Disclaimer: I own nothing. Naoko Takeuchi owns everything. I'm indebted to her, not the other way around.

Beta: rinhonjou at livejournat dot com. All remaining mistakes are entirely my own.

Notes: In this chapter you'll be introduced to a "new" character. I hope you can all quickly identify who she is. I quite like my creativity with her name, as you can probably figure out in my dialogue. Lots of action description in this chapter, but it was impossible not to when I had all the Senshi gathered (minus Setsuna and Hotaru). This chapter and this fic in general builds upon the manga in which Haruka and Michiru attended Juuban Municipial along with Usagi-tachi (though one year ahead) during the Stars "season". I have also imagined that Haruka at this point has started wearing the Juuban GIRL'S uniform - this is inconsistent with both the musical and the anime (though, of course, she's never shown in school during the Stars season so maybe it isn't), but after having seen some pictures from the manga in which Haruka does wear the Juuban girls uniform in the Stars arc, I have always liked the thought of her in a skirt that's not her fuku and just IMAGINE Nao-san in one of those uniforms! (starts drooling a little) So, yeah, there you have it. Long chapter this time - also because it might take a little while before next chapter is up, seeing that it's horribly hard to write (I'm working on it right now actually) and because my new semester has just takes its beginning. Be patient with me, I promise to get back to you all. Now, enjoy the cracky, lovely craziness that's a minna-scene!

Reminds me. When Minna is in bold it simply means that everybody who's been mentioned right before is speaking/singing. It sounds cooler than "everybody", ne?

Plus, what ... eh... the line that is featured in Japanese simply means: "Pleased to meet you" and is a normal, polite way of greeting someone you haven't met before.

Now, ENJOY!

Act One

Scene 2

Peace calls for new friends – invitation, please…

(In the schoolyard of Juuban Municipal High School. The sun has reached zenith a couple of hours prior and is now making the gym cast long shadows over the concrete. On a bench beneath a couple of sakura trees, Michiru is sitting in her school uniform, her violin case next to her. From time to time she looks towards the gym, as if expecting someone to leave it any moment.)

Michiru: (glances at her watch, sighing with an annoyed tone to it, though her lips curl in an almost unnoticeable smirk) "You're late, Haruka – again."

(Behind her, a small flock of girls, containing Usagi, Minako, Makoto, Ami and Rei with Haruka in the lead, stops at the gates at the sight of Michiru. Minako raises her hand, about to shout a greeting, but Haruka instructively presses one finger to her lips. Soundlessly, they make their way across the open, almost deserted yard, Usagi and company stopping a few feet behind the bench, only Haruka sneaking up close to Michiru, unseen.)

Haruka: (leans in, pressing her hands over Michiru's eyes) "Guess who?"

Michiru: (doesn't even flinch, but simply relaxes her shoulders with a small giggle that is echoed by Usagi and her friends) "Ara, who could it be? Let me see… Usagi-chan?"

Usagi: (shakes her head excitedly, her odango bouncing around her head) "No, you're wrong!"

Michiru: (raises both eyebrows in surprise) "Usagi-chan? Is that you?"

Usagi: (laughs) "It's not me, Michiru-san!"

Michiru: (plays along with a half-smile, an expression mirrored by Haruka in response to Michiru's initial confusion) "Not Usagi-chan… then, Minako-chan?"

Minako: (puts her hands on her hips, looking from Haruka to Michiru) "No."

Michiru: "Ami-chan or Rei-chan?"

Ami: (catches Rei's eyes, waiting for her approving nod before replying) "Neither."

Michiru: (frowns for a second before asking, her uncertainty not showing in her voice) "Haruka?"

Haruka: (lets go, walking around the bench and stopping in front of Michiru, crossing her arms over her chest, having apparently caught the inquiry) "Mm…?"

Michiru: (twists a little in her seat, smiling at the other five girls behind her) "Oh, I just had to make sure it wasn't Mako-chan." (returns her interest to the tall blonde with a coquette, flirtatious chuckle) "Your hands feel very alike…"

Makoto: "EH?"

(The five girls behind her fall very quiet, Makoto staring at Michiru unbelievingly, the other four blankly gaping at her as well, then shifting their attention to the tall brunette, their eyes wide. Haruka narrows her eyes suspiciously, catching Makoto's gaze before cocking her head at Michiru.)

Haruka: "Yareyare…" (raises one eyebrow) "Should I be feeling jealous? After all, she's a rather pretty girl…."

(Makoto's cheeks turn slightly pink and she suddenly becomes very interested in the small pebbles in front of her feet.)

Michiru: "You always say that about anyone but me, Haruka-san." (manages a slight pout, her eyes laughing) "Really, with the way you always praise Mako-chan, I should be the jealous one." (her affronted attitude melts away in seconds, morphing into an amused smirk as Makoto blushes crimson)

Usagi: (lets her gaze wander between Haruka and Makoto, seemingly considering something that leaves her nonplussed) "Are Haruka-san's and Mako-chan's hands really that alike? Let me feel…" (grabs one of Haruka's hands and one of Makoto's, almost making them both tumble over as she tugs them closer, studying their hands intently) "They're not all that alike, Michiru-san…" (carries on cluelessly) "Mako-chan's hands are bigger and she doesn't have the long, slender fingers Haruka-san does."

(In the awkward silence that follows this conclusion, Makoto laughs uneasily, running her other hand over her forehead in discomfort. Haruka rolls her eyes and tenderly withdraws her hand from between Usagi's fingers.)

Haruka: (snorts, thumping Usagi lightly on the head) "You're funny, Odango Atama." (sits down next to Michiru)

Rei: (steps forward, dragging Makoto out of Usagi's reach) "Usagi, baka – it was a joke!"

Usagi: (turns to face Rei who is glowering at her and Makoto who looks ready to shrink away from embarrassment and narrows her eyes) "Rei-chan, don't be so mean just because I didn't get it!"

Rei: (leers and lets go of Makoto who quickly steps behind Minako, away from the upcoming battle) "Sometimes, Usagi…" (casually) "…one could be tempted to ask why you're not still in Junior High."

Usagi: "REI-CHAN!"

(Michiru and Haruka look at each other, both trying hard to keep from laughing out loud. Makoto hides her face in her hands, Minako patting her sympathetically on the shoulder. Quickly, Ami steps forward, holding her hands up in front of herself disarmingly.)

Ami: "Maa, maa, you two…"

Makoto: (lifts her head, meeting Minako's laughing eyes) "I guess this is all the peace we'll ever get, huh?"

Minako: (grins, saying in an affectedly sweet voice) "Well, Rei-chan does have a point…"

Usagi: (spins around on her heels, fisting both her hands and marching up to Minako) "MINAKO-CHAN!"

(Pausing, Ami casts a fleeting glance at each of the other girls, fretting anxiously with her collar.)

Ami: (quietly) "Speaking of peace… do you think it's over now… the fighting?"

(Usagi and Minako stop in their tracks, slowly turning towards Ami. Exchanging a sideway glance, Haruka and Michiru stand up and face the other girls. Wordlessly, the four Guardians watch Usagi, their features becoming troubled. Sensing their pain, Usagi's eyes soften as she presses one hand to her heart.)

Usagi: (looks at them all in turn) "Believe in them. I'm sure they'll deal with Chaos in their own way, if we just… believe in them." (nods determinedly, moving away from the other six girls, happily swinging her arms as she spins around a few feet away)

Song: Fresh Start

Usagi:

No more war, fighting is over,

So we can finally Relax and Have Fun.

(holds her hands out, inviting the others closer. Seeing them hesitate, she continues)

Let's plunge into this Fresh Start.

Let's enjoy our happy days of youth.

(Grinning at each other, the four Inners join her, lining up next to her.)

Minna:

Let's Fall in Love, feel our hearts burning.

There's nothing we can't do, because

We're not afraid of tomorrow.

(Frowning, Haruka watches Minako prodding Makoto playfully and Ami grabbing Rei's hands, all four of them laughing. Finally fixing her eyes on Usagi, she steps forward to gain their attention, stopping when they look up.)

Haruka:

Even now, after all that's happened,

How can you still be so innocent?

(Next to her, Michiru shakes her head as Haruka's eyes harden at the sound of her own words. Taking her hand, Michiru drags the other girl with her as she heads for Usagi's little group, giving the surprised Haruka a warm look over her shoulder.)

Michiru:

Young Girl Optimism like moonlight

Lightens up the tracks of a future.

(They stare at each other for a couple of seconds, before Haruka smiles in recognition, Michiru giving her hand a gentle squeeze in answer. Bowing slightly to Usagi, Haruka steps in next to Makoto, Michiru choosing to head the other way, putting a hand on Rei's shoulder as she stops next to her.)

Haruka:

When the world spins your way,

Don't fight the brisk winds. Pursue!

(puts one arm around Makoto's shoulder, winking at Usagi)

Usagi: (laughs with delight) "Hai, hai!"

Michiru:

The pessimistic one says sayonara.

An optimist greets with konnichi wa!

(stretches her neck, catching Haruka's gaze above the heads of the other girls, Haruka returning her joking smirk)

Minna:

Let's plunge into this Fresh Start.

Let's enjoy our happy days of youth.

Let's Fall in Love, feel our hearts burning.

(they all exchange looks, smiling as Usagi claps her hands animatedly)

There's nothing we can't do because

We're not afraid of tomorrow.

(Usagi starts spinning around, Makoto barely able to catch her as she loses her balance as a result, tripping over her own feet. Haruka grabs Makoto by her shoulders, holding them both upright with some effort as they stumble backwards into her. Grinning uncomfortably, Usagi steps back to fix her skirt, Makoto giving Haruka an apologetic look.)

Haruka: (steps out of the row, letting her gaze wander from Usagi who seems to be having a difficult time with her skirt to the other three younger girls clad in the Juuban school uniform) "Shouldn't you all be in class?"

Ami: (finds a book in her bag, waving it slightly) "My afternoon classes don't start until four o'clock, so I actually came to catch up a little…"

Makoto: (snatches the book from Ami to read the title, eyes widening slightly at the many kanji) "I don't think this counts as catching up, Ami-chan… it's more like 'reading ahead', isn't it?"

Ami: (blushes, hurrying to pack the book away again) "I don't know…"

Makoto: (watches Ami squirm for a moment, then walks past Haruka, picking her own bag up where she left it) "Well, it's the same for me. Modern Japanese at four." (visibly winces, Haruka's face twisting in a similar expression)

Haruka: "Rather you than me…" (shrugs with a slight laughter as Michiru raises one eyebrow at her)

Minako: (shoves Usagi out of the way melodramatically) "I have volleyball training in half an hour." (does a pretend smash in Haruka's direction, making a V-sign when the taller girl shows no indication of blocking it) "We're in the national championship this year, so my team needs my talent."

Rei: (cocks her head at Minako, eyes gleaming teasingly) "I'm not sure an extreme amount of energy necessarily counts as talent, Minako-chan."

Minako: (laughs) "It has to, doesn't it?" (nods towards Usagi who's brushing dust off her knees and hands, glaring daggers at Minako at the same time) "If it doesn't, Usagi-chan couldn't be said to have anything resembling talent."

Usagi: (gives up on getting the last specks of dirt off, eyes glinting from anger at Minako's words) "What's that supposed to mean, Minako-chan?!"

Makoto: (sighs) "And here we go again…"

(Haruka raises her eyes to the sky resignedly, following Michiru as she walks back to the bench to sit down. Opening her violin case, Michiru calmly checks its content while Usagi and Minako – soon coupled with Rei – start a loud argument, none of them noticing how a newcomer pauses some metres away, watching them curiously. Next to Michiru, Haruka retrieves a magazine from her school bag and starts reading. Umiko Maera, a tall girl in a long-skirted, dark school uniform, contrasting greatly with the light blue braid hanging down her back, allows herself a pleased smile at the sight of the diverse group.)

Maera: (purses her lips, waiting for a halt in the loud flow of words from the two blonde girls) "Shimasen…" (repeats her interference a little more forcefully, trying to drown out the high-pitched voices) "Gomen nasai, I don't mean to disturb you, demo…"

Rei: "It's your own fault, Usagi, for always falling asleep during cla…" (eyes Maera and stops mid-sentence to stare at her dark blue uniform)

Usagi: (continues without noticing Rei's sudden change of interest) "Who's told you I fall asleep during classes, Rei-chan? You're not there to see!" (is slightly mystified as no response is forthcoming, lifting her hand and waving it in Rei's face) "Ara… Rei-chan?"

Minako: (follows Rei's gaze, turning Usagi's head forcefully to make her realise what's going on) "Usagi-chan… look!"

Usagi: (blinks a couple of times before detecting the object of attention) "A transfer student?"

(Haruka looks up from her magazine, noticing the sudden silence. Seeing Maera, she runs her fingers over the back of Michiru's hand to make her aware of their newly arrived companion. Michiru gives Haruka a look out the corner of her eye before lifting her gaze, stopping dead at the sight of Maera, remaining seated as Haruka gets to her feet, walking over to Usagi and the others.)

Maera: (smiles a bit hesitantly as she finds herself in the spotlight) "Konnichi wa! I was just wondering if you knew where I could f…" (is interrupted by Minako who's recovered from her surprise, moving forward to take a closer look at Maera's school uniform)

Minako: "UTSUKUSHII!" (runs her hands down the long skirt shamelessly)

(Looking up from their discussion on the homework for the upcoming Modern Japanese class, Makoto and Ami finally notice the foreigner, their eyes widening a friction at the way Minako squeals in delight from her study of the material of Maera's collar.)

Makoto: (presses in between Haruka and Usagi, murmuring) "Is she doing what I think she's doing?"

Haruka: (watches Maera suspiciously, her look softening into the shadow of a grin at Makoto's words) "Yeah. She is."

Makoto: (crosses her arms over her chest, looking about ready to give up) "Honto ni…"

(Michiru hasn't moved from the bench, the violin case lying open on her lap, her hands gripping the lit of it hard, though she doesn't seem aware of this, her eyes fixed on Maera. Usagi, too, is taken aback at the sight, though her open-mouthed stare is directed at Minako who's now muttering to herself; on her knees as she examines Maera's shoes. Not until Rei gives her a small push in their direction, does Usagi awaken from her daze.)

Rei: (inclines her head towards Minako and Maera) "DO something, Usagi!"

Usagi: (squares her shoulders, coming to a halt at a safe distance) "Eto… Ojou-san? I… Minako-chan!" (forgets her good manners and jumps forward to drag Minako away as she begins fingering the golden buttons that decorate the front of the uniform)

(Haruka heaves a sigh as Usagi starts bickering with Minako, stepping in to lead the situation back on track.)

Haruka: (her voice deep and slightly hoarse) "You're new here, ojou-san?"

(As Maera meets Haruka's eyes, Michiru stands up hurriedly, a look of tenseness crossing her features, her violin case clattering to the ground. Breaking eye contact with Haruka to find the origin of the noise, Maera looks at her, their eyes locking. Running her gaze down Michiru, Maera smiles subtly.)

Maera: (hides her fascination as she bows politely to Haruka in appreciation of her greeting) "I'm deeply sorry to disturb like this, but since this school is bigger than the one I come from, I think I'm… lost."

Ami: (stops next to Haruka, Makoto in tow, asking interestedly) "What school did you come from?"

Minako: (cuts in eagerly) "Yes, where have you got that wonderful uniform from?"

Maera: (nods her head slightly at first Ami and then Makoto in acknowledgment, pointedly ignoring Minako) "I'm a transfer student from a private school called Namino Gakuen." (bows again, this time in the proper introducing manner) "I'm Umiko Maera. O-me ni kakarete ureshii desu."

(Usagi and her friends all bow in response, repeating the greeting. Haruka mirrors them after a moment of studying the young woman sceptically, only Michiru remaining upright even as she joins the cluster of people. Haruka gives her a searching, sideway look as she herself straightens up, but Michiru's only reply is a small shake of her head. Nevertheless, as she catches Maera contemplating them, her lips form a warm smile.)

Rei: (seems intrigued) "Maera… that's an unusual name, isn't it?"

Ami: (bites her lip for a moment before speaking) "It's one of the Nereids, I believe."

Maera: (nods) "It is." (adopts a somewhat impressed expression) "It's not often I meet people who know that."

Usagi: (looks from Ami whose cheeks turn a little pink from the subtle praise to Maera who utters a small, amused laughter at her reaction) "So… what's a Nereid?"

Ami: "It's…" (is about to explain, her words dying out as Minako jumps in front of her, one hand in the air)

Minako: "Don't say it! I know! I know!" (waits till they are all giving her their full attention) "It's that new brand of chocolate, ne? The one that brings you an island of freshness in just one bite…"

Rei: (rolls her eyes, grabbing Minako by her collar and dragging her with her back) "Baka, that's Nerod."

Minako: "Ah… Oops…" (manages an uncomfortable grin)

Michiru: (speaks for the first time since Maera made her entrance, her voice soft) "The Nereids were Poseidon's nymphs." (spots Usagi's blank face, and adds with a gentle giggle) "Poseidon is the Greek god of the ocean, Usagi-chan – the equivalent of the Roman Neptune."

Usagi: (purses her lips, looking very serious) "I see."

Ami: (puts a hand on Usagi's shoulder, smiling at her when she turns around) "Nereid is also the name of Kaiosei's eighth moon."

(Usagi is about to say something else, but is interrupted as Makoto leans over Ami's left shoulder, laughing at her.)

Makoto: "We're not in class, Ami-chan."

Ami: (blushes, bending over in a deep bow and clutching her bag to her chest) "Gomen nasai!"

(Smiling crookedly as Makoto squeezes Ami's shoulder kindly, Haruka is about to step back, catching sight of Maera as she does. Her features change into a frown.)

Haruka: (raises an eyebrow) "You were looking for someone?"

(Michiru's eyes shift from Haruka to Maera, stopping at the latter as the newcomer returns her blunt interest.)

Maera: (slowly drags her eyes from Michiru, cocking her head at Haruka) "Somewhere, actually. I need to locate the music club. I was told I would find Kaioh Michiru-san there."

(In the aftermath of her words, the group falls silent, all eyes turning to Michiru who holds her head high in response to the curious gaze Maera grants her. Haruka puts a hand on Michiru's shoulder, not directly possessive, but the obvious significance of it makes Maera's lips quirk upwards, disdainfully.)

Michiru: "I'm Kaioh Michiru."

Maera: (doesn't look surprised) "I see." (continues in an equivocal tone of voice) "I'd rather hoped to catch you on your own, Michiru-san."

(Taking a small step forward, shrugging Haruka's hand off her shoulder and giving the blonde a wordlessly soothing look as she's about to protest, Michiru puts on her usual polite mask, nothing betraying her feelings.)

Michiru: (forces her voice not to waver, the words coming out slightly strained, Maera smiling affectionately as she detects it) "I don't believe we've met before…" (blinks slightly at the way the smile softens Maera's appearance) "Have we, Umiko-san?"

Maera: (holds Michiru's gaze) "I don't think so, no."

(Haruka looks at Maera through narrowed eyes, her distrust almost tangible, before she turns on her heel, walking back towards the bench and grabbing her school bag. A slight wave of her hand is her only goodbye as she heads for the gates. The five Inners look surprised, their attention dancing nervously between the retreating Haruka and the remaining Maera whose concentration moves from Michiru to the figure disappearing through the entrance.)

Minako: (whispers theatrically) "This reminds me of that time with Seiya-kun…"

Michiru: (follows Haruka with her eyes for a second, looking concerned, then addressing Maera) "If you need me, Umiko-san, I'll be in the eastern hall for the next couple of hours." (scoops up her violin case on her way towards the nearest wing)

Maera: (bows quickly in the general direction of Usagi and her friends, then follows Michiru, catching up with her at the door) "Michiru-san…" (leans forward, taking Michiru's violin case gently) "Let me carry that – I had originally planned to go to the music club's premises anyway."

(The roar of an engine starting in the distance. Michiru glances fleetingly in the direction of the gates, a small crease appearing on her forehead. Her worry is well-disguised, but still present beneath the surface. Closing her eyes for a moment, she sighs, Maera watching her closely. Straightening up, Michiru sends her a gracious smile as Maera holds the door open for her.)

Michiru: "Yes, so you said..."

(They enter together. Left behind in the school yard, the shadows now crawling across the bench where Michiru had been waiting half an hour ago, Usagi and her four friends stand side by side, each thinking her own about what just happened.)