. I understand that this crossover is a bit…ambitious to say the least. However, I'm just paying homage to some stuff I love. I really love Sailor Moon S. It is my favorite arc of the series. If this goes successfully, I might do Super S and Stars multiverse style haha. I did change the rating to mature because I wrote some innuendos for Angel Dust and Astarion. However, I am not showing anything explicit. I don't like writing that stuff, to be honest. No hate to people who do. It's just not my thing. I'm more about fluff and adventure. So, without further ado, I hope you like this chapter. Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below!

And so, Miles and others joined Rei's study group. It started as pure interest for Sokka. He wanted to see how stuff differed from the Southern Water Tribe (The Four Nations, really). Katara thought this was a great idea and became interested herself, reluctantly bringing Zuko into the group. Miles noticed that some *cough* Minako, Usagi, and Makoto *cough* would struggle with a lot of math, science, English, history, and anything that wasn't the humanities. Considering he was a top student, he helped them. Giorno joined because he was great at math, especially anything statistics based. Arven was behind in his own studies, so he joined after Nemona insisted they join. Luz was on par with Giorno. Hunter was also a pretty fast learner; truth be told, Miles thought they joined because they had fun hanging out with everyone. Josuke joined because he also needed to study—like a lot. Lillie helped when she could, although most times, she was talking to Gideon. Pav and Kakyoin would occasionally come over and help, since there were a lot of people who needed it. Adora trained instead, and Starfire took an interest if Robin were in the study session. Anne actually did study with them, something about needing to master MLA skills (to which Luz and Miles gladly helped). Sometimes Kaiba, Robin, and Connie would stop by to report anything they found, or study. Connie and Robin seemed impressed by Ami. Connie wanted to keep up with Ami somehow even after everything had returned to normal. Though Miles would tell her, that's not necessarily a good idea. Even Kaiba seemed impressed by Ami. And, admittedly, Miles was, too. She solved the hardest mathematical equations he'd seen.

"Miles, is number eight right?" Mako asked, holding up her paper in front of him.

He'd been popular around the study table. He did know what he was talking about, but it was a much-needed ego boost. Funny thing was, Mako asked him a lot more than the others, despite Giorno probably being the best at math.

He glanced over the problem and gave her a smile. "Yeah! You got it, Mako!"

"Haha!" Mako cheered, pumping her fists in the air. "Thanks Miles! I would've never understood these dumb logarithmic equations without you."

"You would've gotten it," Miles assured her. "You just needed someone to show you a play-by-play."

"I suppose so," Mako said with a small giggle.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S NOT NEGATIVE SEVEN?" Josuke and Usagi asked in unison.

"You two really shouldn't copy each other's answers to try and get out of work," Rei said, sipping a cup of tea. "You're both really bad at math. Why didn't you ask Ami, Giorno, or Miles for help?"

"Because then the math will have won, Rei," Josuke insisted.

Usagi laughed. "Yeah! He's right!"

She slammed her homework down on the table and pointed to the problem in question, "In the name of the moon, I'll punish you!"

It was quiet for a minute before Josuke gave her a pity laugh. She hung her head. "Oh, come on, that was funny."

"We're not here to make jokes," Zuko said sternly. "We're here to study."

"You're just mad you had to join," Katara teased.

"I agree," Giorno spoke up, albeit a bit hesitantly. "Zuko is right. We're supposed to be helping you study."

Zuko, caught off guard a bit, seemed suspicious, and then a little guilty. Guy was hard to read. Giorno didn't react, even if he noticed.

He turned to Miles. "Miles, Minako is struggling with this bit of theory, I don't have the answer, do you think you can help her?"

"Sure," Miles said, taking a glance at the textbook.

It was on dark matter. It seemed so long ago that he was studying dark matter in his dorm room, trying to find a way to get back to the other universes. Now that they were in one messy conglomerate, he dreaded who would come by the shrine next. He was surprised Gwen hadn't. Apparently, both Pav and Kaiba had stuck to their words of not letting her know where they were. He didn't want to see her—not right now.

"It's matter that doesn't absorb, reflect, or admit light," Miles explained. "People theorized it could be used to cross dimensions—universes even."

"Then why aren't we using it?" Sokka asked.

"It's all speculative theory, some people say," Miles said. "Though, I know it's real."

"How?" Zuko asked.

"Used it before…by accident," Miles said with a laugh. "And so have people I fought. They're the scary ones. Villains who can travel through dimensions should be taken seriously."

Voice of experience.

Rei frowned. "You don't think the heart snatchers could be from a different universe, do you?"

"It's possible," Miles said honestly. "I'd worry about those two senshi who seem to be out for their own 'mission,' too. They're probably more dangerous than your villains of the week. Maybe THEY'RE from another dimension."

Usagi shook her head. "I don't think so. We're all senshi. We have to be similar somehow. They always give the crystals back."

"They almost gave Unazuki's back too late," Sokka pointed out. "She could've died."

"Maybe try talking to them?" Katara suggested. "I think both of you have a point. They fight the daimon just like we do. You could try to convince them to join up. After all, Usagi, you said the senshi are supposed to be a team. So, there could be other reasons why they're hesitant to help our team."

"You need to be careful," Zuko murmured. "People who are driven by their own goals and motivations, no matter how flawed, can be too determined to their own point of view. It might be hard to get them to talk to you—or compromise."

"Good advice," Giorno said.

Again, another stare. At this, even Giorno seemed confused.

"Hey, excuse us for a second," Miles said, pulling Giorno into a disconnected room. Once he was sure no one was watching, he asked, "Dude, what are you doing?"

"…Trying to be friendly."

"Dude, that is not friendly. That's suspicious! Muy sospechoso!"

"It's not as easy as it looks. The people I've dealt with did all the interpersonal stuff better," Giorno said.

"It's easy," Miles said. "You've just gotta relax, you know? Just be natural. Talk like you're talking to your friends."

"Those aren't a sure thing where I come from, Miles," Giorno snapped back. He sighed. "Look, I appreciate the advice, it's simply harder to know who's your friend for the sake of business and who is eventually going to stab you in the back."

Miles was quiet for a minute. Of course, he knew what that was like. The insinuation of doubt was almost insulting.

"I know you've said your friends betrayed you," Giorno said. "But at least you have a good family. You're fighting hard for your dad. It's admirable. I never had any of that. Not that I'm whining, but you have to understand where I'm coming from Miles."

"I—," Miles began. He cut himself off. He had a feeling this was the first time Giorno had opened up to anyone, maybe ever. "No. You're right. I wouldn't know. I'm sorry."

He kind of chuckled. "The first time I talked to Gwen, I ended up ripping her hair out."

Giorno blinked. "What?"

"I was taking my uncle's advice. He was super good with girls, and he taught me the shoulder-technique."

"Do I dare ask?"

Miles reached his arm out and loosely touched Giorno's shoulder. He raised an eyebrow and said, "Hey."

They were quiet for a minute before they both started laughing. Miles was sure it was the first time he'd ever seen Giorno laugh in the month they'd been here.

"Did that actually work for him?" Giorno asked.

"He swore by it," Miles said.

"I guess it would work better on someone who was actually interested in that kind of stuff."

"No girlfriend back home, huh?"

"Not interested in it. Relationships would get in the way of my actual interests: reform. There's too much corruption in Italy. A lot of things I'm still working on. Also, I've never been too keen on the idea of a relationship. It just never struck me as something I wanted."

"So, you're ace. That's cool."

It was quiet for a minute before Usagi called out, "Gio! Can you help me with this probability question?"

Giorno smirked. "Future queen of the moon. Whatever that means."

"If you figure it out, let me know."

…

This place was much more grandiose than most taverns he'd stayed in; the cobwebs were a nice touch. Astarion never knew demons to be incredibly hospitable creatures, but the lovely owner and proprietor of this place was kind and generous—her girlfriend—a bit more frightening. She reminded him of Lae'zel. Unfortunately, he also met someone who painfully reminded him of himself. And he could only trust people like himself so much.

Fortunately, people like himself made for great conversation.

"So, a vampire…I bet you've lived a while," Angel mused. "Sleep around a lot?"

"Darling, I lost count over a hundred years ago."

"Any of 'em any good?"

Astarion scoffed. "A seldom few."

He turned a coquettish smile to Angel. "And you?"

"I do this shit for a living," Angel bragged. "Though, I'm always better than the other guy."

"You must have a contract with someone, then," Astarion said. "I'm sure neither of us believes in bodily charity."

Angel shifted in his high-heeled boots and chuckled nervously. "Heh. Yeah. That's a good way of putting it."

Astarion had been at the hotel for a week now. He'd joined when some wayward priest and another vampire had found him, starved, and hiding from the sun. He wasn't sure how they had gotten here, but he knew the blonde adonis and his loyal disciple were up to something. One didn't live with Cazador as long as he did and not figure out when a plot was brewing. If it didn't involve encroaching upon his safety, well, Astarion didn't care. Besides, he'd shown him kindness by taking him to his hotel. Little Miss Demon Sunshine kept him fed.

Though, one thing he did note is that he and the so-called radio demon did not get along. He sensed an unease, something the blonde had against the demon. Perhaps he was doing some sort of surveillance on him, but as to what purpose, Astarion wasn't sure. Admittedly, the always-smiling, Radio Demon possessed a charm to disturb and set himself apart from the others. Astarion had talked to him once, and once was enough.

The white-haired prosecutor mainly kept talking to Miss Sunshine, her angel girlfriend, and the bartender. They seemed to get along the best.

Right now, Angel and Astarion were keeping a casual eye on the television (or the visual sending stone as he preferred) in the center of the room. Some broad-shouldered, tall, dark, and handsome was speaking: "Anomalies have been growing at an alarming rate. There has been no sign of universal disruption, but we are keeping a continuous eye out for anything or anyone who could prove to be dangerous for public safety and wellbeing."

"Manipulation at its finest," A dark and deep voice mused near them.

"Gods damned!" Astarion shrieked, shrinking back from the silent eavesdropper. It was the other vampire, Dio. "How did you bloody do that? I'm usually the first to sense if someone is near me, thank-you-very-much!"

Dio smirked. "Isn't blasphemy contrary to what is supposed to be practiced here?"

"He's got a point," Angel said with a small laugh. "You done sinned, gorgeous. You should be punished."

Astarion flustered and still perturbed, straightened out his clothes. He looked to Dio. "Did you want to speak with us?"

"Only for a moment," Dio said. He leaned in. "The cat-man can't say anything, but I've noticed that both of you stay away from Alastor. Why is that?"

"He's a dealmaker," Angel explained. "He makes unfair deals with other sinners to gain an advantage. Weird sinner named Mimzy once said he killed a lot of overlords just to gain their powers. It's surprising that Hus…well, it's surprising that anyone who ever makes a deal with him lives to talk about it."

"I see," Dio said, rubbing his chin. He turned to Astarion. "And what do you make of him?"

"Darling," Astarion said, taking a swig from a shot-glass of blood. "I've met far too many people like Alastor."

'And like you,' he wanted to say. But he held his tongue. He didn't want to exhaust his resources in this strange, new world so quickly.

"In any case," Astarion said. "I've put my days of making deals with ever-lasting binding terms behind me."

"Hey, good for you, man," Angel said, taking a sip from his own glass. "At least one of us can say that."

"Is there any way to get out of a demon's contract?" Dio asked.

"Don't know," Angel said. "It's never happened before, I mean, unless the contracted dies, I guess."

This wasn't the answer Dio was looking for. He grimaced and crossed his arms. "I'm sure there is…"

Angel placed his glass down on the bar and put a hand on Dio's shoulder, "Well honey, if you find one, let me know."

Dio chuckled. "I'm sure I will…and likewise, Anthony."

"Wait…how did you?"

"Alastor has his ways of obtaining information, and I have mine," Dio said simply.

Astarion sloshed his glass and without thinking much guessed, "The priest?"

Dio grinned, more devilishly than any of the inhabitants. "He's knowledgeable, yes. And he helps when he can, but I've seen more to this world…this scheme than most. I refuse to give up. Perhaps if I kill the bastard."

"Uh, what?" Angel asked, almost in disbelief. "That's the stupidest idea I've heard. Look, whoever you're trying to get out of a contract, it's like I said, it doesn't stop at the contractor's death. It stops with whoever's signed a contract."

"That's usually how it works," Astarion nodded. "It's always stacked in the disadvantage of the poor bastard who's signed the damn thing."

"I suppose you two would know," Dio said, his face souring. He sat down on one of the more comfortable chairs and held his head in his hand. "To think I'd been brought back to finally fix my mistakes and to have such a huge disadvantage thrown at someone I was supposed to protect."

"Did…did someone you care about sign a contract with Alastor?" Angel asked. "Look, you don't have to tell me, but I get it, you'll want to help them. I want to help someone get out of his contract, too. Maybe there's something we're not seeing, huh?"

Astarion didn't respond. Something was off. He'd told his fair share of lies. Perhaps Dio was telling part of the truth, but there was still something lurking. Both he and Alastor, however much in opposition they may be, were the same men. He knew it.

He knew it because he was much the same. And poor Angel Dust, just like Tav, more concerned for the emotional ramifications than his own safety, seemed genuinely upset. Internally, Astarion groaned. He'd do what Tav did for him; he'd make sure Angel didn't get hurt or used for some nefarious purpose. He figured he owed that to someone.

"If you can find a solution, I'll help you break your contract, Anthony," Dio said. "Anyone who should help I, Dio, will be greatly rewarded."

With that the blonde vampire stood. He gave Astarion an unreadable look. "And I mean anyone. I've been told you were freed from your own personal enslavement, correct?"

Now Astarion shifted in his boots. "It was more of a group effort."

"Then you should find your group," Dio said. "There are forces at work here—ones not to be trusted. I assure you, I will soon gain enough power to put an end to anything that would hurt those of us who never had a chance—those much like ourselves. If only you will help me, I'll help you. I swear it."

"Alright then," Angel said, surprisingly confident. A feeling Astarion wasn't currently feeling. "If you're so trustworthy, you could at least tell us who you're fighting for. I'm not gonna help some asshole who wants more power for the sake of power."

Dio flinched and turned away. "It's my son. He's made a terrible error. I must help him."

"For real?" Angel asked. "How old is he?"

"Only fifteen."

"Only fifteen?" Angel repeated. "Jesus, I knew Alastor was bad, but not making deals with kids bad."

"We shouldn't talk about that too much here. The prosecutor has agreed to help find any loopholes. If we work together, there is a better world for all of us: no contracts, the sun on our faces, redemption. It's within reach!"

'Of course there is, Cazador,' Astarion's mind screamed.

However, Angel looked, in that moment, hopeful. So hopeful that Astarion decided he would keep quiet.

"I'll do what I can," Angel whispered. "But you're right. Maybe we should talk about this somewhere else."

He grinned his voice dripping with suggestion, "Perhaps somewhere secluded. You can join, Astarion."

"I'm flattered, but I've decided to not do that for now. I have the choice, now," Astarion said. "Still, I suppose I'll dig around. I don't exactly trust Alastor, either."

Not that he trusted Dio, but if Alastor were making deals like that, with children, no less, well, that was definitely Cazador behavior.

"And I want that choice, too," Angel murmured.

Dio smiled, almost triumphantly. "Then we'll meet elsewhere. I'll give you the location later, as a precaution."

He sauntered off. Angel was clearly puzzled. At least Astarion wouldn't fall for anymore tricks.

Or he was almost sure he would not.

…

They'd split up. Bruno went with Abbachio, N (after promising to keep her safe) went with Maya, and he was with Edgeworth today. They'd been at this for a few weeks now. And there was no blooming friendship between Kaiba's association and their own. Edgeworth frowned more than usual, which was an amazing feat to surpass. The two had gone to meet someone on a hiking trail. It was a woman, who worked with a doctor, apparently, she and her partner had been tipped off to a possible match of someone who fit Rose's profile. Gideon had received the call and told Phoenix to go talk to her.

As they walked the dirt paths in the woods, they noticed some people singing and playing instruments, just happily walking along. Something about two lovers divided by a war.

The one with the shaggiest hair stopped, realizing that he and Edgeworth were on the path. "Oh hey, fancy-dressed nomads."

"We are most certainly not," Edgeworth objected. He turned to Phoenix, "Well, perhaps him if we lose this case, but certainly not me."

"Actually, we're here to meet with a woman who might know of a man by the name of Rose," Phoenix explained, cutting a quick glare at Edgeworth.

"Rose, huh?" the man repeated. He scratched his chin and drew out a red, wooden guitar (?). "I know a song about some roses."

Before Edgeworth or himself could protest, the man started playing and singing a new song:

Rose of red

Rose of blue

Once with dread

Now bloom anew

Wanting more

May get to shore

Or perish on the journey

When a more deadly root

Takes their place

Edgeworth furrowed his eyebrows. "Those last few verses lost their rhyme scheme."

"Scheme-schmeem," the man said. "Name's Chong by the way."

He gestured to the woman, "My wife, Lily." He pointed to the other, stockier guy, "And that's our friend, Moku."

"Charmed," Edgeworth said dryly.

"Come on, Edgeworth, I'm sure they worked hard on that song," Phoenix said with a small grin.

"Yes, well, we have places to be," Edgeworth said, grabbing his arm.

"Hey," the woman, Lily called out, as they shuffled away. "Be careful, there's some bad vibes back that way."

"That's why we're booking it now," Mako said.

Edgeworth stopped and paused for a moment, almost making Phoenix trip over himself. He stood still for a moment and shook his head, pushing forward. "It's nonsense, Wright. Pure nonsense from vagabonds who speak absolute gibberish."

"I don't know, couldn't they have been talking about one of those monsters?" Phoenix suggested. "They've been popping up more, you know."

Another pause. "Hmm…perhaps we should consider turning back. Though, if we do, we're both ruined. It wouldn't matter if a monster were up ahead or Gideon Graves, himself, really."

Phoenix was quiet for a minute. Sensing the tension. He grinned and nudged Miles's shoulder, "You sure there's a difference between them?"

He saw, for a brief second, Miles crack a smile. Mission accomplished. Then back to a frown. Phoenix didn't mind. It's just how Edgeworth worked. Honestly, it was kind of admirable to be so dead set on his goals and sense of doing the job correctly. Preferable to his days as the so-called 'demon prosecutor.' Edgeworth's whole perspective had changed for the better. At least now, they could work together to find the absolute truth.

At least now they could spend time together.

"We should take some caution, going forward," Miles said, "After all, you have a horrible habit of injuring yourself on these cases. Monster or no, let's make sure there's no more hospital bills in your near future."

The grin was still slightly there.

Phoenix shook his head. "Hah. You wish, Edgeworth."

Solemn was the best way to describe his next look. "I don't."

And then there were times when Edgeworth was completely unpredictable. He walked ahead of Phoenix; what had he said?

The two walked in silence until reaching somewhat of a clearing. On one of three stone benches a pale woman with long, red hair sat, waiting patiently. When she spotted the two, her lips formed a small smile.

"Mr. Wright, Mr. Edgeworth. I'm glad to make your acquaintance." She got up, and shuffled a bunch of papers, thumbing through them methodically. "I'm sure you know why I'm here."

"You are Dr. Knight," Edgeworth assumed.

The woman nodded and held out the stack of papers towards them. As Edgeworth hesitantly reached for the papers, the magatama activated. At least ten psyche-locks popped up around the woman. She was lying—lying more than anyone he'd seen so far.

"Wait," Phoenix said, pushing Miles away from the woman. "Why are you really here?"

The woman seemed slightly taken aback. She quickly regained her composure and shoved the papers towards Phoenix. "I suppose you'll do, too."

Not even thinking, Phoenix shoved the papers back, causing them to flutter—

No. Not flutter. The papers glowed. Glowed and swirled around into a vertex, sticking together to form some sort of humanoid monster. Words moved and floated across its body.

"Papella only needed one of your DNA signatures to attack," the woman explained as Phoenix backed away. She turned to the monster. "Take this man's heart and then Mr. Edgeworth, as well. I can make this into a double success for us! Come back to the lab when you're finished. I have other places to be. More hearts to check."

As she disappeared, someone yanked Phoenix away by the collar of his shirt. "Wright! Move!"

Having their situation sort of register, Phoenix acquiesced and started running with Edgeworth. However, they weren't too far when something grabbed Phoenix's ankle, sending him careening to the path below. The monster chuckled as it put down its foot (which looked and felt like a heavy paper weight) down on his chest. It outstretched its palm toward his chest.

For its effort, a suitcase was launched at its head and the prosecution threw a right hook. However, it caught Miles's hand. He winced.

"Edgeworth!"

The monster, almost effortlessly, tossed him in the air and sent him colliding into a tree, knocking him out cold.

"How annoying. He'll have his turn," the monster said, glaring at Edgeworth. It turned back to Phoenix, a nefarious grin on its face. "Now it's your last chapter."

"Oi oi!"

Someone literally swung in, faster than any human he'd ever seen. They kicked the monster in the head so hard, it went face-first into the stone benches. The figure landed just a few inches away from him. He kind of looked like Spider-Man. But he wore a vest and a lot of spikes, even on the back of the mask. He held out a hand to Phoenix.

"You alright, mate?"

Phoenix barely nodded. He, at that moment, had to get to Miles. He needed to know he was okay. The monster, having regained its composure, looked from Phoenix to the possible Spider-Man. It leapt into the air, landing directly beside Miles. It grabbed him by his collar, holding him up in the air.

"Don't come any closer or pretty boy gets it."

"Put him down!" Phoenix yelled.

"No way! Maybe I'll kill him first, and then you! I'm sure my boss doesn't care which way it gets done. So long as it gets done."

"Right, and who was that boss again?" the British Spider-Man asked.

"Like I'd tell you."

"Sure you don't want to?"

"Hell no! I'll kill all three of you!"

A bird tweeted in the distance. Another echoed in another tree. And then the creature's arms were severed from its body. A blond girl in a cheerleader's uniform covered by scaled armor held the arm in one hand and a pink sword in the other. Edgeworth was caught by a person who leapt down from one of the lower branches. They had teal hair, glasses, and dressed like they were in some sort of English, medieval society. Another boy with brunette hair, similar armor, and two hooks impaled the creature, tearing two gashes through its side.

He kept a specific hold on the monster. "Hey, Guzma, you want your Golisopod to help drench this old wad of tissue?"

From the opposite tree came a voice that chuckled darkly. "Heh. Sure. Golisopod! Water beam!"

One man with white hair and strange shaped glasses, Hawaiian shirt, t-shirt, shorts, and gold necklace resembling the letter 'S,' beside him was a hulking, white monster with huge claws. It spat out a plume of water at the monster, drenching it.

The monster cried out at the teenage boy tore through it with his claws, ripping it in half. It lost its form and turned into regular papers, as it had been before.

Phoenix was almost too stunned to speak. However, there were pressing matters at hand. He looked to the teal-haired individual holding Miles. "I-is he okay?"

This person was checking his pulse and nodded. "Yes. Just seems like he hit his head hard. I don't sense any serious damage, though."

Phoenix was quiet for a minute. "Not that I'm not super grateful, but who are all you people?"

"I'm Guzma. I'm the big, bad boss who beats you down and beats you down…well…I'm Guzma. Not so much a boss anymore. If I'm gonna fix the system, gotta break those hierarchy roles, right HB?"

"You learn well young Golisopod," the British Spider-Man said with slight amusement in his voice. "I'm Spider-Man. Well, one of them, at least."

"Name's Jet," the kid with the hooks said, sticking a grain of wheat in his mouth.

"Sasha Waybright," the girl with the sword said with a bright smile. "Man, these things are waaay too easy to kill."

"Don't jinx it," the teal-haired person warned. "My name is Raine. Who are you two?"

"Come off it, Raine," Spider-Man said. "These two are those famous ace attorneys. All about keeping the current system in place, yeah? Even I've heard of 'em."

"The three of us," Sasha said, gesturing to herself, Spider-Man, and Jet. "Keep up with news way more than these two do."

"Hey, I invent the news," Guzma protested.

"Look, it doesn't matter," Raine said. "We need to get these two to safety. Those monsters have been popping up way more. Let's get out of the park."

Raine began by trying to shoulder Miles alone. Phoenix hopped up and ran over to help them out, ducking under his other shoulder.

"You two must be close," Sasha remarked. "He basically dived in front of that monster for you. It's sappy, really. Cute couple goals, though!"

"You shouldn't make assumptions," Raine said.

"Oh, don't worry," Sasha said, showing off a bi-pride pin on her cape. "I would know."

"It's not like that," Phoenix said. Even if he felt that way.

But why had Edgeworth done that? He made fun of Phoenix for being careless and reckless. Hell, he'd thought he'd never live down the Kurrain-shrine-bridge incident. Miles yelled and yelled at him, even when he was still in the hospital. And it wasn't like Edgeworth to be so hypocritical.

So why?

…

A day like this was rare ever since he'd hopped over to this new universe. Everyone was inside, having fun, and Miles was able to take a break outside, by himself. "United in Grief" played through his headphones, letting him escape, if just for a minute. There were no monsters, no impending doom heading for his family, no Miguel O'Hara, no radio demons, and no need to be Spider-Man.

And then someone tapped him lightly on the shoulder.

He looked up to see Makoto holding a piece of cake that smelled and looked delicious. It even had a small candy flower at the end.

"You were missing out. I thought I'd come find you," she explained. "I've been told my cakes are pretty good by one of the hungriest princesses I've ever known."

Miles grinned and took the cake. "How many princesses do you know?"

"Including Starfire and Adora? Three. And Zuko's a prince, so…"

"He's a prince?" Miles asked in disbelief.

"Yeah. He's pretty open about it now. I guess you just have to get to know him. He's got a girlfriend and everything. And Sokka said something about his first girlfriend turning into the moon. Maybe they have a moon princess, too."

"Wow. I really don't know a lot about anyone here," Miles remarked.

That creeping guilt over being so reclusive seeped into his consciousness again. Maybe it wouldn't kill him to make more friends than Giorno. Though, the thought of trusting anyone still seemed stupid.

"I don't blame you, you know," Makoto said out of the blue.

"What do you mean?" Miles asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Back at Mr. Iroh's tea place, you said you'd do anything to save your dad, even if all those other people who told you to sacrifice him for the 'sake of the greater good' told you otherwise. I'd give anything to go back in time and save my parents."

She stared off into the stars. "Sometimes, at night, I wait for them to come home. But they never do. When I go home, to an empty apartment, sometimes I just feel like crying so bad."

Miles felt something tug at his heart. She'd been alone? For how long? Did anyone else know about this? He reached out to put a hand on her shoulder but thought better of it.

"I'm sorry. That must be really hard to cope with."

Mako nodded. "It is. No one should have to go through it."

She dabbed at her eyes and pulled him in for a hug. "Which is why I'm going to help you! I'm sure Usagi will, too! You two kind of remind me of each other, doing things your own way. I'll beat up any other Spider-Man who tries to stop you!"

He laughed. "Thanks, Mako. If…if there's any way I can help you, I'll repay the favor."

He meant it. She seemed so genuine. It almost threw him off his guard. Almost.

"Just…try to make more friends here. Talk to Usagi. I know you two would get along. Her dreams are similar to yours. Don't be so secluded. We need other people to help us. I think even Giorno is getting the hang of it."

A slight breeze coursed through the air. Makoto shivered. Miles took off his big, puffy coat and handed it to her. "Don't worry. My suit keeps me warm. Let's head back in."

She hesitantly took his coat and nodded. "Thank you, Miles."

"Don't worry about it."

Maybe he could make more friends here than just Giorno.