The Creature Inside
"H-Hotaru-chan, stop it, please. I can't b-breathe.." Chibiusa's tiny hands gripped Hotaru's, but the force of the firefly's hands on Chibiusa's throat was too much for the young girl. Chibiusa was so scared, but she also felt pity. She knew Hotaru wasn't the one choking her. It was that evil thing inside of Hotaru. That person that came out anytime Hotaru was really weak, or when she became emotionally unstable. That person was the total opposite of Hotaru. Hotaru was a sweet girl who was shy, but when you got to know her, was one of the kindest, most caring people Chibiusa had ever met. In contrast, the person inside of Hotaru was cruel, heartless, and wanted nothing more than to destroy the few things Hotaru held precious in her heart. Chibiusa wanted to save her dear friend. She cared deeply for Hotaru, and it pained her to see Hotaru struggle every day. Yet, Chibiusa was still so young, and so weak in her powers. What could she do for Hotaru, besides be by her side, and support her the best way she could? Still, Chibiusa wanted to do more. She wanted a day where Hotaru and her could go out somewhere, and not have to worry about things like Hotaru's physical endurance, or Hotaru becoming possessed again. She longed for just one day, when they could smile the whole time they were together, and enjoy life to the fullest extent."Ho..ta..ruu.." Chibiusa gasped for air, but the tight hold around her neck supplied her with little to none of it. Her mind scattered through dreams and hopes. The little bit of light given off by the various lamps in Hotaru's room was growing dimmer each minute. The pressure around her neck felt so great, the young girl thought her neck could collapse any second. She hated the feeling, hovering between life and death. The corners of her eyes were becoming black, while her saliva drooled out of her mouth, and onto the purple carpet beneath her. Chibiusa didn't want to die, not only for her sake, but for Hotaru's as well. Chibiusa was Hotaru's only friend, she depended on her for so much. With her gone, what would she do? Chibiusa also didn't want to imagine the look on Hotaru's face, when she regained her senses, and saw the corpse of her best friend lying beneath her. It was too much for the little girl to bare. Tears fell from Chibiusa's half-opened eyes, and trailed the side of her face, until they too disappeared into the carpet. The darkness was taking over, and Chibiusa knew she only had a little time left, before she would die by her dear friend's hand. Her body felt numb, but the young girl needed her hands. If she could somehow shake her friend, or at least touch her face, maybe she would regain control of herself. Chibiusa willed her arms to rise, but they stayed limply at her sides. Please..please.. The crescent moon on her forehead glowed dimly, and Chibiusa felt a little power flow through her body. Her arms finally responded to her commands, but every so weakly. Knowing she had only one change, Chibiusa flailed her arms widely. She hit Hotaru in the head, then scratched her on the face. Hotaru recoiled in pain at her bleeding cheek. Chibiusa inhaled the fresh air greedily, a new wave of tears falling down her eyes, this time expressing her overwhelming sense of relief. Colour began to come back to her, as did the feeling in her limps. She desperately wanted to rest, but she feared Hotaru would be on her within seconds. Tilting her head to the side, she saw Hotaru struggling. Despite all her pain, Chibiusa smiled. She's fighting back..Don't give up, Hotaru-chan.. Red eyes began to close, the body going against its owner's wishes. Before her eyes shut for a much needed rest, Chibiusa saw the young girl look her in the eye. It was Hotaru again, for the crazed look was no longer written across her face. Hotaru looked horrified, as she scooted over to her friend.
"Chibiusa-chan? Chibiusa-chan!? Are you okay?"
The little girl smiled. "You're okay, Hotaru-chan. I'm so glad.." Her body exhausted, Chibiusa finally surrendered. Her head rolled slightly, and her eyes shut. Hotaru panicked, and pushed Chibiusa's pigtail away from her neck, hoping to God her friend was only resting. Before her hand touched the young girl's neck, Hotaru stared wide-eyed at the bruise all across Chibiusa's neck. Hotaru brought her hand to her mouth, while her body shook in fear and disbelief.
"I...I did this to her..No...No.." Tears fell down Hotaru's cheeks, as the reality of the situation sunk in. Yes, she had nearly killed her one and only friend. The person she loved the most, she had almost taken her life. Hotaru's head felt like a bullet had gone through it, and her stomach shared in the pain. Leaning over to the side, Hotaru vomited onto her rug. Her body shook more violently, and her breathing became more laboured. Inside her head, Hotaru heard a wicked laughter.
"No..No..NO!" Hotaru grabbed onto her hair, and pulled with all her strength. Her eyes were enlarged, with a look of fear, disbelief, and utter insanity. Her mind swirled, and her thoughts made no sense. She felt very dizzy, but tried to stand up anyway. Her body managed to rise, but once she took a step, she collapsed on the floor. The impact of her skull on the floor finally put the hysterical young girl out of her misery, forcing her to pass out.
Kaorinite watched the two suffering girls with a smug look. "That's what you get for being a bad girl, Hotaru-chan." She gave a small chuckle, before turning, and walking away from the cracked door, her red hair trailing behind her.