it around her neck. The stone glowed a bright green. " what kind of stone is this?" she asked. " nephrite." He said. " thank you , I promise." She said. He picked her up with his tail and set her back on his head.
They still got to the house before Haruka. After he set her down he said good bye and flew away. "Setsuna!" she yelled as she walked in the door , shocked to see her there. " I can't , please don't." she said as he walked out. He stuck her with a needle and walked to Micheru wrapping his hands around her throat. She fought him , but couldn't manage to stop him , and Setsuna had passed out from whatever was in there. She took her amulet into her hand. ' prince…help…me…' she thought. He released her thinking she was dead. He and Setsuna disappeared.
In a field , the dragon swooped down to Haruka. " get on , she's in trouble!" he yelled , she was running. She jumped on and they took off faster than she could ever go. They got to the house. The door was open and Haruka could see her just inside the door , laying on the floor. " Micheru!" she screamed , jumping off and running in. before she could ask how he had known he was gone. ' take care of her Haruka Tenoh , please. She is my only chance. Four hundred years I waited for her , and now she's here.' He thought as he flew to his home. Haruka closed the door and moved her to the couch. " she's been strangled!" she yelled out. Makoto came through the door. " they sent me to get you guys , then I heard you yell , is she okay?" she asked. " Mako-chan , I don't know , I can't think strait right now , I need to calm down. She's alive , but some one tried to kill her while I was gone. has Minako told you about the dragon? Well it's not the bad guy…" " I know Setsuna is downtown in a really weird dress and she's using her powers against the people , we've got to stop her and we need all of you , we've got mini Moon there now , we need all of you." She said. " she can't! she's hurt as it is. Can't she step out of this one?" she asked. " no…Haruka , Usagi chan is fighting…with the crystal." She said. " what!" she asked. She took Micheru into her arms. " we have to fight. I'm sorry to push you this far , but Crystal Tokyo depends on us." She said. She opened her eyes , stood and shouted her henshin. Haruka almost cried. She stood. They stared into each others eyes. " you'll have time for that later lets go!" Makoto snapped. Micheru took her hand. Flipping fingers a few times. " I promise." She said. " forever" Haruka finished. Makoto rolled her eyes.
The battle was long. All the scouts were hurt but were able to bring Setsuna back to their side , but not before she unleashed a devastating blast on Micheru. She stood unaware of anything going on around her. A yoma was slowly creeping up on her. Uranus saw it and attacked. However it moved. " Neptune!" she screamed all senshi looked at them as Haruka tried to run in front of her own attack , but couldn't. when every one thought that Neptune was finished , the dragon swooped down and took the blast , in the only vulnerable place , his lower neck , which could kill him. He knew he would either save her and die or save her and be human again. In the past he would have backed off and let her die , but he wasn't that selfish anymore. He screamed in pain his head jerking to the left before falling still. She knelt down and kissed his head. He woke. " thank you." She said. He laughed a little. " I guess it's good bye for good." He said. " no! you can't." she yelled whispering as tears washed both of them. Suddenly with a power she had used only once in a thousand years , she closed her eyes and transformed into princess Neptune. Her forehead glowed blue for a moment before the trident appeared. " I will not let you go. Queen Serenity , you are the only one who can help him now. I can make him what he was but he would die now , you can help , please say you will." She said looking over at her. " of course." She said taken by surprise. They all were. Usagi used her crystal. " moon healing activation!" she yelled , his wound growing smaller until he was fully well. Micheru closed her eyes again turning to him. " thank you my queen." She said. With words heard in only her mind she took him into her arms and held him. In a moment she was holding a man. They bother were on their knees , now holding each other , eyes closed. He opened his eyes and looked around , then at her in his arms. " Princess. Thank you." He said. Without opening her eyes she looked up at him. " don't leave Tokyo , at least not until I see you." She said. The dress faded and she was Micheru once again. She fell still in his arms , her face on his shoulder. Haruka ran over to them. She took Micheru into her arms laying her back a little. She felt her pulse. " Queen , do you know how she did that?" every one asked. Usagi shook her head. " I didn't know you could. It must be her will to allow him to live. Uranus , you've been with her longer than we have , do you know?" she asked. Before she could answer , the prince did. " it was the amulet I gave her. She once was a vary powerful sorceress a thousand years go. I met her four hundred years ago. I gave her the amulet. She swore that she would return and help me , that she couldn't then. On the night of her execution I took the amulet back from her promising to keep it safe until she returned. Here she has." He said. Turning to Haruka he took her hand. " take care of her. She's important. She needs much rest. Please take her home and give her this." He said. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a bag of herbs. He took her back from Haruka and kissed her gently. " good bye my princess who never loved me." He said. Haruka though angry at him stood to meet his gaze after he had. " listen , we have an extra room at the house if you'd like to stay until you can get on your feet. One word of advise though." She said. " what?" he asked. " don't go kissing other peoples girlfriends. We don't like it." She said. Every one laughed. " I'd like to stay , thank you." He said. With a gust of wind all the senshi were back in their clothes and headed off to clean up , and rest. Setsuna walked over to Haruka and the prince who were just leaving. "Haruka. I'm really sorry. I couldn't help it." She said. " I know Setsuna. Come on , lets go home. Micheru will enjoy a cup of hot cocoa when she wakes up." She said. The three walked off , Micheru in the prince's arms , just as the sun was coming up.
The end.