Torn Apart Chapter 6, a sailor moon fanfic

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Sailor Star Healer wrapped herself with a long cloak and entered the familiar building. She investigated her former companions and finally came to see them. When she rang the doorbell her heart hammered loudly.

Seiya opened the door and his jaw dropped down. Healer passed by him and went inside.

"Hello," she said negligently.

"He...hello," Seiya followed her, not being able to look into her eyes. There was too much sense of guilt within him. Taiki peeked out from his room and blinked.

"Healer?"

She took the cloak off and threw it onto the nearest seat.

"Princess begs you to come back," her eyes wandered from Seiya's face to Taiki's, "She will forget your actions, there will be no reprimands, no punishment, so please come back. For theold times' sake."

Taiki shook his auburn head.

"You know there is no coming back for us."

"But why?"

"Because we chose to forsake what we had been before. For thenew times' sake."

Seiya rubbed his chin.

"Maybe we should go back to Kinmoku?" he murmured and Healer gazed at him gratefully.

"Go back? You didn't even see her!" Taiki was startled.

"It makes no sense... I was wrong from the beginning. I can't change my fate. And hers."

"Please, don't ruin everything," Healer clasped her hands, looking pleadingly into Taiki's angry eyes, "I understand how you feel."

"If I go back I will regret it forever!" Taiki exclaimed and turned to Seiya, "And you too!"

"I know, but..."

"Remember who you are! You are the only creator of your destiny! You have to do everything that is possible to fulfill your dreams, and even more!"

Healer wanted to stop that passionate speech, but she couldn't speak. She had never seen Taiki being so determined and strong willed before. His cheeks reddened slightly and his eyes were focused on his prey, whatever it was. Healer's knees grew weak and her eyes watered. She gulped loudly, staring at him.

"Why do you look at me like that?" Taiki stepped back and furrowed.

"Me?" Healer shrugged her shoulders, pretending to be cold, "How do I look at you, huh?"

"I don't know. You've never looked at me this way before."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"About your eyes! If I didn't know you so long I would suppose..." Taiki observed Healer with narrowed eyes. She blushed and huffed.

"Don't change the topic."

Taiki shook his head and retired to his room, leaving Healer behind. Seiya approached her and put his hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he muttered. Her eyes grew big.

"What do you mean?"

"We're staying here, Healer. I have to face Odango again and Taiki... Taiki has to win Ami's heart."

"Ami's?" that word, bitter and heavy, escaped Healer's throat before she managed to control herself.

"You're old room is empty. You can sleep there if you wish," Seiya lowered his head, "It'simpossible to conceal your feelings. Better leave us alone before you hurt yourself more."

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The door opened and a man went in.

"The show is about to start, please come."

Seiya got up and entered into the mist of spotlights.

Singing again. The full audience, girls howling and sniffing, throwing teddy-bears and bras to express their utmost devotion. She was never one of them. She didn't even join the fanclub.

The last time I was singing "Search for your love", I was singing for her. We were told to call for the Light of Hope, but for me she was the light, the guiding star, the fire warming me up and caressing my soul gently.This time I will sing for her again. That's all that I can do.

The music started to flow and Seiya closed his eyes, preparing to release his feelings. The dam was broken with the very first word.

"You are always shining,

Your smile is just like a tiny star.

I cherish it very much..."

By Seiya's side, Taiki gripped the microphone tighter and gasped, not being able to resist the powerful high tide of love. The audience went crazy. They cried and screamed. The brilliant energy filled the hall and overflowed further.

"That day I couldn't protect you,

I can only hold my remorseful tears,

What was left was pain..."

Somewhere in the city Healer straightened and opened her eyes widely.

"Seiya..." she whispered softly, reading easily the message Seiya was sending into the space. It resounded within her heart almost painfully.

The song continued.

"Search for your love, crystal of the universe.

Search for your love, don't cry for me..."

On Kinmokusei Princess Kakyuu woke up. The dream was slowly floating away but the feeling she had didn't vanish. On the contrary, it was increasing. Princess wept loudly. What a power! What an unbelievable, magnificent power!! Is this the power of your love, Fighter? The power which crosses star systems and the entire space?

"...Search for your love, as a matter of fact I love to hold you tightly."

Tenou Haruka felt it too. She pulled the sheet angrily, making Michiru to murmur sleepily.

"Haruka, what is it...?"

"Don't you feel it?" Haruka ground her teeth, "He's calling for her."

"Who is...?" Michiru sat up and rubbed her eye. Then her hand froze and she took the deep breath, gazing through the window.

"Oh, Haruka... That is so... strong..." And beautiful. Like a summer sunrise. So warm, so gentle, so powerful.

He loves her so much, no doubt. My heart gets hot when those waves flow through me. Usagi must feel it too, probably everyone feels. Haruka is mad. Why? Why can't she leave Usagi alone? She was always overprotective, but at the moment she surpasses herself. I'm a bit jealous. She thinks more of Usagi than of me. She doesn't see she starts to be aggressive, she sticks her nose where nobody wants her. Is it possible she just hates Seiya? What if all of her actions are not for Usagi, but for him? To make him suffer, to destroy him. Why does she detest him so much...? Why...?

Michiru glanced at her lover from under her brow. The suspicion had sprouted in her mind. It was almost a year ago... but what if Haruka didn't forget that unfortunate first time when she encountered Seiya in her girlfriend's wardrobe? Michiru had taken it lightly but now she was wondering. There was a look in Haruka's eyes... The jealousy, anger... pure hatred. Was it possible that all of this was her, Michiru's fault?

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Usagi was lying on her bed with her knees under her chin, cowered like a baby in a womb. Her eyes were dead, her hair disheveled, her face blank. She was gazing at the window with unblinking eyes, barely concerning about the outside world. Her thoughts were flowing slowly, lazily, as if her mind become a swamp she could sink into.

What am I doing wrong? she was asking herself continuously, What? I just want to be happy with someone I love, I want to fulfill my bright destiny and become a beautiful, wise queen. Why does everything turn so wrong? Peace is restored at last, I gained the power that can defeat the strongest enemy. So why I don't have the power to fix the most important relationship?

All I want is to make him happy... and I fail all the time.

Without even noticing Usagi fell asleep. The vision haunted her again.

The park. The couple standing near the fountain. The veil of drops was hiding them, but she knew what they were talking about.

"I leave for a year," the man's voice uttered and a knife pierced Usagi's heart. The pain was so intense she could barely breathe. She couldn't believe her own ears. She didn't want to listen to the voice, she wanted to cover her eyes and ears and run away. But all she did was smiling.

What could she do? Would she allow him to go or not, he would leave anyway. Until the last minute she hoped he would change his mind, but he didn't. She could only weep inside, swallowing her tears and pretending to be tough.

Usagi sniffed while sleeping, and rolled back.

Her suffering was unbearable, too deep for her. She was shattered inside, so lonely. And then she had to fight, she had to face the death of all her friends and all her family. No one was left who she could rely on.

No, there was one person... Someone who seemed to care about her. She stuck to him so desperately that it must havelooked funny, but he saved her from insanity. He supported her until the end... until the very end.

The end came with Galaxia's golden blast, which extracted the Star Seed from Usagi's body. Before the darkness overwhelmed her, she could hear it - an ear-piercing scream of Sailor Star Fighter... of Seiya. He was still there, even if he couldn't do anything but despairing. He was still there...

Usagi's wet eyes opened suddenly and fixed on the ceiling. She started to sob, not exactly knowing why. It was all irrational, but for some reason she put the blame on her friends for her solitude. Everyone took it obvious that they gave their life for her, but did anyone ask how she felt? She didn't want to lose everyone she loved, one by one, until she was all alone. The loneliness was the only thing she couldn't stand. It was their fault she had to turn to him...

The sobbing increased when the wound in Usagi's soul started to bleed again.

Something was in the air, but she didn't notice it at once. Slowly the wave touched her, again and again. Usagi rose her head slowly, tears still streaming down her cheeks. Bum. Her heart pounded loudly. Bum bum. The wave came back, stronger. It was as ifangels' feathers were caressing her, like soft breeze stroking her soul. Those terrible memories were slowly pushed away, replaced by themild, calm feeling soothing her racked heart.

There were no conditions, no rules, no demands. Just comfort and alleviation. One by one, the doors into Usagi's being were opening, letting inside a gentle, warm dawn. She sighed deeply, closing her eyes and surrendering to the sensation completely.

The next wave came, bringing the familiar chill to her skin, waking her up suddenly. It was all to familiar and she jumped up, trying to escape. She tightened her eyelids and shook her head furiously, nevertheless the shadow appeared in her mind. She was about to see the face straight in front of her but was interrupted by dramatic phone ringing.

"Yes?" she moaned weakly, pressing her forehead.

"Usagi, that's me!" Haruka exclaimed, "Are you okay?"

"Of course I am... What's this alarm for?"

"Come on, don't play atough guy! We're with you, hang on there!"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you dare to surrender, okay? Stay cool!"

"Haruka, I..."

"I understand how you feel, but..."

"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING!!!" Usagi screamed and hung up the receiver.

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Seiya goggled at Minako who stood in front of his house. He got out from the car and approached her with hismouth open. She observed him carefully, grinning. They didn't change at all, she thought, handsome as usual, ha ha. Nevermind. We just have to meet and talk like old friends. Then we'll see what is happening.

"Welcome back, guys!" she nodded politely, "I'm glad to see you again."

Taiki joined them and nodded back to her. Seems we're closer to our goal, he said to himself and his heart fluttered wildly, what a pity they are those who made the first move.

"Seems nobody can't hide from you," he smiled lightly.

"Of course not!" she grinned wider, "But, where is Yaten?"

They looked at each other, lowering their heads slightly.

"He... didn't come," Seiya replied and stepped forward, "He had to stay."

"Oh... I see," the beam vanished from girl's face, "Isn't there any chance...?"

"I'm sorry, seems you wanted to see him much," Seiya couldn't skip the disappointment in girl's voice.

"Why didn't you contact us just after you came here?" she changed the topic quickly, "That's not nice! Didn't you want to see us?"

"Of course we wanted," Seiya laughed nervously, "But, you know, we had some things to do."

"I suppose so. The stars are very busy, I know. However, maybe you guys have some free time tonight, by accident?" she winked, "We have to celebrate your comeback!"

Taiki noticed the frightened look in Seiya's eyes and nodded quickly.

"We'll be very happy to meet all of you," he answered kindly.

Minako clapped her hands with content.

"At my place, at eight," she handed them the piece of paper, "Don't be late!"

She turned and walked away. The blob of something hot and heavy blocked her throat, paralyzing her tongue. All the joy disappeared when she repeated to herself Seiya's words. He didn't come. He had to stay. And you fool hoped he came as well, waiting for you with opened arms to receive the welcoming kiss. For a minute you thought he was at reach of your hand, and he slipped off, and with lightning speed he vanished somewhere there far, far away. The blob in her throat grew and pressed her chest. She leapt up and ran down the street, unaware that Seiya and Taiki were still watching her. They could read easily in her lowered head, her numb dangling hands, her desperate runaway. Guys sighed heavily and made for their condo in silence.

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Taiki and Seiya arrived punctually. They approached the building where Minako lived and the first one who they encountered was Haruka. Obviously she was waiting for them to speak without witnesses.

"Welcome back," she growled, piercing through Seiya with her greenish eyes, "What brings you here?"

"You didn't change at all," Seiya laughed briefly and shook his head, "That's not your business."

"On the contrary," she stepped forward, "Because I sensed something very suspicious."

"Oh come on, everyone is waiting," Seiya waved his hand, "Can't we conceal our mutual dislikes for a while?"

"Don't you dare to mess into Usagi's life again," she warned and Seiya narrowed his eyes.

"And what if I do?"

"What?" she didn't expect such an answer, "You'll be in serious trouble!"

"Who are you? Her warder?"

"Seiya," Taiki pulled his friend's sleeve, "Don't start our visit with a fight."

"You're right, but she provokes me!" Seiya shook his fist and started towards the door, "I won't stand any more insults!"

"Where is your Princess? Did she turn up as well?" Haruka followed them, "And why the third of you is not here?"

"Listen, you're going TOO FAR", hissed Seiya, "Fuck off!!"

"What did you say?" Haruka caught his shirt and shook his body, "Better apologize!"

"For what?" he scoffed, "For underestimating your friendly attitude? Galaxia was more friendly than you!"
"Hey, stop that! Everyone is waiting!" Taiki tried to finish the quarrel in peaceful manner but Seiya continued.

"You're just jealous because of your girlfriend's behaviour! You're so terribly jealous you can't even stand thinking of what you have seen then!"

Thump! Haruka's fist landed on Seiya's chin and made him knock off his feet. He was surprised by her reaction but it lasted only seconds. Then he jumped up and prepared to fight, with burning eyes and clenched teeth.

"Hey, that is crazy!" Taiki moved near but Seiya's choked voice stopped him.

"Don't you dare to interfere!"

"But..." Taiki looked up where he saw faces stuck to window glasses, observing an incident. Ami was also somewhere there... That thought made him make a decision quickly. He passed by the two whirling on the sidewalk and climbed the stairs, meeting girls halfway.

"What is delaying you?" Minako opened her mouth when she saw Taiki alone, "Where is Seiya?"

"Down there," he uttered with sigh, "They are fighting."

"Who is?" Rei exclaimed.

"Haruka and Seiya."

Girls screamed and flew downstairs, only Ami remained. Her heart was pounding so much she was afraid he notices it. Her eyes stuck to his face, not even a word escaped her tightened dry throat. She clasped her hands to her chest and stood still.

The pale red coloured Taiki's cheeks. He tried to form the proper greeting in his head, but it had been emptied suddenly. Even the ordinary word "Hello" ran away, leaving him helpless. Finally he moved his hand as if preparing to shake hands with her, and then she came to her senses.

"Let's go to check what is happening down there," she uttered shyly and he nodded, following her.

The fight was already over. Seiya had a black eye and sprained arm. Haruka was wiping blood from her nose and corners of her mouth.

Ami wrung her hands.

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Usagi came back home and was surprised a bit when her mother announced she had a visitor. She kicked off her shoes and climbed up the stairs quickly. She opened the door and ran inside.

"Haruka?!"

The wind Senshi was sitting on the chair, holding her handkerchief near her mouth. The fabric was bloodstained all over and the blood was also on Haruka's face, making her look horrible. Her nose and lips were swollen, her skin marked with many scratches and wounds. Usagi dashed towards her friend.

"Haruka, you look terrible! What happened to you?"

"I encountered an old enemy," the bitter sneer surfaced Haruka's lips, "I mean Seiya."

"Se...Seiya?" Usagi stepped back a little, "Did you fight?"

"Yes, we did. I had to teach him a lesson."

"So he really came back..."

Haruka's head snapped at Usagi suspiciously. Her eyes narrowed.

"Yes, he came back, and that's why I'm here. He didn't want to say why they left Kinmokusei, but I had a bad feeling about this. I suspect he came here for you."

"For me?" Usagi lurched a bit, "What do you mean? He knows it's hopeless... Besides, it can be only your imagination..."

"That is not!" Haruka rose and glanced angrily at shorter girl, "Since the last night I know he came here to capture you! And I want to ask you not to see him."

"But... he didn't even call me! Haruka, aren't you overreacting?"

"Overreacting? You're going to play you didn't notice anything last night?"

Usagi blinked few times and blushed.

"Well, I felt it, but..."

"So you know I'm overreacting. Please, don't see him, okay?"

"Why?"

"Because I'm asking you!"

"Well, I would like to see him! To know how is everyone, how is their homeland..."

"You're too soft hearted, Princess! I strongly recommend to concentrate on solving your current problems..."

"What do you mean?" Usagi sulked and Haruka rolled her eyes.

"Nothing... Anyway, I'm going to tell Mamoru about my suspicions."

"Do as you please! But... you can't stop me from seeing him!"

Haruka closed her eyes and sighed. My patience is about to vanish.