Coming Back to Me
Chapter 7
The sharp clawed fingers wrapped around her throat as Michiru tried to twist out of her captures grip. Then her head started to feel light and airy as the lack of oxygen began to affect her. She struggled to hold on to consciousness as she desperately gasped for air.
Then, as suddenly as when she had been grabbed, Michiru fell to the floor. Instinctively she spun around to face her enemy. 'Him'. Shivers ran down her spine as she eyed Yukiro. His cold, empty gaze bore into her, searching her soul, her life. She felt like crying, this person before her was alike a demon out of her nightmares. "Why?", she managed to whisper. There was no reply, just the blank emptiness of his face. She shivered again, tears urging to get out.
A shadow fell across the room and the little girl pulled herself to her feet. Relief ran through her body as her Nanny appeared in the doorway and she ran,tears streaming down her face, into her arms. Unintelligible words trickled from her mouth as she tried to explain what happened. Crying she hugged Kai Kai as though her life depended on it. A chill ran through her body as she remembered the claws.....but Yukiro didn't have claws.
The drive home was a peaceful one.......for the most part. As they pasted through the little seaside town on their way back to the house Haruka mentioned the need to pick up a few things from the shop (knowing that a bare cupboard and Hotaru weren't a good mix). She parked the car beside a small store and left Michiru inside while she ran in to grab a few essentials.
When she returned Michiru was white with terror, her sweating hands gripped the dashboard. Haruka was about to sprint to her side when something caught her attention. She stood still as could be, ears perked, eyes alert. A strong feeling was running through her body........and it was somehow familiar, only MUCH stronger than how she remembered it. Shifting her balance she frowned and tried to identify it. A few moments passed and she had still not recognised the feeling, but noticing the pain in her partners eyes she swiftly moved to her side.
"Michiru. Michiru? Are you ok?" Haruka asked quickly. Still shaking Michiru replied with a nod. Haruka opened the car door, dumping the shopping in the back, and sat down while taking Michiru's hand. "What IS this feeling?.....I can't quite put my finger on it."
Michiru relaxed a little and leant her head on Haruka's shoulder. "It's like when we were battling Professor Tomoe's daimon..........."
"But that's impossible.....He is no longer possessed by a daimon and is in fine health with a home of his own and Hotaru even-"
"I know," Michiru gently cut Haruka off. "This feeling.....it's coming from a person. It's possible that they could have been affected all this time and we haven't detected them."
Haruka frowned, "Then why didn't the daimon come after Sailor Moon? Why is it only causing trouble now?"
"I....I don't know
Haruka looked into her lover's eyes. "Michiru, you said the feeling was coming from a person. How did you know?"
Michiru smiled playfully at her. "Intuition."
A sick feeling hit Haruka in the stomach. She's hiding something from me, she thought. But to Michiru she just smiled. "The feeling seems to have faded now."
"Lets go home," Michiru said while snuggling against her Haruka.
"HARUKA-PAPA!!"
Hotaru came flying through the air and was caught by Haruka's arms.
"Hello Hime-chan," Haruka smiled at the bouncy young girl.
"MICHIRU-MAMA!!"
Hotaru greeted her as she walked to the door.
Michiru took Hotaru from Haruka and tightly hugged the girl. She buried her nose into her soft hair and kissed the little angel's forehead. "Oh honey I missed you SO much." Hotaru looked up at her with her big, innocent eyes and wrapped her arms tightly around Michiru's neck.
"Hello Michiru." The older voice spoke softly and politely.
Michiru looked up from the child she was cradling in her arms." Ara, Setsuna. Hello.......its been so long. But you haven't changed a bit."
Haruka giggled, "Centuries old and still as young as ever."
Setsuna huffed and tried to ignore the comment. Michiru covered her mouth with her hand to hide the large grin on her face while Hotaru had a large question mark above her head as she looked at each of her guardians in confusion.
Setsuna *sweat drop*. "It's nice to see you've recovered your sense of humour Haruka."
Haruka *coughs*
"Michiru-mama I'm hungry," said Hotaru pulling a face. She was not happy now that she was no longer the centre of attention.
"Ok honey," Michiru said while walking to the kitchen.
Setsuna turned to Haruka. "I'd best be off. There's work to attend to," she said as she turned to leave.
"Wait. There is something I wanted to talk about."
Setsuna turned around and clasped her hands together. "Yes?"
"When Michiru and I were returning home we felt a strange but familiar presence. It was similar to that of Professor Tomoe's daimon....only much stronger. Michiru also noted that the feeling was coming from a human."
Setsuna's eyes narrowed. "Where was this?"
"Just 10km away. In Oceanside Village."
Setsuna studied Haruka's face. "This may become a problem. I think it best to contact the other senshi, we need to investigate the situation." Haruka nodded and they both bowed before Setsuna left. then Haruka went to tell Michiru of her warning.
The sweet smell of flowers mixed with the odour of freshly baked bread. The simple shop was warm with shades of brown and created a friendly atmosphere. The cook moved about in the kitchen. Things were put into the oven and taken out. Behind the glass windows at the counter lay an endless array of danishs, donuts, scones, muffins, buns, and a thousand other bakery delights. Everything smelt fresh and the bread was still warm. She had a great business here and so was continually baking, replacing the sold goods with the warm fresh counterparts.
She removed her white cooks hat and placed it on the counter, it was time for her morning break. The smell of coffee was welcomed by her senses and her stomach. Then, leaning over, she chose one of her delightful treats to fill her stomach.
"Kino Makoto"
Mako-chan sweat dropped and looked up, an apple danish stuck in her mouth. "Hwwww sssssnuh," she talked through her danish.
*sweat drop* "What?"
The cook swallowed. "Hello Setsuna. What a surprise! Would you like to try my superb blueberry muffins?"
Setsuna frowned seriously, "I have not come here for pleasantries. I need to inform you of the evil happenings that are taking place."
"Oh?"
"I believe we are facing an enemy...at least i think it's just one...in some resemblance to the daimon of Professor Tomoe. Please get in contact with Haruka and Michiru," she handed her a card, "We need to gather all the senshi together."
"All right. I'll contact Minako...I see her often"
"Thank you." Setsuna nodded and was gone.
Mako-chan looked around her and sighed. She would have to leave work early today. Looking at all her freshly baked food she shook her head and went to find a bag. Now everyone can try my cooking, she smiled.
____________________________
R&R. Next Chapter is in progress!