Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from sailor moon nor the story title/part of the plot from Superior/Superior Cross.
A/N: Elizabeth Charlotte: I know it's late but Happy valentines day to you too!
Superior
Chapter eight
- The priestess part 1 -
When Haruka finally woke up it felt like she'd just woken up from a coma. Her muscles ached and her head was spinning, almost like she had drunken too much alcohol last night. The fact she couldn't even remember going to bed made her question her whereabouts of last night. She'd never drunken a drop of alcohol in her life but she had heard Satoshi and other people from her town complain about headaches a lot in the old days so she could imagine them feeling a lot like this. Maybe she had unintentionally taken in some alcohol. Or maybe Michi poisoned her because of their fight. Who knew what demons were up to.
Michi!
Now she remembered what happened last night, she had practically given in to emotions and feelings she didn't even know she had and kissing the aqua haired girl demon. She quickly looked beside her in fear of finding the demon girl next to her but much to her relieve the bed was empty except for herself. Soon her relieve was replaced with disappointment and horror.
The first person she had ever kissed or slept with was a demon!
And where was Michi anyway? ''I didn't rape her, did I?'' Too many questions entered Haruka's head. Just to be sure of herself she looked down under the covers again in hope to find herself dressed. Unfortunately for her she was completely naked. She had to find Michi and make it up or at least she had to know what exactly happened.
Slowly she got out of the bed, sad for disturbing the room from what it used to be. She had dishonored her parents and Hitomi's memory but at the same time she felt rather happy although she couldn't think of anything about this situation which should make her feel excited like this. Haruka put on her pants and shirt which seemed to take an eternity compared to other times. Everything was going wrong now she was in a hurry.
When she finally got outsite ten minutes later she noticed how a group of people were surrounding something of interest. From her position she couldn't see what though and quickly moved closer, noticing Minako in the crowd. There was no sign of Michiru though. Haruka made her way through the people to see what was so interesting to get out of hiding for. She hadn't seen this many people together since she arrived here.
''What's goi...'' She stopped when she too saw what was so interesting. In the middle of the circle of people lay a blue haired girl on the ground, covered in what seemed her own blood. At first Haruka wondered who she was and why she hadn't seen her before but then realized that she had met this girl just yesterday. Lucia, she called herself. In fact, this girl was one of the last thing she could remember before jumping Michi.
Suddenly someone's hand landed on Haruka's shoulder causing her to look down at a familiar blonde girl. Minako obviously spotted Haruka as well and moved closer. ''Terrible isn't it, I mean,'' She seemed to think about her words for a moment. A scene that to Haruka felt unnatural. ''She might've obviously been a demon but to leave her body like this..''
''Where is Michi?'' Haruka demanded to know without bothering to start a conversation with the blonde demon. She'd seen enough demons for now even though she knew it wasn't Minako's fault.
''Who do you think did this?'' Minako giggled slightly, not even noticing the annoyance in Haruka's voice. ''Michi said she was angry with this girl for ruining a good moment and then went off to find her. The rest you know.''
''Ruined a good moment?'' The blonde tomboy wanted to know. Was she talking about last night?
Minako who had been blushing couldn't help it but burst out into fits of laughter, causing everyone to look up at her as if she was a crazed maniac. They probably thought Minako killed the blue haired girl and was now laughing because of her victory.
Haruka groaned annoyed, bowed her head as if to apologize to the people and then took Minako's arm in her hand with a firm lock and pulled her away from the crowd. ''What the hell is so funny?''
''You slept with Michiru, didn't you?'' Minako pointed at Haruka and started laughing even harder. ''Oh my god and here I was thinking...''
''Shut up.'' The blonde tomboy shot and tightened her grip around the demon's arm who just continued to laugh. Eventually she let go of Minako realizing that she was too strong to even feel the pain she tried to inflict. It made Haruka wonder for a moment though, if Minako couldn't even feel something as small as this what would fighting the queen be like? How did Minako even know about what happened between Haruka and Michiru. Wait...
''Michiru?'' Minako's words finally hit Haruka like a cold shower.
''Yeah that's what I sa...'' Minako shut her mouth in realisation. She had messed up and she had messed up good. ''Did I say that?''
''Don't even bother.''
Michiru was standing on the roof of the highest house she could find. If you even could call this broken down building a house anymore. It made her feel sad to see what had become of the human race and the places they called home. If she was sure her dead would mean their freedom she would gladly give her life. But after last night she'd rather be selfish enough to kill them all just so she could stay with Haruka. She even started to like traveling with Minako.
Gods, when had she become such a human loving person?
She already noticed Haruka standing close by, watching her from a distance. She could even feel Haruka move closer until she had a clear and good view of Michiru. The aqua haired demon closed her eyes and sighed. This was it, the end of her journey with Haruka and Minako. She shouldn't feel this disappointed. ''Hey,''
''Get down here.'' Haruka demanded. Much to her surprise Michiru obeyed her wishes without her usual remarks or objections. The tomboy couldn't help it but feel a little bit intimidated by how Michiru just jumped down from a rooftop and gracefully landed on her feet. ''Michiru.'' She finally said, using the right tone to capture her intentions by speaking the other's name.
Michiru wasn't an idiot and knew exactly what was going on. Haruka had figured out her little secret, now the only question was whether the blonde knew the demon queen's name was Michiru as well.
''Why did you lie about your name, what are you hiding from me?'' Haruka wanted to know. She was slightly taken aback by the relieve on Michiru's face. What else could this be about? Unless she wanted to discuss last night and Haruka surely wasn't ready for that yet. ''And that blue haired demon Lucia, didn't I tell you not to kill anyone!''
''I'm sorry.''
''And don't even..!'' Haruka wanted to say more but couldn't help feel surprised about Michiru's reply. She had been expecting a lot but not an apology.
''How beautiful,'' Suddenly an unknown voice spoke even surprising the demon queen who hadn't felt anyone nearing. Both women turned around to face a beautiful raven haired girl who was wearing a ceremonial gown, much like a priestess.
Haruka was struck on how beautiful the girl looked and couldn't help it but feel slightly attracted to the empty gaze in the girl's eyes. Yet they missed something she couldn't quite place. For some reason she compared them to Michiru's blue eyes and how they didn't miss whatever the raven haired girl did lack in expression. ''I don't want to fight you.''
''But I do.'' Michiru added and took a step into the girl's direction, only to be stopped by Haruka.
''We are not going to fight with you. I'm sorry about your partner, the blue haired girl. Lucia.'' The blonde continued. ''Just leave this town.''
The raven haired girl moved her hand up to her mouth, failing to hide her amusement. ''Such a heroic gesture. I would almost turn around and do as you say. But unfortunately I too have my mission. The queen of all demons ordered me to kill the aqua haired demon and her companions.''
''What?'' Michiru's reaction seemed out of character. ''She didn't tell you to do that at all.'' How could this demon woman think she ordered her own death?
''It doesn't matter now anyway. You two are about to die by my hand. And then I'll find that blonde little slut who has been luring people into the abyss.'' She was obviously refering to Minako. The raven haired girl raised her hands up in the air causing both Haruka and Michiru to be thrown back against the stone wall of the house behind them. Haruka was lucky enough to land against the wooden door which cracked a little but managed to hold her weight without breaking down. Michiru on the other hand had been through right through the stone wall. As a result the scene was blinded by a cloud of dust for a moment until it slowly cleared up again.
Haruka who was still conscious disregarded her own health and jumped up as fast as she could to assure Michiru's safety. Almost limping she made her way to the big hole in the wall and peeked inside, fear creeping up from deep inside. What if Michiru was dead? She wasn't so sure if she would support her own principles any longer if Michiru came to die. She would kill any demon just to get her back.
When had she become this soft?
''Michiru!'' She yelled, searching the ground desperately for Michiru. She'd never felt so worried as she did right now. Her fear was replaced with fear and anger when she noticed movement from underneath the bricks. Then slowly the bricks started to move and were pushed aside, Michiru climbing out from underneath them. Her chinese dress was torn a little on the side and above her knees and beside a little trail of blood on her cheek she seemed to be perfectly fine. ''Damn you! Don't even scare me like that again!''
''Heh,'' The aqua haired girl smirked a little. Haruka had been mistaken earlier, Michiru was in pain. Her poor attempt to smile betrayed her. ''Why are you mad at me now?''
Haruka didn't know whether she wanted to cry or yell right now but she sure was grateful Michiru was okay. Realizing the battle hadn't even begun yet she turned around again to face the raven haired girl who was waiting patiently for Michiru to make her way back onto the street.
''A tough one, now I understand how Luxuria could fall against a demon like you.'' The demon spoke and licked her index finger before pointing it at Haruka. ''You on the other hand seem worthless.'' Her finger started to glow a bit before a flame that appeared out of nowhere formed around her finger and was shot into the blonde's direction. Haruka wanted to jump aside but was unable to. She'd been hurt by the first blow too much and wasted all her energy making sure Michiru was fine. She was done for.
The blonde closed her eyes and tried to think about all the things in life she had missed because of demons. Each negative thought was replaced by the image of Michiru and when she opened her eyes again Michiru was there as well, standing in front of her like a dream. At first she thought she was just dreaming and had reached the first stage of dying but then realized Michiru was taking the blow instead of her.
The flames that were suppossed to hit and burn Haruka were now covering Michiru who was trying her best to hold them off. ''I SAID; Run!'' Michiru yelled. ''Now!'' She moved her head aside a little so she could make eye contact with the blonde who was frozen in place. ''You idiot! You want to kill the queen, right?''
Haruka smiled sadly. Kill the queen? What had she been thinking? She couldn't kill the queen, especially not in the state she was in now. She'd never stand a chance. Haruka was shaken out of her thoughts again when she felt someone push her out of the way just in time. The blonde landed on the cold ground, feeling a someone move on top of her. Haruka's vision was a little blury by the heat that surrounded them but when her eyes adjusted a little she saw Minako looking down on her with a worried look on her face.
Minako had saved her?
''Michiru!'' Haruka yelled and sat up, pushing Minako off of her as she did. In front of her eyes she saw how the flames surrounding Michiru completely closed in on her, consuming the aqua haired beauty completely. ''No!'' She wanted to get up and run into the flames, she had to pull Michiru out. Maybe it wasn't too late yet. Michiru could heal herself. She was a demon, right? She had to be fine.
''Stop!'' Minako jumped in front of Haruka and pushed her back again. ''It's too late!''
Slowly for what seemed like an eternity the flames died away again, disappearing into the blue leaving nothing but ashes behind. The raven haired girl shrugged and gave a self-deprecating. ''How disappointing, I guess she wasn't that strong after all.''
''I'm going to kill you,'' Haruka whispered. First her words were inaudible for even Minako to hear but she kept repeating them, louder each time she spoke. ''I'm going to kill you!''
The raven haired girl smiled bashfully. ''What about your heroic gesture from before?''
''I don't care anymore. I don't care.'' Haruka pushed Minako away again, this time with enough force to make the other girl tumble and fall over on the burned ground.
''Haruka stop it! We need to run and...'' The blonde demon wanted to get up again and attempt to get Haruka out of here but knew better when she noticed how Haruka's eyes had changed from green to redish black.
'Demon eyes!'
''I'll kill you.'' a low, bestial voice echoed. Haruka looked so incredibly scary and powerful at the same time that the air around her felt heavy and hot as if one might melt by mere proximity. In spite of that her eyes were cool and calculating. If Minako didn't know better it would seem Haruka was possessed by something.
Suddenly Minako's memory returned. She recalled her conversations with Hitomi and how she had told her the secret about Haruka Tenoh.
''She's like you.'' Hitomi's voice was nothing but a whisper but clear enough for Minako to hear.
''Like me?''
''Half human, half demon.'' Came the reply. ''My parents found her in the woods and decided to raise her as their own. Only Satoshi knows.''
''No way.''
''No way.'' Minako went wide eyed. For a moment it stayed quiet until the raven haired girl's laughter filled the air, breaking the silence.
To Be Continued...
That was rather quick, wasn't it? I'm finally getting into writing this story again. Hopefully you liked this chapter and don't worry (I didn't kill Michiru! She's the demon queen for crying out loud) let me know what you think!