A few days had passed since Setsuna moved into her new lab at K.O. University. Once she had everything set up, and after settling into her new surroundings, she was soon busy with her research, which was studying physics.

One day, she was going over some data on a computer with her professor supervising. The data in question was about some strange distortions occurring around Sankakusu, believing them to be spatial distortions.

Naturally, the professor couldn't help but be a bit skeptical. "I see what you're talking about, Ms. Meiou. The data readings in this area are unusual," he said. "but to call them spatial distortions seems rather farfetched, wouldn't you say?"

"I suppose you're right," said Setsuna thoughtfully. "I'm wondering why thinking of them like that even occurred to me."

Then, the woman Setsuna first met entered the lab with another boy.

"Hey, Setsuna," the woman greeted. "Sorry to bother you, but may we come in?"

Setsuna looked up and smiled warmly. "But, of course. What can I do for you?"

"Well, since you've been working so late, we were wondering if you were willing to take a break and come get dinner with us," said the woman. "We know this great restaurant in town."

"I'd love to, but I already ate with the professor," Setsuna spoke apologetically.

"Aw, darn," the woman pouted.

"Well, that's a shame," said the boy. "Sorry, you can't join us. Another time, perhaps?"

"Sure," Setsuna smiled.

The woman and the male then left the room, leaving Setsuna and the professor to resume work.

The woman and the male were riding the train to the restaurant. While they waited for their stop, they talked about Setsuna.

"So, what do you think about her?" asked the woman. "Quite pretty, isn't she?"

"Yeah, a real intellectual beauty," said the man. "I only wish she came with us. Although, I am curious as to what research she's assisting. I think that her professor's published some of his work on anti-gravity in the scientific journal, "Physical Review Letters."

The woman hummed thoughtfully. "I'm not familiar with the details," she said while glancing towards the window outside. "but Setsuna's told me that she's been getting strange readings around the area of Sankakusu, so she and the professor are conducting some studies there."

The man then had an idea. "Hey! Speaking of Sankakusu, why don't we have dinner there?" he suggested. "There are lots of fancy restaurants that we haven't been to yet in those new buildings."

But then, as the train sped along, the woman happened to see the three buildings that made the Sankakusu district. Dark clouds loomed over them as thunder crackled and boomed. As soon as she did, a chill went through her spine as an ominous vibe crept down it, causing her to freeze up with fright.

"Is something the matter?" asked the man.

The woman looked back at him, managing to collect herself. "I'm all right, but let's go somewhere else instead," she said. "I mean, look at those clouds over there. They're so dark and creepy."

The man looked and chuckled. "Come on. They're only storm clouds. Nothing to be afraid of."

The woman wasn't so sure.

Meanwhile, in the laboratory, Tomoe and Kaolinite oversaw a Daimon Egg in a glass tube, the Egg pulsing and throbbing as it mysteriously came to life, morphing and changing shape. At first, its form was humanoid, but it changed into a standard Daimon similar to what the Witches 5 used after a few seconds.

Tomoe clicked his tongue in disappointment. "How pathetic. It looks like this one turned into another defect as well."

"Professor, we should get going now," said Kaolinite. "It's almost time for us to make contact with the master."

While turning on his heel, Tomoe fixed his lab coat and joined Kaolinite as the two of them teleported to the spatial room. Kaolinite and Tomoe walked over to the structure, kneeling before it. It began to glow with an eerie violet-black light as two pairs of lights sparked into existence as it began to speak.

"The light of our sacred life force, the Taioron Crystal, is growing weaker," the structure boomed. "I find this is unacceptable."

"Our apologies, Master Pharoh 90," Kaolinite spoke respectfully. "I promise that we will deliver you an abundance of hosts very soon."

"And where do we stand when it comes to making vessels?" asked the structure. "I trust that it's progressing well?"

"By using human bodies after we've extracted the Hosts, we continue our attempts to implant them," said Tomoe. "However, we have yet to come across other specimens as perfect as ourselves. The - anomalies are slowing us down."

"The Guardians. The ones protected by their guardian planets," the structure spoke. "And those Guardians, Sailor Moon whose light has the power to wipe out a Daimon in seconds, and Solaris who possesses the same power, but also the ability to fuse with a guardian. Both their radiances are like the Taioron Crystal, our source of life, but they're not alone. I see an ominous light hidden near them, one that could bring our destruction, and the time of its awakening is close at hand."

"An ominous light that could bring us destruction?" Kaolinite wondered in her thoughts. "Does he mean the three talismans?"

"Kaolinite. Tomoe. Eliminate the destruction that's bearing towards us," ordered the structure. "And obtain the light which both Sailor Moon and Solaris possess. We need their infinite powers as soon as possible for our grand resurrection! We shall bring destruction not only onto the Guardians but to all of humanity! We will turn their precious Earth into our second mother planet!"

"As you command," acknowledged Kaolinite and Tomoe.

The structure's glow faded away as the twin pairs of light disappeared.

"Well, well," said Tomoe with an amused grin. "It's not every day you see the master in a good mood. Most likely because of those Guardians."

Kaolinite frowned as she watched Tomoe walk off before teleporting away. Then she went over to the fountain and gave it two taps of her wand. The water rippled in response as it showed the next member of the Witches 5, Tellu, in its reflection.

"You summoned me, Maguss Kaolinite?" asked Tellu. "How may I be of service to you?"

"Master Pharoh 90 requires a massive amount of hosts," explained Kaolinite. "So, I need you to gather them, Tellu."

Tellu curtsied and then turned on her heel, and in a blizzard of petals, her attire changed. She was now wearing a Mugen Academy schoolgirl's uniform and held a strange pink flower in her hand.

"As Tellu level four hundred and four of the Witches 5, also known as Lulu Teruno, prefect of Mugen's physical education as well as its botanical garden," she spoke with confidence. "I shall bring in hosts of the highest quality for you."

It was late at night at the Hikawa Shrine. Rei sat before the sacred fire, still trying to find the meaning of the dreams she and the others had experienced and the location of the last talisman. But however much she tried, it was no use. She couldn't sense anything. But she refused to give up, determined to find something.

"The three talismans foretold to bring destruction," Rei thought to herself. "Two of them we already know. Sailor Uranus's sword and Sailor Neptune's mirror. But the question is, who has the third, and where are they?"

The next day, Usagi and sitting alone in Juuban Park worriedly, waiting for her chaperone to come and pick her up from school. Mamoru was running late.

"Mamo sure is late today," Usagi mumbled to herself. "I wonder what's taking him so long."

As she stared aimlessly towards the sky, Usagi couldn't help but start thinking about the visions with the three talismans and the God of Destruction. She could remember seeing all of the destruction, the carnage, and she and her friends dead amongst it. All this made her wonder about what it all meant and about who the God of Destruction was.

Just then, a pair of hands covered her eyes, blocking her vision, and thinking that they belonged to Mamoru, Usagi let out a laugh.

"Mamo! I was wondering when you'd-"

But as Usagi uncovered the hands blocking her vision while looking up, she was surprised to see that it wasn't Mamoru at all. It was Haruka.

"We got to stop bumping into each other like this, Bun-head," chuckled Haruka. "If we keep this up, I don't know what might happen. I might end up grabbing and eating you."

Usagi was speechless, her eyes wide and her mouth agape, having not seen Haruka since she revealed herself as Sailor Uranus in the battle with Viluy. Then, Haruka turned to leave, intending to disappear like she always did. That was when Usagi finally worked up the nerve to speak.

"Sailor Uranus, please don't go!"

Haruka stopped.

"I know that it's you! I figured it out a while ago! I could sense in the wind from its current to its scent!" Usagi continued. "But what I don't understand is that why won't you and Neptune talk to us. We're all Guardians, aren't we? So why can't you trust and work with us?"

Haruka stayed silent.

"Answer me! At least turn and look at me!" begged Usagi.

At last, Haruka did as she turned around, walked over to Usagi, and gently touched her shoulder. "If only things could have been different, Usagi," she said somberly. "Without knowing anything, I wish you knew me as I am now."

All Usagi could do was stare into Haruka's silver eyes as they stared back at her, her heart aching in confusion. "Haruka, tell me. Are you male or are you female?" she asked tentatively. "I'm confused. I'm not sure - how I should treat you."

Haruka then leaned in close until both their foreheads were touching and their eyes just inches away from each other. "Is my sex honestly that important?" she asked quietly. "Can't you see me for me?"

Usagi was at a loss for words. As she stared into Haruka's eyes, she could sense an overwhelming feeling in them. A feeling of sorrow and anguish that she couldn't place.

Then, she heard a voice cry out.

"Usako!"

It was Mamoru. However, Usagi couldn't bring herself to look away as Haruka pulled away from her.

"Looks like the prince has arrived," Haruka spoke with a smile. "Guess that's my cue."

Haruka gave one last look at Usagi before walking away, and with a gust of wind and a scattering of leaves, she disappeared. Then, Usagi's eyes began to fill with tears as they fell down her cheeks, feeling an unknown emotional throbbing of pain in her chest as Mamoru rushed over.

"Usako! Are you all right?!" Mamoru asked with concern.

All Usagi could do was bury her face into Mamoru's chest and cry as he wrapped his arms around her in comfort.

"I don't understand. Why am I crying?" Usagi thought as her tears fell. "And this pain in my chest... why does it hurt so much?"

Meanwhile, the others were over at the Game Center Crown, hanging out together as they usually did. Then, Chibiusa came trotting in.

"Hey, everyone," she greeted. "Has anyone seen Mamo anywhere?"

"Nope, haven't seen him," said Makoto.

"I would assume he's gone to get Usagi or something," said Harusuke.

"Oh, darn," Chibiusa pouted. "I was hoping that he would be here so that he could help me with my homework."

"What kind of homework?" puzzled Ami. "Maybe we can help you with it."

Chibiusa then set her backpack down, opened it, and took out a strange object, placing it on the bench to show everyone. It appeared to be a gray vase made out of clay, but it was very deformed, making it unrecognizable. None of the teens even had a clue as to what it was.

"Is that supposed to be a coffee mug?" asked Rei in confusion.

"I think it looks like a pencil holder to me," said Harusuke.

"No, it's none of those things," Chibiusa huffed. "It's something more special. The Legendary Holy Grail."

"The Legendary Holy Grail?" repeated Rei. "I've never heard of it. So what is that exactly?"

"It's the sacred chalice that is said to be used by my Mommy when she was young," explained Chibiusa. "According to the stories, whenever there was a great crisis or danger, the grail would give mysterious yet incredible powers so that she could save and protect her people. I've only ever seen the painting of it that hangs in Mommy's room, but it sparkles like gold and has lots of colorful jewels. I used to dream about having one of my very own."

"Wow. That seems interesting," murmured Minako. "I wonder if she used it as a weapon."

"Well, I don't know. I never really asked mommy about it," said Chibiusa, nostalgia filling her eyes as she smiled. "I wasn't allowed to enter Mommy's room, but I used to sneak in there lots of times anyway. Her room was full of rare and precious objects. Books, treasures, and lots of other stuff. And her bed was so big, white, and fluffy."

Then, tears began to seep out of Chibiusa's eyes. Harusuke gave her head a rub in comfort.

"Feeling a little homesick, eh, kiddo?" he spoke kindly. "If you like, you can always go home."

Chibiusa then wiped her tears, smiling in confidence. "No need. After all, I promised myself and Mommy that I wouldn't until I became a true Sailor Guardian just like her." She then packed her vase back into her bag. "Anyway, I'm sure that Mamo's probably back at his apartment by now, so I'll go check there."

Chibiusa was just about to leave when Harusuke called out to her.

"Hey, Chibiusa. If you and Usagi plan to stay the night at Mamoru's again, make sure you let me know so that I can tell Mom and Dad. And also, tell Usagi not to eat Mamoru out of house and home, too."

"Don't worry, Uncle Sunny. I will," smiled Chibiusa. "See you later."

And Chibiusa went on her way.

"Man, that kid's growing up fast," Harusuke said. "You'd never believe she was the same girl when she first came here."

"And she sure looks up to you, "Uncle Sunny," smirked Makoto teasingly.

Harusuke blushed. "Hey! Only Chibiusa's allowed to call me that!" he spoke in embarrassment.

The girls could only chuckle.

Back at his apartment, Mamoru and Usagi sat in the living room in awkward silence, drinking hot chocolate. Neither one of them spoke, nor could they.

"I wonder if Mamo's angry with me," Usagi thought as she sipped from her mug. "He must be after seeing me with Haruka. But it's not like I expected to run into her at the park. She just - happened to be there. So what do I even say to him?"

However, despite not knowing, Usagi felt that she needed to say something. So, she plucked up courage and took a deep breath as she finally spoke up.

"Listen, Mamo. I-!"

But suddenly, Chibiusa came bursting through the door, cutting Usagi off.

"Hey, Mamo! The door was open, so I let myself in!" Chibiusa announced loudly.

Then, Chibiusa noticed Usagi and Mamoru sitting on the couch, the two remaining silent, not even looking at each other. Curious about what was going on, Chibiusa came in, sat on Usagi's lap, and started drinking her hot chocolate, much to her surprise.

"So, are you and Mamo fighting, Usagi?" Chibiusa whispered to her as she took a sip.

"Wh-! N-No, we haven't!" Usagi whispered back. "What gave you that idea?!"

"Well, just look at him," pointed out Chibiusa. "He looks rather grumpy, don't you think?"

Usagi couldn't help but agree. "Yeah, he does, doesn't he?" she said regretfully.

"Did you do something to make him angry?" wondered Chibiusa. "Like maybe cheat on him?"

Usagi tensed up instinctively, unable to say anything, despite it not being true.

Mamoru finally spoke. "Chibiusa, is there any reason that you came to visit me?" he asked.

"Oh, yeah! I almost forgot," Chibiusa gasped, remembering. "I wanted you to help me with my homework."

Usagi then gasped with horror, remembering something too. "Oh, no! My English homework is due tomorrow!" she screeched. "I better get home and finish it, right now!"

The ordango blonde shot out of her chair and was just about to race away, but Chibiusa stopped her by grabbing her skirt.

"Usagi, please don't go!" begged Chibiusa. "I need your help too! It's important!"

Usagi was puzzled as Chibiusa went over to her backpack and took out her deformed vase setting it on the table. "I'm making a replica of the Legendary Holy Grail for art class," she said. "Can you two please give me a hand?"

"Holy grail?" repeated Usagi. "I feel like I've heard that somewhere before."

Mamoru then went over to his bookshelf and grabbed a book, opening it and flipping through the pages. "It's a sacred goblet often used for religious rites," he explained. "The ancients would fill it with either wine or holy water for ceremonies, believing that drinking from it would purify and empower their bodies. So basically, it's a special cup."

He continued to flip through the book's pages until he stopped on a page that showed a picture of the grail.

Chibiusa's eyes then sparkled in delight. "That's it! That's the one!" she gasped. "I want to make something just like that!"

Usagi then got an idea. "In that case, why don't we decorate it with some beads and rhinestones?" she suggested. "That way, it'll look more authentic."

"That's a great idea, Usagi!" said Chibiusa.

And so it went, the trio set to work, modifying Chibiusa's vase by remodeling its design, painting it, and adding decorations. As they did, Chibiusa noticed that both Usagi and Mamoru had forgotten entirely about being upset, and that made her feel happy.

At long last, the project was complete. Its shape was similar to an imperial crown, shone in brilliant gold and silver, and had white wings on its sides. It had silver rhinestones circling its width, and on top was a small gold crown with a crescent moon on top of it.

"There, it's finished," Usagi spoke with pride.

"Chibiusa, come take a look," said Mamoru. "Tell us what you-"

But as the two looked back, they saw that Chibiusa was now fast asleep on the couch, snoring quietly. The two couldn't help but smile, deciding to let her sleep. It was then that Usagi suddenly remembered, and wanting to take advantage of the situation now that Mamoru was in a better mood, she wrapped her arms around him from behind in an apologetic hug.

"Mamo, I'm sorry for being so close to Haruka," the ordango blonde spoke quietly. "I didn't mean to."

Mamoru then smiled as he faced Usagi and gave her a light and affectionate poke on her forehead. "Come on, Usako. It's okay," he said kindly. "I trust you."

Usagi was surprised, but a smile of relief worked its way to her cheeks. "So do I, but when I saw you with Michiru the other day, I couldn't help but feel a little jealous," she spoke a little sheepish. "Guess that was pretty silly of me, huh?"

"Not at all. Everyone gets jealous," said Mamoru. "Even me. Part of me didn't like all the attention Haruka gave you, but I'm sure she has her reasons. From the way she's been looking at you, it's like she wants to tell you something, but she can't. She's most likely has a burden weighing on her shoulders, and I think the same goes for Michiru."

Usagi frowned. "Yeah. You're right," she quietly spoke as she remembered back to the park. "Back then, I could see the pain and anguish in Haruka's eyes," she thought, remembering. "It was so intense that I couldn't help but cry."

She then looked up and noticed Mamoru smiling and staring right at her, making her cheeks heat up in embarrassment.

"M-Maybe we should wake up Chibiusa," Usagi said, advertising her eyes.

"No need, let her sleep," Mamoru spoke in a whisper. "Both of you can stay here tonight."

Usagi looked up as Mamoru held her close in a loving embrace. The two then leaned in and shared a tender kiss. As they did, Chibiusa opened one eye and smiled.

"It looks like they made up," she spoke quietly to herself. "That's good."

The next day, Harusuke was by himself in Downtown Juuban running an errand for Ikuko. You see, she had forgotten to get a few ingredients for a meal she was preparing, and he offered to go to the store for her. It wasn't too long before he arrived and picked up the things he needed with a few extra things. Then, he set off for home. As he walked, he started wondering about the current state of things with the Death Busters, most significantly, Sailor Uranus and Neptune.

"It's still hard to believe that Haruka and Michiru are Uranus and Neptune," he thought. "Then again, now that I think about it, I might have known after Sailor Neptune... or rather Michiru played that violin to stun us before. And not only that - Michiru was also the one who..."

Then, the memory of Sailor Neptune kissing himself as Solaris flashed through Harusuke's mind. When it did, the boy could feel his cheeks begin to heat up as he instinctively touched his lips.

"Why? Why me? Why did Michiru suddenly kiss me like that?" he continued to think. "I know it happened a while ago, but... I still can't help but think about it. And now that I know that Michiru's Neptune, it changes many things. Especially since she and Haruka are..."

As he walked past Juuban Park, he heard a sweet yet familiar sound of a violin playing. Upon hearing it, the boy immediately stopped walking and quickly ran into the park, following the sound, rushing past people as he went. The melody grew louder the closer he came until he came to where he least expected.

It came to the cemetery where Nephrite's grave was.

Harusuke carefully made his way inside, and as he looked around at the rows of tombstones, he saw the source. Standing beside one of the tombstones was Michiru, wearing a beautiful yellow dress with a green ribbon while playing her violin. As she stood there, Harusuke couldn't help but watch as she serenaded the landscape with her beautiful yet melancholy song as her bow slid gracefully on the violin's strings, and the more he listened, the more entranced he became.

Then, Michiru stopped playing without turning around. "Well, it's you, Harusuke. I would say that I didn't expect to find you here, but then again, fate has a way sneaking up on you."

Harusuke was silent for a long pause before speaking.

"Michiru, you're Sailor Neptune, aren't you?" he spoke quietly. "Don't even try to deny it."

Michiru turned around. "So, you know. I shouldn't be surprised," she spoke quietly. "After all, we did transform right in front of you the other day."

"You also attacked us with your violin," said Harusuke. "You're the only one I know who has the skills enough to use it as a weapon. But what I don't get is why you attacked us in the first place. We're all supposed to be on the same side."

Michiru was silent, her deep blue eyes staring right at Harusuke.

"Come on! Say something!" Harusuke demanded while growing impatient. "Can't you even at least try and talk to me without giving me the cold shoulder?!"

Michiru's eyes then set her violin down and took out her transformation wand. Believing that she was picking a fight with him, Harusuke quickly exposed his bracelet, preparing to transform, but then a great shadow cast over him, causing him to turn around and gasp.

A large Daimon loomed over him, letting out a demonic roar as it pounced straight towards him. Before Harusuke could react, he heard Sailor Neptune call out behind him.

"NEPTUNE PLANET POWER MAKE UP!"

Transformation Sequence: Michiru

The symbol of Neptune glowing blue spins onto Michiru's Lip Rod, and Michiru's hand takes hold of it, her fingernails teal, and the orb releases a brilliant flash of light. Michiru gets enveloped in a glow, and using her Lip Rod in her hand, spins around, tracing a circle outline of water below her spreading her arms wide. A geyser of seawater erupts from the circle, submerging her and, her sailor leotard, gloves, tiara, and boots appear, the coloring being white, sea green, and blue. Her transformation completed, Michiru flips her hair back as her lip gloss appears, spins around, and finishes with her signature pose.

Sailor Neptune used her signature move as quickly as she transformed, conjuring a giant sphere of seawater.

"NEPTUNE DEEP SUBMERGE!"

The Guardian unleashed her attack straight towards the Daimon, forcing Harusuke to duck out of the way as it struck, destroying it on contact.

As Harusuke looked back at the Daimon's smoldering ashes, Sailor Neptune spoke.

"Because of us revealing our identities and possessing two of the talismans, Haruka and I have been staying away from Mugen and keeping an eye out for a few Daimon stragglers. So we can't afford to have anyone else getting involved, which is why we warned you and your friends to stay away."

As Sailor Neptune turned to walk away, Harusuke spoke up again.

"Tell me, Sailor Neptune. Do you hate us for some reason? Is that why you and Uranus are constantly pushing us away?"

Sailor Neptune was silent.

"At this point, everything you're doing is confusing me. You act like you're our enemy by saying you're not afraid to do what you have to for your mission, and yet you risk your life to protect innocent lives and even save us a few times. Not to mention, you..." he paused a bit in vexation as he shut his eyes. "You kissed me back then. Since then, I don't know what to think of you anymore. I don't know if I see you as a friend, if I love you, or if I hate you. How am I supposed to treat you?"

Sailor Neptune looked at Harusuke as he kept his eyes shut, standing there. She then walked toward him and lifted his chin, which opened his eyes. Sailor Neptune now wore an apologetic and sorrowful look on her face, her deep blue eyes staring into his.

"If only I could tell you. If only things were different, Harusuke," Sailor Neptune spoke quietly. "Things wouldn't be as they were, and I would never have led you on the way I did."

Harusuke couldn't speak as he sensed the emotions behind the woman's eyes, which in turn, made an aching feeling seep into his heart that seemed to resonate with hers.

"Please, forget about us and everything else you've experienced until now," went Sailor Neptune. "We've caused you enough pain and sorrow. If you don't, then more tragedy and pain will happen. Please."

Harusuke could only stare as he instinctively and slowly reached his hand towards her hand to touch it. But then, a gust of wind blew about the area, causing him to shut his eyes instinctively. When he opened them again, Sailor Neptune had wisely disappeared. He looked around, wondering where she could have gone, but there was no trace of her anywhere.

It wasn't too long before Harusuke came home. After bringing the ingredients to the kitchen, he quietly went up the stairs to his room. Usagi happened to pass him.

"Hey, Harusuke," greeted Usagi. "Welcome home."

Harusuke stopped, not even answering her, which made Usagi worried.

"Harusuke? Is something wrong?" Usagi asked. "You're oddly quiet for some reason."

Usagi reached out and touched Harusuke's shoulder and made him face her. When she did, she couldn't help but gasp. Harusuke's eyes were overflowing with tears as he looked back at her.

"Harusuke, what's wrong?" Usagi asked, now feeling concerned. "Why are you crying?"

All Harusuke could do was wrap his arms around his sister while burying his face into her chest and start crying. Not really knowing what else to do, Usagi hugged her brother and stroked his hair in comfort.

"This pain. Why am I feeling so much of it in my chest right now?" Harusuke wondered in his thoughts. "Why am I crying? Is it because of frustration? Or is it because of something else?"