Torn Apart Chapter 9, a sailor moon fanfic

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Kakyuu kissed the unconscious Senshi's forehead. Good bye, Healer. I promise I will be back soon, I will come back to youwith Fighter and Maker and nothing will separate us again.

She stroked the cool, smooth cheek sadly. Healer didn't move, only her chest sinking and rising so slowly you could barely notice it.

In fact Sailor Star Healer was dying.

She gave up her life to save her former companion, sending to him her energy towards the space. Kakyuu was aware of it but couldn't convince Healer to stop. It seemed the Senshi decided to commit the suicide in this way. Finally the Princess told the doctor to administer the soporific to Healer. She wanted to have Fighter again but not at such price, so she resolved togoing to Earth herself. Maybe it was too late for Healer but Princess believed that bringing Maker back could fix her Senshi's broken heart.

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Haruka half-opened her swollen eyelid. She couldn't see clearly and had to wait afew minutes until her gaze focused on something in front of her. It was Michiru's lap covered with sheer fabric of her nightshirt.

"Haruka, please drink it," Michiru's calm voice uttered and she handed a glass to her girlfriend.

"Oh leave me alone," Haruka grumbled and covered her face with a palm, "Let me be."

"I let you be for last few days," Michiru said tenaciously, "Now you're getting up and coming with me."

"Where?" one of Haruka's greenish eyes glanced at Michiru suspiciously.

"To see Usagi, of course."

"What?" Haruka jumped ten feet high, throwing her blanket away, "Never!"

Splash! The contents of the glass landed on Haruka's face.

"Listen to me," Michiru leant forward with very serious face, "You've done enough. You've almost ruined everything. Why don't you admit at last that you were wrong?"

"Michiru..." Haruka shook her head, "But I wasn't wrong. You've seen it yourself! The closed door to the future!"

"Forget the future! What about the present? You can't do anything if you don't cooperate with the Princess!"

"She doesn't want to cooperate," Haruka tried to wipe the liquid from her face and sighed.

"Especially now," Michiru derided, "After your last performance."

"Just stop!" Haruka pushed her away, "I did what I thought was the best. Mamoru agreed with me."

"Mamoru...?" Michiru narrowed her eyes, "He was also there?"

Haruka nodded.

"We had to act quickly before he could do more harm," she continued.

"Who?"

"You know who," Haruka snarled.

"Seiya?" Michiru tilted her head.

"Don't even mention his name!" came the enraged answer.

"Why do you hate him so much?"

"Why? Don't be kidding! There are many reasons."

"For instance? What is his most cardinal sin?"

"Are you defending him?" Haruka frowned, "Michiru?"

"Kind of," Michiru took her nightshirt off and dried Haruka's hair, "I just don't understand. Are you jealous of Usagi or what?"

"Don't be stupid," Haruka's gaze was wandering up and down Michiru's body, "She's the Princess, that's all."

"I'm not as stupid as you seem to be. Instead of being grateful you've almost killed one of those who helped Usagi defeat Galaxia."

"Come on," Haruka waved her hand, "They just saved their asses."

"You didn't answer my question."

"What question?"

"Why do you detest Seiya so much?"

Michiru's eyes stuck to Haruka's face. Come on, Haruka, say it. Reveal it. I can't stand guessing any longer. I start to feel guilty. Maybe that's nothing personal. But what if...?

"I want to drink," Haruka turn her head aside.

"You've been drinking for last few days! Haruka, please."

But you would never understand, Haruka thought.

Michiru leant forward and kissed her girlfriend.

"I love you no matter what," she declared quite sadly.

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"Don't worry, he will be alright," Mamoru enclosed Usagi with his arm, "I'm sure he will."

"Yes," she nodded, rubbing her shoe against the other, "But I..."

"I know you feel guilty because he came here for you," he added, "He has chosen his own destiny."

"Do you think the destiny is something we can choose? Isn't the length of the line of our life decided since our first breath?" she looked into his eyes, "The destiny is cruel for Seiya, isn't it?"

"It is not your fault."

"That's right, but..."

She was slipping away, he could see that. All her thoughts were concentrated on Seiya. Only two days more, he thought, And we're leaving. We're flying away.

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Taiki brushed his forehead sleepily when he heard a little yawning near him. His eyes wandered to Ami's face and the mess of her tousled hair. As far as he remembered he was alone while going to sleep the last evening. His eyes blinked with embarrassment and he couldn't stop the strange feeling squeezing his throat which turned into coughing.

"I'm sorry," he choked when Ami jumped up, "I didn't want to wake you up."

"Nevermind, I've already slept too long," she scratched her head and yawned again, covering her mouth with the palm, "Oh I'm sorry."

"That's okay," he giggled, "Did you sleep well?"

"The couch is hard and uncomfortable, and the blanket too short," she commented, "But you can't expect nothing more from hospital couch."

"True," he nodded laughing, and suddenly stiffened, "And Seiya? Who is with him?"

"My mother, "Ami comforted him, "She is watching him."

"I have to see him," Taiki announced and put on the shoes, "I have to make sure that he's alright..."

Ami smoothed her short hair, smiling. She knew Taiki would never forgive himself if something bad happened to Seiya again. In her opinion everything went right and Seiya's life wasn't in danger anymore.

The course of her thoughts was broken when the door opened with a squeak and a woman appeared there.

"Princess!" Taiki choked and fell to his knees, "Princess Kakyuu!"

Woman's eyes met Taiki's and she tilted her head a bit, smiling sadly.

"Maker..." she whispered softly, "I'm so happy to see you..."

Taiki couldn't speak, his hands were shaking. Ami collected herself, went towards him and put her palm on his shoulder. He glanced at her and she tightened her grasp. I love you, she thought, Don't you dare to forget this!

Princess frowned a bit. Why she catches him so possessively? And he seems to enjoy that, to derive strength and certainty from her touch. They look into each other's eyes with such a deep understanding...

"Maker... I mean Taiki," Princess stuttered, "I want to see Fighter, please..."

"Of course, Princess!" Taiki exclaimed and started off eagerly, leaving Ami behind. He was already reaching the ward, when the thought stroke his mind. What have I done?

He looked back. Ami was following them, but her head was lowered in the way that made his chest tighten. He opened the door and let the Princess in. Ami approached him and he caught her hand.

"I'm sorry," he leant forward to lay the kiss on her fair skin, "I forgot myself when I saw my Princess. I was confused."

"That's okay," Ami uttered quietly, "I understand. I'm glad you remembered."

"It's very difficult," he took the deep breath, "I feel so guilty and I need your help."

"I can't judge you," she replied, "I always thought those who abandon their duties are cowards and traitors. But now... I'm grateful you were strong enough to bear the name of the traitor."

Apparently Taiki was glad because his face brightened up at once.

"Thank you," he embraced her and they entered the ward.

Princess was watching Seiya through the glass, pressing her mouth to block the weeping. Ami's mother gaped at her with big eyes.

"Look!!" Ami elbowed her boyfriend, "Seiya opened his eyes!"

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Usagi approached Hikawa Shrine shyly. She was wondering what Rei will say when she finds out that her friend decided to go abroad but didn't utter a word about it. Usagi knew Rei's hot temper well and was afraid of her reaction. In fact, she was afraid of her own reaction too, because she still didn't know if she wanted to go or not. Nevertheless her journey was set, the ticket was bought, the suitcase was packed. All what left was saying goodbye to her friends.

The voice could be heard from inside and Usagi halted. She didn't want to bother Rei if the priestess had visitors. Usagi moved nearer to eavesdrop a bit and learn what to do – retire or come in.

"Even if she agreed she doesn't love you and you know that," Rei's voice spoke, "Why are you doing this?"

Silence.

"I understand... Don't you think you're deceiving yourself?"

Silence.

"Will you ever come back?"

Silence.

"I see..." Rei's voice became teary, "But he is no longer a danger to her, don't you know?"

Silence.

For some reason Usagi didn't like what she was listening, even if she didn't know who Rei was talking to. It sounded... like it was a very private conversation and Usagi felt strange just being thrown into someone's secrets.

"Princess Kakyuu is taking him home," Rei said and Usagi's knees weakened when she realized who was the subject of the conversation. She entered the place slowly and closed the door with a squeak. Rei turned around immediately and took a deep breathe, her eyes bulged. She hang up the receiver and attempted to grin.

"Hi, Usagi-chan! Please, come in!"

"Rei-chan..." Usagi's voice was trembling and faint, "Who were you talking to?"

"A friend," Rei waved her hand, "Never mind."

Usagi's eyes scanned taller girl's face. Rei was lying, it was obvious. Anyway she didn't look like she felt guilty or something. She just told a lie and wasn't upset at all. Her face was so calm and serene that it frightened Usagi.

"Rei-chan..." Usagi uttered with a dry throat, her eyes opened wide. She stepped forward and gulped. Rei was still smiling lightly, pretending that nothing serious had happened.

"Who were you talking to...?" Usagi repeated pleadingly, "I've heard you were talking about Seiya and Princess Kakyuu..."

"I told you that's nothing important," Rei replied, "Besides, why did you come? Did something happen?"

"No, not at all. Rei, why are you lying to me?"

"I'm not lying. I'm... protecting you."

"Protecting me?"

"That's right."

Usagi blinked and stepped forward.

"Protecting me from what?"

"From truth," Rei closed her eyes and turned her back to Usagi, "From truth," she repeated quietly.

"I don't understand!" Usagi shouted angrily and clenched her fists, "I think I'm being deceived, and I don't know why!"

"Why?" Rei snorted, "Because you're too immature to face the truth!"

"What truth? Rei, you're scaring me! What truth are you talking about?"

"The truth about Mamoru and you," Rei answered simply.

"What?"

"You've wasted the relationship with someone... someone so extraordinary, wonderful and amazing! That's just immature and stupid!"

"I've wasted? What do you mean?"

"Nothing, Usagi," Rei sighed, "Go with him and be happy in your own way."

Usagi froze.

"You know that I'm going to America?" she inquired.

Rei nodded.

"It thought it was a secret..." Usagi stuttered.

"It is a secret. Nobody knows except us."

"Rei?" Usagi's voice was trembling. She approached her friend and put her hand upon Rei's shoulder, "Did you betray me?"

"No!" Rei wrenched out, "I have never ever betray you. I am Sailor Senshi, did you forget it?"

"Even Sailor Senshi can betray each other! Like Haruka did..." Usagi replied.

Rei turned to her slowly and glanced at her.

"They didn't betray you. They wanted to protect you."

"They?"

"Yes," Rei closed her eyes, "Mamoru was also there."

Usagi shivered and grew pale. Her lips parted and a faint breathe tore out from between them. She turned on her heel and ran away.

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Seiya rested on his elbow and sipped the juice. Princess Kakyuu was sitting next to the hospital bed, examining his face. He sipped the juice again and looked through the window.

"Why are you delaying, Fighter? You should know there is no future for you on this planet."

Seiya didn't answer. He was just looking through the window and pondering.

"Fighter?" Kakyuu leaned forward and brushed his hand.

"Why did you come here?" he shook his head, "To add more hardships for me?"

"Of course not! I wanted to help you!"

"I chose the most difficult path I could. All I need is support when I'm breaking through, not drawing me back home."

"Oh Fighter!" Kakyuu knelt down on the floor and grasped Seiya's hand. He quivered and tried to move his hand back, but she was gripping tightly. She leaned her forehead against the upper side of his palm. Seiya's muscles tensed.

"Look what they have done! They almost kill you! Healer barely survived while sharing her life forces with you!" Kakyuu exclaimed.

"Idiot!" Seiya's eyes watered a bit, "Why did she do this?"

"Because she loves you! We all do!" Princess' cheeks reddened, "Kinmoku is awaiting you impatiently..."

"No!" he hit the bed with the fist, "I'm not going to give up!"

"But she is leaving..." Kakyuu whispered sadly, "In two days she's leaving for USA with her fiancé..."

Seiya froze.

"I'm sorry I have to hurt you, Fighter," Princess sobbed, "I'm so sorry..."

She sat down on the bed and combed Seiya's hair with her fingers. Its touch gave her goosebumps.

"Fighter..." she inhaled his scent in, "Please come back home with me..."

Her lips wandered down his temple and cheek and stopped by the corner of his mouth. Princess was trembling all over. Her head was spinning.

Something hot and wet met her lips. She blinked with confusion when she felt the salty taste of tears. She moved backwards rapidly and cried quietly when she saw two big teardrops rolling down Seiya's cheeks.

"There is always hope," the voice uttered from the door. Princess' head snapped at the direction and her eyes narrowed when she saw Rei standing there. Seiya turned his head aside and wiped his cheeks quickly.

"What are you doing here? I didn't hear you knocking," Kakyuu stood up and straightened in a queenly manner, spreading around the sweet scent of olive flowers.

"I didn't knock," Rei answered and stepped forward.

"What do you want?" Kakyuu placed herself between Seiya and the unexpected visitor.

"I want to say that Usagi is not going to America," Rei stated and moved nearer, trying to catch Seiya's eyes.

"What?" Kakyuu furrowed, "Everything is prepared. How can you say she isn't leaving?"

"Seiya, you can't give up now!" Rei said emphatically, "In fact they have many problems, her and Mamoru. Their relationship almost vanished. I believe you are the reason."

"What...?" Seiya's eyes sparkled with life and he straightened.

"Please don't listen to her, Fighter!" Kakyuu waved her hands desperately, "Don't let yourself be hoping again, this time the disappointment will kill you!"

"Why are you hampering?" Rei ground her teeth, "If Seiya plays this game right, he will win!"

"Aren't you her friend?" red-haired woman lowered her voice, "Why are you dragging us into your affairs? Leave us alone! Fighter had suffered enough!"

"I don't understand," Rei mumbled, "I thought you came here to help Seiya and Taiki be happy..."

"No, I'm going to get them back!!" Kakyuu burst.

Rei didn't answer. She just watched her interlocutor and mused. I can't believe what I'm hearing. I was sure I'll be extremely welcome bringing such news, but Princess Kakyuu doesn't seem to be content at all. Actually she tried to stop Seiya with all her might . What a surprise. I considered them as my allies. Was I wrong?

"Thanks God you've come," she heard Seiya's voice, "I've almost given up. You've saved me."

Rei sighed deeply at these words.

"But, Fighter!" Kakyuu grabbed Seiya's palm, but he set it free decisively.

"I told you, Princess. I'm not Fighter anymore."

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"Haruka, I'm leaving!" Michiru's voice resounded in the place. Haruka didn't answer. She pretended that she was sleeping, because she didn't want Michiru to interfere her musings. Michiru entered the bedroom quietly and watched Haruka's serene face, deep, regular breathing and closed eyelids. She approached the bed and gently kissed Haruka's forehead.

"See you soon," she whispered and went out.

When Haruka heard the sound of turning key, she rolled back and opened her eyes. She jumped out of bed and peeked through the window. Michiru was disappearing in the distance, her navy blue dress waving seductively around her thighs. She was totally sexy and she knew it. If she wanted she could have someone most popular, most desired. But the one she had chosen was Haruka. Why? Because they were partners in battles? Or was she really attracted to the sandy-haired racer?

Haruka rubbed the face with her fingers.

There she was again – in Michiru's wardrobe, where someone was standing so close to her girlfriend that it made her throat tighten. And Michiru seemed to have fun, she was smiling lightly while he was preparing to unzip her dress.

Fuck it!

For the first time Haruka had assumed that someone could carry Michiru off from her. Someone like him... extremely arrogant, handsome, haughty jerk. It was obvious that he hadn't anything he could give such a wonderful woman as Michiru, but he dared to approach her.

Haruka Tenou would rather die than let someone steal her girlfriend away. She couldn't survive without her. So she swore an oath that some day she will kill Seiya Kou with her own hands.

Of course she knew it was irrational, maybe even crazy. In fact it was Michiru's fault as well, it was her who let him be so close. If she wanted, she could turn him away in a minute. When he realized Michiru was out of his grasp, he gave her up and turned to the most innocent girl in the world – Usagi.

Haruka considered herself as Usagi's guardian angel so it hit her even harder. She knew how great heart Usagi had and how easily one could hurt her. And Seiya seemed to be the one who could hurt Usagi the most.

Haruka could never know Seiya's gentle, caring side. If she could, she maybe wouldchange her mind. But she never had a chance. So she hated him as much as she never hated anyone before. She never wondered if she was right until she was banished.

She was commanded to leave Earth and make for her home castle, but she didn't do this. She couldn't stand the loneliness of that place, the silence and the voidness. That was why she was still staying here even if her life had no purpose anymore.

The ringing doorbell stirred her thoughts.

"Who is it?" she inquired rather rudely.

"That's me, Usagi," the voice answered and Haruka's jaw dropped. She set the door ajar and stared at the pale, anguished face.

"Can I come in?" Usagi asked shyly and Haruka wide opened the door.

"Of course! I mean... Well, please come in..." Haruka stammered and combed her tousled hair nervously, letting Usagi in, "I'm sorry for the mess... I'm..."

"Haruka," Usagi didn't listen to her, "Tell me... The night when you almost killed Seiya... Was Mamo-chan with you?"

Haruka bulged her eyes. Until now she had never mentioned that Tuxedo Kamen accompanied her. But Usagi had learned about it somehow. Who had disclosed the truth? Haruka was confused and furious.

"Who told you such a nonsense?" she asked, shrugging, "I was alone."

"Really?" Usagi's mysterious eyes were waiting for the truth, but all she got was a lie, "Can you swear he wasn't there?"

"I swear," Haruka couldn't control her blushing cheeks, "I swear."

Usagi nodded absent-mindedly.

"Okay," she stated and Haruka understood that Usagi didn't believe her at all.