Or when the Moon was overhead,
Came two young lovers lately wed.
"I am half sick of shadows," said
The Lady of Shalott.

Yaten tried to concentrate on his most favourite poem, but no matter how often he read it, he couldn't ignore the noise coming from the living room. He had already closed the door and put the blanket over his head, thus reading with a small torch in his hand, but he could still hear the TV set that was turned too loud. Tahiki had left the suite half an hour ago to talk again to Hashitzou about the concert scheduled tomorrow evening and therefore there was no one to reprimant Sejya who sat in the common room, holding the remote control in his right and a burning cigarette in the left hand. He wasn't allowed to smoke as he wasn't allowed to turn on the TV to full volume, but obviously, the young man didn't care.

He wants to provoke me.

Yaten knew his older brother too well. Right now, he was the only one in the suite, because Haruka and Michiru hadn't returned from their dinner, and therefore he was the only one Sejya could annoy with his immature behaviour. But Yaten wouldn't give in to the temptation and go outside and tell him to be silent and to put that fucking cigarette out before the fire alarm went off. Because that was exactly what the other man was expecting him to do. So that he could scream at him and finally yell all those words Tahiki hadn't allowed him to say at the swimming pool right after the youma's attack.

Useless…

Last week, maybe even yesterday, Yaten would have happily taken the challenge and argued with his older brother like crazy. Right now, however, everything had changed, everything felt different. He knew that Sejya's words would only hurt him this evening and he felt too exhausted and too tired to be confronted by the lead singer and his anger right now.

Useless…

No, he would stay in his room and wouldn't come out again until Tahiki or Michiru and Haruka had returned. And Sejya couldn't get in, because Yaten had locked the door. He had even put the chair before it, not wanting to admit that he felt safer now. Not wanting to admit that he didn't barricade himself against evil youmas and a dangerous Sailor Galactica, but that he actually tried to lock his own brother out.

I simply can't stand his mood tonight.

Yaten sighed deeply and laid the book open before him on the mattress, curling himself deeper into his warm blanket. He closed his eyes and thought of his childhood. Of the moment when he first met his new family. He had loved his older brothers immediately, even though Tahiki looked very strict and Sejya disappointed. The younger son of Lord and Lady Kou had expected a wilder boy for a brother and not a shy, always crying one. But Yaten hadn't noticed his initial scepticism. He had admired his older siblings at the very instant and had always done everything to be the perfect brother.

Guess I've failed.

His eyes burned but he didn't allow his tears to fall. He had been called crybaby often in his life and he knew that tears didn't change anything. If Sejya would catch him crying, they would even worsen his situation.

He used to be so nice.

They had a rough time in the beginning, but after the first weeks had passed, they got to know each other and as Yaten trusted the Kou family and relaxed, he became more and more the brother Sejya had wished for. They were inseparable the coming years and whenever there was some practical joke going on, be sure, Sejya and Yaten were behind it. Sejya taught him how to ride a horse and how to swim whereas Yaten tried to show Sejya how to draw and at least play a simple song on the piano. They had so much fun together with Tahiki and Kakyuu on those boring official meetings which they knew how to turn into exciting adventures. Everything had been perfect. His life had been brilliant and his future sparkling. Finally, he had found a family he could trust and who loved him, no matter what happened. He had felt safe and secure in the Kou's castle walls.

Until the night when Sailor Galactica invaded their galaxy and turned all his dreams and his hopes into ashes, literally. When she took his new parents away from him and snatched Kakyuu from their outstretched arms.

Until that time when Sejya suddenly changed and obviously found the very idea revolting to have such a weak, sickly boy as his younger brother. During the first months of their involuntarily stay on earth, Yaten had been able to blame Sejya's fear for Kakyuu for his change, but the longer they were trapped on this planet and the longer they searched for their princess, the more frequent became their arguments and the less was Yaten able to ignore Sejya's angry behaviour towards him.

Useless…

It hurt more than anything Sejya had said or done before, and made it clear to Yaten that he had lost Sejya, although he had no idea why and exactly when. Maybe Sailor Galactica had been the beginning of the end. Or maybe she had only been the trigger to something much bigger that Yaten wouldn't have been able to stop, even if they'd remained on their home planet and hadn't been forced to flee to another galaxy, to earth.

Useless…

There had been phases in the past that let him hope, just like the Cherry Blossom Festival. For weeks, they got along without a bigger argument, but those peaceful intervals grew shorter and shorter and Yaten had the feeling that they had reached the breaking point. Today. At the pool.

Damn!

He loved Sejya, but it seemed as if his older brother hated him now. There was no point in talking to Tahiki about it for the oldest of them would blame the stress or their youth for it. They had argued before, hadn't they? They'd manage somehow. Right now, Tahiki had other problems than two younger brothers who were probably still little children in his eyes. And Michiru? No, she wouldn't understand it, either. She had no siblings and even though they were good friends, she was not part of their family, of their history together.

Am I still part of that family?

Strangely enough, the only person who seemed to have understood him was the person he knew for the shortest time. Haruka stayed behind after the last concert. She encouraged him in his piano play and even accompanied him on the black instrument. She had given him a soft song, certainly a precious gift, because the sheet of paper looked as if she'd read it fairly often.

Yaten opened his eyes and leaned over to the bedside table. From under his other books, one about Osaka and one about Italian operas, he fished the sheet of paper. Carefully, he unfolded it and spread it out in front of him. He didn't need his piano; the music emerged instantly in his mind. It was enough for him to read the notes to hear the ghost of the melody surrounding him. It blocked out the loud TV set, as well as Sejya's restless steps through the suite, surely looking for something to eat. Yaten wasn't very hungry; he could wait until breakfast. The song before him, however, couldn't wait.

It's truly beautiful.

Yaten reached for his little notebook and a pencil and set to work, hoping that Haruka wouldn't mind some changes in the lyric. He didn't dare to touch the music for it was perfect, but he wanted to alter the words written beneath for his message was a different one.

Yaten was so encrossed in his task that he didn't notice Tahiki return nor did he hear the soft knock on his door.

A red-cross knight for ever kneel'd
To a lady in his shield,
That sparkled on the yellow field,
Beside remote Shalott.

dbdbdb

I like this song, Haru-chan.

He was running around on the stage, dancing to the tender melody. His cheeks were redden and his light green eyes sparkled as he looked up to her. All she could do was to nod at him and smile in agreement.

I really like this song.

He came back to her and her fingers twitched to mess his fair hair and to correct his red t-shirt that had slipped out of his trousers which were dirty. Right now he looked like a normal, wild boy who rode his bike and climbed on trees. Like a healthy boy.

And you like her, don't you?

Because he turned around and looked at the beautiful woman playing the tender melody he danced to, he didn't see the stunned expression on her face.

Don't you, Haru-chan?

dbdbdb

Something had happened. Maybe the audience couldn't tell the difference, but Haruka sensed that something was different. Sejya gave his typical playboy imitation, but he looked more tired and not as cheeky as he usually did. Yaten, on the other hand, was able to play through the passage they had practiced only two nights before, but he stumbled over other passages and struggled with the easiest melody. He even forgot his line in their most famous song, Search For Your Love.

Obviously, neither the fans nor the journalists noticed anything, because their full attention was on Michiru who sat on a chair playing her violin as if she wouldn't look like a robbery victim. Self-confidently, she played her songs and Haruka admired her for her strength to even have her hair tied together in her neck in a tight bun. Everyone could see her eye patch. The young violinist even joked about it and therefore could at least amuse her audience even though she had shocked it only minutes earlier by limping proudly on the stage and sitting down on the chair. At least she wore a long evening dress so that no one saw her bandaged ankle.

She's really strong minded.

Tahiki had asked her again during breakfast if he should cancel the concert on short notice due to her injuries, but Michiru would have none of it. As long as her fingers were still okay, she argued, she would play from a wheelchair, even from a hospital's bed. The young man saw that he was defeated and gave in, although he didn't like the idea. Neither did Haruka, who had some painkillers in her pockets, just in case, although the young violinist refused to take any medicine before the concert. She wanted to play her best and she felt that she couldn't do that when being drugged.

Michiru only woke up to change into her nightdress when Haruka brought her back. She had really been exhausted and slept all the night through until the blonde woke her up at ten o'clock in the morning, because otherwise they wouldn't have been able to hold their tight schedule and to have a good breakfast.

The audience clapped for the third encore and sure enough did the Three Lights and Kaioh Michiru granted it to them. Haruka wasn't really happy about it and put her hands in her trousers only to find the little note that had been on her bed's pillow when she finally decided to take a nap after she had controlled all windows and switched off the mute TV set.

Stay with Michiru-san when she swims in the pool the next time.

Haruka had seen enough of Tahiki's folders to recognize his neat handwriting. She didn't really understand his intention. After the last day's events it would have been more logical for her to watch Michiru's rehearsals early in the morning, but she wasn't to ask her employer's order. Maybe they wouldn't let her rehearse alone for the next time and he didn't want her to drown, because the same you couldn't keep Michiru away from a stage and her audience, the same you couldn't hold her back when she saw a swimming pool. It was her nature to play the violin and to dove through the wet element.

Finally, the curtain was drawn and muffled the clapping. After three long hours did the concert draw to an end, at last. Haruka went out to the stage to help Michiru and to ask her if she needed anything. Tahiki was already talking to a technician. It had been their last concert in Osaka and probably he wanted to make sure that the same or different settings would be used in Okinawa where they would go tomorrow. Sejya rushed past Haruka in a hurry and she grinned at the thought that he needed to go to the toilette. Yaten's pale face, however, told her that his reason was another. All day long, and the last day, for that matter, the brothers hadn't talked to each other and whatever argument they had had the previous day, it certainly had been a serious one. It had even effected their concert and they owed it to Michiru and her pirate look that no one had noticed their dark moods.

"Did they set up another buffet in the backstage area for the crew?" asked Michiru and nodded thankfully to Haruka as she helped her to stand. She held her Stradivarius in her right hand and supported herself with her left one on the blonde's arm. Haruka knew better than to ask her to take the violin. Michiru had literally risked her neck on the narrow staircase protecting her instrument; she wouldn't give it away now.

"Yes."

"Perfect! Let's grab some riceballs and sandwiches and eat them watching some stupid TV programmes." She glanced at the clock on the wall as they entered the backstage area. Hashitzou's crew already went on the stage to start to pack up their equipment.

"But not too long, we'll have a long journey tomorrow."

"Hai, mommy."

Michiru's bright laughter made Haruka smile.

dbdbdb

Angrily, Sejya rubbed his hair dry with a too small towel. Hell, they paid so much for those three fucking nights, couldn't they at least give them normal sized bath towels when they had to share this damn bathroom? Certainly, the others were waiting for him to emerge again, but he didn't care. He wanted to be clean, the others could wait. Therefore, he still stood in the shower even ten minutes after he had turned off the warm water. He was slightly cold but he ignored his freezing body and continued to attack his hair as if it were to blame for everything that had gone wrong the past 48 hours.

Shimatta!

The door was opened and he rolled his eyes. Yes, it was after midnight and yes, they had a long journey ahead tomorrow, but still, couldn't they give him enough time to finish off with his shower before they nagged him again?

"Hurry up, you're not the only one who's had a long concert." That was cleary Tahiki and he didn't sound all too pleased which brought an evil grin on the lead singer's face.

You're the one who accepted three encores. Now take it like a man!

However, he didn't say it aloud, only grumbled something undefinable. Then, he opened the steamed up glass door to step outside, still rubbing his dark strands. But he froze in motion, because the looming shadow outside wasn't Tahiki but Yaten who blushed and tried to look anywhere except him, holding his own bath towel nervously tight around his slim waist. Sejya noticed with jealousy that Yaten's towel was much bigger than his and he quickly considered whom to call and complain to about this outrageous injustice.

Yaten struggled past him into the small cabin and their hips touched, but the young pianist had already slammed the door shut behind him before the lead singer could tell him to watch where he was going. Because there was no place in the shower for Yaten to keep his towel dry, he did the first thing that came to his mind: He threw it over the cabin's edge where he would grab it after he was finished. It slapped Sejya right into the face, fuelling the rage in his mind even further.

"Do me one favour and don't drown yourself in the shower." He sneered and heard that something fell on the ground inside the cabin, probably the shower gel. However, the expected satisfaction about his remark wouldn't come and Sejya felt even more frustrated.

"That was absolutely unnecessary."

Sure enough, there was Tahiki, standing in front of the mirror, preparing his tootbrush. And sure enough, he looked pissed off which finally pleased Sejya a little bit in his hurt pride and other feelings he didn't want to explore.

"Since when do you interfere with our fights?" Sejya crossed his arms before his chest, looking at his older brother in a very provocative way. He would have indeed looked superior had he worn a little bit more than just a towel around his head.

"Since it's not one of your typical adolescent fights." Tahiki put the toothbrush and the toothpaste away, clearly unimpressed by Sejya's hateful stare. "Get over whatever's bothering you, because it effects our music."

"Our music?"

"Your performance today was pathetic."

"Our music?"

"You need to be better than that to find Kakyuu and you know that."

Sejya stared at Tahiki until he had to look away. It was a game the Kou heir had always been able to win.

"Our music? Oh, fuck off!" With those words he spun around and left the bathroom, making sure that he slammed the door loudly behind him. Tahiki sighed deeply and shook his head. He didn't hear any surprised screams outside which meant that Michiru and Haruka still raided the buffet and were spared from the sight of a very angry but also very naked Sejya. However, his hunger and appetite had just disappeared.

Tahiki didn't know what exactly was happening, but he knew that Sejya slipped away from him and he had no idea why. Nor did he know what to do, how to change the situation. It was hard enough with Sailor Galactica constantly looming over them and Kakyuu staying untraceable. Sejya's behavious was a complete mystery to him. The oldest Kou brother had to admit that he was at a loss.

The shower started to run behind him and Tahiki glanced at the shadow moving behind the steamed up glass door.

Yes, Sejya's cross behaviour was unnecessary and hurting.

Kaki-chan.

Tahiki turned back to his toothbrush, but didn't look into the mirror to see his own tired face staring back at him. He had the feeling that things weren't going to improve. If anything, they would get worse.

What should I do?

dbdbdb

"Do you really want to eat all of this?"

Haruka looked at the huge plate full with riceballs and sandwiches they had smuggled away from the buffett, or rather, simply carried out. The Three Lights paid for the food so it was no crime taking something now that they were hungry. Haruka was only concerned about the big amount they had taken, hoping that there was enough left for Hashitzou's crew to eat after they had done their work.

"Why not?" Michiru limped over to the soft couch and sank into it. "We can leave some of it for tomorrow's breakfast."

"Fresh rolls are more tasty, believe me." Haruka sat down next to her and passed her a cheese and tomato sandwich on a paper plate. She opted for two riceballs instead, eating them with her bare hands, not bothering to look for chopsticks.

"I know and I treasure your breakfast service, Ruka, but we'll have a long journey tomorrow and probably won't have time for a real breakfast, anyway."

"No problem, I can get up earlier."

Michiru who was just reaching for a second sandwich, this time with tuna, hesitated and looked back at Haruka to see if she was joking. But, no, the blonde seemed to be quite serious.

"It's already one in the morning, that'll leave you with too little sleep."

"I don't sleep much, anyway." Haruka shrugged her shoulders and got herself a cheese sandwich, as well. Again she was amazed not only about her hunger but also about her appetite.

"I noticed." Remarked the young violinist who had also noticed the dark rings under Haruka's eyes. Surely, it was alright to get up at six o'clock every morning when she could go to bed before midnight. Some people really didn't need that much sleep and were happy with only six or seven hours' sleep. However, the situation had changed since they had started their Japan tour. The concerts never ended before midnight and afterwards they often talked about them, ate a very late dinner consiting of little snacks, took a shower, watched TV or read a book or a magazine. During their tours they never went to bed before two or three in the morning and while they stayed longer in bed the following day, Haruka still got up at six like clockwork, jogging and making their breakfast. It had just been under a week and the blonde already looked tired.

"No breakfast on travelling days, okay?"

"Okay." Haruka's answer was relucant, but it satisfied Michiru enough to finally grab her tuna sandwich and bite into it. She knew that she wouldn't get the blonde to break her daily routine that quickly for she had held it up during the past months, but they travelled almost every second day while they were on a tour so the young woman was supposed get enough sleep.

"Why's the TV always on?" Haruka pointed at the mute set still running, although there was no one around. The common room had been deserted when they came back and since they couldn't hear the water of the shower they assumed that the Three Lights had already gone to bed. Probably, they hadn't been very hungry, especially after a concert like today's one.

"Search me." Michiru got to her feet to get herself a soda can from the mini bar. "Guess I kinda got used to it so that I don't see it any longer." She managed to do one step before she faltered. Had Haruka not reacted quickly and caught her, she would have fallen down and injured herself even further.

"Everything's alright?" asked the blonde as she helped the younger woman back to the couch. Michiru nodded bravely, but her pained face betrayed her. She had put away her eye patch earlier and Haruka knew that she could do nothing to ease her black eye's pain. But she could remember what the doctor had told them about her right ankle.

"Where's the ointment the doc gave you?" she asked while she went over to the mini bar and got the soda for the young violinist who didn't drink it but held it against her forhead to cool it and to hopefully ease her headache.

"Arigatou. Should be in there, too." Michiru closed her eyes and heared Haruka rummage in the small fridge for a while. She felt how she sat back on the couch and blinked as her right foot was lifted in the air and placed on a towel on blonde's lap. "Oh, that's not necessary, I'm really fine." Michiru knew that the doctor told her to use the ointment this evening after her concert, but her foot hurt enough as it was. She didn't want to move it or let anyone take off the bandages, even if it was Haruka who touched her.

"You just lay back and let doctor Tenô do her work." Haruka smiled comfortingly at her. She had removed the bandages before Michiru could react and stared for a moment at the swollen ankle. The skin was a rainbow from a light red to a deep blue and she wondered how much it must have ached the violinist to be on the stage and play her instrument for three hours.

I've set injections; that won't hurt.

Michiru wanted to jerk her leg away, but the pain decreased instantly as Haruka started to rub in the ointment that stunk a little bit of rancid butter, but helped, and the blonde didn't seem to mind.

"Why does medicine always have to smell?" She tried to joke, nonetheless, because she felt slightly embarrassed. First thing in the morning she would take a long nice shower, washing this stuff off her body.

"Because of the same reason it never tastes." Teased Haruka and very gently massaged the foot after she had spread the ointment.

I've experienced much nastier things. This smell is nothing.

"Hm…" Michiru's answer was vague and she had her eyes closed again, enjoying Haruka's soft massage. It had been a long day and she was more exhausted than she wanted to admit. It felt so good and Michiru didn't really think about it when she raised her second foot and placed it next to her injured one on Haruka's lap. She heard the blonde's low chuckle and felt how her other foot received the same attention as her sprained one.

"You're employed."

This time, Haruka laughed. It sounded wonderful in Michiru's ears and she could feel the body shaking next to her on the soft couch.

"I already am."

"What a lucky dog I am."

Haruka laughed again and continued in her task. Michiru stifled a yawn and nestled deeper into the cushions. Tiredness grew too strong to resist, but she didn't mind. The Star Lights defeated the youma and strange enough, she felt completely safe with Haruka next to her. Here, no Sailor Galactica seemed to be able to attack her, not while the blonde was there who banished all her fears, all her nightmares.

What a lucky dog I am.

And Michiru smiled and knew that she was.

dbdbdb

The lights were still on when she woke up, although it hadn't been its brightness that disturbed her dream about a cherry tree in blossom and a little girl running through the park in search for her parents. Her body had rather awakened from the cold.

Nani?

She blinked sleepily and sat up. Michiru needed some moments to register that she was still in the common room and that she was still wearing the last evening's dress. The plate with the sandwiches and riceballs still stood on the glass table and right next to it the young violinst recognized the small tube that contained the ointment her doctor had prescribed her to rub into her swollen ankle. Although, it had been Haruka who massaged it in in a very nice way.

It doesn't hurt any longer.

Michiru felt groggy as she turned her head to look at her foot. The swelling was slowly disappearing and satisfyingly, she felt that the pain was almost gone when she wriggled her toes testingly. She almost screamed when the couch under her started to move and for a second she thought that this was one of Japan's infamous earth quakes. Until her sleepy mind noticed that it wasn't the couch that had moved, unless her furniture was brought to life by some miracle.

Nani?

Michiru looked closer and giggled silently as she saw Haruka next to her on the couch. The young woman was fast asleep with Michiru's feet still on her lap. Her head rested against the backrest and some strands of her blond hair had fallen into her face. Michiru suddenly felt the desire to stroke through this hair.

What time is it?

Michiru rubbed her tired eyes and slowly rose and limped over to the bathroom, not only to use the toilette, but also to look at the digital clock next to the mirror. It was Tahiki's and it was there to tell them how much time was left until their next concert. So that none of them would miss a performance because they showered for too long.

The clock told Michiru why she was feeling so tired.

Four o'clock in the morning.

The young violinist yawned widely, not daring to look at her reflection in the mirror as she washed her hands. Some strands of her green hair had escaped her knot, but she didn't bother to redo the hairdo. Instead, she put them behind her ears while she walked back into the common room, only to stop in the middle, because the image before her was simply too beautiful.

Kawaii.

Haruka, not longer supported or held back by Michiru's body, had fallen over and was now curled up on the warm couch where the young violinist had lain only minutes before. She had cupped one hand under her face while the other was clenched to a weak fist around a cushion which she embraced like a small child would embrace its teddy bear.

Or like an adult would embrace her lover.

Michiru knew that she was supposed to wake Haruka and tell her to go in her own room and sleep in her own bed. But then, the blonde was sleeping so deep and looking so comfortable that the young violinist didn't have the heart to wake her. Haruka's face was relaxed in sleep and a small smile was on her lips. Shortly, Michiru wondered if she was dreaming and what she was dreaming about. Probably, something wonderful.

No, the violinist didn't want to wake her, even if it was four o'clock in the morning and they had a long day ahead of them. It wouldn't do any harm, after all. The couch was soft, as well, and the Three Lights wouldn't wake up before eight o'clock when Tahiki's alarm clock was set.

So she had been tired, too.

The young violinist bowed to pick up the blanket that always was on the ground, because neither Sejya nor Yaten ever cared to put it back on the couch, just like the lead singer never cared to turn off the TV set. Now, Michiru switched it off and covered the sleeping blonde carefully with the soft fabric. Haruka didn't wake up. She only curled up even further and her free hand let go of the crushion and grabbed the blanket's edges instead. This time, Michiru gave in her desire and went on her knees before the couch and took that hand into her own one and held it gently tight.

She's beautiful.

Michiru sat there on the ground for a long time, watching the blonde sleep, feeling the warm hand in her own. And in that night she realized that she wasn't waiting for Sailor Uranus any longer. The Outer Senshi had turned around and walked away and Michiru knew that reason had already told her that she had left her partner behind, as well, had started a new life with the other Senshi and with the Three Lights.

As she was holding Haruka's hand her heart finally realized that, too.

Sailor Uranus won't be coming back.

Michiru smiled released.

And I don't want her any more.

dbdbdb

They decided to use the Shikansen to Okinawa instead of the airplane. It would be quicker to use it and since Tahiki didn't like the feeling to be completely at the pilote's mercy while being so high above ground, he rented an entire carriage for them and the crew members who weren't already on their way in two big trucks. Their next concert was scheduled for the next day so that they had enough time to set up the equipment and for the Three Lights and Kaioh Michiru to rehearse and get used to the Opera Hall. They would only give two concerts in row, but still they wanted to give a perfect performance and wanted to know the place before they stood on the stage and sang to or rather played for their fans.

"Room service."

Haruka opened the door and grinned as Michiru looked up from her sheet music. She got hold of some snacks in the dining car and was now balancing a tray on her hands.

"You spoil us way too much, you know that, don't ya, Ruka?" Nevertheless, she helped herself to an apple and an orange juice. Then she concentrated again on the music. Yaten told her this morning that he was ready to accompany her in her special song and she wanted to have a closer look at the notes again, because it was something completely different to play this song alone, all own her own, or to play it together with Yaten and his piano. She had to be consistened now and couldn't include a rest or even add another note where the script said something different.

"It is my pleasure, Michi-chan." Teased Haruka and chuckled softly as she saw that Michiru didn't listen to her any longer. Quietly, she retreated from the compartement and closed the door softly behind her before she headed to the next one. Sure enough, Tahiki was also brooding over some papers. They looked quite official and the blonde didn't want to disturb him. Therfore, she put the cup of hot coffee and a wrapped chocolate muffin on the small table beneath the window, hoping that he would drink it as long as it was still warm.

"Haruka-san?"

She stopped at the door and turned around as he called her name.

"Yes?"

"I know that I've employed you here in Japan, but could you imagine to come with us to America on a tour for a couple of weeks?" Tahiki was holding his reading glasses in his right hand and rubbed with his left one his tired eyes. Some papers were on his lap and once again it occurred to the blonde that it was the oldest of the Three Lights who arranged their concerts and therefore had the full responsibility.

America?

Haruka hesitated only for a second, because even the country's name gave her the creeps. But then she thought of Michiru and the other two brothers and of the task she had taken on. By the way, how high were the chances that they actually came to that city?

"Don't worry, Tahiki-san, I won't abandon you."

"Arigatou." The oldest member of the Three Lights looked as if a great weigth was taken off his shoulders. "I'm still talking to the responsible people, but as soon as I know more details I'll tell you."

Haruka nodded in agreement and left the compartment as Tahiki turned his attention back to his papers, not without noticing with satisfaction that he took the coffee and sipped at it. The blonde closed the door and straightened herself. Sejya had been in a bad mood all morning and she didn't really wanted to encounter with him, but then again, his anger wasn't her fault and she had enough on her tray to force a light lunch down his throat if he started to yell at her, as well. Or if he yelled again at Yaten, for that matter. Haruka didn't really understand what exactly happened in their hurry to pack their stuff and leave the hotel in order to catch the Shikansen, but whatever the reason, it gave Sejya no right to be so mean to his little brother.

Older brothers should protect and love the younger ones.

Just like she had adored him. Therefore, she simply couldn't understand the lead singer's behaviour. Couldn't accept it. Tahiki interfered in their one-sided fight since Yaten didn't respond anything, only listened to Sejya's ranting in silence. Otherwise, Haruka was sure, she would have started to scream back in Yaten's place.

Yaten went straight into the first compartment when they entered the train so Haruka decided to visit him first and to give him the last of her chocolate muffins. Only if the young pianist didn't want it would she offer it to Sejya; or she would eat it herself.

The door was half way opened and right at the moment when Haruka wanted to knock on the glass to indicate that she was coming in did she see Sejya sitting near the window. His arms were crossed before his chest and he stared straight ahead, deeply in thought. However, he didn't care for the landscape rushing by with an astonishing speed for which the Shikansen was famous for. Instead, he looked at Yaten who sat opposite to him. An open folder laid next to the young man on the seat and some sheet music covered his lap as well as the floor beneath his feet. Haruka stopped in surprise why the two of them didn't argue, but then she saw that Yaten's eyes were closed and that the young pianist had probably dozed off while studying the sheets, certainly the same music Michiru was brooding over right now.

What's the meaning of this?

Sejya sighed deeply and bowed to pick up the sheet music from the ground to put it back on Yaten's lap. It occurred to Haruka that he held the younger man's hand on the paper a little bit longer than necessary, but she relaxed slightly as he didn't try to wake the other one up or even to start one of their infamous and very loud fights.

With another deep sigh he stood up and opened the door to step outside. He didn't look particularly surprised to see Haruka there nor did the blonde tried to hide the fact that she stood in front of the compartment. The food on the tray gave them both a reason not to be embarrassed. Sejya hesitated for a moment, then he chose an apple and a wrapped riceball for himself, leaving the chocolate muffin behind. Haruka immediately reserved it for the still sleeping Yaten, being oblivious to his surroundings.

"He's always causing trouble." Sejya rubbed the already washed apple on his red suit's jacket, glancing at the world rushing by. "What should I do with him?"

It was obvious that he had softly spoken to himself, but she answered him nonetheless.

"Love your little brother."

And never let him go.

That's what she had done. She had loved that small body in her arms, hoping against hope that it would be enough to save him. Up until the bitter end.

The way I had to let him go.

Sejya, who was about to take a bite from his apple, stopped in mid-air and looked at her with wide eyes. Then he shook his head in disapprovement, indicating to her that she had no idea of what she was talking about. Then he went into the next compartment and slammed the door behind him, locking her out. Locking the world out.

The noise, however, hadn't been loud enough for Yaten to wake up. Haruka put the muffin and an orange juice on the small table and closed the opened window. Fresh air was healthy, but she didn't want the young man to catch a cold. Sejya's wrath would have been enough to drive Tahiki and Michiru crazy, to make his younger brother feel guilty and to awaken the desire in Haruka to strangle the young man.

I don't understand him.

Just like the other band members and their violinist obviously didn't understand him. Probably, the lead singer didn't even understand himself.

Haruka brought the tray back, took herself a cheese sandwich and an orange and headed back to Michiru's compartment to watch the landscape rush by and to listen to Michiru's soft humming to a melody she liked so much.

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"… and I don't know what to do…"

Haruka heard the soft voice immediately as she entered the opera hall in Okinawa. Tahiki went to speak to Hashitzou about their equipment while Michiru busied herself with her luggage. Sejya stood motionless on his bedroom's balcony and smoked a cigarette. They wanted to meet in half an hour in the opera hall to test the already set up equipment and the hall's acoustics. Right now it was three o'clock in the afternoon and there was an autographing time scheduled following an interview this evening. The Three Lights and Kaioh Michiru should use whatever freetime they had, but somehow it didn't surprise Haruka to see Yaten sitting early at his piano. She was, however, surprised that he played the song she gave him only days before – and that he tried to sing along.

"…'Cause I will never…"

He missed some notes and his voice grew fainter and finally disappeared. He tried again, this time without singing to it, but still he stumbled over some notes. After a moment of silence he punched the keyboard in frustration.

"This isn't working." He growled and looked up at the crumbled sheet in front of him and back again at the keys. Then he shook his head and it seemed as if he would give up. As if he'd tried the song, saw that it was too difficult and would never touch it again. Which was exactly what Haruka didn't want him to do, because his voice was perfect to sing it. It didn't matter if he wasn't able to play the piano at the same time. He was supposed to sing and not to worry about the background music, after all.

"Let me play, Yaten-chan." Haruka smiled disarmingly at him as she stepped over to the grand piano. She opened it with experienced movements and sat on the chair beside Yaten who stared at her, then at the sheet music and finally back at her again.

"I don't think I'm ready…" he whispered and hang his head.

"Oh, don't worry." Haruka stretched her arms that were still stiff from the long train journey and stroked the keys, ignoring that her fingers trembled slightly. "You've seen me sing and believe me, no one can beat that."

"Still…" Yaten glanced at the empty audience and gulped visibly. "I'm not the lead singer."

"So what?" Haruka played the first accord and nuged him gently with her right elbow to stand up and give her more space to play. "You can still sing it."

"But…"

"It's only me and this empty opera hall, Yaten-chan." Haruka played another accord by heart, not even glancing at the sheet music but looking at the young man instead. "Please?"

Her request seemed to startle and to convince him. He nodded and walked over the wide stage to get a micro which he pulled right into the middle. Haruka waited patiently for him to adjust it to his height.

"Oh, before we start… I've changed some of the lyric. I hope that's alright."

"Right as rain." Haruka bowed over the keyboard and squinted against the spotlight that suddenly filled the stage, drowning the audience in deep darkness. Obviously, Yaten was used to their equipment and knew which switch to turn.

Maybe it's better this way.

Haruka watched Yaten testing if the micro was on and as everything was exactly the way he wanted it to be, he quickly turned to her and nodded. The blonde concentrated on the melody and her hands stroked the piano in a way she hadn't done for a very long time. She was slightly surprised that she hadn't forgotten how to play. She created those soft sounds very easily as if she had never stopped. As if she had practiced every day like she had done when they had still been alive. When there had still been a chance to save him. So much hope that had been crushed so painfully…

She wrote this song for him.

Yaten found his entry at the first try and soon his tender voice filled the empty opera hall. His eyes were closed, but there was a sheet of paper on the ground next to his feet, probably his modified lyric, just in case that he missed a line or forgot a word, although it looked as if he knew them already by heart.

"My life is brilliant.

My love is pure.

I saw an angel.

Of that I'm sure."

Yes, she had written this song for him. It was her welcome song for him into this world, into their lives. Like Haruka she had never been a strong singer, but she had had a good feeling for the right music and a fitting text. The blonde thought that this song was one of the best she had ever written. Sadly enough, it had also been her last one.

She wrote it for her newborn son.

Haruka's fingers found their way over the keyboard on their own, never missing a single note. Her own eyes were closed, as well, and she realized that this song wasn't any longer from a mother to her child, but from a person to the love of his life.

"You're beautiful. You're beautiful.

You're beautiful, it's true.

I saw your face in a crowded place,

And I don't know what to do,

'Cause I'll never be with you."

Haruka opened her eyes and glanced over to Yaten who had grabbed the micro and sang like there was nothing else left for him in this world than to sing this song. He sang it with as much feeling as Sejya would have never been able to show.

He sings it from the depth of his heart.

Yaten had turned the welcome song into a sad love song and it still fitted perfectly to the bitter sweet melody.

As if he knew what he sings about.

And probably he did.

"And I don't think that I'll see you again,

But we shared a moment that will last till end."

This time, Haruka didn't wince as she saw the red haired woman sitting on the hard ground, gazing up at the singing young man. A small smile played with her lips, but there were also tears sparkling in her blue eyes.

What?

Haruka was too much a professional to falter in her piano play and her fingers automatically moved on to a melody she had played so many times before. Nevertheless, the young woman seemed to have noticed her attention, because she turned her head and stared directly at her.

-You're taking care of my little boy, aren't you?-

She couldn't physically hear the voice, but still she understood each words, even though she didn't see the young woman's lips move.

My little boy.

She had heard those words before and although she didn't know this woman nor was she sure if she really existed or if she was only an imagination of her mad mind, she instinctly knew that she somehow belonged to Yaten. There was too much love in her words than that she could be stranger. Too much love in her eyes when she looked at the singing man, who didn't notice Haruka's slight distraction.

My little boy.

All Haruka could do was nod and see the smile blooming on her now wet face.

-Arigatou.-

"You're beautiful. You're beautiful.

You're beautiful, it's true.

There must be an angel with a smile on her face,

When she thought up that I should be with you."

-It's a nice song.-

She rose from the ground and sat down next to Haruka on the chair. Automatically, the blonde moved a little bit to give her more space, but the young woman didn't need much; she seemed to float a little bit in the air when she sat down.

-I like it.-

Her voice was like a constant whisper in Haruka's mind, but it didn't really bother her, because it was a friendly, an understanding voice. Whatever the red haired woman seemed to say was right and whatever she saw or hear she had the power to turn right.

-That's the original lyric, isn't it?-

The young woman leaned forward and seemed to stay in mid-air while she looked at the crumbled sheet lying on the grand piano. Again, all Haruka could do was nod.

The stranger who didn't seem to be so strange any longer, although Haruka had no idea who she was, sat back and looked again at the singing man.

-He wrote the new lyric for him.-

For whom?

"You're beautiful. You're beautiful.

You're beautiful, it's true.

But it's time to face the truth,

I will never be with you."

For whom?

Haruka didn't dare to ask her question aloud, but the young woman seemed to hear her nonetheless, because she turned back to her and smiled at her with the most enigmatic smile Haruka had ever seen.

-Stay a little bit longer, Haruka-san, and look closer. Then you'll find the answer.-

How do you come to know my name?

But the young woman had already stood up and walked back to the young man. Gracefully, she sat down next to the sheet of paper and glanced up at him with pure love written over her pale face. Haruka knew that look, had seen it many times before. It was a mother looking fondly at her beloved child.

Who are you?

Haruka never heard her answer, because the song ended and the young woman disappeared along with the music.

"But it's time to face the truth,

I will never be with you."

Silence descended over the empty opera hall like a thick blanket. Haruka's fingers stayed motionless and weightless on the keys while Yaten bowed to pick up the text from the ground. He took a deep, shaky breath and wanted to turn to the blonde to ask her if it had been alright this way as the clapping started in the darkness that surrounded the illuminated stage which stood out like a tiny, fragile island against a big, looming sea.

Yaten winced violently and the sheet of paper escaped his hands. He stared wide-eyed at Tahiki climbing the stairs to the stage, closely followed by Michiru who was holding her violin in her right hand, supporting herself on a walking stick. Yes, she was a proud woman, but her instrument was more important to her than her pride and she couldn't always lean on other people, especially not Tahiki whose arms were always full with very official looking papers.

"That was fantastic, Yaten-chan." Smiled Tahiki, but his youngest brother didn't respond. He only spun around and ran from the stage as if bloodhounds were hauting him. They heard him scramble down the stairs in the backstage area. A door was slammed and the silence that followed wasn't pleasant.

"What's wrong?" frowned the oldest member of the Three Lights and watched how Haruka rose from the chair and carefully closed the grand piano. Then she picked up the sheet music and came over to the other two to pick up Yaten's lyric, as well.

"I guess you startled him." Haruka glanced at her wrist watched, deciding to go back to the suite and have a look at her own luggage, even if it wasn't a lot. She hadn't bothered to unpack after she found out that Yaten was missing. "I needed some powers of persuasion to convince him to sing. I don't think he was ready to sing in front of you."

"I know that he never wanted to sing alone in front of a big audience, but in front of us? That's something new."

Haruka only shrugged her shoulders, indicating that she had only been with them for a few months and therefore couldn't interprete Yaten's behaviour as good as his older brother should who had known him for twenty years, after all.

Michiru watched her in silence, a deep frown on her forhead, probably thinking about Yaten's clear voice and his strange refusal to sing a solo.

"I'll go back to the suite. You have one hour before you need to get ready for the interview." Haruka glanced again at her wristwatch and waved at them before she, too, went towards the backstage area, although she walked a lot slowlier than Yaten had done only minutes before.

"Okay, let's begin." Tahiki looked at Michiru who nodded and sat down at the now vacant piano's chair to bring her violin to her left shoulder. Neither of them mentioned that it would be harder to set the equipment without Yaten, but neither of them wanted to search for him, because neither knew what to say to him.

"Are you coming, touto-chan? We don't have all day."

Slowly, the lead singer emerged from the opera hall's darkness and stepped silently into the stage's light. He hesitated only for a moment before he took the micro his little brother had held only minutes before. Although he sung as always, it sounded flat in his own ears. Empty in comparison to a clear voice that had filled the opera hall not long ago. That had been able to bring a love song to life.

Something that he couldn't do, no matter how hard he tried.

"Search for your love…"

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The interview was very successful and the journalists didn't notice that Tahiki and Michiru sat between Yaten and Sejya and that the younger brothers looked quite tense. Still, the press plunged at Michiru's black eye while their fans plunged at them afterwards to get an autograph. For another hour they were surrounded by laughing teenagers and signed everything they showed them, even a belly that made Tahiki blush deeply as he tried to autograph a laughing girl who obviously just won a bet. They stayed until the last of their fans left the congress centre with a happy smile on their faces, before they retreated to their own suite, as well. They only ate a small snack after having missed their dinner and they only ate it, because Haruka had organized it and told them to try at least one rice ball or one sandwich. So they didn't want to disappoint her. However, right after their small dinner they disappeared in their rooms and crept into their beds, promising to take a long shower in the morning when they felt more awake, ready to face another long day and an equally long, but surely equally fantastic concert.

Since Sailor Galactica's attack had Tahiki's sleep been light, therefore the noise woke him instantely. He recognized it as a muffled scream. The thought of a mean youma attacking his little brothers let him react on instinct. He grabbed his henshin and dashed out of his room, ready to punish whatever monster dared to harm his family. However, the suite was silent and he stood alone in the common room, breathing heavily. Even the TV was switched off and the couch empty. There were still some riceballs on the glass table, but he didn't pay them any attention. His heart was beating too wildly in his chest and he simply couldn't turn back and go back into his room, thinking that he had only imagined things, because he hadn't. He knew he hadn't.

Carefully to make no sound, Tahiki opened the door and peered inside, but Sejya was fast asleep. The lead singer lay on his back, his arms and legs sprawled out on the blanket crumbled beneath him. The soft snoring told his older brother that he surely hadn't screamed. Next room was Michiru's, but the young woman was wrapped in her blanket. She, too, slept deep and tight. Haruka, on the other hand, was curled up on her bed and the small bedside table's lamp illuminated the room in a strange twilight. Tahiki didn't dare to switch it off, because he didn't want to wake up their secret Marry Poppins. Instead, he closed the door silently behind himself and looked again around in the silent, peaceful, dark suite.

Which only left Yaten's room.

Slowly, he sneaked into his youngest brother's room. He had tried to talk to him after his abrupt flight from the opera hall, but they had been too busy with the interview and the autographs and later on too tired to discuss it. Tahiki knew that Yaten was very shy and didn't want to sing a solo in front of thousands of people. But on the other hand, it would be a shame to waste that voice and that great song. And Tahiki wanted to tell him that there was no reason to be embarrassed that his brothers had heard him sing.

Little one…

Tahiki knew instantly what was wrong and that it had, indeed, been a scream he had heard. A scream of horror and anguish caused by a nightmare. Yaten had suffered a lot of nightmares after he arrived at the Kou's castle. Mostly, they had been about his family who had abused him and finally left him behind when they saw a chance of getting rid of the troublemaker. Tahiki was reminded of a little boy with big, terrified eyes and a pale, wet face who came to him in the middle of the night to find comfort and peace in his arms. Of a little eight year old boy who wanted nothing more than a safe place in life and a family, both Tahiki wanted to give him as a thirteen year old brother. As he still wanted to give him now.

"Yaten-chan?"

The figure on the bed winced wildly and jerked around as he heard his soft whisper. Again, Tahiki saw the pain in light green eyes, saw the tears on pale cheeks, saw how the younger man trembled. Again, the oldest brother was thirteen and was told by his parents that this little boy belonged to them. Was told by his heart that he was responsible for him. Now and forever.

"A nightmare?"

In the streetlamp's light that shone through the window Tahiki could see Yaten nod, before he hid his face in his hands, but he couldn't hold back a desperate sob. The young man first wanted to ask him what he had dreamed about, but then dismissed the idea. It didn't really matter if Yaten had suffered from his memories of his producers or of Sailor Galactica. Both were equally bad.

"Come here, little one." Tahiki sat down on the bed and pushed the old book aside that lied open on the mattress and on which he almost sat down. Then, without hesitation and, indeed, without another thought than to heal and comfort, he brought his shaking brother into his strong, reassuring arms like he had done so many times before, when they both had been little boys. Now, they had grown up, were almost adults, but it didn't make a difference to Tahiki. His little brother needed him and he would be there.

I haven't been there often enough those past five years.

"I've seen them die." Sobbed the younger man and clung tighter to his older brother's warm body. His only lifeline in a too stormy sea. "I've seen you all die and I couldn't do anything… because… because I'm so weak." Yaten hiccoughed and his words told Tahiki what the nightmare had been about.

"We won't die, little one." He whispered and held his little brother gently as another sob wrecked his slim body. "And you're not weak."

"But… the water youma… I couldn't defeat it…"

"You were taken by surprise, little one." Answered Tahiki softly and stroked calmingly through silver strands Yaten hadn't plaited this night. "That could have happened to anyone of us."

"But… but it happened to me. It always happens to me."

The oldest member of the Three Lights sighed deeply and only the trembling form in his arms held him back to go over to Sejya's room and kick him, violently. The trembling form and his vow never to slap his brothers, no matter how stupid or ignorant they behaved. During the past years, Sejya had developed into a real challence not to break that promise.

"Don't take that baka's words too serious, little one."

"But… I don't want to be useless…" Yaten's voice was very silent, but Tahiki heard his desperate whisper nontheless.

Useless.

I'm going to kill him!

Tahiki already wanted to jump from the mattress and seriously kick his younger brother's ass as Yaten raised his head and looked at him with those green eyes wide with a fear he had often seen in his childhood. Too often.

Later.

"Don't believe that stupid idiot. Sometimes he says something before he uses his brain." Tahiki took Yaten's face in both hands and wiped away the warm tears that were quickly replaced by new ones.

"You're my little brother, Yaten, and you're most precious to me. Do you understand? You're my family and a Kou. Don't think any less of you."

Yaten didn't respond, only stared at him with his tear filled eyes, gasping for a shaky breath during his desperate sobs.

Damn Sejya! Damn Sailor Galactica! Damn this stupid war!

"Do you understand me, Yaten? You belong to us and no matter what you ever do, nothing will change that fact."

I should have more time for him.

Not for the first time did Tahiki consider to end the Three Light business. Of course, he wanted to find their princess, his Kakyuu, but not at all costs. Yaten needed them, especially after they had to leave their parents behind. After the first eight years of his young life had been a martyrdom, he needed to be assured that they wouldn't change their mind and abandon him, just like his producers had done. But on the other hand he didn't want to give up on their mission. Giving up would feel like giving in to Sailor Galactica.

Damn you, Sejya!

The lead singer was pissed off, probably out of the same reasons why Yaten was terrified: Sailor Galactica and the war and their constantly failing search for Kakyuu. Whenever he was angry he lashed out. Tahiki was able to take his wrath and Michiru didn't even listen to him. Haruka, on the other hand, shouted back. But Yaten took all those words to heart, took them too serious. Sejya should know that from their childhood, but obviously, he didn't care any longer.

"Do you understand me?"

Finally, Yaten nodded, spilled even more tears that wetted Tahiki's hands. Another desperate sob broke free and Tahiki pulled him again closer. He held him tight as he cried himself to sleep and didn't get up when he felt the body in his arms relax. Tahiki simply sat there on the bed, unconciously rocking his smallest brother like the little boy he would always be in his memories, in his mind.

Sleep didn't return that night. Instead, he wondered if he had finally reached the so long dreaded point when he had to chose between his brothers and his fiancée, knowing that there was no decision to make.

As often thro' the purple night,
Below the starry clusters bright,
Some bearded meteor, burning bright,
Moves over still Shalott.

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"You forgot your bathrobe again."

Haruka put the white fabric on a chair and sat down at the rim of the pool. It was not only Tahiki's order that let her stay, watching Michiru swimming her lanes with an easiness as if her accident hadn't happened at all. No, right now she had free time and would have spend it near the pool even if Tahiki would have never put the small letter on her bed's pillow. It was shortly after ten in the morning and she had already prepared breakfast. Right now, the Three Lights were still sleeping and even if they woke up, they would find something fresh and tasty on the common room's glass table and for once they could operate the coffee machine for themselves if the coffee in the thermos flask wasn't good enough.

"Ariga…" Michiru's voice died as her right hand missed the pool's edge to hold on for it for a second before starting a new lane as she saw Haruka sitting at the rim. She was still wearing one of the crew t-shirts, but she had abandoned her black jeans and her socks. Both legs were in the warm water, only the toes were visible at the surface, wriggling.

"So you finally want to swim some lanes with me?" asked Michiru after she had recovered from her surprise, noticing amused that Haruka's underwear was black, too. It obviously was the blonde's most favourite colour.

"Nope. I don't have a swimsuit."

"I don't think that this is a problem." Michiru grinned mischievously and swam as quick as a fish over to the blonde, or, rather like a shark. Only the infamous flipper was missing on her back, as well as the menacing melody that automatically came to Haruka's mind as she watched the young violinist approach.

"I don't think I like that…" She never finished her sentenced, because Michiru grabbed her legs with a sudden movement and pulled her into the water. Splashing wildly around, she returned to the surface, but she simply couldn't be angry with Michiru who supported herself on the pool's edges and laughed happily.

"Now that you're in the water we can swim some lanes." She giggled and swam again closer to the blonde. She really looked like a mermaid in her element. Her right leg was still bandaged and Haruka could see the white material against the pool's blue tiles, but there was not the slightest trace of pain in Michiru's face. Obviously, the water didn't harm her nor cause her any ache. Maybe it even eased it, because in the water her right ankle didn't have to support any weight.

"Or I can simply splash you some more." Michiru's shark like grin grew wide and the next moment Haruka was involved in the biggest water battle since Waterloo. Michiru's laughter was infectious and soon she was giggling, too, shovelling as much water as possible and throwing it high in the air, not caring if she hit her main target or not. This wasn't a competition, after all, but a game to have fun. Haruka sensed that she wouldn't stand a chance against the young violinist, anyway. At least not in her element.

"Do you surrender?" laughed Michiru and the jet of water increased. Haruka coughed as she gulped some water, but shook her head determinedly.

"Never." She answered chuckling and had to squint as a ray of sunlight wriggled through the blinds and dazzled her. The water battle continued, but as Haruka moved out of the ray's spotlight she found herself suddenly alone in the pool. Michiru was gone.

What?

„Michi-chan?" she called out and yelled in surprise as the shark found its way from the pool's ground, where it had been hiding, and attacked its victim.

"Do you surrender?" giggled Michiru and embraced the blonde from behind. They both went under the surface and had to gasp for breath as they returned again. Haruka felt Michiru's wet hair on her shoulders and her warm breath on her neck. Involuntarily, she had to shiver.

"I should've know that my captain is a shark." Teased Haruka and raised her dripping wet hands into the air to show her defeat. "I never had a change against this pirate."

Michiru only giggled and her gentle embrace tightened. Then she leaned over Haruka's shoulder and the blonde felt her breath tingling her left ear.

"I like you, Ruka."

The blonde blinked and turned her head a little bit to look directly into Michiru's slightly redden face. Her smile was tender and her wet curls wild. Those deep blue eyes seemed to look right into Haruka's soul and she suddenly didn't mind it one bit.

She's so beautiful.

But before the blonde could think of something, anything, to reply, Michiru let her go and dove back into the water. This time, Haruka could see her shadow swimming swiftly through the pool. Like a mysterious mermaid.

I like you, too.

She wanted so badly to say it, but she didn't find the courage to do so. Didn't find the strength, because she had used all her powers in a long battle that had lasted over five years. She wanted to trust this young woman, she wanted it so much, but at the same time she wasn't sure if she could. Not after she had lost everything that was dear to her. She knew she wouldn't survive another time to lose a person she loved. Without Michiru she wouldn't have been able to survive the first time.

Therefore, she responded eagerly to Michiru's renewed water battle, enjoying her peals of happy laughter and banishing all sad thoughts from her mind.

She likes you, Haru-chan.

She was so occupied that she didn't see the little boy sitting at the pool's rim, treading water and smiling cheerfully at the two women splashing around like little children.

That's good, because you're a very likable woman, Nee-chan.

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Tahiki already wore his yellow suit. The concert was to start in about an hour and the others were already at the opera hall. He had promised them to follow, soon. Warm spring wind blew through the open window, slightly messing his hair, but he didn't care. He also didn't close the window, enjoying the feeling of the mild Okinawa spring night. Of the fifth spring they would spend on this planet so far from their own solar system. So far from their home. So far from their parents.

"We'll go on a tour through America this summer and early autumn." Tahiki glanced at the always smiling picture on his desk; he remembered her merry laughter, but at the same time he also remembered Yaten's desperate sobs. "I've searched for you for over five years now, Kaki-chan. I love you, you know I do." He sighed deeply and massaged his aching temples with his icy fingers. "But I'm the Kou's heir in the first place before I'm your fiancé." He gulped and turned his back to the picture as if he wasn't able any longer to look at the happy girl. "I've promised my parents to take care of my brothers; and they clearly need me."

The oldest member of the Three Lights corrected his blue tie while he stepped closer to the open window, taking a deep breath.

"I'll end the Three Lights business as soon as we'll return from America, Kaki-chan. Gomen nasai…"

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That's been the other half of chapter 5 "Whispers in the Wind". I hope you liked it -. Now they'll go on a big tour to another continent. Believe me, it's going to be fun and drama and simply everything -.

Thank you all very much for your nice comments. My period of practical training is now over and I have one week off before university starts again. I'll reread the rest of "Tenshi", so that you'll have an update for sure every week and maybe I'll reread "No Child of Mine" again (there're still so many mistakes in there drop).

BTW, I read this summer that Pluto isn't an outer planet any longer, but a dwarf planet. WTF? Poor Sets, isn't she part of the Sailor Team any longer? And do those stupid scientist have nothing better to do than asking themselves if Pluto is a planet or a dwarf planet? And wtf is the difference?

There goes our tax money…

Expect the first part (roughly 20 pages) of chapter 6 "Guardian Angel" next Monday.

April