I apologize for not putting this chapter up yesterday, but I just didn't feel completely comfortable putting it up. But as my way of saying thank you for not maiming me because of it, you guys get two nice long chapters today with at least one major twist in the next chapter.
I'll stop wasting time and let you get right to it!
As per usual, I don't own Sailor Moon or its characters...Naoko Takeuchi does...I should learn mind control...
A warm summer wind blew through the training courtyard, kicking up a few fallen dead leaves and dust. The people gathered didn't seem to care or notice. They were more intent on watching a fight between Haruka and Michiru. Sweat clung to the women's skin as they weaved around in the sparring ring. Several months had passed since Michiru's arrival. The geisha had quickly mastered every fighting style she had been shown, shocking everyone.
Setsuna watched the fight from her position behind Serenity. Something about Michiru had been bothering the tall woman ever since the geisha had arrived. Her movements are fluid…like the ocean…like Neptune's… Setsuna thought. She watched the aqua haired woman for a few more moments when it finally hit her. She bent down to Serenity. "I've figured it out Serenity-sama."
"About how Michiru-san is such a fast learner?" the leader asked.
"Hai. She is Neptune."
Serenity's head whipped around and she stared in shock at the ninja. "You are certain?" she demanded softly.
"Everything makes sense. How fast Michiru-san was able to learn our fighting styles, how she says she searched for Haruka-san for a year, but most of all, the connection Haruka and Michiru have to the other. The legends say the original Uranus and Neptune…"
"I know," Serenity cut her off. A faint smile formed on her face. "The eight have finally returned after so many years." She turned to the fight and rose to her feet. "Enough!" she commanded. Haruka and Michiru immediately stopped and bowed to each other, smiles on their faces. They turned to the leader and bowed. "Kaioh Michiru, you came to us hoping to find Uranus and to be reunited with her, correct?"
"Hai Serenity-sama."
"Upon finding her, you asked permission to join our clan, which you have. You have trained hard in the months since coming here; showing skill you didn't know you had. You have learned much about fighting, but now the time has come for you to learn your heritage."
Everyone but Setsuna looked at the White Moon Clan leader in confusion. "My heritage Serenity-sama?"
"You never knew your parents, correct?" Serenity inquired.
"Iie, demo…I don't understand what that has to do with my heritage."
"Everything. Setsuna," Serenity ordered. The tall ninja bowed and picked up a bucket. She stepped forward and suddenly hurled it at the geisha. The latter's arms shot up and the water flowed around her, soaking the ground behind her. Michiru slowly lowered her arms, staring at her hands in shock.
Haruka stared in disbelief at Michiru. She…she's…masaka!
Serenity smiled. "You are the descendent of Neptune, Kaioh Michiru."
Michiru stared at the platinum haired woman in stunned silence. "I…I am?"
"You are. In time you will come to learn your abilities." Serenity walked to Michiru and the geisha looked into her eyes, seeing the truth in them. "Will you accept this path or do you wish to leave it? No one can decide but you."
Michiru bowed. "I chose to walk this path until the end."
"So be it," Serenity nodded. "The mark of your heritage shall be placed upon you, signifying you as Neptune, warrior of the sea."
Haruka walked to Michiru, having gotten over at her shock. "Follow me," she ordered. Michiru nodded and realized that the others who had gathered to watch their spar were gone. She followed Haruka through the grounds, walking past flowers and trees. "The symbol of your new name will be tattooed on your right upper arm by a miko. It will be painful."
"I understand," Michiru said softly. She nearly bumped into Haruka as the blonde suddenly stopped. "What's wrong?"
"You wanted to know whom Uranus was in love with all those years ago, didn't you?" she asked.
"You said it didn't matter," Michiru pointed out.
"I thought it didn't, but it does now." She turned and looked at the geisha. "Uranus gave her heart and soul to Neptune…"
Michiru blinked and smiled. "So no matter how many lives we live, we'll always find each other, ne?"
Haruka smiled. "Seems that way."
"After all, the sea isn't as beautiful without the sky." The two embraced for several moments before continuing down the path, their hands intertwined. They walked into a small shrine and knelt down in the middle of the floor. Rei came forward and knelt down on Michiru's right side. Ami placed a tray down next to the miko and backed away, kneeling in between Makoto and Minako.
Haruka slid around to the back of Michiru and carefully lowered the right side of her shirt, exposing her upper arm. She then slid around to the left side of Michiru and knelt ready to support the aqua haired woman should she need it. Rei glanced at Serenity. The latter nodded and the miko ninja began, carefully inscribing the symbol of Neptune onto Michiru's skin.
Michiru bowed her head, her eyes closed. She did her best to keep from wincing in pain, but every so often she did so. She held perfectly still, knowing that Haruka was nearby in case she should waver. She felt a gentle calloused hand rest atop her own and smiled faintly. Haruka gently squeezed the geisha's hand, offering her support. Nearly a half hour later, Rei set the pen down and wiped off the blood. She picked up the tray and stepped away from the geisha, as did Haruka.
"Kaioh Michiru, you are now a full member and protector of the White Moon Clan. The symbol on your arm is one to be worn with pride and honor. May the wisdom and strength of your ancestors guide you always," Serenity said. Michiru bowed. "Now, I believe a small celebration is in order," she said with a grin.
- - - - - - - - - -
Rubeus, a tall, dark red haired man, glared down at the town before him. A black crescent moon was tattooed on his forehead. He wore a pair of dark green hakama pants and a dark brown sleeveless shirt. Standing behind him slightly were four women. They also had black crescent moons tattooed on their foreheads. One of the women had long, purplish-blue hair, another had silver-white hair, a third had brunette hair, and the fourth had dark green hair. Each wore an elegant kimono and all five wore earrings in both ears with a crystal hanging down.
"So this is where the White Moon Clan lives?" the woman with dark green hair asked in a bored voice.
"Seems like it," Rubeus snorted, his arms folded over his chest. "Find out where the leader lives." The four nodded and headed down to the town, masking the tattoo on their heads on their way down. Rubeus began walking around the area, searching for clues as to where the White Moon Clan was based.
- - - - - - - - - -
Haruka and Michiru walked through the town, smiling as the sun warmed their faces. The blonde was clad in a pair of black hakama pants and a dark midnight blue gi top. A katana and wakizashi were thrust through the left side of Haruka's belt. Michiru wore a dark sea green kimono. Hidden in the sleeves of her kimono were half a dozen razor sharp throwing knives. Hidden in the elegant belt wrapped around her waist was a long knife known as a tanto.
Michiru halted at a small booth and picked up a mirror, looking at it. "When do we need to go back?" she asked, looking at Haruka.
"Before evening. The dignitary from the Kinmoku Clan will be arriving then."
Michiru set the mirror down. "Don't you like them?"
Haruka shrugged. "I've never met them personally, but one of the dignitary's guardians has feelings for Serenity-hime."
"Is that so bad?" Michiru asked. Haruka shrugged, absently fingering a small knife on the table. Michiru shook her head and looked around. Her eyes fell on four women and she frowned slightly.
"Something wrong?"
"Who are those four?" Michiru asked softly.
Haruka followed her gaze. Her teal eyes grew hard. "I recognize the one with dark green hair," Haruka murmured, her left hand resting on the katana. "She's Petz of the Black Moon Clan."
"And the other three?"
"No idea, but if they're with Petz, then they have to be with the Black Moon."
Michiru nodded and glanced around. "We can't let these innocent people get hurt," she whispered.
"I know. Follow my lead and stay alert." The pair walked down the street directly at the four women. As they walked past, Haruka stared directly into Petz's eyes and gave a small, taunting grin. She looked away and the two headed out of the main part of town to the outskirts.
Petz glared after Haruka. "What's wrong?" the woman with purplish-blue hair asked, following Petz's gaze.
"I found a lead," Petz chuckled. "Koan, Beruche, Calaveras, let's go." The four trailed after Haruka and Michiru, keeping a safe distance away from them. A large crowd of people passed by and they lost sight of the two women. Upon reaching the edge of town they were stunned to see the two members of the White Moon Clan expectantly waiting for them.
"Been a while Petz," Haruka commented.
Petz smiled coldly at the blonde. "It has. How long did it take for that wound to heal?" she asked.
Haruka calmly shrugged, the smile still on her face. "A few weeks. How long did it take for that lightening burn Jupiter gave you to heal?"
Petz's eyes darkened. "You'll be taking us to the White Moon Clan leader."
Haruka arched a brow and looked at Michiru. "This is the problem with the Black Moon. They don't exchange pleasantries."
Michiru nodded. "It's bad manners."
"And who are you?" Calaveras, the brown haired woman, asked.
Michiru smiled without humor. "Why not come over here and find out?"
"You think the two of you can take the five of us on?" Koan smirked.
"Five?" Haruka asked. She heard something rustle softly behind her and spun around as she leapt up into the air. She slammed her leg out and it connected with the side of Rubeus's face. He went sprawling in the dirt as Haruka landed on her feet, pulling her katana out.
Rubeus rose to his feet, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. He pulled his own sword free. His cold eyes stared at Haruka. "Leave Uranus alive. Kill the other."
"Five on two isn't much of a fair fight," a voice commented. Three figures came into view. The tallest one had dark brown hair, the middle one had bluish black hair, and the shortest had silver hair. The three were dressed in black hakama pants and black gi tops, katanas and wakizashis shoved through their belts.
"So much for us not getting into a fight here," the tallest one commented.
"I wouldn't worry too much about it," Haruka said. "Unless you're on their side."
The black haired man snorted. "We have more honor than that."
"You three will pay for interfering," Beruche, the silver haired one, snapped.
"We haven't even done anything yet," the shortest figure muttered.
"Enough talk! Kill those three and the woman!" Rubeus ordered. He rushed in at Haruka and the blonde parried his attack. The three men and Michiru began fighting the four women, blocking their attacks. Rubeus backhanded Haruka and the blonde fell to the ground. She quickly rolled to her feet and slashed at the man's feet. He leapt over her attack and threw a shuriken at her. She barely caught it in between her fingers. She tossed the weapon to the ground and warily circled Rubeus.
Michiru kneed Petz hard in the stomach and she fell to the ground. Before she could move forward, Michiru felt something wrap around her neck and yank her away. She fell to the ground and looked up at a grinning Calaveras, a whip in her hand. The brown haired man suddenly slammed his sword down and severed the whip. Michiru was immediately on her feet and tore off the whip that was still around her neck.
"You all right?" the tall man asked.
"Hai. Duck!" Michiru shouted and the man dropped to his knees. Michiru's hand shot out, a dagger flying out from her hand. It slammed into Koan and she dropped to the ground. Michiru turned back to Petz, pulling the tanto out of the back of her belt.
"So you're a member of the White Moon Clan," Petz sneered.
"Maybe," Michiru replied, smiling. "Why don't you give up while you can?"
"Never. Victory will belong to the Black Moon Clan!" She pulled a tanto out and charged the aqua haired woman.
The three men easily defeated Beruche and Calaveras and turned to see Haruka and Rubeus still fighting, blood dripping from the few wounds they had inflicted on the other. "Taiki, Yaten, help the blonde's friend. I'll help the blonde," the black haired man said to the brown and silver haired men. They nodded and ran to Michiru. The other man ran to Haruka and skidded to a halt when the blonde suddenly slammed her fist in the back of Rubeus's neck. He went flying into a small tree. Calaveras staggered to her feet and hurried to Rubeus's side. Petz threw down a smoke bomb and ran to the fallen man. As the smoke cleared, the five could see that they had vanished, leaving Koan and Beruche behind.
Haruka rose to her feet and flicked the blood off of the katana before sheathing it. She walked to Michiru and arched a brow. Michiru nodded that she was okay and the blonde looked at the three men as they bound Koan and Beruche.
"Arigatou for the help…" she began.
"How rude of us not to introduce ourselves. I'm Seiya Kou. The tall one's Taiki Kou and the short one is Yaten Kou."
"I'm not that short," Yaten grumbled.
"Of the Kinmoku Clan, right?" Haruka asked.
"Who says?" Taiki asked, the three men suddenly wary.
Haruka chuckled softly. "Tenno Haruka of the White Moon Clan."
Seiya arched a brow. "Oh really?"
"You want proof?" the blonde challenged.
"Haruka," Michiru scolded softly.
Haruka shrugged and walked over to Koan and Beruche, both of who were regaining consciousness. "Care to lend a hand?" she asked the three men. They shrugged and grabbed Koan while Haruka and Michiru grabbed Beruche. Haruka swiftly knocked the two women out again.
"Why'd you do that?" Yaten inquired.
"I don't want them to see where they're going. And help Michiru carry this one," Haruka ordered.
"Why should I?" Yaten demanded.
"Because I don't want Petz or the other two finding out where we're going."
"I've heard the Black Moon Clan are expert ninja. How can a samurai keep an eye out for them?" Seiya snorted.
"Looks are deceiving," Haruka returned. "Let's go."
- - - - - - - - - -
Serenity watched as Koan and Beruche were brought before her, their arms tied tightly behind their backs. A makeshift bandage was wrapped around Koan's shoulder. The next thing the White Moon leader noticed was the black crescent moon on each of the women's foreheads. The two women looked up at her and glared, hatred burning in their eyes. Serenity's gaze shifted to Haruka, Michiru, and the three men behind them.
"You found them in a nearby town?"
"Hai. There were three others with them as well, but they escaped," Michiru answered promptly.
"Who?"
"I recognized one as Petz. The man I'm guessing is Rubeus. As for the other woman, I don't know," Haruka replied.
Serenity nodded and looked at the three men. "Kakyuu-hime is in her rooms if you wish to see her."
"We'd like to stay and help interrogate these two if you'll allow us," Seiya requested with a bow.
"We won't tell you anything!" Koan snapped. Haruka looked up at Serenity and arched a brow.
The leader of the White Moon Clan sighed heavily. "Go," she ordered softly.
Michiru was stunned to see Haruka's eyes turn cold and hard; she had never seen the blonde look like that and it scared her. Haruka grabbed the two women of the Black Moon and hauled them away, ignoring the three men.
"Where's she taking them?" Michiru asked.
"To a place where few have come back from," Serenity said softly. "Do not ask again Michiru-san. Haruka-san has a dark side…one that she rarely lets out." Michiru nodded faintly and stared after the blonde.
Japanese Guide:
Masaka: Impossible.
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