As promised, here's today's chapter! If you've noticed (which I'm sure many of you have), I try my best to have an update every day. Why? Well I really don't know why I don't just make it once a week at the least...actually I do. If I did it once a week I'd forget and never post up new chapters.

Getting right into it, there's still a ways to go before the end. How much longer I've no idea. But like I said last chapter, Soleil-Lune's review for one of the chapters helped draw out this story. I have a vague idea on how to end this fic, but of course whenever I say that things do a complete 180 from what I had planned.

As per usual, I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters. Wish I did though 'cause then paying for college would be a heck of a lot easier...

Dozo minna-san!

!Also! This is a bit of a mystical-ish fic. That means some of the characters (I'm sure you can guess who) will have powers relating to who they are. Read to find out what I mean. And I promise this won't turn into a power-fest fic with powers being used every five lines or whatever. Again, dozo!

Centuries ago, there was only one Moon Clan. They lived far to the north but faithfully served the Emperor. A division soon arose within the clan. A group of warriors led by one of the nobles wanted to seize power for themselves. The rest of the clan sided with the Emperor and a war broke out between the two factions. Friend turned against friend, siblings turned against siblings and their parents. The north was in chaos for decades, neither side gaining an advantage.

One dark and moonless night, a group of assassins slipped into the room of the leader and killed him. When dawn came, the warriors still loyal to the Emperor found their leader slaughtered. They condemned what had been done and began calling their enemies the Black Moon Clan since they killed the leader of the Moon Clan on a night of the black moon. The Black Moon Clan began increasing their attacks in the wake of the leader's death, trying to break the spirit of the other side. It didn't work. Instead, those still loyal to the Emperor fought with renewed ferocity and began to call themselves the White Moon Clan.

More years passed since the start of the fight and both sides were still in a deadlock. But an elite group of warriors with strange, mystical skills appeared. They used their abilities and pushed the Black Moon Clan back. The Black Moon Clan fought back but the warriors were able to defeat the Clan. In shame, the Black Moon Clan fled from the north, all but disappearing from the land.

The eight warriors were honored by the White Moon Clan and became the personal protectors of the leader and their family. Unfortunately, as with all life, the warriors died. The sons of these warriors had no mystical powers. It seemed that the powers were passed down only to the women and then only to the first born. So throughout the years, there have been few warriors with the gifts their ancestors had. The warriors alive today still use their gifts to protect the leader of the White Moon Clan, but now they also use their abilities to stop the Black Moon Clan from seizing power and laying waste to the land…

Haruka took a drink of water as she finished telling Michiru a brief history of the clan's past, which had taken two days. "We still don't know who the leader of the Black Moon Clan is or where they're located."

"What were the mystical powers these warriors had?" Michiru inquired.

Haruka smiled. "Each one varied. Mercury was the warrior of ice, but she rarely used her powers for offense. Venus was the warrior of love, being able to sense the emotion in her opponent and thus being able to read their movements. Mars was the warrior of fire. She was also a miko and was thus able to read the fire. Jupiter was mistress of thunder and lightening and one of the strongest warriors. Those four were the main protectors of the leader and the leader's family. Venus was the leader of those four." Haruka stopped and fell silent, looking down at the ground.

"What about the other four?" Michiru requested.

Haruka sighed softly. "Pluto was the mistress of time. She could not control it, but no matter how long she was unconscious, she would know exactly when it was; day, month, year, hours…everything. Saturn was one of the most feared by their enemies. She was vicious in battle. You could always tell when she fought for silence would descend upon the battlefield. But despite her apparent bloodthirstiness, she was a kind woman who could actually heal minor injuries. But she never showed that side to her enemies." Haruka took a drink and set the small bowl down. "Neptune was the mistress of the sea and water. She was graceful, honorable, loyal, and elegant. Her beauty was said to be unmatched."

Michiru could hear a faint trace of adoration in the blonde's voice. "What about the last warrior?"

"She was the leader of the other four. She was master of wind and extremely loyal to the White Moon Clan, but her heart belonged to another."

"Who?" Michiru asked.

Haruka shook her head. "It doesn't matter. That was in the past."

"So…are you seven…descendents of those warriors?" Michiru asked.

Haruka nodded and slipped the white shirt off her shoulder, revealing the blue gold symbol of Uranus. "Each one of us has a symbol of our ancestor tattooed on our bodies." Michiru gently touched the symbol. The blonde warrior's blood quickened at the smaller woman's soft touch.

"So you're the master of wind," Michiru whispered.

Haruka nodded. "That's how I was able to tell there were ninja in the courtyard."

Michiru slowly nodded. "It seems you've been blessed by the kami."

The blonde shrugged and fixed her shirt. "I was blessed by them when I met you," she returned. She unsuccessfully stifled a yawn.

"You need to rest," Michiru ordered. She helped Haruka lie back and tucked the blonde in. The latter was immediately asleep as her head hit the pillow. Michiru kissed her on the forehead softly. "I was blessed too," she whispered. She suppressed a yawn of her own and pulled out another futon so that it was next to Haruka's. She crawled under the covers and drifted asleep as her hand rested on top of the blonde's.

- - - - - - - -

Haruka stood outside in the predawn light, her eyes closed. Two weeks had passed since her return to the White Moon Clan and she was finally able to walk around. The blonde opened her eyes and walked over to the training grounds. Several dozen thick poles stood off to the side, firmly planted into the ground. She grabbed a wooden bo that was five feet in length. She shrugged out of her jacket revealing a sleeveless dark blue shirt underneath. She wore a pair of loose black pants and a pair of jika-tabi. A black belt was tied around her waist and black bracers covered her forearms and the backs of her hands. She climbed up to the top of the poles and slowly began moving over the poles, swinging the bo in an intricate kata.

"How about trying out a real opponent?" a voice called up.

Haruka looked down and saw Makoto looking up at her, a hardwood bo resting over her shoulders. "Well…you might stand a chance if you try me now," Haruka shot back with a chuckle.

The brown haired ninja chuckled and quickly scaled up a pole. The two began to circle, carefully placing their feet on the smooth tops of the wood. Their staffs clacked against each other as the sun began to rise on the horizon. Haruka let out a short grunt as Makoto crouched down and slammed her bo into the blonde's left shin. Haruka lost her footing and started to fall. Her arms shot out and she managed to grab a hold of a pole. She looked up at a grinning Makoto.

"Come on!" Makoto taunted.

Haruka pushed off from the pole and slammed her feet into two different poles. She winced slightly at the tension in her ligaments. She let out a slow breath and closed her eyes, focusing on the energy flow in her body. Her left hand was positioned in front of her body, the palm facing to the right and her hand open. Her right hand was opened as well but was resting against her right hip.

Makoto glanced up at the sky as the wind started to blow a little harder. Her eyes shot back down to Haruka. The blonde leapt off of the poles and shot up into the air. She landed on the poles and swayed slightly as she regained her balance. Makoto leapt in, swinging the bow down hard. Haruka flipped backwards and danced away from Makoto. Without looking she caught her fallen weapon as Setsuna tossed it back up to her.

Michiru stood near a young girl with short black hair. "How long have they been fighting?" the geisha asked.

The girl, Hotaru, giggled a little. "Mako-chan's been trying to beat Haruka-poppa for as long as I can remember."

"Haruka's one of the best here," Rei added, her arms folded inside her sleeves.

"Its only when we fight her four on one that we have any real chance of beating her," Ami put in.

Haruka managed to keep her footing as Makoto slammed her staff into the blonde's face. She backed away and wiped her mouth and nose with the back of her hand. She glanced down and saw her hand was stained crimson. She spat to the side and smiled, adrenaline flowing through her body. Makoto rushed in and Haruka crouched down, tossing her weapon between Makoto's feet. The brown haired girl tripped and fell to the ground, landing hard on the straw and woodchips.

Haruka slid down the pole and helped her friend up. "Nearly had me."

"I would've had you if you hadn't done that focusing bit you did," Makoto shot back but a smile decorated her face.

"Then you should've attacked me then," Haruka pointed out.

"Do you know how to fight Michiru-san?" Minako asked.

"She's been a geisha her whole life, she wouldn't know how to fight," Rei returned sharply.

"I know a few moves," Michiru said, surprising them all save for Haruka.

"How about a little spar then?" Minako inquired.

"Only if we can do it on the ground," Michiru replied. Minako nodded and the eight moved to the sparring ring. Haruka took Michiru's gi jacket. The geisha was clad in an outfit similar to that of Haruka's, except hers had sleeves.

"Keep your mind clear," Haruka whispered. "She'll try to read your movements." Michiru nodded and stepped into the ring.

Minako smiled. "Good luck."

"You too."

"Minako-chan will take Michiru-san down in under a minute," Makoto figured.

Ami watched as the two circled, taking careful note of Michiru's placement of her feet. "I'm not so sure Mako-chan."

Minako suddenly leapt in with a flying kick and Michiru dove under it. She rolled to her feet and spun around, backhanding the blonde. Minako stumbled forward but quickly spun around with a heel kick. Michiru fell back on the ground and rolled to her feet. The blonde grinned and lunged in. Michiru leaned out of the way of her opponent's knife hand strike and grabbed the attacking arm. She locked onto the wrist and ran her other arm along Minako's elbow as she followed the blonde's momentum.

"Itai!" Minako cried. She reluctantly tapped Michiru, signaling she withdrew.

"Mind if I try?" Rei asked. Michiru shook her head and Rei stepped into the ring. The two began to fight, matching the other blow for blow. Haruka watched intently, noting how much better Michiru had become. The aqua haired woman was thrown to the ground. She grunted and looked up as Rei moved in. In a quick, blinding move, Michiru spun on her upper back and shoulders, throwing her legs out. Rei grunted as one connected with her stomach and she fell to the ground, staring in shock first at the geisha, then at Haruka.

"How does she know that move?" Hotaru asked.

"I might have taught her a few basic moves last year," Haruka replied with a shrug, a faint grin on her face. "I'm more surprised she kept up with practicing the moves really."

"That's enough sparring," Serenity said. The eight bowed to the leader of the White Moon Clan and straightened. "That was some impressive fighting Michiru-san."

"Arigatou gozaimasu," came the reply.

"But it's time for your real training to begin. I warn you, it is not easy."

"I'm ready for it Serenity-sama."

"I hope so, for Haruka-san will be your Sensei." The other six stared in disbelief.

"Serenity-sama…are you certain?" Setsuna inquired.

Serenity nodded. "My decision is final." She turned to go but glanced over her shoulder at Haruka. "Do not go easy on her just because you love her." Haruka bowed and the leader left, Haruka trailing after her, knowing that Serenity wanted to speak with her about something.

Setsuna rested a hand on Michiru's shoulder. "Stay strong Michiru-san."

The geisha stared at them in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Haruka-san is not an easy sensei. She'll make you work until she's tired," Makoto said.

"She can't be that bad," Michiru tried but the others shook their heads.

"She's a hard person Michiru-san. When she came here, I tried to teach her but her level of skill was already surpassed mine," Setsuna said. "That is why she's constantly sent out on the most dangerous missions."

"How could she have such skill if she came here as a child?"

"We don't know," Ami answered.

"No one knows much about Haruka-san's past, not even Serenity-sama," Setsuna added. "She's been a closed off person." Michiru absently nodded, wondering just what it was about her past that made the blonde the way she was.

One month later…

Michiru tried to push herself back up but her arms gave way and she fell back down into the mud. "Get up!" Haruka snapped, the rain plastering her hair to her head.

"I…can't…" Michiru whispered.

"If you have strength to talk you have strength to stand. Now get up!"

"I can't!" Michiru shouted.

Haruka looked down at the geisha, her teal eyes cold. "Then you've wasted my time," she growled. She turned and began to walk away.

"Haruka-san…" Makoto began, the others being witness to the training.

"No one helps her up," Haruka ordered.

"Haruka!" Setsuna exclaimed as the blonde brushed past them.

The blonde turned, her teal eyes cold as a cold wind sprang up. "No one helps her," the blonde repeated and walked away.

"I thought she loved Michiru-san," Makoto murmured.

"She does," Minako whispered.

"Sure doesn't look like it," Rei remarked.

"It may not look like it, but it sure feels like it to me," Minako said.

"Then why is she doing that to Michiru-san?" Ami inquired.

"To make her stronger," Hotaru said softly. "If Michiru-san can't stand by herself, then how can she stand with us?"

Michiru heard the others talking but didn't hear what they were saying. Her whole body was screaming in pain and begging for rest. I can't…do this… Michiru thought sadly, a tear sliding down her face. I was a fool to think I could…

So that's it? You're just going to give up? How…pathetic, a voice scoffed. I thought you loved her.

Michiru opened her eyes. "I do love her…but this isn't my life…" she whispered. But…I want it to be…

Then make it your life, the voice said. Get up! Get up and prove you can walk this path! GET UP!

Setsuna looked at the still form of Michiru. "We need to help her," Ami said.

"Matte," Haruka said from behind, her arms folded over her chest. They looked at her then back to Michiru.

The aqua haired woman slowly and painfully pushed herself up. She rose first to her knees, and then staggered to her feet. She lifted her head to the rain and let it wash the mud off of her face. She turned and looked at Haruka who had started to walk over to her. Haruka paused several feet away. Michiru rushed in with a punch and Haruka quickly defended herself. The blonde danced away from the geisha.

"Sugoi!" Ami whispered.

Haruka staggered as Michiru slammed her palm into the ninja's back. She turned and looked at the geisha, a proud smile on her face. "That's enough for today." Michiru bowed to Haruka. She lost her balance and started to fall when Haruka suddenly grabbed her and supported her, a smile on her face. "Easy," Haruka whispered.

"I did it," Michiru whispered.

"You did," Haruka agreed. She watched as Michiru struggled to keep her eyes opened. "Rest koi. You've earned a much needed break." She picked the smaller woman up in her strong arms. Michiru smiled and closed her eyes. Haruka carried her inside, ignoring the grins and smirks on the others faces. She walked through the halls and went into her and Michiru's room. She pulled off Michiru's wet clothes and put a soft kimono on her. Haruka changed as well and pulled out a futon. She carefully set Michiru's sleeping form on the mattress and pulled up the covers. She brushed the geisha's wet hair to the side and kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry I was so hard on you Michiru. But I knew you could do it. I knew you wouldn't give up," Haruka whispered. She picked up her shinobigatana and walked over to the window. She sat down and closed her eyes, slowly drifting asleep as well.

- - - - - - - -

A young man with dark blue hair walked through the halls of the large, ornate palace as snow swirled around outside. He wore a pair of baggy white pants and a dark blue jacket, similar colored gloves on his hands. His dark eyes glanced out of a window as he passed by but did not stop. An upside down black crescent moon was tattooed on his forehead. He walked into a large room and stood in the middle of the room. He bowed slightly to a figure sitting on a throne.

"What is it Safiel?" the figure demanded.

"Our assassins failed Demando-sama," Safiel answered.

Demando rose from the throne and walked down a few steps. He wore a pair of loose white pants, a white jacket with a designed embroidered on it in dark purple thread. A dark purple cape hung from his back, swaying as he moved. His shaggy silver-white hair glinted in the light, a black moon tattoo identical to Safiel's on his forehead.

"I see," he replied in a suave voice. "It seems that normal assassins won't do." He smiled faintly. "Send Rubeus and the four sisters."

"Hai," Safiel acknowledged and turned to leave. He paused and looked back at the leader of the Black Moon Clan. "Niisan, are you certain we're doing the right thing?"

"We were exiled for no reason Safiel. I will see justice done for our ancestors." Demando smiled at his younger brother. "I want this feud over as much as you do, but the White Moon Clan will never accept us." Safiel nodded and bowed before leaving the room, not entirely convinced but he trusted his brother.

Japanese guide:

kami: spirits or gods in Japan's native religion, Shinto.

Bo: Fighting staff between five to six feet in length.

Jika-tabi: Ninja boots with the split toe that made for easier climbing of ropes and whatnot.

Itai: Ow, ouch, etc.

Matte: Wait, hold on.

Sugoi: Amazing.

Koi: love

Niisan (Or Oniisan): Big brother (Note: This is the formal way of saying it and the way Safiel used it in the anime so I use this way too).

Things will hopefully be getting more interesting in the next few chapters. In the meantime, feel free to drop me a review. I like reviews. They make me work extra special hard on fics :hinthint:...though I'll still be working hard on this fic without them. I'll just have more incentive to work even harder.

Also, for anyone who cares, I wrote and will probably be writing the Black Moon Clan's parts to a song from the Myus called "Kekki! Hangyaku no Ichizoku" (Rise to Action! Rebellious Family). It just gets me in the mood to write for them. I be rambling so I shut up.