Torn Apart Chapter 2, a sailor moon fanfic

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Kakyuu got up from her armchair when her guardians walked into her chamber. Healer closed the door carefully and turned to the Princess. She was looking so fragile like never before. Something is wrong with our Princess. What is it?

"Princess," they knelt down and lowered their heads, "You called us."

"Please, my friends, sit down," Kakyuu indicated weakly, "We have to talk."

That is why she didn't call Fighter here.

"I am worrying very much, and I suppose you are as well. I need your advice, anything," she slumped in the armchair.

Healer exchanged gazes with Maker and breathed heavily.

"We suffer with her, Princess, and I don't think we can do something else. Fighter is devoid of logical thinking at the moment and reasoning with her won't help."

"That's right, but..." Kakyuu hid her face in her hands, pulling her knees to her chest, "But I can't stand it!" My Fighter is broken. Her flirtatious smile and fierce behaviour is gone. What is left is that quiet despair and sorrow, too intense to bear even for me. All her thoughts still wander towards Earth, towards Sailor Moon. It hurts me so much.

Maker approached the Princess reluctantly and grabbed her palm.

"Only the time can heal her wounds. We must be patient," Maker's lips brushed Princess skin, "Please, hang on, Princess."

You are so kind, Maker. But you don't know how much I could give in exchange for having Fighter kissing me instead of you... Can we bring her back? I pray for that every night and day.

"I think all she wants is being alone. The company of others forces her to pretend she feels okay and it exhausts her," Maker continued hesitatingly, "I think we should let her be alone as much as it's possible. After some time she'll begin to forget."

I don't believe my own words, Maker got up and retired to her seat, if Fighter misses her love as much as I do, that's impossible she'll forget. Even if she forgets she will never be the same.

"Is it all we can do? Wait for Fighter's recovering?" Kakyuu asked angrily, her voice trembling, "I feel she separates more and more from us with every hour. I want to stop that."

"Sometimes one-sided love can be healed..." Healer scratched her head, "You know, when you fall in love with someone else," she explained to Maker's and Princess' questioning faces.

"With someone else...?" Kakyuu leant forward, listening intently.

"Yes. But guardians aren't supposed to fall in love, they have too much duties. Who could be the one to draw Fighter out from her melancholy?" Healer pondered, the doubt was written on her face.

I will be the one, definitely, Kakyuu promised to herself, I should have expressed my feelings long, long ago.

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Usagi stopped in front of the wedding shop. Her mouth was open wide and so were her eyes.

"Isn't that beautiful?" she whispered solemnly, touching the shop-window glass with her fingers, "Pure white and adorned with pearls..."

"Maybe you want to try on?" Mamoru suggested and she jumped with delight. They went into the shop and Usagi started to talk with the shop assistant. It took hours but he waited patiently. Finally Usagi walked to the fitting room and drew the curtains. Not even a slit left to let him peep at her.

I'm sure she will look beautiful, he thought, the white dress fits her innocence. I can't wait till she be my bride.

The girl strode towards him, the dress rustling faintly, pearls flickering in the light. She glanced at him shyly and he grinned. Damn, she is so gorgeous. My small flower.

"Just wonderful," he shook his head, "Absolutely wonderful."

"That's right," the young woman nodded, observing Usagi who turned around to show the dress and approached the mirror, smiling to herself. They went back to the fitting room, leaving the small gap between the curtains this time, and Mamoru stepped aside to watch the dress slipping down from Usagi's shoulders. The wave of heat laved through his body when the dress reached the floor and Usagi stood only in her bra and panties. The assistant took the dress and left the girl alone. She got dressed quickly and ran out from the fitting room.

I just tried on the wedding dress! So it is finally coming true, my destiny closes in... The end of battles, the end of wounds, suffering, tortures. All I want is peace. Peace and that dress of course! Usagi beamed and Mamoru tilted his head.

"What is it?"

"No, nothing!" she hooked on his arm and they walked out the shop, "I'm just so happy!"

"So am I," he muttered with alow-pitched voice and hugged her, "I've been waiting for this moment for so long." I've been waiting for my entire past life and I've been waiting in this life as well. I think I've been waiting enough. He moved his face closer to hers and she shut her eyes, surrendering to him.

Mamo-chan, he is so warm, protective and kind... I can't imagine I could be with someone else... Stop, what is he doing? I don't like it! It doesn't feel good at all! He slipped his tongue between her lips and she tensed. It was a slight tension, almost imperceptible, but he knew Usagi too well to scorn such a mark. He retired slowly and reverted to his usual way of kissing her. Is she just trying to make me burn even more?

"Let's go to the Crown Parlor," she stepped back and stroked his cheek, "I'd like to have some ice-creams."

"Yes, of course," he nodded vaguely. Seems I haven't been waiting enough...

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Maker knew it was coming. No matter how much one holds his forbidden emotions, they will explode in a time. Maker's inner earthquake rose to the rate she could only go insane or let it out.

Her old room was completely destroyed and she had to live in Healer's one. She didn't like it but had no choice. It wasn't because of Healer of course. It was because of her need being alone, totally alone sometimes. Besides, Healer seemed to be not delighted as well.

Our room is useless. Healer can come unexpectedly. Where else could I find the right place? Maker was rushing down the halls and then something shot her mind. It was so natural, so evident that she almost laughed, and turned on her heel at once.

Fighter wasn't in her room. Well, I thought so. Nobody will search for me here. The room wasn't as ruined as Maker's own, but it was in aworse condition than Healer's one. That's why Fighter could live alone. Maker moved forward with hesitation, not touching anything. Damn, I never thought I would go into someone's room without permission, especially into Fighter's room. If she only knew there would be no forgiveness.

Senshi saw the sheets in the corner of the room and concealed herself behind them quickly. She breathed very deeply few times, encouraging herself.

"This is it," she bit her lower lip, "Once and for all."

And then she detransformed.

Is it how it feels? I almost forgot how it was. I didn't do that since... three months? Taiki looked down at himself. Now I am the person who I used to be. The one who fell for her. And it exactly feels... like home. He just stood and enjoyed being himself. His face remained serene, but demons of the past had been awakened with this action and he could feel his blood was boiling in his veins. Kou Taiki unbuttoned his jacket and shirt and...

In the meantime Fighter was accompanying Kakyuu during her usual round. Before their very eyes the palace was becoming what it was formerly. Kakyuu was excited like a little girl and Fighter liked watching her bright face. Nevertheless she didn't like holding Princess' hand yet Kakyuu insisted. Your hand is so fine, Fighter. It can touch so gently and hit so hard. I like those hands of yours, your long slim fingers, your smooth skin. Anyway it feels so... distant. I see your mind straying, your hand becomes numb sometimes. If I could only ease your suffering! Kakyuu winced to herself. Even all the power she had couldn't fix her dearest one's heart. So what that power was for?

Princess released her guardian's hand.

"Thank you for your service, Fighter. Go to get some rest. You seem to be very tired these days." Why I can't tell her what I feel? Do I anticipate something unwelcome?

Fighter nodded with gratitude and Kakyuu trembled. I must admit she seems to return to her former self but there is something telling me to wait. Fighter walked away, replaced by Healer by Princess' side. Kakyuu's eyes followed Fighter, slipped down her naked back, her rocking hips, her long leather shoes. Healer sighed and averted her eyes. Oh no, everything but not this. It would ruin us as much as Galaxia's doing. Maybe even more. Hang on, Healer. They will fix everything for sure, they will come to an agreement. Geez, Fighter and thePrincess? My head is spinning.

Fighter hurried down the hall. Her room was near and she was almost running. When she pushed the door and stormed into the room, she sensed immediately that something was wrong. She closed the door slowly and scanned the space suspiciously. There was no movement until Taiki pulled the curtain aside.

"What are you..." Fighter yelled enraged and her jaw dropped. "...Taiki?"

"Seems you can recognize me so far," Kou Taiki stepped forward and adjusted his brownish suit, "I thought you'll come back later." Please God I hope I didn't make a mistake revealing to her.

"You thought?" Fighter collected herself at last, "Maybe you are going to move here without announcement?" I can't believe it, this is Taiki! During our last concert on Earth he was looking exactly like that. Only the rose from his buttonhole disappeared.

"I'm sorry..."

"This is the first thing I should hear after encountering you here!"

"I have to go," Taiki took out his Star Brooch, "I swear it won't happen again."

"Come on, "Fighter stretched out his hand, "You can come as many times as you need."

What a relief, Taiki shook Fighter's hand and the sweat drop rolled down his forehead, I was pretty frightened of her reaction.

"Can I ask something?" Fighter's piercing eyes stuck to Taiki's.

"You can..." he replied reluctantly.

"Is it Mizuno Ami?"

Oh shit, how can she know? How did she notice? Taiki cleared his throat. "Yes, it's her."

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Usagi went into Mamoru's flat and approached her fiancé clicking at the keyboard.

"I bought many good things," she kissed his cheek and carried the big bag into the kitchen.

"I would have gone with you if I had known you were going to buy so many, " he leant backward against the backrest.

"That's okay!" she replied from the kitchen, "I didn't think I was so hungry!"

I wonder where all those "good things" are going. Usagi's figure is almost perfect. How is she doing this? Mamoru remembered the wedding shop and smiled to himself. He shut the computer down and headed towards the kitchen, meeting Usagi busy with laying down all the things she bought – cookies, crackers, chips and cakes. His eyes widened at the view. Geez, is she going to eat all of this? This girl is incredible. Usagi didn't notice his turning up at all and he coughed meaningfully.

"Oh, Mamo-chan? Aren't you working yet?" the big round eyes glared at him.

"I thought I'll help you," he nodded and approached her. While standing near he could smell the scent of her hair.

"What are we going to do tonight?" she beamed radiantly, presenting the plates filled with sweets to him, "I thought you'll be working late and..." I'm so glad he abandoned his work for me today! Did he remember?

Mamoru seized Usagi's hand.

"It is very special day today, isn't it?" he rose his brow and the girl giggled with joy.

The second anniversary of our reunion! This is really special day. Maybe he arranged a surprise? It would be so nice! She clung on his arm and rubbed her cheek against the rough fabric of his jacket, still grinning. Mamoru looked down at her golden head. God I love her so much. Please may I never hurt her again. Let me be by her side forever.

"Close your eyes," he whispered and led her out of the kitchen. She did what she was told and followed him with no protests. They entered the bedroom and stopped.

"You can open your eyes," he brushed her ear with his lips, "Usako..."

The bedroom was adorned with tenths of red roses, lit only by the pale glow of uncountable candles. Usagi breathed loudly while staring at the scenery. Oh, this is so beautiful. Like in a romance! Roses, candles... and him.

"Mamo-chan..." she touched his raven hair and he knelt down before her. His heart hammered.

"Usako..." he kissed her palm, "Will you be my bride tonight?"

She covered her mouth with palm, flushing. Does he mean THIS? Well, seems he does!

This was how Usagi lost her virginity.

After afew hours they were lying in bed. Mamoru was sleeping soundly, cuddling to his bride. The night was dark because it was new moon so only the flames of last three candles illuminated the space. Usagi watched the wavering fire intently. For some reason she couldn't sleep and push away the haunting thoughts...

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Healer was spying on Maker. She was tracing her patiently down the rebuilt halls of the palace, servants and palace guards still hanging around and threatening to alarm the tall Senshi who was obviously heading towards Fighter's room. Something is bothering me, and I must know what, Healer was excusing herself, what a secret she hides?

Maker reached her destination and vanished behind the door. Healer growled under her nose angrily. I ascertained she was going where I thought she was. And what now?

She rushed out of the palace and into the garden. May nobody catch me here... She climbed the wall nimbly, grabbing the branches of bindweed hanging down. Finally she reached the first level of decorative cornices and stuck to the stone surface, slowly moving towards the window. Thanks heavens for the dusk...

Inside the room she saw Maker sitting on Fighter's chair, looking like waiting for room's owner to come. In fact it wasn't Maker any longer. Healer was in such a shock she almost fell down. Taiki! I can't believe my own eyes! It's really him! So this is why he is hiding in Fighter's room. Does it mean...

The door opened and Fighter appeared. She detransformed and shook Taiki's hand with a familiar grin. Healer stopped peeping and leant against the wall, breathing loudly. She learned about more than she expected and it was a very hard experience. Taiki! Seiya! What should I do now? What should I do? She felt tears stinging her eyes and choked the curse surfacing her lips. She already knew what she had to do.

In her chambers Princess Kakyuu grew pale listening to the news Healer was bringing. Her lips tightened and she turned her back to Healer to hide tears welling in her eyes. So Fighter does want to be the man. In fact she rejects the favour of serving the royal family. She is slipping from my hands, drifting farther and farther from me. Why does it have to hurt so much?

"Princess..." Healer spoke with compassion, "Why don't you please talk to Fighter? Maybe it will make her come to her senses and remember her duties?"

"Do you think so?" Kakyuu's voice was choked, "Will she take my opinion into account?"

Well, I'm not sure, Healer thought, but I can't see another solution...

I don't want see Fighter turned into the man again! Kakyuu cried to herself, I love her as she is and... I have to hurt her again, the last time, for her own sake... I hope she will forgive me...

"Thank you, Healer," she uttered weakly, "Please leave now. I will take it up."

The fair-haired Senshi bowed deeply without a word, casting at her Princess the sympathizing glance. Then she made for her own room, musing. When she entered there, she stopped immediately, stuttering. Inside Maker was packing her belongings, supported by many servants carrying the bags.

"Hello!" Maker waved her hand, "I'm so sorry for this mess, but you won't have to endure me anymore." She winked and the fleeting flashback of Taiki in Fighter's room shot Healer's mind.

"At last," Healer pouted, walking inside, "Hey, that clock is mine!" she dashed towards the servant to save her thing from being taken away. Why doesn't Maker's removal make me glad? And why did I tell Princess only about Fighter?

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Rei was going down the street, carrying the things she bought for the shrine. Her pace was slow and deliberate – obviously the priestess' manner of walking. Even if it was late she preferred to walk then catch a bus and crowd together with strangers. Suddenly she saw the familiar figure from the corner of her eye on the other side of the street. Mamoru? Her hands sweat at once and her pace quickened a little without her attention. I'll pretend I don't see him. Shit, he's crossing the street. She rose her head proudly and prepared for upcoming encounter. Mamoru staggered and stopped uncertainly, rubbing his eyes and forehead. Rei frowned sensing the deviation. What's wrong with him?

He stepped forward and noticed her. The sore smile surfaced his lips when he greeted her.

He is drunk! Rei's mouth opened wide, I can't believe it!

"Some shopping, huh?" he uttered blurry, "I would walk you home but I'm in a hurry."

Rei only nodded and passed him by, the smell of alcohol reached her nose clearly. She made a few steps and looked over her shoulder at Mamoru who was dragging down the street. Her brain was still refusing to work. Mamoru... drunk? What happened? What is wrong? Her thoughts were worrying her like the swarm of stinging honeybees. She couldn't help looking back at the one she secretly loved from the first time she dated him.

Mamoru, what forced you to wash away your problems in such a way?

Right after she went back to the shrine, she caught the phone to talk with somebody. Her first thought was to call Usagi, but she didn't. Maybe they fought and that's why he boozed. Maybe Mamoru has a problem and didn't tell Usagi anything not to alarm her. I'll better call someone else.

She dialled Ami's number.

"Moshimoshi," the calm voice of wise Senshi uttered and Rei burst out with anxious news. Ami listened and the bad feeling in her chest was growing and growing. She even suggested Rei could mistake Mamoru with someone else, but Rei was absolutely sure. Didn't she see him tottering with her own eyes? Didn't she catch the odour of the alcohol?

"I know it's not like him, but maybe he had a party with his friends and just got too much, you know, Rei-chan. Did you talk with Usagi-chan about that?"

"Of course not! I think she doesn't knowanything and if she learns about it she will be very worried. I wanted to talk with you first."

"I see..." Ami sighed. I think Rei overreacts. It couldn't be Mamoru-san. Just couldn't.

I'm going to talk with Mamoru, Rei decided, I can't sleep well until I know everything is alright. And then I'll talk with Usagi.

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Healer was peeping at Seiya and Taiki again. She told herself it was for thePrincess' sake. What is their game? I know why Fighter deserted her Senshi form, but Maker? I have to know what they are plotting to warn thePrincess before something bad happens. They are very suspicious to me...

Someone knocked the door and Taiki hid in the bathroom. Seiya transformed and Fighter opened the door. Obviously it was something important because she left immediately. After some time Taiki went out of the bathroom, taking his shirt off. Healer clung to the wall, her cheeks were burning. Damn, stop beating like that! she cursed her racing heart, why did I get startled? He couldn't notice me for certain. She glanced into the room again and observed Taiki closing the door and stretching himself on Seiya's bed. He is waiting for Fighter? Are they... lovers? Healer mouthed to herself, her chest shrank as if that thought touched her on her raw. Nevertheless she couldn't stop gaping at Taiki.

In the meanwhile Fighter reached Kakyuu's chamber and went in with hesitation. She didn't know her cover was blown already but she sensed something unpleasant in the air.

"Please, sit down, Fighter," Kakyuu invited her, "I want to tell you something."

I don't like it, Fighter sat down, smiling, why did she call me here at this hour?

"You seem to be worried, Princess," guardian leant forward, "Please tell me what is bothering you. I'm sure we can help it."

"I'm glad to hear that, Fighter. I appreciate your devotion. And I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For what I'm going to tell you."

Fighter's muscles tensed but she managed to maintain the cool face.

"I'm here for you, Princess. Tell me what you have to tell."

Oh my God, how can such a beauty exist? Kakyuu devoured her Senshi with her eyes, she is the soul of beauty, this is what she exactly is. Fighter's forehead furrowed a bit when Kakyuu approached her and brushed her hair.

"Fighter... I know you can't forget Moon Princess. Don't deny it," she rose her hand to stop Fighter's protests, "You suffer because of her but you still have a small light of hope, in spite of logic."

"She told methere is always a hope. Always," Fighter interrupted, gazing aside, her voice heavy from emotions.

"Fighter..." Kakyuu gulped the tears, "There is no hope for you, because Serenity's future is already set, and nobody can change it."

"Serenity?" Fighter inquired, "Who is it?"

"It is the one who you love, the girl named Usagi Tsukino. She is the former Princess of the Moon Kingdom, Serenity, and the future Queen of Crystal Neo Tokyo. She will rule the Earth along with her husband, King Endymion, and they will have a daughter..."

"How is it possible? Nobody can know the future!" Fighter squeezed the arm of the chair. I don't believe it. That is crazy.

"There is no place for you in Serenity's destiny," Kakyuu placed her trembling hands on Fighter's shoulders, "I'm so sorry, Fighter..."

Princess lowered her head and kissed her Senshi. Fighter didn't answer the kiss. She was in such a shock she couldn't move. Kakyuu tried to deepen the kiss and then Fighter composed her mind. She jumped to her feet, her face beet-red, and bowed to her Princess deeply.

"I love you, Fighter..." Kakyuu whispered sadly and Fighter's eyes opened extremely wide.

"Princess... I... I..." she stuttered, stepping back.

"I know that is unexpected..." Kakyuu smiled shyly, "Fighter, I..."

Two big tears formed in corners of Fighter's eyes and rolled down her cheeks. She wiped them quickly.

"I'm sorry, Princess," she started with low-pitched voice, "I'm not Fighter anymore. I'm Seiya."

Then she turned on her heel and walked out Princess' chamber without permission.