Chapter 8: Away From You
Zoisite growled to himself as he looked around the deserted hallway. He waited a moment longer, incase someone were to round a corner and find him, and then pushed open Kunzite's door. Logically he knew he wouldn't find the older general, but he wanted to be close to the man's presence. After quickly locking the door behind him Zoisite gazed around the room he'd been in under a dozen times. It was relatively clean, with a few items out of place, like an old suit trampled on the floor.
Zoisite smirked and purposefully walked over the suit towards the bed. Kunzite's old suit had been on the floor every time Zoisite had been granted access to the room, and every time Kunzite had walked over it, leaving blood, mud, and tears in his wake. A second glance around the room showed blood spilled from his last encounter with the Dark Kingdom's other generals.
Zoisite sighed and started to clean the blood from the floor. Kunzite was less than fond of blood; he told Zoisite it reminded him of the Moon. Sighing deeply Zoisite frowned at the floor thinking, 'He can't possibly remember the Moon Kingdom, No One does, not really… not even the Damned Chamber Pot Queen. All any of us were left with is the knowledge we lost, and the images of the Kingdom before we invaded…the invasion, the blood…none of it is remembered. Kunzite…why do you alone dream of the blood spilled there, the death we delivered without remorse? How can you dream of the things beyond reach?'
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"These are…. Cute?" Nephrite asked Naru as the two set the finishing touches on their shop. Naru nodded as she placed the last chenella in its cage. The two surveyed the store in silence for a moment before Nephrite asked, "And this plan will work?"
"I don't see why not. You should see the energy spent on pets… it's ridiculous, and we're merely benefiting from the obsession by heightening the extent to which they care for their pets. The more they care, the more energy for our Queen, and then as an added bonus, anyone who stands between them and their precious pet, will get hurt…besides, even if this plan fails, our other plan is perfect!" Naru said with a grin. Nephrite grinned in response and pulled the young lady close for a passion-filled kiss.
"We'll leave the shop to you Artemis," Nephrite said as the two faded away. The disguised monster nodded and turned to open the newest pet shop in town. The tall woman smiled pleasantly as she stepped outside and beckoned to the passing people.
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Michiru glared at her irritable companion as Haruka slammed closed the cupboards she'd previously opened. Half their contents were spilled across counters and the floor as Haruka searched for something. Michiru's glare deepened as Haruka dumped from the counter to the floor and started muttering.
"Haruka. What are you doing?" Michiru asked.
"Huh….nothing, nothing," Haruka said distractedly before she returned to muttering under her breath. Michiru's glare disappeared as her eyes clouded over with silent misery. She slowly walked to the exit of their apartment leaving Haruka in her own little world.
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Makoto sighed happily as she left the park and made her way towards her home. She'd visited the Crown Arcade Center again, and had spent nearly an hour talking with a tall blond boy with beautiful blue eyes. Makoto sighed dreamily again and entered her apartment building. After a short elevator ride and a short trip down a hallway Makoto pushed open her apartment door and happily announced, "I'm home Umino!"
"Makoto, welcome home. We have a guest," Umino answered from the direction of the kitchen. Makoto kicked off her shoes and walked into the kitchen with a happy smile. Sitting opposite her brother at the kitchen table was a beautiful girl with aquamarine hair and an unpleasant frown. Umino grinned and said, "Makoto, this is an old friend of mine, Kaiou, Michiru. Michi-chan this is my baby sister, Kino, Makoto. Michi-chan is going to be staying here a while, is that alright Makoto?"
"Of Course! Any girlfriend of yours is welcome!" Makoto said as she hugged Umino, who in turn blushed brightly.
"Umino is just a good friend. I'm currently fighting with my roommate." Michiru said with a light blush. Makoto shrugged and started pulling ingredients from the refrigerator and the cabinets to make dinner. Umino grinned at Michiru and stood to help his sister cook.
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Artemis stared at Minako in wonder as the blond girl randomly sorted through her clothes. He'd known the blond long enough to expect half the clothes to be in piles on the floor. After several moments of casually sorting through her closet Minako turned away and looked to the fridge. Worry bit at Artemis as he asked, "Are you feeling alright Minako?"
"Hmmm…yeah fine. I think I'll go grocery shopping," Minako muttered as she stood and wandered towards the door. Artemis shook his head in wonder when Minako pulled open the front door and walked into the street still dressed in her pajamas. He quickly followed the dazed blond through the streets, grimacing every time the blond walked through a puddle and drenched her slippers.
"Minako!" Artemis yelled as Minako started to cross the street, heading onto a busily flowing street. Eyes closed and nerves on edge Artemis waited for the sound of metal hitting flesh and prayed silently. After moments of nothing he slowly opened one eye and stared at the dizzying path the girl was taking to cross the street. It looked liked a complex dance as she weaved between traffic, often going backwards before making any progress towards the safety of the opposite sidewalk. One steadying breath and a surge of panic filled adrenalin and Artemis was racing across the street towards the blond, reaching her side just as she stumbled onto the sidewalk and into the arms of a very confused boys arms. The boy's green eyes widened in shock as the blond in his arms fell asleep.
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Rei closed her eyes and tried to focus on the burning fire before her. A soft groan of despair left her lips as she felt her mind shuffle away from the power she'd been so used to calling on. The flame had been able to pull her from every distraction, but not this time. Today, for reasons beyond her grasp, the flame seemed to repel her existence.
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Setsuna growled lightly as she walked into her small apartment. She turned on the lights and stepped on the cockroach that passed in front of her. Shoes kicked off, and slightly disgusted with her current living conditions Setsuna walked towards her kitchen. After making a sandwich she walked over to her couch and picked up the classified to job hunt again. "I can't be stuck with this damned job for long…. Crappy pay, stuck up customers, insufferable hours, and a thousand damned pen thieves….there has to be a better job out there…. Please Gods above let there be a better job!"
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Several Days Later
Usagi opened her eyes and stared around her room with a detached air. The world was moving forward but she couldn't seem to join them. Her mind was repeating the moment of Peruru's death, everything from the blond man to the blood that had splattered on her skin and clothes. She slowly pulled herself from the bed and pulled on a cotton dress and tied her hair back into her traditional hair style.
She slowly walked from her room and slowly left the house. Her feet took her to the spot in the park where Peruru had died. Usagi knelt on the grass and gently ran her hand over the grass, her mind picturing the blood. She felt a comforting hand land on her shoulder and looked up into warm blue eyes.
"Come on Princess. You can't stay in mourning forever, Peruru wouldn't approve." Mamoru said.
"Mamoru's right, Princess. Peruru would mourn the loss of your smile. Come along little princess," kunzite said as Mamoru pulled Usagi to her feet. Standing a few feet behind Kunzite Motoki and Reika were smiling sadly at her. Usagi returned their smile with a tentative smile of her own as the small group wandered from the park. The small group of friends walked to Mamoru's apartment.
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Michiru smiled softly as she walked through the Shopping District with Umino. The flirting duo spotted a pet shop and decided to step inside to look around. The two quietly walked through the aisles examining the furry little pets. Umino stopped for a moment and looked closely at one and was immediately drawn into the chanella's power. He pulled the furry little monster from his box as Michiru fell to the power of another chanella.
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Haruka frowned as she threw her first cake away. It tasted worse than raw sewage and she'd spent an hour debating what she'd done wrong before starting again. She frowned at the lack of ingredients in her fridge and decided to go shopping. Silently Haruka grabbed her wallet and pulled on her tennis shoes.
Haruka slowly walked down the streets intent on finding a grocery store. After two hours of walking Haruka found and entered a grocery store intent on by enough groceries to bake a perfect cake. Thirty minutes and a cart full of random grocery later and Haruka was headed towards the exit without paying. Her neighbor Mawata stopped her by asking, "What are you making Haruka?'
"A cake," Haruka mumbled. Mawata examined Haruka's cart with a raised eyebrow. After a few moments Mawata steered Haruka's cart back through the store, replaced the unnecessary items and picked out all the proper ingredients. Once that task was finished Mawata took Haruka to a checkout stand. After making sure everything was paid for Mawata walked Haruka home.
"Mom sent me out to look after you, you know. She said that dazed one is out and about; make sure she doesn't get lost. So here I am," Mawata explained. Haruka nodded in understanding and followed after the sixteen year old girl.
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Mrs. Mizuno watched her daughter and her friend Hotaru walk into the apartment, both holding small pets close. She placed her coffee cup on the table and stood to greet them. Smiling she said, "Hello Ami, Hotaru. What are these?"
"Mine," both girls growled as they shoved past the concerned woman. Mrs. Mizuno grabbed Ami's arm and tried to take the pet from her daughter. Ami growled angrily and pushed her mother away from her. The girls left Mrs. Mizuno in the living room gaping in shock and walked to Ami's room to continue admiring their chanellas.
"Ami…" Mrs. Mizuno whispered as she collapsed on the couch.
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Kunzite closed his eyes and waited for everyone to take their seats. He knew they deserved the truth of Peruru's death but it didn't stop the fear from gripping his heart. Mamoru's calm voice interrupted Kunzite's fear as he said, "Kunzite."
"It's my fault Peruru died," Kunzite whispered.
"Kunzite, that's not true, you are not to blame," Reika murmured.
Kunzite shook his head slightly and looked at the floor. After a moment he muttered, "The blond… the one who killed Peruru, he works for a woman named Beryl. I met Jadeite, the blond when I was ten, when we both started working for Beryl…"
"You what?" Reika whispered ominously. Motoki rose from his seat and punched Kunzite. The stunned general fell backwards, smashed the mirror behind him and fell to the ground. Shards rained down on the wounded general as Mamoru rushed to Kunzite's side. Usagi looked up and focused on her surroundings, a frown on her face.
"Damn it Motoki, he's still healing!" Mamoru yelled as he carefully helped Kunzite up.
"He's friends with person who killed Peruru!" Motoki yelled.
"Motoki, stop it!" Reika chastised.
"Thanks," Kunzite muttered as he sat back in his chair. With a sad sigh Kunzite continued talking, "Jadeite is not my friend. He never has been, he's jealous of my ability…and he's so far in love with the Chambermaid Queen that he can't see past her ambitions. There are two other generals, Nephrite and Zoisite… They're not near as bad as Jadeite. Nephrite just wants to keep his new girlfriend, Naru, safe and Zoisite… well, I'm not sure why he stays. I just stuck around to make sure the chambermaid never found the princess."
"Who is this princess?" Reika asked.
"The moon princess, Princess Serenity, and no I cannot tell you how to find her," Kunzite answered.
"How can you protect someone if you can't find them," Mamoru asked.
"As long as the princess is out of Beryl's hands she's safe to live a normal life. I won't jeopardize that or put the girl in harms way. It's worth the risk of dealing with Beryl, Jadeite and any other danger to keep her safe. It's the promise I made to myself and to the Queen of the Moon." Kunzite said.
"Kunzite, how old are you?" Usagi asked.
"Nineteen," Kunzite answered.
"So what happened to the Moon Kingdom?" Reika asked.
"It was destroyed by Metallia and the Chambermaid," Kunzite answered quietly. Kunzite winced as Motoki stood and clenched his fists ready to hit Kunzite again. Reika growled low and Mamoru stood close to Kunzite glaring death at his two angry friends. "You know those girls in the skirts that have been on the news a couple of times over the last few weeks…"
"You mean the girls all anime fan boys are drooling over because of their skimpy outfits?" Reika asked in slight disgust.
"Yeah them, they're princesses from the various planets and they were supposed to protect the Moon Princess. They died so they're here trying again," Kunzite said. Motoki attacked Kunzite, and was stopped by Mamoru.
"You can't believe this crap?" Motoki asked angrily.
"Actually I know two…" Usagi whispered. Motoki glanced at Usagi then quietly took his seat at her side. Mamoru sat on the couch and Reika leaned back in her chair intent on listening. Kunzite sighed softly and Usagi smiled at him.
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Rei closed her eyes and willed herself not to cry. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't focus on the fire, or the vision she could feel just beyond her reach. The door behind her opened and Yuichiro looked inside with a frown and stepped into the room. He knelt beside Rei and murmured, "Rei-san, you should check out this ad. I think you should look into this pet shop, it may have something to do with the odd behavior of people."
Rei glanced at the newspaper as Yuichiro left the room. A large ad for Pet Shop Perfume took up most of the page and Rei wondered what could possibly be suspicious about the ad. She dismissed Yuichiro's worry and continued to concentrate all her energy on the fire before her.
From outside the door Yuichiro sighed sadly and walked away. Rei was too dazed to read the fire and wasn't willing to perform her duties as a sailor soldier. Yuichiro clenched his fist and nodded to himself as he thought, 'I'll have to do something. I just hope it doesn't involve my death.'
Determined and frightened Yuichiro wrote a note to Rei telling her where he was going and left he shrine. Every step felt like he was walking through lead as he continued to convince himself he had to do something no matter the consequences. Ever since the day he'd learned who the sailor soldiers were he'd felt compelled to help and protect them. His first day working at Hikawa Shrine had been memorable, and he was going to help the girls somehow.
As he walked towards the pet shop Yuichiro noticed Ami's friend Ryo looking just as scared and determined. Both boys stopped at the corner and stared into each other's eyes, assessing their determination. In the end they quietly shook hands and walked towards the shop, still afraid but twice as determined to offer aid where they could.
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Usagi smiled at her escort home as they stopped at her front door. The four behind her smiled and Usagi opened her front door to reveal her younger brother and a small furry pet in his hands. Shingo sneered at Usagi and turned to walk upstairs. Shocked by this odd display Usagi put a hand on his shoulder and asked, "What's wrong Shingo?"
"Leave me alone, you're not wanted," Shingo said as he shrugged off her loose hold.
"Shingo," Usagi whispered.
Her little brother turned, his sneer firmly in place and said, "Why are you even here? You know you're not wanted, that's why you were left in the orphanage… mom and dad'll send you back. Our family doesn't need you."
"Shingo!" Usagi's mom yelled as she walked into view a spatula in hand. "You apologize to Usagi right this instant!"
"Why? She's not my sister…or your daughter, she's someone's unwanted burden," Shingo replied. Usagi stepped away from the door, pushed past her four concerned friends and ran from the yard. Shingo grinned and said, "She's just another worthless addition to society."
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Makoto glared at her brother and his friend. Since the moment the two had returned to the apartment they had done nothing but stare at the 'precious chenllas' and Makoto was mad. She'd made lunch and neither had even bothered with touching the meal. Anger radiated from the tall brunette as she cleaned the kitchen and she was ready kill her brother and his friend.
"Listen Umino, the pet has to go." Makoto said. Umino glared at her and Makoto swiped the pet. Umino stood and tried to take the chenella back but Makoto tossed the pet from the open window. Umino tried to follow the chenella but Makoto punched him, sending him back towards the couch. After a few moments Umino blinked up at Makoto and frowned as he touched his sore cheek.
"Makoto? What…what happened?" Umino asked.
"You … what do you remember?" Makoto asked.
"We walked into a pet shop and then I wake with a sore jaw….. what happened Makoto?" Umino said.
"I tossed your pet chenella out the window and hit you… You wouldn't stop staring at the damned ugly thing…just like your friend there. Now help, you hold her I'll toss the pet," Makoto explained as she walked intently towards Michiru. Umino did as told and quickly grabbed Michiru as Makoto stole the chenella and tossed it out the window. After a few moments Michiru calmed down and blinked her eyes in wonder.
"What…" Michiru asked as her phone rang.
Makoto walked into the kitchen and answered, "Michiru's phone, Makoto speaking. How can I help you?"
"Where's Michiru?" an angry voice asked.
"Coming out a dazed reality. I'll put her on the phone, hold on." Makoto said before she handed the phone off. Michiru frowned as she listened to the girl on the phone then hung up and walked towards the exit.
"Michiru?" Umino asked.
"I have to go, sorry," Michiru said as she pulled on her shoes and raced from the apartment.
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Haruka smiled at the perfectly made cake then collapsed in the kitchen, content at last. Mawata looked over the now clean kitchen and smiled. It had taken nearly an hour to clean the kitchen and another hour to make the cake, but it had been worth it in Mawata's mind. She was pleased to see Haruka at peace and the apartment clean. Quietly Mawata covered Haruka with a blanket and left the apartment to go home
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Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Saturn walked into Pet Shop Perfume and frowned. The store looked like it had been hit by a small twister, with dozens of broken glass and free chenellas littering the floor. Mercury frowned and asked, "What the hell happened here?"
"Good question," Mars muttered as she stepped into the mess and looked around. She kicked a metal pole aside and walked towards the employee door. Saturn and Mercury followed as Sailor Neptune walked in the door.
The four sailor scouts entered the employee section and gasped in shock. Yuichiro and Ryo were slightly buried under a pile of rubble, Yuichiro still clutching a metal pole tightly. A tall beautiful lady stepped between them and asked pleasantly, "Were those two boys friends of yours? They fought awfully hard to protect children, just as you little scouts do?"
"Fire Soul" Mars shouted angrily. The woman smiled and deftly blocked the attack. The woman sent a bolt of energy at Mars, knocking the fiery youth back into the main shop. Artemis smirked and formed a dagger in her hand which she threw at Mercury. The blue-haired soldier grabbed the knife and threw it back aiming for the monster's head. Artemis dodged and quickly moved in front of Mercury, a kick sending her into the same room as Mars.
A second kick knock the glaive from Saturn's hands and the youngest soldier flying into Mars. Neptune settled into a fighting stance and glared at the monster who smirked happily. Neptune called on her power and yelled, "Deep Sub…"
A brutal kicked stopped Neptune and sent her through the wall to join her teammates in the main shop. The four scouts warily stood up and looked at the approaching monster. Artemis shook her head and said, "You're the sailor soldiers of legend…those two boys put up a better fight."
Mercury and Mars looked to each other and attacked together. With the room shrouded by bubbles Mar's attack hit the monster's shoulder and Saturn ran past her. Glaive in hand again Saturn charged the monster in an attempt to kill it before it could cause any more injury.
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"Um, Kunzite…" Zoisite said as he appeared before the older general. Kunzite nodded and waited for Zoisite to continue, "I need you to find the sailor scouts… they fought Ceres two weeks ago…. It's entirely possible they have some of her poison running through their veins slowly killing them… I can't find them…I'm still associated to the Dark kingdom and helping them…"
"It's fine Zoi, I'll get them the antidote. You should go back," Kunzite said as he slowly stood. Kunzite slowly walked out the front door as Zoisite disappeared. "I'll help protect them, and you Zoi…We need to fight together."
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Mars looked around the room and frowned. Mercury was in the corner bleeding to death, Venus trying desperately to stop the bleeding. A wall had collapsed opposite Mercury, burying the young Saturn buried beneath its rubble, and Neptune was attempting to fight the tall woman. Mars grabbed the crescent wand, prayed with all her might that she was strong enough and attempted once again to destroy the monster. Neptune was thrown clear as the monster jumped to the side, safe and uninjured.
Tears trailed down Mar's cheeks as a tall white haired man walked calmly into the shop and looked around. He frowned at the scene and asked, "Picking on youth Artemis? It seems pathetic, for one such as you to lower yourself to Jadeite's standards of living. I thought you at least could recognize beauty and help to nurture it."
"If it isn't the turn-coat," Artemis hissed angrily as she threw a barrage of daggers at the man. A sword, still safe in its sheath appeared in the man's hand and he used it to deflect all the blades. A smirk appeared on the man's face as he looked over at Mars who still stood holding the crescent wand. In an instant the man appeared behind Artemis, trapping her in his arms.
"The wand, now Mars!" the man yelled and Mars nodded. She held the crescent wand to her forehead for a brief moment and prayed for it to work. Time stood still for her for just a moment as an image of the Moon Queen appeared in her mind.
"Fight as is your will. Be true to yourself, Princess Mars, and fear nothing. You are a brave and worthy fighter, destined for great deeds. Use your strength, your heart and fear nothing. Then you can truly use the flames of wars past to your advantage. I know you can save those who you wish to protect, and my daughter is waiting for you. Fear not princess," Queen Serenity's voice murmured as the image shifted to reveal reality.
"Flames of War!" Mars yelled. A flaming attack flew directly at the monster who had no way to save itself. Mars watched in shock as the fire engulfed the monster and the white haired man who had helped her. Neptune raced to Saturn's side as the fire vanished to reveal the white haired man standing unburned at the heart of what once was a blazing inferno.
"I knew you could win Mars," the man whispered as Mars fell to the floor, her transformation lost to reveal Rei. The man walked to Rei's side and knelt to focus his energy into healing the injured girl. "Neptune once you've unburied Saturn bring her over here, Venus please bring Mercury here and then unbury the boys in the backroom."
Venus did as she was told and rushed to aid the two in the back. Neptune also followed instructions and managed to bring Saturn over just as Kunzite finished healing Mercury's wounds. Neptune watched anxiously as Kunzite healed Saturn's wounds. Neptune frowned as the man swayed slightly and placed a hand on the man's shoulder. She felt the man's healing power flood into her and pulled back. Kunzite wearily muttered, "You should help Venus."
Neptune nodded and moved to help Venus. The younger girl had managed to unbury the two boys and had picked up Ryo. Neptune half carried and half dragged Yuichiro to Kunzite's side. The man looked pale and tired as both Rei and Mercury sat up and gawked at him. Kunzite placed a hand on Yuichiro and began healing him. After a moment Kunzite moved to healing Ryo and tried to stay awake. Ten minutes later, after healing both Neptune and Venus, Kunzite passed out. Rei grinned as Yuichiro and Ryo woke up.
"Yuichiro could you carry our new friend back to the Shrine." Rei asked.
"Sure, Sailor Mars," Yuichiro said as he looked around the room.
Ryo smiled at Mercury and said, "Thanks you Ami."
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Four hours Later
"Feeling better?" Rei asked as the man tried to sit up. The scouts, detranformed, Yuichiro and Ryo were currently sitting in Rei's room at the Hikawa Shrine watching Kunzite. He still looked pale and shook slightly as he fully sat up.
"Yes, I've a question for you ladies," Kunzite said as he leaned against the wall. "Hello My name's Kunzite. I actually came looking to help you girls with another problem. Were any of you affected by the sunflower monster, Ceres, you'd be feeling off, dazed, anything of the sort."
"Yes, I can't concentrate properly since that fight," Rei admitted softly. Kunzite grabbed a bottle of pills from his pocket and pulled out a pill for Rei. She looked at it for a moment and swallowed it dry. Minako held out a hand, silently admitting that she felt as bad as Rei. Kunzite handed her a pill and she too swallowed it dry.
"I think Haruka may be a victim too. She's at our apartment, and she's been a bit dazed since the incident…I thought it was just because of the pain killers she's on." Michiru admitted.
"We need to give her one of these as soon as possible. Her life is in danger if she has Ceres's venom in her blood. It's a very dangerous and lethal toxin," Kunzite said as he pushed himself to his feet. He swayed slightly and Yuichiro instantly stood to steady the man. "Lead the way please."
Michiru stood and nodded. The group slowly walked towards Haruka and Michiru's apartment. It took them thirty minutes to reach the dark apartment. Michiru turned on the lights and led them into the living room. She looked around the rest of the apartment until she found Haruka curled up on the kitchen floor. "Hey, Haruka. Wake up Hun, I have someone here who can help you."
Haruka mumbled something unintelligible and opened her eyes. Michiru pulled Haruka to her feet and led her into the living room where she sat her beside Kunzite. Kunzite, knowing the girl must have collected some wound, healed the girl beside him. Once her wounds had healed Kunzite pulled out a pill for Haruka and said, "Take this."
Haruka frowned at the pill and swallowed it anyways as Kunzite passed out once more. Haruka leaned against Kunzite and joined him in sleep. Yuichiro stood and picked up Haruka. He carried the unconscious girl to the room indicated by Michiru and put her in bed. He covered her up and then rejoined the group. Michiru and Ryo were carefully carrying Kunzite to the room opposite Haruka's. Hotaru yawned in exhaustion and muttered, "More help."
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I still don't own Sailor Moon