Author: Invid HellCat
E-mail: onesaiyan@aol.com
Title: The Fourth Light
Chapter: 3
Rating: PG
AUTHOR'S DISCLAIMER: YOU KNOW THE DRILL SAILOR MOON AIN'T MINE! EVEN
THOUGH I WISH IT WAS. IF YOU'RE SO INCLINED DROP ME A LINE AT:
ONESAIYAN@AOL.COM. THIS STORY IS OUT OF CONTINUITY TO THE REST OF MY
OTHER STORIES. (IN SHORT IT'S AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE/TIME LINE)
************************************************************************
THE FOURTH LIGHT (BY INVID HELLCAT)
CHAPTER 3: QUIET MOMENTS
"All that you wanted, all that you needed is here in my heart. Words
are very unnecessary they can only do harm." -"Enjoy the Silence" by
Depech Mode
One Week Later:
It had been a quiet week. No Heart Snatchers had been seen since the
battle on the makeshift training field, but according to Michiru they
would return and they would keep returning until they found that which
they sought after. Both Michiru and Katrina had vowed that they would
not stop their search for the Holy Grail. Even though this down time
gave the two girls some time to themselves they were ever on guard.
One thing that Kat found out was that Michiru wouldn't let her get
much rest putting her through training drills whenever the chance
arose. Michiru didn't want to take any chances since Katrina had
inherited her powers rather than be born with them and the full
knowledge of how to use them. Until Sailor Neptune found her true
partner, Sailor Uranus, she had to make sure that Sailor Star Dancer
was at her best. The last thing that Michiru could afford was dieing
before her mission was complete. It was a struggle Katrina still
mourning over the loss of her best friend wasn't always as focused, as
she should have been. But, all things considered Michiru could
understand that after all she had no way to tell if Sailor Uranus was
still alive or not, so sometimes Michiru felt her concentration slip
too. Despite it all Katrina never once really complained about the
hard schedule that Michiru put her through she understood the need for
what she was doing. Even though Kat was still in mourning every time
she transformed into Sailor Star Dancer she could swear that she could
feel Nibiki standing next to her, speaking to her, and giving her moral
support. When Kat was Sailor Star Dancer it was as though Nibiki was
still alive. But, as was the case since Nibiki died Kat hated the
nights most of all. When the sun went down all that Kat could think
about was her best friend dieing in her arms. The dreams of Nibiki's
death played over and over in Kat's dreams every night. Kat had
already lost count of the amount of nights that she cried herself to
sleep and it had just barely been two weeks. Yes, this had been a
rather slow week. The one thing that Kat loved about this week was she
had time to get to know whom Kaiou Michiru the person really was. The
more Katrina found out about Michiru the more she found that she liked
her. Although Kat wasn't really sure but she was wondering if maybe
she was falling in love with the teal haired girl. They had shared a
few kisses in some of their more private moments but that was far as
they got. Of all of life's little intricacies anything that was
remotely related to love Kat found herself very quickly shying away
from it. Katrina found love to be very confusing but what really
compounded the problem was that Kat herself didn't really know if she
preferred guys or girls! There were times when it felt as though she
was interested in both, then were times that she felt like she wanted
one or the other, but it seemed like most of the time she wanted no
part of either. She hated talking about dating she tried everything
humanly possible to avoid the topic. She was almost one hundred
percent positive that she had a crush on Nibiki, and she knew that she
seemed to have very similar feelings for Michiru. But then again love
is such a tricky thing maybe she only thinks that to keep herself
sane. Whatever the case it didn't really matter in the short time that
Kat had known Michiru she knew that they had become best friends if
they had become something more then so be it. Katrina awoke to the
sound of the telephone ringing. She looked over at her alarm clock and
couldn't help but wonder who would be calling at such an unholy hour.
It was just a couple minutes before 2a.m. Kat slowly crawled out of
bed and walked over to the telephone. "Hello Asamov residence, Katrina
speaking." The girl said into the phone sounding very annoyed and
half asleep. "Katrina, it's me Michiru. Sorry to wake you, but I was
wondering if you could meet me at the park in couple minutes?" Michiru
asked sounding very calm and relaxed. Kat said nothing for several
seconds. "Michiru do you have idea of what time it is? I hope this
important." She finally yawned. "Just meet me there o.k." Michiru
replied as she hung up the phone. Kat couldn't believe what had just
happened but she decided to get dressed and see what Michiru was up
to. Kat couldn't help but wonder if maybe Michiru had discovered some
information about finding the three pure heart carriers or maybe the
whereabouts of Sailor Uranus. But what Kat couldn't understand is why
couldn't this wait for the morning, and why meet in a public place
like the park to discuss this even if was at two in the morning? After
Kat had gotten dressed, she quietly as she could slipped out of the
house. She knew that she would get in major trouble if either her mom
or her dad found out about this but for Michiru she was willing to
take that chance. Kat walked to the park her mind still trying to
figure out why Michiru would call her out so early in the morning. At
least the one good thing about this was she was awake and the dream
that had been haunting her for the last two weeks could not bother
her. Kat took a look up at the sky. The sky was crystal clear the
stars seemed to shine brighter than usual and the moon was absolutely
beautiful being completely full. At this time of the morning there
were no cars anywhere to be seen and of course the park was completely
deserted except for one lone figure that could just barely be seen the
moon light. The figured waved its hands as Katrina approached it. As
Kat got ever closer she could tell that it was Michiru. Kat waved
back. The two girls embraced and gave each other a small kiss on the
cheek. "I'm glad you could join me Katrina." Michiru said in a sweet
almost seductive sounding voice. Kat could feel herself blush at just
hearing Michiru's voice. "What's going on Michiru? Did you learn
something about the Heart Snatchers or Sailor Uranus?" Kat asked the
teal hair girl but instead of saying anything Michiru just put a
finger to Kat's lips and motioned for her to follow her. It was at
that second that Kat realized exactly what Michiru was wearing.
Michiru was wearing a light blue one-piece bathing suit with a white
frilly little bow near the neckline. Kat was now really confused as to
just what was going on. Was Michiru trying to seduce her or was it
just Kat's imagination running wild? Whatever the case was Kat
followed. They walked maybe twenty meters or so when Michiru sat down
and invited Kat to do the same. It looked as though Michiru had
prepared a picnic lunch Kat saw one picnic basket and one cooler lying
on a blanket. "Michiru what's all this about?" Katrina practically
yawned her question. Michiru looked at Kat and smiled. "It's been
rather quiet lately and you've done so well in your training I thought
I'd treat you to something special." Michiru explained as she stood up
and took Kat's hand in her own. She leaned in as close as she could to
Katrina's ear. "I think a moonlit picnic is better than a regular
picnic it's just the two of us." She whispered softly. Kat smiled but
she could feel herself blush again. She thought about it for a couple
of moments and she finally decided that it did seem like a good idea.
"Besides we both need some down time and I can't think of anybody I'd
rather spend it with." Michiru said as she started to get the food out
of the picnic basket and drinks out of the cooler. Katrina looked at
Michiru it must have been a trick of the moonlight but it almost
looked as if Michiru were some kind of angelic being. The two girls
sat, ate and talked. Michiru didn't pack anything heavy just some light
snacks, peanut butter crackers, a fruit salad, and a small veggie
tray. For drinks Michiru brought some bottled fruit punch. During their
conversation Katrina asked why Michiru was wearing a bathing suit.
Michiru told her that she had gone for a swim earlier that night and
just didn't see the need to change. Kat didn't totally believe that
answer but she let it rest. Truth be told Kat didn't really care why
Michiru was really wearing a bathing suit. Just being with Michiru at
this moment in time was all that really mattered to the Russian.
Besides the bathing suit looked good on the teal haired girl anyway.
Kat looked up at Michiru as she stuffed a cracker in her mouth. Kat's
mismatched violet and blue-green eyes, met Michiru's blue ones. Both
girls smiled warmly at each other. Michiru swallowed her cracker.
"Katrina I hope you don't mind me asking but I'm just curious about
something." Michiru started as she took a drink of her fruit punch.
"Go ahead Michiru." Kat replied a warm smile still on her face.
"Katrina, were you and Nibiki an item, or was she just your best
friend?" Michiru asked sounding more cautious than curious. The smile
on Katrina's face faded. As soon as the smile faded Kat's eyes started
to moisten. "I don't know how to answer that. I mean she was my best
friend and I loved her very much, but I just don't know how she felt
about me. I mean I know she loved me as a friend but whether or not
there was anything more I just don't know." Kat spoke with a
noticeable quiver in her voice. Tears had started to make their way
down Katrina's face as she spoke. Michiru scooted herself over so she
was sitting next to Katrina. She saw the tears roll down Kat's cheeks.
She gently ran her left hand across Kat's left cheek. "I'm sorry I
didn't mean to upset you." Michiru said soothingly as she lightly
kissed Kat on her forehead. "No, it's o.k. it's better I get it out
than leave it inside of me." Kat quietly replied as she was embraced
by Michiru. "Katrina if you ever need somebody to talk to I'm just a
phone call away." Michiru whispered as she tightened her hug. "Thank
you, Michiru I don't think I could have survived this long without
you. I love you so much." Kat said barely able to choke out the words.
Michiru pulled out of the embrace and the two girls looked each other
in the eyes. "Katrina I know that we haven't known each other very
long, but you've become very special to me, I love you too." Michiru
replied. She leaned in and the two girls lips met in a very sweet and
tender kiss. Both girls knew that there was nothing sexual about the
kiss, but it was still a very intimate moment between the two friends.
Every second of the kiss seemed to be a lifetime even though it was a
brief one. For several minuets afterward neither girl said a word.
Neither girl felt that words were necessary they just held each other
closely enjoying the quiet time that they were able to spend with each
other. Quiet time with no worries about the Holy Grail, Heart
Snatchers, or Sailor Uranus. Indeed latter on both Katrina and Michiru
would say that this was the most enjoyable time of their entire
relationship. It was definitely the most intimate to be certain. Kat
was truly stunned at her ability to so freely tell Michiru her
feelings, in the past she would try to change the subject or just
avoid answering the question. There was no doubt in the Tan haired
Russian's mind that in the short time that she had known Michiru they
had indeed become best friends. If Michiru could read minds she would
most certainly agree with the thoughts going through Katrina's mind.
Michiru also felt like in the two weeks that they had known each other
they had become best friends. The recent events made Michiru stop and
think if maybe she wasn't falling for slender Russian girl that was
now hugging her tightly. The quiet moment was broken only by Michiru's
watch beeping once signaling it was now the bottom of the hour. The two
girls disentangled from each other, so Michiru could check her watch.
"It's three thirty already." Michiru started. "We've been here longer
than I thought." Katrina finished. The two girls laughed, as they were
both having the same thought at the same time. Michiru stood up and
helped Katrina to her feet. "I guess you should get home." Michiru
whispered into Kat's ear. "I know but I don't want to. Michiru I've
really enjoyed this tonight. I can't thank you enough for doing all
this." Katrina said as tears once again filled her eyes. "You're
welcome Katrina. As I told you earlier if you ever need or want
anybody to talk to just call me." Michiru replied as she softly wiped
a tear away from Kat's eye. The two girls met each other in another
soft and tender kiss. "I love you Kaioh Michiru" Katrina told Michiru
after they broke the kiss. "I love you Katrina Asamov." Michiru
answered back. Both girls were smiling at each other. "You better get
home before somebody wakes up." Michiru told Kat. Kat didn't want to
leave Michiru. "Won't you need some help cleaning up?" Kat asked. "No,
it'll only take me a minute." She replied as she gave Kat's hand a
gentle squeeze. Kat smiled and kissed Michiru's hand. "If you say so,
love." Kat said adding the last word shyly. The two girls embraced
again. "I'll see you soon, Katrina, I love you." Michiru said as she
kissed Kat's forehead. Kat then started her walk back home. A smile
was on her face, and a noticeable spring in her step. She felt warm
and happy for the first time in two weeks. She felt like she was on
cloud nine. When Kat reached her front door she slipped back in the
house just as quietly as she had slipped out. When she got to her
bedroom she took off the dress that she had worn to meet Michiru and
hung it back in her closet, and she put her nightgown back on before
crawling back into bed and drifting back into sleep's embrace. For the
first time in two weeks the nightmare that had been plaguing Katrina
didn't come. Instead it was replaced by dreams of happier times with
Nibiki and now Michiru. Kat had her first sound night's sleep in two
weeks.
Somewhere Else:
Blackness, nothingness that was all that she was able to see, hear,
touch, smell and taste. A never ending void of blackness and emptiness
that was all she knew for the last what? Day? Year? Century? Where
ever she was time seemed to have no meaning here. Then finally a small
beam of light was cutting its way through the never-ending
lightlessness. The light surrounded her and started to pull her towards
something, somewhere, or maybe someone. She didn't know all that she
knew was the light was blinding her after having been in the total
darkness for so long. In fact the very fact that she felt blinded was
the first real sign that she even existed at all. As the light
continued to pull her along she felt more and more like she was. Signs
of life came to her slowly but surely they came to her. She had no
idea of how long the trip on the beam of light took, but she could now
feel cold metal underneath her naked body. She began to wonder how she
knew she was laying on metal and how she knew she was naked. She was
wondering how she knew anything at all. She slowly sat up at least
that damnable light had subsided. She blinked a few times trying to
figure out just what was going on. She moved her head to the right
side just a bit but was met with a pounding pain in her head. Indeed
that simple movement seemed to cause every cell in her body to ache.
She heard a voice somewhere off in the distance she instinctively knew
it was a male voice and that it was a familiar voice. "Ah, good so
you're awake. Welcome back to the land of the living Thornite." The
voice said. "Dr. Tomoe?" Thornite mumbled nearly stumbling over the
name. "Good so you remember me. Tell me my dear what is the last thing
you remember before waking up?" Tomoe asked his voice even and
emotionless. "Katrina Asamov, Sailor Star Dancer, Sailor Neptune. Two
of my Daimon Pod Heart Snatchers being destroyed. Then coming back to
the lab you injected me with something, and then nothing until now."
Thornite answered her voice barely more than a hoarse whisper. "Very
good, you remember all the basics the rest will return soon enough.
You've been dead for a week. You failed me too many times Thornite so
I punished you, but because of your stellar work for me in the past
I'm giving you one last chance if you fail me again next time you die
and you'll stay that way, understand?" He said as he slapped Thornite
across her left cheek as hard as he could to emphasize his point.
Thornite looked down at her feet like a child who had just been
chastised. "Yes, Dr. Tomoe I understand." She replied weakly as she
rubbed her cheek that had just been slapped. "Good I'm glad we
understand each other. Now get dressed you've got some learning to do
about yourself." Tomoe said as he left the room. As Thornite sat alone
in the room something began to stir inside of her. Anger, hatred, and
rage all began to boil. It was those bloody Sailor Senshi, Neptune and
Star Dancer, that caused all this. Thornite knew that if it wasn't for
them she would not have suffered death and the pain of being brought
back to life, nor the embarrassment of having failed. They would pay
dearly for what they had done. This was no longer about Pure Hearts
and the Holy Grail, this was now about revenge. Thornite knew that to
be of any use she had to get her full memories back. She wasted no
more time dwelling on things past and things to come instead she
focused on the now. She would not fail Dr. Tomoe again. She would find
the three Pure Heart Talismans. She would bring ultimate victory to
the Death Busters, Sailor Senshi or no.
Michiru's House:
Michiru awoke suddenly in a cold sweat. She felt a feeling that she
hadn't felt in a week. The sea seemed to be crying out a warning.
Michiru knew instantly that the Heart Snatchers were on the move again
or soon will be. She knew that their first target would be Katrina.
She knew this not because Katrina was a possible holder of a Pure
Heart Talisman, but because with the Heart Snatchers it was a personal
vendetta with Katrina. They were going to see her dead one way or
another. Michiru wasn't surprised that the Heart Snatchers were back
in action what did surprise her was the fact that they had stayed
dormant for so long. At least now Michiru had a feeling that Kat would
be able to take care of herself if she was attacked. In their last
battle with the Heart Snatchers Katrina proved that she could not only
hold her own but also win. The only downside to this was that since
Kat could win battles against the Heart Snatchers by herself, Michiru
may never find out if Kat is really a holder of a Talisman or not.
There was a battle going on inside of the teal haired Senshi she knew
she needed the Holy Grail to save not just the Earth but the whole
Universe as well. On the other hand she loved the Russian girl so much
that she was happy that she might never find out and have to watch the
girl die. Michiru couldn't believe that this battle was going on
inside of her she needed all the Talismans, so she had to know. But
could she just sit back and watch the girl she loves die even if it
did mean that the world would be saved? Katrina had stated herself
that if she was a Talisman carrier that she would sacrifice her life,
so why didn't that end the debate right then and there? If only Sailor
Uranus was here she'd put the issue to rest with out so much as a
second thought. Michiru's thoughts turned to Sailor Uranus; she
couldn't help but wonder how Uranus would react to Sailor Star Dancer.
Would Sailor Neptune's partner be accepting of Star Dancer? Too many
questions to ponder, better not to think about the things aren't and
worry more about the things that are! Michiru got out of bed and
started to get dressed. She walked outside and got her newspaper. The
early morning air was cool but not overly so a slight breeze made it
presence felt. The sky itself was cloudless just like last night it
looked like it was going to be a great day weather wise. Michiru
walked back inside and sat at her dining room table she poured herself
a cup of Earl Gray Tea. She was flipping through the paper when she
noticed a picture in the sports section. A local high school girl
named Haruka Tenoh had just set a new Jr. National record in the
200-meter dash. Michiru didn't know why but something about that girl
seemed to attract teal haired girl's attention. Maybe she was a Pure
Heart Talisman holder, maybe she is Sailor Uranus? Michiru didn't know
for sure but something seemed to draw her towards finding out
everything she could about the dark blond. But, that was neither here
nor now there would time for that later. In another section of the
paper there was a fuzzy picture of the Inner Senshi or so the picture
caption claimed. The picture was supposedly taken after the Senshi had
battled some kind of lion like creature. Michiru could only laugh when
it came to the Senshi the mainstream Japanese media was almost as bad
as the American Tabloid press with UFOs and Elvis sightings. Michiru
cut out the picture and the accompanying article as she did so she
could feel the ocean stir she had a feeling that it would be only a
matter of time before her path crossed with that of the Inner Senshi.
She couldn't help but wonder how that first meeting would go. Although
she knew that there was no possible way that the Inner Senshi could
even begin to grasp what she had to do. She had a feeling in her gut
that her first meeting with the Inner Senshi would not be a pleasant
one for ether her or them.
Sakura Blossom Cemetery:
Katrina stood at a familiar head stone. A white and gray head stone
that read: "The final resting place of Nibiki Yamada beloved of all
those that knew her." Tears were falling down Kat's face as she placed
a half dozen black roses on the head stone. For some reason black
roses had always been Nibiki's favorite. This was Katrina's first
visit to her best friend's grave alone in almost two weeks. But, this
time something was different instead of the sadness of her friend's
death she was remembering the happier times of the five years
previous. The first time that they met was on the first day of school
in their Phys. Ed. Class. They had become friends almost the second
that they had met. As the two girls grew their friendship also grew,
so much so that Kat had developed a crush on Nibiki. Nibiki had gone
to almost all of Kat's skating performances, and even a few of her
practices. For the most part the two friends were almost inseparable.
Katrina's first kiss came from Nibiki. Kat remembered it well it was
just after she had won her fourth consecutive Jr. National Ice Skating
championship. The two girls were alone in locker room and Nibiki had
told Kat to close her eyes that she had a surprise for her. The next
thing Kat knew she felt Nibiki's lips softly press her own. Katrina
remembered feeling very calm and happy about the unexpected kiss.
"Congratulations Kat, I'm very happy for you." Nibiki said as she
embraced the tan haired Russian. Katrina had a sloppy grin on her face
from being kissed, not only kissed but kissed by her best friend.
"Thanks Nibiki, that means a lot to me coming from you." She stated as
she returned her friends embrace. Katrina pulled away slightly from
Nibiki with a bright smile on her face. "You know that's the first
time I've ever been kissed." Kat giggled. "Well, I guess I should be
honored to have been the first." Nibiki replied also with a bright
smile on her face. The two girls just laughed. Whenever the two
friends were together neither girl felt as though she had a care in
the world. Everything just seemed to go right when they were together.
They loved each other about as much as is possible for two friends to
do, maybe more so. With that memory and many more happy ones floating
through Kat's mind she knelt down to brush some dirt and leaves off of
the headstone. "You'll always be my best friend. I love you Nibiki."
Kat said as she blew a kiss at the headstone. As Kat was beginning
her walk out of the Cemetery she heard a woman's voice. The voice
sounded very familiar, but for some reason she just wasn't able to
place it. The voice sounded like it was wracked with the pain of loss.
Katrina looked at the direction that the voice seemed to come from.
And she saw her. Standing in front of a grave was Thornite, but the
thing that Katrina couldn't understand was why was she here? But what
Kat really couldn't understand was it sounded like Thornite was crying.
'What is she doing? What kind of sick game is playing this time?' The
tan haired Russian thought to herself as she continued to watch. Her
guard up ready for a battle with an as yet unseen Heart Snatcher.
"Thornite lets cut the cheap theatrics and get this over with!"
Katrina yelled. Thornite just looked at the girl and shook her head.
"As much as I want to see you dead for what you've done to me it won't
be here and it won't be this day. You're not the only one that has
lost some one near to her." Thornite sobbed as she turned back to the
grave that she had been staring at when Kat first noticed her. Just
before she turned around Kat could see that her mortal enemy was
telling the truth that the tears she was shedding were real. She saw
Thornite open a white box and take out two red roses and carefully
place them on the gravestone. "Mother, Father, please forgive your
daughter. I have no choice but to do what I do, and to have done what
I did. Where ever you are I hope you can find it your hearts to
forgive me." Thornite was barely able to choke out the words. Kat
could not believe what she was witnessing here. All she knew of
Thornite was a vindictive murderer. Never in wildest dreams would she
have guessed that Thornite was even remotely able to convey any kind
of grief or sorrow. "If you're wondering Asamov I was ten when both of
my parents died. My parents were working for the Japanese Government
trying to rid Japan of the American Mafia Dons that liked to stay here
whenever the heat was turned up on them back in the States. My parents
would work undercover, but they got found out. Their car was packed
with explosives set to detonate as soon as the engine was started. It
did and my parents were incinerated almost immediately but somehow I
survived. Not only did I survive but I barely had a scratch on me. I
had a life and friends before all of this happened, but I gave it all
up for power, in that respect you're about the same as me. You gave up
a part of your life to gain power, but no you're different than I am
you're stronger than I could ever hope to be. You've got the power,
but I'm weak and the power has me. Should you defeat me Katrina Asamov
just heed my one bit of warning, learn from the example that I am,
Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. If you
win don't let your power corrupt you." Thornite finally finished. She
laid a hand gently on Kat's left shoulder. Kat could have sworn that
in those few seconds that it took for Thornite to place her hand on
Kat's shoulder Thornite aged ten years. "This shall be our neutral
ground. Sadly Katrina tomorrow I will forget all about my past and all
I will remember is my hatred for you and my duty to Tomoe, but I will
never fight you here." Thornite said a calmness and gentleness in her
voice that took Katrina by complete surprise. "I'm sorry Thornite but
this doesn't change anything between us, but at least I understand a
little better. Yes let this place of our most loved ghosts be our
eternal neutral ground." As soon as Kat had spoken those words
Thornite smiled and then disappeared into thin air. But she could have
sworn that she heard a faint whisper from Thornite a very simple
phrase. "I envy you." Then all went silent again. Katrina had no idea
why Thornite had divulged the information that she did, nor did Kat
know what she meant when she said she would forget everything by
tomorrow. In any event Kat knew the quiet moments of the past week
were now over, and that she would be fighting for her life again very
soon. Kat then walked back home in silence her mind going over the
strange developments that had occurred today, and wondering if maybe
there was a way to bring Thornite back to the person she used to be
instead of having to kill her, after all it seemed like the least she
could do.
TO BE CONTINUED.