Michiru Kaiou (AST)

**Michiru Kaiou** is the civilian identity and present-day incarnation of **Sailor Neptune**.

## Appearance

Michiru is an extremely beautiful and delicate-looking girl of slim stature and average height, with deep blue eyes and wavy teal hair that falls just past her shoulders. The epitome of elegance and femininity, she has an excellent sense of fashion, is always dressed smartly, and applying makeup or perfectly made up already. Usagi and Minako were both utterly dazzled by her beauty when they first saw her, and Usagi has gone as far as saying that Michiru is exactly what a fairy tale princess would be like.

## Personality

Elegant, sophisticated, though sometimes cold and capable of sharp anger, she has been described by Sailor Moon as 'the ideal princess'.

Michiru attends Mugen Academy with Haruka Tenou and the younger Hotaru Tomoe. She is patient and caring, almost always offering a smile or laughter to a situation. While polite and calm to a fault, she is not the most social person, but when she does become close with someone it is because she truly wants to. She dislikes being patronized and will not indulge others.

This can make her look like a snob, and her seeming perfection at everything does not help this perception of her. She is a genuinely intelligent young woman, a prodigal violinist, and an artist, already famous for her endeavors. Her intelligence is also apparent through her acceptance to Mugen Academy, a school with a very high acceptance threshold; only geniuses of some field are permitted enrolment.

## Information

Michiru and Haruka are introduced at a beach side café with Hotaru. They were interrupted from enjoying the good weather and scenery by Setsuna, who invited them a restaurant that night. Michiru and Haruka had bet on how long it would be before whatever Setsuna wanted them here to see happened. Michiru was sure that it would happen soon after their arrival, but after finishing there meal and telling Hotaru she couldn’t order more dessert nothing happened. Haruka subtly slid own half finished dessert over to Hotaru while Michiru's attention was elsewhere when they witnessed an altercation where Shampoo was grabbed and responded by quickly dispatching the parties responsible, then promptly being fired. By this point they figured nothing was going to happen and went home.

On their way home, the trio saw Shampoo and decided to give her a ride, taking her to a nearby tea shop, after learning that she was now homeless Haruka and Michiru agrred to let her stay with them. However on viewing the relationship between the two, Shampoo was given some hope the situation could work out with Kasumi and decided to return to the Tendo home.

Michiru and Haruka ended up driving Minako, Usagi, and Ami when they were transferred to Kasumi’s class. As a result Makoto invited them all to the San Cheng Huang. Michiru went to the restroom, as she was leaving she was confronted by Kasumi-kun who came to warn her that Haruka was a horrible person. Awed by Kasumi-kun handsomeness and thinking he was flirting with her she decided to play along. Even finding herself amused, at Kasumi mistaking Haruka for male.

It quickly became clear that Kasumi wasn’t flirting with her, as she wondered what was going on Haruka had noticed them and thinking the same thing as Michiru. At this Kasumi switched from nervousness at her teasing to anger and protectively stood in front of her. At this point Michiru decided it was time to intercede before things got messy. Before she could Haruka made a move to get past Kasumi who in response threw him out.

After getting over her shock Haruka was ready to rush back in, but Michiru put a stop to things and demanded they go home. When they returned back to their place after taking a shower Haruka just paced and brooded as Michiru watched. When she couldn’t get her to calmed down she called Makoto to figure out what happened. Not really knowing how to explain it Makoto asked her to meet her the next day.

Makoto explained the curse to Michiru she then met met Kasumi at the beach location of her restaurant so that she could hear what happened from her. To say Michiru was having a hard time swallowing what she had just heard from Kasumi would have be an understatement. Sure, the time frame placed the event before she had met Haruka, but she could not believe that the woman she knew now was ever like the one that was just described to her by Kasumi. The odd thing was she also didn’t believe that Kasumi was lying to her. The only conclusion she could come up with was that there was more to the story that Kasumi didn’t know.

With that in mind the two performed some small talk, where she learned that Herb was male and much to her surprise Kasumi knew Shampoo. Michiru took note of how evasive Kasumi was of this topic. Before she could explore the point any further, they were interrupted by Shampoo and Ranma returning to fill Kasumi in on the fact that Happosai had discovered what the Love Pills did.

Everyone tried to restrain Happosai but failed. The Senshi couldn’t transform due to Kasumi being able to see through their disguise. In the fighting, Nabiki ended up swallowing the daytime pill and fell in love with Kasumi's male half. Happosai then ran off, and everyone split up in an attempt to find him while Kasumi and Michiru headed back to the restaurant with Nabiki.

Frost confirmed that Nabiki swallowed the day pill, leaving her with Nabiki they returned to deal with Happosai. Michiru wanting to inform Kasumi the truth about Haruka, but decided against it given everything that happened. When they arrived on the beach Kasumi instantly noticed Haruka and noticing her with Shampoo  marched over, ready to lead her away. Michiru quickly caught onto Kasumi's response and prepared herself to prevent another conflict between them

By this point Happosai had realized that Haruka was female and fed her a pill, but was quickly disabled before it too effect. The effect took hold when Kasumi-kun walked up prompting Haruka to kiss him. Michiru stopped cold at the sight, shocked beyond ability to think. When Haruka came to her senses she attacked Kasumi trying to somehow make up for the extreme embarrassment she was feeling, having kissed a boy in such a way right in front of Michiru.

Michiru put a stop to things by pouring hot water on the two revealing their true genders. Haruka’s mind sort of went blank, while Kasumi simply turned and marched away. Michiru watched her leave, and then turned hauled the speechless Haruka back to her feet, and helped her off. On the ride home Michiru not willing to let her dodge the subject Michiru asked Haruka what happened. Haruka admitted that while she had loved Kasumi, she wasn’t ready to reveal her true gender so set things up so that she’d dump her. Michiru called Haruka out for being so cowardly and told her to talk to Kasumi. Haruka wasn’t ready to do that just yet and while it was her decision, that didn’t mean Michiru couldn’t do something about it.

She first went to Kasumi to get her to confront Haruka. She found her at the mall helping Herb pick out undergarments. Still reeling from the revelation about Haruka’s true gender Kasumi hadn’t put two and two together about their relationship and apologized for thinking she was his girlfriend. Michiru accepted deciding not to correct her. It was here that she learned about Kasumi’s marriage to Shampoo. Realizing she had gone off track she came right out and said that Kasumi should talk to Haruka. Kasumi however wasn’t ready for that.

With the school closed for the week Haruka gave the girls a ride back to Juuban. Michiru used it as an opportunity to talk to Kasumi once again. Though this time it wasn’t about Haruka, but something she had learned of from Makoto and the others. She found Kasumi trying out foods and drinks, she never had before. Seeing how perplexed she looked Michiru though Kasumi was contemplating a metaphor between her and Shampoo’s relationship, but she had just never had soda pop before. Though she did see the connection even if the comparison was an over simplification.

Still unaware of Michiru’s relationship with Haruka and just seeing her as an impartial listener Kasumi expressed how confused she was about her growing feelings for Shampoo as well as wondering if it was just a byproduct of her curse. While seeing nothing wrong with this That was not even getting into what would happen if she was ever able to find a cure. Michiru understood not completely, but in concept how she felt and hearing all of Kasumi’s worries and fears about her identity she informed her that her initial belief about her and Haruka was correct.

She told Kasumi that she believed Haruka’s was feeling the same uncertainty she is currently feeling and it was that that triggered her poor decision. When Kasumi agreed to at least consider that option she took her to a tailor she knew named Pierre, believing that he could tailor some clothing that would help with her curse. After Michiru introducing the two and explaining Kasumi’s curse Pierre went to work seeing it as his duty to provide the best attire to anyone who is in need. Kasumi and Michiru left Pierre's shop an hour or so later after he had finished his measurments, both looking quite pleased. Feeling better she thanked Michiru for her help. She also asked for dinner recommendations.

The moment Usagi was kidnapped Setsuna was flung out of the Space-Time Door, due to the path of time entering a strong flux. They called Mamoru to tell him what happened and he took the first flight back to Japan. All the Senshi could do was stew in worry as they waited, as while Ami attempted to scan the area for Usagi she could find no sign of either her or Kasumi. Haruka and Michiru picked him up at the airport and luckily by the time they arrived at the Hikawa shrine had woken up. She explained how the shape of the future has been irreversibly altered.

When Mamoru asked her what that meant for Chibiusa, Setsuna explained that the current timeline was no longer connected with hers. That version was still alive, it’s just that their future was no longer hers. This caused Minako to panicking at the ramifications of what this meant, but Rei was quick to calm her down stating that Usagi was alive and they would find her.

Setsuna who wasn’t even aware that Usagi was missing until now could only tell them that only someone of immense power could overpower the effects of the doorway. After a moment of silence Makoto spoke up and encouraged everyone to go in full force once they have a lead. Mamoru having never met Kasumi was surprised when he saw no disagreement on anyone's face. A look of shame on Haruka's face was particularly surprising to him.

The outers were informed to meet the inners at Hotel La Bac when it was discovered that Kasumi and the others were there. Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Venus, Tuxedo Kamen, and the outer Senshi watched from nearby rooftop. Among the crowd, Makoto was listening in, discretely relaying the plan of how they were going to rescue Kasumi, Shampoo, and Usagi. Mercury scanned the buildings defenses, only for her scans to be blocked. They decided to make their way to the rooftop where whatever was blocking her scans was the weakest and make their way down while the others go in from the bottom.

That left the discussion of what to do when they found Sailor Moon. Venus suggested they try to reason with her, but the plan had little support from the outers. Uranus reminded them that not only did Shadow Moon easily defeat both Jupiter and Ranko, they had no idea what was controlling her, and she was displaying new abilities. They had no choice but to go at her full force and try to deal with things later under more controlled circumstance. Mars was quick to point out that could end up seriously hurting Usagi, only for Uranus to respond that it was better then her killing them.

The stalemate was finally broken by Tuxedo Kamen who advised them to just wait until they had more info, and then improvise from there. It turns out that the building was protected by an anti magic field as they found out when they landed on the field as well as Jupiter when she joined them. Unfortunately without their powers, the La Bac was a very dangerous place. Even with the combined effort of all nine of them, they barely managed to make it 2 floors down, and even that had cost them many bruises and scrapes. They were resting in a hall when the anti magic field decreased in strength one of its power sources having been destroyed.

This allowed Mercury to get local reading, but before she could start searching for Usagi she spotted Shadow Moon walking towards them. Not having expected things to be this easy the group were left confused on what to do next. Scanning Shadow Moon’s body Mercury discovered the nanites contained within it and realized she was being controlled. They were a bit puzzled when she seemed to be hesitating. But before any of them could truly get much hope up that she just might snap out of it, she suddenly attacked. Mercury provided then as explanation of how her new abilities worked while the others tried to fight her off. Having already deal with her before Jupiter was quick to warn them about how dangerous Shadow Moon was.

Sailor Uranus was the first to attack however the confines of the building, combined with the simple speed and power of Shadow Moon's ability had quickly demonstrated the flaw in a frontal attack. In had taken less than a minute for Shadow Moon to disable the outer senshi, leaving them scattered throughout the hall. The inner senshi, after seeing their comrades in trouble, were nearing the same fate. With brutal efficiency, Shadow Moon blocked their attacks and attempts to reach the others. Tuxedo Kamen was also afforded no mercy as he was violently whipped around by the arm, before being tossed down the hall where he collided with Sailor Mars.

They were distracted from their pain by the sound of the Doctor from the speakers. He advised them to surrender revealing that he knew who they were and threatened to make their civilian lives difficult. Given that Usagi disappeared the same day as Sailor Moon it was just a matter of cross referencing her friends and acquaintances. Jupiter was unable to hide her worry at how bad their situation was. He informed him that Shadow Moon was instructed to keep them there, to give them time to think about his offer. For one last taunt he asked that they not stop fighting as he wanted to see what Shadow Moon’s full capabilities were.

While they were able to feel the immediate affects when the second stone was destroyed they still proved to be no match for her. They were given a brief rest when Shadow Moon paused as she received another instruction. Though it ended the moment the buildings self-destruct alarm sounded. Just as they were once prepare to attack Shadow Moon, the Doctor showed up. Uranus jumped to her feet threateningly only for Shadow Moon to respond by moving directly in front of him. He had decided to cut his loses and while there was no time left to gain control of them, the nanites had complete control over Shadow Moon.

Much to everyone’s surprise Shadow Moon refused his order to come with him. Initially the Senshi and Kamen had hope that she was coming around. That hope was dashed when after informing the Doctor that he had served his purpose and thus is no longer required she killed him. The Senshi could only look at this in shock. The man was doubtless evil, but to see him cut down so casually by their princess was not an image they could easily accept. However, as she turned back towards them, they realized their situation had yet again become worse.

The seriousness of the situation was clear, they had three options, attempt to retreat, attack, or die. Shadow Moon blocked the only way down, and up lead only to the roof. Even at best it would take them nearly a minute to initiate the teleport and that left Shadow Moon plenty of time to intervene. So really, there were only two options. Unfortunately their earlier fight made it clear that simple physical attacks were useless and that left only their magical ones which would doubtless hurt her, and none of the Senshi were willing to do that. Even Uranus drew the line at attacking Usagi full force. Simply lying down and dying wasn’t an option either.

This time it was Sailor Venus who broke the stalemate, as much as they didn’t want to, if they didn’t attack Shadow Moon would kill them and still be destroyed. Sadly she proved to be to strong Mar was launched violently away, Mercury tried to think up a way to deal with their situation as she checked up on her but none came. Sadly by this point the nanites had gained full control of Sailor Moons magic as shown when Shadow Moon summoned the Moon Stick.

It took little more then a second for her to completely decimate them. In a last desperate stand Sailor Saturn shielded everyone using her Silence Wall against the worst of the attack, but even her strength quickly faded under Shadow Moon's onslaught. To prevent this Usagi having become aware of what was going on destroyed her star seed. Shadow Moon after gasping in pain suddenly lost all her strength and fell to the floor only to be caught by Tukedo Kamen. Sailor Moon’s consciousness reasserted itself seconds before all life left her body. Then as Tuxedo Kamen began to register what just happened she was suspended in the air as she transformed into Eternal Sailor Moon. Her uniform started to disintegrate leaving nothing but her wings which continued to grow, before unleashing a purifying wave of light.

Just as Usagi was about to fall to the ground she was plucked out of the air by Seiya. Both groups could just stare at each other in confusion not knowing what was going on. They came out of it when Seiya noticed how lifeless Usagi was. Mercury checked up on her and determined that she was alive, though she needed a more proper examine. Tuxedo Kamen took Usagi from Seiya as they made their way outside, deciding they’d figure out what to tell everyone when the time came.

Uranus however broke off to go and find Kasumi. Neptune appeared pensive, but made no move to stop her partner. Likewise, although worry showed on the other Senshis' faces, they too made no move to stop her. Teleporting back to where they left Artemis and Luna Mamoru de-transformed and rushed off to find a doctor. The other’s decided that it would be best to stay as it would make it easier for him to explain things. At this point Luna made her presence known and demanded that they explain what was going on, something Seiya agreed with.

The Senshi were gathered together over lunch in the hospital cafeteria, waiting for news on Usagi’s condition when Seiya arrived to inform them that she had woken up and was fine. While relieved this just brought about further questions, why didn’t she fade away like all the other Senshi who had their stars removed. Not to mention how she summoned Seiya. While Ami couldn’t get a reading since whatever happened to Usagi overloaded her computers sensors Setsuna had a theory.

They were under the assumption that it was Usagi's kidnappers that caused time to shift, neither Rose or Kasumi had that level of power only Usagi herself. Minako was the first to voice what everyone was thinking and asked what they do next. That Setsuna couldn’t answer as knowing Usagi was the cause of everything didn’t mean she knew how or why she was able to do it. They needed more info and to get they needed to go to the Moon Kingdom. It turns out that while everything above ground is in ruins, the complex below the ground is still fairly intact. If Ami could get the city's central computer running again they could get the answers they needed.

That still left the question of how they were going to get there which Rei was quick to point out. Seetsuna informed them that the Moon Kingdom had several special transit points set up as gateways between Earth and the Moon. They also wouldn’t need any space suits. Needing only a small group to go it was suggested that it consist of Haruka, Ami, Setsuna, Usagi, and Mamoru. With that came the problem of Kasumi having seen Haruka who after a moment volunteered to talk to her.

When Haruka returned Michiru was amused at the fact that Kasumi thought she and Makoto were apart of some fan club. Sighing at the ridiculousness of it Haruka started down the hall, while Michiru stayed where she was. She finally joined Haruka when she told her that she and Kasumi talked about what happened and it went well. Michiru asked her if she felt better, but Haruka only returned a tired look.

When the Sailor Senshi arrived at the former Moon Kingdom. All of them could not help but pause and take in the sight around them: a once beautiful city now nothing more than an ancient ruin. Pluto led them through the city square and to the devastated remains of the former palace. Once they made it the device, Mercury was able to transfuse the system with her own energy, just as she for Frost when charging the Kaisuifu, though it was still insufficient for full operation. As she worked to get main power functional again Pluto inspected the gateway while the others looked around. Once that was accomplished she called the others to tell them to return.

Much of the underground complex was rather dull, until they found a large viewing hall with various artwork, including many portraits of the Sailor Senshi in their former lives. Neptune was the first to notice that none of them depicts any males despite the fact that even if the leadership was all female they that the Moon Kingdom had a male population. Usagi paused in front of large carving hanging on the wall. Neptune and Uranus soon joined her and as they were trying to figure it out, Pluto showed up and explained that it was a depiction of the founding of the Moon Kingdom.

After being called out for once again sneaking up on them she into further details. Explaining what she knew of the builders as well as the fact that they were in a chamber dedicated to the royalty. They were interrupted from taking in the various works by Mercury informing her that she was finished.

While she was able to retrieve a good amount of information they were left with more questions then answers. She discovered that while connected the silver crystal wasn’t actually the source of Sailor Moon’s power and in fact might limit it. the Sailor Armor was designed by the builders who were long since gone so ii is unknown if Usagi could still access it. Mercury was at least able to download the information so that she could go through it later.

Mercury was also able to confirm the much of the Amazon version of history, and when she brought up an image of Queen Tranquility, they were shocked by how much she looked like Ikuko. Pluto theorized that she most likely was reminding them that the Senshi weren’t the only ones sent to the future. She then went into the details of her and Serenity’s political marriage when Mercury mistook the nature of their relationship.

Usagi was devastated to learn that given how long the average Moon Kingdom resident lived it was rare for them to form stable unions. Seeing this Pluto went on to say that, wasn’t always the case using Uranus and Neptune as an example. Mercury wisely changed the subject back to Amazon history. With that they made there way back home Usagi at the back of the pack, deep in thought.

Haruka, but Michiru, Hotaru, Setsuna and Rei received a a message from Usagi to meet her at the park, Only to not be able to get a hold of her once they got there. As they were waiting Ami, Minako and Makoto showed up having received the same message. Minako suspected that Usagi was planning a surprise anniversary party. When Setsuna pointed out that know such anniversary she figured that she had got her dates mixed up.

Before they could further consider that possibility, Usagi finally appeared. She revealed herself to be Quaoar and after apologizing for the deception informed them that Usagi was with the other Ascended Senshi waiting for her fate to be decided. Defensive instincts drove many of the girls to reach for their transformation items, but they found them missing. Quaoar had already taken them as they would only serve as a distraction. After convincing them including Luna and Artimis who were hiding in the bushes that she was on the level she transported them to the moon kingdom.

Once within, the others found Usagi, suspended in the air and completely unresponsive. After the initial shock, they took in the auditorium room they were in. Sensing her wandering attention, Quaoar introduced them to Rhadamanthus and Eris, though they were more focused on the fact that Seiya was there. The Ascended Senshi believed that Usagi was reawakening as her former incarnation of Cosmos and were worried about her being unable to control her power. At Quaoar's request the senshi had been invited to speak on her behalf.

As she introduced the various AS’ they were shocked by how much Ixion looked like Mamoru. This became more apparent when the actual Mamoru showed up. However, whatever response any would have had to his appearance was cut off by the Orcus was immediately told to withdraw her cloak. Quaoar once more ran through the introductions of the others for Mamoru. As one would expect, Ixion grabbed most of Mamoru's attention. However, other than a nod of greeting, the man said nothing.

Quaoar went into detail about the history of the Ascended Senshi, the rise and fall of Cosmos’ kingdom, as well as the Moon Kingdom. This is what led them to the decision on what to do with Usagi. This caused Rei to angrily demanded to know what that meant only to withdraw when Orcus called her out for not listening to their warning of Cosmos’ power. Rhadamanthus ordered her to calm down, but the fact remained they had serious concerns about weather or not Cosmos can control her power. While they didn’t have to like it they all agreed to it when they chose to be reborn that the final decision is up to the Ascended.

The group used the time they waited for the arrival of Huya and Deucalion to consider what they would say. The Senshi, luna cats, and Mamoru had huddled together to the side to plot strategy. With their abilities inaccessible, and their opponents having all the power of Chaos and more, conflict had been quickly ruled out as being the least viable. So, they took the advice they had been given and considered what to say to sway the opinions of those gathered.

When Huya and Deucalion arrived she immediately rushed towards Ami and Michiru and hugged them. Rhadamanthus began to recount recent events for all. There was little to dispute, until she got to Eris’ transgressions. Since that matter would be discussed only with the Senshi she moved on. Finally came to the decision of what to do with Usagi. Do they let her go, keep her in the stasis field indefinitely, or terminate her before her power grows? Luna suggested that they just restore the stasis field if she does lost control. Rhadamanthus agreed that a conditional release was reasonable.

With no other proposal they began to discuss there options. They eliminated termination when it was pointed out that it would just kicks the can down the road a few years. Sealing or other removal of her power, as well conditional release, also proved impossible with their current limits.

Minako suggested that they just train her and Mamoru was quick to point out that permanent stasis was the same as termination, just delaying the inevitable. Unfortunately Huya pointed out that training would go against their rule about not getting involved. Michiru tried to argue that they could restrict themselves from such, but she wasn’t willing to do that. Ultimately the Ascendant weren’t willing to risk the danger Usagi possessed. Eventually Eris spoke up and called them out for being motivated solely by fear.

The discussion ended and those without a voice were told to wait in the courtyard. Gathered around a destroyed fountain in the central plaza of the ruins of the Moon Kingdom, the Senshi, luna cats and Mamoru waited nervously for nearly an hour. Eventually Rei couldn’t take it anymore and despite knowing how powerful they were planned on marching back in and stopping them. Several of the others rose in response and nodded their agreement, only for Ami to remind them that their chance of victory was nonexistent.

They unanimously agreed to let Usagi live. They decreed that they will continue their pact of noninterference. Usagi must be allowed to discover her powers on her own. Them interfering could simply slow that process down, and potentially lead her astray. However, since the senshi were now aware of them, the block on contact was removed. All Ascended Senshi will be allowed to converse with them normally. They may not, however, use their powers to knowingly help or hinder any Senshi within this star system, save in their own self defense.

Because of Eris actions Rhadamanthus also effectively blocked their power while they were in this star system. It was revealed that because of Seiya’s exposure to Usagi’s energy she was evolving into an Asended as well. This meant that she needed to be replaced on Kinmoku. Her request to go back anyway was denied since supposedly if she was away from Usagi the process could stall. Setsuna ended up offering her a room at her place. Quaoar had Eris take the senshi back to Nerima while she returned Mamoru to his university, much to her annoyance.

All the senshi gather together at Haruka and Michiru’s apartment with Luna and Artemis save Usagi and Seiya. The inners informed them about how hard Usagi was taking things as well as there decision to reveal there identities. Much to everyone’s surprise Setsuna had no objections however she did caution that taking this step is likely a sign that they would have their identities become public in the not too distant future. Thus it would be best if they told their families so they didn’t hear about it from the news. Since the gateway was still unresponsive Haruka gave Setsuna a ride, while Michiru had something she had to catch up on. Herb, Kasumi, Ranko, Frost and Selene gathered together with the Senshi in the apartment of Michiru and Haruka, where the Senshi finally revealed their true identities to them.