A Game for You – Chaotic Attractors

I decided to make all previous stories about Haruka and Michiru to be part of one bigger storyline. Therefore the old stories "Jewel of the Sea", "The Triad" and "Unfinished Business" are merged into new one – which is a prequel to "A Game of You". Therefore, the appearance of Chronus. Also, "A Game of You" proper will be modified in the later time. The first part, where the story starts is renewed version of "A Game of You"

World: Sailor Moon

Time: After the end of the series

Characters: Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru and Setsuna

Part 1 – Jewel of the Sea

Chapter 1

The silver haired man, dressed in a perfectly tailored white suit, slowly exited his office, his cane tapping the floor with each step. The cane, adorned with a carved devil's head, gleamed in the artificial light of the hallway. His goatee complemented his elegant appearance, and his cold, penetrating gaze seemed to pierce deep into the surrounding world. Behind him followed his assistant — a young woman with fiery red hair that cascaded over her shoulders, contrasting against her pale, almost ethereal complexion. Both were silent, as if well aware that their journey was only just beginning.

In front of them stretched a spiraling staircase, its steps vanishing into the darkness below. Each step they took seemed to distance them from the reality they were leaving behind. At first, they passed through ordinary, though somewhat decayed floors — offices whose furniture was covered in dust. But with each floor they descended, the world around them began to change. On one of the lower levels, the typical office doors disappeared, replaced by monumental wooden portals adorned with carvings resembling symbols from long-forgotten civilizations. Faint whispers echoed in the background, as if thousands of voices were trying to convey a message no one could understand. The floor grew uneven, with ancient roots emerging from the stone slabs, as if this part of the building had been long abandoned by man and nature was slowly reclaiming its territory.

"Worlds intertwine here," the man said, not looking at his companion. His voice was calm, as if this strangeness was familiar to him. The red-haired woman smiled faintly, her eyes shining with curiosity, but also a hint of unease. She knew that this journey was leading them through places not meant for ordinary mortals. Each new step took them through entirely different realms. At one moment, they were enveloped in thick, impenetrable mist hovering over an undefined surface — the ground beneath their feet was soft and cold, as if they were treading on a field of damp moss. The air was heavy with the scent of moisture and sea breeze, though there was no wind, and the hazy outlines of ancient trees emerged ahead. Moments later, as the stairs led them even lower, the surroundings shifted once again. Before them stretched a black desert, its cracked surface glowing with red embers, as if the earth itself was burning from within. The air hummed with delicate, barely audible melodies, disturbingly harmonious in their otherworldliness.

"This place exists outside of time and space," the man continued, his tone still calm, almost instructive, as if explaining the rules of a world whose laws he had established himself. The assistant, though accustomed to strange phenomena, seemed unsettled this time. They were surrounded not only by an extraordinary environment but by the awareness that each step led them deeper into realms governed by rules different from the worlds they knew.

Eventually, they reached a point where the stairs disappeared, and before them lay an icy cavern, its walls shimmering in a pale, unnatural light. Massive crystals hung from the ceiling, resonating with a soft, almost imperceptible hum. The floor was coated in ice, and beneath their feet, deep cracks revealed an endless abyss below. The man halted at the edge of the icy space, staring into the distance. Though his face remained calm, a spark flickered in his eyes. He knew their journey had come to an end — at least for now.

"The time will come soon," he said softly, his voice echoing through the cavern.

The assistant, standing just behind him, looked at him with a mixture of admiration and unease.

The main in the white suit extended his hand, his fingers twitching slightly, as though issuing a command. A faint, almost electric crackle filled the air. In an instant, the space around them began to pulse with flickering colorful lights, appearing from nowhere, flashing and swirling like miniature galaxies. These were not merely lights but a living being — an energy entity capable of traveling between worlds. Although the entity lacked a physical form, it seemed to comprehend every thought of the man. The pulsating energy circled around him, shifting through deep purples, golden flashes, and cold blues. Each of these colors seemed to tell a story of debts owed to the man — obligations that had to be fulfilled. No words were needed. The debt existed, and the man had come to collect the assistance he was owed.

"You are to help me," he stated, his voice calm and unwavering. The energy being accepted the command in silence, hovering above him as something on the edge of dimensions, not fully existing in any of them.

The world around them began to change. The floor beneath them, the ice and crystals of the cavern, dissolved like shadows in the light, replaced by a wild, infinite space, where time had no meaning and reality was in a state of eternal chaos. Swirling portals, opening to different worlds, began to form around them, pulsating with vibrant, living energy, as if they were breathing gateways to countless dimensions.

"Remove the veil," the man ordered. The energy being flared, and its lights began to pulse in rhythm to an unknown melody, one no human ears could hear. The space around them stretched, and the portals began forming more rapidly, their borders shimmering and wavering as if struggling to hold a single shape. Chaos was near — primordial, unrestrained, connecting everything and nothing all at once.

The man waited patiently, his hand tightly gripping his cane, the devil's head on it gleaming in the surreal light. He knew that soon what he sought would appear. One of the portals began pulsing more intensely, its edges sharpening, and from within it, a necklace slowly emerged. The gold chain, holding a rectangular pendant with a shimmering gem, floated toward the man as if drawn by an invisible force. With a cold, calculated movement, the man reached for the necklace, as if holding the key to the future. He studied it for a moment, a faint smile flickering on his lips.

"Now, my plan begins," he whispered softly, before throwing the necklace into another portal, which flared with an emerald light. The portals whirled violently, as though reacting to his decision. The gold pendant vanished into the swirling energy, and the space around them slowly began returning to its original form. The chaos faded, and the man turned, ready for the next step in his elaborate plan. The energy being pulsed with colorful lights for a moment longer before vanishing silently, leaving behind only the echo of its presence. The man and his assistant remained alone, in the cold, icy realm, fully aware that what was set in motion would soon come to pass.

The sun was slowly sinking behind the horizon, painting the sky and sea in deep shades of gold and pink. The last rays of light danced on the waves as they crashed against the rocky shore with a hypnotic rhythm, drowning out all other sounds — even the constant song of the cicadas, which seemed louder than ever that year. Among the sharp rocks, jutting out of the ground, a young woman wandered slowly. She was tall, with short, blonde hair that the wind tossed across her face. Her white shirt billowed in the breeze, giving her an almost ethereal look, as if she were part of the very elements around her. In her hand, she clutched a small stone tightly, as though trying to squeeze answers from it to the questions that plagued her. Her gaze was fixed on the distance, where a small boat lazily floated on the horizon. She had come here on her motorcycle to escape everything, to lose herself in the silence of the sea and her thoughts. Thoughts that circled around one person — Michiru, the girl with hair the color of the ocean waves. It was she who had drawn Haruka to this solitary walk along the shoreline. Haruka felt an uneasy tension building inside her, a premonition of looming danger. Yet, she didn't want to burden Michiru with it — not now, when they had each other. After hours of inner turmoil, she realized she needed to escape from the feeling. She hopped on her motorcycle and sped off, hoping the wind would blow away her doubts and calm her mind. Still, the sense of foreboding lingered, subtle yet persistent, hovering just at the edge of her consciousness. She had been standing there for a long time, and the evening air was growing colder. Though Haruka felt somewhat calmer, she couldn't completely shake off the quiet unease. She cast one last glance at the sea, as if saying farewell, before heading back to her motorcycle. As she took a step, her foot brushed against something cold and hard. She stopped, crouched down, and looked among the scattered stones by the water's edge. There, nestled between them, she spotted a strange, golden object. She picked it up and saw it was a necklace. A rectangular pendant hung from the golden chain, and in its center was a gem that sparkled in the fading light of the setting sun. The warmth radiating from it spread through Haruka, bringing her an unexpected sense of peace. She slipped the necklace into her pocket, unaware that as she walked away, the medallion still glowed softly with its own emerald light.

Haruka arrived home when darkness had fully settled over the city. The crescent moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale, milky glow over the quiet surroundings. She looked up at the building and saw the light still on in their apartment. Michiru was still awake. The neighborhood was silent, interrupted only by the occasional sounds of the night. A distant hum of the city was merely a faint echo of the day's departure. Haruka stepped into the apartment with a quiet sigh of relief. She was finally home.

"Michiru is definitely waiting for me," she thought, smiling to herself. She pulled the necklace she had found at the beach from her pocket. In the living room, Michiru sat on the couch, gazing out at the night sky, listening to the calm music flowing from the player. Bathed in the soft moonlight, her figure exuded peace.

"Hey," Michiru greeted her with a smile. "You were gone for a while — I almost thought you ran away," she joked, turning toward her and motioning for Haruka to join her. Haruka sat beside her, feeling the warmth of their closeness.

"I found something today," the blonde began, pulling out the necklace. "A jewel that the sea gave me. I thought it should belong to you. After all, it came from your kingdom," she added with a playful tone. She gently placed the necklace into Michiru's hands, opening them with care. Michiru stared at it in surprise, her eyes widening with wonder.

"You spent all day out just to buy me a present?" she asked with a raised brow, feigning disbelief.

"I told you, the sea gave it to me," Haruka replied with a smile. "I didn't buy anything."

Their brief argument was filled with warmth and humor as they teased each other for a moment before Michiru put on the necklace. She stood up and walked toward the open window, allowing the moonlight to illuminate her figure. Haruka turned off the light, leaving only the cold, ethereal glow of the moon. The necklace sparkled with a green, icy light from within, shimmering in rhythm with their breathing. Before Haruka realized it, she was lying in bed, wrapped in complete darkness, sheltered from the outside world. She listened to the steady rhythm of her own heartbeat as sleep slowly crept in, enveloping her in its soothing, heavy embrace.

Haruka found herself in a vast, seemingly endless hall. In the center loomed an enormous pipe organ, its towering pipes stretching all the way to the ceiling, casting an ominous shadow over the space. Seated at the organ was the red-haired witch — Eudial, her old enemy. A narrow bridge was all that separated Haruka from her nemesis. Her hand clenched instinctively, ready to cast the most powerful spell she knew, aiming it directly at the crimson-clad witch. But just as she was about to strike, Michiru appeared before her, dressed in her battle attire. Without a word, Michiru grabbed Haruka's hand and instantly dissolved the spell. In that very moment, the bridge beneath them began to crumble, its stones falling into the dark abyss below. Haruka tried to resist, but soon both she and Michiru were plummeting into the endless chasm. Haruka's scream was swallowed by the overwhelming silence. Deeper and deeper they fell. Darkness. Immersion. Water everywhere. Above her head, beneath her feet, all around her. Water enveloped her, like inescapable chains. The color of it — emerald green, the color of Michiru's hair — dominated her senses. The water was suffocating, crushing, overwhelming. It transformed into a prison. Haruka floated within it, naked, defenseless, completely at the mercy of the ocean. Completely at the mercy of Her. After what felt like an eternity, Haruka opened her eyes. She was standing atop a building, lightning raging across the sky above. The city below burned, crumbling into chaos. She knew why she was here. Her purpose was clear. She raised her hands into the air. On her wrists were golden bracelets, adorned with precious gems, gleaming with the intensity of the storm. She fired beams of energy from them, hurling her power at the woman in golden armor. Defeating her was all that mattered now. This was the key to saving the world, to freeing the Galaxy. Haruka summoned a sword forged from pure light. With it, she would end this once and for all. She lunged at the woman, knocking her to the ground. The golden armor rang out with the impact, and her helmet tumbled off, falling into the burning city below. Long, tempestuous emerald hair spilled around her. Haruka stood frozen, wide-eyed in disbelief.

"You can't hurt me, just as I thought," Michiru said calmly, now fully revealed in the golden armor. Without warning, a wall of water surged forward, engulfing Haruka completely. Golden armor. Golden bracelets. Golden control. Golden darkness

Haruka woke with a start, her heart still racing from the strange, suffocating dream. For a moment, she lay still, staring at the ceiling, trying to catch her breath and pull herself back into reality. The room around her was silent, cloaked in shadows. Slowly, she sat up, rubbing her eyes and glancing around the bedroom, as if to reassure herself that she was really here and not lost in the nightmare. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her bare feet touching the cool floor. Walking over to the window, she gently pulled back the curtain and looked outside. The night was deep, the sky dark, lit only by the pale glow of the half-moon.

"It's still night," she thought, exhaling softly. Her gaze shifted to the bed where Michiru lay sleeping peacefully, her figure barely visible in the soft moonlight. For a brief moment, Haruka considered waking her, telling her about the dream, but in the end, she turned away and returned to her own bed. As she settled back under the covers, she closed her eyes, willing herself to calm down. But something caught her attention. On the nightstand, the necklace she had found on the beach flickered again with that cold, green light, gently pulsing in the darkness, as if reminding her of its mysterious presence.

When Haruka opened her eyes, she was greeted by the morning sun streaming through the window, flooding the room with bright light. She squinted and turned onto her side, trying to shield her face from the glaring rays. After a few moments, she sat up, thinking about Michiru. Michiru was always up before her, but today... something felt off. Haruka glanced at the empty bed beside her. Not only was Michiru not there, but her pillow was also missing. A strange silence filled the air, one that made Haruka's skin prickle with unease. Slowly running her hand through her hair, she got out of bed and headed towards the dining area. Her eyes swept over the table and the kitchen cabinets, but everything looked exactly the same as the day before. No one had touched anything, no one had prepared breakfast like Michiru usually did. A cold sweat broke out on Haruka's back. Everything in the kitchen was singular. One cup, one plate, one set of utensils. Haruka blinked, trying to make sense of it. They lived together, they had shared everything for years. So why did it now look like Michiru had never been here at all? Her heart raced as panic began to creep in. She hurried over to the wardrobe, yanking the doors open with a force that betrayed her growing anxiety. Inside – only her clothes. No sign of Michiru's dresses, no trace of her. Desperately, she began pulling her clothes out, throwing them onto the floor in a frantic search for any clue. But there was nothing.

"Where are you?" she shouted, her voice echoing through the empty room. The overwhelming feeling of being alone hit her like a wave, taking her breath away. She continued tossing clothes around until finally, she collapsed to her knees, her arms dropping in helplessness. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she clenched her hands around her temples. "This isn't helping," she thought, forcing herself to take a breath and calm down. She needed to think clearly.

"This has to be a trick," she muttered through gritted teeth. "Someone did this. It's an illusion. An enemy striking at my most vulnerable spot."

She sat down on the floor, burying her face in her hands. Her mind raced, yet she tried to organize her thoughts. "I need to calm down," she repeated to herself. "I need to think this through. Something will make sense..."

Michiru walked down the empty street, her footsteps echoing softly between the grey, dilapidated buildings. At this hour, the city seemed to be in a deathly silence – the life of the night had retreated into bars, dives, and shady corners where the last stragglers clung to the fading hours of darkness. The streets were deserted, save for the distant sound of an argument in the far-off shadows. A few streetlights still flickered, struggling to stay lit even as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a pale glow over everything.

Michiru moved with a calm, confident stride, her long, green hair falling freely around her shoulders, swaying gently with each step. She wore shorts and a simple t-shirt, but what caught the eye was the green pendant hanging around her neck — a gift from Haruka. The stone glinted faintly in the morning light, and the faint smile on Michiru's lips suggested she carried a secret, one known only to her. She turned into an alley, littered with old, torn newspapers and garbage strewn across the damp ground. The air smelled of decay and mold, heavy with the stench of forgotten places. As she walked, her foot brushed against the side of a slumbering man, an overweight figure huddled in rags, too deep in his drunken stupor to notice her presence. Further down, she noticed more bedraggled figures milling about, their vacant eyes betraying the aimless life they led. Suddenly, Michiru stopped. Her hand reached up to the pendant at her neck, fingers curling around the cold metal. In an instant, the world around her changed. The alley, the buildings, the filth – all of it was submerged beneath a massive ocean. Water, deep and endless, engulfed everything. Michiru stood at the center of this strange, dreamlike scene, her hair floating in the water like tendrils, moving with the gentle currents that seemed to obey her will. The air felt heavy, each breath slower than the last, as if she was suspended in another reality, where the rules of the world she knew no longer applied. The cold, emerald water surrounded the vagrants, lifting their lifeless bodies into the depths above her. They floated above her like forgotten debris, their limbs slack, their eyes vacant and dead. They were suspended in the watery expanse, swaying as though caught in a gentle tide. Michiru's lips curled into a faint, sinister smile. "Impressive" she whispered, watching the men drift in the water. Her grip on the pendant tightened, and in the blink of an eye, the ocean vanished. The water receded, leaving only a thin layer pooling around the feet of the dead men. They stood before her now, soaked and lifeless, staring at her with cold, empty eyes, as if awaiting orders. Michiru raised her head, her expression one of superiority, her smile twisting into something darker. "Who am I to you?" she asked, her voice cutting through the silence of the alley. In unison, the corpses responded in a low, raspy voice: "Mistress."

Michiru nodded, as though she had expected nothing less. "Go to Hog. Tell him that this time, he won't win. I have a powerful ally now."

The dead men nodded obediently and began to shuffle out of the alley in eerie silence, their footsteps soundless on the wet ground. As Michiru watched them go, something inside her shifted. Suddenly, she clutched her head, as a searing pain shot through her body. A soft gasp escaped her lips as the pendant around her neck flashed with a cold, green light, pulsing as the agony surged through her veins.

Haruka sped through the city streets on her motorcycle. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of Michiru, who had vanished under strange and unexplainable circumstances. Haruka had visited countless places where Michiru could have been, hoping to find even the smallest trace of her, but everywhere was the same. It was as if Michiru had been erased from existence. Her friends, once close companions, acted as though they had never met her, as if Michiru had never been a part of their lives. Yet, Haruka knew — she could still feel Michiru's presence in her heart. She had one last place to visit: the fine art school where Michiru had once painted her most beautiful works.

It took Haruka several minutes to reach the school, a building nestled in a quiet part of the city known for its eclectic and avant-garde art scene. This was a place where creativity knew no bounds, where artists pushed the limits of expression in every medium imaginable. The school had always been a haven for those who lived outside societal norms — bohemians, rebels, and dreamers. Many of the students and faculty belonged to the LGBTQ community, finding solace and acceptance in the freedom of the artistic world. It was a sanctuary where people were celebrated for their uniqueness, where their passions were poured onto canvas, into sculptures, and into performances that defied convention. The halls were often filled with lively discussions about art, identity, and the human experience.

Haruka parked her motorcycle outside the entrance, the building looming above her with its faded brick exterior and large windows, behind which she could see shadows of students moving about. A bearded man in a yellow shirt stood by the door, smoking a cigarette. He recognized Haruka immediately.

"Hey, Haruka," he greeted her with a casual nod.

"I'll keep an eye on your bike, don't worry."

"Thanks," Haruka muttered, brushing past him without much interest. She wasn't in the mood for small talk. Her thoughts were solely focused on finding answers. She climbed the wooden staircase to the first floor, her boots echoing in the otherwise quiet building. The walls were lined with paintings, vibrant works that reflected the spirit of the school. One painting caught her eye — a piece Michiru had once made, depicting a mermaid swimming in the deep ocean, her hair flowing in the water like strands of seaweed. Haruka's chest tightened. She lowered her gaze and continued down the narrow, dimly lit hallway toward a small room at the end. The room belonged to Kiyoko, one of Michiru's closest friends and a talented artist in her own right. Kiyoko was a striking figure, with shoulder-length, curly brown hair and piercing green eyes that always seemed to sparkle with intensity. She was known for her bold, abstract paintings and her unapologetic personality. Today, she wore a simple shirt and jeans, her hands stained with paint. As soon as she saw Haruka, a smile spread across her face.

"Haruka, it's been a while," Kiyoko's voice was warm, but there was an undercurrent of confusion in her eyes, as if she could sense the tension in the air.

"Hey," Haruka's voice was tight, her unease palpable. She got straight to the point. "I came to see if Michiru's been here today."

Kiyoko's smile faltered as she thought for a moment. Then she shook her head, frowning.

"Michiru? I don't know anyone by that name. Sorry."

Haruka's heart skipped a beat. A sudden surge of panic washed over her. She stared at Kiyoko, disbelief written across her face.

"What do you mean you don't know her? She's your friend. You've worked on projects together! How can you not remember her?"

Her voice rose, but Kiyoko's confusion only deepened. She crossed her arms, clearly growing frustrated.

"Haruka, I have no idea what you're talking about. Why are you getting so upset?"

Haruka's mind raced. This wasn't just forgetfulness — something was wrong. Very wrong. She met Kiyoko's gaze, searching her eyes for any flicker of recognition.

"You remember me, don't you? Even though I'm not an artist, you know who I am. You know I've been here before. But you can't remember who I was with, can you?"

Kiyoko's face drained of color. She took a step back, her confidence crumbling as Haruka's words hit her. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Her eyes filled with tears, the weight of some unknown force pressing down on her.

"I… I remember you being here. But I can't… I can't remember who you were with. I'm sorry, Haruka. I don't know what's going on."

Haruka's frustration boiled over. She grabbed Kiyoko by the arm, pulling her down the hall, through the corridors, and back to the main floor. The halls were still quiet, the only sound their hurried footsteps. Haruka led Kiyoko to the painting of the mermaid — the one Michiru had painted.

"Look at this. Tell me who painted this," Haruka's voice was harsh, almost pleading.

Kiyoko stared at the painting, her brow furrowing. She shook her head slowly, clearly distressed.

"I don't know. I don't know who painted it."

Haruka sighed, her hand falling from Kiyoko's arm. She felt utterly defeated, as if the ground beneath her was crumbling.

"It's not your fault," Haruka said, her voice softer now, resigned.

Kiyoko backed away, her face still pale. "Can I… can I help in some way?"

"There's nothing you can do," Haruka's eyes dropped to the floor, and before she knew it, her fist collided with the painting, striking the canvas. The image of the mermaid shook but held firm against the blow.

"What the hell is going on?!" Haruka shouted, her voice breaking with a mix of anger and despair. She stood there for a moment, breathing heavily, her mind spinning with unanswered questions.

Michiru walked unsteadily through the city streets, heading towards a small shop on the corner. Every step felt like an unbearable effort, as if the ground beneath her was dragging her down with an inevitable force. Her head throbbed with pain, the ache spreading from her temples to the base of her neck. Her body grew heavier with every passing moment, as if her legs were made of cotton, and her muscles refused to cooperate. Her stomach clenched painfully, and her chest tightened with an icy grip, making it harder and harder to breathe. She couldn't understand what was happening to her. Each thought echoed in a void, with no answers to grasp. She couldn't remember her own name, didn't know who she was, or where she was supposed to go. Every memory felt submerged in a dark fog that she couldn't penetrate. She felt utterly alone, lost in a world that had suddenly become foreign to her. Her body was succumbing to weakness, her legs trembling, and dark spots began to dance before her eyes. The world around her started to lose focus, and the sounds of the city became a distant, incomprehensible hum. With every passing second, she felt herself teetering closer to the edge of collapse. Suddenly, her legs gave way. Her body slowly began to sink towards the ground. Panic flared in her mind, but she was too weak to fight it. With the last bit of her strength, she reached out, trying to grab onto something — anything — that could keep her standing, but it was futile. At the very moment she was certain she would fall, someone caught her. Strong arms wrapped around her body, preventing her from hitting the pavement. Michiru looked up, her vision blurred, and through the haze, she saw the face of a young man. His expression was one of disbelief and shock, as if he couldn't comprehend what had just happened.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice as he held her firmly, yet gently.

Michiru opened her mouth, trying to respond, but no words came out. She felt the darkness closing in on her, with reality slipping further and further away. Finally, she lost consciousness entirely in his arms, leaving him with uncertainty and questions he had no way of answering.

Haruka raced through the city on her motorcycle, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The wind couldn't blow away the growing storm of thoughts inside her head. She gritted her teeth, refusing to look at the familiar buildings and streets where she and Michiru had spent countless moments together. Each one now felt like a painful reminder of her absence, a ghost of a life that had been shattered. She wanted nothing more than to leave it all behind, to escape the haunting memories chasing her through the city. Her mind was fixated on the events of the past weeks, each one replaying in vivid detail, until a single image surfaced: the sea and the green-jeweled necklace. A chill ran down her spine. There was no doubt now — the necklace was connected to Michiru's disappearance. She knew what she had to do. Swerving the bike around, she sped toward the coast.

The sun beat down mercilessly as she arrived at the rocky shore, the waves crashing against jagged stones scattered across the beach. This part of the shoreline was largely deserted, avoided by most due to the dangerous, uneven terrain. Haruka welcomed the solitude — it gave her space to think, to breathe. Yet the moment she set foot on the sand, that same gnawing sense of unease crept back into her chest, tightening like a vice. It was the same feeling she'd had the day she found the necklace. She paced the shore, her eyes scanning the ground as if searching for answers buried in the sand. Suddenly, a voice broke the silence, cutting through the sound of the crashing waves.

"Looking for treasure, girl?"

Haruka spun around, her heart leaping into her throat. Behind her stood a strange figure — short, squat, with a bald head gleaming in the sunlight and a thick, black beard that almost reached his waist. He wore chainmail, of all things, and green tights that clashed absurdly with his rugged appearance. Haruka's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Who are you?!" she demanded, her voice sharp and commanding.

The small man grinned, a sinister glint in his eye. "Ah, do you have an eye for gems? Or maybe… you're looking for something precious that you've lost? Something dear to you?"

His tone was mocking, teasing her as if she were a child. Haruka clenched her fists, her muscles tensing with rising anger.

"I asked you for your name," she said through gritted teeth.

The dwarf chuckled darkly. "I'm afraid I can't give you what's mine so easily. But you, Sailor Uranus, should know better than to ask for what you cannot have."

Haruka's eyes narrowed. The mention of her true identity sent a surge of adrenaline through her veins.

"Fine then. Uranus Planet Power, Make Up!"

With a flash of blinding light, she transformed into Sailor Uranus, her sailor suit shimmering under the midday sun. Her fierce gaze locked onto the dwarf, who simply smiled in amusement.

"Now," she said, her voice cold and deadly, "tell me what you know about Michiru. Are you responsible for her disappearance, you little troll?!"

The dwarf scratched his beard, seemingly unfazed by her outburst. "Calm yourself, girl. Do I look like a villain to you? I'm here because, like you, I've lost something valuable."

Haruka's patience snapped. "I gave you a chance. World Shaking!"

A swirling orb of golden energy erupted from her hands, hurtling toward the dwarf with devastating force. The explosion shook the beach, sending sand and rocks flying in all directions. Haruka shielded her eyes from the debris, but when the dust settled, she froze in shock. The dwarf stood in the center of a massive crater, unharmed and smiling smugly. "Is that the best you can do?" he taunted. "You think you can save her? You think you can break the spell that binds her?"

Haruka's eyes blazed with fury. "If you're behind this, I swear I'll tear this entire city apart to get to you!"

She raised her hand to attack again, but before she could strike, the dwarf whispered something under his breath. The ground beneath her feet rumbled, and from the sand and rocks, two towering golems formed. Their massive stone bodies rose up behind the woman, faceless and imposing. Before she could react, they seized her arms, their grip like iron shackles.

"Now, let's be civil," the dwarf said, stepping closer with a mischievous grin. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Hog, and the jewel you found — it belongs to me."

Haruka struggled against the golems, her heart pounding in her chest. "What do you mean, belongs to you?! What does that have to do with Michiru?!"

Hog smirked, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Your friend, Michiru, is under the influence of that jewel. But I'm not responsible for her disappearance, no. Had the necklace stayed where it belonged, I wouldn't even be here. I despise this world. But the necklace crossed over into your realm, and unfortunately, it found a new host."

Haruka's blood ran cold. "Host? You mean Michiru?"

"Yes. That girl of yours fell victim to the magic of the witch."

"Witch?" Haruka's voice dropped to a whisper.

"My greatest enemy. Long ago, I defeated her using the power of that necklace. But now, she's found a new vessel."

Haruka's anger ebbed, replaced by a gnawing sense of dread. She took a deep breath, calming herself. "Go on. I'm listening."

Hog stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The witch is growing stronger, and now that she has a host in this world, she'll soon become a threat to everyone."

Haruka's fists tightened. "What do you mean, everyone?"

"She's already begun her work. Come with me, and I'll show you."

Michiru slowly opened her eyes. She felt incredibly weak, and the world around her seemed to spin as if she were on a whirling carousel. Her body felt weightless, almost as if she were floating in an endless void. Gradually, she became aware that she was lying on a soft, comfortable bed. Her gaze drifted upward, resting on the ceiling, which seemed oddly distant, as if it didn't belong to this world. Her body felt heavy but strangely painless, though inside, there was a hollow emptiness. She lay still, listening to the soft rustle of the curtains stirred by a gentle breeze drifting through the window. She scanned the room — simple and almost bare. Apart from the bed she was lying on and a small nightstand, there was nothing to attract her attention. The room felt unfamiliar, but not frightening — more like a riddle waiting to be solved. When Michiru tried to recall any memory, she was met with nothingness. She didn't know how she had ended up here or who she was. Her heart began to beat faster, and unsettling thoughts started swirling in her head. "Who am I?" This question echoed through her mind, becoming more relentless with each passing second.

The door opened quietly, and a young man entered the room. He had short, black hair and warm, gentle eyes. Dressed in a simple white shirt and brown trousers, his face was etched with concern.

"You're awake?" he asked softly, his voice calming, almost soothing. "You were in really bad shape when you nearly collapsed in front of me on the street. I brought you here so you could recover. How are you feeling now?"

Michiru looked up at him with tired eyes, her voice weak, barely more than a whisper.

"I feel… like I'm barely alive," she said, forcing a sad smile. "But at least the pain is gone."

The man smiled gently, though concern still lingered on his face. "My name is Toshi Takano. And you? What's your name?"

The room fell silent. Michiru blinked, trying to focus, but her mind was still consumed by chaos.

"I... I don't know," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I can't remember... anything." Her face suddenly darkened, and her eyes filled with worry. It was a terrifying emptiness, and she was losing herself in it more with every passing moment.

Toshi stepped closer, trying to comfort her. "Maybe you have family here? Someone I could contact?"

Michiru sat up abruptly, frustration flashing across her face. "I don't remember anything!" she cried, gripping the blanket tightly. "I must have had an accident. I can't remember anything!" Her body began to shake, and tears welled up in her eyes. She felt utterly powerless, as if everything she had ever known had evaporated in an instant. Surprised by her sudden outburst, Toshi took a step back, his expression a mix of shock and compassion.

"I'm sorry," Michiru whispered, trying to hold back her tears. She knew she shouldn't lash out at him — he was only trying to help.

"No, I'm the one who's sorry," Toshi replied, sitting gently on the edge of the bed. "I didn't mean to upset you. Just rest now. I'll find a doctor, someone who might know how to help you."

He began to leave, heading toward the door, but before he could open it, he heard her soft voice.

"Wait..." Michiru looked at him, gratitude shining through her teary eyes. "Thank you," she said, offering him a weak smile.

Toshi nodded, then quietly stepped out, closing the door behind him. He leaned against it, taking a deep breath as he tried to process what had just happened. Thoughts swirled in his head. "She's so beautiful," he thought, "like a nymph, a goddess from another world. I have to help her... I have to do everything I can to help her."

Meanwhile, Michiru lay in bed, her body heating up with an overwhelming intensity. Her skin felt as if it were on fire, and the strange sensation was only growing stronger. She tried to stand, but her legs were trembling, barely holding her up. The heat pulsed through her, more powerful with every second. Stumbling, she made her way out of the bedroom. Toshi, who had been standing just outside the door, turned in surprise as he saw her struggling.

"What's happening?" he asked, worried.

"Can... can you show me where the bathroom is?" she asked, barely able to keep herself upright. Toshi immediately moved to help her. "Of course, I'll take you there right away," he replied gently, deeply concerned about what was happening to her.

Haruka and Hog arrived at a wooden cabin by the seashore. The dwarf swung the door open, revealing a sight that immediately enraged the girl. Inside, three corpses of vagabonds lay sprawled across the floor, their bodies in disarray. The air inside was thick with the stench of death.

"This is your doing?!" Haruka growled, her fists clenching. "And you're showing this to me?! You bastard!"

"Easy, easy..." Hog scratched his beard, as if it were the most casual conversation. "They were already dead when they attacked me. I simply broke the spell that bound them."

"A spell?" Haruka asked, disbelief clear in her voice.

"A spell cast by the one you want to find," Hog explained calmly, gesturing towards the bodies. "She's the one who killed them."

"Michiru?!" Haruka took a step toward him.

"Not exactly" Hog corrected himself. "I mean the one inhabiting your Michiru now." A sly smile crept onto his face. "When I first came here, these bodies weren't dead in the way you'd think. They were controlled by water — sea water, no doubt the handiwork of your friend. They told me that this time I wouldn't be able to defeat her, and then attacked me with knives. I dealt with them in seconds."

The dwarf sat down on an old crate, as though recounting a distant memory rather than events from just days ago. Haruka stood in silence, trying to make sense of what he was saying.

"Who is she really? The one you keep talking about. And why Michiru? It could have been me. I touched the necklace first."

Hog looked at her, suspicion gleaming in his eyes.

"Do you really want to know?" he asked, almost teasingly.

Haruka's heart raced. She took a deep breath, refusing to be distracted.

"I want to save Michiru. That's all that matters."

"Are you ready for anything?" Hog tilted his head, his tone suddenly more serious. "Ready to travel, to face danger? Because to understand the truth, you'll have to experience it firsthand."

"I'm ready" Haruka answered firmly, her voice brimming with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to help her."

Hog sighed, as though doubting her resolve for a moment, but then shrugged.

"Very well. In that case, prepare yourself."

He made a few sweeping gestures with his hands, and a blue light began to envelop both their bodies. Haruka felt the world around her start to spin, and the weight of reality gave way to something intangible. Before she could even think about where they were going, she and Hog vanished in a flash of light.

Michiru entered the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She leaned against it, trying to gather her thoughts. Her body felt foreign. Her head throbbed with strange tension, and her thoughts swirled in chaos, as though something inside her was fighting for control. She sat down on the toilet, staring blankly at the tiles in front of her. She felt lost, as if she were teetering on the edge of something she couldn't fully understand.

"Who am I?" she whispered to herself, trying to find an answer in the dark corners of her mind. At that moment, a searing pain shot through her. She clenched her teeth, and her hands instinctively grabbed her head. It felt like a hammer blow — sudden, strong, irresistible. From within her, a voice emerged, one that didn't belong to her.

"You are no longer yourself..." it whispered quietly, yet ominously, and in her mind appeared the image of a woman she had never seen before.

"Who are you?" Michiru tried to fight back, her thoughts chaotic but desperate. "Why are you in my head?"

"This is not your place, child." The witch's voice echoed in her mind, and Michiru felt her consciousness weakening. "I control your body now. We talk only by an accident."

Michiru struggled to gather her strength, to remember anything that could help her regain control. But the witch was too powerful.

"You're trying to fight?" The witch laughed mockingly. "You have no idea what you're up against. I took your memory so you'd be weak. Now, I rule."

"No!" Michiru gathered her last bits of strength, trying to push back the growing pressure. She knew that if she let the witch fully take control, she would lose herself forever. Inside her, a battle raged — chaotic thoughts, fragments of memories and emotions clashed with the dark impulses of the witch, who was tightening her grip around Michiru's mind.

"Who are you? What have you done to my life?!" Michiru cried out in her thoughts, desperately searching for any answers.

"You're nothing more than a vessel." The witch's voice was cold and commanding. "Your life, your body — it all belongs to me now."

Michiru tried to recall something more — anything that might save her. Faces flickered before her eyes: Toshi, smiling, full of concern; gentle ocean waves; the medallion that now hung around her neck, pulsing with a sinister glow.

"I won't give up…" she whispered, clinging to that one thought, the only thing she could hold onto. "I won't give you my life..."

"Your struggle is pointless." The witch's tone shifted higher, as if her patience was running thin. "You've already lost. This body is mine. Now... let me finish what I started."

The medallion around Michiru's neck glowed with an intense, emerald light. Her body began to straighten, though inside, Michiru felt herself sinking into the depths of her own consciousness. Her hands, no longer under her control, began moving of their own accord. She opened her eyes, but it wasn't her who was looking. The witch was seeing through them. With difficulty, she stood up, her movements mechanical, unnatural. She approached the mirror, and in the reflection, she saw… herself. Or maybe not entirely? Her eyes were different, glowing with a cold, inhuman light, and there was a smile on her face that wasn't her own.

"That's no longer your reflection, child..." the witch's voice echoed in her mind. Michiru stared at her own body, but she felt like a stranger, trapped inside it, powerless. She was imprisoned within herself, too weak to break free from the force that now controlled her.

Toshi began to worry as Michiru stayed in the bathroom longer than seemed normal. He leaned against the table, listening intently, but inside there was only silence. Minutes passed, and his concern grew. Had something happened? Had she fainted? Just as he was about to knock on the door, he heard the sound of footsteps. Michiru emerged from the bathroom, her face pale and tense. Toshi sighed in relief, but at the same time, he noticed a shift in her demeanor.

"Mr. Takako!" she called out suddenly, catching him off guard.

The man immediately rose from his chair and walked toward her, concern written all over his face.

"I remembered something, a place... maybe if I see it, my memory will return."

"You mean you want me to take you there?" he asked, surprised.

"Yes..."

"But the doctor is supposed to come see you soon. Don't you want to wait for..."

"No!" she cut him off firmly.

"Please, it's really important. I feel like it will help me" she added, a hopeful note in her voice.

"What place is it?" Takako asked, looking at her with concern.

"Marine Cathedrale" Michiru replied, a mysterious gleam in her eyes.