"Haruka… are you sure you won't join us for the opening today? We could use another teacher in the music department, or perhaps you'd like to coach the track team?" Asked Michiru.

Today was the first day at the re-opening of Mugen Academy, now renamed Tomoe Academy after Hotaru's father. Hotaru would be attending as a student, and Setsuna would teach physics while Michiru would be teaching Music. The school was being re-opened at this time for at-risk youth in the community rather than just gifted ones. This had been Hotaru, Setsuna, and Michiru's idea. The two older girls didn't take a salary. None of the teachers did. They wanted these children to have the same chance at an excellent education as the more affluent ones. It was open to anyone who wished to attend. Children from all over the district came.

"Usagi would be so proud of our school Michiru-mama and Setsuna-mama. Wouldn't she?" Asked Hotaru wearing her new Tomoe academy uniform with a blue skirt and white collared shirt with a yellow bow at her neck. The uniform was classy yet simple, making it accessible to all who chose to wear it.

"I know she would be," said Michiru. Now go grab your lunch so we can go."

Haruka stood staring out the window. Michiru approached her, wrapping her arms around her waist, kissing her lightly on the neck.

"You never answered my question," said Michiru, "Will you come today, my love. You've been so distant lately…being around people will do you some good."

Haruka closed her eyes, leaning into Michiru's light touch. "I want to, my love, but I can't… I just can't…"

"Why? You know she would have loved this. Usagi would've been so proud of this new school opening," said Michiru.

"I know," said Haruka, who'd winced at Michiru's use of Usagi's name. "I know, it's just… I failed her. We failed our mission to protect her. And I pushed her to keep fighting… I should have known something was wrong, and I should've felt it. I'll never forgive myself."

"Haruka, it wasn't your fault. She hid her condition from everyone. You are not to blame," replied Haruka.

Haruka's temper flared then. "Enough!"

"What's wrong, Haruka-papa?" Asked Hotaru, who had returned with her lunch box.

"Nothing's wrong with Haruka," replied Michiru. "Now go find, Setsuna… we will be going soon."

"Ok…" said Hotaru hugging Haruka. "You're coming, right Haruka-papa?"

Haruka had calmed down a little and managed a small smile for Hotaru. "Not today, little one. But I want to hear all about it after school, ok? The full report."

"Ok," said Hotaru running off to find Setsuna.

"Michiru, I'm sorry I yelled… it's just. It's too much. I don't know if I can bear this pain, this guilt."

Michiru took Haruka's hand. "Remember when we almost lost each other, and we said we could get through anything as long as we had each other? I'm still here… I'm always here for you, Haruka. Please remember that."

Haruka nodded, gently pulling Michiru's head forward-leaning her forehead on her own and planting a kiss there. "You're right … now go. You don't want to be late on your first day of school. What would they say if the great Michiru Kaoi were late?"

Michiru smiled, "Never! Oh Haruka, I hope you'll reconsider. Would you please come to the opening? It's going to be amazing. The courtyard is being dedicated to Usagi… they've planted the most beautiful flower garden there."

Haruka managed a smile for Michiru's sake, hoping it would please her. "I'll come soon… just not today. I'm going to take a ride on my motorcycle. That always helps me clear my head."

"Good idea," replied Michiru. "See you after school."

"Love you, Michiru. Always"

In the past, motorcycle rides would help clear her mind. But not now… not since… Her stomach wrenched. She had failed her mission to protect Usagi with her own life. What's worse is that she encouraged Usagi to think she was growing stronger when she had been dying in reality. Michirus said there's noway she could've known that Usagi was hiding her delicate condition. But that wasn't true - there were signs!

The guilt ate away at her.

Lately, it had felt like life wasn't worth living anymore. All that had ever mattered was the mission - which she'd failed, and their precious princess was lost to them forever. Today was the day that she had decided that she would no longer put up with that anymore. She'd be heading to the mountains today, a place where people Michiru and crew would typically go mountain climbing. But she wouldn't bring her climbing gear today. Instead, she planned to dive off the side of the cliff and feel the wind through her hair one last time before leaving this earth forever.

Haruka soon found herself standing at the edge. The only thing holding her back was thinking of how her decision would affect Michiru and Hotaru… would they be ok?

"They have each other… they will be better off without me."

"No, Haruka, you're wrong… none of us will be ok without you — don't please," said a voice sounding like Usagi.

"What would you know, always in my head telling me what to do — you're the one who left!"

"Not just in your head… Turn around, Haruka,"

She did, and standing there looking ethereal and glowing in a long flowing white dress with silver hair stood Usagi. The crescent moon on her forehead shone bright.

"You're not here."

She stood looking confused, To her right, she ripped a branch from a bush. "How can I show you I'm real?"

She took the branch in her hand like a knife and slashed it along her arm, leaving a large gash that was just red at first, and then started gushing bright red blood. "See, Haruka… I'm here… will you help me with this cut…like I helped you once in that cave when we fought Tiren."

"What?" Haruka rushed to her, taking out her handkerchief. She was able to grab Usagi's arm and felt the wet warm blood there. She immediately began to wrap it.

"How is this possible?" Asked Haruka.

"The time for Crystal Tokyo is drawing near. Sailor Moon had to die so that I, the future Neo Queen Serenity, could be born into this world. It is the only way to overcome the coming crisis and ascend the throne. The time has come for me to gather all my guardians. I came to you first, Haruka, to stop you from…"

Usagi had tears in her eyes, packed with the knowledge of what Haruka had just been about to do. "Why would you even consider such a thing?"

"I failed you, and I failed my mission. I couldn't bear it. I felt so - so empty."

"I'm sorry… Pluto warned me you would take this the hardest and she was right. It was also partially my fault. I was so angry about Rei that I let my emotions guide my judgment… just as you did today. Haruka, if you are to join the guardians and me in Crystal Tokyo, you must complete one more mission for me."

"Anything, my queen,"

"You must go and retrieve my guardians, my brother, and my lover and bring them to me. Everyone must be met at a specific location. Please bring them to my mausoleum without mentioning I have returned. I'll take care of that part."

"Your wish is my command," responded Haruka kissing her hand. As she stood to leave, she smirked at Usagi. "You might want to dim that light of yours when you see the others… it makes you look… otherworldly like an angel or something.

Usagi glanced at her exposed glowing arms and giggled. "Oopsies.. I hadn't noticed that. I'll tone it down."

"You do that. It's nice to know the carefree Kitten I know is still in there… now, where do I start?," asked Haruka.

"I think you know," replied Usagi.

"The school opening?"

"You got it. See you soon!"