Haruka turned over, moaning. She had the worst hangover; her head was throbbing. She reached out, searching Michiru to pull her close (as she did every morning) but grabbed only leaves... Leaves?! Haruka sat up in shock, texture of the leaves against her legs making her aware that she was in the form of Sailor Uranus. She looked around frantically, trying to get her eyes to focus. Staring her straight in the face was an enormous troll. She yelled out, but stopped suddenly when she realized the creature was made of stone.
"Doko..." she mumbled in her native tongue. Slowly, the senshi of the wind stood and brushed herself off. Birds chirped and sunlight poured through the trees.
"Where the hell am I?" she asked aloud.
Michiru turned over, moaning. She had the worst hangover, her head throbbing. She stretched, expecting to feel Haruka pull her close (as Haruka always did) but nothing happened. She opened her eyes in shock, sitting up in a very large and lavish bed. The room was open, sun pouring in, and a few birds flew through. Her clothes were folded neatly on a chair nearby and her fuku had been replaced with white linen clothing not her own. On the vanity to her left sat her mirror, her henshin, and her communicator. The door on the far wall opened and a tall, gorgeous-looking woman with pointy ears glided in, a tray in her hands. The woman seemed to be excited that Michiru was awake. She talked slowly in a beautiful language that made no sense. The only thing Michiru could do was squeak out a confused 'nani?' before the woman thrust a goblet in her face, gesturing for her to drink. Michiru complied and her hangover disappeared almost completely.
"Whew," she mumbled. "Where can I buy some of this?"
By the time she was finished with her drink, she felt better than she had ever before, even in senshi form. The woman bustled around, prattling on about this and that, not knowing Michiru didn't understand a bloody word she said. The woman left, finally, and Michiru fell back to the bed with an exasperated sigh.
"Damn," she muttered. "What the hell did I do last night?" She covered her face with her hands. "Did I sleep with that woman? Haruka is going to be upset. She never likes to miss out on the action..." Michiru burst into laughter, realizing the absurdity of what she had just said. She continued to giggle, not very sure why she was so overly jubilant. She lay there for a while, taking in her surroundings. She immediately decided she wasn't in present-day Japan any more - no way. Similar winding structures all piled at multiple levels of height floated around the outside of the room It all seemed so familiar, like her past life in the Silver Millennium on the Castle Miranda. (a/n - memory is rusty - corrections regarding are welcome!)
A harsh beeping sound cut through the serenity. Michiru knew the sound well and sprang out of the bed, taking her communicator into her hand. She had expected to see Haruka's face, but was greeted by Setsuna instead.
"Setsuna!" Michiru gasped. "What happened last night?!"
The olive-haired woman held up a finger and took a sip of her tropical drink. She appeared to be sitting on a beach chair in a bikini, somewhere on the seashore. "Well," she began, "we messed up last night."
"No kidding," Michiru huffed.
"Obviously trying to teleport, being as drunk as we were, was far from a 'good idea.' I'm afraid you've been teleported backwards in time... Now just calm down for a minute. We can still get back to the twenty first century."
"How? I can't teleport alone! Where is Haruka? The princess? Come to think of it… Where are you?"
Setsuna took another sip of her drink, little purple umbrella poking from its side. "I am in the present, on the island of Tahiti. Now, just let me finish before you start yelling again. Usagi and Ami got thrown into the future, an alternate future to be more precise, and Haruka is in the past with you... Well, nearby. I have already contacted her. She should be getting in touch with you soon." Sip. Two little white capsules fell out of nowhere and landed on the vanity. "They are translation capsules," Setsuna explained. "One goes in your ear to translate what you hear, and the other clamps to the back of you molar to translate what you are saying."
"Thank god," Michiru breathed, setting the capsules into place, thinking of the beautiful language she had heard earlier.
"Now," Setsuna said, "Haruka, as I said, will be contacting you soon. Just sit tight. One of my contacts will be bringing her to where you are." Setsuna seemed distracted for a moment. She bit her lip and giggled. "I really have to go. The... natives are getting restless. Contact me when you are with Haruka." The screen went blank.
Michiru sighed angrily. That conversation certainly didn't help. Setsuna wasn't the one to be quick to end a conversation without answering all questions first. She couldn't help but feel like Setsuna had somehow planned on winding up on that island. She took a look at herself in the mirror. She looked like hell. What did she do the night before? The sea goddess held her head, trying to remember. She had went out with Haruka... got drunk... Haruka flirted with some girls... meanwhile, got hit on... Haruka got mad... started a fight... got them kicked out... met up with Ami and Usagi... got more drunk... Bah, she thought, I'll just have to ask Haruka. She will remember.
It was just then that her communicator beeped again. Speak of the devil.
Haruka ran a hair through her hair and sighed before addressing her lover. "Quite a pickle we're in," she stated.
Michiru shrugged. "We've been in worse." She hooked her finger inside of her mouth, pulling back to reveal the capsule.
Haruka nodded, turning her head slightly and pointing to her ear. She drew in a deep breath. "I guess this is goodbye for now. Setsuna said my contact will be passing nearby soon and I do not want to miss him. She advised me not to use my communicator."
Michiru nodded. "I understand."
Haruka was about to say something, when the woman from before came back. "Your bath is ready," she said sweetly.
Haruka craned her neck to see around Michiru. "Who's that?" she asked.
Michiru only laughed before closing her communicator, leaving Haruka to her own device.
Haruka cursed when the screen went blank. "Wonderful," she muttered. "Michiru winds up in a nice warm bath with some gorgeous stranger and I wind up out here in the woods. I am going to kill Setsuna when we get back. Probably planned for me to be out here in the wilderness. Crazy time senshi..."
Haruka headed east, lost in thought, trying to recount the events of the previous evening. She remembered most of it; just some spots were hazier than others. She took Michiru to a club, as was their usual Saturday night ritual. A few girls had disturbed her, all wanting autographs on some part of their body. In the process of... signing all of those autographs, some sleaze had approached Michiru. Of course a brawl ensued and they were booted from the bar, no matter how many times Haruka had reminded the people of who she was. She was Tenoh Haruka, the champion F1 racer for crying out loud!
After they drove around, looking for something that seemed fun. The night was very young, and they were hankering for excitement. After a little while, they came across a huge crowd -a scavenger hunt. First prize was a shiny new motorcycle. Of course, Haruka had wanted to join. Mamoru and Usagi were there. The two of them were just a bit tipsy as well. They decided to team up.
About one hour, three purple beach umbrellas, a white ferret and eight packs of ice cream sandwiches later, they headed off to the library to get a copy of the Pocket Karma Sutra, next on the list. Of course, Ami had been there and she joined the merry bunch. Next stop was an American souvenir so they decided to try Setsuna's house - she was, after all, the oldest thing alive. She had to have been to America at one point in time. They forgot about the scavenger hunt for a while and got involved in a game of 'I never', Haruka, Mamoru and Setsuna being the top contenders. After a while, Setsuna (who didn't seem very drunk at all), suggested that they all henshin, teleport to America, and be back in time to win the shiny motorcycle. Be back in a jif, Setsuna had said. Needless to say that was an interesting experience, five shit-faced sailor senshi trying to teleport. They had to wait twenty minutes for Mercury to stop laughing just so they could actually channel their energy correctly.
Haruka's thoughts were interrupted when she suddenly tripped, falling on her face. There was a gasp and a pair of hands helping her up. When she was up and brushed off, she took a look at her aide. It was a male. He was very tall, and his eyes were green. He was clad in clothing of a similar olive color, a full quiver and bow slung across his back. The white horse at his side snorted loudly and shook its head.
"I am terribly sorry," the man stated truthfully. "I did not hear you coming!" He laughed. "You are more quiet than an elf! Tell me, what is your name? And where be you from? Your clothing is unlike any I have seen, be it man or elf, if you do not mind me saying, milady." His eyes trailed downwards and he blushed a bit. "Never before have I seen a woman display this much skin."
This was the second time Haruka had forgotten her state of dress. She shook her head a bit, trying to sort out all that he had said. "It's ok, I'm fine. I am uh… wait a second. Pardon me, but did you say 'be it man or elf'? I'm sorry, but I must be dreaming. Elves don't exist!"
The man looked at her, puzzled. He put a hand on her shoulder, wondering if she was ill. "Beg your pardon, madam, but I am an Elf."
Haruka jumped back. "Who are you?"
The man straightened himself and smiled broadly, offering his hand. "I am Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thurandil King of Mirkwood."
Haruka took his hand. "Tenoh Haruka - princess of Uranus." She added the princess part for good measure, although none of the other senshi ever seemed to bring to attention that fact. She thought maybe playing the dusty old royalty card might just be the way to get around in the past.
The Elf kissed her hand, bowing gracefully as he did so. "You certainly do not look like any princess I have seen," he commented.
Haruka laughed a bit. "I should hope not."
Legolas gave Haruka a look of question, but quickly disregarded the comment. He mounted his horse, nonetheless. "Where is it you are from?" he asked. "Be you from across the sea?"
Haruka shrugged. "I guess so."
The Elf's eyes lit up. "Tell me where it is you are heading princess of Uranus. I offer you my service in hopes that you may forgive me for my earlier folly."
Haruka quirked and eyebrow. "Please, call me Haruka."
Legolas nodded. Haruka sighed and took the map Setsuna had sent her and handed it to Legolas. She pointed to the circle on the map.
"I am going here," she stated bluntly. It read: Rivendell
Legolas held out his hand to Haruka and laughed. "What a coincidence. I seek council with Lord Elrond as well. Mount, and we shall arrive together... Perhaps you can tell me of the sea - to help pass the time," he added.
Haruka's thoughts turned to Michiru. "You will meet her yourself, soon enough," she mumbled.
Haruka sighed, propping her chin in her hands. She sat by a dying fire now, waiting for Legolas to return with more firewood. It was the third day of their travels, and Haruka had grown to be quite fond of the elf. She clung to his back, hearing stories about Rivendell and Mirkwood and of times even before that, the old lore of Tinúviel and the Silmaril. He told her everything he could think of about the elves and Middle-Earth. She found it all to be quite fascinating.
In turn, Haruka would trade tales of the sea, some how pasting together countless beach trips and images of Michiru to make one divine tapestry that depicted the ocean in a way she was sure no one had before. It was not very easy to tell where the sea ended and where Michiru began, but Legolas had picked them out easily.
Once Haruka had gotten so carried away that Legolas asked suddenly, "She is your lover, is she? This lady of the sea."
Haruka thanked the gods that the Elf prince could not see the red in her face. He sensed her discomfort and laughed. "It is not something to be ashamed of, dear maiden. In my lifetime I have had many loves, both male and female."
Haruka could not help but to laugh.
At last Legolas returned with the wood, tossing it onto the ground. "I suppose we shall be getting some sleep. It will not be long now before we are in Rivendell."
Haruka stood, willing her transformation away. She could not sleep in her fuku; she found it to be much too uncomfortable. Legolas blushed and turned away. He was not sure where such a liberal creature had come from, possessing such strange magic. The first time she had changed, he wrote her off as an orphaned istari, perhaps. To possess such power and be an istari would only make sense. Now he was not too sure.
Haruka laughed, noticing the Elf's discomfort as he lay down. "Why do you sleep with your eyes open? It's creepy," she stated, lying down next to him.
The Elf laughed and turned toward her, propping himself up on his elbows. "After I share my bedroll this is the gratitude I receive?" He clucked his tongue. "A princess would have more manners than that."
Haruka grumbled a bit. She was beginning to regret mentioning her royal lineage. "I am not a normal princess," she retorted.
"That indeed, Haruka," he said. "You do not dress like a normal man, let alone a normal woman."
Haruka shrugged. "It is what makes me comfortable. Dressing like this is the way of my people."
The Elf lay down once again. "Well, sleeping with opened eyes is the way of my people." He paused for a moment. "I can turn over if you like..."
"No," Haruka said. "It's ok."
Subject closed, the two of them fell asleep, into dreams of days long since past.
Michiru lightly ran a finger over the surface of her mirror, over the image of her sleeping lover and the elf. She felt very lonely without her Haruka. She was getting by, of course. She had learned the name of the woman who had cared for her when she woke up. The woman's name was Arwén, daughter of the Lord Elrond. They had become fast friends and Arwén had told Michiru much about the elves of Imlandris. She had told Michiru that the elves found her lying in one of the fountains, unconscious. For some reason Elrond had demanded she be placed in a special room, one that had been reserved for a certain guest.
The reflection of the mirror grew dim and Michiru placed it aside. She snuggled into the soft down pillows, breathing in the scent, astonished to find that it smelled a lot like Haruka. Michiru whimpered quietly, once again feeling lonesome for her lover.
Haruka and Legolas were only one day to Rivendell. Haruka ran along side of Legolas, his horse going top speed. Much to her delight, Haruka had discovered she could outrun the beast while in senshi form. They were traveling at a very pleasing rate but something caught Haruka's eye, distracting her. With a yelp of confusion, she pitched forward, loosing her balance.
"Haruka!" Legolas exclaimed, coming up beside her. "What happened?" he asked, kneeling to her side.
Haruka gazed in wonder at the offending object in her hand. She had almost missed it. Legolas stared too, brow furrowed.
"What is that?" he asked. "I have never seen such a thing before, nor have I ever heard of one..." He examined the delicate treasure closer.
"It is a rose," came the reply.
Michiru paced around the halls of the Last Homely house in frustration. She was dying for something to do, something to calm her nerves. She knew Haruka was close, for the sun was low in the sky now, and she hated waiting. At first, she had wanted to paint but was astonished to find that the elves did not know such a thing existed. The elves seemed not to dwell on decoration, rather, let the beauty of nature adorn the cities. It explained why there were flowering vines everywhere yet not a painting in sight. She had come across a few woven tapestries and statues, but her chances of finding some oil paints were all but disappeared.
She thought maybe a bit of music could soothe her nerves, but nothing close to a violin could be scrounged up. She had found all sorts of lutes and tambourines and harps, but nothing that could be played with a bow... She turned again, muttering in Japanese, when she heard a laugh behind her.
"You seem impatient today, Princess," Arwén commented.
Michiru placed a hand to her chest. "You scared me," she said.
"I am sorry," Arwén apologized. "What is it you are so anxious about this afternoon? Is it maybe that your partner is arriving today?" she asked, eyes flashing with intrigue. Michiru mumbled something inaudible and looked at the floor. Arwén laughed, circling her prey. "She is your lover, is she not? This other princess..."
Michiru turned red and Arwén laughed. "I merely jest with you, friend. We elves see nothing wrong with love of any kind..."
Just then, a door further down the hall closed and a handsome dark-haired man stood in the hall. Arwén's eyes lit up and she motioned to the man.
"Estel!" she called.
Michiru stifled her laughter, for she was sure she had heard the man groan. "Arwén, darling, How is it you are faring this fine afternoon?" he asked, walking over to them. He smiled at the aqua-tressed maiden. "And how fare you, princess?"
Michiru blushed slightly. She had been enjoying this extra attention as a princess. She wondered why none of the others had referred to themselves as such before.
An elf maiden walked up to Arwén and the two spoke in hush tones.
Estel turned towards her. "I must say, it is of great honor and privilege to have a child of the Silver Millennium in the house of Elrond once again. We always look forward to when the Queen Serenity graces us with the presence of one of her kin."
Alarms went off in Michiru's head. She was about to question the man when Arwén returned. "Estel, my love, I have been informed that the prince of Mirkwood has arrived." She turned to Michiru, smiling. "And with him he brought a weary traveler." There was mischief in her voice.
Estel smiled and held out his hand to Michiru. "Allow me to escort you, milady."
They left Arwén behind, walking out towards the stables. She had wanted to go, but Estel had insisted that she check on the 'patient'. Upon saying the word, the two exchanged knowing glances, and Michiru silently wondered if something of greater importance was happening in Rivendell.
Once they were safely out of earshot, Michiru turned to Estel. "How is it you know of the Silver Milennium?" she asked, her voice a harsh whisper.
Estel looked confused. "I may be a man, milady but I did grow up amongst the elves..."
Michiru sighed in discontent. That answer didn't help. There was so much - even after all of this time - that had gone unanswered about her past. The only senshi who had regained full memory of the Silver Millennium was Usagi, save her daughter and Pluto. Michiru wished to question further but it was then she heard a call. It immediately caught her ear, for it wasn't mechanically translated.
"Hoi! Michiru-chan! I have missed you, koibito."
Michiru looked up to see Sailor Uranus, at the side of a very tall Elf. Estel smiled and called to the green-eyed prince, and the two exchanged a hug. Michiru, on the other hand, was not as graceful. She ran to Haruka's arms, kissing her with a passion that left even their onlookers breathless. When they broke apart, Michiru nuzzled her head under Haruka's chin. Estel and Legolas left, giving the two their privacy.
"I have missed you so much," she said.
Haruka laughed and wrapped her arms around the smaller woman. "I was gone for a few days." She took hold of Michiru's chin gently, moving her face to hers. "You amaze me sometimes," she commented. Michiru smiled before kissing her lover again.
It was growing dark now, and Haruka grasped Michiru's hand, which was immediately led away. "Wait," Haruka said. "Just give me a minute to de-henshin," she said.
Michiru laughed. "Why? Don't want to spoil your reputation amongst the women here so soon?"
Haruka blushed. "Oi, Michiru, you're cruel. You know I have eyes for only you."
Michiru held fast to Haruka's arm, placing her head on the senshi's shoulder. They had come to the Last Homely house now, and were receiving many a knowing glance from the elves. Michiru led Haruka to the room she had been sleeping in since her arrival in Middle Earth. The first signs of twilight had just begun, and sounds of a great feast came from somewhere outside the window, the singing of the locals dancing through the air. Haruka stopped for a moment upon the threshold, breathing a deep breath. She was having the weirdest feelings of déjà vu. Everything about Middle Earth awakened memories deep inside her mind, and it was the same with Michiru.
"Is something wrong, love?" Michiru asked, worry in her tone.
Haruka just shook her head, clearing away the feelings. "It's nothing. Things just seem so familiar. It has been nothing but déjà vu since I got here."
Michiru nodded. "Me too..." She looked over at the moon, low, but glowing intensely. "I have been wondering if the Silver Millennium overlaps this time period." She looked over to Haruka, who had de-henshined. "If so, I can only wonder how long until the Moon Kingdom falls..."
Haruka gathered the sea goddess into her arms, joining her by the window. Sounds from the dinner remained in the air. "Perhaps we should be joining our hosts for dinner?" Haruka's lips pressed lightly to Michiru's neck.
Michiru giggled. "Why, are you hungry?" The lips moved down, caressing her shoulder.
"I am," Haruka replied, lust in her voice. "But not for food..."
Michiru sighed and wrapped her arms around her partner's neck as she was swept off of her feet and placed delicately onto the nearby bed. Together they spent the evening succumbing to the pleasures of the flesh, as the night rang peacefully around them.
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