Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor moon or Superior/Superior Cross. This is just a fanwritten story.
Superior
Chapter twelve
- Burn the Witch part 2 -
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.
Wait. Deja vu. She thought the exact same thing after she'd woken up from Luxuria's touch. This drunken feeling of surrealism. As if she'd done something she shouldn't have. Only this time instead of waking up in her old bed Haruka found herself resting against a tree in the forest she went to sleep at last night. She wasn't naked either this time.
Not until now Haruka realized Setsuna was sitting in front of her, bend down and causing their lips to almost touch. ''Hey!'' The blonde yelled and tried to move back only to hit her head against the tree. ''Ouch.''
The green haired demon smiled and moved a little back. Haruka noticed how she'd been able to get from her resting place next to Michiru all the way her with her hands tied. Michiru had insisted on doing so. ''What have you done to me?'' Haruka demanded to know, feeling like she just caught Setsuna on putting a spell on her or something. Maybe Setsuna was the reason she woke up this drowsy.
''Nothing. You looked like you were in pain when you were asleep so I wanted to know if everything was fine. It seems you were having a bad dream. But you woke up so it's alright now.'' Setsuna explained, her smile as flattering as ever.
Haruka nodded. She couldn't recall herself having a dream at all but she decided to leave it at that. Something told her she could trust this woman anyway. Slowly she looked aside, putting a hand on her head. She still felt dizzy. Next to her Ami was still asleep. There was no sign of Michiru. ''Where's she?''
''She went to look for some food for you and Ami.'' Setsuna said and sat down on the ground, she groaned a little. Obviously the restrains on her wrists were bothering her. ''She said she got bored and that humans needed a lot more food than us. She was complaining the whole time on how much of a burden you were but I could clearly see the happiness in her eyes.''
''Happiness?'' Slowly her fights with Michiru last night came back to her. Had they really been fighting over such stupid reasons. It was already clear Michiru was hiding something from Haruka but Michiru was entitled to have her secrets.
''She cares a lot about you. I think traveling with you has made her very happy. Even if you two fight a lot.'' Setsuna went on.
''She told you about that?'' The blonde found it strange Michiru would just tell this demon about their travels and then claim not to trust Setsuna at all.
Setsuna nodded. ''We don't sleep, remember? And sitting there in silence just doesn't work for me. She's a difficult one but she's nice. I can see that.''
The blonde tomboy laughed slightly. ''Michiru put you up to say that, didn't she?'' Setsuna didn't reply and just shrugged. ''Here,'' Haruka went on and crawled over to the green haired demon.
''What are you doing?''
''I'm getting rid of these ropes.'' Haruka replied while trying to get the restrains off of the green haired demon. They'd been put on a lot tighter than she expected. It was almost impossible there was still blood flowing from Setsuna's arms to her hands. Michiru surely could be cruel. ''If we're going to help you rescue Hotaru Tomoe then we'll need all the help we can get. Tied up you're not really half as useful as you can be.''
''Michiru won't like you for doing this.''
''Michiru won't like me for doing a lot of things.'' Haruka sighed in frustration. Setsuna was tied up way too tight and it was impossible to even get a little movement in the ropes.
Setsuna giggled in amusement and took a deep breath before pulling both hands into different direction, breaking the ropes like they'd been made out of thin straws of hay. She could hear the blonde swallow hard. 'Maybe I hurt her pride.' The demon thought to herself. Haruka was a strange being. Sometimes the blonde felt like a demon, other times she seemed to be nothing but human. And then, just like last night, Haruka seemed to be more powerful than any of them.
''So,'' Haruka regained her composure. ''Demons can feel other demons, right? Can you sense anyone nearby?''
Setsuna shook her head. ''Only Michiru but she's far away from here. No other demons around.''
''Strange.'' The tomboy let herself fall backward in the grass, staring at the thick branches above her. ''I thought those sins would come after us for killing their leader but I guess they've scattered already in fear.''
''I said I didn't sense any demons. I can't sense those seven sins.'' The green haired demon replied while rubbing her sore wrists.
''Huh?'' Haruka knew how stupid her reply must've sounded. ''I mean, those sins are demons right? They have powers.''
''I know. But they're not really demons. They used to be humans. The priestess you defeated has been around a long time, traveling from town to town to gather broken people. Not literally broken ofcourse. But people who were about to die or had given up hope. She gave them powers and a new purpose and in return they had to work for her.''
''How do you know that?''
''The priestess took someone from my home town a long time ago and changed him into a demon.'' Setsuna's voice betrayed the guilt she felt over the loss of this person. Maybe it'd been someone she knew well or an old friend. ''But like I said, I never fought her or any other demons that weren't a threat to my town. Other demons knew that as well so they left us alone. Until that man came and changed everything.''
''The man that put your village against you?''
''The one who has Hotaru.'' Setsuna corrected the other woman. It was obvious she had long forsaken the towns people and only cared about that little girl now.
''So everyone is a possible enemy now?'' The blonde sat up again in frustration. ''Even Ami?''
''Ami?'' Setsuna thought about it for a moment. ''No. When I came up to you yesterday she hid behind you and seemed scared. Demons or people like the seven sins know how to defend themselves and are hardly ever scared. Not of little old me that is. Not now their powers work on demons too.''
''Rewind!'' Haruka's voice had been a little too loud for Ami not to notice because now the small blue haired woman opened her eyes in shock, scanning the area for danger. The blonde didn't seem to notice. ''What do you mean their powers work on demons? Michiru said Luxuria wasn't able to affect her earlier when we...'' She decided it was better not to finish that sentence. Although, it probably wasn't a secret anymore after yesterday.
''That's because Rei made sure they wouldn't turn against her. Now that she's gone those seven sins, or, the remaining six sins can use their powers on anyone. Even me or Michiru.''
''Luxuria?'' Ami wondered. She was now wide awake. ''You've met one of them? How come you're not affected by her powers anymore.''
''It seems their powers only work for a short time until it has done its work. So I supposse that's why I was so angry with Michiru last night and why this morning I felt just like when Luxuria touched me.''
''Luxuria touched you?'' Setsuna raised an eyebrow, trying her best not to burst out into laughter. She failed desperately. ''Whahahaha! Oh dear! Hahaha! So that why you and Michiru, whahaha!''
Haruka kicked the laughing demon's leg in an attempt to shut her up. This was way too embarrassing and now even Ami knew she had slept with a demon. Unfortunately for Haruka her poor attempts weren't working. Setsuna only start to laugh harder and harder.
''It's not funny,'' Haruka muttered. ''It's a disgusting power. I don't understand why anyone would sell their soul to a demon.''
''They used to be human like you, Haruka.'' The green haired woman had finally stopped laughing but the obvious smile on her face never disappeared. ''They never lost their own personal will or character. Maybe they did it so they could protect the person they loved. Wouldn't you do the same for the person you love?''
''Not if I can't touch that person without corrupting them.''
''I don't think they knew that would happen.'' Setsuna said, eyeing Ami carefully. ''We all lost someone close to us. I don't know what I would do if I lost Hotaru. She's the only one, except for you two, that has treated me like a human instead of a monster.''
''If I were you I would've destroyed that whole village to save her. If it had been Hitomi no one would've survived. Friend or not. Especially not if I had your power.''
Ami looked down at the ground sadly. Haruka's words were having their affect on her. Setsuna on the other hand seemed upset by the other words. There was no sign left of the amusement she'd been showing earlier. ''Michiru told me about you. You're not the vengeful type of person. She said you only were going to kill the demon queen. No one else.''
''That was before I realized how naive I was to actually believe it was possible. If I stayed home I could've protected Hitomi, I could've... could've...'' Haruka was on the verge of tears now.
''I'm sorry.'' Setsuna tried, watching Haruka fall on her back on the grass once more. The blonde held a hand in front of her eyes as if she was shielding herself from the sun that wasn't there.
''Me too.'' Ami whispered and crawled over to Haruka on her hands and knees. When she reached the crying blonde she put her arms around her and rested her head on the taller woman's chest, hugging her tightly. ''I know how you feel.''
Setsuna wanted to say something else but the presence of someone behind her interrupted her. She looked around, not sensing any hint of murderous intent. But when she looked at Michiru who had dropped the bag she was holding she thought she might've been mistaking. First Setsuna focussed on one of the apples that rolled through the grass before coming to a halt. Then she looked at the aqua haired demon again who looked like she was about to either kill someone or break out into tears.
''This is going to be our new home for a while.'' The black haired man spoke and threw his leather bag on a chair in the corner of the room. In his other hand he held onto Hotaru's upper arm, holding it too tight. She didn't seem to care much though. She was used to it. She was lucky if he wasn't going to fracture anything again. She'd be happy with a bruise.
''Behave,'' He warned and pushed her on the ground on which she landed with a loud thud. ''If you try to warn any of these people I will rip your lungs out of your throat. Understood?''
Hotaru nodded but deep down inside she wished he would just get it over with and kill her. How long did he want to play this little act? It was easy for him to pretend to be his father. In the chaos the demons left the earth in no one really wondered about his true intent. ''Now go get me something to drink. I need alcohol.'' He thought about it for a moment, lying down on the dusty couch. ''You're under age. damn. Get me some water then. And hurry. If you're not back within ten minutes I'll kill someone. And it'll be all your little fault.''
The black haired girl nodded again and got up from the ground, dusting off her dress. She'd been wearing this same old greyish dress for weeks now. Quickly Hotaru rushed out of the front door onto the streets covered in sand. This town looked like a desert but still there were people walking around seemingly happy. She wondered why they were so happy when there were monsters everywhere.
''Are you lost, little child?'' A voice came from behind the young child causing her to slowly turn around. She hadn't heard the tone of voice the woman was using in a long time. It sounded caring.
''I need water for my father.'' Hotaru spoke, trying her best to fake a childlike smile. She failed because the woman's worried look changed into something worse. Almost sad.
''You're too skinny. You need food. Why don't you come with me. You can eat and drink there. And invite your father too. You're new right?'' Hotaru knew it was strange but she already hated this woman and her kindness. She didn't ask for food. She just had to give that monster who pretended to be her 'daddy' some water. Someone was going to die if she didn't do it. This woman was slowing her down.
''No thank you. I just need water. Please.'' The last part came out with such as that it almost sounded like she had to beg for things every second of the day. Then again, maybe that was true. ''Please?'' This time it sounded more desperate.
''Get lost old hag.'' A third voice came causing both the old woman as Hotaru to look up at a tall green haired woman with ruby red eyes. The old woman bowed to the taller woman and quickly ran into the opposite direction. ''Fool.'' The tall woman was now addressing the small child beneath her. ''You shouldn't trust people so easily. She lost her child a long time ago. Whenever she sees a child now she wants to take it home and care for it. She's a senile sick woman.''
''I never wanted to go with her.'' Hotaru replied, looking deep into the woman's eyes. ''I just want some water.''
''There's an old well at the end of this street. The people here starting filling it with water after the demons tore down all the water towers and the waterpipes.'' The woman spoke and pointed into the same direction as the old lady had gone off to. ''Don't talk to strangers. This might be a demon free town but that doesn't mean a little kid like you is save.''
''I'm counting on it.'' Hotaru whispered to herself. She was sure it was too soft for the taller woman to have heard but she was mistaken. When she looked up again and her eyes met those of the tall green haired woman she noticed an emotion in them she hadn't seen before. She wasn't worried or angry or even sad. This woman was amused by Hotaru's death wish.
''My name is Setsuna.''
''Hotaru.''
Hotaru opened her eyes when she heard the door to her cell open. How long had she been asleep?
''Are you ready to burn, little witch?'' An old man with greyish hair asked. He looked tired and inhuman. His eyes were no longer the eyes of a human being but now looked like the eyes of a crow. His smile seemed faked, amused and irritated at the same time. Hotaru could swear that deep from inside of this man his soul was crying to be freed from the grip of that man.
Wait? Ready to burn? She wouldn't be burned until another week! ''N-no, wait!'' Hotaru yelled as the man took her hand in his own cold hand, holding it in a firm lock. She'd been able to be brave and mature about everything up til now. All the abuse, all the pain, all the suffering, the loneliness. She had cried at first but that was a long time ago. She was so sure she had lost the ability to cry.
''Our king has ordered the fall of the witch.''
Until now. The first tears finally fell down her cheeks and yelling, screaming and trying in vain to pull away from the man's hold she got taken out of her cell into an unknown direction.
''Setsuna!''
To Be Continued...
Haruka's group should really hurry if they want to help Hotaru before the fire starts to burn. For some reason I feel that Hotaru's part in this story is a lot like how she was portrayed in Sailor Moon as mistress 9. Anyway, please let me know what you think so far. I'm really grateful to those who've been reviewing this story ever since chapter one. You guys make this story possible! Any ideas on how I should introduce Usagi are welcome because I honestly have no clue what to do with her without ruining her happy-go-lucky character.
Ira made Haruka and Michiru fight during the last chapter but who is he/she? I'll give you a hint; it's not Ami!