And another chapter for the masses. They just get longer and longer, I guess. Is that a bad thing?

I'm still hoping to wake up with the rights to Sailor Moon in my pocket. When that happens, I'll let you guys know. Until then, though, I'm just a poor college student writing fanfiction. :P

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Once in the privacy of her bedroom, dressed in a tee shirt and boxers, Haruka gazed into her bathroom mirror, running a hand through her slightly tousled and untamable hair. Dark teal eyes stared back at her, and she, not for the first time, scrutinized her reflection.

Was she attractive?

It was true that many men and women found her appealing, and had offered their hands to her on numerous occasions- but she'd had no time for any of that.

Now, though, Haruka was starting to feel the longing for companionship- especially with such a heavy decision weighing before her. And especially, she admitted, with the appearance of the lovely Kaioh. At least if she accepted Senshi duties she would be able to see Michiru more- then again, if neither of them accepted, they wouldn't have to worry and could lead normal lives suited to those of royalty. The idea sounded appealing, but for some reason, Haruka couldn't see Michiru doing any such thing as that. No, a normal life was much too plain for Michiru, and herself. She'd much rather be where the action was, and for some reason, she knew Michiru would, too.

She half-smiled and stepped out into her room, feeling the plush navy carpeting beneath her bare feet. She gazed over to the balcony- maybe the cool night breeze would clear her head. She swung open the huge, decorated glass doors that lead outside and moved through them, smiling as she was greeted with a gust of wind. She felt immediately better, if only because of the cool wind caressing her face. She stood next to the balcony rail, resting her arms on it and leaning forward, gazing down at the bay below. The air smelled of salt carried up from the slightly choppy waves, and in her mind she threw the pros and cons back and forth- to be, or not to be? That was the question, and the more Haruka thought about it, the more she realized she didn't want to be involved.

There were plenty of young girls who would die to be a Sailor Senshi- why should she have to do it? She had enough responsibility already! Who would run Uranus if she decided to become a Senshi? And what exactly would be the benefit of her doing so, anyways? There was no promise that the evil Queen Serenity talked about would come, and if they did, just try and let them conquer her planet! She and her Jou would put a stop to that in a heartbeat!

She smiled slightly. Then, almost against her will, she thought of staying. A part of her, deep down, wanted to, and felt like it was the only thing she could do. While there was no promise that the evil the Queen spoke of was ever coming to the Silver Millenium, Haruka knew in the core of her being that it would. It was almost like an instinct down in her gut that warned her. Her planet would gain protection: she might even learn a thing or to. But still… her freedom? Was it worth being a legendary Sailor Senshi?

She sighed heavily, bowing her head, hearing Kayle's voice echoing in her mind.

"Have you decided?"

Haruka lifted her head up slightly, taken a little by surprise at the sound of Michiru's voice. She glanced back over her shoulder for a moment before gazing back out into the night. "My decision was made before I journeyed here," she retorted, trying to make clear that she had no intention of staying. The words came out much sharper than she had intended and she found herself wishing she could call them back to her. She sighed again.

"And?" Michiru asked as she moved to stand beside Haruka, resting her arms lightly on the balcony railing. She did not seem fazed. Haruka felt her heartbeat quicken at the proximity of Michiru; she just had that effect on her.

"If I was to choose between joining the Sailor Senshi and death, I think death would be kinder."

"I see," Michiru chuckled slightly.

Haruka bowed her head once again. "And yet, I find myself reconsidering."

"Why is that?"

Haruka looked up, her deep teal eyes finding Michiru's ocean blue ones. She smiled slightly. "Lots of reasons, I suppose." She paused for a moment. "Kaioh," she started.

"Please, call me Michiru."

Haruka, hiding her surprise with a smile, said, "Okay, then. Michiru."

"Hm?"

"Have you decided?"

Michiru closed her eyes briefly. "Yes."

"And?"

"My decision was made before I journeyed here," she teased with a smile that made Haruka's stomach knot up. Turning suddenly serious, her eyes took a faraway look, and she continued, "It is my destiny."

"Destiny?" Haruka repeated with somewhat distaste, as though the word were a huge plate of fermented soybeans. It seemed almost foreign. "How so?"

Michiru smiled again. "Intuition. A feeling I have." She clasped her hands together on the rail and looked up at Haruka. "On Neptune we believe strongly in a sense of duty. As the heir to the throne, I cannot refuse the offer, for it is my obligation as the upcoming ruler to do what is in the best interest of the people on my planet."

"And how many times did you rehearse that speech?" Haruka joked. Michiru gave her an amused look and smiled.

"Several. There's more- As a part of the solar system, it is my planet's responsibility to support the Queen… but most importantly…" she paused, her expression turning serious. "I truly believe in Queen Serenity's cause, and I will fight to uphold it."

Haruka noticed a fierce glint in Michiru's eyes as she finished, and for once, she felt the sense of duty Michiru was talking about- the obligation to her planet. It was something she had always felt, but in a different way. Her sense of duty was like a small soldier inside an army. She couldn't open up to see the bigger picture, that what she was really protecting and fighting for was not just her own planet, but her whole universe and existence. Perhaps some of the feelings Michiru felt had transferred to her, Haruka did not know. But she suddenly considered becoming a Senshi as more than just an offhanded suggestion. But…

"What of my freedom?" she whispered, gazing up at the stars, the slight breeze tousling her already disheveled hair.

"What of it?" Michiru answered quietly.

"To be bound forever by such a duty?"

"Duty to a greater cause, much greater than our separate lives, alone, could accomplish- it is something that only we can do, which is why we were chosen." She turned to look deeply into Haruka's teal eyes, and added, "I know you feel it, even now."

Haruka swore Michiru could hear her heart pounding. "What?" she asked quietly, unsure of herself for the first time in many years.

"Something tugging… almost a voice… but there are no clear words, and no sound… it's a desire that fills you up completely, a desire to protect."

"Protect? Who?" Haruka already knew the answer, and heard it confirmed with Michiru's lips.

"Serenity… It's hard to explain," Michiru looked away. "But I know that somehow, everything is centered around her." Haruka nodded uncertainly, but she couldn't doubt the truth in Michiru's words.

Michiru turned back again, her eyes so full with emotion that Haruka swallowed hard. "Haruka," she pleaded, all flirty pretenses dropped, and Haruka realized that it was the first time she had heard her name from this beautiful girl's lips, "Will you stay?"

Haruka was dumbfounded. "Stay?"

"Please… I cannot explain why, but I know that you are important to this cause- we are almost certain to fail without your support."

How could she deny that look in her eyes?

"Well… there are a lot of reasons why I shouldn't," she started carefully. "But my planet will receive protection, and perhaps I might even learn a thing or two…" Her expression turned serious. "Most importantly, I believe what Queen Serenity says is true."

"That there will be a force more devastating than this system has ever known…" Michiru whispered, as if she really had rehearsed it.

Haruka nodded. "When it comes, I want my planet to be ready. If this is the only way," Haruka grimaced as she thought of those short skirts, "then so be it."

They were silent for a moment.

Michiru smiled thoughtfully. "I'm glad you reconsidered."

"Your counsel made me reconsider, Michiru."

"So it seems." Michiru laughed lightly and tossed her hair over her shoulder with the flick of her wrist. Haruka found the gesture incredibly appealing.

They stood in comfortable silence for a few moments, enjoying each other's presence, before Michiru yawned softly, the sound still, to Haruka's ears, refined and lady-like.

"Oh, my," she laughed, embarrassed. "I guess it's pretty late."

Haruka nodded, a small smile on her face. "Mm-hm."

"Well, then, I suppose I shall see you tomorrow at the ceremony?"

"Yeah. I'll be there." Haruka rolled her eyes, and Michiru laughed.

She turned to walk back to her door, pausing halfway to turn back. "Tenoh," she started unsurely, almost shyly.

"Call me Haruka."

Michiru smiled. "Okay then."

There was a moment of silence.

"Well?" Haruka asked nervously.

Michiru shook her head. "That's all. Good night, Haruka."

"Good night, Michiru."

Haruka watched her go before returning to her own room.

'What a night…' She thought for a moment, and cursed herself for agreeing to become a Senshi, if only for Michiru's sake. 'I'm such an idiot…'

The next day came much too early for Haruka, but she was up at the crack of dawn, as usual, and went for a short run around the grounds before the sun came up. By the time the horizon was on fire with the break of day, she was inside, showered, and ready to greet the Queen. She was supposed to meet in Ballroom Nora, which was a lot smaller than Ballroom Jora and a bit more private. The queen did not want The Answering ceremony done in front of many people, in case of refusals and dishonoring done because of it- it was in her belief that everyone be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their reasoning.

As Haruka entered Ballroom Nora with Tachi, she noticed the lack of people as being a good thing. The only ones present were the Inner Senshi, the Queen, the prospectives, with the exception of Setsuna, their assistants, and some other people she did not recognize.

"Tachi," Haruka started seriously.

"Yeah?" he asked, looking attentive.

"Aren't you eager to know my decision?"

"Oh," he said, somewhat disappointed. He shrugged. "I guess?"

Haruka looked irritated. "What do you mean, you 'guess'? I'm trying to spare you some shock by telling you beforehand and you're not even interested!"

"Oh… yeah, that," he said. "Kayle had already predicted you'd say yes. In fact, we've all kind of known what your answer would be."

Haruka looked even more irritated. Her eyebrow twitched for a moment before she just bit her lip and said, "Nevermind, then."

Tachi suddenly looked a bit worried. "Why? It IS yes, isn't it?" Haruka walked off. "Hey! Haruka?! Isn't it?!"

Haruka ignored him, looking around the room, as Tachi sidled up to her. "Hey, why don't you make yourself useful and tell me who some of these people are?" She asked, grabbing him by the vest and pulling him closer.

"Er, well, who do you want to know?" he replied, straightening himself back out.

"Who's that guy over there?"

"Over where?"

"Next to Saturn!"

"Oh… Tomoe? That's Soichi Tomoe, Hotaru's father."

"He doesn't look very happy."

"Well, would you be happy if your 11 year-old was drafted as a Sailor Senshi?"

Haruka paused at the idea of herself with kids, her face wrinkling with disgust at the thought. "I suppose not."

"Exactly. Tomoe is a protective father, so I hear," Tachi stated.

"Hm. Okay, who's that?"

"Haruka, you're pointing at about ten different people."

"The guy with the dark grayish-blue hair."

"Um… the King of Neptune?" he offered.

"Michiru's father," Haruka said in awe.

"Didn't know you were on a first-name basis with the Princess of Neptune," Tachi teased. Haruka frowned at him and punched his arm.

"OW! Hey!"

"Let's go meet him!"

"Ehh, Haruka," Tachi said warily, grabbing Haruka's shoulder to keep her from walking off, "I don't think that's such a good idea. He's not all that approachable, if you know what I mean."

"…so?"

"So maybe we'd better go approach somebody else. Like…" he scanned the small crowd, squinting. "Ah!" he said excitedly. "There's the Ambassador of the Alliance! Let's go talk to him."

Haruka gave Tachi a look. "Seriously?"

Tachi grinned weakly. "Sure."

"Tachi," Haruka started slowly. "I--"

"Ladies and gentlemen," the Queen started softly but clearly, her tone serious and determined. "If you will draw your attention to the center stage, please…"

Tachi almost sighed with relief. "There, you see? We have other things to do."

"Don't think you're getting out of this."

Tachi swallowed. "…Right…."

"Only a few of you were present last night at the Introduction ceremony, and only because it was necessary," the Queen started. "All of you present here are present because you play some importance on the influence of our cause." She nodded at the Ambassador, and the various parents.

Haruka was suddenly overcome with slight sadness at the thought that her parents couldn't be present, but pushed the sadness out of her mind. Now was not the time for that. She had to be strong, for them.

"Haruka," The Queen said, and Haruka thought that she had noticed that her thoughts were elsewhere, "Michiru, and Hotaru… each of you was offered a proposition, of sorts, one night previous. I have given you ample time to consider that proposition, and am ready for your answers."

Haruka did not fail to notice the absence of Setsuna, and wondered where she might be and what important matters she might be attending to, that she would miss the Answering ceremony?

"Your Majesty, I have made my decision."

Once again, Haruka was pulled from her thoughts, this time by the sound of Hotaru's quiet, almost shy voice.

The Queen smiled. "Indeed you have, Hotaru."

Hotaru smiled faintly. "I know that I am young… younger than the others," she swallowed, stepping forward. "But my responsibility is… well, not to sound conceited… one of the most important…"

"Hotaru," said a man's voice, gently, and the King of Saturn stepped forward to put a hand on her shoulder. "You know you don't have to do this… we've talked, you can always wait…"

"Father," Hotaru said firmly, but appreciatively, "I understand. I'm ready."

"Your father is right, Hotaru," the Queen offered. "You are more than allowed to wait a year or so until you feel more capable. No one would hold it against you." She was giving her an out, Haruka realized, and suddenly she felt almost sorry for the young, purple-haired girl, thinking how hard it must be to take the path of a Senshi when so many others were offering for her not to.

"While that is true, Your Majesty, none of the other senshi are given a year to prepare."

"But Hotaru," her father protested, "they are not so young, so… so--"

Hotaru bowed her head. "Queen Serenity would not have asked if she herself did not feel I was capable," she said quietly. She looked up, her violet eyes sparkling with determination. "I am ready."

The Queen nodded, smiling slightly, almost proudly, and with a wave of her hand, a black cat appeared, a small crescent moon mark on it's forehead, and produced a purple henshin stick . The Queen handed this stick to Hotaru, who accepted it graciously.

"From this moment on, you are now Hotaru, the Senshi of Saturn."

There was no clapping, no cheering; Haruka found the room uncomfortably silent. Only the sound of a muffled sob was heard, and Haruka was surprised to see tears sliding down King Saturn's cheeks.

"He really loves her," Tachi whispered, and Haruka felt remorse for the man. How hard would it be to let your daughter go so young? Especially to such a dangerous, uncertain fate?

A moment later, Hotaru was at her father's side, and he was hugging her fiercely close, telling her how proud he was of her in a hoarse whisper.

Haruka could not help but feel just a little jealous. How she longed for her father to be there, watching her accept her rite as a Senshi, fulfilling her duty to her planet and her system, telling her how proud he was. But he WAS there, she told herself. Even on the moon, she knew her father was with her.

Queen Serenity watched Hotaru and her father for a moment, before raising her eyes to another.

"Michiru…?" she started, a slight smile gracing her royal features, almost as if she knew the answer. Michiru stepped forward and curtsied respectfully.

"Your majesty," she started as she raised up to look Queen Serenity in the eye. Haruka felt her heartbeat quicken and a twinge of nervousness for Michiru, regardless of the fact that she knew what the aqua-haired beauty's answer would be as much as the Queen, apparently, knew.

"My duty is to my planet, and my people," Michiru started carefully. "As the heir to the Neptunian throne, my priorities must be set as such. To lay my life on the line for such an important cause is something that I feel is expected, and freely given. Therefore, it would be an honor to accept the title of Sailor Neptune."

The Queen nodded, a smile gracing her lips. "Well spoken, Michiru," she said quietly. Michiru nodded. Without hesitation, the black cat once again stepped forward, this time producing an aqua-colored stick. The Queen presented it to Michiru, who accepted it gracefully, and said, "From this moment on, Michiru, you are now the Senshi of Neptune."

Michiru bowed respectfully. "Your majesty."

The Queen nodded, and Haruka noticed King Neptune nodding as well, his fist by his side in a gesture of triumph.

'Well,' she thought, 'We know who's guiding Michiru's decisions…'

And almost as she finished her thought, everyone's eyes were now focused on her.

"Go on, Haruka," Tachi whispered and he backed up a few steps.

She was more nervous than she had ever been in her life, but yet, she felt a presence inside her- one of utmost confidence, and it soothed her. It was a somehow familiar confidence, and as the Queen summoned her, she realized that it was her father's presence, guiding her as he always had in times when she needed him.

She stepped forward, bowed, and her eyes caught the Queen's. "Haruka," Queen Serenity started in a gentle voice. "What is your decision?"

Heart pounding, eyes staring at her, she was unaffected.

"Queen Serenity," she started, "I came here yesterday with every intention of refusing this title."

There were several gasps from the crowd, but the Queen did not seem worried.

"But… something changed my mind," she continued. The Queen smiled slightly, a quick glance spared in Michiru's direction- she knew exactly what that something- or someone- was. "It has come to my attention that some things were fated to happen. My personal duty has always been to the protection of the people I hold dear- my people, my planet. This duty has helped me to make my decisions at all costs. This, to me, is another way of serving my planet. So to answer your question, your majesty… I accept the title of Sailor Uranus." She punctuated it with a bow.

The Queen nodded, and quietly, so that only Haruka could hear, said, "Your father would be proud, Haruka."

Surprised, the blonde raised her eyes and said, "Thank you, your majesty."

The black cat once again performed it's duty and presented Haruka with a navy stick.

'Well, blue's not too bad,' she thought.

"From this moment on, you are now Haruka, the Senshi of Uranus."

She turned, and caught Michiru's eye. She was smiling at her, and she looked at Tachi. He gave her a thumbs-up, and she rolled her eyes.

The Queen spoke. "Everyone, we now have our Outer Senshi. With this final ceremony the Sailor Senshi have all been gathered, and we now have the strength to defeat anything that threatens our peace." She smiled. "Let us all enjoy the evening."

And with that, the ceremony was over. There was a slight outbreak of noise as people began talking about the events that had transpired, and Haruka glanced over once more and saw Tachi heavily immersed in conversation with the Ambassador of the Alliance.

"Oh, jeez," she muttered to herself. Who did that leave her with? Michiru was standing with her parents. Perhaps this was the best moment to meet the King of Neptune.

She advanced over to the small gathering of Neptunian Royalty, and as she approached, she came face-to-face with two spears, pointed directly at her chest.

"Halt, stranger!" Two guards glared at her from beneath heavy, intricately decorated helmets, set low on their brows. Haruka's hand drifted to the hilt of the sword strapped to her hip, pretty certain that she could take them, but more concerned at their presence in the first place.

"Haruka!"

She glanced up from her deadlocked glare with the two guards. Michiru was smiling brilliantly at her. "Stand down," she commanded, and the guards at once had their spears lowered and backed away, seemingly as quickly as they appeared.

Haruka smiled as Michiru came closer. "Hey," she said.

"Hey," the aqua-haired girl returned, her eyes sparkling. "I see you went with your destiny."

"I guess so…"

"Tenoh Haruka," interrupted a strong, deep, commanding male voice.

Haruka glanced up slightly to meet the dark blue eyes of the King of Neptune. He was half a foot taller than her, with broad shoulders and a heavily muscled physique. He had a broad face as well, and his hair was a darker shade of Michiru's with somewhat graying sideburns and a thick patch of dark turquoise hair on his chin. Everything about his posture commanded respect and dignity, but Haruka was determined not to be intimidated.

"King Neptune, I presume?" she raised an eyebrow.

The King smiled, the smile never reaching his eyes. "Of course." He stuck his hand out formally and Haruka took it, and they shook. The King's grip was like iron, nearly crushing the blonde's hand. Their gaze never broke as Haruka squeezed back.

King Neptune's eyes narrowed, his face showing his seriousness. "I hear your planet has just recovered from a civil war," he said as their hands parted.

"Yes, sir."

"Tell me, Tenoh. What caused this civil war to happen?"

Haruka swallowed. "Not really sure, sir. We believe it was a small invasion."

"I see." The king's eyes narrowed impossibly further. "Have you sent intelligence?"

Haruka was at a loss for words. Talk about the weather, talk about anything but this! "We have an investigation pending."

"Don't you suppose you should have had it immediately?"

"Father…" Michiru started.

"Never take a chance with security, Tenoh."

"Yes, sir."

"Say, Tenoh, what's the ratio on your defense systems? Are they up to par?"

"Well, the better person to ask would be my defense officer, Tachi." Haruka felt rather uncomfortable being grilled for information.

"Maybe so, but you should know of these things, Tenoh! After all, you are the ruler of Uranus, correct? What if there was to be, well, an invasion? You'd want to know of what's going--"

"Excuse me, sir," a small, shy, female voice interrupted.

The King turned to the sound and saw one of his attendants. "Well?" he asked, obviously annoyed at this interruption.

"I have important news from the home planet, sir…"

The King spared Haruka one more glance.

"Very well, then. Tenoh, remember what I said." He gave her a brief nod, and turned, gesturing for his wife, who had not been introduced to her, to follow him as he exited.

Michiru remained behind. "I should say good-bye to them. They'll be leaving soon." She sighed.

Haruka was relieved at their departure. Truthfully, she could not keep up with the King's intensity. "I suppose so," she said finally. "Does he always have guards trailing him?"

"He says you can never be too careful." Michiru shrugged. "I think he likes you, actually. Though it's hard to tell."

Haruka laughed nervously. "Sure."

The next day, Haruka was summoned to the Queen's Audience Chamber.

"What's all that about?" Tachi was asking as she prepared herself.

"How should I know? Listen, have you spoken to Kayle?"

Tachi nodded. "Yeah, everything's settling down back home."

"Good. Has he.." She hesitated, but decided to ask anyway. "Has he sent out the investigation yet?"

Tachi rolled his eyes. "Duh, Haruka. It's been out for days."

She was instantly relieved. "Any results?"

Tachi shook his head. "Nothing so far."

"Okay, then. Well, I'm off."

Upon arriving, she noticed Michiru was already there, waiting.

"Your majesty?" she questioned.

"Haruka, Michiru, I wanted to speak with both of you alone, before training began, because your Senshi duties are… different, from the other Senshi."

"How so?" Michiru questioned suspiciously.

"You and Haruka are partners, to put it bluntly. Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune have always been grouped together as a team, complimenting each other on physical and mental strengths and weaknesses. Because of this, your training requires you to work together and perfect your harmony. As a team, Uranus and Neptune are far stronger than any one Senshi alone. Since you are the only two Outer Senshi who will take up training, it seems fitting that you will be partners."

"The only two taking up training?" Haruka asked. "What about Pluto and Saturn?"

"Their duties are quite different than your own. Pluto is the Guardian of Time, and her duties are to watch the Gate of Time, a large responsibility that will require her to spend much time away from all of this, which is the reasoning behind her lack of attendance at the ceremony yesterday. As for Sailor Saturn, she is the Senshi of Destruction, a terrible burden and responsibility on one so young. She must first learn to control her extraordinary amount of power before she can begin to use it. Because of this, her training will take time much longer than it will take you two. And despite the Inner Senshi having been thus for longer, they are still not at a level that will compare to yours once you begin. You two are, as I said, alone in this task."

They were silent for a moment. The Queen paused, allowing them to consider her words, and then continued.

"As Uranus and Neptune, you are both keepers of a talisman." As she said this, the Queen produced the talismans, handing each in turn to their holders. "Michiru, it will be your responsibility to look after the Deep Aqua Mirror, and Haruka, the Space Sword. Guard them well. For now, they will be in alternate space, awaiting your summoning. If you find that you are in need, they will appear, for they are linked to the aura of your planetary powers."

They nodded, and the talismans disappeared.

"As I said before, your foundation is built on teamwork and trust. It is one of the most important things I can stress to you about your upcoming training. Do you have any concerns about performing your duty?"

Both of them shook their heads. "No, your majesty."

The Queen smiled knowingly. "It is a lot to think about, ne? But now, enjoy the afternoon. There will be plenty of time for training tomorrow."

And with that, the Queen turned and walked away, leaving the two to their thoughts.

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Another one bites the dust... and another one down, another one down... -stops singing- Okay. :P This was a pretty long chapter. A lot o' stuffs happened, kinda. As usual, thanks for the reviews! See ya next time...