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Fire rained down upon Tokyo, and Michiru found herself in the center. Not even the ocean contained enough force to hold back the conflagration. She ran as fast as she could through the deserted streets, dodging falling debris and spontaneous fires. She and Haruka had parted ways in the city center mere hours ago, both determined to hunt down the villains and protect their talismans. She hadn't seen the blonde senshi since. The sky was dark, and the air was thick with smoke. She began to cough as she drew closer to the city center once more, choked by the smog. She heard the sounds of battle nearby, felt strong wind from the west end of the center.
"Space Turbulence!" A voice yelled someone ahead. Michiru felt her heartbeat quicken. Haruka. She ran faster, into the strong wind created by none other than Sailor Uranus. The smoke cleared as it was blown away, and Michiru stumbled to a halt. Haruka was locked in combat with a minion wielding several knives. Michiru raised her talisman and shouted,
"Protected by Neptune, the Outer Planet of the Seas, Guardian of the Deep Sea, I am Sailor Neptune! Submarine Reflection!" A wave of water burst from the mirror, and swept over the enemy, knocking them into the nearest building. Michiru wasted no time in running to Haruka, who had fallen to her knees, winded.
"Haruka!" She exclaimed, kneeling beside the prone senshi.
"Michiru." Haruka gasped, one hand on her chest, the other grasping at Michiru's.
"We need to get out of here, that minion could come back any minute." Michiru ordered, pulling Haruka up and supporting her. Haruka slung an arm over her shoulders and together they hobbled out of the city center.
"We need to find the others, we can't teleport on our own." Haruka wheezed. Michiru nodded her assent.
"You're right. Have you seen any of them?"
"I saw Mars near the arcade, Jupiter and Mercury were not far behind. I haven't seen Venus or the Princess." Haruka managed to recount. Michiru made up her mind quickly.
"Then we make for the arcade. Five should be enough."
"I may not be strong enough, but I'll have to try." Haruka admitted.
"You are strong enough, Haruka." Michiru said matter-of-factly. The pair was silent from then until they reached the arcade, relatively uninjured despite the burning hellscape they walked through. Michiru pulled open the door, and stepped into the dark arcade. Mars and Jupiter sat at arcade games, wearily dressing wounds and going over battle strategy. They looked up as the two entered, surprise evident on their faces.
"Neptune, Uranus, are you alright?" Jupiter asked, eyebrows creasing in concern. Mars took one look at Haruka and quickly directed her to a nearby seat.
"You've both inhaled far too much smoke, and Uranus seems to have several broken ribs, a gash on her shoulder, and major bruising." Mars diagnosed.
"Why didn't you call for help?" Jupiter asked, standing and motioning to her communicator.
"Ours were broken." Haruka explained wearily.
"I'm calling the Princess now." Mars said, pressing the button on her communicator and raising it to her mouth. Several unintelligible sentences later, she returned to inspecting Haruka's injuries.
"She's coming, and Venus too." Mars said placatingly.
"Where's Mercury?" Michiru asked, scanning the dark room.
"Mercury went searching for Pluto." Jupiter replied. A flash of light from outside caught the girls' attention. Sailor Moon stood outside, weary and bruised, but alive. Venus stood beside her, and they stepped into the arcade together.
"Is everyone alright?" Usagi asked, surveying her soldiers.
"Uranus has some severe injuries, and Neptune has breathed in quite a bit of smoke." Mars explained. Usagi raised her wand and drew a glittering circle in the air.
"Moon Healing Escalation!" She said, and the circle burst into a wave of light, which swept over the senshi, knitting skin back together and setting broken bones. Michiru sighed in relief, and Haruka's expression softened from one of pain to one of peace.
"Thank you, Princess." They murmured.
"Princess, Neptune and I must return to the school now. Can you help us?" Uranus asked, rising from her seat. Usagi nodded, holding out a hand. Uranus, Neptune, Jupiter, Venus, and Mars did the same.
"Sailor Teleport!" The group exclaimed, and the girls vanished in a puff of glitter and light. They reappeared outside the dormitory at Mugen Academy. Haruka and Michiru de-transformed and thanked the others. The two began to walk back to the dorm as the others teleported away. As soon as they were gone, Haruka wrapped her arm around Michiru's waist, leaning her head against the shorter girl's. She sighed contentedly and Michiru laced their fingers together.
"Thank you for coming back for me." Haruka mused.
"Of course Haruka, I could never leave you." Michiru reassured her, squeezing her hand. They entered the dorm and stepped into the elevator.
"Mine or yours?" Michiru asked, glancing up to make eye contact.
"Mine. Yours looks like a bomb went off." Haruka smirked.
"...I forgot about that."
