Shadowed Love

Chapter 4

Dawn crested the city of Tokyo. The Sailor Scouts were all sound asleep in their respective bed. However Luna and Artemis were not; they sat atop Usagi's house as the sky begin to lighten to a sunrise.

"I felt a rise in power last night," Artemis said uneasily. "It must be Neocanus. Who else could send out that kind of power wave?"

Luna was nodding before he finished. "I've sensed his presence here for the last week. But last night, it crested. Ever since that girl showed up at Rei's temple; the one who asked for the protection charm. I've sensed a new power whenever she is around."

Artemis agreed, "There is something...familiar with her."

"If Neo has returned that means the Senshi of Shadow Moon is also here. Perhaps that girl is her and this is the beginning of the New Age."

Artemis thought it over before speaking. "It's possible. Shadow Moon is the Herald of the Future." He sighed and looked across the houses that dotted the area they watched.

Luna glanced at her partner, "Shadow also heralds the age of Truth and Power."

"Perhaps she is here to give Usagi the final jewel. Speaking of which, I haven't had any success in trying to find it. I have no clue were to start looking."

"I wonder if she is here to settle things." Luna shivered and shook her head, "Do you suppose she's hurt Usagi for Serenity's actions?"

They were quiet for a long time. The sun began edging closer to the rim of the world.

"I hope not. This start of Neo-Tokyo is bigger then they know." Luna finally admitted, " I don't think Usagi or the others are ready."

Artemis sighed, "This is the final evolution for them. Once they reach their Neo forms, that will change everything."

"We should talk to Neocanus; try to find out what the hell is going on."

"What if he is not aware of us?"
Luna shook her head, "He is, I guarantee it. He is the guardian of the Future. He knows we're here."

They were quiet as the sun broke across the rim of the world and lit the sky on fire. They watched the changes in color and heard the first morning birds welcome the sun.

Artemis finally spoke. "Then we'll have to guard the girls from finding out. This really needs to be between Uranus and Shadow anyway."

"How do you suppose Uranus will choose?" Luna glanced at him.

"I don't know. I wish I did." Artemis hung his head.

Luna nudged him until he looked up, "Don't worry; we know how our future turns out."

He laughed and nuzzled her, "Yes. We do."

Frost rolled over and was startled to find a large black wolf stretched out beside her. She smiled after a moment; "I've never had a male anything in my bed before."

He growled at her, "I didn't need to know that."

"Then get out."

He lifted his head and stared at her, "You used to love it when I slept with you."

"You're breath stinks. Unless you've learned to brush your teeth in two-thousand years, I'd like to sleep with your face away from mine."

He grumbled as he flipped his massive body over and the sound of snoring filled the room.

She laughed, "Men!"

She closed her eyes with a smile. Slowly the dream rose in her mind and the smile faded as she heard the music. It was a song she knew very well. It had been the song of her love.

Flashback

Chicago was called the Windy City. But tonight, for Frost and haruka it was the City of Love. In the background of the apartment, the stereo was playing their song. It was a song by TATU and it was the personal mantra of Frost and Haruka.

I will forget my dreams
Nothing is what it seems
I will effect you
I will protect you
From all the crazy schemes

They lay cuddled in bed, just enjoying each others company. Haruka had raced today, so she talked about it. Frost listened intently and enjoyed the feel of her lover's arms around her.

You traded in your wings
For everything freedom brings
You never left me
You never let me
See what this feeling means

"The track was slick today; I think they missed a few spots when they cleaned it. But aside from that, Chaney and Jefferson presented a slight challenge today."

The song floated into the bedroom.

Everything that you feel
Is everything that I feel
So when we dream
We shout...

Frost laughed at something Haruka said; they had shared a joke.

"Haruka, this can't last forever." Frost had admitted slowly."

"Why not?" The blonde asked as they held one another. "I'm not going anywhere."

Frost remembered her dream from the night before. "Yes, you will. You're going to get an offer from the Tokyo Racing officials soon."

Haruka had frowned at her, "How do you know that?"

"Because, I'm never wrong. Everyone leaves."

You say it's all complex
Passion can pass for less
We never bothered
Telling each other
What we were bound to guess
Will anybody care
We could go anywhere
Going through danger
Talking to strangers
Will there be someone there

End of Flashback

Frost awoke. She was in Japan, in the present. Still, she could hear the haunting music; the sad tune that had filled the apartment that day. As Frost had predicted, two days later, Haruka got the call. The following day she was boarding a plane to Japan and out of Frost's life. They hadn't even said good bye. Haruka wasn't good at good byes and neither was Frost.

Frost shook off the memory and let out a sigh. "Everyone leaves." She whispered and turned her head to look at the wolf beside her. "Every one."

She climbed out of bed and took a quick shower. When she came out he was still asleep, only he'd sprawled out, taking up the entire mattress. Crossing to her closet she pulled out a black sundress and sat down to comb out her wet hair.

"You're not wearing that, I hope."

She looked up at him and jumped as he was staring at her from the bed. His gaze was intense at times. "What do you mean?"

"My Queen, that is a very short dress."

"That's the point." She said coolly, "I have a great body; I might as well show off my legs."

"Are you going on a date with some unsuspecting young woman?"
"No!" frost was startled at the edge in her voice. "Damn it." She set down her brush and put her face in her hands. A heavy head rested on her thigh. She reached down and absently stroked the warm fur. "I'm sorry Neo."

"No, my Queen, do not apologize." His deep voice held sympathy. "I know how much Uranus means to you."

Frost remembered the day she got the tattoo. It had been a spontaneous thing. She'd been walking to the mall and saw the symbol in the window. Instantly she knew she would be wearing it. It was the best she could do to keep her lover close.

She blinked and realized her eyes were stinging with tears. "I've never cried this much." A thought occurred to her, it wasn't really comforting. "Perhaps I am turning into Usagi after all."

"You are of the moon, Chandra. The moon is emotional. It is no crime to cry when your heart is broken." Neo nuzzled his head against her stomach. "I wish I could heal your pain."

She smiled down at him, "You're more of a comfort, than you know."

Neo stepped away from her and trotted out of the room, "I'm starved, let's have leftovers."

"We're not having steak for breakfast!" She called after him.

Once dressed and shoes in hand, Frost came out of her room. She set her shoes down by the door and went to the kitchen. Neo had somehow put him self in the second chair in the kitchen. His front paws rested on the table top, he looked at her with happy silver eyes.

"I'm not having steak." She repeated.

"More for me, then." He said and she sighed.

Opening the fridge, she pulled out the left over steaks from last night. Pulling off the plastic wrap she crossed to the table and set them down. He looked at them for a second before staring up at her.

"What?" She demanded.
"They're cold." He said pointedly.

She rolled her eyes but put them in the microwave. "You're annoying."

"I'm starving." He panted hungrily to remind her of that fact.

As Neo ate his warm steaks, Frost sipped a cup of coffee. She wasn't a breakfast person, never had been. She loved food, just not first thing in the morning.

"So," She ventured once Neo was finished, "What's the plan for today? Do we go monster hunting?"

He licked his plate one last time and jumped off the chair. "Today you are going to show me around. The monsters will find us."

"Neo, you're a huge black wolf. How am I supposed to walk around town with you?"

"Your car?"

"Hell no!" Frost set down her cup quickly, "I'm not letting your furry body anywhere near by cars."

He tossed her a look as he left the kitchen, "You'll figure something out."

With that he wandered into the living room and made a show of deciding between the couch and the armchair. After a moment, he jumped ont he couch with an exaggerated sigh.

"Lazy wolf." she muttered to herself.

"And proud of it." He called out.

Sure enough, Frost figured something out. She had to buy a collar and a leash. The collar was silver and black and fit perfectly. She'd had to chase him around the apartment until she cornered him in the bedroom.

He finally agreed to wear it, but it had been agreed that he would only wear it outside of the apartment.

Neo frowned at her as she put the collar around his neck. "I'm going on record, I hate this idea."

"Yeah, well I hate the idea of you in my car. So this is the only option." She snapped the leash to his collar, "Why couldn't you be a cat like Luna?"

"Whine, whine...you do sound Usagi."

"Don't start."

They left her place and went down the elevator and left the building.

As they walked, Frost realized she liked walking with Neo beside her. They walked for blocks, just enjoying the silence and companionship.

They entered the downtown area of Tokyo and started passing retail stores. Frost casually glanced at them as they passed, but at one store she stopped. Neo glanced back to find out why she had stopped. He saw her staring at something in the display window. He walked over and stood on his hind legs. The window held dozens of CD cases of different genres of music.

Frost let out a sound, "Neo, stay here." She dropped his leash and walked into the store. A moment later she plucked a particular CD from the display and went to the counter. She paid them and left, the CD gripped tightly in her hand.

Neo knew something was wrong when she came out. Her eyes were haunted, sad, but also oddly happy. She kept looking at the album cover and smiling as if it were a secret.

He barked, because he couldn't talk here. She looked at him and the look was amazing. She was happy. Frost crouched down in front of him.

"Can you show your self around?" She asked gently.

He stared at her and gave a silent nod.

"Don't be out too long." She patted his head, unhooked the leash and turned to go down the block.

Neo watched his queen until she vanished around a corner. he had no idea what had caused this sudden change in her mood. But he was glad. Now he could go look for the two other Guardians he knew were here. Turning he raced off down the street, much to the surprise of the pedestrians.

Frost kept staring at the album cover; her fingers tracing the outlined body on it. She had destroyed her copy of this CD when Haruka had left. But now she held it again; already she could hear the songs she knew by heart. It would be good to hear them again; sung by the artists who brought them so beautifully to life.

The elevator doors opened and she walked only, only to stop cold. Standing in front of her door was a tall blonde man in a dark gold suit. The person turned and Frost couldn't breathe. Her heart stopped and she felt like her world was spinning backwards.

Haruka turned, and felt her heart stop in her chest. She was so beautiful. The look on Frost's face was one of sheer surprise. It made Haruka smile as she approached. It wasn't often she could surprise Frost, so the look was priceless.

They were inches apart now. Frost could feel her heart racing in her chest; the air was softly perfumed with Haruka's scent. It wasn't real perfume, it was just her. Each breath was shallow and never enough to fill her lungs. Haruka...the woman that Frost loved more then her own life...was coming ever slowly closer.

Haruka was about to pause and ask what was wrong. Frost's eyes had filled with tears. When suddenly the other woman threw herself at the blonde. The moment their lips touched, the world faded away. They hit the nearest wall and the kiss grew deeper.

"Frost..." Haruka gasped between kisses, "The door."

"Hmm?"

Haruka gently pushed her away and laughed. "Open the door."

"Oh, right." Frost fumbled with her keys as she tried to open the door. Haruka didn't make it easy by kissing her neck and putting her hand on the dress zipper.

The lock snapped open just as her dress zipper came down. Frost made it inside just as the dress slid off her body. Haruka lifted up, as she kicked the door closed. The passion swallowed them both instantly.

Frost awoke with a contented sigh and could smell Haruka on her sheets. Her foot searched lovingly for the leg she knew so well, it wasn't there. Instantly, Frost was awake and looking around.

Haruka pulled on her shirt and was searching for her socks. "Hey."

"You're leaving."

The blonde looked up, "I have to. Michiru will be worried about me."

Frost frowned, "Oh." She rolled over, ignoring the sounds of movement behind her.

Haruka was amused and surprised at Frost's reaction. She crawled onto the bed and snuggled the girl's long hair.

"Don't be jealous."

Silence.

Haruka kissed that pale shoulder, gently tracing the tattoo with her tongue. "I have to leave. Otherwise we'll never see each other again."

Still silence.

With a sigh, Haruka rolled Frost over and stared down at her. "You want to see me again don't you?"

"Yes."

"Well, then, this has to happen."

Frost's expression was empty.

Haruka knew that she was hiding her true feelings. Without meaning too, Haruka said what she truly felt. "I'd give anything to stay with you."

Something flared through Frost's eyes. Something that Haruka had never seen before. It instantly made her curious.

"Would you give anything to stay?" Frost asked quietly.

Haruka had a feeling that her answer would change things. "What are you asking for?"

Those beautiful eyes drew dark, like a deep shadow rising out of the depths. "Nothing." Frost rolled over and pulled the covers up over her naked body.

With a sigh, Haruka crawled off the bed. Pulled on her socks and padded to the front door. She looked back at the bedroom. With the door open she could see the edge of the bed. She thought for a moment she heard the sounds of crying. But shook her head, Frost didn't cry.

Pulling on her shoes, she opened the door and left. The door clicked firmly behind her, instantly locking.

Frost heard the door lock and cried harder.

Neo padded his way up the emergency stairs of the building. He had a lot to share with Frost, and he now had some information to work with.

Artemis and Luna had filled him on the last few years. It was nothing he had not expected. But it did give him insight into how the team had done with their Evolutions.

Plus he now understood that Mamoru and Usagi were indeed going to make a good ruling pair. Not many could survive the challenges they had and still come out strong in the end. It did nothing to ease his mind about the task at hand, however. Just because they were good as lovers, did not mean they were ready to be rulers. He wondered if perhaps things were moving too quickly. He wondered if maybe they weren't quite prepared for the New Age that he and Frost heralded.

As he trotted down the hall of her apartment he stopped abruptly. There was a scent in this hall; he breathed deep. He recognized Frost's and there was a second one. He followed it to her door and growled. He knew that scent!

A part of him was suddenly worried; he had to get in there!

Going to his hind legs he reached for the door handle. It didn't open. He sighed and looked around quickly. He closed his eyes and willed his shape to change. He began to melt into black smoke and slid in under the door. Once on the other side he regained his form and trotted quickly to the bedroom.

Frost was weeping and hiccupping from the emotions. Crying would not be enough to wash this away, Neo knew that. He came around to the edge of the bed. She had her face turned to the left, her eyes were open but she wasn't seeing anything.

He came up to her and nosed her cheek. She gasped and the sound stopped for an moment. Her hands reached for him and he allowed her to cuddle her head against his.

"She's gone, Neo."

He said nothing. Just sat and let her weep into his fur.

Haruka stood under the show and was haunted by the faint sound of crying. She wasn't crying. Frost doesn't cry. But those words were hallow. Haruka recalled the words Winter had said to her in Miami, "My sister has just gotten over you..."

Perhaps she had underestimated Frost's feelings. Perhaps the person she'd lied too wasn't entirely Michiru but herself as well.

Leaning her back against the wall of the shower room, she let out a sigh. What does this mean? The answer didn't come. A part of her didn't really want to know what this meant. How could she love two people?

There was a knock on the bathroom door, her breath caught in her chest.

"Haruka? I'm going out with Hotoru, we should be back in an hour or so."

"Okay."

Haruka waited until she heard the front door close. Her breath came out in a rush of confusion and she turned off the shower. She stepped out of the shower, wrapped herself in a gold towel, and crossed the floor to their bedroom. She sat on the bed and stared at the smooth surface. She pressed a hand into the covers; her mind showed her images of Frost. The way her pale body glowed against Haruka's. The loving expression in her eyes a they kissed softly after making love. That one look meant the world to Haruka; that loving glow in Frost's eyes touched the very soul of the warrior in her. It made everything up to that moment seem like a dream.

Haruka pulled her hand back and pressed it to her forehead. "What's wrong with me?"

Neo stretched as he stood up; he looked down on Frost who was sound asleep in bed. He had spent the night beside her; she'd cried herself to sleep and had woken twice with nightmares. Each time he had calmed her and she'd fallen back to resting, one hand on his side. She was cuddled up in a protective position now. The pale wash of early morning made her seem magical.

He jumped off the bed and padded to the living room. Glancing out the window he saw the skyline of Tokyo. The city was still asleep in the early dawn hours. But he had a feeling today would bring a big change.

Frost cried out again in her sleep; it sounded bad this time. He turned and hurried back. Jumping on the bed he rested his head on her thigh. She touched his ears and gently stroked his neck. Her breathing deepened and she returned to sleep.

Whenever her dreams grew this frequent and this bad, a change was guaranteed. He looked again out the small window above her bed. Today...something was going to change.

Neocanus opened his eyes as he heard music. He lifted his head, Frost wasn't in bed. He jumped off the bed and padded to the living room. He looked across and saw her curled up on the couch. The music he heard was English and sounded like Pop-stuff. He listened to the lyrics and was surprised at their sad content.

Can you tell me, softly
How you'll always haunt me
Can you help me
Hold me
Come to me now, slowly
You caress me, smoothly
Calm my fears and soothe me
Move your hands across me
Take my worries from me...

He spoke, "Frost, we need to go out today."

"Why?" Her tone was vacant, empty.

"Because, this isn't healthy." He trotted over to the CD player and used his nose to turn it off.

"HEY!"

He turned on her and growled, "ENOUGH!" He stalked up to her, "This isn't the behavior a queen!"

"Well maybe I don't want to be a queen anymore! News flash, buddy, this isn't the moon kingdom, I'm not a QUEEN ANYMORE!"

"Exactly," He snarled, "This isn't the moon kingdom. If you want her back, then damn it, do something about it!" He turned quickly and stalked back to the bedroom. If he could have, he would have slammed the door on her. As it was he jumped up on the bed and lay down with his back to the door.

Frost sat on the couch and was too surprised to do anything for a moment. Eventually Neo's words sank in, This isn't the moon kingdom, if you want her, then do something about it!

He was right! The idea flooded her with a renewed vigor. Haruka didn't remember their shattered love from the Moon. That would give Frost the opportunity to build love with her. Just like they had back then. Instead of just picking up where they left off, both in the Past and in the Present, they could build for the moment. And this time, their love wouldn't shatter, because Serenity wasn't around to get in the way.

Frost sprang from the couch and ran into the bathroom. Turning on the shower she quickly washed and then ran into the bedroom.

"Neo, you are right. You are so right!" She combed her hair and threw open her closet. "We ARE going out today and you know what we're going to do?"

He glanced over and did a double take, she was naked! He closed his eyes and sighed, "What?"

"We are going to find that third jewel and use it."

"WHAT!" He sprang to his feet, "What are you talking about?'

"The jewel, Neo. The third jewel. I am going to find and use it."

He shook his head, "Frost...you can't, its-"

"Sure I can, I'm a Moon Princess, well okay, technically, I'm a Queen. But that's not the point. I already have one of the jewels, just like Usagi does. I can use the third and create the future I want."

He had a sudden horrible thought. "You won't win her back with the jewel, Frost."

The woman stopped her frantic actions; her body went utterly still. Neo had a very bad feeling.

Slowly Frost drew in a breath and turned to him. "We shall see. I wonder what she would to protect her bless'ed Princess."

Neo's jaw dropped. Frost turned away from him and finished getting dressed. She calmly walked out of the bedroom, Neo had to shake himself, he raced after her.

She was almost to the door!

"Frost!" She paused, "This is the Future of the World you're messing with. Forget us, think of them. The WHOLE WORLD will suffer your actions if you do this." He was rushing his words now, "Chibusa will never be born, Crystal Tokyo will never happen. The Neo-Queen, the next generation of Sailor Senshi, none of it will ever happen."

Frost glanced back as she opened the apartment door. "Let's hope she makes the right choice then."

The door clicked shut behind her and Neo closed his eyes. "Oh no."

He had to get to Luna and Artemis, he had to warn them!

Continued in Chapter 5