AN: Wow... I wasn't expecting so many reviews. I thought I was the only
X/1999 fan * sniff *, so good to know that I'm not the only one who likes
dark depressing series ^^;; I'm sorry if I confused some of you with my
previous note, I am planning to continue this, but it's going to be
finished within five chapters ^_^ Just to let you know, this chapter might
be a little disturbing. ^^;;
Many hugs for Nozomi-chan for editing this chapter. All hail to the comma queen! Just kidding ^.~
Thanks to: No pressure (I wasn't aware that there were other X1999/sm fics out there, and I guess this chapter answers your two questions^^;;), anonymous, Invisible Rain (Lol, well I love writing crossovers with series that aren't really well known ^^;; I don't like to stick to the same thing ^^;;), LunarPrincess( O.o wow... thank you very much for the nice review. It means a lot to me ^_^ The TV series is quite different from the movie, and it's much better.), Datajana, Yami Nocturna (hehe you have more self control than I do ^^;; If I have an idea, I must write it or else I'll forget it later on ^^;;), MidnightDragonShadow, Kitoky (thanks, I tried really hard to keep them in character, it was really hard with Kamui .), Reviewer (aren't they the sweetest? I love Kamui and all his masochistic ways ^^;; and he's always dressed in black so I thought it'll be a fitting role), Serenity Komoshiro (well in prologue, I went from present to past, I don't write out scene changes), Saris Yui (lol well I can't promise a happy ending ^_~), simply magic-eLite fenG (trust me, you're not the only one jealous ^.~), Anonymous, shinia, patricia16
Disclaimer: Don't own anything.
Chapter 1
"Forgive me Father. I don't know where to begin... It has been so long, five years since I last confessed my sins," she said quietly, now locked securely in the tiny wooden confession booth. Wasn't this what she wanted? To be so close to him that she could feel his warmth seeping through the porous wooden shutters separating them? He was so close, just a touch away, she could see his face through the elaborate wooden carvings, the little holes teased her senses with little glimpse here and there. Didn't she know exactly what she wanted to say to him when she finally saw him again? After all, she had been practicing and preparing for this moment for the past five years, till the point that she was ready to pour out her entire soul to him.
But now that her wish had finally come true... it was like all of her courage had been drained from her. All the words that she memorized so carefully flew away, leaving her with nothing except for her own raw emotions.
"When in doubt, always start from the beginning, My Daughter."
'My Daughter.' They used to laugh together every time he teased her using that nickname. She would've never thought that she would come to hate the very nickname that she used to cherish so dearly, the nickname only he was allowed to tease her with. "Yes Father... I am a sinner Father."
"We are all sinners in His eyes."
"Yes, but you don't understand Father! I have a husband who cherishes me and a beautiful daughter who loves me. But...." Her voice dropped off, so quiet now that it was difficult to catch her next words even in the silence of the church. "I couldn't help but hate them. I look at them everyday and think to myself. If it weren't for them, for my destiny, I would be with the man I truly love. I can't stop myself from thinking of him. I've tried to stop myself Father. But no matter what I try... the harder I try, the more I think of him and of how different my life would be if I chose him five years ago. I can't get him out of my mind... and I don't want to get him out of there."
"Stop Usagi!" he knew what she was about to say next. Five years and she still had such power over him. How cruel the human heart could be. "I don't think I am fit to hear your confession, my Daughter. It would be better if I ask Father Shuichiro to absolve you of your sins." He wanted to leave more than anything now. It was suffocating him, the tiny booth, her proximity, her scent that he had forgotten to be so intoxicating, and her innocent beauty that had only gotten more mature and sophisticated with the weight of the years.
"What's wrong, Father?" As quick as light, her voice changed from the soft whisper to razor sharp. "You have always been so good listening to my confessions in the past. Have you forgotten Father? Or do I need to remind you... Kamui-kun?"
"No! That was a mistake. It meant nothing. You of all people should know that."
"How heartless of you to say that Father. Did you lose everything when you decided to serve HIM?"
"If I am heartless, it is because of you..." He sighed heavily. "This is useless Usagi. Coming here tonight will not change anything. I do not love you anymore as a lover. I threw away all my material processions and emotions five years ago when you decided to become Chiba Usagi. Now there is only one I love and one whom I serve," the priest lowered his voice after the outburst sorrowfully. "There is no place for you in my heart as a lover anymore. Go back to your husband and child, my Daughter. Lavish upon them the love you claim to have for me. If you truly love me Usagi, forget about me. Leave me in peace and let me forget you too." Oh Lord, how it hurt to say those words. It was true what he said earlier, they were all sinners, and he was a bigger sinner than she was. He, who gave his life and soul to serve God; he, who was chosen by God so many years ago to decide the fate of this world; and he who couldn't let go of this woman.
"Why do you ask the impossible of me? Don't you think I've tried to forget everything about you? Don't you think I've hated you enough over the years and myself too?" Was her reply that barely came out as she choked over a sob. "If I could forget and forgive, I wouldn't be right here tonight."
It was impossible to tell who was suffering more. The more they hurt inside, the more they hurt the other. Pain only created more pain, an endless cycle that dragged them deeper and deeper. "I love only Him now, Usagi." He lied.
"If it weren't for me, you would still be hating Him right now. I hate myself for letting you go. If only I could turn back time, I would rather keep you in the dark forever so you would never abandon me for Him."
"Don't say that. What's passed is past."
"You forget who you're talking to Father," a twisted smile transformed her face into something sinisterly seductive. "I may not have as many followers as he does, but I have the Key to Time. One command from me and Pluto will take me back to that time again."
"And why haven't you?" the simple question penetrated the air between them. "Because you know that I would never forgive you for doing something like that. Because you know that I would never be the same if you hadn't saved me all those years ago. You can't change who you are Usagi. Even when you came to me today, I can still see that young girl shinning through your troubles. Don't hate because of me, My Daughter. I would never forgive myself if I were the one who tainted your purity."
"Too late for that now Father," the sound of silk gilding off a slim firm body was heard, followed by a sharp gasp from the other side of the confession booth.
"Get thee away, Satan."
~*~*~*~
"Sailormoon?" All the senshi looked fearfully at their leader who stood there after the youma they were fighting disintegrated with Sailormoon's attack. Normally the girl would be jumping up and down with gee, but lately she would just stand there rooted to the ground, staring at nothing. It was bad enough that she was spacing out during the day, but it was too dangerous to see their Princess so lifeless during a battle. She might not be worried for her life, but the rest of the world depended on her. Everyone transformed back and approached their leader slowly. Ami reached out a hand and gently picked up Sailormoon's white-gloved hands.
"Usagi, the youma is dusted. You can transform back now," the blue haired girl said quietly. Ever since that day when Usagi took them to the church, she had been acting like this. It was not just weird, but scary. They had never seen their princess like this before, not even when the Dark Kingdom took Mamoru. At least then she would still talk to the rest of them. Now it seemed like she was away in a different world. Who was that young man Usagi met? Did he cast a spell on her or something that made her behave this way?
"Sorry guys, I have to go now," all of a sudden, like a snap of the finger, the sapphire eyes blinked and Sailormoon in a flash of bright light turned into a petite blonde girl. Without acknowledging her worried friends, the bunny turned and left the four girls stunned.
"You know guys, I've been thinking," Ami started while the four senshi stared as their leader disappeared into the night. "Usagi-chan hasn't been acting like herself lately."
A snort interrupted the blue haired girl. "That's such an understatement Ami. The odango-atama isn't here at all is what you should've said. Her mind is somewhere else. She's even more spacey than usual," Rei cut in, even though she spoke in anger, the others knew it was because she was more worried than any of them for their princess.
"Yes and it started when she took us to that church that day remember?" Ami continued. "There was supposed to be a young man that she saved, but when we got there, there was no one there. Usagi-chan seemed really upset over it."
"It must've been so creepy though," Minako shivered. "Finding a bloody body in an old broken down church. Sounds like one of those murder mysteries, with words written in blood," the blonde couldn't help the chills that crawled down her back. Even though she wasn't at the scene herself, the briefing she got from the others was enough to give her bad vibes.
"Well I think that Usagi is so worried that she can't stop thinking about him. I think that Usagi is so worried that she can't stop thinking about him. It's gotten to the point that she's not caring about her own health. Maybe if we find that boy and let her meet him again, she'll turn back to her old self once she sees he's out of danger," the genius of the group finished, looking around the girls for approval.
"That's a good plan Ami, but how are we supposed to find a person we've never seen before?" Makoto asked. They hadn't even started and already they had hit a dead end.
"I thought that maybe we could go back to the church tonight. It's late so no one will be around. I'm sure that the blood on the cross will still be there since it is an abandoned place. All we have to do is take a blood sample for DNA testing and since we know that his name is 'Kamui' all we have to do is match the DNA results to the right name," Ami explained and blushed as everyone looked at her with surprise.
"Ami... you're a genius!" Minako cried and hugged the blue haired girl so tight that she was starting to have trouble breathing. "What are we going to do without you?"
"Well at least we have a plan, now let's not waste any more time. The sooner that odango-atama is back to normal the better we'll all be able to sleep at night," Rei said as she led the way to that church.
~*~*~*~
What was wrong with her? Usagi shook her head when she turned into a deserted alley. It was not the safest place to walk during the middle of the night, but the last thing she wanted to do was to have the senshi find her like this. Her hands helplessly tried to wipe away the torrent of tears that mysteriously appeared while at the same time muffle her sobs.
She knew what the problem was. She couldn't stop thinking about him... Kamui, the youth she saved. How could he just disappear like that? Didn't she promise him that she would be back? For some strange reason, she felt like she failed him somehow. She might not be Rei, but deep in her heart, she knew something was not right. And just the knowledge that he was hurting... hurt her too. It was as if they were connected, but that was a silly notion. Mamo-chan was her one and only soul mate. No one could have two soul mates, right?
Usagi sniffled softly and tried to regain her composure. She knew that her friends were worried sick about her. Even Luna stopped nagging about all of her mistakes. But she just couldn't stop her thoughts from going back to that dark young god that she met.
It felt like she was betraying Mamo-chan. Sure, she only thought about Kamui-kun, but he had taken complete control of her emotionally in a way that the Earth Prince couldn't even begin to compare.
Heavy footsteps echoed in the dirty alleyway. The loud hollow sound made the young girl look around in fear. She knew it couldn't be any of the senshi. "Hello? Is anyone there?" Try as she might, she couldn't stop the tremor in her voice. Usagi tried to see through the darkness, it didn't help that it was a new moon and there were no streetlights. A cold feeling started to gnarl her inside.
Barely with enough time to scream, a large meaty fist punched her in the stomach. Usagi opened her mouth to gasp in pain as the air was knocked out of her. Her attacker chuckled under the protection of the night and grabbed the blond by her forearms and threw her against the trashcans. Usagi stumbled at the violent push and fell into the piles of smelly decaying bags, still too disorientated from the punch to move properly. None of her limbs seemed to be under her command more because of the terror that took over her entire system than the pain that was caused by the punch. Never had she been this terrified, even during her numerous battles and all the times that she had to face death. This time she was truly alone, and it was that thought that was scarier than the man who attacked her. Having been Sailor Moon for so long alienated her with the thought that humans could be much more dangerous than the youma she had to fight.
Her attacker easily brushed away her weak attempts at striking him and with a powerful hand around her neck, smashed her head hard against the cement ground. This time she did screamed in pain, as she felt something sharp slice through the back of her scalp. Not to mention her vision was clouded from the impact. Surely someone must have heard her, even in the dead of the night, someone must come to her rescue, right? Both of them froze for a minute trying to listen for the nonexistent footsteps before the man turned back to her. Usagi opened her mouth to scream again when a pair of hard cracked lips crushed against her own. They bite and nipped at her lips and finally forced them to open. More tears gathered in her eyes, as she tasted her own blood in her mouth. But the coppery taste was nowhere as sickening as the tongue that was raping her mouth.
How could she have let this happen? She thought as one of the calloused sweaty hands moved down her body while the other pinned her hands down. She tried to fight back, but the last few days of no sleep had taken its tow on her, not to mention she just finished fighting a youma. If only he was here, he would protect her. She was shocked that instead of the man with black hair and blue eyes, it was the face of a younger and shorter boy; one with stunning expressionless amethyst eyes. Eyes that she wanted to see full of laughter and life. That was right, she had to find him. She had to find Kamui-kun before it was too late to save him from his own darkness.
Her attacker grunted with satisfaction as the buttons on Usagi's blouse popped off with one rough jerk. The blonde shivered in disgust when she felt the drool landed on her exposed skin. The feel of the cold slippery slime was enough to make her hurl everything in her stomach. She had never had a stronger urge to purify herself... to scrub away the dirty skin that was housing her soul, but was there anything that could erase this memory? Would she still be worthy of saving Kamui-kun so tainted?
Her head had stopped hurting, now that she was accustomed to the pain. Only a steady throbbing numbness still plagued her senses. She forced herself to be as relaxed as possible under his repulsive advances. God in heaven, what did he want from her? Hell's fires must be gentler than those human hands.
Mistaking her pliability for unconsciousness, the man released her hands that were pinned down and grabbed her breasts painfully. It took all of her will not to scream out as he twisted her nipples cruelly through her thin cotton bra.
Desperately, while her attacker was still distracted by torturing her breasts, she found the sharp object that had cut her head when she fell. Taking a firm hold on the broken piece of glass, the blonde prayed that her plan would work. Opening her eyes carefully, she wanted to die at the look of beastly lust on the man's face as his hands started to pull on the bra straps before letting them snap back. How could a man lower himself to do deeds like this? He was a man old enough to be her father and yet she could clearly feel his arousal against her leg. There was no pity left in her for the man.
Silent as a viper, she struck out just as he was about to rip the bra off of her. Usagi felt a sickening kind of pleasure when she felt the blood and spittle spray over her body. Jerking back her hand with all of her strength, she was pleased to see the round object that the glass shard took away. The man clutched at his empty eyes socket, the screaming was music to her ears. With a sharp kick to his groin from Usagi, he fell back with no trouble.
Who was the one screaming now? Usagi thought bitterly as she threw away her weapon. The glass shattered with the eyeball bounced in the filthy water from last night's rain, dragging a long trail of nerves and blood vessels as it rolled down a sewer.
There were shouts now and lights from the dark buildings flickered on one by one. Why? Where were the people when she was getting raped? Why were they coming to her attacker's rescue but not to hers? Were they so immune to the atrocious act that it was common to see a girl being raped and not offer to help? That they pity a man who was as dangerous as he was?
A sudden fear gripped her. Standing over the body that did no more than bleed and tremble... what had she done? She had harmed another human being... and she enjoyed it too. All of a sudden the world spun around her and one thought dominated her confused mind. She had to get out of here. She had to find Kamui... he would protect her.
Without looking back, she ran.
~*~*~*~
"What's wrong Kamui-kun? Don't feel well today?" Fumma smirked at his Gemini as the two young man landed on opposite lampposts.
"I don't know what you are talking about Fuuma," the shorter of the two growled out, hate and anger coating every word. Kotori's death was still too fresh on his mind for him to forgive Fuuma. He could never erase the memory of Fumma driving that sword into his own flesh and blood. And he couldn't forget either that he was the root of all of this madness.
His return to Tokyo... no, his birth had set the wheel of fate cranking towards the destruction of the world. True, he hated Fumma for doing the unforgivable act, but he hated himself even more for turning the kind young man into this cold-blooded monster. After all, Fumma was HIS Gemini. Everything in the world must be balanced. There must be evil when there was good. Would it have been better if he had chosen to join the Dragons of Earth instead? No, he wouldn't want Fuuma to suffer the pain of seeing him kill Kotori in such a savage manner. And he wouldn't have met her... the blonde angel in the church.
He just barely avoided another attack from his counter star in time. The lamppost was blown into smithereens and several buildings collapsed under the sheer power behind Fuuma's attack. It was a good thing that he was with Sorata when they bumped into the Dragons of Earth. Without the monk's kekkai, this entire neighborhood would be nothing more than rubbish under their powers.
"Your mind is far away, Kamui. You should know better than to space out in the middle of a battle... or are you so eager for me to reunite you with my sister?"
The taunt worked every time; this time was no exception. The kind innocent smile of a young blonde girl was replaced by the image of another young girl. Only that image was covered with her own blood, and her beautiful eyes that had once looked upon him with love were cold and lifeless. The air around him crackled with his power. The raw anger was almost tangible. The concrete shook under him, unable to sustain such an enormous amount of pressure.
"Most impressive Kamui. Yes, let your hatred for me take over," Fuuma smiled and readied his own attack. This was the first time he had seen Kamui so confident. Something must have happened to his Gemini since their last battle, which had lasted no longer than five seconds. Something even he was curious as to why he--who awakened later than Kamui-- was much more powerful than Kamui? No matter how many times he had asked himself that question, only one answer came to him. And that was... God really did desire the destruction of the human kind. It was God's Will to give Earth the rest she deserved after millions of years of abuse from humans. The only way... the only future there was... to purify the Earth... down to the last filthy human. "I will win, Kamui. It is God's decision. Say hello to my sister for me."
The violet eyes narrowed as Kamui brought back his own arm to block Fuuma's move. This time, he would not be held back by guilt and self-pity. Strength and courage shone in the violet depths as his counter star drew closer and closer, their moves mirrored each other to the point of perfection. Faintly he could hear Sorata calling out his name amidst the monk's own fight against Nataku. But it was too late now. A hunger had awakened inside of him. A hunger for blood... the Fuuma's blood; blood to repay the drops that were spilled needlessly. He was prepared this time. Even if it meant dying, as long as he could take Fuuma with him. To stop all this madness... it would all be worth it. He had no regrets, save for one, to see that girl again.
"Kamui-kun, no!"
Just before the tip of Fuuma's fingers pieced his torso, the shrill scream froze the taller young man in the middle of his attack. He was surprised that someone other than a Dragon was present.
All battles were dropped as the Angels and Seals turned as one to stare in shock at the disheveled blond girl covered in grim and dark crusty blood. What was left of her white blouse hung in tatters around her upper body, exposing the bruised flesh for all to see. Her arms, which were presently hugging her body, were laced with scratches that still had shards of small glass embedded in the skin. Her hair was a glorious golden mess that had fallen out of her odangos during her struggle. Now the rich mass covered her body like a silken blanket, only marred by the blood that was still dripping from the wound at the back of her head.
But it was not her beauty that stunned the Dragons. It was the pair of haunted sapphire eyes that froze them to their spot... eyes that looked at Kamui full of tears threatening to spill. It was an Angel who broke the staring contest between the girl and Kamui.
"Who is she, Kamui?" Fuuma asked voicing everyone's question. Only those who were directly involved in the End could step through a kekkai cast by a Dragon of Heaven. It was impossible that the girl was a member of either side.
Kamui didn't answer as he leapt down the skyscraper he was battling on. The shock of seeing her inside Sorata's kekkai now turned into rage and concern as he realized the state she was in. It was as clear as day that she was attacked. But by whom? Who would hurt a girl as bright as the sun? He could feel the power stirring inside his veins, woken by his protective feelings for this girl. What was it about her that always made him feel so? Only around her had he ever experienced so many emotions without being provoked.
Usagi watched with wide eyes as the person she had been looking for landed gracefully after jumping from a thirty-floor building. How had she found him? After running away, she had let her instinct guide her through the maze of downtown Tokyo. In the dead of the night, without the help of street signs, she somehow knew exactly where she was going. It was as if something was calling out to her, and it was her heart, not her mind that had answered and followed the mysterious attraction, like a moth to the flame until she reached the kekkai. There was no hesitation as she walked through the green opaque energy barrier that stung every single pore on her skin as she passed to the other side.
What she saw though, made her more afraid than anything she had ever seen before. Her own ran in with the attacker seemed insignificant as she watched the two young men, flying towards each other, arms raised in sync, ready to plunge their entire arm through the other's body. She hadn't ever realized that she screamed his name until the two stopped, fingernails already scrapping against the other's jacket. The violet eyes that had been haunting her for the past few weeks were too far away, but did she just imagine the flash of relief on Kamui-kun's face?
"I see, so she's the cause of Kamui's change," Fuuma smirked, how very sly of Kamui. He had already found a replacement for Kotori, and so soon too. No matter though, the outcome of the battle had been decided. Even an Angel from God wouldn't be able to change anything. "Sorata-san, since our battle can't continue anymore today, I wish you a good night," The Kamui of the Dragons of Earth nodded to Nataku and the two leaped out of the monk's kekkai.
"Usagi-san," he had to clear his voice several time before any sound came out. He still couldn't believe that she was here... even though he was standing right in front of him. He lifted a hand to brush back some stray golden strands, but let it drop before it could touch her. No, he couldn't soil her too. One death on his hands was enough. She was able to see the kekkai cast by the members of the Seal. Was he the cause of that? Had he unknowingly dragged her into this madness? But it was too late to change anything. For good or for bad, from this moment on, she mustn't get more involved. He must never see her again. Some how just the thought of not laying eyes on her golden beauty felt like a direct stab in his heart.
"Kamui-kun..." the blonde girl took a tiny step forward. She was suddenly very aware of her own appearance. A feeling not unlike shame washed over her. She had no face to see him like this. She felt so tainted. Funny how the feeling didn't come when she thought of Mamo-chan. She couldn't put it to words, but something about Kamui made him seem... almost holy.
"Don't come near me!"
The harsh reply made the bunny flinch as if burned. Did he know about what happened? Did he think that she was that kind of girl? She wanted to say that it wasn't her fault, that she wasn't the promiscuous kind of girl, but no sounds came out. The pain in her heart was too much. It hurt more than all the physicals wounds added together.
"Don't mind him, miss," Sorata put in as he landed beside the pair. The monk scratched the back of his head in nervousness. The tension was as thick as the one between Fuuma and Kamui... thick enough to choke the third person to death. "He's always grumpy like this."
No one answered him; in fact the girl and young man were so absorbed with each other that not one spared the monk even a single glance.
"I understand," a weak smile graced her lips that trembled as she forced the words out of her mouth. "Goodbye, Kamui."
He was doing this for her. He bit his lip to keep himself from calling out to her. Why? Why did he have so many feelings for a girl he barely knew? The taste of copper filled his mouth. He hated the taste and smell of blood... of death. This was the right thing to do.
"Miss!" Even before he heard Sorata's alarmed cry, his arm had reached out on its own accord to pull Usagi into his embrace. The girl hadn't taken two steps away from him when her legs suddenly collapsed. Kamui breathed in sharply as his fingers felt the sticky substance in her hair. The texture was so familiar. The blue eyes blinked weakly and he saw a flicker... was it hope? Before they closed again and her body became limp against his.
"Sorata, go back, there's something I must do."
"Don't take too long, Kamui and don't let yourself be distracted," the older man joked but he couldn't hide his worry behind his joker's mask. He had to inform the other Dragons of Heaven of this girl. Fuuma was able to walk through his kekkai when the guy was still innocent... and look how he turned out. God, please don't let this girl be an enemy. Sorata prayed silently. Why him? Why was it always his kekkai? "Be careful. I'll see you back at the CLAMP Academy." Sorata said and held out his hand; the square kekkai shrunk until it was no more than a speck between palms of his hands.
~*~*~*~
"Yuck," Minako groaned. This place was even creepier than she imagined. How a scaredy cat like Usagi-chan could've spent more than two hours here was incomprehensible. The blond shivered as a gust of cool wind brushed against her neck, making all the tiny hair follicles stand up from her skin. There couldn't be... there were no ghosts... right? Unconsciously, she walked closer to Rei, who didn't seem the least bothered by all the abandoned church at all.
"There it is," Ami whispered, but the empty building magnified her voice until the whole church seemed to be shaken by the quiet statement. The blue haired senshi led the way bravely to the back of the church were the cross they were looking for still stood proudly. "This will take a little time guys, so make yourselves comfortable," she warned.
Minako sighed, just how long did they have to stay at this place? She thought as she sat down on the broken marble step. She wanted to be in bed sleeping right now, with Artemis purring at her feet. As if sensing her thoughts the white cat rubbed against her leg in silent support. This had better be worth the trouble. Whoever this Kamui person was, he better be goddamn gorgeous to make Usagi-chan fall so hard. The goddess of love smiled to herself. Her princess was so troublesome, but she knew that Usagi- chan would do the same for any of them if the roles were reversed. That thought calmed her down somewhat and Minako tried to be as comfy as possible sitting on the cold rock. She had a feeling that there would be a bruise on her bum by tomorrow.
Rei watched silently as Ami scrapped off some dry blood and carefully placed the small sample into a little slide that popped out from her Mercury computer. For some reason, she just couldn't shake off the dark brooding feeling that had planted itself in her consciousness ever since the whole Kamui incident had occurred. And a moment ago, she 'heard' Usagi's scream. Whether it was really her princess in trouble or just paranoia due to her worry, she couldn't tell, but there was definitely something about Kamui. The miko tried to breathe in deeply and closed her eyes to mediate, but the clicking noise from Makoto's pacing wasn't helping.
"Ami? Have you found anything yet?" Makoto all but growled out. The suspense was killing her. The silence of the church was so heavy, she felt it was going to choke her to death if she didn't say or do something. The pacing didn't help much either, judging from the way Rei was glaring at her. "Ami?" The taller girl asked again when her friend didn't answer. All three girls looked up and saw the fear on Ami's face.
"This couldn't be possible," the blue haired girl said, her hand that was holding the computer shook. Makoto quickly jumped over the alter and took the small device from Ami's hand before it could be dropped.
"What's wrong Ami?" Rei asked as she and Minako quickly got up from their place and surrounded the girl.
"It's not possible."
~*~*~*~
She was having the most wonderful dream... one that only innocent young girls dreamed about in fairy tales. Of a beautiful princess in the arms of her handsome prince, and together they were flying across the night.
Sapphire eyes fluttered open slowly and looked up at the face of her prince. "If this is a dream, then don't let me wake up," Usagi murmured to herself and snuggled deeper into the arms that held her so carefully. There was nothing she could feel except for the warmth around her. Not even the dark moonless night or the harsh winds that sent her hair soaring behind them could have damaged her happiness. He must not be mad at her anymore, or else he wouldn't be here with her. "I swear Kamui-kun, it wasn't my fault. He attacked me when I was trying to find you. Don't hate me, please. I don't care about being a Sailor Senshi anymore, I just want to be with you." She was still too entangled in her dream to notice that they were still flying across from rooftop to rooftop now that she was fully awake.
The arms that were holding her so securely loosened and the blonde girl suddenly found herself clutching the young man tightly so that she wouldn't fall. "Kamui-kun? What's wrong?" she asked in a small voice looking up to his face that was as smooth as a mask. Did he... of course he didn't know. Baka Usagi, now what were the others going to think if they knew that she told their secret to a stranger? "Ne, where are we going?"
"The church."
The answer, so curt dampened her spirits again, and she shut her mouth before she could say anything more that would make him mad. Just enjoy this moment Usagi, she told herself silently. Just feel the wind brushing back her hair and the security of his arms and how careful he held her; like she was something precious... so different from the way he spoke to her.
But all too soon the wind stopped and she could no longer pretend that she was still in the dream when he landed on the ground. She sighed and squirmed a little, willing the blood to go to her legs so she wouldn't fall flat on her face when he set her down. To her surprise, his arms around her tightened as if he had no wish to let her go. She blushed at the thought and stilled her movements, and together, just like how a bride should be carried, Usagi thought romantically, they stepped through the door.
"Usagi-chan!"
The bunny looked up in surprise when she heard her voice being called out. "Guys? What are you doing here?" She asked in surprise, not missing the hostile look they directed at Kamui and her or the fact that they were all transformed.
"Get away from Usagi-chan," Rei murmured darkly as she walked towards the two slowly.
AN: Two or three more chapters till the end ^_^ I have an idea of how I want this story to end, but as to what's going to happen from now till the end, I have no idea ^^;; All I know is that it's not going to be a happy ending ^^;;
Many hugs for Nozomi-chan for editing this chapter. All hail to the comma queen! Just kidding ^.~
Thanks to: No pressure (I wasn't aware that there were other X1999/sm fics out there, and I guess this chapter answers your two questions^^;;), anonymous, Invisible Rain (Lol, well I love writing crossovers with series that aren't really well known ^^;; I don't like to stick to the same thing ^^;;), LunarPrincess( O.o wow... thank you very much for the nice review. It means a lot to me ^_^ The TV series is quite different from the movie, and it's much better.), Datajana, Yami Nocturna (hehe you have more self control than I do ^^;; If I have an idea, I must write it or else I'll forget it later on ^^;;), MidnightDragonShadow, Kitoky (thanks, I tried really hard to keep them in character, it was really hard with Kamui .), Reviewer (aren't they the sweetest? I love Kamui and all his masochistic ways ^^;; and he's always dressed in black so I thought it'll be a fitting role), Serenity Komoshiro (well in prologue, I went from present to past, I don't write out scene changes), Saris Yui (lol well I can't promise a happy ending ^_~), simply magic-eLite fenG (trust me, you're not the only one jealous ^.~), Anonymous, shinia, patricia16
Disclaimer: Don't own anything.
Chapter 1
"Forgive me Father. I don't know where to begin... It has been so long, five years since I last confessed my sins," she said quietly, now locked securely in the tiny wooden confession booth. Wasn't this what she wanted? To be so close to him that she could feel his warmth seeping through the porous wooden shutters separating them? He was so close, just a touch away, she could see his face through the elaborate wooden carvings, the little holes teased her senses with little glimpse here and there. Didn't she know exactly what she wanted to say to him when she finally saw him again? After all, she had been practicing and preparing for this moment for the past five years, till the point that she was ready to pour out her entire soul to him.
But now that her wish had finally come true... it was like all of her courage had been drained from her. All the words that she memorized so carefully flew away, leaving her with nothing except for her own raw emotions.
"When in doubt, always start from the beginning, My Daughter."
'My Daughter.' They used to laugh together every time he teased her using that nickname. She would've never thought that she would come to hate the very nickname that she used to cherish so dearly, the nickname only he was allowed to tease her with. "Yes Father... I am a sinner Father."
"We are all sinners in His eyes."
"Yes, but you don't understand Father! I have a husband who cherishes me and a beautiful daughter who loves me. But...." Her voice dropped off, so quiet now that it was difficult to catch her next words even in the silence of the church. "I couldn't help but hate them. I look at them everyday and think to myself. If it weren't for them, for my destiny, I would be with the man I truly love. I can't stop myself from thinking of him. I've tried to stop myself Father. But no matter what I try... the harder I try, the more I think of him and of how different my life would be if I chose him five years ago. I can't get him out of my mind... and I don't want to get him out of there."
"Stop Usagi!" he knew what she was about to say next. Five years and she still had such power over him. How cruel the human heart could be. "I don't think I am fit to hear your confession, my Daughter. It would be better if I ask Father Shuichiro to absolve you of your sins." He wanted to leave more than anything now. It was suffocating him, the tiny booth, her proximity, her scent that he had forgotten to be so intoxicating, and her innocent beauty that had only gotten more mature and sophisticated with the weight of the years.
"What's wrong, Father?" As quick as light, her voice changed from the soft whisper to razor sharp. "You have always been so good listening to my confessions in the past. Have you forgotten Father? Or do I need to remind you... Kamui-kun?"
"No! That was a mistake. It meant nothing. You of all people should know that."
"How heartless of you to say that Father. Did you lose everything when you decided to serve HIM?"
"If I am heartless, it is because of you..." He sighed heavily. "This is useless Usagi. Coming here tonight will not change anything. I do not love you anymore as a lover. I threw away all my material processions and emotions five years ago when you decided to become Chiba Usagi. Now there is only one I love and one whom I serve," the priest lowered his voice after the outburst sorrowfully. "There is no place for you in my heart as a lover anymore. Go back to your husband and child, my Daughter. Lavish upon them the love you claim to have for me. If you truly love me Usagi, forget about me. Leave me in peace and let me forget you too." Oh Lord, how it hurt to say those words. It was true what he said earlier, they were all sinners, and he was a bigger sinner than she was. He, who gave his life and soul to serve God; he, who was chosen by God so many years ago to decide the fate of this world; and he who couldn't let go of this woman.
"Why do you ask the impossible of me? Don't you think I've tried to forget everything about you? Don't you think I've hated you enough over the years and myself too?" Was her reply that barely came out as she choked over a sob. "If I could forget and forgive, I wouldn't be right here tonight."
It was impossible to tell who was suffering more. The more they hurt inside, the more they hurt the other. Pain only created more pain, an endless cycle that dragged them deeper and deeper. "I love only Him now, Usagi." He lied.
"If it weren't for me, you would still be hating Him right now. I hate myself for letting you go. If only I could turn back time, I would rather keep you in the dark forever so you would never abandon me for Him."
"Don't say that. What's passed is past."
"You forget who you're talking to Father," a twisted smile transformed her face into something sinisterly seductive. "I may not have as many followers as he does, but I have the Key to Time. One command from me and Pluto will take me back to that time again."
"And why haven't you?" the simple question penetrated the air between them. "Because you know that I would never forgive you for doing something like that. Because you know that I would never be the same if you hadn't saved me all those years ago. You can't change who you are Usagi. Even when you came to me today, I can still see that young girl shinning through your troubles. Don't hate because of me, My Daughter. I would never forgive myself if I were the one who tainted your purity."
"Too late for that now Father," the sound of silk gilding off a slim firm body was heard, followed by a sharp gasp from the other side of the confession booth.
"Get thee away, Satan."
~*~*~*~
"Sailormoon?" All the senshi looked fearfully at their leader who stood there after the youma they were fighting disintegrated with Sailormoon's attack. Normally the girl would be jumping up and down with gee, but lately she would just stand there rooted to the ground, staring at nothing. It was bad enough that she was spacing out during the day, but it was too dangerous to see their Princess so lifeless during a battle. She might not be worried for her life, but the rest of the world depended on her. Everyone transformed back and approached their leader slowly. Ami reached out a hand and gently picked up Sailormoon's white-gloved hands.
"Usagi, the youma is dusted. You can transform back now," the blue haired girl said quietly. Ever since that day when Usagi took them to the church, she had been acting like this. It was not just weird, but scary. They had never seen their princess like this before, not even when the Dark Kingdom took Mamoru. At least then she would still talk to the rest of them. Now it seemed like she was away in a different world. Who was that young man Usagi met? Did he cast a spell on her or something that made her behave this way?
"Sorry guys, I have to go now," all of a sudden, like a snap of the finger, the sapphire eyes blinked and Sailormoon in a flash of bright light turned into a petite blonde girl. Without acknowledging her worried friends, the bunny turned and left the four girls stunned.
"You know guys, I've been thinking," Ami started while the four senshi stared as their leader disappeared into the night. "Usagi-chan hasn't been acting like herself lately."
A snort interrupted the blue haired girl. "That's such an understatement Ami. The odango-atama isn't here at all is what you should've said. Her mind is somewhere else. She's even more spacey than usual," Rei cut in, even though she spoke in anger, the others knew it was because she was more worried than any of them for their princess.
"Yes and it started when she took us to that church that day remember?" Ami continued. "There was supposed to be a young man that she saved, but when we got there, there was no one there. Usagi-chan seemed really upset over it."
"It must've been so creepy though," Minako shivered. "Finding a bloody body in an old broken down church. Sounds like one of those murder mysteries, with words written in blood," the blonde couldn't help the chills that crawled down her back. Even though she wasn't at the scene herself, the briefing she got from the others was enough to give her bad vibes.
"Well I think that Usagi is so worried that she can't stop thinking about him. I think that Usagi is so worried that she can't stop thinking about him. It's gotten to the point that she's not caring about her own health. Maybe if we find that boy and let her meet him again, she'll turn back to her old self once she sees he's out of danger," the genius of the group finished, looking around the girls for approval.
"That's a good plan Ami, but how are we supposed to find a person we've never seen before?" Makoto asked. They hadn't even started and already they had hit a dead end.
"I thought that maybe we could go back to the church tonight. It's late so no one will be around. I'm sure that the blood on the cross will still be there since it is an abandoned place. All we have to do is take a blood sample for DNA testing and since we know that his name is 'Kamui' all we have to do is match the DNA results to the right name," Ami explained and blushed as everyone looked at her with surprise.
"Ami... you're a genius!" Minako cried and hugged the blue haired girl so tight that she was starting to have trouble breathing. "What are we going to do without you?"
"Well at least we have a plan, now let's not waste any more time. The sooner that odango-atama is back to normal the better we'll all be able to sleep at night," Rei said as she led the way to that church.
~*~*~*~
What was wrong with her? Usagi shook her head when she turned into a deserted alley. It was not the safest place to walk during the middle of the night, but the last thing she wanted to do was to have the senshi find her like this. Her hands helplessly tried to wipe away the torrent of tears that mysteriously appeared while at the same time muffle her sobs.
She knew what the problem was. She couldn't stop thinking about him... Kamui, the youth she saved. How could he just disappear like that? Didn't she promise him that she would be back? For some strange reason, she felt like she failed him somehow. She might not be Rei, but deep in her heart, she knew something was not right. And just the knowledge that he was hurting... hurt her too. It was as if they were connected, but that was a silly notion. Mamo-chan was her one and only soul mate. No one could have two soul mates, right?
Usagi sniffled softly and tried to regain her composure. She knew that her friends were worried sick about her. Even Luna stopped nagging about all of her mistakes. But she just couldn't stop her thoughts from going back to that dark young god that she met.
It felt like she was betraying Mamo-chan. Sure, she only thought about Kamui-kun, but he had taken complete control of her emotionally in a way that the Earth Prince couldn't even begin to compare.
Heavy footsteps echoed in the dirty alleyway. The loud hollow sound made the young girl look around in fear. She knew it couldn't be any of the senshi. "Hello? Is anyone there?" Try as she might, she couldn't stop the tremor in her voice. Usagi tried to see through the darkness, it didn't help that it was a new moon and there were no streetlights. A cold feeling started to gnarl her inside.
Barely with enough time to scream, a large meaty fist punched her in the stomach. Usagi opened her mouth to gasp in pain as the air was knocked out of her. Her attacker chuckled under the protection of the night and grabbed the blond by her forearms and threw her against the trashcans. Usagi stumbled at the violent push and fell into the piles of smelly decaying bags, still too disorientated from the punch to move properly. None of her limbs seemed to be under her command more because of the terror that took over her entire system than the pain that was caused by the punch. Never had she been this terrified, even during her numerous battles and all the times that she had to face death. This time she was truly alone, and it was that thought that was scarier than the man who attacked her. Having been Sailor Moon for so long alienated her with the thought that humans could be much more dangerous than the youma she had to fight.
Her attacker easily brushed away her weak attempts at striking him and with a powerful hand around her neck, smashed her head hard against the cement ground. This time she did screamed in pain, as she felt something sharp slice through the back of her scalp. Not to mention her vision was clouded from the impact. Surely someone must have heard her, even in the dead of the night, someone must come to her rescue, right? Both of them froze for a minute trying to listen for the nonexistent footsteps before the man turned back to her. Usagi opened her mouth to scream again when a pair of hard cracked lips crushed against her own. They bite and nipped at her lips and finally forced them to open. More tears gathered in her eyes, as she tasted her own blood in her mouth. But the coppery taste was nowhere as sickening as the tongue that was raping her mouth.
How could she have let this happen? She thought as one of the calloused sweaty hands moved down her body while the other pinned her hands down. She tried to fight back, but the last few days of no sleep had taken its tow on her, not to mention she just finished fighting a youma. If only he was here, he would protect her. She was shocked that instead of the man with black hair and blue eyes, it was the face of a younger and shorter boy; one with stunning expressionless amethyst eyes. Eyes that she wanted to see full of laughter and life. That was right, she had to find him. She had to find Kamui-kun before it was too late to save him from his own darkness.
Her attacker grunted with satisfaction as the buttons on Usagi's blouse popped off with one rough jerk. The blonde shivered in disgust when she felt the drool landed on her exposed skin. The feel of the cold slippery slime was enough to make her hurl everything in her stomach. She had never had a stronger urge to purify herself... to scrub away the dirty skin that was housing her soul, but was there anything that could erase this memory? Would she still be worthy of saving Kamui-kun so tainted?
Her head had stopped hurting, now that she was accustomed to the pain. Only a steady throbbing numbness still plagued her senses. She forced herself to be as relaxed as possible under his repulsive advances. God in heaven, what did he want from her? Hell's fires must be gentler than those human hands.
Mistaking her pliability for unconsciousness, the man released her hands that were pinned down and grabbed her breasts painfully. It took all of her will not to scream out as he twisted her nipples cruelly through her thin cotton bra.
Desperately, while her attacker was still distracted by torturing her breasts, she found the sharp object that had cut her head when she fell. Taking a firm hold on the broken piece of glass, the blonde prayed that her plan would work. Opening her eyes carefully, she wanted to die at the look of beastly lust on the man's face as his hands started to pull on the bra straps before letting them snap back. How could a man lower himself to do deeds like this? He was a man old enough to be her father and yet she could clearly feel his arousal against her leg. There was no pity left in her for the man.
Silent as a viper, she struck out just as he was about to rip the bra off of her. Usagi felt a sickening kind of pleasure when she felt the blood and spittle spray over her body. Jerking back her hand with all of her strength, she was pleased to see the round object that the glass shard took away. The man clutched at his empty eyes socket, the screaming was music to her ears. With a sharp kick to his groin from Usagi, he fell back with no trouble.
Who was the one screaming now? Usagi thought bitterly as she threw away her weapon. The glass shattered with the eyeball bounced in the filthy water from last night's rain, dragging a long trail of nerves and blood vessels as it rolled down a sewer.
There were shouts now and lights from the dark buildings flickered on one by one. Why? Where were the people when she was getting raped? Why were they coming to her attacker's rescue but not to hers? Were they so immune to the atrocious act that it was common to see a girl being raped and not offer to help? That they pity a man who was as dangerous as he was?
A sudden fear gripped her. Standing over the body that did no more than bleed and tremble... what had she done? She had harmed another human being... and she enjoyed it too. All of a sudden the world spun around her and one thought dominated her confused mind. She had to get out of here. She had to find Kamui... he would protect her.
Without looking back, she ran.
~*~*~*~
"What's wrong Kamui-kun? Don't feel well today?" Fumma smirked at his Gemini as the two young man landed on opposite lampposts.
"I don't know what you are talking about Fuuma," the shorter of the two growled out, hate and anger coating every word. Kotori's death was still too fresh on his mind for him to forgive Fuuma. He could never erase the memory of Fumma driving that sword into his own flesh and blood. And he couldn't forget either that he was the root of all of this madness.
His return to Tokyo... no, his birth had set the wheel of fate cranking towards the destruction of the world. True, he hated Fumma for doing the unforgivable act, but he hated himself even more for turning the kind young man into this cold-blooded monster. After all, Fumma was HIS Gemini. Everything in the world must be balanced. There must be evil when there was good. Would it have been better if he had chosen to join the Dragons of Earth instead? No, he wouldn't want Fuuma to suffer the pain of seeing him kill Kotori in such a savage manner. And he wouldn't have met her... the blonde angel in the church.
He just barely avoided another attack from his counter star in time. The lamppost was blown into smithereens and several buildings collapsed under the sheer power behind Fuuma's attack. It was a good thing that he was with Sorata when they bumped into the Dragons of Earth. Without the monk's kekkai, this entire neighborhood would be nothing more than rubbish under their powers.
"Your mind is far away, Kamui. You should know better than to space out in the middle of a battle... or are you so eager for me to reunite you with my sister?"
The taunt worked every time; this time was no exception. The kind innocent smile of a young blonde girl was replaced by the image of another young girl. Only that image was covered with her own blood, and her beautiful eyes that had once looked upon him with love were cold and lifeless. The air around him crackled with his power. The raw anger was almost tangible. The concrete shook under him, unable to sustain such an enormous amount of pressure.
"Most impressive Kamui. Yes, let your hatred for me take over," Fuuma smiled and readied his own attack. This was the first time he had seen Kamui so confident. Something must have happened to his Gemini since their last battle, which had lasted no longer than five seconds. Something even he was curious as to why he--who awakened later than Kamui-- was much more powerful than Kamui? No matter how many times he had asked himself that question, only one answer came to him. And that was... God really did desire the destruction of the human kind. It was God's Will to give Earth the rest she deserved after millions of years of abuse from humans. The only way... the only future there was... to purify the Earth... down to the last filthy human. "I will win, Kamui. It is God's decision. Say hello to my sister for me."
The violet eyes narrowed as Kamui brought back his own arm to block Fuuma's move. This time, he would not be held back by guilt and self-pity. Strength and courage shone in the violet depths as his counter star drew closer and closer, their moves mirrored each other to the point of perfection. Faintly he could hear Sorata calling out his name amidst the monk's own fight against Nataku. But it was too late now. A hunger had awakened inside of him. A hunger for blood... the Fuuma's blood; blood to repay the drops that were spilled needlessly. He was prepared this time. Even if it meant dying, as long as he could take Fuuma with him. To stop all this madness... it would all be worth it. He had no regrets, save for one, to see that girl again.
"Kamui-kun, no!"
Just before the tip of Fuuma's fingers pieced his torso, the shrill scream froze the taller young man in the middle of his attack. He was surprised that someone other than a Dragon was present.
All battles were dropped as the Angels and Seals turned as one to stare in shock at the disheveled blond girl covered in grim and dark crusty blood. What was left of her white blouse hung in tatters around her upper body, exposing the bruised flesh for all to see. Her arms, which were presently hugging her body, were laced with scratches that still had shards of small glass embedded in the skin. Her hair was a glorious golden mess that had fallen out of her odangos during her struggle. Now the rich mass covered her body like a silken blanket, only marred by the blood that was still dripping from the wound at the back of her head.
But it was not her beauty that stunned the Dragons. It was the pair of haunted sapphire eyes that froze them to their spot... eyes that looked at Kamui full of tears threatening to spill. It was an Angel who broke the staring contest between the girl and Kamui.
"Who is she, Kamui?" Fuuma asked voicing everyone's question. Only those who were directly involved in the End could step through a kekkai cast by a Dragon of Heaven. It was impossible that the girl was a member of either side.
Kamui didn't answer as he leapt down the skyscraper he was battling on. The shock of seeing her inside Sorata's kekkai now turned into rage and concern as he realized the state she was in. It was as clear as day that she was attacked. But by whom? Who would hurt a girl as bright as the sun? He could feel the power stirring inside his veins, woken by his protective feelings for this girl. What was it about her that always made him feel so? Only around her had he ever experienced so many emotions without being provoked.
Usagi watched with wide eyes as the person she had been looking for landed gracefully after jumping from a thirty-floor building. How had she found him? After running away, she had let her instinct guide her through the maze of downtown Tokyo. In the dead of the night, without the help of street signs, she somehow knew exactly where she was going. It was as if something was calling out to her, and it was her heart, not her mind that had answered and followed the mysterious attraction, like a moth to the flame until she reached the kekkai. There was no hesitation as she walked through the green opaque energy barrier that stung every single pore on her skin as she passed to the other side.
What she saw though, made her more afraid than anything she had ever seen before. Her own ran in with the attacker seemed insignificant as she watched the two young men, flying towards each other, arms raised in sync, ready to plunge their entire arm through the other's body. She hadn't ever realized that she screamed his name until the two stopped, fingernails already scrapping against the other's jacket. The violet eyes that had been haunting her for the past few weeks were too far away, but did she just imagine the flash of relief on Kamui-kun's face?
"I see, so she's the cause of Kamui's change," Fuuma smirked, how very sly of Kamui. He had already found a replacement for Kotori, and so soon too. No matter though, the outcome of the battle had been decided. Even an Angel from God wouldn't be able to change anything. "Sorata-san, since our battle can't continue anymore today, I wish you a good night," The Kamui of the Dragons of Earth nodded to Nataku and the two leaped out of the monk's kekkai.
"Usagi-san," he had to clear his voice several time before any sound came out. He still couldn't believe that she was here... even though he was standing right in front of him. He lifted a hand to brush back some stray golden strands, but let it drop before it could touch her. No, he couldn't soil her too. One death on his hands was enough. She was able to see the kekkai cast by the members of the Seal. Was he the cause of that? Had he unknowingly dragged her into this madness? But it was too late to change anything. For good or for bad, from this moment on, she mustn't get more involved. He must never see her again. Some how just the thought of not laying eyes on her golden beauty felt like a direct stab in his heart.
"Kamui-kun..." the blonde girl took a tiny step forward. She was suddenly very aware of her own appearance. A feeling not unlike shame washed over her. She had no face to see him like this. She felt so tainted. Funny how the feeling didn't come when she thought of Mamo-chan. She couldn't put it to words, but something about Kamui made him seem... almost holy.
"Don't come near me!"
The harsh reply made the bunny flinch as if burned. Did he know about what happened? Did he think that she was that kind of girl? She wanted to say that it wasn't her fault, that she wasn't the promiscuous kind of girl, but no sounds came out. The pain in her heart was too much. It hurt more than all the physicals wounds added together.
"Don't mind him, miss," Sorata put in as he landed beside the pair. The monk scratched the back of his head in nervousness. The tension was as thick as the one between Fuuma and Kamui... thick enough to choke the third person to death. "He's always grumpy like this."
No one answered him; in fact the girl and young man were so absorbed with each other that not one spared the monk even a single glance.
"I understand," a weak smile graced her lips that trembled as she forced the words out of her mouth. "Goodbye, Kamui."
He was doing this for her. He bit his lip to keep himself from calling out to her. Why? Why did he have so many feelings for a girl he barely knew? The taste of copper filled his mouth. He hated the taste and smell of blood... of death. This was the right thing to do.
"Miss!" Even before he heard Sorata's alarmed cry, his arm had reached out on its own accord to pull Usagi into his embrace. The girl hadn't taken two steps away from him when her legs suddenly collapsed. Kamui breathed in sharply as his fingers felt the sticky substance in her hair. The texture was so familiar. The blue eyes blinked weakly and he saw a flicker... was it hope? Before they closed again and her body became limp against his.
"Sorata, go back, there's something I must do."
"Don't take too long, Kamui and don't let yourself be distracted," the older man joked but he couldn't hide his worry behind his joker's mask. He had to inform the other Dragons of Heaven of this girl. Fuuma was able to walk through his kekkai when the guy was still innocent... and look how he turned out. God, please don't let this girl be an enemy. Sorata prayed silently. Why him? Why was it always his kekkai? "Be careful. I'll see you back at the CLAMP Academy." Sorata said and held out his hand; the square kekkai shrunk until it was no more than a speck between palms of his hands.
~*~*~*~
"Yuck," Minako groaned. This place was even creepier than she imagined. How a scaredy cat like Usagi-chan could've spent more than two hours here was incomprehensible. The blond shivered as a gust of cool wind brushed against her neck, making all the tiny hair follicles stand up from her skin. There couldn't be... there were no ghosts... right? Unconsciously, she walked closer to Rei, who didn't seem the least bothered by all the abandoned church at all.
"There it is," Ami whispered, but the empty building magnified her voice until the whole church seemed to be shaken by the quiet statement. The blue haired senshi led the way bravely to the back of the church were the cross they were looking for still stood proudly. "This will take a little time guys, so make yourselves comfortable," she warned.
Minako sighed, just how long did they have to stay at this place? She thought as she sat down on the broken marble step. She wanted to be in bed sleeping right now, with Artemis purring at her feet. As if sensing her thoughts the white cat rubbed against her leg in silent support. This had better be worth the trouble. Whoever this Kamui person was, he better be goddamn gorgeous to make Usagi-chan fall so hard. The goddess of love smiled to herself. Her princess was so troublesome, but she knew that Usagi- chan would do the same for any of them if the roles were reversed. That thought calmed her down somewhat and Minako tried to be as comfy as possible sitting on the cold rock. She had a feeling that there would be a bruise on her bum by tomorrow.
Rei watched silently as Ami scrapped off some dry blood and carefully placed the small sample into a little slide that popped out from her Mercury computer. For some reason, she just couldn't shake off the dark brooding feeling that had planted itself in her consciousness ever since the whole Kamui incident had occurred. And a moment ago, she 'heard' Usagi's scream. Whether it was really her princess in trouble or just paranoia due to her worry, she couldn't tell, but there was definitely something about Kamui. The miko tried to breathe in deeply and closed her eyes to mediate, but the clicking noise from Makoto's pacing wasn't helping.
"Ami? Have you found anything yet?" Makoto all but growled out. The suspense was killing her. The silence of the church was so heavy, she felt it was going to choke her to death if she didn't say or do something. The pacing didn't help much either, judging from the way Rei was glaring at her. "Ami?" The taller girl asked again when her friend didn't answer. All three girls looked up and saw the fear on Ami's face.
"This couldn't be possible," the blue haired girl said, her hand that was holding the computer shook. Makoto quickly jumped over the alter and took the small device from Ami's hand before it could be dropped.
"What's wrong Ami?" Rei asked as she and Minako quickly got up from their place and surrounded the girl.
"It's not possible."
~*~*~*~
She was having the most wonderful dream... one that only innocent young girls dreamed about in fairy tales. Of a beautiful princess in the arms of her handsome prince, and together they were flying across the night.
Sapphire eyes fluttered open slowly and looked up at the face of her prince. "If this is a dream, then don't let me wake up," Usagi murmured to herself and snuggled deeper into the arms that held her so carefully. There was nothing she could feel except for the warmth around her. Not even the dark moonless night or the harsh winds that sent her hair soaring behind them could have damaged her happiness. He must not be mad at her anymore, or else he wouldn't be here with her. "I swear Kamui-kun, it wasn't my fault. He attacked me when I was trying to find you. Don't hate me, please. I don't care about being a Sailor Senshi anymore, I just want to be with you." She was still too entangled in her dream to notice that they were still flying across from rooftop to rooftop now that she was fully awake.
The arms that were holding her so securely loosened and the blonde girl suddenly found herself clutching the young man tightly so that she wouldn't fall. "Kamui-kun? What's wrong?" she asked in a small voice looking up to his face that was as smooth as a mask. Did he... of course he didn't know. Baka Usagi, now what were the others going to think if they knew that she told their secret to a stranger? "Ne, where are we going?"
"The church."
The answer, so curt dampened her spirits again, and she shut her mouth before she could say anything more that would make him mad. Just enjoy this moment Usagi, she told herself silently. Just feel the wind brushing back her hair and the security of his arms and how careful he held her; like she was something precious... so different from the way he spoke to her.
But all too soon the wind stopped and she could no longer pretend that she was still in the dream when he landed on the ground. She sighed and squirmed a little, willing the blood to go to her legs so she wouldn't fall flat on her face when he set her down. To her surprise, his arms around her tightened as if he had no wish to let her go. She blushed at the thought and stilled her movements, and together, just like how a bride should be carried, Usagi thought romantically, they stepped through the door.
"Usagi-chan!"
The bunny looked up in surprise when she heard her voice being called out. "Guys? What are you doing here?" She asked in surprise, not missing the hostile look they directed at Kamui and her or the fact that they were all transformed.
"Get away from Usagi-chan," Rei murmured darkly as she walked towards the two slowly.
AN: Two or three more chapters till the end ^_^ I have an idea of how I want this story to end, but as to what's going to happen from now till the end, I have no idea ^^;; All I know is that it's not going to be a happy ending ^^;;