Jack by Saun Rated: R Haruka and Michiru Disclaimer: Sailor Moon & Company do not belong to me. I just borrowed them for a bit. Lady Mary Eddington-Grey looked across the ballroom at the Marchioness. The woman was splendidly dressed in a cream colored silk gown. Her aqua hair was pulled up in an ornate hairstyle that rested on top of her head and left her slender neck exposed. At that moment the young lady was inclining her head to hear another woman speak and her soft giggle floated over the assembled ballroom. She was beautiful, a diamond of the first water. Icy blue eyes narrowed and jealousy coupled with a deep resentment filled her as she watched the aqua-haired noblewoman. Exiting the study, the Marquis and his father, the Duke of Tennough, made their way to the young Marchioness. The tall blonde drew his wife into his arms. Michiru smiled, looking up into Haruka's teal eyes. The blonde returned the smile warmly. Haruka still couldn't believe that Michiru was her wife. She was finally happy. Her life was perfect with Michiru here, at her side. "You look wonderful tonight, Michiru." "Thank you." Michiru smiled at her mate. "Shall we dance?" "I'd love to," answered the aqua-haired woman as she took her 'husband' by the hand and headed for the dance floor. They swayed together, seeing only each other. The watching woman sniffed in disapproval. Before the Duke and his late wife, it most certainly had not been common to be in love with one's spouse. They had been perfect together, as were the Marquis and his wife now. Lady Mary hated the beautiful couple. They had everything she ever wanted. Everything she should have had... if only that stupid fool she had been trying to trap into marriage hadn't seen through her plan. Soon all she would have to show for her efforts was a small, worthless token of his...esteem . Luckily for her it could be disposed of quite easily. Her fingers twisted at the charms on her silver bracelet as she glared daggers at the young couple who stopped beside her, too lost in their own little world to notice the bitter woman. Later that evening after returning from the Duke's ball, Michiru gathered her skirts and headed upstairs. She had last seen Haruka when they arrived home in the carriage. The blonde had made her excuses and disappeared into the study. Michiru could only hear a rustling from behind the door. She didn't know what her spouse was doing, but she was curious. She went down the hallway to her dressing room. She had told her maid to come help her get out of her dress. After some time had passed she gave up waiting for her maid and wriggled out of her ball gown by herself. She tossed the worn gown over the edge of the dressing screen for the maid to deal with in the morning. Michiru wasn't wearing many undergarments besides a few underskirts and a chemise. She pondered the land dweller's obsession with clothing as she removed them and pulled on a white nightgown. Michiru unpinned her hair to let it fall in aqua waves down her back. Sitting in front of the fire, she began to brush her hair. A short time later, she heard the soft sound of a door closing, but didn't look up. She felt a hand on her head sliding down through her hair and gently caressing her cheek. She did look up then, right into Haruka's warm gaze. Haruka was hiding one of her hands behind her back. "Have you seen the maid?" Michiru questioned with a smile. "I, um, yes, I saw her in the hall and told her we wouldn't be needing her services this evening." Michiru laughed at her partner. Haruka paused for a moment collecting her thoughts. "Michiru," she began, her eyes darkening with uncertainty. Michiru stared up with wide blue eyes. Her mate had been acting strangely all night long. "Haruka, is something wrong?" Haruka looked surprised then smiled. "No. Here." Regaining her confidence, she held out a small, wrapped package to her lover. Michiru blinked in surprise. She took the present. With a pleasantly aching heart she carefully turned the package over in her hands, looking for a good spot to open it. On one side was the knot for the twine holding it all together, one of those impossibly intricate knots that only sailors used. It was obvious that Haruka had wrapped it herself, using knowledge gathered from her time spent as a cabin boy. When she had finished she saw that the inside of the wrapping contained a poem, written to her in Haruka's bold handwriting. The gift itself was a music box. The outside was engraved with ships and the sea. When Michiru opened it, a soft melody began to play. She read the loving poem and felt overwhelmed by the depth of the bond between her and her partner: Fate has taken two beings, one of sea and one of sky, formed with her hands the hearts of you and I Created from their joining Our eternal bond one complete soul entwined all along I am but a desperate moth seeking to be ever closer to that serene blue flame locked in your embrace My love for you is eternal as the waves on the sand. to eternity and beyond I love you, Michiru "Do you like it?" Haruka asked trying to mask her growing anxiety. Michiru looked up with unshed tears in her eyes. "It's lovely," she whispered and stood, reaching for Haruka. The blonde met her mate halfway and they hugged tightly. "I love you, Michiru." "I love you, Haruka. So much." Sometimes it stunned Haruka to realize just how much Michiru had given up for her. When she had turned from a mermaid into a human, her family and the rest of the world under the sea had been lost to her. Another thought frightened her even more. What if she had lost Michiru forever that day on the beach? She unconsciously squeezed Michiru tighter. At that moment she looked down and met her lover's passionate gaze. Seemingly of their own accord, their lips touched, mouths caressing. Michiru quickly removed Haruka's waistcoat and breeches. Haruka scooped up her wife and gently placed her on the bed before lying down beside her. The blonde began to undo the strings on the front of Michiru's white gown, slowly opening it to bare more of the alabaster flesh beneath. Michiru lay gasping as she waited for Haruka to reach the swollen peaks of her breasts. A short time later two nude forms lay entwined on the bed. Soft cries of passion echoed through the moonlit room as the young lovers pledged themselves together body and soul. Several daimons broke through the dimensional wall, following in the wake of the more powerful entity. Together they hurtled through space toward a tiny blue speck in the distance. This time they would not fail their Master. They would find the three talismans, opening the portal for Pharaoh 90, and then the Silence would fall. The daimons along with all matter in this universe would be wiped from existence, but to their half-formed consciousness it was preferable to this life of constant searching. They wanted this; they sought oblivion. Pluto turned to the time gate, gazing at the rippling, pulsing ribbons of flowing time. She could observe them like this or she could focus on a mere tenth of a second, such was the awesome power of the Senshi of Time, ever alert to the slightest abnormality. As she watched a streak of blackness suddenly charged through one of the lines. The ribbon dimmed as the blackness consumed it trying to destroy its light. With regret Pluto realized it was time to awaken the most powerful senshi. She concentrated for a moment centering on the strong souls she knew so well, friends from long ago. This was not the first time she had needed to call upon their strength and she knew with a resigned certainty that it would not be the last. The time guardian allowed shared remembrances of laughter and joy, heartache and tears to wash over her. She didn't like interrupting her best friends' peaceful lives, but they would be the first to remind her that duty came before their personal happiness. She cloaked herself in the mantle of responsibility once more then lifted her staff. Space rippled around her, opening a door, and she stepped through to the other side. Haruka lay in bed with Michiru pillowed against her shoulder. Haruka's eyes were half-closed as she hovered near sleep. Michiru snuggled closer, lost in a dream. Haruka smiled into her wife's hair, almost senseless with happiness. The fire crackled as it began to fade. She was almost asleep when she noticed that the light was growing in intensity. Afraid that a spark had escaped from the fireplace and perhaps had ignited the carpet, she startled awake. Her eyes widened as she realized that the source of the light wasn't the fire at all. There was a glowing door in the center of the room and silhouetted in the brightness was a figure. Haruka eased up, hoping to block Michiru from what she assumed was a ghost. She felt her lover stir behind her. "Haruka?" came Michiru's sleepy voice. The light faded, leaving behind a woman in an indecently short black skirt and black boots. She had long, dark green hair and carried a staff that was topped with a polished red stone. "Who are you?" Haruka demanded. She started to rise from the bed, but Michiru grabbed her to keep her from losing the sheet. The glowing figure approached the bed. "I am Sailor Pluto. Awaken sleeping souls under the protection of the Silver Millennium," she commanded, pointing her finger at the pair. Haruka turned to Michiru and her eyes opened wide. She reached out to touch the glowing symbol that had appeared on her lover's forehead. Suddenly, white light consumed them. They reappeared floating free in space. Haruka realized that her entire body was surrounded by ribbons of warm energy. With a rushing noise she was dressed in the same style uniform as their unwanted night time visitor. Her skirt was navy blue and she had a yellow bow stuck to her chest. A dull flush painted Haruka's cheeks as she saw how much of her bare legs were exposed. On that note, she turned to look at Michiru. Her mate was in a similar garment of different colors. The aqua-haired woman looked up and grinned into her partner's teal eyes. "I like this much more than those bulky dresses," Michiru confided. Haruka opened her mouth, but no sound came out. "Uranus...Neptune... it is time once again for us to fight. I will guard the time gate, but it is you who must defeat the enemy. It is our duty." "Yes, our duty." Haruka heard Michiru echo. The rushing sound returned as once again the pair was encased in light. In that moment visions flooded through Haruka's mind. There were too many for her to fully grasp, but a few evoked such strength of emotion that she tried to make sense of them. There was a beautiful palace and a silver-haired woman standing with her arms outstretched. She saw Michiru fighting beside her and the green-haired woman was there as well. Finally she saw a long handled silver blade come down and then there was nothing. These were... memories? When Haruka's eyes were able to focus, she saw that they were back in their bedroom. Before she could dismiss the experience as too much wine at dinner, she heard Michiru comment thoughtfully from the other side of the bed. "I wonder when they will attack?" "I don't know." Haruka was still a bit dazed. "I really liked those skirts," Michiru said again. "They were too short," Haruka replied contrarily. "You know what I really liked about them?" When Haruka didn't respond, Michiru leaned forward. "I liked seeing your legs." Haruka's eyes widened as she stared into two mischievous blue pools. "And you know what? I want to see them again." There was a swoosh as the covers were pulled back and tossed to the floor. Three nights later Michiru had her answer. A chill went down the aqua-haired woman's spine as she had a vision of a local pub. She abandoned her sewing and raced to Haruka's study. A few seconds later Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune were racing full speed over the rooftops of the city. They arrived to find a pig monster attacking a serving wench. "Oh, it's just a small one," Uranus commented. She lifted her hand and threw her first attack. "World Shaking!" But the little pink daimon zipped out of the way just in time. "Small, but fast," Neptune corrected and lifted her arms. "Deep Submerging!" The wall of water hit the pig-daimon causing it to squeal with agitation, but it kept running. "We're out of practice," Uranus noted. She glanced at her partner. Neptune's features were molded into a look of complete concentration. She wasn't going to let this annoying little pink thing get away from her again. Another Deep Submerging skimmed across the long wooden bar breaking glasses and splattering drinks, but, at last, effectively pinned the creature against the wall. "World Shaking!" Uranus yelled and the daimon was absorbed in a blast of white hot light. The two senshi heard cries of "demon pig" as the locals returned, dragging the poor local vicar along with them, to defend their bar. The young woman who had been attacked was laying on the ground semi-conscious, but alive. Uranus and Neptune raced out the back door and into the alley. "Your ladyship, if I may so humbly ask, exactly how did this happen?" the young carpenter inquired as he surveyed the ruins of the parlor. Michiru thought quickly. "Well, my lord husband, the Marquis of Tennough, is most interested in the effects of a new dynamite. He believes that there is great profit to be found in a healthy investment in the States. Alas, one of his working models got a bit too close to one of the lamps and well...as you can see..." She gestured around the room. "Yes, your Grace, I see." The man looked wholly unconvinced as he contemplated the deep furrow in the floor and the charred impact crater in the wall. "We'll have this repaired immediately, your Grace." Michiru stepped out of the parlor and into the hallway. She had started to go upstairs when she was caught from behind. Haruka planted a warm kiss on her wife's lips. Michiru responded for a moment before pulling back. Haruka sighed in disappointment. "You really should be in there explaining this, not me," Michiru said indignantly. Haruka ran her hand through her bangs. "I know, Love, but I'm a busy... 'man'." Michiru's eyes darkened. When she turned to go, Haruka caught her arm and dragged her back. "I'm sorry." Michiru nodded regally at the words she had been waiting to hear. "You should be." Haruka smiled against her wife's temple. "But at least we learned not to practice our attacks in the house again." This won a soft giggle from Michiru. Across London, a young butcher was working late in his shop amid softly swaying carcasses of gutted cows, resembling nothing so much as some macabre upside down forest of torn flesh. By the time the solitary man started home, the moon already cast a silver glow over the putrid streets of Whitechapel. He locked the doors of his shop and proceeded down the alley. Listening to the echo of his shoes against the ground in the night, he noticed a few stray, unkempt women on his way. He wrinkled his nose in disgust. Filthy whores. One stepped forward a little as he passed. Her scraggly hair fell across her face. Her bodice was much too tight and thrust her breasts upward and out in an exaggerated, unavoidable display. He cringed. His skin crawled at her slightest movement. He purposely changed his direction. What horrid creatures they were, not fit for this earth. He clenched his fists tightly. None of them were. All they did was corrupt the minds of men with foolishness, tempting men like the succubi they all were. Women. He turned away from them and continued on, not noticing the glowing red eyes watching him from within the storefront glass. There was an eerie noise as a daimon in the form of a black cloud left the glass and surrounded him. He gasped as an unearthly chill swept through his body. The entity flowed through him, absorbing his anger and taking control. His throat constricted, preventing him from screaming. Darkness closed over his mind like an icy vice and he surrendered to it gladly, sensing that this power would bring justice to those deserving it. Turning his face up at the moon, the daimon smiled wickedly. Michiru was laughing and breathless as her last dance partner returned her to the sidelines. She was having a wonderful time. Lady Mary glided out of the crowd like a shark. She took a place near the young marchioness. Michiru had just caught sight of Haruka partnering an old dowager in a quatrain. She was smiling joyfully at her mate when the woman beside her began to make conversation. "Your husband has such fine features. At times they're almost... beautiful." Michiru froze for a moment then relaxed before answering softly, "Haruka is very *handsome*. I'm very lucky." Lady Mary's eyes frosted. "It really is amazing how a brother and sister could be so similar in looks and build. You look surprised. Hadn't you heard about his Grace's sister, Lady Alexandra?" Lady Mary tapped Michiru's arm with her fan. "The men used to love her extraordinary eyes. 'Like a cat,' they used to say." She spread her fan open with a sharp flick of her wrist. "Now, I suppose, it's the ladies' turn." "You seem to have spent much time looking at my husband." The aqua haired beauty met the speculative gaze. "But, yes, I had heard about Lady Alex." Lady Mary started, "She died the winter just before your husband was found." All warmth left Michiru's eyes. "What do you mean by that?" "Oh, I don't mean anything, dear." Lady's Mary's bright smile didn't reach her eyes. She closed in on Michiru. "Queen Victoria might not understand what can happen between two women, but..." Michiru interrupted her coolly, "But you do?" An angry flush warmed Lady Mary's beautifully chiseled features. "But, I can think of a few officials who might be very interested in your... marriage." "Are you threatening my husband?" Michiru had heard enough. She was just about to say something when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see that Haruka and the elderly woman had made their way to them. Her eyes met Haruka's concerned ones. Lady Mary casually fanned herself. Michiru relaxed as the three started talking. "You know, if you are looking for a way to catch a fine husband, Lady Mary, I'm sure the marchioness could give you a few pointers." The old dowager smiled. Lady Mary smiled politely and stalked off in frustration. Michiru giggled to herself for a moment, then motioned Haruka away from the crowd of people. "Haruka, she suspects." "Suspects what?" The smile faded from Haruka's lips as her eyes regarded her mate somberly. "You. Lady Alex." Haruka was thoughtful for several seconds. Then she spoke quietly, "I think it's time we retired to the country house. It's getting too dangerous for us to be here anyway, since we never know when there might be another attack." Her fist clenched. Michiru nodded solemnly. Haruka started back towards the people. "I shall tell my father." The air of Whitechapel was thick with putrefaction. Many of the nearby tanners skinned animals in a fashion that allowed bits of fur and skin to thicken the air. Chamber pots were emptied onto the street, causing rivulets of acrid, decaying feces to wash over the cobblestones. Inside a poultry shop, bags of feathers exploded as a World Shaking left Sailor Uranus' fingertips. The chicken daimon leapt in the air and vaulted sideways off the wall racing away from the senshi. Uranus ran after it, herding the creature toward the waiting Neptune. "Deep Submerging!" A wall of water caught the daimon and dissolved it. Uranus and Neptune stopped outside a doorway, catching their breath. Uranus paused, a serious, haunted look in her eyes. "I wonder how many more there are?" Michiru looked up earnestly. "I don't know and I don't care...as long as I can be with you." Uranus smiled and slipped her arm around her partner's waist hugging her. Neptune suddenly cocked her head to one side... listening. "What is it?" Uranus demanded, tensing. "I... don't know," her lover replied vaguely. Uranus followed Neptune across the cobbled road to an alley. The scent was terrible. Uranus took shallow breaths to avoid taking in much of the disgusting air. Neptune paused again and now Uranus heard the sound as well. It was a soft mewling. The two senshi closed on it quickly. At their approach, two large rats that had been nipping at a sack disappeared into the darkness. "Is it a cat?" Neptune wondered aloud. Uranus knelt beside a burlap wrapped bundle that seemed to be wriggling. Her slender fingers eased the rough fabric open. Both senshi gasped at the sight. "It's a baby," Uranus said in a shaky voice as she lifted the tiny form to her chest. "He can't be more than a couple of hours old." The child suddenly stopped crying and gazed up at them with bright blue eyes. Two hearts melted instantly. "Ahh," Michiru sighed. Her gloved hand touched the tiny head. A distant noise caused both of the senshi to freeze, alert. Aware that it wasn't safe to remain there, Uranus rose. With two graceful leaps they landed on the rooftop of the nearby building. Then they turned and raced off into the night with the precious bundle tucked close to Uranus' chest. At the Tennough residence, the two senshi landed on the balcony and walked into their bedroom. Haruka sat down on the bed and opened the burlap once again. Across the room Michiru de-transformed into her nightgown. Uranus handed her the baby and allowed her own transformation to fade. Michiru wrapped the baby in a silk pillowcase from the head of their bed. "Haruka... he's so tiny and perfect. Who would abandon a child like this?" Haruka's teal eyes narrowed with anger and protectiveness. "I don't know, Michiru," the blonde answered quietly. She lifted the sack the child had been wrapped in and something fell out. It rolled across the floor before coming to rest, glinting in the firelight. Haruka's eyes narrowed as she retrieved the charm. It held a tiny image, perfectly rendered in silver. Haruka went to the bedside table, holding the piece close to the candle so she could better examine its features. "What is it?" Michiru whispered. Haruka held the charm so Michiru could see. Her eyes widened in disbelief. She held the child closer to her. "What will happen to him? Poor baby. They'll send him to an orphanage." Michiru's voice faltered. He was just too beautiful for that. Haruka remembered her wife's wish for a baby. The taller woman knelt beside her partner. "Michiru, how long have we been out of the party set?" "About six months," her lover answered, regarding the other woman with questioning eyes. "Well, then... that's perfect," Haruka said slowly. A slow grin spread across the teal-eyed woman's face. "I think, my dear, that you have just given me an heir." Haruka reached down and caressed the small head of blonde hair. Michiru's eyes lit with dawning understanding. "Into the bed with you," Haruka whispered with a wink. Two hours later the entire house had been awakened by the frantic new "father". Somehow the entire staff had failed to notice that their mistress was increasing during the last nine months. Still, she had given birth to a beautiful baby boy. The doctor had been summoned to pronounce the mother and child doing well. A wet nurse had been located. A message was sent to the Marquis' father, the Duke of Tennough. The next morning a black carriage pulled by a team of six black horses pulled to a stop in front of the Marquis' estate. "I have a grandson!" the Duke proclaimed proudly, hefting the babe for inspection. Delwood sighed and cleaned his spectacles. He really didn't want to know how Lady Alex and her mermaid wife had managed to have a child. However, the Duke was ecstatic and that was all that mattered. Michiru took full advantage of her lying-in and Haruka played the part of a doting husband. They took out four more daimons in that single fortnight, but they could sense another evil out there and it was getting stronger. He watched her; she was eating the last of her dinner, idly walking back and forth on the street. She was loud and unkempt. 'Obviously a whore,' he thought. But perhaps within her filthy body he could find an object of light. Maybe then this relentless hunger to search would leave him. It kept him awake all day and hunting at night. He walked to the woman. She turned to face him, her eyes appraising him boldly. She sauntered toward him "G'day, govna', can I 'elp you?" "Yess," he whispered, but she seemed to take his low tone for one of arousal. The prostitute's eyes hardened, as she looked him over again. "A bob ta tup me, gov." He lifted his purse...and slipped her a coin. She went to the fence wall and turned her back to him, lifting her skirts. "Now don't go on awll night about it eitha." While her back was to him, he slid his well-sharpened knife from within his coat. He lurched toward the woman. Once behind her, he grabbed her hair and forced her head back. Bringing the knife around with his right hand, he cleanly slit her throat. She fell twitching at his feet. He immediately used his knife to slice her belly open. Two minutes later he rose from the body. 'Filthy whore... she didn't have one of the Talismans after all.' He looked around then turned and fled into the night, his black clothing merging him with the shadows. He was nearly three blocks away when the cry went up that a body had been found. Uranus and Neptune stood on a rooftop waiting to find a daimon. They still sensed a larger presence, but they could not pinpoint its location. The two were frustrated. Uranus was antsy. "Do you think Alex is all right?" Neptune looked at her lover. "I'm sure he's fast asleep just as we left him. If he does awaken, the nanny is there to care for him." Uranus turned to say something when they heard a loud scream. Both senshi leapt from the rooftop and sprinted toward the sound. When they arrived there were still sounds of hysteria coming from within a nearby house. Uranus slid to a stop in front of the scene, nearly causing Neptune to run into her. There was nothing left for them to protect. The mangled form lay lifeless on the ground. There was no sign of a daimon. Neptune's hand flew to her mouth in horror. Uranus clenched a fist. At the sound of someone returning they leapt and knelt on a rooftop. Uranus gazed down horrified. What sort of monster could have done something like this? The next morning Michiru awoke to an empty bed. She rose and slid her dressing gown over her shoulders and went downstairs. Haruka was sprawled at the head of the table with a copy of nearly every newspaper in London. Each one giving a d ifferent account of the brutal Whitechapel murder. Haruka apparently had been here for hours, poring over the documents, looking for clues. Her lovely profile was painted in shades of light as she sat with her head bowed and a look of fierce concentration in her teal eyes. Michiru did not fail to notice the open brandy snifter near her mate. "Haruka?" The blonde head jerked in surprise. "What!?" Michiru began to lightly rub Haruka's back. "Is something wrong?" "It's just this paper." Haruka stared at the type. "A letter was sent to Mr. Lusk, the President of Whitechapel Vigilance Committee. It reads: 'From hell. Mr Lusk, Sor I send you half the Kidne I took from one woman and prasarved it for you tother piece I fried and ate it was very nise. I may send you the bloody knif that took it out if you only wate a whil longer signed Catch me when you can Mishter Lusk '" Michiru stared in horror as Haruka finished reading the letter. Haruka stood up and folded the paper. Her eyes were filled with frustrated anger. "Dammit, Michiru, he's playing with them... he's playing with us!" The blonde slammed her fist into the table in rage. "I won't let him get away with it!" she bit out. Michiru rested a restraining hand on her lover's clenched forearm. "We're in this together Haruka. We won't let him continue to commit these crimes." The blonde slumped against the table as she relinquished her anger. Her head fell forward onto Michiru's shoulder and they held each other. This battle was taking its toll. Jack was disturbed when his host body seemed to be draining of energy. He thought he had chosen well, but he had forgotten what a measly amount of energy humans had. It was just as well. He preferred the night to search for the talismans. There was no one around to hear them scream. He grunted. Well, except for the two senshi who had been appearing lately. He cursed. He had heard of them, but since the Fall, he didn't think he would ever meet any. Hopefully, they wouldn't be a threat to his mission. In Jack's absence, that upstart Mistress 9 was gaining favor with Pharaoh 90. Jack couldn't afford to fail. He would just kill them as an extra bonus. His eyes turned toward the cabinets in the room. He sighed and headed to satisfy his host body. He was ravenously gulping down chunks of roasted meat when she approached him, her hips swaying and her eyes bold. "What's yer pleasure gov'?" she asked, pushing her chest up at him. For a moment the human inside him reached out. "What's your name?" "What ever ye want it to be luv." "How about Ruth?" It was his mother's name. "Then my name's Ruth" she said laughingly and turned away saucily twitching her hips. An inhuman rage tore through him and straight to his brain as the daimon wrenched control of the body. "You would say *anything* but your prayers," he hissed as he launched himself at her back. Uranus took another look at the ravaged woman. Her eyes closed tightly as she struggled with the anger and other emotions that were coursing through her. Neptune put a hand on her shoulder. "It will be all right, Uranus. We will find the cause of this soon and we will make them pay." The blonde turned and punched the nearby wall cracking the stone. She stood that way for a moment, facing away. Then Uranus nodded, unclenched her fists, and followed Neptune back to their home. The next few months were a mixed blur to Haruka and Michiru. They loved their son, delighting as he took his first steps, carefully braced by his "father's" strong hands, but behind it all they were ever watchful. Every night they sat beside the fire and Haruka read the newest accounts of the Whitechapel murderer aloud for Michiru. The press had dubbed him 'Jack the Ripper.' As time passed they found it was much more difficult to slip away. When they had been newlyweds it had been nothing for them to disappear into their chamber for hours at a time. However, since the announcement in the paper about the "birth" of their son, they also had to deal with the deluge of well wishers. A small consolation was that Michiru truly enjoyed showing off her child. One night they sat dispiritedly at dinner. Neither was really hungry, but both pretended to eat for the other's sake. A sudden icy twinge went down Michiru's spine. Her gaze leapt across the table to her lover's alert eyes. Michiru gathered her skirts and together they raced out of their home, transforming in the alley. They raced over the rooftops. Unused to feeling helpless, Uranus was determined that this time she would not be too late. Frustrated anger coursed through her, giving her more power. She picked up her pace. Neptune moved to match her speed. Jack stood over his last victim. He was growing more frustrated with each passing failure. These mortals were worthless; their bodies held nothing of importance. He kicked at the empty shell he had just finished searching. He had killed so many and found nothing. He had spent more time on this one, carefully combing her flesh for one of the objects of power. A cloud passed over the moon and, startled, he glanced up. Satisfied that he was still alone he jumped to the roof to leave. Once the errant shadow passed it revealed a moon that seemed to have gotten much brighter. Two silhouettes fell across his path. Jack turned and met two steely gazes coldly set with rage. He read his death in them. "World Shaking!" "Deep Submerging!" The two balls of energy came together and combined. The impact sent Jack hurtling backwards. He hit the rooftop hard. The energy frizzled across his skin, draining him of power. The lungs of his host refused to work for a moment. He staggered to his feet and faced his attackers. He focused all of his rage and pain at his two tormentors and fired his own attack. He had the blonde directly in his sights. The smaller soldier darted ahead and tried to push her partner out of the way. The attack hit the green haired female head on, but there was only a glancing blow to the blonde. "Haruka, no!" Neptune screamed as she pushed Uranus out of the way. The black bolts seized her frame and tossed her high in the air. Her body crashed down with bone cracking force. Uranus rolled to her feet and threw her arm in the air. "World Shaking!" The daimon summoned his strength as a shield. Yellow and black met with an impressive shower of sparks. The sheer momentum of Uranus' attack drove the daimon backward. He stumbled on the treacherous roof and nearly lost his balance. He faltered, trying to find purchase before he fell to the street. While she had the advantage of a distraction, Uranus ran and launched into a kick. Any normal daimon would have been sent reeling, but the black clothed figure absorbed the impact and grabbed her thigh in an iron-like grip, before punching her in the mouth. Uranus was knocked down, stunned. He paused over her, savoring the taste of his victory before killing her. Uranus writhed free and drew back a booted foot. Aiming between his legs, she slammed her heel directly into his crotch. The daimon howled in surprise and pain dropping to his knees. The blonde senshi rocked up to a kneeling position, her bleeding lips twisted into a satisfied grin. The daimon looked up and pinned her with rage filled eyes. He lurched clumsily forward, spurred on by anger. He slammed into the skirted figure and forced her back down. The first punch took Uranus off guard. She winced as the fist made hard contact with her face. The next punch hit her in the chest. Her breath left her in a sudden rush. His fingers wrapped around her slender neck and squeezed. Uranus struggled for breath, refusing to stop fighting. Her mind reeled. She couldn't summon words for her attack. The starry sky above faded as she felt her grasp on consciousness slip. Jack noted with satisfaction the moment she became unconscious and dropped her limp head, rising over his vanquished foe. He stood gloating. How dare they think that they could defeat him! Uranus watched him through slit eyes. She lay still, trying to gather energy for her next assault. When Jack's eyes left her for a moment, she rolled to her feet, launching herself at him. He half turned and backhanded her into a nearby chimney. The blonde slid to her knees. Her eyes flickered with pain and defiance. She commanded her bruised body to respond despite the broken ribs, but didn't have the energy. Jack strode closer. Suddenly, his arm arced out. Uranus moved to block the blow, but felt a sharp pain in her shoulder, as the knife sliced cleanly through to the bone. She blinked, surprised. Her gloved hand flew to her shoulder, trying to stop the bleeding. She could see in his eyes that he was enjoying her suffering and was content to wait for the blood loss to weaken her before he came in with another blow. Behind the daimon, Neptune crawled forward. God help her, this creature would not kill her beloved. He didn't notice as her hand lightly closed on his ankle. She was panting with the effort to focus her thoughts. "Deep..." she whispered, "SUBMERGING!" Aqua energy surrounded the daimon. His body arched and twitched in agony as the power tried to rip him apart. When the attack ended he dropped to one knee, but Jack was only wounded and was still able to fight. Enraged, he viciously kicked the senshi's body. Neptune didn't even move in response to the blow, but Uranus screamed in rage. She started to her feet, but the daimon grabbed a handful of aqua hair and jerked Neptune's head back exposing her creamy throat. There was a glint of steel in the bright moonlight. At the sight of the wild, unfocused eyes and the inhuman grin, Uranus knew it was almost over. The demon stood over Neptune; ready to slice her open like it had so many other innocent victims. 'No, not Michiru.' They had so much to live for... the baby and each other. As Uranus forced her body to move, she groaned. The evil creature turned to her and stared at the defiant senshi, for the moment ignoring her unconscious partner. Uranus raised her uninjured hand. "World ... Sha-king," the words trailed off as her battered body convulsed with pain. The weak attack hit home causing the daimon to screech in surprise and release Neptune. Uranus could have sworn his eyes glowed red in that moment. He turned and flung charges of pure energy at her. She tensed, expecting to feel red hot jolts ripping across her nerves. This was the end; she could feel it. There was no way she would survive this onslaught, yet she still railed against this fate. 'NOOO!!' She'd failed. Her Michiru, her son, all of those women. The mutilated, bleeding forms flashed through her mind. Rage... Helplessness... Nothingness... The daimon watched with evil glee as his attack hurtled toward the blonde senshi. She was a whore also, and once he finished the enjoyable task of searching the other one... White light exploded from the chest of the senshi. Jack froze. Something had dispelled his attack. He screamed in fear and anger as a new energy exploded on the rooftop. When the vibrant light dimmed he could see the blonde soldier. She stood before him with something held in her outstretched hand. 'Is that... could it be?' Sailor Uranus' eyes were unfocused as her gloved hands unsheathed the Space Sword. She was deep in a trance, unaware of her surroundings - acting only on instinct. Jack shrieked in terror and turned to flee. Before he had taken two steps, she was on him. There was a swishing sound as his body was cleaved in two. The entity within screamed in rage and desperately tried to s ave its host. The features of the man contorted, but Uranus had finished him. Around the creature the dimensions rippled and a black whirlpool formed sucking the dying daimon and the body of its host into nonexistence. The Senshi of Uranus stood staring with sightless teal eyes until her Talisman returned to her heart crystal and the glowing gem slid back into her chest. Uranus groaned softly as her legs gave out and she collapsed. Something cold hit Neptune on the cheek. The exhausted senshi reached up and swiped a gloved hand at the offending raindrop. The sky opened and rain pelted her prone form. Neptune pushed herself to her knees. Her eyes suddenly caught sight of a navy skirt and her partner's long legs. Uranus lay face down, unmoving. Neptune's eyes widened in panic. "Haruka!" she cried, rising to her feet. She slipped on the rain slick roof trying to reach her mate. The aqua haired woman fell to her knees at the other senshi's side and pulled her lover into her arms. Uranus didn't move. At first Neptune was afraid that she wasn't breathing. Then her lashes fluttered, blinking against the water that poured down on them from above. "Michiru?" "Haruka." Neptune could not distinguish the raindrops from her tears. Uranus forced herself to a sitting position, despite her muscle's protests. She looked around warily. "Where is he?" Neptune froze. "I don't sense him any longer." Uranus stopped. She could no longer sense the evil presence either. "He's gone," she said hesitantly, unsure of how this was possible. A smile came to Neptune's lips. "We did it. We won." An answering smile began to form on her mate's lips as well. Michiru embraced Haruka. They knelt there in the rain hugging each other tightly. They had won and they both were still alive. Pharaoh 90 swirled in his dimensional void. His minions had been destroyed. The senshi with the long, dark green hair had sealed the opening between the two dimensions. He was beaten for now. He needed to find a stronger host body. One would come... someday. He was certain; all he needed to do was wait. He started to make plans for his next attack. He would have the Talismans needed for the Holy Grail to make the Silence fall. These visions of darkness were the only thing keeping him alive... "Oh no, Haruka, I couldn't possibly. Not one more time, I'm exhausted." Michiru tried to pull her hand free of her lover's. The blonde leaned in and whispered throatily, "That's not what you said last night." "Last night you didn't expect me to dance four waltzes and a quadrille with you," Michiru countered and extricated her wrist from her darling's insistent grip. Haruka's mouth curved into a mock pout. "I thought you liked dancing with me." Michiru took pity on the blonde. "I do, but if you use up all your dances now...you won't have any left for later." Her blue eyes darkened seductively. Heat flared in Haruka's gaze. "I'm going to hold you to that." Michiru boldly let her eyes slide over Haruka's body. "I certainly hope so." "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," an imperious voice rang out behind them. Coming toward them from the parlor was a large mass of people surrounding one lady. The crowd hushed and all bowed. "Queen Victoria!" said Michiru, curtsying beside her husband. The queen came up to the couple. Haruka took the queen's hand and kissed it. "Well, Lord Tennough, I have heard that you were recently blessed with an heir to the title." "Yes, your Majesty," Haruka replied humbly. The queen smiled. "One day you will have to bring him to court and let us all see this strapping, young boy that the God above has deemed to be your heir." She turned to Michiru. "Ah, the graceful, young mother. You surprised us all with this one, didn't you?" "Yes, your Majesty," said Michiru. "Has the Lord Tennough been a good father?" Michiru smiled to her husband. "Yes, my queen, he has. He's been perfect." The queen started to walk off. "I trust he's a considerate husband and doesn't force unnecessary marital duties on you." Michiru's mouth opened and closed as she tried to think of something appropriate to say. The queen sighed and leaned forward and whispered none too softly. "Well then, my dear, just do what I did... look at the ceiling and think of England." Michiru blushed. "Yes, your Majesty." She snuck a glance at Haruka. The blonde winked at her over the queen's shoulder. Once the queen took her leave, Haruka went to her blushing wife and took her by the hand. "Unnecessary Marital Duties? Does this mean I don't get my dance tonight?" Michiru buried her head into Haruka's chest. Her wife was going to pay for that later... Later after the queen's visit, Haruka was talking to another lord when she saw Lady Mary from the corner of her eye. She excused herself and walked over to the woman. Smiling politely, Haruka asked if she would join her in the study. Lady Mary nodded and followed Haruka into the private study off to the side. Haruka reached in her pocket and pulled out the silver charm. She held it up for Lady Mary's inspection. A frission of pure terror skittered down the Lady's spine as she recognized the bauble. Haruka leaned forward catching the other woman by the arm. "Look familiar?" Lady Mary's other hand strayed to her distinctive silver bracelet. Her father had given it to her for her coming out ball. Her fingers shakily traced over the charms and the now empty space. The Marquis' gaze followed the motion. Her dark teal eyes narrowed and glowed with fury. Involuntarily, Lady Mary shivered at the point of contact. The blonde, while striking in repose, took Lady Mary's breath away in anger. Haruka regarded the woman before her as a person beneath contempt. Her low voice dropped to a husky whisper laden with warning. "If anything should happen to jeopardize the safety of my wife or my son, be it their position in the Ton or their lives, my solicitor has instructions about what to do with this charm and a rather interesting explanation of where it was found. Your family would feel a fall from grace quite hard. Am I making myself clear?" "Yes." Lady Mary's pinched nostrils flared, but her sharp intake of breath only allowed her to inhale more of the Marquis' musky scent. Haruka dropped the other woman's arm, grateful to no longer have to touch it. She turned smartly on her heel and left the room. Lady Mary walked on shaky legs to a chaise lounge and sat. She pulled a scented lace handkerchief from her sleeve and pressed it against her trembling lips, trying desperately to come to terms with what the Marquis had just revealed. Helpless anger and hatred once again flooded her being, giving her new purpose. She would banish that entire family from her mind, especially that blonde Marquis, but underneath her bodice her erect nipples throbbed in silent protest. In the 20th century... Minako was going through her family pictures when she discovered an old leather bound book with a page marked. "Ooh, what's that," Usagi asked from beside her. "It's a miniature of my great-great-great-great-grandparents." "May I see," Ami asked politely. The five girls crowded around the book. The picture was of a tall blonde man and a delicately featured woman. The picture apparently had begun to mold, giving the woman's hair a slightly green tint. "Y-you know who that looks like...?" Rei began hesitantly. "Haruka-san and Michiru-san," Makoto answered. Once the names were given to the faces the resemblance became more apparent. The five girls sat for a moment in stunned silence. Then they all looked at each other and laughed hysterically. Ami closed the book with a decisive motion. "You guys have such silly thoughts sometimes." "You know, I think it comes from too much studying," Minako said with a serious expression. Usagi was nodding vigorously. "We should take the day off." "And rest our brains," Minako echoed. They looked hopefully at Ami. "I think they get enough rest as it is," the blue haired girl replied, but she was smiling. THE END!!!!! Author's Notes: I hope you enjoyed my historical romance. This was a hard fic to write because I tried to stay close to the historical facts. The Lusk letter is a read Jack the Ripper letter. I believe it to be the only authentic one. Also "You would say anything but your prayers" is also a line attributed to Jack. Jack the Ripper was never apprehended and his true identity was never known. He disappeared without a trace from London in 1888. The murders simply ceased. It's speculated that he either died or was imprisoned. But just maybe our favorite senshi got to him first;-) He may or may not have been a butcher, I fudged that part because it worked for the story:-D Enjoy minna!! A very very special thank to my editor, Kate, who tirelessly tweaked, nipped and tucked this fic. Thank you so much!! I have the world's best editor!! To Haruka Spork Tennou, my historical advisor, who's knowledge of victorian customs and speech patterns blew me away. This would not be near the fic it is without Spork's very much appreciated help and encouragement. I love ya Spork!! To Suiren, my immoto, you helped me so much. I can't even begin to thank you enough. You pushed and prodded me into an entire subplot and it added so much. *HUGS* Thank you for giving me ideas to make the ficcy better. I love you!! To Fire Child: Thank you for getting me through my Capstone and my graduation. I know I'm a worry wart but you made me feel better! To Neppy: Thank you for pre-reading. Your opinion means a "lotto" to me;-) *HUGS* To Rhapsody: Thank you for reading this and telling me what you liked. Domo Arigatou.