Watching the mannerisms of Setsuna's greeting, Dallas instantly recognized where it came from. From the way the older woman had said Haruka's name that was a good implication that Setsuna was from Japan. Yet, she wanted to make sure it was correct and the brunette didn't miss a beat at all.

"I know this may sound like a silly question, but are you from Japan?" Dallas asked.

Setsuna nods her head.

Seeing the confirmation, the young female can't help but be excited. "Oh my God… that's so…" She stops herself and remembers where she is and reels in her giddiness. Thus, returning her easy going composure. "I mean, that's awesome. Sorry about that, I… I get a little excited about some things and the last thing I want to do is make a bad impression."

Observing the way Dallas expressed herself earlier, it reminded the time keeper of her friends in her home country of their spry and vibrant spirits. It brings a smile to Setsuna's full, red lips and sees Dallas's attempt in making the attempt to be respectful.

"It is alright," she says, thinking it felt refreshing to be with someone at this moment that has an energetic spirit. "If there's any consolation, I do believe that raising one's spirits up helps keep a sense of optimism."

Dallas is surprised, but always had her own belief to that. She never paid too much attention to it. Though, with the way Setsuna worded it, it makes her think back to a time of someone else in her youth. Giving Dallas the same time of advice, although it was more along the lines of having the brunette being exposed to constructive thinking. Right now, it helps reaffirm her resolve.

"Plus, I'm sure your friend, who must be important to you, would want you to remember the good as opposed to the bad," the keeper of time points out, hoping it would help seep into Dallas's mind.

In response, Dallas studied Setsuna and then turns her head back to Charlie's body. Something about Setsuna's words ring all too true about it. For all the trouble that came in the brunette's direction or exposed to, it challenged her in the ways of life. Some people were not so fortunate, and Dallas could relate to them. However, she had found her way back and chose to be better a person.

A small smile creeps in, going over to Charlie's coffin and gets on her knees. She closes her eyes and says, "Thank you, for being my friend and I promise to keep going in defending those in need to having faith and hope in their lives," while in a low voice.

Setsuna watches the brunette raise up again and watch her walk back to her. Observing the small smile on Dallas's lips, it must mean that her words of support worked out.

"I take it you feel better?" the emerald haired woman inquired.

"I do," Dallas answers, rubbing the back of her head. There was still a lot on her mind though. "Although, there's still a lot of…things, if that's the right way to put it… that needs to be sorted out and it lingers on my mind. I won't question the idea of being positive going forward, but how to approach it is a challenge."

"You will find your answers. Don't take it all in at once," Setsuna advices the brunette other wise in terms in terms of approach. "Take it one step at a time. For now, I think our presence is required in the other room."

That's one place she really didn't want to go, but she didn't want her father to worry. Walking past Setsuna, she opens the door for the emerald haired woman. "I am curious, how did you know I was here?" she asked.

"Your father told me where to find you," Setsuna answered, walking past Dallas and thanked her for holding the door.

"Ah, that would explain everything."

"I also overheard him mention that you're very familiar with my home country's language and customs as well."

This makes Dallas a bit sheepish. Well, there is no denying that she knew of the culture. She studied every aspect of it, down to the very art of it. It wasn't hard to explain, but she found it fascinated her mind.

"I've been studying it for a very long time," the brown haired woman confirms Setsuna's previous statement, offering a small grin. "And if it's from my own consolation, I think the language is very beautiful with the way it sounds."

"Well, I must hear your interpretation of it once the service is over," Setsuna says, curious to know about Dallas.

Now this makes the brunette grin. If anything, she was more than happy to speak the language or share her knowledge of the culture. Especially to someone that wasn't just new to her, but very beautiful. Not just in appearance, but by their character as well. Even though the statuesque woman gave off a mysterious vibe, there is no doubt that Dallas wanted to get to know her as well.

…

Elsewhere within Philadelphia, there is a compound for a high security prison within the city itself. From there, a person is within the confines of their prison cell. The man in general has dirty blonde hair that was long and unkempt. Running his fingers through it, he couldn't help but scowl.

"Damn, what I wouldn't kill for some hair gel," he grumbled with dissatisfaction.

Soon a loud clang was heard from one of the guards, one a stick to bang against the metal on one of the prison doors.

"Alright you grunts, time for lunch!"

This makes the man grunt in annoyance. Knowing he would be going to the mess hall with the other criminals left him in a less than savory mood. So he would have to make due with it. Upon leaving his cell, he goes to the prison cafeteria and is in line with the other prisoners.

"Hmmm, wonder what the chefs wiped up today?"

As the blonde man turned his head, he glanced to see a large humanoid tiger in similar colored yellow jumpsuit. Though, unlike the blonde, the sleeves were torn off. "You know its just garbage they feed us, right Thrash?"

"Hey, at least it's better than nothing, Kingston," the feline-like creature spoke up, green eyes focused on the man in front of him.

The man known as Kingston gave the tiger a glare, turning his attention back in front of the line.

"Well, speaking of food, I hope today's choice is decent. Don't know if my mechanical biology can take it."

Kingston turns his head sideways again to give the man behind him, who seemed to have some cybernetic parts on his face, mouth, and eye. An amused smirk formed on his lips.

"Well, let's hope you don't 'blow a gasket', Phantoborg," he says in a smug way.

Phantoborg blinked at Kingston, letting a low mechanical growl escape from his mouth. He didn't take kindly to any snide or smart mouth remarks that were directed towards him. For that, it he didn't like any disrespect towards him at all.

"Oh? If I didn't have this inhibitor collar on, I'd easily phase my hand right through your chest," Phantoborg says, making a threat towards Kingston.

This earned a chuckle out of Kingston, amused at that attempt. "How cute," he says, very tempted to turn around, but he stepped forward. "You'd think you could land a hit on me?"

Phantoborg just glares at the man in front of him.

"Hey!" one of the guards in armored suits shouted, looking at the two criminals. "Is there a problem here?"

There's a brief silence, but Kingston is the first one to speak up, "No problem… just a friendly banter between two men."

"You watch yourself, Rodney," The guard says, keeping his gaze on the man. "Just because you're no longer a big time 'celebrity hero', doesn't mean you can get away with breaking the rules."

Rodney just stares at the guard, not fazed by the remark. Of course he was a rule breaker. However, he didn't go around bragging about it. That's why he was loaded and even had a defense team working on getting him out.

"Right, I bet I'm worth more than you in terms of money," Rodney said with smugness in his voice, moving forward. "Besides, even with my… presence… here in prison, I have my devoted fans."

This causes the other prisoners to laugh hard in response to that. It makes the blonde male's smugness fade away and becomes confused. What had been so funny about that?

"Hoo boy, you got it backwards Kingston!" the humanoid tiger laughed.

Rodney gives the other annoyed look, with his anger slowly rising. "What do you mean Thrash?!"

"You might want to look at the big screen," one of the other criminals that was a rock-like being in appearance, jerked their thumb at the television screen.

As Rodney turned his attention to one of the big screens, his brown eyes took in the entire thing. Seeing himself clad in some armor and cape, Rodney Kingston named himself Renegade, Philadelphia's new champion of justice. Yet, some circumstances later on in life had led him to fight Philadelphia's original guardian. After the battle, Rodney's pride and ego were shattered and being publicly beaten by a brat humiliated him.

Everyone that watched the scene had been laughing their heads off.

"Oh man, seeing you get your back broke is funny!"

This causes the blonde man's expression to turn into anger. However, it quickly disappears as Rodney walks over to the random crook having lunch. Grabbing a fork out of another crook's hand, he jams it onto the random crook's hand.

The laughter dies down, as it's replaced by a random yell of pain. It only makes Rodney smirk in response, showing that even in prison, he was still dangerous. Yet, his moment of satisfaction is short lived as his own collar is activated and sent an electrical shock in his body. A group of guards come at Rodney, tackling him onto the guard.

"I maybe defeated… but there's one thing I have accomplished…"

Rodney's eyes were filled with a sense of evil and sadistic glee in them. Even in defeat, he still held something over the heroine that beat him. That heroine had made a promise to a person to save their friend from Rodney's control, and instead they ended up failing to save that person.

"… Even with all your power… you can't save everyone from danger…"

…

As the hours passed throughout the day, the service ended and Dallas was glad to have it end. There weren't a lot of people she recognized at the funeral. They were probably Charlie's relatives, but it seemed like Charlie's dad was getting the most attention. She knew it must've been hard for him, but all she could do was give her father's friend support.

Seeing the coffin that lowered into the ground and that was buried, it makes the young brunette think to a time and place where she herself was in this event. It was saddening, but the concept of death is all too familiar with her. It was why she started helping the city out by making sure that no one died. But with the way things were escalating, it felt impossible at times. Still, it didn't stop her from doing the right thing.

"Hey kiddo, how are you holding?"

Turning her head to the side, she sees her father looking at her with concern. Seeing the hint of red in his eyes, it makes her express a small smile. "I'm fine," she answers. "Question is, are you okay?"

A sigh escapes Fred's lips, shaking his own head. "I've had better days… but I'll be able to pull through though," he reassured her.

Haruka turns to look at George turn away. It wasn't as hard as she had thought in terms of being here. Even though she had kept a calm composer, she felt saddened on the inside. Death was nothing new too her. She had been reincarnated with a new body at least three times due to her planetary powers. Charlie was not so fortunate and would be gone.

Michiru stays by Haruka's side, holding the sandy haired wind chaser's hand. Part of it is to help comfort the tall tomboy, but the other is to give the other a sense of familiarity to hold onto. She knew Haruka might want to clear her head later on, but for now she played her part in sticking by the other's side.

"I appreciate you coming with me, Michiru," Haruka finally spoke up, speaking in a soft tone. "I'm sure the last thing you don't want on your travels with me is being at a funeral."

"Nonsense," Michiru is quick to pluck that thought out of Haruka's mind like a weed. "You know I'd follow you whatever you go."

Haruka knows Michiru has reassured her over the years time and time again. No matter what, the aqua haired woman would always stay by her side like glue. They were bonded, not just through a love that was from eons ago, but through their mutual feelings to each other. They were each other's eternal partners, completing each other's half of their soul.

Just for this, Haruka allows a small smile to form on her lips.

Michiru smiles in return, moving closer to her. Though, her attention turns to Setsuna, who has approached the two of them. "You seem like you have something on your mind," she says.

"I do actually," Setsuna confirms Michiru's intuition and the tone she speaks in is serious as well. "I had a conversation with the young girl that arrived."

"Um, you might have to be a bit more specific Sets," Haruka says, a bit confused.

"I believe she means Grayson-san's daughter," Michiru pointed out, remembering Fred mentioning having a daughter.

Setsuna gives a silent nod as she focused on the two. This was certainly a surprise to her, but she might as well share what she had found. "As I was talking to her, I felt a strong energy emit from her," she begins to explain to the couple. "It is the same type of energy when the Sailor Starlights first came to Earth."

Haruka and Michiru seemed to vaguely remember another person that entered the room. They felt a strong energy within the room, but both were preoccupied with George. Though, upon hearing this information, both Haruka and Michiru had serious reservations about this. Still, they weren't about to act out just yet.

"If that's true, do you think she's… a threat?" Haruka asks, getting straight to the point.

The emerald haired woman looked at the teal eyes that belonged to Haruka. It was too early to make a judgment call. Not yet anyway. From what she had gathered from talking to Dallas, the young woman seemed to be genuinely nice and stricken hard by her friend's death.

"I'm uncertain," Setsuna confesses, knowing Haruka would most likely fixate on it. "Yet, I do know for a fact that Charlie's death really left her… lost." She adds, knowing that labeling someone a 'threat' couldn't fake human emotions. "I reached out to her, helping her show that her friend is not truly gone and can be kept alive within her memories."

Michiru expresses a small smile. Setsuna had always looked out for her friends, and even from afar sometimes. She is touched to know that even the guardian of time, despite meeting a stranger under these circumstances, was able to reach out to someone and help them.

Haruka was surprised by this. Still, it doesn't slip her mind of how nurturing her friend can be. The blonde was able to take in hints of how Setsuna appreciated those close to her.

"You know Haruka, this is an opportunity to get to know this person," Michiru speaks up, catching Haruka's attention. "After all, you both know Charlie… perhaps talking about him could help ease things."

This was something that Haruka had to make a compromise on. Yes, while she was social at times, she kept a cool façade. Though, her trust was something that had to be earned. Yet, she is only going on by what she is being told of Dallas being a friend to Charlie as well. In response, the wind chaser inhales a sharp breath and exhales. Oh well, there was no way in getting out of this one by being stubborn.

"Alright, I suppose I can give it a shot," Haruka says, her gaze briefly on Michiru and then on Setsuna. "Though, that means I'll probably have to be on my best behavior, right?" she rhetorically asks.

"Yes, though I have no doubt you'll be well behaved through out the ordeal," Setsuna answers, her words having a humorous hint to her comment.

Haruka is tempted to shoot the time guardian a look, but that's halted at the sight of Fred and Dallas approaching them. Seeing Dallas up close, the sandy haired soldier gets a good look at her. From her observation, the brunette certainly radiated a strong energy. There was no doubt the other female was like them.

Michiru looks at Dallas as well. She senses the same thing as well, but she quickly shifts her body language to one of politeness. Sans the smile she puts on when meeting new people. "Grayson-san, we want to thank you for having us here. You have our condolences."

"Your… words are appreciated, and please call me Fred," Fred says, offering a kind smile. Taking a deep breath, he knew that he was still new to people come out of town. George was more experienced than him when it came to meeting new people from different countries. Still, he wanted to do his best in terms of showing manners. "Aside from that, I'm glad that you're a good friend to Charlie and that you remembered him fondly."

Haruka knows that Fred was only referring to her. It's only fair that she paid her respects to her deceased friend. Despite the on and off phone calls, she did feel bad for not reaching out more. What exactly happened to Charlie anyway? It was best to look into that manner another time. Right now, Haruka nods her head and thanks the older male.

Dallas stays quiet throughout the whole ordeal. While her father talked with Haruka and Michiru, she did sense some vibrations from the two. It felt like the same type of energy that emitted from Setsuna. Still, if they were both friends to Setsuna, they couldn't be bad. Though, her lavender eyes move over to Setsuna and offers a small smile to the woman she got acquainted to.

"So, how long will you and your friends be staying here?" she asks, hoping she wasn't being nosy and was genuinely curious.

Garnet red eyes focused on Dallas, sensing the question is innocent by nature. "We are not sure… However, I know that I did want to hear your interpretation of the language of my home country," she says, remembering her promise.

Dallas grinned, knowing full well that she wanted to cut loose with speaking in Japanese. Though, she may have to contain her enthusiasm, as she was with other people right now. "I hope you can at least stay… I'd love to give you the grand tour of my neighborhood," she says, wanting to be a good host for the other.

"I'd be honored," Setsuna says, her tone being sincere.

"Great…" Dallas smiled, but her voice quickly trails off. Great, what was the next best thing to do next? "… Sorry, I wish I knew what else we could do outside of being here that is."

"Hmmm, how about you make the recommendation," Setsuna suggested, knowing it would be a good way to get the ball rolling. "Think of it as a first step in giving me the 'grand tour' of your neighborhood." She adds, having a hint of humor in referring to Dallas's previous statement.

Dallas can see some truth to that. She is surprised of not having thought of it, but it's one way of killing two birds with one stone. Turning her attention to her father, suggesting, "Hey dad, how about we take Meioh-san and her friends to get something to eat?"

Fred looks at his daughter and certainly smiled at the idea. "That's a great idea," he says, turning to the three women before him. "There's a diner I know in this area. I've been going to it since I was a kid and it's got the best food in Philly," he explains, a hint of enthusiasm in his voice.

"We'll take your word for it, Fred-san," Michiru says, calling the older man by his first name.

Fred smiled at Michiru, but is still curious by the honorific of wanting to know what it meant. He'll ask Dallas later once he led them to the diner.

"I suppose I could use a change of scenery," Haruka says, her gaze shifting over to George, who was already going to his limousine. "Though, I have a feeling old man West won't be joining us."

As the older brunette turned his head to see what Haruka was referring to, he let's out a sigh. 'I feel sad for you George…I know you haven't spoken to Charlie in a long time…but still, it meant a lot to him to see you while you were in the hospital,' he thinks to himself, turning his attention back to Haruka. "Let George be… He'll come around when he's ready."

Dallas looked at her father with concern. She knew that he and George were life long friends. He was willing to defend the man out of a sense of loyalty. Though, given Charlie's father's reputation as a former businessman, there was some shady stuff that he was involved in. Something that Dallas didn't want her father to be caught up in.

"Anyway, how about you and I head over to your vehicle and you lead the way?" Dallas suggested.

"Sure thing, kiddo," Fred says, ruffling his daughter's hair in a playful manner. "We'll take a ride in my ol' tow truck just like old times."

The brunette feigns an annoyed groan, but a smile shows nonetheless. She liked it, though they had quests. It was one thing to leave them confused upon the comical display of affection between father and daughter.

Haruka watches the display of affection between the two. Seeing it makes her think of a certain 'firefly' back at home. Even though Hotaru is all grown up now, the sandy blonde played a role in her life as her adoptive guardian, and raised the young ravenette as if she were her own daughter.

"It must remind you of a certain someone back home, ne Haruka?" Michiru says from observation.

Haruka allows a small smile to creep in, allowing Michiru to see it. There's a nod from the silent blonde before she decides to speak up. "So, how about you show us where this diner is?" she says, her words towards Fred.

Fred turns to look at Haruka, smiling and nodding his head. "Sure … Um, Tenoh… san?" He inquired and then looked at Dallas, hoping he got it right.

"Don't worry dad, you did well," Dallas gives him a thumbs up.

"Please, just call me Haruka," Haruka corrects him, but in a friendly manner. While she didn't much care for honorifics, unless it was for formal greetings, the athletic tomboy was casual with those she was close to. "Also, I think you did well with the honorifics."

Fred expresses a small grin. His knowledge wasn't as extensive as his daughter's, but he did make it a habit to learn a few basic words. His attention goes back to Dallas and says, "Ready to get some grub?"

"You bet I am," Dallas quips, giving him a wink.

…

Elsewhere within an undisclosed location, someone was sitting in a chair and typing away at a keyboard. The clanking sounds as they typed away were rapid and quick by nature. From the way this individual was typing, it was swift and fast paced. So the person behind that keyboard is very passionate.

"And… done!"

Soon that article is saved, and posting it on a website. To be exact, it was a website that the person behind the keyboard had made. As crimson eyes gazed upon the work, there is a sense of pride in the young woman's lips. She had accomplished another blog about the uprising of not just Philadelphia's crime rate, but the root of its problems in its guardian.

Sure, there were people that would disapprove of this, but she did her best to make valid points. That the guardian of Philadelphia only seemed to attract trouble and the criminals that came out were like a magnet for trouble. Her latest article would be about Rodney Kingston's rise and fall from grace, being exposed for the fraud that he is.

"Rodney Kingston… Renegade…" the person pauses, going to grab a trench coat and puts in on. Yet, she pauses as she looks up at the pictures on the wall. Mostly articles from various newspapers in her neighborhood and studied them. "You were the last person to have a profound effect on Decibel…"

In her voice, there is a hint of jealousy within her voice. However, she brushes that to the side and takes a dark mask off her desk. From there, she covers her face with it and looks at the pictures again.

"Your ploy to not just over throw her, but involving George West's son in your scheme certainly left not just her, but the old man in a… vulnerable state as well…" she trails off yet again, focusing on the events that came into place. "Not to mention, the elder West have a new fond hatred for all the people with powers. Something that may not sit well with some of the people here in Philadelphia," She says, going to put on a pair of metal gloves and adjusts them on her arms. "However, I may have use for you… along with a few other select few of individuals that may want to get revenge on Decibel as well."

Pulling up her hood, she walks over and grabs a remote. From there, she turns on a screen. Soon, other screens begin to follow as well, showing multiple battles with a masked heroine with brown hair and flowing white cape with purple lining. Studying the fights with different criminals, the dark clad female takes it all in.

…

In a different location, Setsuna and the others had arrived at the diner. Garnet eyes scanned the area, taking in the unique surroundings. It certainly was new to her, but nevertheless she remained quiet for now. Upon finishing her observation, she looked at Haruka and Michiru. Well, particularly at Haruka, who was looking through the menu as if she was studying it?

"Huh, there are… a lot of creative words for meals on here," the racecar admits, being sheepish but her eyes go back to the menu.

Michiru looks at Haruka with a small smile. When the violinist traveled abroad, she had ordered various dishes in different languages. So reading in English wouldn't be a problem.

Dallas looked at the couple in front of her. Seeing the expression on Haruka's face, she wondered if the American writing threw her off. It wasn't her place to judge, but it didn't hurt to reach out.

"Is everything okay?" she asks, dropping into a Japanese dialect.

Now the native tongue of her homeland certainly catches Haruka's attention. Seeing the female brunette focused on her with lavender orbs, the older tomboy offers a kind smile. "Oh, it's nothing, really," she reassures the brown haired youth, waving a dismissive hand. "I'm… just trying to pick out which sounds… edible on from these selections."

Dallas nods her head in understanding. Maybe she should dig a bit deeper? "If I may ask, what do you like to eat?" she asks, wanting to help Setsuna's friends in anyway.

"I have a preference for eating salads," Haruka answered, being simple with her choice of meals.

Now this makes Dallas smile. "This diner makes a good salad whenever I need a quick lunch when I'm running to get to my classes," she explains, being able to relate to wanting to eat healthy.

Haruka just nods, glad that she had some help. "You know, I don't we've introduced ourselves," she pointed out.

Dallas isn't taken off guard by this. Setsuna had told her that she was friends with Haruka. Also, she was told that she was friends with Charlie as well. So far she seemed pleasant to talk to.

"I'm Dallas Mercer, it's nice to meet you," she introduces herself, dipping her head.

Watching the young girl introduce herself, Haruka is impressed. Normally, she would return the tradition in return. Though the feeling sensing the other emit a strong energy didn't escape Haruka's mind. Instead, she opts in offering her hand to shake.

"Tenoh Haruka, please to meet you as well."

Michiru takes this in, getting déjà vu in terms of Haruka's 'greeting'. It was back when she had let someone into her dressing room. Her lover was the first to notice and the wind chaser's mood switched. Still, the sea scion knew Haruka's instincts kicked in the minute she felt a strong energy emit from Seiya.

Looking at the hand in bemusement, Dallas looked at the hand and face of the handsome woman before her. Still, the brown haired youth doesn't turn it down and returns the gesture.

Both women suddenly feel each other's energy individually. They get strong vibes from each other, sensing one another's power.

However, the moment is broken upon the sound of a television saying, "After the funeral of Mayor West's son, the city and its citizens send their regards to the late Charlie West."

Upon hearing the sound of the voice from the television, Setsuna's attention shifts to it. Whatever attention she had on just relaxing, seems to have shifted to the reporter. Normally this was something that any person, who was not interested, would just scoff off. To the time guardian, this seemed to scream out important.

Haruka's attention seemed to shift to the TV as well. Teal eyes focused on the screen, suddenly taking in what she had heard. "Damn vultures," she says in a low voice.

Michiru reaches out and her hand touching Haruka's to help calm the other's mind. Whatever was on the other's mind, the ocean soldier wanted to help quell those thoughts. Even though she would agree that other people should respect one's privacy, getting worked up over it wasn't worth the energy.

"Geez, you'd think the media would find something else to cover," Fred is exasperated and shakes his head.

Dallas's lavender eyes are fixated on the screen as well. Her mind goes back to the incident that involved Charlie. Even she had said what she had wanted to say before he was buried, the guilt still lingered.

Setsuna's eyes shift over to Dallas, seeing the young woman go silent.

"Even though Charlie West is gone, we are thankful for Philadelphia's resident hero, Decibel," the news reporter says, bringing up a clip of a battle that took place last week. "In doing so, she was able to not just stop, but expose the false superhero known as Renegade."

Haruka was taking everything in word for word. Taking it all in, she looked at the man who was shown on the screen. In fact, with the way his dirty blonde hair, a smug look on his face, and an arrogance within his eyes… it brings Haruka back to her younger years as a racer.

"Rodney Kingston…" his name slipped through her lips, causing her to instantly stand up.

Upon seeing Rodney's face on the screen, Dallas was unaware that she subconsciously clenched her fist.

Dallas's action did not go unnoticed. Setsuna watched as Dallas balled her hand into a fist. Whatever circumstances happened before Charlie's death, there was clear as day that something had happened to affect the young girl.

However, another thing had caught everyone's attention in the restaurant. There was a woman with shoulder blade-length brown hair, a mask, and flowing white cape with purple lining. From there, she is fighting Rodney Kingston, who was wearing white, red, and gold armor. Yet, the one thing that catches the Outer Senshis' attention is the all too familiar sailor fuku.