Here is Chapter 4 of Grave Danger. I am sorry it has taken so long to get out. Chapter 5 may be delayed because I am attempting my first Nano…

Grave Danger!

Chapter 4 – Zankokusa

Seiya, and Usagi, walked up the block, lost in catching up. They had tried to cram four years of catching up in the half hour they had been walking and talking.

"Can I ask you a question?" Seiya glanced over at the blonde, and wondered how to ask. "It's about earlier." He smiled softly to set her at ease, and then took a deep breath. "When everyone was talking about O-bon, you looked pale, and frightened. Will you tell me why?" He watched as she glanced at the ground.

Usagi, her toe scraping at the pavement thought for a moment, before speaking. "It's hard…I don't think anyone will believe me." Usagi glanced up at him, and he could see the uncertainty in her eyes. "Things happen when no one is there, but me. It's like someone is there that I can't see."

She let out a shaky breath before continuing. "You see it sounds crazy, even to me, but I think it is…" She clasped her hands together in front of her, and glanced away. "I think it is Mamo-chan, trying to get my attention."

Seiya stared at Usagi with surprise. That is not what I expected. He gathered his thoughts, not realizing his silence was damning.

"I warned you, and you don't believe me." Her words were soft, and he could hear the tears threatening in her voice.

"Odango wait…it's not what you think." Seiya, without asking, pulled her into his arms for a hug. "I was just thinking about what you said." He let his hand slide over her hair, in a comforting gesture. He glanced down only to be met with blue eyes brightened by unshed tears.

Usagi pulled back a bit, upon hearing his words. When her eyes met his she asked hesitantly. "Really…you…believe me?" She sighed in relief when he nodded his head. She sagged with relief, and hugged him back. "I am scared of what Haruka, and Michiru, will think." She whispered the words against the softness of his shirt.

He heard the fear, and doubt in her words, and sought to reassure her. "I think you should tell them. Trust me when I say, I think they will understand."

Usagi pulled back to smile up at him. "Thanks…"

When Seiya saw her smile his heart caught in his throat. She is so beautiful.

Usagi saw the look in his eyes, but didn't understand. His gaze almost frightened her with its intensity, and what lurked there. He forgot himself, and leaned forward. Usagi not sure of her feelings, closed her eyes.

Her breath was stolen when warm lips captured hers. It just feels right. She let her arms creep around his shoulders, without even realizing it. He drew her closer, running a comforting hand up, and down, her back. When a sigh of pleasure slipped from her lips he drew back in surprise.

A light flush covered his cheeks. "I am so sorry…please, don't be mad." He glanced away from Usagi, afraid of her reaction.

She raised a tentative hand to his arm. "I am not angry, just surprised." Her hand moved to his cheek, and then she continued. "It has been awhile…well since…anyway a long time." She smiled with a shy look. "Could we take this slow?"

Seiya's eyes jumped to hers in shock. He nodded with a smile. "We sure can Odango." His smile grew wider at her soft blush, and he picked up her hand, entwining their fingers.

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They arrived late at the temple, and everyone was already there, waiting. Haruka's eyes widened when she noted the two holding hands. She saw the looks passing between them, and it made her angry.

"Look who arrived. What took you two so long?" Her tone was suggestive, and even left Michiru gasping.

Usagi stared at Haruka with saddened eyes. She turned to Seiya, and shook her head to keep him quiet. The scene was interrupted when Ami came up the temple stairs, huffing.

"Sorry I'm late I got stuck in a storm." She smiled nervously, unused to being the tardy one. Everyone nodded, and Haruka's scene was temporarily forgotten.

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Haruka, and Michiru, Seiya, and Usagi, made their way towards her apartment. They were going to set up their altar, before they went on to the dance. Seiya glanced thoughtfully at Usagi before leaning close. "I think now would be a good time to tell them…about your problem." He whispered the words near her ear.

His warm breath tickling her ear did strange things to her heartbeat. She blushed lightly before trying to catch Haruka, and Michiru's, attention. They were speaking quietly, and she had to take two giant steps closer to get their attention.

Haruka glanced back startled when Usagi set her hand on her arm. She watched the blonde chew nervously on her lip before she spoke.

"There is something I need to tell you two." Usagi took a deep breath and then continued. "In my apartment, during O-bon, strange things happen." Usagi watched to see what Haruka, and Michiru, thought. Haruka's eyes widened and Usagi decided to tell them the rest. "I think...there is someone there that we can't exactly see."

Haruka's eyes widened further, but she chose not to interrupt Usagi. Instead, she just waited for the blonde to reveal more.

"I think that it…is Mamoru trying to contact me." Usagi hurried through the last bit, afraid of them laughing.

Haruka, and Michiru, both stood not knowing what to say. They glanced at each other, and Haruka nodded, letting Michiru deal with it.

Michiru chose her words carefully. "Usagi-chan, sometimes what you describe is normal around O-bon. Mamoru-san may be trying to contact you, but it is nothing to be afraid of." She smiled gently at Usagi. "Thank you for trusting us enough to share with us."

Usagi let out a shaky breath and made an attempt at a smile. That went better than I thought it would. "Should we continue?" The other three smiled, and nodded.

They made the rest of the trip in silence. Usagi pulled out her keys, and unlocked her door. When they entered, they were startled by a loud bang. Haruka rushed ahead to see what happened.

Usagi paled, and made her way slowly towards the front room. Haruka stood over the picture of Usagi, and Mamoru, now lying on the floor.

Usagi's eyes widened. "You see what I mean?" She trembled slightly, and Seiya hurried forward.

"Hey, Odango, no worries okay. This big strong man will protect you." Seiya spoke half jokingly trying to lighten her mood.

Michiru jumped when the front door slammed closed. "Okay we get your point." She spoke loudly on purpose. When a cupboard opened, and closed, on its own she smiled. "Hey we know you are here, so be quiet." Her tone was scolding, and suddenly everything settled down. Michiru glanced idly at Usagi. "Now I see why you were frightened, but he just wants your attention."

Haruka interrupted before Usagi could reply. "We need to get going, because we are supposed to meet the girls in a few minutes." She glanced meaningfully at Michiru with a worried look.

Michiru threw a pointed look in Seiya's direction, causing Haruka to grimace. Seiya was already leading a much calmer Usagi towards the door. Haruka stepped forward until she felt a hand on her arm. She turned back only to see Michiru smiling at her in that knowing way.

Michiru grabbed her arm, and leaned against her, as they exited the apartment behind Seiya, and Usagi.

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The foursome arrived at the Juuban district, and found the right block. Usagi smiled when they met up with the girls in front of the Crown Fruit Parlor. The whole block was lit up with paper lanterns. The O-bon singers, accompanied by the drummer, played traditional O-bon hymns. The whole group stood idly around watching everything. People wandered among the dancers, food booths, and games set up.

Seiya looked at all of the dancers wistfully and leaned into Usagi. "Hey want to go dance Odango?" He sucked in a nervous breath afraid of being turned down.

Usagi raised surprised eyes to his for just a second before nodding. He picked up her hand, and they wandered toward the crowd of dancers. Seiya smiled at the blonde next to him. "Okay Odango what do I do?"

"Just put your arms around my waist." Usagi laughed up at him as her arms wound themselves around his neck. When their bodies came in contact Seiya was swept away with desire. He glanced down to see surprised eyes mirroring his own. He decided to test the theory and pulled her closer.

Usagi's eyes widened in surprise, and her cheeks turned pink, her gaze jumping to the ground. When she dared to glance back up, she was met with a knowing smirk.

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Haruka stood next to Michiru with her arm protectively thrown around the shorter girl's waist. She glanced around to note everyone's location. Rei and, Makoto were chatting quietly next to her. Minako, and Ami, were conspicuously absent. Haruka found herself scanning for Usagi, worry eating at her. Her eyes were met by a sight that made her insanely angry.

Usagi was dancing with Seiya, and the heat sparking between them was enough for everyone to notice. She saw Usagi blush, and her vision went red. She was consumed by red-hot loathing.

How dare that baka dishonor our Princess? I could accept Mamoru-san only because he was Endymion, and Protector of Earth. Haruka watched as Usagi pulled away from Seiya and wandered over to where the food vendors were. Seiya instead made his way toward their group. Haruka watched his progress and waited until he was almost upon them.

"You perverted bastard, what the hell are you doing? How dare you seduce our Princess?"Haruka cracked her knuckles, and stepped forward.

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Usagi wandered toward the food vendors lost in thought. Why does he affect me like that? She was walking past the mouth of a darkened alley, when a noise caught her attention. That sounds like someone crying! She decided without a second thought to check it out.

"Hello? Is anyone there? Do you need help?" Usagi held her breath listening. She moved to the mouth of the alley, and peered into the dark. She could still hear faint sobbing, and then a voice called out.

"Usagi-chan, please help." The voice sounded vaguely familiar.

Usagi didn't wait or ponder, just stumbled towards the back of the alley. She could see nothing in the darkness. She threw her hands out in front of her, feeling in front of her for anything she might trip over. The alley's shadows got darker as she moved deeper, away from the light.

"Hello? I'm coming are you still here?" She called out in the darkness, and her words echoed off of the walls. She paused, listening intently.

"Over here." The voice was very faint and to the right.

Usagi thought she thought she knew which direction. She moved forward slowly.

"Please hurry." The voice was very quiet with a desperate pleading quality to it.

Usagi hurried forward, and slammed into something solid. The force of the collision knocked her backwards onto the ground. She landed roughly on the ground on her backside. Before she could even understand what was happening, something wrapped itself tightly around her neck, cutting off her air supply.

She grabbed for her neck but could not get her fingers under the rough material. She could feel the harsh texture digging into her flesh as her fingers fought for purchase. She tried to call out for help, but all she could make was a harsh wheezing sound. Tears of panic ran down her cheeks.

I can't breathe! Seiya where are you? She tried to fight the rising panic, but felt herself slipping away. I love you! She was consumed by the darkness, and she collapsed.

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Seiya wore his usual smirk not letting the blonde get to him. "I'm waiting…do your best…." He threw his arms out in invitation and then paused thoughtfully. "Wait a minute, won't Odango be really, really angry that we are fighting?" He smirked for a moment and then continued with his ploy. "Now when she hears about this who is she going to blame?"

Seiya tapped his chin, as if in thought. "Me, not really, because I didn't do anything to provoke you, did I?" He smiled before continuing. "Now you on the other hand, she might be angry with." He pointed at her to make his point. "You call me names, and threaten to attack me. Let's see what your words were exactly?" He made a comical face. "Aha that's it…I'm going to beat the living hell out of you."

Seiya echoed her words in a comical imitation, only adding fury to Haruka's fire. He watched as she ground her teeth. "So if you think this is a very good idea then have at me." He shrugged nonchalantly for show.

Haruka turned away as if giving up, and then with an angry roar she turned back around. She jumped forward, and tackled him, taking them both to the ground. She got in one good punch before Michiru jumped into the fray, trying to pull her off.

Makoto, and Rei, watched Haruka their eyes wide. When Michiru jumped forward to drag Haruka off of Seiya, they both rushed forward to help. Haruka had her fist pulled back ready to hit him again when Makoto spoke. "Where's Usagi, wait until she see's this."

Haruka was instantly overcome with icy worry. Where is koneko? Her anger was replaced by horrifying dread. She glanced around wildly, and began scanning the crowd for Usagi. She could not see her anywhere near the food vendors or games. When her eyes lit on the alley, her veins were filled with ice water. She jumped off of Seiya, and began running up the block.

Seiya glanced up, and saw the look in her eyes seconds before she took off. He read her thoughts, and scrambled up to follow her. Everyone seeing their strange behavior followed behind them.

For Haruka it seemed to take forever to sprint the distance, even though it was only a few hundred feet. Her heart beat was thumping through her, screaming run…run…run…run. She stopped at the mouth of the alley, and glanced into the darkness. She turned, glancing behind her to see Seiya coming to a stop, the rest of the group not far behind.

"I need a light… now!" Haruka spit the words out not wanting to just stumble into the darkness. Seiya grabbed a lantern from a nearby vendor, and they hurried into the alley. The sight that met their eyes was dramatic in its simplicity. Usagi lie in a heap, the rope still tight around her neck.

Haruka darted forward, and dropped to her knees. Tears streamed down her face as she took in the pale lifeless form of her princess. "Koneko…." The words were hoarse with guilt, and remorse. She couldn't even touch Usagi, afraid it would make her worst fears real in her mind.

Seiya joined her, moving closer to check on Usagi. There was a moment when his heart almost stopped beating, thinking her dead. Instead he jumped into action. He grabbed the rope, working the knot out, and then gently unwound it from her neck. He could see the scratches where she had vainly tried to get her fingers under the rope.

Upon closer inspection, he could also see where the rope had chafed into her tender skin. When the rope fell away he quickly grabbed her, and placed a finger close to her throat with out actually touching the raw spot.

"There is a weak pulse. She is alive." He finally let his fear out, and tears cascaded down his face. He turned to the blonde beside him. "This is your fault! Some guardian you are." He spit the words out trying to wound the taller blonde, only because his emotions were raw, and his adrenaline pumping.

He picked up Usagi, and left Haruka kneeling there. He didn't stop to talk to the group standing at the mouth of the alley. The situation had just become too intense, and he was not up to discussions of any form.

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Michiru heard Seiya's angry words, and made no move to stop him when he stalked by with the Princess in his arms. She moved forward towards Haruka and knelt beside her.

"You know his words were spoken in anger, but there was a kernel of truth to them." Michiru laid a hand on Haruka's shoulder, and tried to offer her support. When Haruka turned to glance at her, Michiru stilled at the guilt, and grief in her eyes.

"I thought she was dead." The words barely squeaked out. Haruka tried to say more, but couldn't find the words. Instead, she just sat staring at Michiru helplessly. Michiru pulled the taller blonde into a hug, and rubbed her back as helpless sobs escaped from the strong warrior.

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Seiya walked all the way to Usagi's apartment, giving him time to think. As he thought his conscience bothered him. He should have kept silent. He remembered Haruka's face as he spit out the hateful words, damning her actions. I shouldn't have been so harsh! He knew by the look on her face that she thought Usagi was already dead. He could see the guilt mixed with the grief.

He arrived at Usagi's apartment, and unlocked the door, carrying her straight to her bed. He laid her on the down comforter, and headed for the bathroom. When he returned with first aid supplies blue eyes stared at him surprised. He could see she wanted to talk, and he cut her off.

"Let your voice rest. I will get you some water as soon as I clean your neck." He smiled to be reassuring, and he knew it worked when he saw her relax a bit. He walked to the bed, and set the tray down.

Seiya dipped the washrag in warm water, and gently wiped at her neck. He heard her raspy hiss of pain, and grimaced. "I know…it hurts and I am sorry. We were kind of distracted by well other things." He heard the front door, and sighed. "Haruka, and Michiru, are back. They are going to want to make sure you are okay. Is that all right?"

Usagi nodded her agreement, and he leaned down dropping a kiss on her forehead before standing.

"Okay I will go, and bring them in now, because I know they are concerned about you." He walked to the door and glanced back. Usagi looked frightened and so he reassured her. "No worries, I will be right back."

He opened the door, and walked out to the front room. The two girls were sitting at the table. Seiya approached, and they both glanced up.

"Um Usagi knows you are concerned, and wants you, but before you go, I have to say something."

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Usagi could hear Seiya speaking in the front room, and curiosity got the best of her. She stood cautiously, and wandered to the bedroom door. She was very quiet when she cracked it open to listen. The words Seiya spoke shocked her, and left her world spinning.

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Seiya took a deep breath before speaking. "Look, Haruka the words I said earlier, forget them." He slashed his hand through the air. "They were thoughtless, and cruel, but most of all wrong. You have worked hard to protect Usagi from her friends, one of whom is trying to kill her, and for that reason I apologize." Seiya shot her a very serious look. "My words were spoken in fear, and anger, and should never have been uttered." He paused choosing his next words carefully. "I hope you know that I did not mean it, and I am truly grateful for you watching out for Usagi, and allowing me to help you with that task." He gave her a truly apologetic look, hoping he could undo some of the harm he had inflicted.

Haruka took a moment to ponder his words, and then nodded. She stood, and Michiru followed her. They made their way towards the bedroom.

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When Usagi heard Seiya quit speaking, and Haruka's chair scrape back, she turned hurrying back to the bed. She lay down in the same position Seiya had laid her in. She closed her eyes, and blinked sleepily as someone opened the door.

Seiya let Haruka, and Michiru, into Usagi's room, shutting the door behind them. He figured they needed this time alone with their Princess.

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Haruka, and Michiru, approached the bed, relieved to see their Princess alive. Haruka's throat was clogged with relief, and she had to clear it to speak. "Don't speak koneko." She moved to the side of the bed and sat in the chair. "I'm so very sorry." She picked up Usagi's hand. When she glanced at the blonde, she was surprised to see blue eyes widened.

"Sorry for what?" Usagi's voice came out quiet, but raspy, and harsh.

Haruka froze unsure of what to say, not knowing how much Usagi knew. Michiru saved the day. "She is just sorry for your trouble." She smiled with a compassionate look at Usagi. "You should rest, and let Seiya tend to you." She placed a hand on Haruka's arm, a silent signal that they should leave.

Haruka stood, and leaned over placing a kiss on Usagi's forehead. "Get well koneko. I will check in on you later." She smiled at her Princess, and then followed Michiru from the room.

Here is an end to Chapter 4 of Grave Danger. I hope you have enjoyed it.