Chapter 11: Crushed

*Seiya*

Taiki got up and dusted herself off, a grim look on her face, "The entire system is….. Crushed….I think." She sat down in a chair and leaned back, a morose look on her face.

Seiya felt like her anger was going to consume her along with this feeling of helplessness, "What do you mean crushed?" She didn't understand, but she needed to.

Taiki didn't look at her, but continued staring at the ceiling. It was easier than looking at Seiya the way that she was right now. Of course, she and Yaten as well as the other Earthlings had been briefed on what was happening with Kiyoko, who was still sleeping. The inners had agreed to go and speak to that group from Shibo. The Shitenou were standing guard outside of Kiyoko's chambers. Yaten had been given the unfortunate task of guarding/babysitting Ruka and Usa-chan. So standing before her was Seiya, Haruka, Michiru, Usagi, and Helios. But she didn't know what else to tell them, "It appears the entire long range system has been crushed, but there's no visible entry point and no evidence of what did it."

Michiru was the first to respond, "No evidence at all?" She looked around, not wanting to say what she was thinking, "I don't know if those people from Shibo could've done this. And though I hate to think it, much less say it… I know someone who I am certainly could." Michiru looked down when she saw the look on Haruka's face at what she'd said.

However, they were interrupted when Rei walked in, her breathing ragged, obviously from running. She looked and them, addressing no one in particular, "They're gone. The group from Shibo isn't in guest housing and all of their things are gone as well."

"What? Gone?" Was all that Usagi could manage. She was still that positive person Seiya'd known long ago. She would never want to believe ill of someone.

But Seiya wasn't so positive. She exchanged a glance with Haruka and realized they were on the same page. This was startling all on its own. Seiya said aloud what everyone else, except Usagi perhaps, was thinking, "Those bastards! I knew they were no good."

It was like she'd been smacked from whatever haze Haruka had been in. She looked straight at Usagi, "We need answers and since we don't know how long it'll take Taiki and Ami to fix this…. You're going to have to go back to Earth to see Pluto. You're the fastest when it comes to light travel."

Usagi looked conflicted, "You're right. But the last thing I want to do is to leave her again." She fidgeted with her foot as she often did when she felt anxious.

Helios was the one who responded to Usagi's words, his voice kinder than the others, "I understand Usagi, but if we lose her to this madness…. Well, you'll feel even worse." Usagi nodded and hugged Seiya, before leaving. There was no time to waste.

*Seishin*

Tori looked at Seishin and exhaled, "This stinks! I miss guest housing! It was comfortable there!" She crossed her arms and sat down in the shoddy chair that sat near the old fireplace that Hebi had created a nice fire in, warming the tiny cabin they hid in. She eyed the little prince laying in the corner, tied up and still unconscious, "If you altered his sister's memory why did we have to leave Seishin?"

Sometimes he felt like he was talking to a wall when he was talking to Tori. He shook his head, "I altered her memory, but there's no guarantee they won't figure that out. And since Uma destroyed their communication systems they're going to be suspicious of everyone. And we're not on the top of their most trusted people list Tori."

Tori turned to Uma who was sitting in another chair, weaving vines together and scowled, "Why did you do that then?"

Uma didn't look up from her weaving, "I knew they'd be in contact with their time witch soon, delaying that is to our advantage…. As long as Seishin and continue to make her crazy and get close to her."

Now it was Seishin's turn to scowl. He'd been trying to get a read on Kiyoko for some time and hadn't been able to. He knew their Priest King had limited psychic abilities, but he wasn't strong enough to keep Seishin out, not with Bugendai's power. He glared at Uma, "I've been trying to reach her. Something is blocking me out." He got up from the stump of a stool he'd been sitting on and laid down on the bed. His eyes grew wide as he jumped back up.

Tori laughed softly, "What's wrong Seishin? Bug try to bite you or something?" She kept laughing softly waiting for him to respond.

It took Seishin a minute to speak, "This bed…. I knew cabin had old vibrations of her presence. That is why I picked it, hoping to use it to my advantage…. But this bed…. This bed is where she and that Senshi…. Where they first…." He shook head trying to get the images out.

Uma started giggling along with Tori, "Hebi and Sikana are going to love that when they finish scouting the area!" She stopped laughing as she saw Seishin's expression darken… Clearly hearing Bugendai in his mind. Sometimes she wasn't sure if all this power was worth it.

As if he were responding to the voice in his head and not to his sisters, Seishin growled, "I will write a new chapter in this cabin… This is where I will claim her body and her power!" Uma and Tori both looked at their brother, not sure what to say.

*Seishin*

*Haruka*

She stood there looking at Michiru, who was standing in front of the door to their room, wondering how to get around her beloved. Michiru knew what she was up to, "You're not getting past me Haruka. You need to rest. Usagi has gone to Earth to see Setsuna. Helios is having this same conversation with Seiya. Ami and Taiki are working on the communication system. Nephrite and Zoicite are guarding Kiyoko while the others are out looking for those Shibons."

Haruka interrupted Michiru, her voice ragged with frustration, "Michi, we should be out there too. I want strangle that prince with my own two hands!" But Michiru didn't move an inch.

She took a deep breath, "And I'm certain Seiya would love to do the same. But you both need to rest while Kiyoko is so that you can help her when she wakes. You know she's going to need you two."

Hating that she knew Michiru was right, Haruka finally conceded, "Fine! But come lay down with me Michi. I need you." She took her by the hand and pulled Michiru to the bed, bringing the two of them down on it together.

Michiru stroked Haruka's hair as they laid together, "I understand your struggle Haruka. I want to be out there too. But we have to be smart."

Haruka took hold of Michiru's hand and pressed it to her cheek, "Distract me Michi, so I don't go murder someone." She pulled Michiru's face to her own and kissed her fervently. Michiru was surprised at Haruka's single-mindedness as she worked to undress her. Haruka's need for Michiru was overpowering. It was the only way she knew to combat these feelings that were threatening to drown her at any moment. She had to focus on her love and passion for Michiru or Haruka might wander into the darkness that everyone feared Kiyoko was headed for in her quest to destroy anyone who hurt her Kiyo-chan….

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