Sailor Moon's clenched eyes opened after an oddly long pause of silence. Her lips shook in fear and shock, while her frightened fingers ran up to her face, in a gasp of horror. Time became heavy and slow, trapped in a surreal and viscous cruelty.

"Minako-chan…" Sailor Moon whispered, as the Venus offered a weak smile.

"Run, princess…" Her voice sounded choked and strained, as jolts of dark energy leapt wildly from the scrolls. Sailor Venus released a scream of pure pain, her sky blue eyes becoming hazy.

"Venus!" Sailor Mars shouted from 30 yards away. Her eyes lined with heavy tears, "Sailor Moon, run!" Mars continued harshly. Sailor Mars closed her eyes and looked down, her earrings clicking against themselves as her head moved rapidly; how had Minako gotten there so fast? Was her will to defend Usagi that strong?

Sailor Moon tried to stand, slipped but then stood and ran towards Sailor Mars. The demon, immediately turned its dark gaze to Sailor Mars and released several scrolls within seconds. But, before they could reach her, Sailor Mars jumped elegantly. She landed beside Sailor Moon.

"Sailor Moon…When it hits me, heal it." Sailor Mars said, staring at the demon. An intense energy, one of dedication, hurt and determination enveloped Sailor Mars.

"But, Sailor Mars—"Sailor Moon began, her dark eyes richening with concern.

Sailor Mars brought a single finger up to Sailor Moon's lips, "No, Sailor Moon. Trust me." Mars offered a weak smile that didn't even stir those rich embers in her eyes.

Sailor Mars started walking towards the demon, a single scroll pinched between her index and middle finger.

The demon hesitated and took a step back, several scrolls appearing in its violently clenched fist.

"Ojii-chan.." Sailor Mars whispered, closing her eyes and letting her scroll fall to the ground.

As the thin sheet of paper fell, the demon's eyes followed; its eyes softened and it began to shake and cough.

Sailor Moon's eyes widened, "Mars! He recognizes you!" Sailor Mars looked up in shock, and, in fact, she could see more of her sweet, sweet, (yet perverted) old man.

"Ojii-chan!" Sailor Mars called out again. The demon howled, its fingers clenching and relaxing rapidly.

Sailor Moon nodded, setting her sights on her target; the moon stick appeared in her hand. "Moon healing esca—" Sailor Moon didn't finish her enchant. Instead, the demon had flung a scroll, knocking the moon stick out of her hands.

"Oh no…" Sailor Moon whispered, as she visibly paled. The moon stick, now 40 yards away behind her, was out of reach. Sailor Mars looked back at Sailor Moon with wide eyes.

"But…he won't attack me…" Sailor Mars whispered to herself.

"Sailor Moon, run!" Sailor Mars yelled, as she noticed the demon replenishing its supply of scrolls rapidly.

Haruka hazily opened her eyes, consciousness greeting her with an icy breeze in her face. She blinked multiple times, her vision slowly sharpening. Haruka pushed herself up, using the opened refrigerator for support. She threw out a singular laugh, 'At least I don't really eat anymore, or I would've just lost a lot of money…' Haruka thought.

Her eyes locked onto the beef sitting innocently on the rack. With a hurried sense of urgency, Haruka sank her claws into the flesh (or rather plastic wrap) ripped it apart and shoved her mouth around the flesh of the dead cow. It almost looked as if she were a child chomping down on cake. As the protein and blood slipped past her esophagus, Haruka sighed with a sense of content.

Something…wasn't sitting right in her stomach, though. And, for once, it wasn't the food. As the last bit of beef slid into her lips, Haruka chewed half mindedly. Something…wasn't right. Haruka grabbed her keys, which had been sitting on the counter, and walked outside, barely remembering to close the door.

Sailor Moon panted hard, sweat blurring her vision and causing her eyes to sting; those thin knees wobbled with each long leap within her sprint, threatening to give in. She had been running from the demon for at least 20 minutes now. She couldn't last much longer. What was worse was the fact she was slowly wandering into densely populated areas. Soon people watched her as the demon followed. They all turned and ran. Many of the passing by cars swerved wildly them sped away.

The demon fired more scrolls again. Sailor Moon jumped and skidded on her landing; Clumsily, she caught herself and kept running.

Sailor Mars followed, a great distance behind, urging people to clear the streets. Sailor Moon could barely hear her voice anymore. The moon stick kept slipping from her grip, even though most of the glove had been ripped away by the repeated falls.

Another series of scrolls were released. Sailor Moon jumped, to the side.

She fell onto a slowing car. The cherry red door of the Ferrari opened. *

"Kitten?"

Hazily, Sailor Moon looked up. Her vision became clear, "'ruka-chan!" She exclaimed, her bright smiled enhanced by her dirty and glossy face. The demon snarled at the two. It tightened its arm back, preparing to fire.

Sailor Mars, also called out, surprised to see the woman, "Haruka-san?"

Instantly Haruka wrapped her arm around Sailor Moon and launched them both on the other side of the demon, towards Sailor Mars. The scrolls tapped her car.

The demon growled in anger. Haruka threw a cocky smile at it, and took a step closer, leaving Sailor Moon several steps behind her.

"Picking on little girls isn't a kind thing to do."

"'ruka-chan…That's Rei-chan's grandfather." Sailor Moon said softly. Haruka blinked.

"I see." The demon's fist filled rapidly with scrolls again.

"We have to keep moving." Haruka grabbed Sailor Moon's hand. Sailor Moon blushed, before being harshly yanked to the right. Again, they were in the street, and running wildly.

The scrolls followed them, landing mere inches away from where their feet were.

"The scrolls are getting close!" Sailor Moon panted in a series of whines. Suddenly, Haruka stopped and pushed Sailor Moon to the ground; a scroll cut through the air where her head had been, and sliced Haruka's arm. The skin around the cut jumped with black energy.

"'ruka-chan!" Sailor Moon whispered, reaching up.

"Now, Sailor Moon! I'll protect you." Haruka said quickly, pulling the pretty soldier onto her feet.

Sailor Moon looked up, and the demon was standing, panting almost with defeat.

"Moon healing escalation!" Sailor Moon screamed, with conviction. The magic swirled over the demon, purifying it instantly. As the bright magic left the form, an old bald man sank the ground softly, unconscious. Sailor Moon sighed in relief, her knees finally giving in; Sailor Moon sat on the ground, with a gentle and relieved smile.

Sailor Mars ran up to him quickly, and happily. She was crying.

Haruka offered a hand to the girl under her. Sailor Moon accepted, and smiled as she stood next to her love.

"Thank you, 'ruka-chan."

Queen Beryl's hand clenched tightly, her long claw-like "nails" sunk into her palm, springing blood. Her teeth clenched tightly and she glared at crowd, which hid in the shadows.

Malachite kneeled before the queen, his pristine white mane falling in front of his stressed face. His hand reached across his broad chest, almost securing his shaking frame.

"Malachite…" Her voice rung through the filled chamber, as if it were empty; all of the hidden onlookers were silent.

"Yes, my queen?" Malachite prepared himself.

"Jadite, Kunzite and Zoicite have all failed me, it seems you will as well."

"I will not, my queen!"

"What do we know about that girl who joined Sailor Moon?"

Malachite cringed, "Her name…is Haruka."

"Sailor Moon addressed her in a personal way. They know each other." Her voice creaked with anger, that was threatening to snap everything.

"I understand, my queen."

"We're running low on time. If you fail me anymore, you will be no different than the others.."

Minako, Ami and Makoto stood on the side walk, each of them touching some limb delicately, their bodies filled with scratches and bruises. Haruka stood next to her now parked car, on the side of the road; her arms were crossed. Usagi stood in the middle.

The three girls stared intently at Haruka.

"Everyone—" Usagi began, with a gentle smile.

"Thank you for helping Usagi-chan." Ami said gently.

"It doesn't mean we can trust you, though." Makoto huffed.

Haruka chuckled and leaned against the car.

"Everyone, that's not right. Let's give Haruka-san a chance. She saved Usagi-chan today, and all of us too. She still has the heart of a soldier." Minako said in a quiet voice. Makoto and Ami both looked at their leader, stunned.

"Minako-chan!" Usagi exclaimed in surprise.

"We stopped you from love before, princess. I…can't do it again." Minako whispered, looking down.

A cool wind rolled in.

After several days of digging, and a couple handfuls of hair being yanked out, Malachite managed to track down more information on this "Haruka." One of particular interest was a picture.

Immediately, he reported to Beryl.

"What is it, Malachite?" The Queen asked, sitting in her dark thrown.

Malachite rose from his position on the floor and handed the queen a picture.

"This girl… She looks familiar." Beryl's long finger traced the flawless face of an aqua haired woman, her blue eyes reflecting the depths of the sea and the girl's hand clearly interlaced with this "Haruka".

"She is, my queen. Michiru, is her name. When the virus was released, she was one of the people it completely overtook. When it appeared she had died, Haruka had taken her to the hospital, where we've been able to continuously suck power from her."

"Continuously?" Beryl asked, shocked, "The average person only lasts a couple weeks after the virus gets them so weak!"

"We suspect she was a Sailor Soldier. But now… She is ours." Malachite smirked.

Three days of relaxation had passed. Haruka had been allowed to see Usagi more, but typically avoided the other girls, still feeling uneasy around them.

"Hey, 'ruka-chan…" A sweet voice asked, while tracing a circle on Haruka's sleeve.

"Yeah?"She looked down at the golden fountains of hair.

"Do you think maybe we could go have a bonfire? Roast some yams, marshmallows and…"

"And?"

"Well, make friends." Usagi finished, looking up hopefully at Haruka.

"Yeah." Haruka said, hiding the tinge of uneasiness she felt.

"Really?" Usagi jumped up excitedly and grinned. Haruka smiled.

"With such a strong reaction from a cute girl, how could I say no?"

Usagi blushed, "'ruka-chan…"

"'ruka-chan?"

"Eh?" Haruka blinked, the memory-daydream fading quickly.

"Are you okay?" Usagi asked, tilting her head to the side. Haruka smiled and nodded gently.

"I'll be even better when I get to have you alone tonight…" Haruka whispered next to Usagi's ear. Usagi turned bright red.

As Usagi's pink lips parted, a familiar voice rang through the air, "Usagi-chaaan!" Minako called. Usagi looked over her shoulder and smiled at her friend; Rei, Ami and Makoto followed Minako.

Minako stepped into the sand, kicking off her sandals and joining the bare footed Usagi and Haruka. It was a little past sunset.

As the other girls joined, they chatted amongst themselves, Usagi occasionally joining in. Cautiously, Ami stared at Haruka. Of course, Haruka noticed, and after ten minutes, decided to comment on it, "Is there something wrong?" She asked in a smooth voice.

Ami nervously shook her head, looking down into her lap, "No, nothing!" She said in a flustered tone.

Haruka smiled, and leaned in towards Ami, who was on her right, Usagi being on the left.

"Is that so..?" Haruka asked in a gentle breeze, "I don't believe you."

Ami blushed, "It's just…" Ami nervously looked up Haruka, slowly looking into her dark eyes.

Haruka leaned in closer, as smooth and naturally as the wind, "Just what?"

"Does…Doesn't this light…hurt you?" Ami asked cautiously. Haruka chuckled and leaned back away from the girl.

"I don't let this virus dominate me." The sun slowly faded, but the flickering flames continued to erupt and splatter.

"I-I didn't mean it like that…" Ami began nervously. Usagi placed a hand on Haruka's hand, "Ami-chan was just worried about you, 'ruka-chan." Usagi explained sweetly.

Haruka smiled, trying to conceal the twisted anxiety in her stomach, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She said with a charming smile. Usagi smiled and leaned in closer to Haruka.

Rei laced an arm around Minako's arm and leaned her chin on the other girl's shoulder.

"I can't read Haruka; she's so strong, and mysterious, like the wind." Rei whispered into Minako's ear.

"I know." Minako said quietly.

Rei's eyes widened suddenly, "I sense…" Before she could finish, a dark orb swooped through the area and captured all of the girls, before disappearing. Everyone except for Haruka screamed.

Before they could comprehend what was happening, the girls were hovering in the abyss, within this black crackling prison; they looked at each other.

"Everyone, transform!" Minako said, everyone nodding in agreement. Magic washed over the girls, once they said their phrases, and soon enough there stood five Sailor Soldiers, and an infected.

A laughter echoed through the area. The girls looked around, before spotting Malachite floating above them.

"Not only did I captured this Haruka, but learn the identities of the Sailor Soldiers as well? This is perfect!" He said, with his arms crossed, "It seems Haruka did indeed lead me to the Soldiers."

With an open palm, he sent a blast of pure force towards Sailor Moon, forcing her to slam into the edge of their cage-like sphere.

The energy crackled around her skin, and began to singe it; she screamed. Quickly, Sailor Mars rushed and pulled her fellow soldier out. The smell of burnt flesh filled the orb.

"You bastard!" Sailor Jupiter yelled, the antenna arising from her tiara.

"Supreme thunder!" She screamed, sending several bolts of lightning flying towards Malachite. With a single, condescending chuckle, he stepped to the side, allowing the energy to hit the side and be blasted back at Jupiter. As it hit her, she screamed, her back arching in extreme pain.

As the energy left, her body twitched lightly. Sailor Mercury pulled out her small computer, as her goggles came on, and she began typing madly. She quickly placed it away. Sailor Mercury's palms opened, and she released her attack, "Shabon spray!"

The inside of the containment was now foggy, allowing the girls some better sneaking ability.

"You will not win!" Malachite called out, tauntingly.

Wordlessly, Haruka projected herself up, managing to punch Malachite in the lower jaw. He went flying up and into the side, ramming himself into the edge of the prison, where he screamed in pain as his own contraption zapped him.

Sailor Venus quickly raised a finger to her tiara, "Crescent beam!" with a precise hit, Malachite vanished.

Before the girls could blink, they all laded back on the beach, all of them on their feet, except for Sailor Moon.

Sailor Venus looked at Haruka, taking several steps closer rapidly "How do they know you?"

"I don't know." Haruka said honestly. Sailor Venus stopped, and clenched her fists tightly.

She looked up to the sky, "This battle…it's going to come a lot sooner than any of us hope…" Sailor Venus closed her eyes. A chilly gust from the sea swarmed them, stirring hair and clothing.

Haruka looked out to the dark waves, splashing up into monstrous forms, and then collapsing into themselves in an endless cycle; the sea was getting to be rather violent. Her eyes became hazy, and every inch of her body instantly felt hallow, "A storm is approaching…" Haruka whispered to herself. 'Michiru…' The name echoed in her mind.

"What?" Usagi asked, looking up at Haruka. Haruka turned away and shook her head, "It's nothing." Usagi's childish lips formed a pout of concern, "Oh-Okay." She tried to smile. Usagi worriedly wrapped herself around Haruka's arm. Haruka looked down at the small girl and then pulled her arm out, and wrapped both of her strong, albeit thin arms around the smaller one.

'I'll protect you, my little kitten' Haruka promised, pulling the girl closer, as the wind became more aggressive.

*The Ferrari, to be exact is a F512-M(anual), Haruka was pictured leaning on it in the manga, and is one of her cars; it also is Naoko Takeuchi's favorite car, if memory serves. The manga picture shows a white Ferrari, but I wanted to change that.

Sorry for the HUGE delay on the update ;_; I guess school helps me stay a regular updater. There's been a bit of…chaos.

But! The next chapters will (hopefully) come sooner. That being said, We're almost to the halfway point in this story! Hopefully everyone has been enjoying so far. =]

A special note to those who read this before 8/24/10 At around 3:20 AM PT: I'm so sorry about the lack of line breaks! I hope it wasn't too confusing; I add all of my line breaks in when I'm in the uploading process, so I hope it made sense! So of my transitions are pure scene changes, so it could be confusing. _ Thanks to all, I really hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

Please, please review! I want to know what people like, dislike, want more of.

Until next time, adieu.