"Come and take it…if you can!"

Uranus made the first move, lunging forward and swinging at Mars' chest; she blocked the strike on her forearm and ducked around a second blow. She's serious, she thought. Why this sudden turn? Mars countered, launching her own attack with a flurry of quick punches; Uranus blocked them all with apparent ease and retaliated, burying her fist in Mars' stomach. The shrine maiden felt the air being driven from her lungs and stumbled back quickly. Neptune was still standing off to the side, her arms folded across her chest. That was lucky; she had no chance against both of them at once.

Uranus dashed forward again, reminding Mars of her unnatural speed; blows rained down on her in rapid succession and it was all she could do to keep up. One punch crashed into her shoulder; it felt like her entire arm had gone numb. Another slipped through her defences to graze her cheek; it was still enough to snap her head back. Mars was getting angry. They've betrayed us again! She cocked her fist back and threw it forward with all her might. Uranus grabbed it in mid-air and pulled her forward; right into a waiting forearm.

Mars' vision exploded with a flash of white, followed quickly with another as Uranus repeated the move. Then, the back of her head hit the stone beneath her as the Sky Senshi caught her with a leg sweep. Damn it! I can't compete with her in close, she realised. She's too fast, too strong!

"Give it up, Mars," Neptune called. "We take no pleasure in this."

"Please," Uranus agreed. "I don't want to hurt you. We're doing this for you, don't you see?"

Mars' anger continued to mount; she felt different. She felt powerful, just like her final battle with Sailor Pain. They had their chance after last time, and here they are betraying us again! "Liar!" She thrust her hand forward and hurled a ball of flame right into Uranus' chest. The force of the impact knocked her back into the air, and Mars seized the opportunity to flip to her feet…to find Neptune waiting for her.

"Deep Submerge!"

There was no chance for Mars to dodge as the shifting aqua globe slammed into her chest, knocking her back into the wall of the shrine. Getting up wasn't as easy this time. Mars struggled but only managed to drag herself along the ground. She heard hurried footsteps behind her and rolled onto her back to see her grandfather.

"What is going on here?!"

"No, Gran-, er…sir, stay back!" She remembered all too well what had happened the last time he got involved, and she wasn't sure the Outer Senshi were above that. "It's too dangerous here! Please!"

Amazingly, he actually heeded her warning; it seemed he remembered his last foray into a Senshi battle well. "I…I'll get help!" He disappeared as quickly as he'd arrived.

Mars dragged herself to the wall, desperate for something to help pull her to her feet; she cried out painfully as Uranus buried her toes in her ribs.

"You ingrate!" she roared. "We're doing this to save you all!"

"You Guardian Senshi only resent your powers," Neptune agreed. "Why fight so hard to hold onto them now?"

"Is…that…" Mars coughed, and tried to stand again. "Is that…what you think? That we resent our roles as Sailor Senshi?"

Uranus seized her by the arm and yanked her to her feet. "You sure as hell don't seem to take them very seriously!"

Mars teetered; if not for Uranus' grip she'd likely fall again. "We take them very seriously! We just haven't given up on our normal lives the way you two have! We balance them." Her eyes narrowed. "Something you seem to struggle with!"

"Enough!" Uranus buried her fist in Mars' stomach again; she staggered back against the wall behind her. "Give us your wand, Mars."

"Go…to…hell!"

Uranus cocked back her fist again...abruptly dove to the side as a familiar sword cut through the air between them.

"Mars!" Justice took hold of her shoulder as she slumped and helped her slide slowly but safely to the ground. "Are you alright? What's going on here?"

"They're after our…transformation wands," she said wearily. I'm done…Uranus was too strong for me...

He span to face Uranus and Neptune. "What the hell?"

"I would also like an explanation."

Mars turned her head to see Sailor Pluto standing before a glowing violet square in space and time; Sailor Saturn stepped through a moment later and it closed behind her. Neither seemed particularly impressed with what they saw.

"Don't interfere, Corey." That was Neptune. "That goes for the two of you as well, Setsuna."

Justice stepped between Mars and Uranus, his sword still in his hand. "Like there's any chance of that happening. Now, I'll repeat my question, Stretch...what the hell is going on?"

Saturn walked over slowly to join him; she remained silent but Mars could see anger in her eyes. Her standard calm mask wasn't able to hide it right now.

Pluto stood between both parties, apparently unwilling to take sides. "This is not the way, my friends. Did you learn nothing last time?"

Mars was sure Uranus actually paled. "This is…different. There's no hope against the Revenant Knight, Setsuna. We have to give him what he wants, and hope like hell that he just leaves like he says he will!"

"What are you talking about?" Justice demanded. "Did he approach you? Please tell me you weren't actually stupid enough to believe anything he said!"

"This has nothing to do with you," Neptune said, stepping forward to stand beside her partner. "We're doing this for the Princess-"

"No." Pluto's tone was flat. "You can lie to yourselves all you want but don't lie to me. This is about you." She shook her head sadly. "I had hoped after last time that you would have learned that this isn't the way."

"Last time?" Justice asked. "That's the second time you've said that, Pluto. What last time?"

Mars managed to stand. "In the battle against Galaxia, they turned on Usagi…and killed Setsuna and Hotaru." Her violet eyes were doing their best to burn holes in the two traitorous Senshi. "They claimed it was all part of a ploy to destroy Galaxia...but their little plan failed spectacularly!"

Uranus actually lowered her fist. "We thought-"

"Quiet, Uranus." Neptune reached out to squeeze her shoulder, and Mars began to understand.

Pluto's right, she realised. This is all about them…and their love for one another. That's where this is coming from!

"This is different, Setsuna," the aqua-haired Senshi continued.

"How?" Saturn asked quietly. "Here you are attacking your fellow Sailor Senshi. Again."

Neptune remained impassive. "If the Revenant Knight comes, he will tear this world apart in his quest for the Silver Crystal. Our only hope is to give him what he wants-"

"Bullshit."

Mars glanced at Justice and realised the potential danger; from prior experience she knew he had a potentially volatile temper. "Uh-oh…"

"You two." His voice was strangely calm. "You called me a traitor when we first met. You even had the gall to try and sentence me to death. And now? Now, I find out you'd already betrayed everyone else long before I even came to Tokyo." His helmet tilted forward slightly as he bowed his head and laughed quietly. "I knew there was a reason I didn't like you."

Again, Uranus seemed unsettled. "We're trying to-"

"I refuse to accept that," he snapped. "There's never any reason to turn on your friends!"

Something is wrong here, Mars thought. I sense something familiar…but I can't place it.

Neptune stepped forward; her neutral expression was showing the first signs of cracking. "But that's just it, isn't it, Mars? We're not friends. We don't spend time together. We wouldn't see the rest of you at all if it weren't for Senshi meetings and battles." She reached up to idly brush a lock of hair back into place. "The truth is none of you have ever really forgiven us for our actions three years ago. Have you?"

"This must be done," Uranus agreed. "If we can just appease the Revenant Knight…give him what he wants…we might be able to avoid further conflict entirely!"

Neptune nodded slowly. "Think about it; you'll be free to live your lives the way you wish. We know how you all think. You'll be happier without your powers!"

Mars snorted angrily. "I think we'll be the judge of that!"

"You're so stubborn…" Neptune said, sighing heavily. "It's always been this way, even in the Silver Millennium. You Guardian Senshi lived in luxury in the palace while we sat out on the edges of the solar system, keeping you safe so you could attend balls and dance, and laugh, and flirt with boys-"

"You're jealous?" Mars couldn't believe it. "That's what this is all about?!"

Neptune's tone firmed up; there was an undercurrent of steel to her words now. "You've never taken your duties seriously; not in a thousand years." Her hand raised and slowly clenched into a fist. "We know our duty, and we are prepared to carry it out! Hand over your transformation wands. That goes for you and Hotaru too, Setsuna."

Saturn raised the Silence Glaive and glared back at them. "Never."

"I agree." Pluto took five long steps to stand beside Saturn. "We stand where we belong; beside our fellow Sailor Senshi. With our Princess."

Justice stepped forward slowly, shifting into a defensive posture. "Just as I stand where I belong; between you and them." His sword lowered gradually until the tip was pointing right at Neptune. "I'm asking you to give up this foolishness and withdraw. I warn you…you do not want me to consider you a threat."

"Aren't you forgetting something, Tinman?" Uranus asked. "We've tangled before...and you lost."

"That was then and this is now," he countered. "I wasn't even really a Guardian Knight back then...but now? I'm more than capable of destroying you both...if it comes to that."

"Justice," Mars said cautiously. "Don't get cocky."

"Don't worry, Mars." His helmet remained locked on Uranus. "This isn't arrogance; it's confidence. I'm well aware of how strong they are…but it's not enough."

"I'll warn you in return, Justice," Neptune called. "Do not interfere. You wish to protect Usagi? When the Revenant Knight drifts over this city, devouring everyone, how will you cut him with your sword? How will you burn him with your flames?" She shook her head, and a hint of sad resignation broke through her mask. "No. The only way to ensure Usagi's survival, and the safety of the Silver Crystal, is with co-operation. He says our transformation wands may be enough-"

"Listen to yourself!" Pluto cried. "May? He gives vague assurances without any proof! Since when did you become so trusting?"

"I don't trust him." Neptune's arms finally unfolded as she brought her hands up before her. "But we have no other choice, Pluto! I've seen a vision of the future if we resist...and I won't let that happen!" Her gaze turned to Uranus once more. "I can't!" She thrust her hands forward. "Deep Submerge!"

Justice raised his shield before them, absorbing the blast with ease. There was no trace of anger in his voice now; only a quiet calm. "You've let your love for Haruka blind you to the injustice of your actions. That isn't love; it's obsession." His sword came up. "So be it."

He dashed forward with surprising speed and blinked away in a flash of light; Neptune span away abruptly as he appeared before her, his sword descending towards her face. The blade sliced into her shoulder as she dodged, cutting through the clear material above it and into her skin.

Mars grabbed Pluto's arm. "Shouldn't we help him?"

The Guardian of Time shook her head. "Sir Justice is more than capable, I assure you."

"But-"

"Sailor Mars, I have witnessed Guardian Knights battle at their full strength before." Pluto shot her a small smile. "Trust me when I say Corey will be fine."

"Yeah, okay...but what about them?" Mars asked. "Something is wrong here, Setsuna! I don't know what it is, but they feel…off! Their resentment of us? Their sudden turn? It doesn't make any sense!"

Pluto's eyes remained locked on the battle before them. "And what of their sudden turn during the battle with Galaxia, Rei? Were they being coerced then? Was Galaxia inside their heads too?"

Mars caught her meaning and began to understand the truth; that hurt more than any of Uranus' blows. "No…I don't suppose she was."

"The Revenant Knight cannot control others directly," Saturn said. "Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus said as much after our return from Ruin's sanctum. Their latent feelings of resentment and anger were intensified…but they remained in control of their own actions." She sighed. "It is difficult to accept, but Uranus and Neptune were weak against his influence because somewhere deep inside their hearts they do resent you all. That much is clear."

Justice absorbed an attack from Uranus on his shield, before spinning and unleashing a crescent blast of light from his sword; Uranus was knocked to the ground as the trailing edge cut into her side. Her partner rolled out of her dive and unleashed another attack; the Guardian Knight blinked out of the way, leaving the rolling aqua orb of energy on a collision course with the shrine.

Mars was horrified. "Oh, gods, no!"

He reappeared before it at the last second and raised his shield; there was a bright flash of light, but when the smoke cleared both Justice and the shrine were still standing.

"If you two bitches damage my shrine, I'll take it out of your hides!" Mars yelled.

They didn't seem to hear her, already regrouping for another attack. Uranus drew her sword and leapt at Justice with unbelievable speed. A loud clang echoed throughout the courtyard as the two blades met; Justice quickly forced Uranus off with his superior strength and swung at her with a horizontal cut. The Senshi of the Sky blocked but quickly found herself being driven back; as before, it was clear who the better swordsperson was.

"Why is she trying to fight him sword to sword?" Mars wondered.

"It may be an attempt to keep him distracted," Pluto replied. "I doubt it will work."

Sure enough, Neptune fired off another "Deep Submerge" at Justice's unprotected back as Uranus slashed forward with her sword; he simply split his shield in half and blocked both attacks at once. His sword lashed out a moment later and cut into Uranus' forearm, drawing blood. She leapt back out of reach and he lunged for Neptune instead.

She held up her mirror. "Submarine Reflection!"

The blast of light lashed out and slammed into his shield. The translucent dish cracked, and several fractures spread out across its surface, but the Guardian Knight was undeterred. He kept coming and buried his fist in her stomach; Neptune staggered back, narrowly avoiding another swing of his blade as she regrouped beside Uranus.

Mars felt a frown coming on. "What is he doing? He could have finished her right there..."

"He's giving them a chance," Saturn said softly.

Of course, Mars thought."Usagi…"

Pluto nodded. "He knows she wouldn't approve if he just killed them outright. He's holding back for her sake...and giving them a chance to come to their senses."

"Space Sword Blaster!"

"Submarine Reflection!"

The two attacks combined into one mass of energy and headed right at Justice; behind him lay the shrine. They've figured out he won't let them damage it, Mars realised. "Justice, just let them hit the shrine! You won't survive that-"

Saturn leapt forward in a blur of movement to stand before Justice. "Silence Wall!" Her own shield sprang into place before them…and they were obscured by a brilliant flash of energy as the Outer Senshi's combined attack crashed into it.

"Oh, gods!" Mars cried. She started rushing forward, but Pluto snagged her arm.

"You are in no shape to enter this battle."

Mars tried in vain to shake her lose but Pluto's grip was like a vice. "But they-"

"They are fine," Pluto assured her.

Sure enough, as the smoke began to clear she saw that Saturn and Justice were still standing; she was slumped back against his chestplate, breathing heavily, and he had his arm outstretched over her shoulder.

"You see?" Pluto said softly. "He extended his own shield first. Their attack broke through it but lost some of its power before striking Saturn's shield. Between the two of them, they were able to block it."

Mars sighed in relief. I was only bluffing about the shrine, too. "That's smart thinking…"

Justice stepped around Saturn and tossed his helmet aside. "You've attacked Mars. You've attacked me. Now, you've attacked Saturn." His jaw muscles worked as he hesitated. "Usagi won't approve…but I can't allow this to continue anymore. You've had your chance to relent!" He disappeared yet again and blinked into existence on Uranus' left flank; his sword cut into her hip even as she dodged, sending her tumbling to the stone beneath her.

"Uranus!" Neptune seemed to forget herself and leapt in wildly, aiming a kick at his chest; Justice's hand grabbed hold of her ankle with surprising quickness, and he swung her up and around, driving her face-first into the ground. Mars winced. That was pretty brutal, Corey...even with what they've done.

As Uranus slashed at him again with her sword, he deflected the blow and smashed Justiciar's pommel into her face. She staggered backwards, clutching at her mouth as blood spilled out between her fingers. He wasted no time dashing forward and repeating the manoeuvre, dropping her to the ground with another violent hit. His sword came to rest with its tip at her throat.

Neptune reached out towards them frantically. "Please, don't!"

"Stop this at once!"

Mars turned, along with everyone else, to see Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Chibi Moon standing on the roof of the shrine. The blonde Senshi dropped to the ground between the combatants and glared at each of them in turn. "Just what do you think you're doing?!"

His sword withdrew immediately. "They-"

"Sailor Moon!" Mars called. "Uranus and Neptune. They attacked first...Justice was just defending me. Er, us!"

Moon's face dropped into a neutral mask almost immediately as she turned to face the downed Outer Senshi. "Is this true?"

The remaining Senshi dropped from the roof behind her and took up defensive positions; Jupiter in particular seemed ready to fight.

Uranus wouldn't meet her gaze. "Usagi…we-"

"Is...this...true?" she repeated; Moon's voice was uncharacteristically flat, and her fingers were clenched tightly around her Tiare.

Neptune rose to her feet, staring evenly back at her. "Yes, Princess. It is."

"Why?" Moon's reply was barely even a whisper. "Why would you do this? Again? We forgave you after the last time, and-"

"With apologies, Princess, you may have forgiven us but the Guardian Senshi did not. Not all of them, anyway." Neptune reached up calmly to swipe at her temple with her glove; it came away bloody. "We were acting for your protection-"

"No!" Moon's sudden outburst surprised Mars – she hadn't heard such anger from her friend in a long time. "Don't you dare try and claim this is for me! You know I would never want this!"

"We knew..." Uranus still wouldn't make eye contact. "That's why we didn't approach you."

Justice sheathed his sword slowly and moved to stand beside Sailor Moon. "They claim the Revenant Knight told them the Sailor Senshi's transformation wands combined may be strong enough to act as a substitute for the Silver Crystal." He shook his head. "I don't know if he's somehow controlling them...or if they're just really stupid."

"What will you do now?" Neptune asked, slowly sinking to her knees beside Uranus to inspect her wounds. "How will you stop him, Justice? What's your grand plan?"

"I don't have one," he admitted. "But we will stop him. I know it."

Neptune laughed bitterly. "I can't afford to believe in dreams." She intertwined her fingers with Uranus' gently. "I have two loves in my life; my duty as a Sailor Senshi, and Haruka. I would have gladly given up my powers for just a chance to save my love and my Princess…but none of you could hope to understand that. You're all far too invested in your personal lives to care about your duty."

Jupiter took a step forward. "We seem to understand our duty far better than you do!"

"Michiru..." Uranus struggled slowly to her feet. "This is..." She reached up to clutch at her head, wincing in pain. "This is…wrong! If Justice kicking our asses isn't a sign, I don't know what is! There has to be another way-"

"What other way?" Neptune screamed, suddenly angry. "Everyone keeps talking about this magical other way! Well, what is it? What does it involve? How will it save us all?" She shook her head and rose to her feet. "If we face the Revenant Knight, we are going to die...all of us!" Her eyes locked on Haruka once more; Mars saw desperation in her eyes. "How can I just accept that?!" She snatched Uranus' sword from her hand and dove at Justice wildly.

Mars understood. It was clear to her; she'd seen it when Uranus staggered; there was something on her back. Both their backs. Something evil. I have felt this presence before, she realised. Before the Great Fire…when the Revenant Knight first approached me! The shrine maiden dashed forward, brandishing two wards in her hands. Time seemed to slow down. Justice was already reacting to Neptune's attack, but he wasn't fast enough; his sword wouldn't clear its sheath in time. Mars focused her energy and hurled the paper slips forward. "Evil Spirit, begone!"

The wards fluttered through the air and became rigid, flaring with power as they stuck to the Outer Senshi's foreheads. Neptune dropped to the ground and Uranus' sword fell from her hand as she screamed in pain. Uranus was similarly affected, gripping her temples in her hands as a shadowy form erupted from her back. A second such creature tried to tear free from Neptune; it twisted and jerked, apparently caught in place by the ward's power.

Chibi Moon shrieked in fright. "Wha…what the heck is that thing?!"

"The Revenant Knight!" Jupiter cried.

Mercury was so stunned she'd forgotten to lower her visor. "Two of him?!"

Justice raised his sword, his eyes wide in surprise. "More projections…from inside them?!"

The shadowy forms did seem to be coming from inside Uranus and Neptune, extending out of their bodies just above their shoulder. They writhed in agony as the shadows uttered a high-pitched shriek, long claws beginning to stretch from their hands.

Mars grabbed Moon's shoulders; their leader had frozen up as well. "Sailor Moon, quickly! Heal them!"

She shook her head to clear it and nodded firmly. "Right!" Her Tiare came up before her. "Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!"

The two corrupted Sailor Senshi were bathed in pink light; the lack of immediate damage served as proof that Sailor Moon was indeed using her attack to heal as she last had against the Phages. The shadowy forms let out a second high-pitched, animalistic shriek and disintegrated, falling apart in a fine cloud of ash. Uranus and Neptune collapsed to the stone; they were both covered in sweat and gasping for breath.

Jupiter folded her arms across her chest. "So...what? The Revenant Knight made them do it?" She didn't sound convinced.

"No," Pluto said quietly. "That is what hurts the most."

Sailor Moon stepped forward. "Are you alright?" Her voice was still flat; Mars couldn't remember the last time she'd been so cold.

"I..." Uranus looked up, and Mars was surprised to find tears in her eyes. "I'm alright, now." She swallowed visibly and turned her gaze to Sailor Moon. "Princess...Usagi...I-"

"Wait." Moon stepped closer, and knelt before Neptune. "And you?"

"I am...alive." She sounded utterly defeated.

"Good." Moon backed up and let out a weary sigh. "I can't believe we're back here again." She let her Tiare fade away and folded her arms across her chest. "I'm disappointed. Disappointed and hurt. This is the second time you've broken my trust...and the second time you've turned on your fellow Senshi."

Mars was surprised at her level of calm. Usually, Usagi would be super emotional at this stage...but she's not. She's almost...regal. That prompted a small smile, despite the situation. She really is growing up, even with the occasional step backwards along the way. She caught sight of Tuxedo Kamen dropping to the stone behind Justice. Better late than never, I suppose. He and Justice exchanged quiet words. Perhaps he's asking what's going on, she thought.

Moon returned her gaze to Uranus. "You wanted to speak, Haruka. I'll hear you now."

"I..." Uranus bowed her head. "I have no defence for my actions. When he - the Revenant Knight, I mean - when he first appeared to us...I was sceptical. But somehow, despite my misgivings, I started to listen. His words began to make sense, and, I..." She sighed. "I was afraid. Afraid of losing Michiru and afraid of failing as a Sailor Senshi." She let out a low, bitter laugh. "That seems rather ironic now, after what we just did..."

"You blame the Revenant Knight?" Saturn asked cautiously.

"No." Uranus shook her head adamantly. "I blame myself. In truth, now that my head's clear...I can see that the resentment was always there. Bubbling away beneath the surface." She glanced over at Neptune; the aqua-haired Senshi was just staring at the ground. "It was ours to begin with. He didn't create it. It's been there for a long time...dating all the way back to the Silver Millennium."

"Explain," Moon said quietly.

"The Sailor Senshi of the Outer Solar System were always different from the rest," Uranus began. "We were practically exiled for our duty; banished to the outskirts of the solar system while the Guardian Senshi lived in the palace with you. They got to attend balls...while we sat in the cold." She sighed. "Even now, in this life...it feels the same." Her eyes came up to lock on the shrine maiden. "You were right before, Rei. You seem to balance your normal, everyday lives with your duties as Sailor Senshi in ways we can only dream of. Maybe we were alone too long...I think we forgot that Haruka and Michiru are real people too." She held up her hand as Jupiter began to speak. "But that's our burden to bear...and it doesn't excuse what we did. Nor does that bastard's presence in our heads."

Moon nodded. "Very well. And you, Michiru? Will you speak in your own defence?"

"I am...devastated by what I allowed myself to do." She glanced around at everyone else, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I see it now. You did forgive us." Her eyes found Pluto and Saturn. "Even you two, who we had no reason to expect forgiveness from. But I think, perhaps, we couldn't forgive ourselves...and that is why we stayed away." Neptune sighed as she looked at her love. "I love Haruka with all my being. The thought of losing her terrifies me. But Justice was right. It's dangerous. I'm beholden to two masters; my duty, and my love for Haruka...and there are times when the two will come into conflict." She stared back at the ground. "All of this, today...it was caused by my fear. The Revenant Knight saw it inside me, and he used it to play me for a fool. I believed his lies willingly...and I am disgraced."

Her uniform faded in a mass of glowing ribbons, leaving Michiru herself kneeling before them; she placed her transformation wand on the stone before her. "I...I can't be Sailor Neptune anymore. Not until I'm able to separate my love from my duty." She rose to her feet. "I'm so sorry, Princess. I've failed you...and myself." She rushed off, heading for the shrine steps.

Sailor Moon dropped into a crouch and picked up her wand, studying it silently for several seconds before returning to her feet. She glanced over at Uranus, and sighed. "And you?"

Uranus hesitated. "I…would remain. If you'll still have me." She glanced around at the others. "But...I understand if you won't."

"Are we sure we want her around?" Jupiter muttered. "Look at Mars; they really did a number on her face."

Mars rolled her eyes. "It's not just my face that hurts, Mako."

Moon folded her arms across her chest again, Neptune's wand still in her grip. "Twice now you have shown a willingness to act against your fellow Sailor Senshi, Haruka. For questionable gains."

Uranus bowed her head in silence.

Justice spoke up. "Princess. Might I offer my council?"

A faint smile formed on the blonde's lips. "Of course...Sir Justice."

"Oh, don't start that," he said with a scowl. "It's true that those two and I haven't exactly gotten along since my arrival in Tokyo. Haruka said she didn't like Guardian Knights, even in the Silver Millennium. She found us all 'arrogant morons with self-inflated egos'. For my part, I found her and Neptune far too willing to 'do what must be done'…just like today." He reached up to scratch at his chin. "However...if anyone can sympathise with, and even understand their situation...it's me."

Moon frowned. "How so?"

"I let your mother down, remember? I lost faith in the Moon Kingdom, I lost faith in her, and I ran away...burying myself in my love for Mina. I became far too concerned with what she would think. I feared losing her." He turned to face Uranus. "That's the problem with that kind of love; it becomes an obsession. You lose sight of everything else around you; suddenly you can justify almost anything…even choices you'd never have been able to make before." He returned his gaze to Moon, and clasped his hands before him. "I would ask that you give them one more chance...as your mother gave me one."

The blonde nodded slowly. "Thank you." She reached up to rub at her temple slowly. "Does anyone else have anything to add?"

Jupiter shrugged. "You know how I feel. But it's not my decision this time, Usagi."

"I think forgiveness is a big part of who we are," Mercury said quietly. "If they're genuine."

Moon nodded. "I think Minako would agree with you, too." She glanced over at Mars. "Rei? You're the one they attacked. What do you think?"

Mars looked down at Uranus for several long seconds before she replied. "Well, I'm not exactly going to be their biggest fan for the foreseeable future, but...Corey makes a good point." She nodded slowly. "Give them one last chance to make things right."

Sailor Moon actually seemed surprised as she turned to Pluto and Saturn. "And you two?"

"I believe they are sincere," Pluto replied. "I share your disappointment, Princess…but I think they have been suitably shocked this time."

"Oh, yes…" Uranus murmured.

The Guardian of Time sighed. "It may be trying in the weeks to come…but I would agree with the majority; give them one last chance."

Saturn stared impassively down at Uranus for a long time without speaking. "Sailor Saturn wants them to die."

"What?" Moon whispered. "Hotaru-"

"She's whispering in my head, even now; she says they must die for their crimes." There was a noticeable strain on her face. "But I am in control. Not her. And I think…" A small smile formed on her lips. "I think they're Haruka-papa...and Michiru-mama…and I love them. Even when they make mistakes." The Silence Glaive lowered slowly. "Give them one more chance, Princess. Please."

Sailor Moon nodded slowly, and finally turned back to Uranus. "Well, you've heard what everyone else thinks. But I am the one who must decide." She let out a heavy sigh. "Oh, Haruka...I used to be so trusting. The last time this happened, I forgave you almost instantly." Her expression darkened. "You've managed to harden my heart...and I don't like that. I feel like a complete fool!"

Uranus nodded mutely.

"The majority of your fellow Senshi think you deserve one more chance. Even the man you were fighting when I arrived thinks I should have you back." Moon dropped into a crouch before her. "I know exactly how convincing our enemy can be; I experienced his manipulation first-hand, and that is why I can consider overlooking this betrayal. However, the Revenant Knight's scheming has exposed a deeper problem; this resentment you bear towards the others cannot be allowed to continue if you are to remain with us."

"Usagi-"

"Do not mistake my forgiveness as weakness," Moon said firmly. "You and Michiru must be with us completely, or not at all. I don't want to hear about Inner Senshi, or Guardian Senshi, or even the Sailor Senshi of the Outer Solar System anymore. We are all Sailor Senshi together. You must be willing to accept that and do your part to close this rift that has risen up between us. If you are unwilling or unable to do so...then we have no further need of your help." Her eyes flashed determinedly. "I will not continue looking over my shoulder, and I will not ask my friends to do so either."

Her voice softened. "My mother told me I would have to learn to make tough choices...and it seems this is the first." She rose to her feet. "Sailor Uranus. If you wish to join us, then join us. If not? Hand over your transformation wand as Michiru has…and walk away." She held up her hand as Uranus began to speak. "I don't want an answer now. Think on this carefully, and let me know when you're sure." She paused. "There will be no third chance, Haruka; am I understood?"

"Yes, Princess. I…I will consider your words." The taller blonde stood gingerly and turned away.

"Wait." Moon stepped forward, and handed her Neptune's wand. "Maybe you should hold on to this. Make sure Michiru understands the same offer applies to her...should she wish it."

Uranus detransformed in a flash of ribbons and light. "I will."

"Good." Moon turned her back. "You can go now."

Haruka nodded mutely, but paused by Justice on her way out. "I'm glad you were here to kick our asses...and stop us from doing any more damage."

She disappeared down the shrine steps; Mars watched her go and sighed. "I guess I'd better go find Grandpa and tell him the crazy girls in short skirts are done tearing up the shrine."

Moon nodded…and let out a choked sob as a lone tear slid down her cheek.

"Hey...it's okay." Mars quickly wrapped her up in a tight hug. "It's over now. You did great. It was very inspiring!"

Mercury joined the hug. "Regal, even."

"I got goose bumps," Jupiter agreed, adding her own support along with her embrace.

Justice remained at a distance, but he smiled faintly. "Your mother would be proud."

Tuxedo Kamen placed his hand on her shoulder. "I know I am."

Sailor Mars felt Moon's arms come up around her and tightened her embrace in return. "I think Crystal Tokyo is going to be just fine in your care, Usagi. Just fine."


AN: That turned into one massive chapter, but I didn't feel right splitting it. Hopefully nobody's too disappointed, but I just couldn't kill off Neptune and Uranus; I let Usagi decide what was going to happen to them as I wrote her lines, so if you have any complaints, talk to her, haha! They have been taken down a peg, though...and the reasons for their distance and disdain for the Guardian Senshi are hopefully clearer. The Revenant Knight can't control you, but he can nudge you towards actions you may not have taken on your own. Don't feel sorry for Neptune and Uranus, though - they are still very much responsible.

Poor Minako got one mention in this entire chapter...I'll have to do something about that next time, haha. Thanks everyone, back with more soon!