AN: So this only took four days, which is to me pretty impressive. I guess Makoto's motivating me to involve her more. No, I haven't wrapped up her part this chapter- you'll have to wait till next time.

Disclaimer: Makoto isn't mine. None of it is. =(

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So they parted ways, each heading for a different sector to deal with several Daimons at once until Sailor Moon could come and destroy them. Kunzite was with her, in order to teleport her to each new location.

"Where is Sailor Jupiter?" she gasped as she dropped a third Daimon in her area alone.

"I do not know," the general answered as he sent a fourth flying back. She pivoted and purified that as well. "These Daimons are human-born, though. Perhaps…"

"No," the heroine said, jaw set. "We would know if it was Jupiter." She threw the crystals back to the victims. "Are there more here?"

"Fifty meters away, beyond that building."

"Let's go, then."

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It was screaming outside that roused Makoto from her rest. She leapt to her feet, disregarding the agony still throbbing in her chest, and ran to the window. Down in the streets below, a bloodied Sailor Mars was battling five Daimons at once.

"No," she whispered.

Her savior- Sanjoin Masato, she recalled- was nowhere to be seen. She hoped he hadn't left his apartment. She reached out, and her henshin wand fell into her hand.

"I have to go," she murmured to it. "No matter what. I can't leave my friend out there alone."

She spotted a pad of paper and a pen on the nightstand by the bed and quickly wrote a note saying she had gone home. If he would be confused as to why he hadn't seen her leave… well. It didn't really matter; she wasn't likely to see him again.

"JUPITER STAR POWER, MAKE-UP!"

The dazzle of power eased her pain a little, but still she pressed one hand to her ribs as her feet again settled on the ground. Straightening, she opened the window and slipped out to the fire escape. She closed it again before leaping down to the ground.

The fall shook her more than it should have, but Jupiter was not the Senshi's strength for nothing. She ignored it and raced onto the street, summoning her electricity as she ran. When one of the Daimons lunged for Mars' unprotected back, she released it.

"SPARKLING WIDE PRESSURE!"

"Jupiter!" Mars cried. "Where have you been?"

"Not now!" she shouted back as she grabbed one of the Daimons and threw it against the side of the building. It stilled, for the time being. They both knew it wouldn't last long.

The fiery Senshi gritted her teeth when one slipped past her guard and jabbed at her. "BURNING MANDALA!" It flew back, badly singed. "You scared the hell out of us, you know. We thought one of these had gone after you."

Jupiter didn't respond, focusing on pushing the monsters back. It was answer enough.

"It was. You were attacked. Why didn't you call us?"

"I didn't have my communicator," she answered shortly as she grabbed one by the scruff of the neck and slammed one of her Pressures directly into its gut. "I got away."

"Jupiter!" Sailor Moon cried as she raced onto the scene, Kunzite just behind her. Her Spiral Heart Moon Rod was in her hand, but it was clear how tired she already was. "Mars!"

"You have to get them!" the raven-haired warrior called. "Now, Sailor Moon!"

Jupiter pushed them back sharply one last time before leaping clear, pulling Mars with her. Sailor Moon nodded.

"MOON SPIRAL HEART ATTACK!"

She managed to turn as the attack fired, carrying three of the Daimons in its wake. Two were left, and Kunzite was grappling with them. Zoisite and Mercury appeared moments later. She trapped them in her ice.

"Quickly!" Zoisite urged, seeing the cracks already forming in the surface.

The Moon Senshi nodded again, but Jupiter saw her swallow and noticed how her hands were shaking. "MOON SPIRAL HEART ATTACK!"

The monsters returned to their human state and fell as Sailor Moon sank to the ground herself. Mars quickly gathered the heart crystals and returned them to their hosts before she and the other Senshi hurried to Sailor Moon's side, and Mercury took readings of her with her mini-computer. Her expression was grim.

"You've done too much."

She shook her head. "I did what I had to do."

"Sailor Moon, listen to me. You have to be more careful. This weapon… it's made from a part of you, so it drains you to use it. It's not as bad as it would have been using the Ginzuishou, but you've used it enough times tonight that your energy levels are severely depleted. And…"

"And what?" Zoisite pressed when she stopped.

"And it seems to have triggered something in you. I don't understand what it is, but you now have the potential for something you didn't before."

Sailor Moon sighed. "Don't worry about it. Whatever it is, I'll handle it. I couldn't let these people die, Mercury. So I did what had to be done. Besides," she added, looking at the others, "I'm not the only one that did a lot tonight."

Kunzite nodded. "I will go for Tuxedo Kamen-sama and Venus."

He vanished as the girls clustered together, leaving Zoisite on the fringes. Mars had told them that Jupiter had been attacked, and the three of them were trying to convince her to tell them more. The taller warrior just shook her head.

"I'll handle it," she told them. "It's something that I have to do myself."

Mars was about to argue, but Sailor Moon stopped her. "If that's your decision, fine. Just remember, Jupiter, we'll always be there if you need us."

Mercury echoed the sentiment, and she smiled at them.

"Thanks."

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Makoto wandered a few blocks to a small pocket park and dropped, exhausted, on the bench. Her chest was pounding again, now that the power of her henshin wasn't holding the worst of the pain at bay. She wondered if she'd have enough energy to walk home.

"Yo."

Her head snapped around at the voice, but she relaxed when she saw who it was. "Haruka-san. You frightened me."

"Did I?" the blonde drawled. "Well, my apologies. Why so jumpy, kitten?"

She sighed, drawing her knees up against her chest. "I had an awkward encounter with my ex-boyfriend. I guess I'm not dealing with it as well as I thought I could."

"The past has a way of sneaking up on us. I'm sure it's not as bad as you think."

She laughed a little. "Maybe. So what brings you here?"

"I saw you come in and thought you could use some company. The streets aren't safe these days."

'Don't I know it,' Makoto thought irritably. Outwardly, though, she forced a smile. "So you were worried about me?"

"Sure. You're my friend, aren't you? I don't want it to be you who's hurt."

She thought it was a weird way to phrase the sentiment but sighed. "Thanks, I guess. You should probably go home though; it's getting late."

"You don't look so good, kitten. Maybe you should too."

"I will. I just… I needed some time. My place is so empty. It's too easy to let my mind run away with me."

Haruka nodded and sat down next to her. "It was like that for me before Michiru moved in. When it's dark and you're alone, you start thinking about all sorts of things that you would rather ignore."

"How did you deal with it?"

"I ran. Or raced. Speed was my drug of choice. By going as fast as I could, I could forget for a little while. Now… I just have to deal with it."

Makoto looked up at the stars that were beginning to appear. "Michiru said your dream was in racing, but you said no. Why did it change?"

"I love racing. Sometimes, though, it's not enough. There's something else I have to do."

"You can't do both?"

She stared into the distance. "I do still race, so it's not that I've pushed it away entirely. It just can't be my everything anymore."

An unsettled silence fell as Makoto tried to find a dream of her own. There was her gardening, of course, and her cooking. She could easily make herself a place in the world doing those things. Instead… her mind kept circling back to her duties as a Senshi. She wondered if she would ever be anything else.

"What do you dream?" Haruka asked, as though she had heard her thoughts.

"I don't know. I guess I've never really thought about it."

"There must be something."

Makoto studied a nearby tree. "Maybe gardening. I love plants- taking care of them, seeing how beautiful they become when you've done a good job. Maybe cooking. But…"

"But?"

She smiled ruefully. "You're not the only one that has something bigger to think about."

"Maybe not," Haruka replied. "There still has to be something you want most."

"Love," she answered suddenly, surprising herself. "I want someone to love. I've been alone for most of my life. Even with my friends, I go home to an empty apartment. I want someone that will be there. Someone I can cook for or that will admire my flowers. Someone that will dance with me in the middle of a storm."

"That's a tall order."

"Yeah." Finally, she got to her feet and stretched, again ignoring the aches and pains from earlier.

"Your forehead is bruised, kitten."

Makoto shrugged. "I ran into a cupboard corner. It'll heal soon enough."

"Maybe you should take it easy for a while."

"It's not that bad."

Haruka rose as well. "I can't do anything about the empty apartment, but would you like some dinner? You can join Michiru and I."

"I should probably go home." She thought of the wards that would keep her safe for at least the night. "It's late, and I'm sure you don't need me to intrude."

"It's no intrusion," the blonde promised. "Michiru asked me to invite you. She says she needs someone that will appreciate fine cuisine around now and again."

"Are you going out?"

The older girl named a high end French restaurant not too far from Makoto's home. "Michiru's wanted to go for a while, but she knows I won't really care."

"It's awfully expensive," Makoto winced. "I don't have a lot of money."

"We've worked there before, actually. They promised us a free dinner if we ever decided to try the food."

"Worked there?"

Haruka nodded. "Michiru is a violinist, and I accompany her on piano. It's how we can afford to live on our own and still pay our school tuition."

"Oh." She studied her apparel- the shorts and top now dirty with grass stains. "I'm not dressed for a fancy restaurant."

"I can drive you to your apartment to change. I need to myself anyway, so I can give you half an hour and pick you up?"

"That would be great," she decided finally. "Thanks."

"No problem. My motorcycle is just on the street."

"Motorcycle?"

Haruka grinned. "Surprised?"

"A little. I thought you preferred racecars."

"I like motorcycles. The wind is so freeing when you ride. I have an extra helmet," she added. "Among other homes, I needed to go home for my car."

"I thought you were too young for a license."

"I got it overseas. In America, you only have to be sixteen." She headed down the path. "Let's go. Michiru hates to be late, and the reservation is in an hour. We'll call ahead and change it to three, so don't worry about it."

Makoto followed her and smiled at the sleek machine. "I've never ridden a motorcycle."

"Never? I thought you had some dark past."

"How did-?"

"Impressions," she answered, waving her hand. "Actually, Michiru is really good about guessing things like that. She was the one that said it to me. Something about a reputation for brawls?"

She blushed. "Well, yeah. I'm trying to move past it, but I used to get in fights all the time. I never ran with a gang though, so no motorcycles for me. Usagi-chan's boyfriend has one, but we aren't close."

Haruka tossed her a helmet. "I'll keep myself under control then. On my own I can be a bit of a daredevil on my bike."

She strapped it on. "Don't worry for my sake. I'll be fine."

"You sure? You still look kind of out of it."

"I'm fine. I could use some adrenaline anyway."

The smile that slid across Haruka's features would have chilled most people to the bone. For Makoto, it was practically a challenge. "If you say so. Get on, kitten."

The ride was chilling- the wind cut into Makoto's exposed skin- and completely exhilarating. Haruka hadn't been joking when she said she was a daredevil. The brunette's legs were actually unsteady for a moment as she got off in front of her building, but she was grinning widely and had enjoyed herself more than she would have expected.

"I accidentally left some things in my garden," she said. "I'll grab those before I go up."

"I can wait. I wasn't kidding when I said it was dangerous to be out alone."

She rolled her eyes. "It's literally next door, and I'll keep an eye out. I'll be fine."

The blonde made no move to leave. She just leaned against the bike, arms crossed, eyes on the younger girl. "I have time."

Makoto sighed. "Fine. Have it your way." She ran into the garden and scooped her things up before backtracking to her building. A quick wave as she opened the door was enough for Haruka, since she immediately got on the motorcycle, gunned the engine, and was off. She shook her head and hurried to the elevator.

The wards, when she checked them, were still undisturbed, but the wear was showing more clearly than before. She adjusted her estimate to a few more days and wondered if she had any more oak on hand. She started and realized she still had to get ready.

A shower was all she had time for, so Makoto dashed through that and managed to pin her unruly curls into an artfully messy bun at the back of her head. For a dress… she frowned. She didn't have a lot of pretty things in her wardrobe, despite the times she had gone shopping with her sisters. She snapped her fingers as an idea occurred to her.

For Usagi and Mamoru's bond repair, the Senshi had each worn a gown. She still had hers in a dry cleaner's bag in her closet, and it would be perfect for the venue. A moment later, Makoto frowned. If the Daimon in Kurosawa caught up with her, she certainly wouldn't be prepared for a battle.

"It doesn't matter," she decided aloud. "I won't let him ruin this. Even if he shows up, I'll deal with it. Tonight I want to be able to enjoy myself."

So the gown was brought out, and she hunted up a pair of ballet flats in the same shade as the dress. She was grateful it didn't have to be pulled over her head, which would have messed up her hair. Cosmetics were ignored, except to conceal her bruise, but she managed to find a few pieces of jewelry that suited.

"I should bring my communicator," she murmured, studying the slender watch-like device. It was green, so it wouldn't be too odd when compared to the rest of the ensemble, but the star-and-moon symbol might draw some attention. With a shrug, she buckled it on anyway. If asked, she could say it was a memento of her parents. No one would question that.

"Now what?" she asked the mirror. "Am I ready?"

The words had scarcely left her mouth when her phone rang. She snatched it up.

"Hello?"

"Kino-san, a young man says he is here to pick you up."

'Young man?' she wondered before her sense caught up. 'Oh, Haruka. She must have chosen to wear a suit.' "I'll be right down. Thank you."

She settled the phone on its base and took one last look in the mirror. She thought about what else she would need, but decided that there wasn't anything since the outing was a treat. With one brisk nod, she trouped out the door.

Haruka smiled when she saw Makoto. "You look exquisite."

"Thank you."

"Shall we go? Michiru is in the car."

Michiru stepped out of the car- a yellow convertible, top down- and grasped Makoto's shoulders, looking her up and down. The older girl looked gorgeous, in a strapless teal dress that flowed as she moved. "Let me look at you. You look amazing, Makoto-san."

She looked down at her dress. The green column had thin lace spaghetti straps, and the spray of oak leaves was a delicate shade of mint. She supposed it did look nice, but 'amazing' seemed a bit far-fetched. Nevertheless, she didn't argue.

"You don't need to be so formal," she said finally. "All my friends call me Mako-chan."

"Am I your friend?" Michiru asked. "You scarcely know me."

Makoto shrugged. "I like you, and you seem to care about me or you wouldn't have let me come. So yes, I guess we're friends."

She laughed. "I suppose we are. Mako-chan it is, but whatever has Haruka been calling you?"

"Mostly 'kitten'," the blonde called as she slid into the driver's seat.

Michiru sighed. "Still such a flirt. You must excuse her; she's terribly irrepressible. I hope it doesn't offend you."

"Not at all," Makoto answered with a grin. "It's refreshing, actually. Most people are intimidated by me."

"I can't imagine why. Shall we go?"

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The restaurant was absolutely beautiful, decorated in the French Colonial style. The wait staff was quick and discreet, and the food was magnificent. Makoto was certainly enjoying herself.

"I really can't thank you enough for this," she told Haruka and Michiru over a plateful of Napoleon after dinner. Haruka was cheerfully tucking into a chocolate mousse while the more sophisticated Michiru delicately ate spoonfuls of crème brûlée. "This is just fantastic."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it," Michiru responded. "Haruka will eat most things and never notice its quality."

"She only had a salad."

She sighed. "Yes, it's her favorite food. I never could convince her to try something else."

"In my defense," Haruka injected drily, "it was a very good salad."

The waiter approached and bowed. "The owner sends her compliments and hopes you found your meal to your taste."

"It was exquisite," Michiru assured him.

He nodded. "She also wishes to know if you would be available for a performance next week. Our normal band for Thursdays had to cancel, unfortunately."

Haruka considered. "I don't have anything else planned. Do you?"

She shook her head. "No, I don't think so." Her gaze returned to the waiter. "We will be glad to play Thursday."

The man bowed again. "Then I thank you on the behalf of the entire staff. I will convey the message to the owner. Feel free to order anything else if you so desire. All charges are waived, of course, for you and your guest."

"Thank you, but I think we've had enough." Michiru rose and smiled as the waiter left. "Are you ready to leave, Haruka?"

She hurriedly took the last bite of her mousse. "Sure. What about you, kitten?"

"Makoto-san."

Makoto turned. "Takeda-san. What brings you here?"

"A business dinner, now concluded." He studied her companions. "Tenou Haruka, the racing prodigy. And you… you are Kaiou Michiru, the violinist."

"We are, but I'm afraid you have the advantage, sir. I don't know you."

He bowed slightly. "Takeda Keiji. I am a businessman and an acquaintance of Makoto-san and her circle of friends."

"I see," Michiru murmured.

"You guys can go," Makoto told them. "I need to talk to Takeda-san."

Haruka hesitated, but eventually nodded. "Sure. Just be careful getting home, all right?"

"I will."

They watched them go in silence, and once they were gone her companion sighed.

"I was not aware you knew them."

"I didn't realize they were famous."

He inclined his head. "In certain circles, yes. Tenou Haruka made a stir on the racing circuit mere days after our… return. As for her charming companion, Kaiou Michiru has on occasion done some work at events I have attended."

"I didn't know."

His piercing gaze slid to her. "You wished to speak to me, you said."

"Not here."

"As you wish." He led the way out of the restaurant, and courteously opened the passenger door to his car for her. "You look lovely, by the way. How are your injuries?"

"My- how did you know?"

"I am a soldier, Makoto-sama. You are hiding it well, but cosmetics are insufficient to conceal injury from an experienced eye. More, your movements are less fluid and more considered. I would assume that though the Daimon's attack was unsuccessful, it still connected and is causing considerable pain."

She sighed. "I hoped no one would notice."

Kunzite started the car. "I imagine that both Mercury-sama and Zoisite have realized, but they will hold their peace until they are pressed. Nor have I said anything. So what is it you wished to ask?"

"You always know more of what's going on than you necessarily say. What do you know about this new enemy?"

One brow lifted as he merged into traffic. "I doubt that I can guess at much more than you. Still, it is simple enough to list what little information or supposition I possess." He considered. "The target is already known to us: the acquisition of 'Talismans', presumably contained within pure hearts. The precise nature of these Talismans is a mystery to me. The targets themselves seem to be somewhat random, lacking discipline or focus. Both Ami-sama and Rei-sama indicated a woman with red hair and the power of teleportation as being responsible. However, I would suppose she is merely a servant of our true foe."

"You're right, I know most of that already." She frowned. "Why do you think she's not ultimately in charge?"

"As I said, her methods lack discipline. The creation of Daimons seem to be done scientifically, if Mercury's data is correct. The one responsible for their making therefore has a scientific mind, and would not select targets so haphazardly."

"Anything else?"

"I have witnessed, each time I have been present during a battle, that a defeated Daimon becomes an object of some sort, presumably something that has come in contact with the victim. From this item, a pod or egg of some sort emerges and breaks. I would assume that it is the pod that contains the Daimon in its most primitive form. Postulating further, I would assume that today's human Daimons were somehow joined with an egg and sent after a target. That target would presumably have some connection to the Daimon's host, as the items that were the base of previous Daimons were."

"Kunzite, would we be particularly good targets?"

"By 'we', you mean yourself and the other Senshi? Yes, I would imagine so. It is not likely to be coincidence that already three of you have been targeted. As the criteria for attack is the rather vague statement of 'pure hearts', well. The Sailor Senshi are exceedingly pure of heart and thus an ideal choice."

"What about you and the other Shitennou? Or Mamoru-san?"

"There, I am unsure. It is true that Zoisite has been attacked, but from what I understand of the day's events it was Ami-sama that was the original target. More, I do not know the effects our past would have had on our 'purity'."

Makoto grimaced. "So in short, we know practically nothing. What about Uranus and Neptune? Do you know anything about them?"

"Yes, though I do not believe my recollections will prove to be of much use."

"Try," she suggested.

He nodded. "If that is what you want, I shall oblige. Sailors Uranus and Neptune are the guardians of the outer solar system and stand as the initial defense against any invaders from beyond, much as yourself and the other Guardian Senshi are the first to battle any threats from within. They will most frequently be in each other's company and are close partners."

"We met them before, but they were more helpful then."

"I did not have the fortune of knowing them well, as their duties often prevented them from joining the rest of Princess Serenity's court. However, it does not surprise me. They will act as duty dictates, and though I do not know why, their duty for the time being leads them away from us. For whatever reason, they too seek the Talismans."

"But why?" she asked, frustrated. "What are they? Did you know anything about them during the Silver Millennium."

"The word 'Talisman' could refer to any number of magical items from that time, unfortunately. To determine which it might have been is an impossible task." Kunzite glanced at her. "Shall I return you to your home now, Makoto-sama, or do you have further questions?"

"Home, I guess," she answered.

The remainder of the drive was passed in silence, and he was again a gentleman, opening the door for her. She smiled her thanks as she got out, shaking the folds from her dress.

"A last word of advice, Makoto-sama. Be exceedingly cautious, and take care to remain home when you are alone. It would ill suit you to be a victim."

"I'm already a victim of this."

"Perhaps so, but do you wish to be a victim who was helpless?" His expression was inscrutable. "Good night."

She managed to mutter it back as she entered her building, shaken by what he had said. She saw his car leave and sighed.

"I can't stay inside right now," she told the empty lobby. The doorman had already left for the night, since it was rare for anyone but a resident to be about. "I need air."

She watched first to be sure Kunzite had truly left before slipping out again and walked the path to her garden. In the gentle starlight, it was hard to believe anything might have happened there a matter of hours ago. Makoto took a seat on the delicate wrought iron bench by her rose bush and stroked one of the pink blossoms.

"What do I do?" she asked it.

With a sigh, she kicked off her shoes and hiked up her skirt, running her bare toes through the still-warm soil. It was enough to distract her from the gnawing ache beneath her breastbone and from her unhappy thoughts.

"I thought you were sensible enough not to return here so soon."

Makoto really wasn't surprised to see him as she got to her feet, glad her dress stopped at her ankles and had a slit to ease her movement. "I thought you were sensible enough to know when you've lost. I'm still more than a match for you." Still, her hand slipped to the little communicator at her wrist and flipped it open, allowing it to transmit what was happening to her sisters. "What happened to you, Kurosawa-sempai?"

"You beat me!" he snapped. "Only you. No one else was able to even get close, but a mere girl could!"

Her jaw dropped a little. "So you turned to this? You idiot! Don't you realize what you've done?"

"Do you?" Kurosawa-Blackire asked silkily, edging closer. "Be afraid, little girl."

"I'm not afraid of you."

With that, Makoto delivered a bare-fisted punch to the face. She didn't run, though. This would be settled once and for all. She hoped he would at least leave her flowers alone.

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AN: Woo, cliffhanger again. I'm so mean, aren't I? Well, it gives you reasons to review, I hope. I don't mind going without the begging as long as I get the requisite three a chapter, but it's been close a few times. So, if you want me to not beg each chapter, please review. Till next time!