Chapter 5
At the top of the tower, where Miryah, fully in control of Michiru's body, felt invincible, a figure suddenly materialized. It was the same old man with a gray beard, clad in a pristine white suit, leaning on a cane topped with the head of a devil. Miryah regarded him with a mix of surprise and respect — she knew of his power.
"I see you haven't been idle," the man spoke, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of menace. "Thanks to you, Miryah, I've achieved what I sought. The gates to other worlds have been opened. Something that was once whispered only in legends has now become reality."
Miryah didn't interrupt, but her eyes gleamed with hatred.
"Through those gates, entities have slipped into this world — beings that are already starting to change it," he continued, his gaze sweeping over the sprawling city below. "Some are dangerous, others... intriguing, but each one has its own purpose. Each will bring chaos."
Miryah tilted her head slightly, analyzing his every word.
"What do you want from me?" she asked after a moment, trying to keep control over the unease growing inside her.
The man raised his cane, pointing it toward her as if indicating something unseen.
"I've discovered something far more interesting," he said with a cryptic smile. "Your experiments with the medallion and this girl's soul have allowed me to realize something no one had ever considered before." He paused, letting the silence build. "That another consciousness can seize control over a Sailor Senshi."
Miryah felt a chill run through her. She could sense that this conversation was veering into dangerous territory, far beyond what she had anticipated. The man had his own agenda, and she was just another tool in his hands.
"I'll use what you've uncovered," he continued. For all her power, Miryah was beginning to realize she might not be the true force behind this game.
"And what of my revenge?" she asked coldly. "What about my plans?"
The man smiled faintly, as if the question amused him.
Miryah glared at the man in the white suit, her anger flaring at his arrogance. His casual demeanor only fueled her rage further. She knew his words were a taunt, a reminder that he held the upper hand. Her jaw tightened, and Michiru's blue eyes burned with fury.
"You will not command me," she spat, raising her hand as a torrent of oceanic magic surged forth. The water, infused with Michiru's power, formed massive waves, crashing toward the man with unstoppable force.
But he merely raised an eyebrow, as if expecting the attack. His cane, topped with the devil's head, glowed with dark, malevolent energy. A barrier formed, effortlessly absorbing the power of the waves. The water broke against it with a dull roar, cascading harmlessly down the side of the tower.
"Is that all you've got?" he mocked. "Did you really think you could surprise me?" His cold eyes regarded her with a calm superiority.
Miryah clenched her fists, feeling her control over Michiru's body waver slightly. But she wouldn't show weakness, not to him.
"Your part in this is finished," he continued, stepping closer. "Soon, someone will arrive to put an end to this charade. The Guardian of Time and Space is already on her way."
A chill ran down Miryah's spine, but she refused to yield. Not yet.
"You're mistaken if you think I'll leave without a fight," she growled.
The man merely smirked, turning slowly on his heel. His figure began to blur, melding with the magic that surrounded him.
"It's not your choice, Miryah," he said. "Be ready. Pluto is already here." And before she could react, he vanished, leaving her alone. Miryah tightened her grip, struggling to maintain control over Michiru's body, which was slipping away from her.
Uranus led the way up the long, spiraling staircase on the cliff toward the entrance of the Tower, with Hog following close behind. Suddenly, a blinding, searing light erupted ahead, flooding the corridor and assaulting Haruka's senses. Her vision blurred, and before she could steady herself, a powerful force struck her, sending her sprawling onto the hard, unforgiving steps. Struggling to regain her balance, she blinked rapidly, her sight finally clearing just enough to make out a figure ahead — Mimette, but in a twisted, ghostly form. The entity's pitch-black eyes stared back at her with an eerie stillness. Mimette raised both hands, preparing to unleash another flash of that disorienting light.
Haruka fought to concentrate, but her vision hadn't fully returned. Meanwhile, Hog, though equally blinded, didn't falter. Years of experience had honed his instincts to perfection. Relying on his keen sense of smell and the slight vibrations in the air, he gave a war cry that echoed through the staircase as he lunged toward his enemy. His axe swung high, and with a single, precise arc, it cleaved through Mimette's form, slicing it cleanly in half. The creature let out a bloodcurdling scream as her image began to dissolve, dissipating into thin air like a shadow vanishing at dawn. The harsh light dimmed, and Haruka finally regained full clarity in her vision. She glanced over at Hog, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"Nice work, Hog," she said, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"That thing was conjured from your friend's memories, I'd bet on it," Hog muttered, propping himself up with his axe. "If that was just one memory, there could be more. Any idea what else might be waiting for us?"
Haruka hesitated for a moment, recalling familiar foes: Villuy, Cyprine, and Ptilol. Each had been a formidable opponent that Michiru had fought in the past.
"This is just the beginning," she replied, meeting his gaze with determination. "It could get a lot worse."
They reached the base of the Tower, gazing up at its ominous, looming structure. Haruka's eyes narrowed as she caught a fleeting glimpse of a blue figure on a balcony high above. Within moments, the figure conjured what appeared to be a dense cloud — or perhaps a swarm.
"Run! Now!" Haruka shouted, bolting back down the steps. She and Hog dived into the dense undergrowth of the forest conjured by Tellu, hiding themselves among massive, towering mushrooms that cast deep shadows over them. They pressed themselves low to the ground, the damp earth cool beneath them.
"What's wrong, young warrior?" Hog whispered, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"It's Villuy," Haruka replied. "She creates microscopic machines — tiny enough to invade and consume flesh until only bones are left. And if Miryah's power has enhanced her like the others… we don't stand a chance up close."
Hog tightened his grip on his axe, his face set in determination, but Haruka held up a hand. She squinted, surveying the trees around them. "I'll try to take her down from a distance," she murmured, more to herself than to Hog.
The faint, insidious hum of Villuy's swarm began to grow louder, filling the air like an ominous vibration. Hog could hear the swarm devouring everything in its path, stripping away leaves and vines as it advanced. The swarm was already getting dangerously close.
Haruka stood, taking a deep breath as she gathered her strength. She felt the malicious energy of thousands of nanobots nearing her skin, the air practically vibrating with the force of their approach. With a deep exhale, she raised her hand.
"World Shaking!"
A sphere of golden light erupted from her palm, crackling with immense energy as it shot through the air, heading straight for Villuy's position. A deafening explosion followed. The impact was so forceful that the balcony shattered, sending pieces of the Tower crashing to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris. But the nanomachines pressed on, ignoring the destruction as they began gnawing at Haruka's skin and Hog's armor. A desperate, cold sweat formed on Haruka's brow. Just as she braced herself for the worst, the swarm's behavior changed — they stopped attacking, hesitated, then, as if confused, turned on one another. In a frenzy, the tiny machines began to consume each other, their programming unraveling in the absence of their creator. Villuy was gone. Her swarm disintegrated into nothingness, vanishing in a whisper of metallic dust. Hog let out a sigh of relief, looking up at Haruka with a nod of admiration. But when he turned his gaze back to the Tower, his face darkened. A pale aura now surrounded its walls, pulsing ominously.
"We need to move, quickly! She's going to destroy the city!"
Haruka burst through the Tower's entrance, her steps echoing as she sprinted up the spiraling stone stairs. Suddenly, pain ripped through her shoulder as she was thrown against the wall, blood splattering across the stone.
"Damn it!" she hissed, trying to steady herself, but a sudden blue flash lit up the corridor, and another blow hit her hard in the chest, sending her sprawling. She tasted blood in her mouth as she pushed herself up. Behind her, a red flash blazed, knocking Hog flat on his stomach. Something yanked him up by his beard, and as he looked up, he saw a hand and a head — a twisted smile on a face with empty, unseeing eyes staring back at him. The figure flung him to the ground, and his axe clattered out of reach.
"Is that one of yours too?" he growled, trying to get to his feet.
"I didn't fight them, but that's Cyprine and Ptilole," Haruka replied, catching her breath. "Twin sisters who grew stronger together. Now they're fused into one."
She glanced around, her eyes narrowing.
"And they're tied to this building. I'll try to hold them off…"
"No!" Hog shouted, interrupting her. "I'll handle them! You get to the top and finish off that witch! We're out of time!"
Haruka hesitated but then dashed up the stairs, leaving Hog to confront the threat alone. Another blue flash sparked before her, but Hog was quicker this time. With a roar, he swung his axe, leaving a bloody streak on the wall.
"Now you'll see what it means to mess with an old dwarf," he snarled, standing his ground. "Come on, show yourselves!"
Sailor Uranus finally reached the Tower's highest chamber, her heart pounding like a hammer in her chest. Through the vast window, she could see a starry night sky, and above it, gateways to other worlds flickering open and close. She forced herself to look away, her focus sharpened.
"It's starting again," she thought, ignoring the pulsing pain in her shoulder, the sting of her split lip, and her burned hands. Doubt and fear had no place here anymore. Only Michiru mattered now. Gritting her teeth, she crossed the chamber and found a young man chained to the wall, his wrists held by stone hands emerging from the cold walls. As she approached, she began to free him, each movement sending a painful jolt through her wounds, but she pressed on. The boy squinted in the dim light, barely able to make her out.
"Who…who are you?" he whispered, his voice weak.
"Tell me, did you see a girl here? Green hair, beautiful," she asked, trying to hold back the hope rising in her. The man's eyes widened in recognition.
"Michiru? You know her?" he whispered, his voice breaking.
Haruka froze for a moment, her heart tightening at the sound of Michiru's name.
"You know her?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yes. Something's wrong… She…she's gone mad. Or… I don't know what's happening," he stammered, too weary to fully comprehend.
"Stay here and don't move. I'm going to find Michiru," she said firmly, not waiting for a reply. She had no time to lose.
Stepping onto the enormous terrace, she saw the city below, just beginning to stir under the early light. Above Michiru's head, powerful energies slipped through portals, and there at the center of it all, Michiru stood, gazing at the city as if it belonged to her. Her necklace gleamed with an ominous green glow, highlighting the unnatural beauty of her figure. Michiru turned, a cold smile spreading across her face.
"Welcome," she said calmly, but her voice was not her own.
Haruka's heart seemed to stop for a moment.
"Michiru, you're… you're safe," she whispered, unsure if she was speaking to Michiru or this strange, sinister presence.
"Oh, she's safe," Miryah replied, her voice dripping with chill certainty. "I have to take care of the body I inhabit, after all."
Haruka dared not attack, afraid for Michiru's life, and instead listened, her fear morphing into fury with each word.
"Christal was my rival. She thought she could threaten my plans. I destroyed her," Miryah continued, her eyes gleaming with rage and triumph. "She thought those artifacts could do anything against me. But now her power is mine. Thanks to Hog, I gained control of this body and complete command over the Tower. All I needed was a vessel. And you gave me the perfect one."
Haruka felt anger building within her, her fists clenching tightly.
"Damn it! What's the point of all this? Give her back! Give back Michiru!" she shouted, throwing caution aside and rushing forward.
Miryah only grinned wider, and a green flame shot out from the necklace, striking Haruka directly. The impact knocked her to the ground, leaving her gasping and struggling to rise. Pain radiated through her.
"Distract her…" Haruka suddenly heard a familiar voice in her head.
Slowly, she pulled herself up, trying to steady her footing, flashing a defiant smile at Miryah.
"Why don't you try? Think you can get rid of me?"
Miryah turned swiftly, raising her hand to strike back. But before she could release her attack, a violet sphere of energy hit her directly. She cried out as the force struck her, collapsing onto the ground. Haruka froze in shock for a moment, staring at her fallen friend, her instinct urging her to rush to Michiru's side.
"Leave her," commanded a firm voice behind her.
Haruka glanced over her shoulder. Standing just within the dim light of the chamber, she saw a tall woman with flowing dark hair dressed in an identical uniform, clutching an ornate staff topped with a shining gem.
"Sailor Pluto!" Haruka exclaimed, relief evident in her voice.
"It's good to see you," she added, but Pluto's expression remained grim and turned to Miryah.
"Your arrival here has disrupted the balance of reality itself. The spatial and temporal fabric is tearing from all these open portals," Pluto explained, raising her staff high. The gem atop it glowed with an intense violet light, and one by one, the portals began to close. Outside, the first light of dawn crept over the horizon.
"Stop!" Miryah screamed, attempting to release a magical blast aimed at Setsuna.
Haruka was quicker. She leapt forward, grabbing Michiru and pinning her to the wall, using every ounce of her strength.
"Fight her, Michiru! Expel her from your mind! Come back to us, Michiru!" she pleaded desperately, feeling her own exhaustion.
Meanwhile, Toshi hurried down the tower's winding staircase, his eyes widening as he spotted Hog sprawled unconscious on the floor. Before he could react, two ghostly figures, Cyprine and Ptilole, lunged at him, throwing him to the ground with a resounding force. Their eerie laughter echoed through the chamber, reverberating off the walls. Hog stirred, his eyes fluttering open, but he was too weak to reach for his axe.
Haruka had always been strong, often engaging Michiru in friendly sparrings where they matched each other blow for blow. But this wasn't the same. Exhaustion weighed her down, her wounds throbbed, and she was desperate not to harm her beloved. Michiru quickly broke free from Haruka's grasp, striking her back with swift, precise blows that left Haruka sprawled on the floor. Miryah, seething with rage, gathered all her energy, originally meant to annihilate the city, and focused it into a single, deadly spell — Death Finger. She unleashed it at Setsuna, who managed to close the final portal and dodge just in time. The lethal beam struck the tower's structure, sending a deadly pulse through its walls. Cyprine and Ptilole let out shrill, terrified screams before dissolving into thin air, leaving Toshi and Hog relieved, though dazed.
"I'll take you all down with me!" Miryah shrieked in fury.
Sailor Pluto prepared to face her, aware that her opponent had been weakened by the loss of the portals' power. Haruka, struggling to her feet, approached Pluto with fierce determination.
"Leave her to me. Michiru is mine," she whispered, looking Pluto squarely in the eyes. "I'll get her back. I won't give her up to anyone — not even you."
Haruka's lips curled into a defiant smile.
"There are two people somewhere in the tower. Help them," she added, not breaking eye contact.
"Of course," Pluto answered, respecting Haruka's unyielding resolve, then turned toward the staircase.
Haruka clung tightly to Michiru's body, her arms wrapped around her as if her embrace could draw Michiru back from the abyss. The witch fought back, her strength bolstered by the talisman's power. Green flames began to lick at Haruka's mind and soul, searing every nerve, but she refused to let go.
"This is my fault," Haruka murmured, her voice a bare whisper, but it filled the entire room. "I found that medallion; I dragged you into this… I'm sorry, Michiru." Her tears fell onto Michiru's shoulders, each drop carrying the weight of her guilt.
"You won't break her free," Miryah hissed. "I'll take you both with me!"
A wall of seawater rose around Michiru, swirling and thickening like a dark tide, ready to engulf them. Haruka's mind were awash with green flames, her lungs constricting as if pulled into the depths of the ocean, but she reached out and grabbed the medallion, determined to destroy it. In her mind, she saw Ariel's smiling face, a reminder of the strength still within her. The Uranus symbol glowed brightly on her forehead. She tightened her hold around Michiru, fighting with all her might to reclaim her, even if it meant battling the entire universe.
"Power of Uranus, awaken!" Haruka shouted, and a wave of energy surged through her, filling her body with an intense, almost blinding force. In an instant, a massive column of white light engulfed both her and Michiru, wrapping them in its radiant embrace. The tower trembled violently, as though it's very foundations were rebelling against the surge of power. Above, stone by stone, the top floors of the tower began to crumble and crash to the ground below.
Sailor Pluto, who had been guarding Toshi and Hog, sprang into action. Holding her staff high, she summoned an impenetrable protective barrier around them. A transparent dome of energy formed, shielding them from the falling debris, as shattered stones and dust rained down. The staircase, once solid and secure, now crumbled away like sand, spiraling into collapse.
Outside, the massive forest encircling the tower erupted in emerald flames. The ethereal green fire licked hungrily at the trees and slowly consumed the towering vegetation, leaving nothing but the pure, clear light of Haruka's energy. As it pulsed, it seemed to seep into her very essence, purging her body of the green flames of Miryah's magic. The light reached Michiru too, seeping through her as memories began to return to her.
Images flashed in Michiru's mind: the moment she had put on the necklace, the hazy days wandering aimlessly through the city, her time with Toshi. Her eyes snapped open, filled with clarity, and on her forehead, the symbol of Neptune appeared, glowing in a soft, emerald hue. Her entire body shimmered with a sapphire radiance.
The tower, crumbling now to its final pieces, was rapidly being reduced to rubble. But Setsuna, along with her wounded allies, safely retreated to a distance, watching as Haruka and Michiru rose gracefully above the ruins.
Hovering amidst the dust and light, the two girls exchanged a silent, knowing glance before descending softly to the ground below. As their feet touched down, the remnants of the tower disintegrated into nothing more than wisps of green smoke, evaporating into the morning air. In place of the arcane fortress now stood only the burnt-out husk of the hotel, its twisted beams and rubble stretching out under the morning sun. Thanks to Setsuna's intervention, a handful of trapped people had been saved, and the girls breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Haruka met Michiru's gaze and smiled, a gentle, reassuring smile. Together, they clasped the necklace, holding it firmly between them.
"Now," they murmured in unison, and with a fierce determination, unleashed their powers.
"World Shaking!"
"Deep Submerge!"
Their attacks merged in a brilliant flash, the full force of their energy focused on the necklace. Under the intensity of their combined power, the talisman shattered, disintegrating into fine dust that scattered in the breeze. Miryah's presence dissolved with it, her dark energy dissipating into oblivion. Haruka and Michiru held each other close, sharing a brief, gentle kiss as they finally found peace in the morning light.
The sun was now high in the sky, casting its golden rays over the ruins of the hotel, now a scene of bustling police officers and curious onlookers. In a nearby park, away from the noise and chaos, five figures stood together: Haruka, Setsuna, Michiru, Hog, and, a little distance away, Toshi, observing them in silence.
"Well," Hog began, his rough voice softer than usual, "you managed to defeat Miryah and destroy her medallion without killing the host. That's no small feat. I owe you a debt of gratitude." He turned to Haruka with a slight bow. "To be honest, I doubted you could pull it off."
Setsuna fixed him with a cold, steely gaze. "It's time," she said. "Your presence in this world disturbs the balance of space and time. You must leave. I will open a portal to your own realm."
Hog nodded, a weary acceptance in his eyes. "Yes… with the necklace gone, I have no other choice."
As he turned to go, Haruka called out, "Hog."
He looked back, meeting her gaze for a final moment.
"Goodbye. Thank you… for that beautiful dream."
Hog waved a rough hand. "Goodbye," he repeated simply, before joining Sailor Pluto as she led him toward the shimmering doorway. Moments later, the portal closed, leaving only the faintest ripple in the air as a reminder of his presence.
The remaining group lingered in silence, watching the spot where Hog and Pluto had disappeared, each of them feeling the weight of all they had just endured.
Michiru looked over at Toshi, her eyes holding a mix of sadness and uncertainty.
"Haruka, I'm sorry," she murmured quietly, turning toward the man. "There's something I need to take care of."
Haruka nodded silently, and Michiru approached Toshi, who stood a bit dazed, still staring at the ruins of the hotel.
"How are you feeling?" she asked gently, placing a hand on his arm. He managed a faint smile, though his eyes were full of confusion.
"To be honest? A little… lost. After everything that happened here… and everything I've learned about you… It's a lot, Michiru."
Michiru cast her eyes down, feeling the weight of her own emotions. "I'm sorry for pulling you into all of this," she whispered. "I never wanted you to be part of… this world."
"You know, Michiru," Toshi continued, glancing at her with a sad smile, "the thing that surprised me most was that you have… her." He nodded toward Haruka standing nearby, almost as if she were an illusion. "Whoever she is, she seems… special."
Michiru felt a warmth inside as she gently squeezed his arm. "You've been such a true friend to me, Toshi. Through everything, you made me feel safe. I know Haruka is grateful to you, too," she said with a soft smile. "You'll stay in my memory."
Toshi bit his lip, trying to keep his emotions in check. He wanted to say something, but words failed him. All he could do was nod, taking in her words with quiet acceptance.
"Goodbye, Toshi," Michiru whispered, her smile a fleeting beam of light in the shadows, full of gratitude and tenderness.
She took a step back, watching him a moment longer before finally turning to head toward Haruka. Toshi watched as Michiru walked away, her green hair catching the breeze until she disappeared, leaning into her partner's embrace. In that moment, he felt a part of his world leaving with her — but he knew he couldn't hold her back.
Late that night, as silence settled over the ruins of Miryah's tower, a lone figure appeared amid the rubble — a man in a white suit with a neat, pointed beard and a devil-headed cane. Moonlight cast sharp shadows across his face as he strode confidently through the debris, his steps echoing in the hollow remains of the tower. He knelt and reached down to collect what few had noticed: scattered crystal shards, glimmering faintly with a fading energy. These delicate fragments were all that remained of the five witches — once formidable foes, now defeated by Haruka and Hog. The man picked each crystal up carefully, rolling them in his gloved fingers as if considering their potential.
"Ah," he whispered, his voice soft but edged with promise, "I shall grant you true life... a life of your own."
One by one, he tucked the shimmering pieces into his coat pocket, their faint glow disappearing into the fabric as if absorbed by the night. With a final look around, he straightened and stepped back into the shadows, leaving no trace of his presence behind.
The night was calm, with the moon hanging in the sky like a silver sentinel. Haruka and Michiru sat on a park bench, lost in their quiet, comfortable closeness, gazing at the moonlight glinting off leaves and branches. Somewhere in the distance, a nightingale's song rose softly, filling the silence.
"Have you ever wondered why the nightingale sings?" Michiru asked, her voice gentle and thoughtful. Haruka narrowed her eyes toward the moon's glow, smiling almost mischievously. "No, that's not really my style," she replied with a warm laugh. "I tend to focus on what's right in front of me."
Michiru laughed quietly, recognizing how perfectly Haruka that answer was. She took her partner's hand, running her fingers over it, savoring its warmth in the cool night air.
"Maybe," Michiru replied, "but I think sometimes it's worth thinking about things like a nightingale's song... Even about what binds us, what lets us face everything together."
Haruka looked into her eyes, her face softening. "You're right, Michiru. You know… I'm glad we went through it all together. With you by my side, even fighting powers like Miryah's feels simpler."
They were quiet for a moment, letting the words linger between them like a gentle breeze. Haruka looked back up at the moon.
"Maybe the nightingale sings because it knows someone's listening. Maybe it just wants to create something beautiful for itself and someone it cares about."
Michiru smiled, touched and surprised by the answer. She squeezed Haruka's hand a little tighter.
"So, there's hope you're still learning, Haruka."
They both laughed softly, wrapped in the stillness and mystery of the night. They sat together for a long time, in silence, while the nightingale's song filled the air, merging with the quiet beauty they shared.
Interlude
Haruka awoke in the middle of the night, a vague feeling of unease tugging at her, as if a dark dream had slipped from her memory. The room lay in deep shadow under a moonless sky, and familiar objects seemed to take on strange shapes. She watched them for a moment, lingering on the border between wakefulness and sleep, before realizing the space beside her was empty.
"Maybe Michiru went to the bathroom," she thought, but when she touched the sheets, they were cold. Michiru must have left a while ago.
Haruka rose and quietly walked down the dark halls of the house until she noticed a sliver of light under the door to Michiru's studio on the upper floor. She smiled slightly, thinking, "Inspiration struck her." Not wanting to disturb her work, she returned to bed, hoping for a little more sleep.
Michiru sat among her canvases, brushes, and paints. The glow of a single bedside lamp softly pierced the darkness, casting her in a scene from another world. The movements of the green-haired girl were mechanical, as if guided by an invisible force. Her hands, smeared with paint, left traces on her hair and face, but she seemed oblivious, absorbed in the dark image emerging before her eyes. On the canvas, a towering, black spire was taking shape amidst deep, shadowy forests. Heavy storm clouds gathered above, as if holding secrets within.
When dawn came, Haruka was the first to go downstairs to prepare breakfast. She suspected Michiru had painted all night, not checking on the studio since the door was locked. She sat at the table, eating a modest sandwich, when Michiru entered the kitchen in her green robe, with damp hair freshly washed of paint stains.
"Hey," Haruka greeted with a slight smile.
"Hey," Michiru replied, yawning broadly. "I'm exhausted..."
"And you could have slept like a normal person instead of painting through the night. I feel fully rested."
"Sometimes it feels like something's calling me." Michiru shrugged, sitting down beside her.
Hotaru entered the kitchen, dressed in a black shirt and pants, with an Ankh pendant around her neck. She looked at her friends, lazily sinking into a chair.
"What's for breakfast?"
"Just sandwiches. Nobody felt like cooking."
"It'll do." Hotaru shrugged, reaching for the food.
"How's college going, Hotaru?" asked Michiru.
"Fine, though sometimes I'm surprised at how clueless people are. Seriously, if I can grasp equations in curved spacetime, why can't others handle Gauss's law?"
Haruka chuckled softly. "But let's be honest, an average student doesn't have access to ancient magic and universal knowledge."
Hotaru smirked. "Maybe so. But even with the access, it still takes effort to tap into the right flow."
"I know, I know, just teasing you a bit," replied Haruka, giving her a playful smile. "By the way, Setsuna wanted to meet with us in the garden today. She said it was urgent, something about the issues we discussed recently."
"You think it's about the necklace possession?" Michiru asked, frowning slightly.
"Yeah, apparently something went wrong. Setsuna mentioned that it requires our attention," Haruka replied.
"Shall we meet her, then?"
"Of course," Michiru agreed. "Though I'd prefer to spend some time painting."
A few hours later, the four warriors sat on wooden benches in the cherry orchard behind the house. Setsuna joined them, a tall woman with dark skin and long green hair. She looked at her friends seriously, her gaze warm yet penetrating.
"The incident with the necklace Haruka found on the beach is proving to be far more significant than we thought," she began, turning her eyes to the blooming trees around them. "Defeating the witch who controlled Michiru was just the beginning, a small stone that started an avalanche."
Haruka frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Using the magic from that tower, the witch was able to open gates to other realms. Though I tried to close them, certain beings managed to cross over before I could react. They've hidden themselves, each in a different part of the world."
"What kind of beings?" Michiru asked, a note of concern in her voice.
"I'm not sure," Setsuna admitted. "But one thing is certain: they don't belong to our world or dimension. And I know that I sensed one not far from here, in Japan. That's all we need to start our search."
Hotaru perked up, her dark eyes shining with curiosity. "So, we need to track them down?"
"Yes, prepare yourselves. This won't be an easy task," Setsuna replied, looking at them with grave seriousness.