Keeosu: …Tenshi-chan! :cries: If you're out there, help me out! You've been gone so long! :cries again: And since you've been gone—! :vindictiveness: I've taken the liberty of reformatting this thing so it looks pretty! …Tenshi-chan! :wails:

This chapter is dedicated to SachiNyoko, who just sent me this utterly beautiful and heartfelt review. Sachi-san, thank you! (n.n)

Oh yeah… and I apologize for the utter abandonment of this fic…for forever…Please don't kill me!

Searching in the Darkness

Chapter Seven: Kanna's Iridescent Mirror, Michiru's Loving Sacrifice

Usagi smiled brightly as she listened to Kouga and Kagome bicker amongst themselves. Not too far off, Haruka lay snoring in the soft grass. Usagi heard pages ruffling with Haruka's breath, so the wind senshi must have fallen asleep reading again. Turning her attention to the Lights, she noticed that their auras had brightened considerably since the other day. Rei was teaching Chibi-Usa non-senshi self-defense a ways off, and Sango and Miroku had taken Shippou to the marketplace for a new top to play with. This only left…

"Inuyasha-chan!" Usagi chirped, jumping down from her tree branch. Right in front of him. Inuyasha fell back in surprise, barely managing to keep a scowl off his face. "How are you, today?" The half-demon growled, distinctly annoyed at being snuck up on.

"Oh, you mean besides the bruise I'm going to have on my ass!" he shouted, becoming defensive. Usagi's eyes became large and dewy and she began to wail.

"Hidoi!" she blubbered. Inuyasha resisted the urge to scream in frustration.

"Go…" His face contorted into one of immense pain. It reminded one of constipation. "Usagi, g…" The hanyou took a deep breath. "Gomen nasai!"

Usagi's sunny face reappeared. "Great!" she exclaimed. "Then we'll go to the Crown!" Inuyasha looked puzzled at the proclamation.

"We're going to see a crown?" he asked. Usagi shook her head in amusement and grabbed his hand. Her ginzuishou began to flicker.

"Come, Inuyasha, I'll show you!" she cried, tugging on his wrist. The ginzuishou sprung to life and displayed a beautiful array of colors across their faces. Usagi felt the warmth instantly and closed her eyes, basking in the glow. Inuyasha grinned at her passiveness.

"So are we going to see this crown, or what?"

"Motoki-onii-chan!" Usagi cried happily. "It is I, Usagi, come to brighten your days!"

"You just want a free milkshake," Motoki said, walking up with a grin on his face. But nevertheless, he reached forward and hugged her with all his may. "Imouto, you don't visit enough! I fear that I might just die of boredom without your light here!"

"Gomen ne," she teased. "But I've been conducting research." Motoki's eyebrows lifted.

"Research?" he echoed. "That specific research."

"Hai!" Usagi said affirmatively. "We've gotten so close, I can taste it!" Usagi beamed. "Haruka-chan and Rei-chan, however, are back with us!"

"Hontou nii?" Motoki asked, astonished. "You odango, why didn't you bring them with you?" Usagi smiled slyly.

"Because I am on a date," she cooed, spinning around and dragging her partner out of the shadows.

"Usagi!" Inuyasha cried, scarlet tinting his cheeks. He readjusted the cap on his head.

"I don't know, Usa," Motoki said parentally, looking at his tight black shirt and even tighter jeans (n.n Oh yes…). "He looks like a hooligan to me."

"Inuyasha?" Usagi said in false surprise. "A trouble-maker? Never!" Inuyasha frowned and Usagi stuck her tongue out at him. Motoki chuckled at their antics and strode forward to look at her face.

"Let me see your eyes, imouto," he ordered softly, inspecting her scars. "They've healed nicely. You can't even see the smaller ones." Usagi beamed.

"Fresh herbs are so nice!" she exclaimed. Motoki grinned. "Now, about that milkshake…" Usagi trailed off. She batted her eyelashes prettily. Motoki laughed.

"So…this is a shop?" Inuyasha asked quizzically. Usagi nodded, pulling him over to the "senshi booth".

"Yes, I used to come here all the time with my friends," she sighed in reminiscence. "I can almost hear Haruka on the racing game now…"

"Because you can my little kitten!" Usagi squealed in shock at the masculine voice and almost fell out of her seat.

"Haruka!" Usagi admonished. "How dare you sneak up on the Great Usagi?" Her eyes narrowed as the aura flashed into her 'view'. "How did you hide yourself from me…?"

"I didn't," Haruka teased. "You weren't paying attention."

"I…wasn't paying attention?" Usagi whimpered. She threw a hand over her eyes. "Oh Cruel Fate! Hidoi!" Haruka smiled and Inuyasha let out a small chuckle. She turned to Motoki with a delectable looking milkshake in his hands. "Motoki-onii-chan, I have been irreparably damaged, may I use your laptop?" Motoki promptly burst out laughing and pointed towards his counter. He clutched at his sides futilely and fought to keep himself from collapsing onto the ground.

"What's got him all worked up?" Inuyasha asked in confusion. Haruka smirked.

"When Koneko goes onto Motoki-san's laptop, chaos ensues." Haruka smiled beautifully. "The last time she accessed it, Motoki couldn't look at her for a week without blushing."

"Wai! They've updated the next chapter of Gravitation!" Usagi's happy squeal rang through the nearly empty arcade. Motoki groaned through his laughter and fell onto the floor, wheezing with effort.

"Usagi, please!" he managed between chuckles. "I have to use that in class! Don't look at porn!" Inuyasha looked at Usagi quizzically. What was 'porn'…?

"I'll have you know Gravitation is a perfectly acceptable form of Shounen-ai!" Usagi defended. "They don't show any nasty bits!" Motoki frowned.

"Yes, but the pop-ups that accompany those sites are horrid!"

"I know you like them, Motoki-onii-chan."

"Usagi!"

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Kanna closed her eyes in concentration, the planetary symbol of Neptune flaring brightly on her forehead. Her knuckles translucent from gripping her mirror, she looked at her reflection and let a small thread of power weave itself from her throat. Her power-intensified eyes shifted towards the bowl of water at her side. She narrowed her eyes, and the liquid rushed into the air. She let out a small whoosh of air, and the water began to sparkle, swirling in circles before her. With a small incline of her head, the water started back towards the bowl and made it almost there when it splashed down to the floor. Kanna cursed, feeling the fatigue immediately. She closed her eyes for a moment, noticing that the headache had slightly receded.

"That was better than before, Kanna-chan." Kagura swept into the room, a gust of wind coming from nowhere to dry the water on her and the floor. The glowing symbol of Uranus dimmed on the demon's forehead before disappearing. Kagura beamed. "At this rate, you're sure to be ready by the aligning of Neptune."

"It pleases me to hear this, Onee-chan," Kanna said with a bow of her head. The little mirror demon smiled.

"Yo." Kagura looked up to see Inuyasha leaning in the doorframe.

"May I help you?" she said snootily. Kanna giggled at her sister's antics. Kagura shot a reprimanding look towards the laughing Kanna before breaking out into a grin. "What's up, Inuyasha?" The half demon, avoiding eye contact, looked at the door seriously.

"I need a favor…"

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"Odango?" Usagi froze. "Odango, listen, please don't avoid me anymore—!" Seiya looked up to see the silver-haired bunny had already fled the scene. The Light sighed; why couldn't anything ever be easy for him?"

"Will you go out with me?"

"I…" Usagi's blank sapphire eyes were wide; she looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Seiya blushed a healthy shade of crimson and turned around, scratching his head in embarrassment.

"Odango, look, I know this sounds really sudden and all, but I've always liked you and—" Seiya turned back around only to find an empty spot where Usagi had been sitting moments before. "…Odango?"

"Mou, Seiya, maybe you should just chill out for a little bit," Yaten said sympathetically. "Usagi-san doesn't like to be cornered; you shouldn't push stuff like this on her so quickly."

"But you told me to go for it!" Seiya defended, biting his lip.

"Yeah, but I didn't tell you to hound her," Yaten replied, running a brush through his long…silky…gorgeous…beautiful (Keeosu whaps Muse)…hair. (n.n)

"Everything is sooo hopeless," Seiya mourned, curling into a ball and sulking.

"…"

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"Cosmos Galaxy Power!" A shimmering mist encircled the petite woman's form and Sailor Cosmos stepped out. Cosmos looked at a strand of her silvery hair and frowned. "Every time I transform, it becomes closer to this color," she commented. "Soon I won't be even a bit blonde anymore." Narrowing her eyes in concentration, she brought her black encased arms out in front of her to shoulder height, spreading her fingers out in front of her. Clean, short cut nails glittered in the morning sun. Cosmos drew herself to a tense attention, pointing her slipper sheathed toes down. Lifting her face skyward, she let her power swirl around her.

"Butterfly Shower," she whispered, reaching up towards the heavens. Her eyebrows knit together in concentration, and she pictured the image of the one she wanted brought to her. Moments later, she felt her butterflies return and place a small, dainty aura beside her.

"Ohayo, Rin-chan," Usagi chirped, a silver wave washing her form. Her normal clothing (an old T-shirt and a pair of raggedy jeans cut at the knees – perfect for sparring!) solidified around her. "How are Sesshoumaru and Jakken?"

"Sesshoumaru-sama is most assuredly wonderful!" Rin replied, her eyes sparkling. "He appreciates it very much when you come to my aid!"

"Moon wench." Usagi bristled as Sesshoumaru's aura flashed into view. With a rustle of robes, Sesshoumaru set a girl down in front of her. "She is bleeding. Fix her." Usagi's jaw dropped.

"What the hell?" The moon senshi growled. "You can't just waltz up, insult me, and then tell me to do something!"

"Please," a small voice pleaded. "I…have never bled here before. It is a new occurrence to me." Usagi's eyebrows knit together in puzzlement as she dragged her fingertips lightly along the girl's face. "My name is Rin," she continued softly. The polite form of speech and pretty little voice confused her. Why was this little cutie with Sesshoumaru?

"Where are you bleeding?" Usagi asked warmly, a small smile lighting up her face. She drew her hands along the girl's small frame, trying to find the wound.

"Uhm…" Usagi pressed her knuckles against Rin's cheek. The little girl was blushing. "I am bleeding from…" The heat rushed into the petite one's face. Usagi's eyes widened in realization. Oh. Oh!

"Sesshoumaru, you retard." Usagi felt his hackles rise and nearly snickered. "She started her period, dumbass." The bunny almost sighed out loud. She was starting to adapt to Inuyasha's form of speech. Why? Why her? She knelt down and starting digging through her knapsack, pulling out some feminine products. (n.n Oh yeah, who's got a way with words?) She handed a few to Rin. "Here, sweetie, I'll show you how to put these on…"

"Period?" Sesshoumaru tested, the word foreign on his tongue. (His sexy tongue! n.n)

"Oh, for the love of Selene!" Usagi swore. "Is every demon in this time so dense?" Usagi closed her eyes and fought to remember the phrasing Inuyasha had used. "She…'went into heat'."

Sesshoumaru's breath caught. "She did?" Well, that certainly explained the sweet smell.

"Inuyasha also said the first time this happens is when girls officially become potential mates. You know, fair game to all the demons," Usagi continued in a distracted voice, attempting to make a little small talk.. "Is that true?"

"Yes." Sesshoumaru's voice was nearly inaudible.

"Ah, well," Usagi grinned. "You better hang on to this one. She feels like she would make a good wife."

"Yes," the demon whispered. "I know." ((Second))

"And he said that?" Usagi said in amusement. She pulled her legs up to her chest and set her head on her knees. Her now-braided hair twirled to the grass in a pool of translucent moonlight.

"Rin." Rin's eyes snapped open to see Sesshoumaru crouching over her. The petite female sat up, her kimono shifting aside so that a pale line of shoulder greeted the demon's eyes. Sesshoumaru avoided looking at her, his body tensing.

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?" Rin rubbed her sleepy eyes, causing more skin to flash at him. Sesshoumaru stared hard at the ground.

"The moon wench," Sesshoumaru said. "She is…not as ugly as the other women who travel with my brother." ((Third))

"Not directly," Rin amended. "But Lord Sesshoumaru is grateful. He does not know how to deal with women and predicaments such as those." Rin smiled beautifully.

"It's not a problem, Rin-chan." Usagi ruffled the pre-teen's hair. "That was most definitely a day to be celebrated. You don't officially become a woman everyday." Rin giggled.

"It distressed Sesshoumaru-sama so when he saw that I had begun to bleed." Usagi cracked a grin at Rin's shy admission.

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" The silver-haired demon looked up as Rin timidly stepped up to him. Sesshoumaru sniffed at the air as a sweet scent wafted past his senses. Was that…?

"Yes, Rin, what is it?" Rin squirmed under the lord demon's gaze and looked down at her feet.

"I…" Rin bit her lower lip. "I am bleeding, Sesshoumaru-sama." Her gaze flew back to the ground and she flushed.

"You're…bleeding?" Sesshoumaru asked, inspecting her. Rin's blush deepened.

"I am bleeding…down there." Sesshoumaru froze, his eyes widening far greater than Rin had ever seen them expand.

"Shit." ((First))

"One day, Rin-chan," Usagi whispered. "Sesshoumaru will see you as a woman." Rin looked up and blushed. Usagi smiled at the young girl. "Demons have different standards than humans do for courtship." The twelve year-old's face flushed harder.

"Usagi-sama!" Rin cried in embarrassment. "I am but a lowly human not fit to be even considered a potential mate to Lord Sesshoumaru!"

"Rin!" Usagi said. "Don't sell yourself so short!" The silver-haired bunny stood abruptly and brought Rin up with her. Reaching down to the girl's head, she began to lightly rake her fingers through the petite girl's ebony locks. She brushed Rin's bangs out of her face and let out the small ponytail at the top of her head. Usagi clasped Rin's hair and set it up in a simple bun at the nape of her neck. Pulling a sapphire-colored ribbon out of her pocket, the Cosmos Senshi looped it through the shorter girl's hair. Usagi fell to her knees and straightened her kimono, retying the obi so that the bow puffed out elegantly. The silvery-haired nymph licked her thumb and wiped at a smudge on the girl's cheek. Usagi waved one hand in the air and the Neptune Mirror appeared. She held it out to Rin. "You are so beautiful. I can feel it," Usagi whispered fiercely. "One morning, you're going to wake up as a full-grown woman, and you will think back at this and realize how silly you were."

"What nonsense are you babbling to Rin now?" Lord Sesshoumaru, Ruler of the Western Lands, appeared beside Usagi. The senshi grinned.

"Oh, nothing, Sesshoumaru," Usagi smirked. "Just reminding Rin that every time I need a favor, she knows she must tell you immediately."

"Prideful wench," the demon hissed. Usagi shrugged.

"It comes with the package," Usagi replied airily. "You can only save the world so many times before realizing how great you actually are." Sesshoumaru snorted, and choked on a gasp when Rin turned around to face him.

"What have you done to her?" he asked. Rin blushed.

"You do not approve, Sesshoumaru-sama?" Rin's hands moved to her hair. "I will let it out."

"No." Rin paused in the motion, looking at the inu youkai with something akin to wonderment in her eyes. She flushed prettily.

"You do approve, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Yes," Sesshoumaru murmured, beckoning her to leave with him. "I do."

((IMPORTANT NOTE!)) Now, everyone, before you all start bitching about how I'm such a pervert for hinting at romance between Rin and Sesshoumaru, listen up. It's technically not pedophiliac by demon standards (And I didn't even blatantly write it! It was hinted!). When a woman goes into heat (for all you estrogen-challenged—i.e. boys—I mean period) for the first time, then she is considered fair game. So there. Ha. Oh yeah. And the flashbacks up there are not in that order. It may seem a little confusing, so I'll put up the chronological order of them at the ends of the flashbacks. I just wanted them to go with what they were saying. (:P)

"Odango?" Usagi froze again, her petite body tensing in the motion of braiding her hair. Wide, deep ocean eyes turned towards him, her face a blank block of stone. She finished the last few twists of her hair and tied a scrap of cloth around the end. She stood slowly, turning her body inch by excruciating inch away from him. Seiya sighed in utter frustration. "Odango, please, I need to talk to you…!"

Usagi fled.

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"Inuyasha-chan?" The silver haired hanyou looked down at Usagi's hesitant form. "Can I hide up there with you for awhile?"

"Yeah, sure, what's up?" His hand shot out and grasped hers, pulling her up into the tree. Around her neck, the Ginzuishou began to sparkle. Usagi blushed.

"It's Seiya…" she murmured. Inuyasha saw red.

"Oi, what did he do to you now!" the half-demon growled. "I'll slice him in half and dance on his intestines!" Usagi sweatdropped.

"Nothing bad," she assured. She bit her lip. "But…" She sighed and sucked her cheeks between her teeth. "I can't avoid him forever!"

"Why are you avoiding him?" Inuyasha looked down between them at their still interlocked fingers and moved his gaze towards the twinkling crystal. He flushed again.

"Uhm…" This time Usagi blushed. "He…he kind of asked me out." She blinked. "On a date." Usagi chewed on the inside of her cheek. "Repeatedly."

"…"

"…Inuyasha?" Usagi asked uncertainly. "…Um, Inuyasha?"

"Do you want to go out with him?" Inuyasha's voice cracked. Usagi hesitated. His eyes narrowed dangerously. The hanyou suddenly jumped out of the tree, pulling Usagi not-so-gently with him.

"Inuyasha-chan?" Usagi asked. "What are you doing?" Inuyasha growled. Usagi sweatdropped.

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"Wow, and here I thought you were going to kill Seiya," Usagi mused. She sniffed and found the scent of salt in the air. Running water greeted her ears. Ah! They were at a river! "Not take me out on a date."

Inuyasha hmphed, "I am not taking you out on a date." Usagi raised one slender eyebrow and he coughed. "I am showing you how much better I am than that sex-changing moron."

"Seiya is not a moron," Usagi chastised, but her smile gave her away. Inuyasha sighed in relief; Usagi was having fun. Good. "Although, I really don't see the point in taking me to a river."

Inuyasha smiled. "You'll see."

"Usagi giggled, "No I won't; I'm blind." Inuyasha tapped her lightly on the head.

"Idiot, you know that's not what I meant." Inuyasha scowled. Usagi stuck out her tongue. The silver-haired teen's hands shot out and cupped her face. Usagi's eyes widened; her heart was beating far too fast to be healthy. Shyly, he pulled forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, then moved and lightly kissed both her eyes. Usagi choked on a gasp. His lips brushed past her nose and finally descended upon her lips. He pulled back and whispered, "You are so beautiful…" Behind them, Kanna's deep blue eyes found Inuyasha's and he nodded. She brought her new Mirror of Neptune out in front of her and the water beside them shot up into a fountain of sparkling aqua. It cascaded around the duo, diving forward to lightly sprinkle the two. Usagi gasped. Inuyasha smirked.

"How pretty," she whispered, awe-struck. Her hand reached out and the water caressed her like a knowing friend. The water suddenly engulfed both of them for a second, then disappeared. A warm soothing wind began to blow around them and their wet hair and clothes dried. The two were lifted up slightly in the air and felt something appear underneath them.

"You owe me," Kagura's voice came out of nowhere and Usagi gasped again. She smiled brightly. The wind demon smirked at Inuyasha. "My, my, Inuyasha; you sure are kissing some proverbial ass tonight. Calling Kanna and I on such short notice." Inuyasha lifted his nose snootily.

"Oh, you know I'm good," he said haughtily.

"Inuyasha…you are sooo amazing!" Usagi leaned forward and wrapped her arms tightly around him. She planted her lips gleefully onto his cheek. "This is the best date I've ever been on!"

Inuyasha smirked, "Of course it is."

"Don't get arrogant!" Kagura reprimanded and Usagi could hear Haruka's voice in her. Usagi grinned. The Ginzuishou began to shimmer brightly. Inuyasha turned the bunny to face him.

"Do you still want to go out with Seiya?" he asked softly. Usagi's eyes widened, and the Ginzuishou dimmed with uncertainty. She looked down. Inuyasha roughly pulled her chin up so that their faces met. "Don't hide from me, Usa…" Inuyasha took a deep breath. "Do you still want to go out with him…?" Usagi's lashes lowered over her eyes and she leaned forward and laid a small kiss onto his lips. The Ginzuishou blazed between them, brighter than ever. She pulled back a few seconds later, both of their cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"No."

Inuyasha smiled.

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"Eeeee! Ah! My Goddess!" (No pun intended, teehee.) Up in another realm, Minako squealed brightly. "Usagi-chan and Inuyasha-san are in love!"

Makoto snorted, "Gee, Mina, where'd you get that idea?" Minako stuck her tongue out and Makoto retaliated, tossing her decapitated head at her. Minako shrieked.

"Mako, give a girl some warning!"

"Girls," Setsuna groaned, tapping the bridge of her nose. "Honestly." She watched in exasperation as Hotaru and Ami joined the fray, Luna and Artemis laughing loudly at their antics.

"Oh, let them have some fun," Michiru chastised. "I won't be around for much longer, so you might as well let me watch them be normal."

"Don't talk like that," Setsuna commanded. "There is a better way." Her throat constricted with grief. "There has to be."

"I've already long accepted the fact, Setsuna." Aquamarine eyes glittered peacefully in acceptance towards anguished garnet ones of repressed emotion.

"But…" Setsuna bit her lower lip. "We can find another way if we just research for a little while longer—"

"Usagi needs her sight back now," Michiru whispered. "It's the only way."

"Haruka will be sad," Setsuna whispered, choking on her tears that would not fall in this plane. Not physically. "She will hate you for what you've done, and she will hate herself for not stopping you." Her fists clenched at her sides, and Setsuna clamped her eyes shut. "She will look into our Princess's eyes and break." She looked at Michiru, who flinched slightly. "Do you hear me? She'll be broken!"

"It's not permanent," Michiru defended quietly, though her voice held no remorse or argument. Just stating a fact.

"You don't know that," she denied, shaking her head rapidly back and forth. Her forest green hair spilled around her. "How could you possibly know the repercussions?" Her voice cracked. "I do not even know! I cannot use my Time Staff, nor any of my powers!" The time senshi bit her lower lip to keep from shouting. She looked towards their friends: Luna, Artemis, Ami, Makoto, Minako, and Hotaru. "They won't like this. Not one bit." When Setsuna had first entered this realm, she swore that she would be the strong one. She would not be the one to break down. She broke her vow, the first lone tear trailing down her cheek, followed by several more.

"The others love Usagi more than they love me," the water senshi stated softly. Setsuna lunged forward and grasped Michiru's forearms tightly.

"You know that's not true," she hissed, trembling. The first wave of emotion passed over Michiru's face, and unshed tears glittered in the violinist's eyes. Her face crumpled, and the proud, elegant soldier began to cry.

"But thinking that makes my decision less painful," Michiru whispered hoarsely.

"Michiru-mama, Setsuna-mama, is something the matter?" Hotaru blinked innocently up at her two mothers. Michiru looked sharply at Setsuna. Lower lip trembling, the dark-haired woman composed herself and smiled brilliantly at her daughter.

"No, Darling," she confirmed, releasing Michiru's arms. She reached out to draw Hotaru into a hug, crushing the girl tightly and trying to stop her own shivering. A harsh tremor crawled up her spine, and the older woman embraced her child tighter. "Everything is perfectly fine, my little firefly."

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"I'm sorry, Seiya," Usagi said softly, bowing before the raven-haired Starlight. Her silvery braid fell over her shoulder and pooled to the ground. "I cannot be with you." She straightened, a regal look appearing in her eyes. Seiya could suddenly understand that in the future she would be a queen. "I have promised myself to Inuyasha." Her hands flew to her forehead. "Mind…" She moved to caress her stomach. "Body…" Her hands hovered inches above her Ginzuishou. "And soul…"

Seiya had expected this. But the knowledge only made his agony worse. His throat constricted painfully, and Seiya found it hard to breathe. He drew in a shaky breath, hugging himself tightly. Tears pricked at his eyes. "You…you won't even try?" His voice cracked. "Odango…?" The word came out a trembled, "Please?"

Usagi bit her lower lip, shutting her eyes tightly and shaking her head. "No, Seiya," she said, her voice barely audible. She looked back at Seiya, all signs of tears gone. "I won't set you up like that, Seiya. If I did go out with you, it would not change my feelings towards Inuyasha. It would be even harder on you." She shook her head once. "I'm not that cruel; I can't do that to you." Her voice held the first signs of instability.

Seiya tried to compose himself; he could not act like this in front of Usagi. He nodded dutifully. "I…understand," he whispered hoarsely. "…But I need some time to be alone," Seiya finished, feeling the scene. Usagi nodded, her eyes filling with sorrow. Inuyasha suddenly appeared behind her, his hands wrapping around her small frame in comfort. Her eyes suddenly narrowed and she wiggled around to face him.

"And have you promised yourself to me, mind, body, and soul?" Usagi accused. "If I feel this Kikyo woman anywhere around here, you better not leave me!" She grabbed his chin forcefully, much like he had done last night. "And don't think I don't know how you kissed Rei-chan!" Her hand flew out before him and she slapped him. Hard. Inuyasha bit his cheek to keep a yelp from surfacing. He held his face tenderly. "I'm not all sugar blossoms and fairies, Inuyasha!" she shouted. "I hurt, I bleed, I feel horrible, jealous thoughts!" Usagi leaned into him. "If I am to be loyal to you, then you must be loyal to me also!" She grabbed his shoulders tightly. "Alright?"

"Alright," Inuyasha conceded. He looked up wearily. "I don't have to kill Kikyo, do I?"

"Who said you had to kill her?" Usagi shrieked. "I just want a one-on-one, woman-to-woman talk with her!" she finished, pouting. "She can't touch you." Her pout deepened. "Or I'll cry." Inuyasha chuckled. He nuzzled her forehead. The red string of fate wove around the couple, forming a knot around their right pinkies. The silver-haired half-demon grinned.

"You got it."

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"Is it me, or is there some tension between Seiya and Usagi?" Sango asked Miroku quietly. Miroku's gaze traveled to where Usagi sat on the grass, merely a few meters from Seiya. The two had pointedly ignored each other for the past few days, not speaking to, or even looking at, each other. Usagi stirred her rice with her chopsticks, taking a little bite. Inuyasha growled something at her, and she stuck out her tongue, taking a colossal chomp of her food. Inuyasha sweatdropped. Seiya winced at their antics, his shoulders drooping. The Light retreated farther into himself, trying to make himself as small as humanly possible.

"It seems to be more than mere tension, Sango," Miroku commented with a whisper. "It looks to be something we cannot even begin to comprehend." Sango sighed sadly, leaning onto Miroku's shoulder. The monk swung an arm around Sango's shoulder and squeezed it lightly. Sango shot a faintly irritated look at him.

"If you grope me, I will slap you," The demon-slayer promised, vengeance burning in her eyes. Miroku sweatdropped.

"Now, Sango, why would you think that I would do something like that?" he said uneasily. Sango chuckled and snuggled deeper within his embrace.

"Because I know you," she teased.

"I need to see Haruka."

The bickering couple looked up as Kanna suddenly appeared in front of them. Her eyes were wide with desperation, her hands wringing themselves in useless knots over and over again. Noticing that she had been fidgeting, the white-haired demon stilled her hands for a moment before tugging at her kimono sleeve. She chewed on her lower lip in anxiety.

"What's the matter, Kanna?" Sango inquired after a moment. "You look distressed."

Kanna shot her an exasperated look. "Please," she begged. She dropped her eyes to the ground. "It is important." The demon looked back up at Sango. "It is very urgent."

"Haruka is in the cabin bottling herbs, Kanna," Miroku cut in. "Honestly, Sango, what's with all the questions…?"

Kanna paid the two no heed as she practically sprinted into the cabin. The blond-haired senshi was kneeling on the ground, scribbling names on jars with a sharpie marker, courtesy of Kagome. Kanna closed her eyes, and the symbol of Neptune burned brightly in the center of her forehead. When she opened her eyes, they were a shimmering aqua. "Haruka," she whispered.

Haruka looked up sharply, and a bright smile overtook her face. Her azure eyes sparkled happily as she took in the little girl before her. She stood, brushing her hands off on her pants. "Michi," she breathed, striding forward to envelop her lover in a hug. She closed her eyes and squeezed Kanna/Michiru tighter. "How are you?"

"As well as ever, my dear," Kanna/Michiru whispered, her own arms reaching out to embrace Haruka. "How are you faring in the world of the living?"

"Ah, I missed your sweet poetry," Haruka reminisced, releasing her. "Everything," she continued, "is wonderful. It's so amazing to breathe again, eat again, live again." The wind soldier beamed. "I can't wait until the rest of you guys are back. It's awesome," she swore, ruffling Kanna's white hair. Michiru smiled. "Although," Haruka remarked with some embarrassment, "I'm a little out of practice. Koneko and I are going to spar later. I want to see how much she's improved!"

"You sound like you're having a lot of fun," Kanna/Michiru commented with a quirk of her lips. "You won't forget me…will you?"

"What a silly question!" Haruka barked with a laugh. "How absurd – as if I could forget my beloved Michi!" Liquid rushed into Michiru's turquoise eyes. Haruka's brow furrowed. "Is something the matter?"

"No," the Neptunian replied, dabbing at her eyes with her kimono sleeve. "It is just marvelous to see you in the flesh. You are so vibrant, my Desert Storm."

"Ah, but no beauty in the world rivals yours, my dear Tidal Wave," she returned, leaning forward to place a tender kiss on the soldier's pale forehead.

"Not even that of our princess?" Michiru whispered, sounding suddenly so lonely. Haruka wrapped her arms around the girl's small frame.

"I love Usagi," she murmured. "But I am in love with you. That makes your magnificence so much more." Michiru flashed a watery smile and rose on her tiptoes and place a chaste kiss on Haruka's lips.

"Aishiteru," she cried against the wind fighter's lips. "Itsu mo." (1)

"I love you, forever, too," Haruka mumbled. She stepped back. "What's with all the declarations, huh Michi?"

"I miss you," Michiru defended slightly, rubbing at her eyes. Haruka cracked a grin.

"Sou, sou," she chuckled. She ruffled the petite girl's hair again. "And as much as I would like to throw you down and have my wicked way with you right here and now, Michi," the blonde teased, "I would have a little difficulty explaining as to how I deflowered a child." Michiru giggled.

"My, my, Haruka, eloquent as always." She reached up and gave her partner's face one last caress. "Sayonara," she whispered.

Haruka raised one delicate eyebrow. "Sayonara? That's a little formal, Michi." (2)

Michiru bit her lower lip. "Sayonara," she repeated, and the symbol on her forehead dimmed. Kanna flashed back on the outside. She looked around a little sleepily. "Oh, goodness," Kanna said amidst a yawn. She saw Haruka and smiled politely, bowing. "I trust you and Sailor Neptune had a beneficial conversation?"

"…Yeah," Haruka said after a moment, a little puzzled. "You could say that."

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"Taiki-kun." Usagi bowed before the tallest Starlight. She looked uncertain, her dull gaze flying from side to side, avoiding eye contact. "Would you…make sure Seiya will be alright?" The bunny sighed depressingly. "I'm…really sorry I had to do that, Taiki-kun," she added as an afterthought. "I truly am."

"…I know," Taiki admitted. "But the poor guy's so upset." He looked up at Usagi, who cringed. "I'm not blaming you. If you had gone out with Seiya, I would be disappointed," he confirmed. "This hurts now, but if you had gotten his hopes up like that, I'm not sure he would ever recover." Seeing the moon girl's dejected state, he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and stepping forward to give her a quick, reassuring hug. "It's going to get better, Usagi-san."

"I hope so."

"Usa?" Taiki saw Usagi's eyes light up as she heard Inuyasha's voice. She instantly perked, spinning out of Taiki's arms and into Inuyasha's. Yes, if Usagi had been foolish enough to date Seiya, she would have lost many friends.

"Inuya!" she exclaimed affectionately. The silver-haired half-demon chuckled, petting the top of her head. He noticed Taiki's amused stare and coughed, stepping out of Usagi's tight embrace and blushing.

"Don't stop on my account," Taiki teased. Usagi flushed. "You two sure are cozy all of a sudden, though." Inuyasha's cheeks burned crimson to match Usagi's.

"Ah, screw off," Inuyasha growled with a twitch of his nose. Were his cheeks not flushed with embarrassment, it might have been more effective. Nevertheless, Usagi smacked him lightly on the shoulder, a scowl on her face.

"Inuyasha!" she exclaimed. "Don't be rude!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Inuyasha looked up at Usagi's frown and sighed, acquiescing to her silent way of asking him to explain himself. He rolled his eyes. "Demons mate for life," he clarified. "So we bond quickly." He wound his arms around Usagi's petite frame. "Touching helps." He glared at Taiki. "And get rid of any ecchi thoughts you might be having. Baka." (3)

Taiki laughed loudly. "Your secret's safe with me, Inuya!" he crowed. Inuyasha flushed, his eyes flashing with an angry fire. Usagi shot him a look. Inuyasha growled deep in his throat, but complied anyway. Usagi smiled and relaxed against him.

"Gomen ne, Taiki-kun," she said meekly. "But only I am allowed to call Inuyasha that." The bunny brushed a strand of hair out of her face. "…Keep an eye on him, okay?" she requested. Taiki regarded her silently for a moment before nodding once. Usagi smiled. "Thanks," she returned gratefully.

"No problem, Usa," Taiki grinned, breaking the tense atmosphere.

"Oi!" Inuyasha shouted, relinquishing his hold on Usagi. "Courtship or no, Usagi cannot stop me from kicking your ass!" Taiki paled. He looked sharply at Usagi, pleading with his eyes, which, of course, she couldn't see. Silly Taiki. Trix are for kids ©. (4)The silver-haired nymph raised one slender eyebrow before turning around and cupping her hand around her ear.

"What's that Rei-chan?" she called out, smirking. "You want some help washing?" She flashed a devious look at Taiki. "Coming!"

"Usagi!"

"You. Are a very. Bad. Lady."

Usagi batted her eyelashes innocently at a disheveled-looking Taiki, three hours later. "I honestly have no idea what you're talking about," the princess proclaimed. "I merely received a request to assist my dear Rei with the washing, and I dutifully answered her call."

"Cut the royalty bull crap," Taiki said. Both of Usagi's eyebrows shot up to her hairline and he flushed. "Okay, so that was a little vulgar of me," he admitted.

"It's fine," she commented with a wave of her hand. She suddenly tensed. "Is Yaten keeping Seiya preoccupied?"

"Hai," he confirmed. "But there are only so many monster movies two guys can watch."

"I know," she murmured. "Thank you."

"Usagi!" Rei called out, striding up to them. She placed a shivering hand on Usagi's shoulders, her eyes glittering with excitement. "If I can borrow my princess for awhile, Taiki?"

"By all means!" Taiki relented. Rei grinned, blushing a little. She tugged on Usagi's arm.

"Oi, Odango for brains! We've got something to show you!" Rei said. Usagi perked.

"Really?" she asked, suddenly excited. "Is it a present?"

"You could say that," Rei grinned, biting her lower lip. "Come on, hayaku, hayaku!" The raven-haired priestess began to practically drag Usagi along. "We can't be late!"

"Late for what?" Usagi questioned, an innocent look on her face. Rei practically squealed with glee. With a rush of energy, she felt Rei transform beside her. Moments later, Sailor Uranus appeared at Usagi's side and Inuyasha trailed a little hesitantly behind them.

"Sailor Teleport!"

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Usagi really did not expect to appear in Kanna and Kagura's small hut, but that's where they ended up. Mars and Uranus carefully placed Usagi in the center of the room, heading to opposite corners behind her. The moon rabbit could feel Inuyasha walk over to the left corner of the hut before her. Kagura was to her right in a corner also. Kanna sat a meter directly in front of her.

"Hey guys?" she squeaked. "What's going on?"

"Something good, Koneko," Uranus spoke softly, a smile in her voice. "We promise."

"I, Kanna," the white-haired girl began, closing her eyes and letting the planetary symbol of Neptune burn on her forehead, "as a direct descendant of the goddess of Neptune herself," Usagi could feel raw power being drawn rapidly into what could only be her mirror. "as an ancestor of the elegant Sailor Neptune, I call forth now your strength, on this day, of the aligning of the planet Neptune, and the all-glorious Moon."

Usagi gasped, feeling mind-numbing energy swirl around her. "Kanna?" she whispered. A familiar burst of aura swelled behind the small demon, which Usagi immediately recognized as Michiru. "Michiru?"

"I, Michiru." Usagi could hear it echo in her head, could feel it from the roots of her hair to the tips of her toes. Suddenly, a horrible feeling rushed over her. "As a direct descendant of the goddess of Neptune herself, as Sailor Neptune, I now give you my strength, on this day, of the aligning of the planet Neptune, and the all-glorious Moon."

"These wounds that will not heal," The two spoke in unison, in perfect harmony, "I ask that they be healed now." The powers of Mars and Uranus came together in a blast, shoving at the mirror to collect in the energy.

"I offer you the ultimate equivalence," Michiru whispered. Usagi felt Michiru's energy flying into her mirror. Usagi's eyes widened; should her aura feel that weak? "I offer you the ultimate exchange. I offer you the ultimate sacrifice." Michiru closed her eyes and let her head fall back, her voice coming out in a mere rasp. "I offer you my soul."

The world disappeared as Usagi fell into oblivion.

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"What the hell is going on!" Naraku demanded, seeing the body of Sailor Neptune plummet to the ground. Blood pooled in her wounds and a shrill scream tore her vocal chords. Her form began to fade, her skin translucent. Her voice died and the aqua-haired senshi lay silent on the floor as her body became small, multi-colored particles. These pieces flew to the wind, a myriad of emotions vanishing into the night.

"Sayonara."

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When Usagi woke, the first thing she was aware of was that her head hurt. Horribly so. Her hands gingerly rose up and the bunny rubbed wearily at her eyes. Her whole body felt like lead, and she let her sore limbs fall to the ground. Opening her eyes slowly, they became instantly bombarded with the harsh light of the sunrise. She hissed like a newborn kitten and her eyes closed again, unused to the light.

Wait…

…Light?

With a gasp, Usagi shot straight up into the air, ignoring the creaking of her joints. Her eyes flew open and Usagi gasped again, squinting them against the new, vigorous sensations. The silver-haired soldier hesitantly laid her hands over her eyelids, afraid that the black nothingness would come back. Her eyes more accustomed to the new light, she allowed herself to drop her hands and view her surroundings. They were in a place that Usagi had seen for a moment before. They were in Kanna and Kagura's hut! Her mouth in an 'o' of shock, she rose to feet and began to leisurely take in the sights. Her gaze passed by the window and Usagi grimaced at the headache the bright light brought. She used her hands to shield her eyes, but nevertheless smiled.

"I can see," she whispered to herself. "I can see." She bit her lower lip and let out a small giggle.

"Usagi…" Usagi's head shot up and she looked to see Rei sitting in the corner. Her eyes were bloodshot and her face looked defeated. Wait…what was going on?

"Rei-chan?" Usagi asked hesitantly. "What's the matter?" Rei's face crumpled and her head fell, a curtain of hair covering her face. She began to sob.

"Michi is dead." Usagi froze, turning at an agonizingly slow pace towards Haruka. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of a crying and desolate Haruka. "She used her life force to complete the ceremony." Haruka's eyes glazed over in reminiscence as she began to sob loudly. "She knew! She knew she was going to die and she came to say goodbye, acting like nothing was wrong!" A desperate wail tore from her throat. "I didn't even realize!"

"Sayonara."

"Sayonara? That's a little formal, Michi."

"What?" she cried. Usagi's hands flew up to caress her eyes. She could see! But…what? Michiru was gone? Why?

"Sailor Neptune is gone." Kanna's dull, empty voice echoed through the hut. "For good."

Keeosu: For the love of God, don't kill me yet! :hides: I promise it will get better…after this next chapter. Which...will be even more horribly sad than this end of chapter.

(1): In case you didn't catch this already, Michiru's saying "I love you, forever" or " I love you, always"

(2): Sayonara is very formal. Generally, it is used in the context that you are saying goodbye forever, or at least for a very long time. Hmmm. Poor Michiru; she was saying goodbye to Haruka and she just didn't get it. ( ) I'm such an angst whore…hehe.

(3): It's true. Don't argue. :blows you a raspberry: Mmm…raspberries…

(4): Don't ask. Just don't ask.

Con molto amore, la tua amica, Keeosu