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The most important thing   - a short fanfic by Iky

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Author's notes: The Sailor Moon characters are the properties of Takeuchi Naoko,
the publisher Kodansha, and the Toei Animation.

This is my first attempt to write a fanfic. I have translated it from Italian and
I'm not perfectly sure about my use of the English language, so, if you find diffi-
culties to understand it, please tell me. I should give it a revision. I welcome
any kind of comments, regarding the story, the writing style, the vocabulary etc. 
My e-mail address is tenoh@hotmail.com.

The story is told in third person. It involves my favourite Sailor Moon characters, 
Tenoh Haruka and Kaioh Michiru. I'm using the Japanese names and the words marked
_this_ way, represent emphasis.

I hope you enjoy the story, and want to have a look at my webpage, the Iky's Outer 
Senshi Page, at 
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Ginza/5653. Thank you very much!
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   On every working day, at spring, the top of the promontory was totally desert,
except for some vehicles going in or out of the city. That day was different: near
the top, just outside the roadway, a big motorcycle was parked, and, at its side,
a red helmet lied, seeming abandoned.
The driver of the motorcycle was a bit lower, sat near the border of the slope,
folded legs, elbows on the knees, wind blowing through her short blond hair, 
moving it from the forehead and revealing a tight bandage.

   Looking at the sea, thinking, she could have said, in normal conditions, to be
in her habitat, face to face with the wind. But her thoughts were very far from
the surroundings.
   She neither knew how much time she had spent there, but, getting dark, she de-
cided to go. She picked up her helmet, wore it slowly, careful not to compromise
the bandages on her forehead, started the engine and left, toward the big city.

***

   "Ok, Tenoh-san, you can go... but remember that the car is not perfectly arran-
ged yet! And sizzle them all!" said a mechanic toward his driver.
   "Don't worry. See you later!" answered the other, starting the engine.
   Let's see if it's all right, Haruka thought running her first lap. No bad, I'd
say...

   Inside the box, Michiru was looking at the warm up on the screen, but she wasn't
as calm as usually. Haruka told her about technical difficulties inside the team,
in that period, and she herself had the impression that something was wrong, exa-
mining the team group.

   We're finally ok on straight stretch, I'd say... the maximum speed is higher 
than before. Now we have the mixed part, thought the driver bringing her car to 
its limit. Facing the last turn, she felt the car skidding on a side.
   Damnit! she thought, I must slow down before spinning... it must be a 
suspension broken!
   With strong coolness, she succeded to brake a lot before that, as she thought,
the car spinned and continued to go outside the road, toward the protection tyres.
The crash was violent, but nearly completely absorbed by the tyres. Because of a
strong hit on her head due to the rebound, Haruka lost consciousness.

   Michiru felt bad seeing the accident from the box. She wanted to run there,
suddenly, but the mechanics stopped her, saying that the medical aids would imme-
diately arrive. Forced not to intervene, Michiru watched the commissioners slowly
extract the inert body of the driver.

   Haruka slowly regained consciousness and opened her eyes, feeling suddenly a
strong headache. She was stretched on a small bed, still wearing her suit, inside
what probably was the infirmary of the speedway. She istinctively put a hand on
her forehead, realizing to have some bandages and a medication.
   Hmm, what's happened... yeah, I remember. The suspension broken.

***

   Haruka arrived quickly into the city, and stopped near the house where she li-
ved with the other Outer Senshi, like in a family. Still on her motorcycle, from 
a position she couldn't be seen from, she watched for a while the windows of the
house, then she left again.

   That one was the third consecutive night spent out of house. She had returned 
to her previous flat, but never had the strenght to sleep there, choosing to spend
the night wandering about. My third consecutive sleepless night, she thought cros-
sing the floodlighted streets. But I have wanted it. 
   Feeling the need of a change, she went home, had a shower and, worn clean
clothes, went again out.

   She went to Juuban park, left her motorcycle and started walking. It wasn't her
best entertainment, but she wouldn't know what to do at home. It was nearly 9 in
the evening and some families, because of the nice weather, were still about. Hmm,
it was a very bad idea, Haruka thought. What on Earth will be Hotaru doing now... 
and Michiru too...

   "Hotaru-chan is always sad these days," said Setsuna, "and you can imagine why.
She doesn't say anything about it, she trustes your decisions, but I feel her sad-
ness anyway... don't you think you were too hard on Haruka-chan?"
   Michiru and Setsuna were sitting in the sitting room's sofa, having a tea.
Michiru's face was serious and her limpid look to the other showed both determina-
tion and sadness.
   "No, I don't think I was too hard. It was a problem that needed to be resolved,
sooner or later. I know I'm making Hotaru-chan suffer... but I couldn't go on 
without making things clear with Haruka. It wasn't right for anyone." Michiru 
answered.

   Haruka had left the park and begun walking along the streets, looking for so-
mething to distract herself. Everything reminded her of her fellows, her family.
She entered a night club. I could get drunk, she thought to herself, so I can 
forget everything for a while. But she needed to drink a lot to get drunk, more-
over she hated to have her reflexes slowed by alcohol. Maybe cause I'm a driver,
she thought smiling bitterly. Lots of troubles, being a driver...

***

   She looked about. The small room was empty. After a moment the door opened, 
and Michiru went in. The young woman suddenly noticed the awakening of the other
and got closer to her.
   "Do you feel better?" she asked with icy indifference, that Haruka suddenly 
perceived.
   "I'm fine, thanks... just some headache." answered simulating to have noticed
nothing.
   "You got a concussion, despite the helmet, and lost consciousness. But the
doctor said you're allright, and can get up as soon as you want. The bandages 
are only a precaution... even if your head will hurt you for some days." said 
Michiru, always with indifference.

   Haruka in the meantime had sat up on the small bed. She felt, without understanding
it, a sort of hostility from Michiru. Not tolerating that heavy silence, asked "What's
wrong with you?", even knowing that the answer wouldn't be nice.
   Michiru closed her fists, turned her back on Haruka for some seconds and turned 
again, keeping hardly back her emotions. Then she exploded.
   "You also have the bravery to ask it? Everything's wrong! My God, Haruka, when will
you stop acting as an irresponsible child? I have to remind you that you are _not_ 
alone in the world, but have a family! Don't you think how you make us feel everytime
you race? Don't you think of Setsuna, Hotaru...don't you think of me?"
Michiru was nearly yelling, for the anger.

   "I could understand you if you was alone... you always put your life on the wheel
of fortune! You have us, your parents, your duties as a senshi... but when you drive
you don't consider anything. You have always been so faithful to your duties... so 
faithful to sacrifice your own life - and even my own one - for your mission. It seems
you have forgot it all, d'you know?"
   Haruka was silently listening the outburst of the other, without knowing what
to say.
   "I can't stand this situation anymore, Haruka-san! I can't accept to witness 
your foolishness... I don't want to run the risk of..." She stopped her sentence,
lowered her eyes, then looked up again after some seconds.
   Haruka was going to say something, but the other anticipated her.
   "I don't want to see you again, Haruka-san. Not until you haven't cleared your
ideas about what is more important for you: racing or living with your family. And
I don't want you to meet Hotaru-chan again, for any reason. Not until you haven't
chosen... and I haven't decided how to act with you."

   Listening those words, Haruka's soul reacted, changing from a sort of defence
to one of submissive attack.
   "You can't do that!" finally exclaimed.
   "I can't...? Sure that I can! Don't you dare to show your face around home,
otherwise I swear I'll make you pay! And don't worry about your things, I'll send
them all to your house."
   Don't waiting for answers, Michiru went toward the door and, opened it, without
turning back, said "Goodbye, Haruka-san." Then she went out, shutting the door.

***

   Haruka left the club, realizing with pleasure that it was nearly dawn. Without
noticing it, she had spent some hours in there.
   She felt very tired after three days and understood she couldn't stand up any 
more; she decided to go home and sleep for a while.

   Michiru hadn't slept either, that night. She had spent her time watching the
peaceful sleep of Hotaru, who was sleeping in her bed, and remembering the scene 
made to Haruka three days before.
   Setsuna is surely right, I have been too hard on Haruka, and, above all, I have
attacked her when she couldn't defend herself... her pride prevented her from 
showing up, since then, however I'm sure I have hurt her, she thought. I miss 
her... and so does Hotaru. But she has to decide what is more important for her,
I'm sure of it. Even if I'm sorry, I won't intervene with her any more...

   Nervously, without noticing it, she turned herself on her side with a jerk, 
looking the first lights of the day filtering through the shutters.
   "What's happened, Michiru-mama?"
   "I'm sorry, Hotaru-chan, I didn't want you to wake up...it's allright." Michiru
answered, turning again toward the child.
   "Michiru-mama... do you think that Haruka-papa will come back home with us
soon?"
   "I hope so, darling, I hope so..." answered the other, holding the baby in her
arms. I beg you, Haruka, she thought, make the right thing, I don't want to lose
you...

   Haruka woke up, and saw that she was still wearing her clothes, just stretched
on her bed. She looked at the alarm-clock: it was 12:30. I haven't slept very 
much, she thought. What will they be doing now... I'd like to know it. What can
_I_ do, instead? They have "gently invited" me to stay far from the speedway for
a while, "to recover my health completely", so I haven't any engagement. Hmm!
They are trying to demonstrate it was my fault if the suspension broke, but I 
know it isn't true... I couldn't go too fast in the mixed section, and I'm sure 
I haven't hit any kerb. But I don't mind it now, probably if I had to do some 
tests I would refuse it myself. I don't want to race, for a while.
   I had a lot of time to think about it, and I have understood that my dream is
a very little thing if I have to realize it alone. I would have never thought
such a thing, before... before meeting Michiru, Setsuna, Hotaru. Before feeling
the importance of family. When I still had to find what could fill the void 
inside me... Michiru...
   How can I tell her my choice, she doesn't want to see me around home. I must
speak with her, apologize for my foolishness, demonstrate to have understood: 
_they_ are the most important thing for me, especially _her_...

   Without resolving anything, Haruka got up, had a shower, wore her mustard 
trouser suit and went out, realizing soon not to have eaten more or less for...
three days. I think I'll have to do something... I can't make everybody in the 
street turn because of my stomach! thought.
   Lazily, she went to her usual caf�, sat down and ordered.

   "Good morning, Haruka-san, how are you? What's happened to your head?" said
Ami, getting closer.
   This is really an orrible period, Haruka thought, I wouldn't meet anyone. "Good
morning, Ami-chan... but shouldn't you be at school, at this time?" answered mecca-
nically.
   "At school? Today is Sunday, Haruka-san... it's a very different day from the 
others..." said Ami smiling gently.
   Haruka smiled too, then said "You're right, I was a bit absent-minded... This 
bandage...? That's nothing. I have only had a little accident, nothing serious. The
doctor forced me to hold it on until my head would stop hurting. Are you alone or 
there are the others too?"
   "They were here, until some minutes ago... they have gone now. Going out, I have
seen you and thought to say hello."
   "It's very kind of you."
   "Now I must go, Haruka-san! Have a good day, and bring my greetings to Michiru-san
and the others!" said Ami, bowing.
   "Have a good day, Ami-chan..." answered Haruka carelessly. I'd like very much,
she thought, to be able to bring your greetings to them.

   Haruka looked through the windows, watching Ami going away. Suddenly she felt a
hand on her shoulder, so she turned back and saw Setsuna, standing near the table.
   "Hello, Haruka-chan. Can I sit here one moment?"
   "Surely you can... d'you know, Pluto, your sense of timing always amazes me"
said Haruka trying to smile. "Can I offer you something?"
   "Thanks, I have just ordered." she answered. A waiter brought a cup of tea on
a trail.

   "How is your head, does it still hurt? You still have the medication..." asked
Setsuma after a moment.
   "No, it's allright... really, I haven't had the time and the mood to remove it
yet. But I'm fine." Haruka quickly finished her meal, to be free to talk with her
friend. "Well, tell me... is it a chance encounter?"
   "Not completely. I wanted to see you, to know how you was... to know what you
have intention to do."
   "Hmm. I have met Ami-chan some minutes ago, you know? And I asked to her why she
wasn't at school... on Sunday! It seems to be explicative enough." said Haruka iro-
nically. 
   "What's happened at home, how are Hotaru-chan and Michiru?" asked then sadly.
   "They have gone out together, today... they are right. It's allright, except 
that you aren't with us. Hotaru-chan is quite sad, but tries not to let Michiru-chan
perceive it. She doesn't want her to suffer. Michiru-chan is dark, gloomy, always 
uneasy. In her mind, she knows she's right. And her pride doesn't let her make com-
promises."
   "I have created a big trouble, haven't I?" said Haruka with a bitter smile. "I
have thought a lot these days, and understood what is more important to me. But,
after all what has happened, I don't know how to speak to her, how to make things
clear... I have no bravery to search her."
   "Why are you so submissive? If you really got a decision, you must accept the
consequences she brings. My advice is to talk her as soon as possible. This misun-
derstanding has to be cleared. Talk with Michiru-chan, Haruka-chan. You aren't the
only two persons in this story." Setsuna stood up and said "We all miss you, Haruka-
chan. Make the right thing." The other stood up too. "Thank you, Setsuna-chan. You
are a friend." Setsuna smiled.

   Michiru had suggested to Hotaru to go walking in the hills, that morning, and the
baby had entusiastically accepted: a walk through the nature, with no destination,
could put her in a good mood, and comfort Michiru's tormented soul.
   The walk had the expected effects, making both of them serene. The weather was
beautiful and the only noises you could hear were the wind blowing through the trees
and the birds' singing. Hotaru was charmed by the show of the nature, and Michiru 
felt happy seeing her carefree.
   "What do you think if we stop to the park for a while coming back home, Michiru-
mama?" asked Hotaru smiling.
   "As you like, Hotaru-chan. Now let's go. We must be home for dinner."

   They arrived in nearly a hour to the park, and began wandering. Going near the
small lake in the centre of the park, both of them saw some blinding lights and heard
crying.
   "Soon, let's go seeing what is happening!" exclaimed Michiru.
   Throughout the bushes, they watched at the scene.
   A strange humanoid creature, similar to the daimons used by the Death Busters, was
trying to attack the people all around.
   "I have no idea about what kind of monster it is, but we must intervene!" said
Hotaru. "Stand here, Hotaru-chan, let me act!"
   Michiru took out her henshin stick and held it up. "Neptune Planet Power, Make
Up!" Sailor Neptune jumped out of the bushes and faced the daimon.

   Gone out of the caf�, Haruka began walking through the street, uncertain on what
to do. Setsuna has always been like an older sister to me and Michiru, she thought,
always ready to advice and help us. This time also, even if she's involved too and 
has to accept the consequences of our actions. Hmm. I must do as she said to me, for 
everyone's welfare... All of a sudden she felt a shiver running through her back. 
Damnit! she thought. Michiru... is in trouble! Guided by an unknown impulse, she be-
gan running to the park.

   The monster was going to hit the people present, but Sailor Neptune stroke him with
a kick, taking his mind off them. "Run away, quickly!" she exclaimed. The others took
advantage of that moment to escape.
   Michiru asked herself where in the hell that monster came from. He vaguely looked
like a can, but had the power to shapechange. Could it be that a new enemy has ar-
rived? And why didn't I perceive any danger, in this period? she thought, dodging the
attacks and attacking him herself.

   When she thought it was the right moment, she used her power. "Deep Submerge!!"
The daimon was hurt by the attack but wasn't destroyed. He then reacted with violen-
ce, and threw away the senshi with a fast knock.
   Hotaru went out of her hiding place. "Sailor Neptune, noo!" she screw.
   The daimon saw her and dashed upon her to attack, but Sailor Neptune stood up 
quickly and pull Hotaru away from the stroke, being herself hit. The blow sent her
against a tree, stunned for a while; Hotaru fell down behind a bush, stunned too.
   The daimon held up his arm, changing it to a sharp blade: then he rushed upon the
senshi to finish her.

   Michiru opened with effort her eyes, trying to ignore the tremendous pain the im-
pact with the tree caused her. A dark figure was in front of her, having its back tur-
ned on her. Michiru tried to define the figure, till stunned, and in a moment, that
appeared as an eternity to her, she recognized it.
   "Haruka!" she exclaimed.
   Haruka had arrived to the place of the fighting and had seen the monster hurling
Sailor Neptune against the tree. Then, seeing his new attack, she had rushed in front
of him to defend her fellow.
   "Are you...ok?" Haruka asked with difficulty, catching hold with her hands of the
daimon's weapon that had still run through her chest.
   Sailor Neptune stood suddenly up, and even before she could do anything she heard
yelling "Try to face _me_ now, daimon! Death Scream!!"
   The monster extracted his weapon to try to defend himself, but the powerful energy
ball hit and destroyed him immediately.

   Haruka felt her strenght giving out and collapsed backwards, her sight darkened.
Michiru tried to hold up the inert body of her lover, and delicately accompanied it
to the ground.
   "My God, Haruka, what have you done?" asked Michiru holding her up. Sailor Pluto 
run to them.
   "I felt... you were in trouble" murmured Haruka painfully "...I could not allow 
you... to be... hurt... are you ok? And... Hotaru-chan?"
   "Yes, I'm ok, Haruka... I'm ok. You now have to think about yourself only!"
   "The wound is deep, and is bleeding a lot... we must call for help." Sestuna ex-
claimed. "I'll do it... Don't worry about Hotaru-chan, she's ok!" Sailor Pluto run 
away.
   "Be quick, I beg you, Pluto... be quick!" Neptune yelled. "Why, Haruka, why...?
I had been so harsch on you..."
   "You made well,..." the other murmured, but a cough interrupted her, making her
lose blood from the mouth. "You were... right." she continued. "What is _really_ im-
portant... is you."
   Michiru put her arms around Haruka's shoulders, trying to tampon the hemorrage.
Then, crying, pushed her face on the other's short blond hair.
   "I beg you, love, hold out... don't leave me..."
Hotaru, fully recovered, went close to them.
   "Hotaru-chan...are you ok, aren't you?" murmured Haruka.
   "I'm fine, Haruka-papa... I missed you a lot, d'you know?" she answered, hiding her
tears.
   "I...missed you...too." Strenghtless, she lost consciousness. Hotaru concentrated
for a moment, then put her hand on the injury, radiating energy.
   "It's too deep, I can't heal it," she said, "but I can make it stable, Michiru-mama.
Don't worry."

   Michiru didn't leave Haruka's body until the ambulance arrived, then, all together,
back to their own selves, they went to the hospital. The doctors had intervened imme-
diately to save the young woman, but when the others arrived the surgery hadn't still
finished.

   Michiru was standing up, motionless, in the corridor, head down. She was restless,
thinking to what had happened. Setsuna was by her side, but could only repeat her that
everything would be ok.
   "It's my fault if she's risking her life... I sent her away from us and she has pro-
tected me anyway..." Michiru was repeating to herself, looking at the ground.
   "You're wrong, Michiru-mama. Nobody is guilty. Haruka-papa would have done the same
in any circumstance: she hasn't hesitated a moment, because she loves you. And would
have been the same for me and Setsuna-san too...cause we're all her life, I know it."
said Hotaru after putting her hand on Michiru's. "Everything will go ok, because Ha-
ruka-papa is right."

   Time passed without bringing any news. Overwhelmed with tension and tiredness, Mi-
chiru feel asleep. Setsuna left Hotaru with her, and stopped the doctor who was going
out of the operating room.
   "The patient had a very deep wound, but, miraculously, it hadn't damaged any vital
organ. The most preoccupying thing was the hemorragy. We have to wait this night to
discover if her body was too weakened... we're enough confident."
   Setsuna went back and told Hotaru the doctor's opinion. "It's a good thing that Mi-
chiru has fallen asleep, this waiting would have been unbearable to her." she added.
"Come on, Haruka-chan, it's just up to you now!"

   "Wake up, Michiru-chan! Come on, open your eyes!"
   Michiru awakened slowly, suddenly realizing that it was morning. "Hmm... I have 
fallen asleep... Haruka... how is she now, Setsuna-chan?" asked frantically.
   "Oh... I have slept too..." said Hotaru, rubbing her eyes.
   "Haruka-chan has made it... her conditions are enough stable, and we can see her!"
Setsuna had waited for the morning sleepless, and was now very relieved.
   "I let you sleep, you needed it... don't blame yourselves!" she said smiling.

   Michiru was the first to enter the ICU room where Haruka was. She got close to her.
Seeing all the instruments around her, and all the narrow tubes going in and out of her
body, she felt a lump in her throat. She was so weak, pale, defenseless... Setsuna ga-
ve her a chair, and Michiru sat down just on the bed's side, while the others looked 
silently.
   She took her unmoving hand in hers, bent down and leaned her face on it. "Haruka,
my love... your hand is so cold," she murmured, "...we're all here, with you..."
   The turquoise-haired girl remained still for some minutes. Hotaru got close on the
other side, and ran her hand through Haruka's hair.
   Michiru noticed a quiver from Haruka's hand. She raised her head and looked at hers,
seeing a light movement of the lips. "Haruka-papa is awakening!" Hotaru exclaimed.

   Haruka slowly opened her eyes. Her sight cleared quickly, and she could recognize
the people surrounding her.
   "Welcome back to us, Haruka-chan! Do you know that you made us worry a lot?" said
Setsuna, smiling.
   "We missed you a lot and couldn't wait to embrace you again!" exclaimed Hotaru, 
drawing her face against Haruka's.
   Michiru remained silent, let go of her hand and looked down. Haruka took again her
hand, surprising her. "How are you, Michiru? ...why are you avoiding my glance?" asked
sadly.
   "I'm fine, Haruka-chan... at this time I should have been in the place of you."
   "Too many times, you have been in my place. Everytime you have put my life before 
the mission... I'm glad I could substitute you, really." Haruka smiled. "The three of
you are my family, the _most important_ thing I have. And I love you, Michiru. More 
than my life. I had never thought about the concern I caused you when I risked my life
racing. Selfishly, I only bothered about my dream. But you have opened my eyes. You
are much more important than my dream. And you always defend what you love, don't you?"
Haruka tried to heave toward Michiru, but fell backward again because of the pain.
   "Hey, remember that you're safe for a miracle! You have a bad injury on your chest, 
what do you think?" said Setsuna with paternalistic tone. "Be a good girl, ok?"
   "Thank you for everything, Setsuna-chan. And thank you too, princess. I remember to
have felt your warm energy, don't deny!" said Haruka with a tender smile. Hotaru was 
happy. Her powers had been useful to save a life; the life of a person she cared a lot.

   Michiru finally vented her emotions and cried, benting upon Haruka. "I have been 
really afraid, love. I have feared to lose you... I would have felt empty, without you.
When you have collapsed into my arms I thought to die. You had protected me, after the
harsch way I had treated you... and what was the reason? I wanted to take away your 
dream, _I_ was selfish, not you..." Michiru was crying bitterly, and Haruka would have
been able to quiet her, to comfort her, because she was not guilty. "I had decided to 
meet you as soon as possible, to beg your pardon. And then, I had an enormous proof of 
your love, which I thought not to deserve, and..."
   "Shhh, come on, calm down..." murmured Haruka, interrupting her. "You have nothing 
to reproach yourself with, my love. On the contrary...if you could know how good I felt
in the moments that you held me in your arms... I'd nearly like to let someone hurt me 
again, to feel again those emotions..." she said smiling.
   "Never say something like that, even joking!" replied with decision Michiru. The 
others laughed heartily for her reaction.
   Haruka help her hand up and caressed the face of her beloved, wiped her tears, then 
brought Michiru close to her.
   "Thank you, Haruka." said Michiru.
   "Nothing, love. You couldn't get rid of me."
   "No. _You_ couldn't get rid of _me_!"
Both smiled. "Ok, as you like..."

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