Disclaimer: Michiru/Sailor Neptune belongs to Naoko-sensei and not me.

The Ocean With Its Deepness
by Corina "Mako" Borsuk

The ocean is deceptive. It hides its true nature from the casual observer, who sees only a hint of its many aspects in the surface waters that reflect the brilliant sun or the soft light of the moon. But, underneath the blue-green surface that touches and reflects both sky and earth, the waters become dark, and the darkness grows the deeper you go. It is here that the ocean's mysteries and its true purpose are revealed.

In those dark depths, life forms. The sea nourishes the soil below it, caressing it with the tides. But, there is a price to pay for this life, and that price is death. Some must be sacrificed so that the majority may live. Smaller creatures are food for larger creatures; some in the group will die, allowing others to escape and live another day. That is the way of life in the vast, deep, and dark world of the ocean.

I am the ocean. On the surface, I am calm, with times of laughter and sorrow like ripples across my face. Yet, below the light in my eyes and my smile, there is a darkness. Like the ocean, I have a greater purpose, one I cannot put aside. And, like the ocean, my purpose is one of life and death. Sacrifices must be made so that humanity may survive, and I have been forced to embrace this fate. I am a Sailor Soldier, with a duty to defend my kingdom from invasion. And, even though the only thing remaining of the kingdom I once served is this planet, I must defend it. It is more than my duty; it is my destiny—my destiny to bring death to those with pure hearts. I cannot flee from my fate. It is an unescapable part of who I am, and if I do, then all will die.

Somewhere between the surface me that the world knows as Michiru and the me deep within that is and always will be a Sailor Soldier of Neptune, is where I truly exist. And, the only thing that has kept me from losing that piece of myself is Haruka. She is my partner, my friend, my lover.

She is the wind that caresses me. She is the solid ground that supports me. It is Haruka who has helped me to realize that though being Sailor Neptune is my first and foremost duty, it is not my only one. I also have a duty to myself and to another. It is she who keeps me grounded to this life, to both of my lives.

I am the herald of a new age. I am a soldier of the outer planets. I am sworn to protect the Silver Millennium, and now Earth, from invasion. I am a warrior dedicated to my cause. I am Sailor Neptune.

I am a first-year high school student. I am a painter and musician. I am sworn to protect my partner and friend. I am a lover dedicated to my one true love. I am Michiru Kaioh.

I am both. Always.

The End

Author's Note: The title of this story is borrowed from a line in one of my favorite books. Can you figure out which one?