"Try to enhance the video!" Minako suggested.

"... this isn't like Blade Runner. Even if I enhance the video, it won't increase the original quality," Ami replied.

"Just try it anyway!"

Ami sighed. After the incident with Eudial, the inner senshi went back to their hideout to analyze the security camera video in the hope they would find the mystery person who helped Eudial.

"Sure, I can try…"

Ami let her fingers run on the keyboard. The picture on the computer, a screenshot taken from the video showing Eudial going inside the station wagon, suddenly zoomed on the driver seat. The image got awfully blurry. They could barely make up a silhouette sitting behind the wheel.

"Can't you make the image more clear?" Minako asked.

"I already told you, it doesn't work that way," Ami said.

"Ugh… this is useless then!" Minako let out.

Makoto leaned over, looking more closely at the screen.

"Hmm… well, we can at least see a little bit of silhouette," Mako said. "And judging by what I can see of their shape, I'd say it's a woman."

"That doesn't really help us more," Usagi commented.

"Anyway, it's obvious who it is, so I don't know why we're losing time with this," Rei suddenly said.

They all turned towards Rei, who seemed baffled by their reaction.

"What? Why are you all pretending like it's a total mystery? You all know who it can only be!" Rei exclaimed. "It has to be either Bidou-san or Teruno-san…!"

"Nonsense!" Makoto immediately reacted. "It's not Teruno-san!"

"I cannot believe this would be Bidou-san either," Ami added.

"Who else could it be? It has to be one of the Witches 5," Rei insisted.

"Teruno-san isn't a witch anymore, and she doesn't even remember being one in the first place!" Makoto argued.

"Bidou-san has amnesia too, and she was purified," Ami said.

"You two really don't want to see the obvious, huh," Rei retorted. "One of them is lying."

"... You have no proof of that…!" Makoto argued.

"Oh yeah? Where were those two when the station wagon arrived?" Rei began. "Nowhere to be seen! Either of them could have easily been the driver!"

"...!"

"That's because… we told them to run away when Eudial attacked the café…!" Ami replied hesitantly.

"And again, one of them could have pretended to leave, but was actually going to get the station wagon," Rei replied. "Face it, the logic is sound. It has to be one of them… if not both!"

Makoto and Ami quickly exchanged a glance, both not wanting to believe someone they befriended could be lying to them.

"There's no way Teruno-san would be this cunning… I was with her right before, we were hanging out, having fun… she's not evil anymore!"

"I don't want to believe the Bidou-san I know now would be manipulating me like this. Not after everything… There has to be another explanation!" Ami let out.

Makoto looked down, her body tensing up.

"There is someone else who could have helped Eudial," Mako said.

"You are really stubborn-" Rei tried to say.

"Just as you said, it has to be one of the Witches 5. But it doesn't mean it has to be Teruno-san or even Bidou-san," Makoto continued. "There are other witches…"

"Wait, you mean…" Ami began.

"Yes, I'm talking about Mimete," Makoto confirmed.

"Mimete's been nowhere to be seen for days now!" Minako suddenly interjected. "I cannot believe she'd suddenly show up just to save Eudial's ass. She hates Eudial!"

"But Mimete is the only one who actually has her power back, and we do know she also remembers being a witch. It makes more sense for her to get involved with witch stuff than Teruno-san and Bidou-san," Makoto said.

"Hmm… it does make sense," Rei concurred.

"Oh, now you want to accuse Mimete!? You've been uncharitable towards Mimete from the start! Of course you'd start suspecting her as soon as someone else does too!" Minako accused.

"I'm not uncharitable, you're the one who's biased," Rei replied. "All of you are, to be frank, but especially you. Because you befriended Hanyuu-san, you're refusing to see the obvious, that she is no longer the person you knew. She's Mimete of the Witches 5! You're letting your emotions cloud your judgment!"

"I am not biased! It actually doesn't make sense for Mimete to help Eudial! Why would she even do that? Give me actual proof before accusing her!" Minako demanded.

"Do you have proof she wasn't the driver?" Rei said back.

"The burden of proof isn't on me!"

"We aren't cops or lawyers, if there's someone out there who is corrupted by evil, we ought to stop them. It's reasonable to suspect her given the circumstances."

"No, it's not!"

"Girls, please, let's not argue about this again!" Usagi intervened. "We won't get anywhere if we just keep pointing fingers."

"If anything, I believe any of those three could be Eudial's associate," Luna suddenly chimed in. "Or they could all be in cahoots for all we know. We won't know unless we investigate!"

There was still some tension in the room but they agreed to drop the argument.

"I'll try to see if Teruno-san knows anything," Makoto said.

"I have another study session with Bidou-san, so I'll do the same," Ami said.

"... I guess I'll keep looking for Mimete then," Minako said.

"Great. I'll consult the divine flames and see if I can find Eudial," Rei concluded.

The four inners nodded in unison while Usagi scratched her head.

"And I will… stay here with Luna, and supervise the operation!" Usagi exclaimed.

With a swift staff swing, Yuuko was sent flying across the room.

"Ack!" she grunted as she collided with the ground.

"Pathetic," Kaolinite said. "I gave you a simple task and you dared to come back empty-handed. I knew you were nothing more than a burden…"

"W-wait, Kaolinite-sama…!"

"Silence! It was foolish of me to even give you a chance, you pitiful empty shell of Eudial. I should have gotten rid of you right away!"

At those words, Yuuko suddenly felt a strange force grabbing her by the neck and lifting her from the ground, strangling her.

"Argh… p-please… Kaolinite… sama… give me… another… chance…!"

"Enough! It was a mistake even to entertain the thought of putting any faith in a mere human. Begone already!"

As she said that, the grip around Yuuko's neck grew tighter, taking away her breath.

"Please… Kaori…sensei…"

Kaolinite instantly froze. The force around Yuuko's neck suddenly ceased, releasing the ex-witch, dropping her once again to the ground.

"... I thought I warned you never to call me by that name again."

"... sorry…" Yuuko weakly said, still gasping for air.

"Tsk! You truly are pathetic…"

But despite her harsh words, Kaolinite had a soft expression on her face, a hand on her chest where her heart was.

"...and yet, I too am…"

"Kaolinite-sama…?"

The magus shook her head and chased down those sentimental thoughts.

"Never mind," she said as she sat down on her throne. "What's your excuse for failing me this time, Yuuko?"

Hearing Kaolinite calling her by her human name was already a blow to the heart, being treated as a failure made the situation even worse. But she was still grateful for Kaolinite's apparent mercy.

"The… the Daimon Germ didn't last long enough, I didn't have enough time to take down the senshi-"

"So this is my fault then? Are you going to push the blame for your failure onto me?"

"O-of course not! But, maybe if… I had two Daimon Germs, then I could make sure I'd be able to fight longer…"

As a response, Kaolinite pointed her staff at her. Yuuko instinctively flinched.

"Greedy, aren't you? One of my precious Daimon Germs isn't enough for you?"

"That's not what I meant…! It's precisely because it's so great that I need more…!"

"...hmm…"

Kaolinite pondered for a moment before she nodded.

"Fine then. But it better not go to waste," the magus warned.

Yuuko sighed in relief. She was relieved, not only because her master gave her another chance and agreed to her request, but because she needed that second Daimon Germ.

The person who came to her aid requested so.

"I won't let you down, Kaolinite-sama!"

"I'm glad you were available so soon, Mizuno-san. Our last study session was unfortunately … interrupted."

Ami was standing outside Bidou Yui's front door. Her senior was living in an apartment building, on the top floor.

"Sorry for asking us to meet on such short notice," Ami apologized.

"There's no need to apologize. I was really looking forward to our next study meeting. Come on in."

Yui invited Ami in. Her apartment was modest, but something a little bit above what one would expect for a high school student. Judging by the single pair of shoes at the entrance, Yui was living alone.

"Make yourself at home," Yui said. "We'll probably be more comfortable in the living room."

"A-ah, yes…!"

Ami felt more nervous than usual. Considering what she discussed with her friends earlier, she was supposed to investigate Yui. But she still couldn't believe Yui was up to no good, or had been manipulating her from the start. From Ami's perspective, Yui was a victim of the circumstances and someone she had failed to save once. The thought of her being ill-intentioned was inconceivable.

No, rather, it was just something Ami found unpleasant to consider.

"You're the one who's biased."

Those words were told to Minako, but Ami knew they equally applied to herself. Because she had befriended Yui, she didn't want to see her as a potential enemy. She knew she had to keep an open mind at least and do her duty as a senshi, but she couldn't help but wish Yui was innocent.

But she knew Minako and Makoto also felt the same way, and thought it would be unfair to expect them to suspect either Mimete or Teruno if she didn't at least entertain the thought that Yui might be guilty.

"You seem lost in your thoughts," Yui suddenly said.

"Ah, sorry!" Ami said, sitting down on the couch.

Yui smiled softly at her.

"You don't need to act so stiff around me. I may be older, but I see you as my equal. After all, I'm requesting your help to study."

Ami felt ashamed of herself. Yui was so kind to her, so humble and friendly, completely unlike Viluy. She couldn't fathom she was anything like her witch self. And yet, Ami was the one deceiving her, harbouring feelings of doubt and suspicion towards her.

"Do you live alone here? Where are your parents?" Ami suddenly asked.

Ami could swear there was a glint of coldness in Yui's eyes when she said that, and yet she continued to smile.

"My parents are very busy with their work. They own an international company so they spend most of their time outside the country," Yui replied.

"Oh, I see…"

There must have been guilt in Ami's voice because Yui felt the need to specify, "They still pay for my expenses, I'm not left to my own devices. They are the ones renting this apartment for me."

"Ah, that's good… still, isn't it lonely?"

"I'm not a child anymore, I don't need them to hold my hand. I just have to be an exemplary person worthy of their expectations. I don't have time to be lonely when I'm studying and working to improve myself."

"Is that… really alright? Dedicating yourself for the sake of your parents-"

"Mizuno-san, your mother is a doctor, right?"

Ami was taken aback by this sudden question.

"Yes?"

"And isn't your dream to become a doctor too?" Yui continued.

"... I see where you're going, but, I'm not working to become a doctor for my mother's sake. Becoming a doctor and being able to help people is my genuine dream, I'm doing it for myself, not because my mother wants me to. But I guess from an outside perspective, it may seem that way."

"So helping people is your dream, huh… that suits you. So pure of you. I guess I'm the same as you. I also strive to become the best version of myself for my own sake, not my parents'. Their high expectations just helped me pursue my goal."

Ami had no idea what emotion there was on Yui's face. Sadness? Anger? Bitterness? Yet her smile didn't falter. Deep down, Ami knew this smile was hiding pain.

"I think you already are the best version of yourself, Bidou-san."

Yui was clearly not expecting that. She suddenly turned stoic, staring intensely at Ami, before she let out a light chuckle.

"You really are kind-hearted, Mizuno-san."

This comment just made Ami feel more guilty. She was here on a mission after all, not simply to play friends with Yui.

"Bidou-san… did you… see Arimura-san lately?" Ami suddenly asked.

Yui looked surprised by her question. For a second, Ami worried that she might have been too forthcoming. Yui rubbed her chin, seeming thoughtful.

"Hmm… I haven't, but Teruno-san did," she finally answered.

"Huh?"

"After the incident at the café, Teruno-san went to meet with someone. I didn't want to pry, but I overheard her on the phone. I'm pretty sure she was talking to Arimura-san."

"...really?"

"Mhm."

Yui then suddenly turned back.

"Ah, we lost so much time already. I'll go make tea. You can start and get things ready."

"O-oh, okay…!"

As Yui headed for the kitchen, Ami pulled out her phone discreetly.

"Sorry, Mako-chan..."

When Makoto arrived at the local garden, Lulu was attending the flowers in the greenhouse.

"Oh, there you are, Kino-san!" Lulu exclaimed cheerfully.

Makoto forced herself to smile. She wasn't there simply out of friendship, but because she had a duty. And it pained her to do so.

"Those have grown beautifully," Mako commented, referring to the flowers.

"Hehe, thank you!"

Makoto took a look at Lulu. She looked like an ordinary girl, someone she developed a kinship with over their similar passion. There was no way Makoto could believe the time they spent together was nothing more than a ruse.

That being said, she still had a mission to do.

"How have you been lately?" Mako asked.

"Hm? I've been alright, just like usual," Lulu replied cheerfully.

Makoto leaned down against the counter, getting even closer to Lulu.

"Did you see Arimura-san lately?" Mako suddenly asked. "After the incident in the café."

Lulu paused for a moment. She was clearly not expecting this sudden question and looked like she was searching for her words.

"Senpai…?" Lulu mumbled. "No, I haven't seen her."

All her cheerfulness was gone, now replaced by worries. Makoto felt somewhat guilty over that.

"I hope she didn't get herself into trouble," Lulu continued. "It seems like she got mixed up with something seriously bad."

"Are you worried about her?"

"Of course! Arimura-senpai is my friend. I don't know what she got herself into, but she's clearly not herself anymore… I fear someone might be taking advantage of her."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Lulu looked down like she was hesitating to continue.

"Senpai is… very kind. But she's not without flaws. She might be nice, but she's also very bitter. I don't want to pry too much or expose her secrets, but let's just say I fear someone is taking advantage of her inferiority complex."

"... Inferiority complex?

"Senpai feels inadequate, she always thinks she isn't good enough. She might act confident and as a leader sometimes, but she still thinks she isn't worthy. And I'm worried some people might take advantage of this to manipulate her."

"So you think someone is manipulating her?" Mako questioned.

"Most definitely. Arimura-senpai wouldn't act so callously for no reason. She isn't a bad person at heart. And the only person who could possibly push her into this dark path… is someone who knows her well. Someone she trusts and can exploit her weaknesses."

"And who might that be?"

"Hmm… I can think of a few people-"

"That's enough, Tellu."

Makoto had an immediate feeling of dread when she recognized the voice.

"... Arimura-senpai…" Lulu muttered.

Eudial grinned.

"Please, there's no need to keep the charade. You don't need to make up excuses for me anymore. You can call me by my real name, Tellu."

Lulu clenched her fist. Makoto was starting to have a bad feeling about this.

"Teruno-san…?"

"How long are you going to keep pretending not to remember? There's no point anymore. They already know the truth by now," Eudial continued.

"What are you… talking about?" Lulu said.

Then, like on cue, two inner senshi rushed inside the greenhouse.

"Mako-chan, get away from her!" Mars exclaimed.

"Huh!?" Makoto reacted.

"She's been lying to us this entire time!" Venus accused.

"What… what are you talking about? No, I can't believe it! It has to be wrong!" Mako then turned to Lulu. "Tell them they're wrong!"

Lulu looked away for a moment, hesitating. Then she looked back at Makoto with a pained smile.

"I'm sorry, Kino-san, but I'm afraid they are right. I have been lying to you all along."

She then glared at Eudial.

"Eudial…!"

"Finally, you're dropping the act, Tellu."

"Why would you expose me like this…!?"

Hearing Lulu say that, not even denying Eudial's words, sent Makoto's heart into despair.

"I told you already, they knew. I'm just here to help my dear kouhai."

"Teruno-san… No, I can't believe it! How could you lie to me!?" Mako yelled out.

"You're one to talk, Sailor Jupiter," Lulu retorted.

With this, Makoto couldn't deny the truth anymore. Lulu knew. She remembered. She had her memory back.

"No…"

Lulu looked down for a moment.

"Please, at least don't fight in the greenhouse, Eudial-senpai," she said before running away.

"Teruno-san, wait-"

But before any of them could go after her, Eudial blocked the exit of the greenhouse.

"Tsk-tsk, I can't let you get in the way," Eudial said. "Your opponent will be me!"