[mirage] seen by Ducky mirage (mi räzh') n. an optical illusion, caused by the refraction of light, in which a distant object appears nearby It echoed around her. Resounded in her mind. Which is more beautiful? You're granting them death! Look at your world. You have no right - Life is full of pain, Usagi. Usagi. She had to find Usagi. But just as she began to move, a lethargy had took hold of her. ('Hush.') (He pressed a finger against her lips. But she was too tired to speak. He cocked his head. Listening.) find Usagi (He turned to her. Eyes blazing.) ('We're not alone.') [act 06: manipulation // begin] who are you? why are you here? What's happening? how did you get here? Why can't I move? are you here to help? 'Help'? What? ('Michiru! Get out of here!') don't leave us. Usagi? Usagi?!? Where are you? please stay ('Usagi is mine.') we can play a game Who are you? What have you done to Usagi? any game you like ('I wouldn't worry about her.') just stay with us ('I'd worry more about yourself.') She stopped breathing. 'Haruka?' No. 'Haruka, what is it?' Something was happening. Something - she could feel it. Michiru's face was still, it hadn't changed at all. But there was Something going on. Something was happening. 'Haruka?!' She looked to Mamoru, desperate. Wanting an answer. Saw the grim set of his jaw. The horrible understanding in his eyes. What if something happens? Then something happens. She could taste it. Blood. Everywhere. So thick she couldn't move, couldn't breathe. It was drowning her. Around her. Inside of her. Neptune! She was 16 again. A thousand darts slicing through her. Age old scars reopened. The Marine Cathedral. The bridge. The endless barrage of pain. Blood poured. michiru What's ... happening ... to me ... ? ('We're playing a little game.') michiru, wake up What if I don't want to play? please, michiru, wake up ('Too late. The game's already started.') MICHIRU!!!! ('It's called "Memory".') She could hear the ticking of the clock on the wall. The pendulum swinging back and forth. Back. And forth. She sat alone. In the dark. Waiting. |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| Playboy Tenoh Haruka caught in the act |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| |Tick tock. Tick -| Headlights flashed through the window. The motor was loud in the silence. Too loud. Too loud. |Turn| The door opened. |Step| 'So you finally came home.' She saw her freeze. Heard her close the door. |Click| Felt her move closer. |Step| 'Don't.' |Stop| |Swing swing swing| |Tick tock. Tick tock| 'You lied to me.' 'What are you talking about?' |Swing swing swing| 'You said it would be all right if I went back to the violin.' 'It is all right.' |Step| 'Don't.' |Stop| |Swing swing swing| |Tick tock. Tick tock| 'I knew you'd go back to racing if I did.' 'Michiru, what's wrong?' |Step| 'I won't tell you again.' |Stop| |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| 'Michiru.' She threw the paper at her. |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| They didn't see Hotaru on the stairs. They didn't hear her start to cry. |Sniffle| |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| 'Michiru -' 'I thought we had gotten passed this, Haruka.' 'We have.' 'We're not 16 anymore.' 'This isn't what it looks like.' 'You were supposed to be home yesterday.' 'They threw party for me.' 'Hotaru was waiting for you.' 'I'm sorry. I tried to get away.' 'She fell asleep on the couch.' 'Michiru, listen to me.' 'Just like she did on her birthday.' 'I called you then. I told you I couldn't make it.' 'How many times do you call, Haruka? You shouldn't have to call.' 'I did what I could. Besides, you're one to talk.' 'Don't blame this on me.' 'You're right; I went back to racing because of you. You were never home. I needed something to do.' 'And apparently, someone to do.' |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| |Sniffle| |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| 'How can you say that?' |Sniffle| 'Where were you last night, Haruka?' |Tick tock. Tick tock| 'Haruka.' |Swing swing swing| 'I don't remember.' |Sniffle| 'How can you not remember?' |Tick -| 'They threw me a party -' 'And I bet you had a lot of fun.' '- we were drinking -' 'You and I both know you can hold your own, Haruka.' 'I can't - I can't remember! Michiru, I can't -' 'You're telling me that you've never seen that girl before? That you were never in bed with her? That you didn't sleep with her?' 'I didn't know - Michiru, I -' 'You didn't know? You didn't know?!? What are you trying to say, Haruka? That you didn't know I would find out?' 'Michiru, please-' 'How many other girls are there, Haruka? Is that why you never come home? Is that why you always have to call?' 'No! There is no one else, there never was! Michiru, you have to believe me!' She shoved the paper in Haruka's face. 'Then explain this to me, Haruka!' The pictures glowed in the moonlight. |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| 'I can't.' |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing -| 'I'm sorry.' She got up from her chair. 'So am I.' Haruka reached for her. 'Please, just listen to me.' She shrugged off her hand. 'I can't. Haruka, I can't do this.' |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| 'I can't keep wondering where you are.' |Swing swing swing| |Tick tock. Tick tock| 'Michiru.' |Step, reach| |Slap| 'I told you. No.' |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| |Tick tock. Tick tock| |Swing swing swing| ('Isn't this so much fun?') |tick tock| Stop it. Please ... |swing swing swing| ('What did you say?') |tick tock| Stop it. |swing swing swing| ('"Stop"?') |tick tock| Please ... make it go away. |swing swing swing| ('Gladly.') [act 06: manipulation // end] Ducky August 31, 2003