What the?!

"Hotaru!" Chibiusa gasped as the dark-haired girl leaned on the wall next to her as they were walking in the mall. It had been almost ten months after Michiru had left. The group often received letters from the musician saying that she has a good life there. That she had made a good start. And everything's going well for her. How her music was a success there. And also her art. The museums had been on her back since she arrived there. She didn't know that there are many people who knew about her. And helped her make it to the top there. "You alright?"

Hotaru took a deep breath before smiling to her best friend. It's the first time they would go out after school started last August. Usually, they would drag any of the senshi along, just for fun. But all seem to be busy, even Usagi.

"Yes, don't worry, little princess." Chibiusa nodded then waited for her friend to get ready for their tour.  Hotaru remained silent as they walked hand in hand. The moment's vision playing through her mind.

"Himme-chan!" Haruka shouted. She was carrying shopping bags that Yuki gave her. Yuki nudged her on the ribs to take her attention. Haruka was shouting very loud and Yuki was blushing pink as people look at them with astonished eyes. The blonde ignored her and continued to shout as Hotaru looked around and found her papa in the middle of the crowd. Looking all so manly with all the things she's carrying. Though her eyes were exhausted. "How's my little princess? Oh, Konnichiwa, Chibiusa! How's Usagi today?"

"Just the same, Haruka. Always having trouble with the kitchen!" Haruka giggled at the thought of Usagi burning the kitchen as she does and Mamoru's face when she does so.

"Everything's fine, Haruka-papa." Hotaru gave her weak smile then collapsed. Chibiusa kneeled down to stroke over Hotaru's hair as Haruka was shouting to get an ambulance.

"Hey."

"Haruka-papa."

"Himme-chan, how are you doing?"

She blinked for a few times as the sight before her clears. She was in the hospital. The white background reflects the sunlight coming from the window although it is already dusk. She looked at the nurse who was checking her conditions before she took notes and left the room.

"I'm okay now." She sighed. It happened again. Just like before. Her seeing those horrible images in her mind and she couldn't help but let her body react to it. She always felt weak after those attacks, but she never could have stopped it. It comes naturally to her.

"What happened?" Haruka looked at her daughter. She is a teenager now. Maybe she could handle herself in other ways but she cannot handle things like this alone. She remembered the days when Hotaru was still young and every time they had to fight, just days before that, Hotaru would say something that they couldn't understand, then faint. Just so that she and Michiru would realize that what she was saying is something that would happen in the future when the day comes.

Hotaru didn't answer right away. She looked at her papa the way she had looked at her parents before. Full of misery. Full of pain. Pain that would be brought upon by the fight that would soon occur.

"I had this dream…"

What was that?

She stopped playing and the conductor looked at her gravely. It was the third time that she interrupted the rehearsals by stopping and just staring blankly on the seats before them.

Weird…

"Hey, you okay?" She looked up and saw her 'friend'. A person she quickly got to know and got close to from the group of musicians she has been rehearsing with since she came to the US. Short black hairs were combed nicely and deep dark eyes were looking directly at her when she entered the hall and talked with the conductor.

"It's alright, Jesi." She looked up and gently squeezed the hand of the girl standing behind her with a hand upon her shoulder. Jesi was the pianist of the group. A handsome young girl with a striking smile. Much like Haruka.

"If you say so." She smiled at the aqua-haired woman in front of her. She just knew Michiru for about what, four months? But has gotten well-acquainted with the famous violinist and knew most about her.

She sat back. Her head was beginning to ache. She often got this feeling when she was still a soldier. When the fights were still furious, when it was really serious. When she got to know her destiny. When she fought with Haruka…

She shook her head.

I shouldn't be thinking of this.

She tried to focus on the piece before her.

I should try to forget.

She held her violin tighter.

I should leave it behind.

She slowly brought it up to her chin. And resumed to play.

Haruka… Hotaru… others…

Her eyes were starting to water. Yet, she maintained her composure. Slowly, her eyes closed and once again, she let herself play with her heart, mind and soul. With all the emotions flowing in her. With all those damned memories that she wanted to forget for almost a year.

Nine months…

She opened her eyes and looked around.

No, this isn't the place she was supposed to be. It isn't where her heart is. Hate to admit it, she misses Japan. Everyone…

Haruka…

Some tears left her eyes as she closed them once again. The conductor was smiling as he noticed that she was concentrating. But Jesi was looking at her from the piano, with concern in her eyes.

Silent steps approached her as she was packing her things. It was Jesi. She knew those steps very well. She had lived with the pianist long enough to learn her manners. Manners that very well reminded her of her love, her soulmate. They had lived in the same house since Michiru's apartment was broken in during a rehearsal. Jesi gave her a ride home that night, and was also surprised that someone would rob a simple house that the violinist rents. Right then, the pianist offered her house. At first she didn't want to for it reminds her of Haruka, and the way they got together.

Their friendship…

Their destinies…

Their love…

She sighed. Wanting to forget all of those about 'them'. For her, it just brings back the tears and the pain of loving. Of the love she chose over her parents. Of the path she wanted to go through together with the person who have captured her heart.

She felt cold although the temperature inside was warm. Her hands were trembling as she placed the sheets away. As her eyelids refrains her tears from falling. And her mind stops her from breaking down.

Can we still be friends?

She knew those words. Words she had spoken before leaving. Words that simply remained words for she didn't even show it. That she wanted Haruka even just as a friend.

"Hey…"

She felt warm hands upon her shoulder. The warmth comforted her a little. Yet, there is still this feeling inside her, swelling up. Wanting to be heard, to be freed.

"You want to talk about it?"

The voice sounded so concerned. Like the husky voice she had known. And missed…

She remained silent as Jesi sat her down, taking a seat for herself, too. Michiru's eyes were dark, and her face a little pale. She was looking down, her eyes not exactly staring at something.

Jesi sighed. She looked around. Everybody else had gone home. They were the only ones left. And the janitor who was cleaning up. She wondered if it's the right time… She liked Michiru and although she doesn't want to admit it, she loved the aqua-haired violinist. She wants to protect her, comfort her… but she doesn't know when. Especially now that the girl is worried over something.

"Michiru…"

Silently she said her name. Michiru didn't look up so she thought she wasn't listening. She looked up and stared at the ceiling. Her thoughts all mixed up as to what to say.

Quiet sobs reached her ears and she looked down. Michiru's dress was wet. She obviously is crying. And you don't know what to do!

Why don't you comfort her?

But…

But what? You've done that before!

I just don't know…

Just comfort her…

She needs that right now.

Hai…

"Michiru" She said once again. This time a little louder. Michiru answered her in sobs but didn't look up. Jesi shifted so that she was sitting in front of the other girl, trying to look into the other's eyes.

"Hey, hey… don't cry… Everything's gonna be alright…" She held Michiru's hand gently rubbing her fingers against its back.

"I…" Michiru started. But she couldn't continue as she couldn't control her tears anymore.

"Hush…" Jesi embraced the violinist and rubbed her back. "Let it all out." Michiru hesitated but then desperately searched for hold and hugged the pianist hard. Crying her heart out. Jesi just sat there, holding the crying Michiru. Without knowing what it is that she's so troubled with.

What…?

What is it…?

That could make this person happy…

The way I want her to be…

Michiru held her tighter and soaked her shirt wet. It was well past nine when they got out of the building and went home with no words spoken about it, except for a simple thank you.

The world is full of light and energy. Everybody was happy. No more pains and worries. No more cruelties to be afraid of. No more tragedies. Only love was there. A happy smile was apparent in everyone. They seem to enjoy life. And everything around them.

But the sky suddenly grew dark. And once more evil energy was sensed. Lightning crashed everywhere. Loud thunder drove the people home, with fear in their eyes. Rain clashed down on earth. Earthquakes start to shake the ground and screams were instantly heard. The darkness was spreading rapidly. Affecting every people. As it comes for her…

NO!

She jumped out of bed, sweating. It was one of those nightmares. Those that she kept having when the destruction was near.

What was it? A sign?

She shook her head causing her blonde hairs to cover her eyes.

No, it can't be. We stopped it a long time ago. How in the world…?

A hand reached for her and her thoughts suddenly stopped. She turned to look at the person.

Yuki…

"What's the matter, Haruka?" The younger girl sat up to embrace the blonde.

"Nothing… Just a little nightmare. That's all." She smiled at Yuki who kissed her at the cheeks.

She shouldn't be involved in this…

"Seems like 'the Haruka' is afraid of a little nightmare." She smiled back.

You don't understand… You better not be involved in this… This is our fight. You won't understand these dreams…

"Seems like that." Haruka smiled and kissed Yuki before going back to bed. The blue-haired girl dozed off just after her back was laid. Haruka stayed up the whole night thinking.

Can she feel it, too?