Hello All, Here it is the conclusion to She'll Never Know How Much I Love Her...I'll be posting the Epilogue tonight or tomorrow. Please R & R and let me know what you think?
Author's Notes - 'Denotes People's Thoughts' Thank You to Nanami Sakura- Too wonderful for words.
Thanks also go out to Surfer Cresent, Card Captor Eternity, James Stutz, Thanks for sticking with it.
I know hurry on to the story
She'll Never Know How Much I Love Her
Chapter 5
Mamoru opened his eye's to see Michiru and Ami sitting together quietly talking. When he sat up they both turned looking at him. Michiru spoke first.
"Where is Haruka?" She looked interested, glancing at Haruka's motionless body.
"She was able to maintain the link without me." He glanced uneasily at Haruka also before continuing. "I don't know how that is possible though."
Michiru smiled softly before answering his unasked question. "That is easy. Her love allows her to link to Usagi. It is no different then yours." Mamoru's head shot up in surprise.
"What do you mean?" He glanced curiously at Michiru, confused at what this implied.
"Just what I said. Her love for Usagi is no different than yours and that allows for her link to Usagi." Michiru sat gauging Mamo-chan's reaction.
His eye's widened in shock as he sat reeling. 'That answers a lot of questions!' Shrugging it off for the moment he decided to explore it in depth later. At the moment Usagi needed their help.
Michiru watched as he shrugged it off. "Well what have you discovered?" She waited expectantly for him to explain.
Mamoru looked at both Ami and Michiru before speaking. "It is me...sort of." He looked towards Ami as he continued. "You remember when all of you faced Beryl and I was...well evil? When Usagi handed me the locket the evil essence that Beryl created was sucked out. When Usagi collapsed after defeating Beryl that entity slipped into her. It's been using her energy to grow stronger. That's why she was so weak after holding the Holy Grail. It plans on killing her so it can slip back into me."
Both Ami and Michiru looked rather surprised.
"That is why she kept saying Mamo-chan." Ami smiled in relief. "I told you Mamoru wouldn't hurt her."
Mamoru looked at Ami in surprise. "But I am at fault for placing her in danger." The guilt he felt was written all over his face.
Haruka felt Usagi's relief when Prince Endymion decided he wasn't ready to kill her. Leaving her alone in the dark again she began to panic. 'Kitten, I am going to try and find you. I need you to talk to me so I may follow your voice'
'O..okay. But I don't know where I am. It is dark and I can't move. I hope you can find me. This darkness is creepy.' Haruka felt her fear and tried to approach it.
Moving through Usagi's mind was unlike anything she had ever experienced. It was like moving through a dense fog. She moved according to the strength of Usagi's feelings. When the fear was almost overpowering she knew she had found Usagi.
'I can't see you because of the dark but I can sense you close by Kitten. I need you try something. I want you to imagine light. A soft nice light will do. You are going to have to work hard but I know you can do this.'
Usagi thought hard about moonlight concentrating on a memory of a beautiful night she had spent with Mamo-chan in the park. Within seconds she had a soft glow illuminating the area directly in front of her.
'I can see the light Kitten. I am getting close.' She approached the light and was happy to see Usagi even looking as bad as she did. She was clothed as Princess Serenity and there was blood staining the front of her dress. Her cheek was black and blue and her hands were handcuffed to a ring set in stone. Moving closer she strolled right up to Usagi.
'Kitten, I have been so worried since last night.' Usagi gave her an odd glance.
'Last night? What are you talking about?' She looked thuroughly confused.
'Don't you remember me putting you in my car? That is when you told me that Mamoru was trying to kill you.'
Usagi looked even more confused. 'I am sorry the last thing I remember is a bright flash of light as I was heading to Mamo-chan's apartment. I have been here where ever here is since then.'
'You mean you don't know.' She looked at Usagi pondering how to tell her.
'Don't know what? Haruka are you okay? You look odd.'
'Kitten we are in your head. I am only here because, well Mamoru brought me and for some reason I was able to stay. We are in my apartment in the spare bedroom. I found you on the sidewalk last night.'
Trying to ease Usagi's despair she decided to tease her a bit. 'By the way your mother is really worried. She would not let us take you to the hospital. Instead she asked that we summon Mercury and rely on her knowledge.'
Usagi's eyes grew round as she took in Haruka's thoughts. 'You saw my mother?'
'Yes Kitten it just so happened I was holding your hand and she brought us through her link to you.' Haruka smiled to see Usagi's shock.
'Now about that date? Where would you like to go?' With an odd look on her face Haruka waited for a response from Usagi.
'Uhhmmm where ever you like is fine.' She looked a bit unsure as she tried to understand Haruka's odd look. It kind of reminded her of Mamo-chan at certain times. 'Like right before he kisses me!' Her mind went blank at the thought.
Haruka leaned in close and pecked her on the forhead. Grinning, she watched Usagi blush. Giving the girl no time to think about it she abruptly changed her demeanor back to the all serious warrior.
'Now Kitten we are going to get out of this as soon as we figure out how to destroy this evil'
Mamoru sat at the table with everyone minus Usagi and Haruka. "Does anyone have any idea's on how to destroy this evil?" They had all been pondering the situation since Mamoru had hurriedly filled them in on what was going on.
"You could try having Usagi seal the evil inside of something but what would you use?" Rei pondered her own idea for a moment. 'Wait that's it.What did I do with it? Ahh it's at the shrine!' "I've got it. The perfect thing. Be right back." She directed her last comment at Mamoru before hurrying out the door. "Wait for me!"
Usagi asked the question she had been pondering. 'How can I see you if you are only here telepathically?'
Haruka thought for a moment. 'It has to be your mind. If he can create visions then you must have tapped into his power to visualize me.'
'But will he be able to see you too?' Usagi looked seriously worried at the prospect.
'I am not sure Kitten, but I will be fine. Don't worry about me.' Haruka tried sounding more confident than she felt. She did not know what this entity was capable of. Rather than worry Usagi more she tried distracting her.
'How does Yumi's sound for dinner? They have the best Chef there.' She threw a wink at Usagi and was pleased to see a hint of a smile cross Usagi's face.
Prince Endymion stood watching Usagi and her guest. Furious that someone was able to interfere he was plotting the best way to deal with unexpected company. 'I should be able to ensnare her. The question remains how? Hmm...I don't think something normal will work. This is going to be tricky.' He went in search of her conscientious link. Upon finding it just inside the barrier he began testing his power.
Haruka was about to speak when something odd struck her. It was just a feeling, no more than a slight tingle up her spine. She knew immediately something was wrong. She was no longer in control of herelf. Her linked conscience had been hijacked. She was no more than a spectator watching helplessly.
Usagi was getting ready to ask another question when Haruka turned towards her with an odd look. She leaned in close and without warning grabbed the decolletage of Usagi's dress. Ripping it easily she grinned with a strange light in her eyes.
The two pieces of fabric floated down leaving Usagi exposed. Looking on in fright Usagi spoke past the lump in her throat. 'Haruka what's going...' Seeing the strange light in Haruka's eyes she tried unsuccessfully to move away.
'Do you know how long I have waited to do this? Ah, beautiful, just as I expected. Michiru pales in comparison. I have often dreamed of this moment. To hell with Mamoru and his destiny. You should be mine.'
Usagi listened to her with growing horror, not believing what she was seeing. A bright flash of light brought Mamoru and the girls back to the scene.
'Ah, just what we need, someone special to do the honors. We have decided it is time for you to die.' Mamoru spoke to Usagi before strolling up to Haruka and slapping her.
'What are you thinking! You will be the one to kill her not drool over her like some lovesick puppy!' He snapped his fingers and a blade appeared in his hand. 'Now you are to kill her slowly. Take your time and enjoy the feel of the knife sliding into her.'
Mamoru Michiru and the girls still sat around the table. They were discussing idea's when Rei knocked at the door. Michiru jumped up and let her in. She hurried into the kitchen panting. She had made it to the shrine and back in under ten minutes, running the whole way.
'Here !' They all looked on as she set a small glass vial with a lid and a piece of parchment on the table.
'You must read the seal exactly as it is written. The vial has been blessed by Grampa and will hold the evil. When you read the seal the evil will be sucked into the vial. Cap it immediately and then we will dispose of it as soon as possible. Now GO! You have no time to lose.'
Mamoru grabbed the items and hurried to the spare bedroom. Opening the door he was frightened to see Usagi straining against the comforter mumbling. Haruka sat still in the same position as when he had left.
He knelt down near the edge of the bed and kept the items in his hands. He read the seal commiting it to memory. Slowly he began the deep breaths, centering himself until the room faded. He followed the silver cord until he reached the barrier. Setting his hand against it he slowly pushed through.
Mamoru knew in an instant that something was wrong. He could feel Haruka's presence but it was crackling with a black energy. 'What has happened? What did Haruka do? She must have gone in and tried to find Usagi.' Feeling for Usagi he was overwhelmed with fear. Without thinking about it he began to follow the feeling towards its origin. As he got closer he could faintly see light ahead. The fear was overpowering the closer he got to the light. Staying to the shadows he was surprised to see Usagi in handcuffs set in stone, dress torn down to the waist.
His eyes widened as he watched a version of himself hand Haruka a ceremonial blade. Mamoru listened to the words coming from himself.
'Now you are to kill her slowly. Take your time and enjoy the feel of the knife sliding into her.' He stood horrified as Haruka turned towards Usagi the blade heading for her heart. It had just pierced her skin when he yelled.
'STOP!' His tone was fierce and demanding. Surprising himself he stepped forward into the light.
"FROM THE POWER OF MARS I CALL UPON THE GREATEST OF THE ELEMENTS FIRE!
FROM THE POWER OF MERCURY I CALL UPON THE GREATEST OF THE ELEMENTS WATER!
FROM THE POWER OF JUPITER I CALL UPON THE GREATEST OF THE ELEMENTS ELECTRICITY!
FROM THE POWER OF VENUS I CALL UPON THE GREATEST OF THE ELEMENTS LOVE!
FROM THE POWER OF THE MOON I CALL UPON THE GREATEST OF THE ELEMENTS LIGHT!
WITH ALL OF THIS POWER I COMMAND SEAL THIS EVIL!"
Holding aloft the vial he could feel the elements at work. Almost instantly things began to happen. Haruka looked around in surprise. Seeing what she was about to do she pulled the blade back and tossed it away as it started to burn. Everything began to fade. He quickly threw the cap on the vial.
Mamoru hurried to Haruka and grabbed her wrist dragging her back towards the cord. By the time they reached the barrier it was so low they easily stepped over it and pulled back.
Rei, Ami and Michiru had followed Mamoru back into the spare bedroom and now sat quietly watching for any signs of chnage. Moments later Makoto and Minako crept into the room. Everybody sat quietly as Mamoru yelled and threw the cap on the vial.
When Mamoru and Haruka gasped and sat up, Michiru and the girls were instantly alert. All eyes trained on Usagi to see what would happen. Seconds ticked by and no one breathed until her eyes blinked open.
"Is it over?" Looking around the room seeing all of the concerned looks she began crying in relief. Haruka was the first person to reach her side.
"Kitten, it is alright now." Haruka looked towards Mamoru before continuing.With grudging respect she told Usagi the truth.
"Mamoru saved us both." Hugging Usagi gently she stroked her hair. "Kitten, I am so very sorry. I wasn't as invincible as I thought and I almost jeopordized both of us." She spoke these words quietly for Usagi's ears only.
Michiru could see guilt eating at Haruka. She wondered what had happened but knew that her lover would tell her when she was ready to. She smiled gently at Usagi.
"Princess how do you feel?' She knew everyone was wondering but hesitating to ask.
"I'm okay now." With a small smile for everyone she hugged Haruka back. "Thank You for saving me." Glancing up at Haruka she sent her a grateful look which needed no words to convey the message. The rest of the group slowly came closer. Mamoru attacked Usagi making sure she was all right. Smiling at her when he realized she was okay he leaned forward and kissed her.
The rest of the group smiled at the tenderness on his face. Michiru was the only person to see Haruka wipe away a lone tear. She quickly covered the move running her hand through her hair. Michiru strolled over and put her arms around Haruka.
"Koibito, I am so proud of you. You did it." Leaving it at that she just simply offered silent comfort. The group sat talking for a few minutes until everyone decided it was time for lunch. They all slowly made their way to the kitchen. Haruka brought out the extra chairs.
They sat sharing a meal and companionship, grateful that everything had gone well. When everyone finished eating they all had places to be.
Finally only Usagi and Mamoru remained with Haruka and Michiru. Usagi leaned forward and grabbed Mamoru by the hand and reached out and grabbed Haruka's hand with her other hand.
"I want to thank you both again for saving me." She smiled softly at both of them. "Haruka-chan, I owe you a date. When would you like to go?" She smiled at Haruka's surprised glance. Waiting expectantly she gently squeezed her hand.
"Eto...ano.." Haruka trailed off coloring with embarrassment. Usagi grinned teasing her unmercilessly.
"Come on you promised me dinner at Yumi's...Remember, just before you kissed me." Two heads popped up with surprised looks on their faces. Haruka turned an even brighter shade of red.
"Okay already...tomorrow will be fine and you should tell these two before they get angry that I only kissed you on the forehead." She ran a hand through her hair and chuckled nervously looking at both Mamoru and Michiru. They both looked surprisingly calm. Mamoru stood pulling Usagi with him.
"Well I had better get Usagi home. Thank you both very much for watching out for her." He aimed his words at Haruka. She nodded understanding the silent message. They had both learned things while saving Usagi.
Mamoru understood that Haruka loved Usagi as much as he did and would harm anyone that threatened Usagi. Haruka had seen his love for Usagi and knew how he felt. Michiru walked them to the door and said her goodbyes.
Returning to the kitchen she found Haruka sitting silently with tears racing down her cheeks. "Koibito, was is it?" She walked over to Haruka and put her arms around her. Hating to be weak Haruka pulled herself together before speaking. "I scared her severely and then to top it off I nearly killed her." The guilt was written on her face. "You saw how easily she forgave me."
"Did you do it intentionally?" Michiru asked bluntly.
Haruka shook her head. "No I my link was hijacked by that...that evil."
"Do you know why you were able to go with Mamoru?" Michiru looked at her expectantly.
Haruka thought for a moment. Shaking her head again she spoke. " No. I was wondering about that."
"It's simple really, Mamoru didn't know either. It was because of your love for her. Same as Mamoru. Only true love could create a link like that."
Haruka looked surprised and pondered the thought for a minute. "But I still don't understand."
"You truly love Usagi that's why you have a telepathic link to her. She forgave you because she knew you did not intentionally set out to hurt her. She realized whatever evil had control of her mind also had control of you in that time."
Haruka looked surprised by the thought. With a sigh she looked sad once more. "But with the way I scared her she'll never know how much I love her."
Michiru climbed into her lap. "Koibito it is alright. She knows enough even if she doesn't fully understand." Haruka looked at the wise woman sitting in her lap.
"I love you Koishii. Thank You." She hugged the aqua haired girl kissing her hair softly. "Thank You."
Well here is an end to Chapter 5...Stay tuned for the Epilogue coming later today or tomorrow. Please R & R and let me know what you think?
