3 Sailor Moon Stories

A couple of days went by from the last time Usagi last saw Tuxedo Kamen, or Mamoru, but for her it seemed like years. She had fallen into a deep depression, barely reacting to anything.

School began again, like it always did. She still went to school, but she was miserably indifferent about it. She looked so dispirited that Haruna forwent giving Usagi her usual harangue about being late. She watched concernedly as Usagi hobbled to her seat and sat down, despondently putting her head down on her arms and staring out at nothing.

Near her desk, a bunch of girls were talking excitedly over some poster. "Take a look at this, Usagi-chan!" Naru exclaimed, holding up the poster to her. "A new hair salon opened up. As part of their grand opening celebration, they're gonna do haircuts for free! Isn't that wonderful? Let's go try it out!"

Naru paused, staring down at Usagi. She hadn't moved an inch since she sat down at her desk. It almost seemed as though she wasn't paying any attention to what she was saying.

"What's wrong?" Naru asked, frowning. "You look depressed."

She still didn't move or answer. She remained that way until class was over.

Makoto leaned against one of the pillars on the side of the shrine, near a small pond, listening to Luna tell the others about Usagi's decline into depression. She glanced over at her brother, who was wearing a dark expression, as Usagi's plight reminded him all too much of a bitter memory that had, up until recently, began to slowly fade into something less painful.

Usagi's condition reminded her, all too clearly, of how he looked after that day five years ago. Hopefully, this wouldn't cause her to change drastically in personality as he did... but, then again, there was the hope that Tuxedo Kamen was still alive.

Makoto glanced over at Luna, who had begun speaking again. "Yes, she has been taking Tuxedo Kamen's disappearance very hard," Luna continued. "She hasn't been getting very much sleep. And, when she does sleep, she has nightmares."

"Poor girl," Ami said quietly from her seat upon one of the large rocks. Minako was sitting on the other rock with Artemis in her lap. Rei was busy feeding the fish as she knelt by the pond.

"Any news on Tuxedo Kamen?" Makoto asked.

"Still missing," Luna replied. "Usagi's so worried about Tuxedo Kamen that she can hardly function. She's beginning to lose herself."

"And just when we really need her to be aware of her duties as the Princess," Artemis commented dryly.

"But, there's nothing we can do," Rei retorted, looking at him over her shoulder. "The man she loves has been taken away from her. She's heartbroken. Is that so hard to understand?" she asked, turning back to the pond. "I know how she feels."

Makoto glanced over at her. "Strange to see you take her side," she remarked.

She bowed her head a little further. A stray memory surfaced to her mind.... Mars continued to stare at Sailor Moon, tears streaming down her cheeks as well. "And you think you're not strong? You have the power, you just don't believe. That is why you're a wimp. Mamoru-san risked his life to save a wimp."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sorry," she replied quietly. Makoto blinked in surprise at that response.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I know this is hard on her," Artemis continued, "but she's got no time to be lost."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's right," Luna agreed. "Her purpose is to defeat the Dark Kingdom. In order to do so, she must mature into a proper princess and master using the Silver Crystal. We have to find a way to cheer her up," she stated, looking around at the others.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"At times like these," Ryoku said quietly, speaking up for the first time during their meeting, "some people prefer to be alone." Everyone turned to regard him, who still hadn't moved from the position he had settled in at the beginning of the meeting. He had been adamant about them leaving her alone for a while. They agreed with him, since he assured them that he knew that she wouldn't want to be disturbed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He sighed and shook his head, but he still didn't look up at the others. "Still, I suppose that we don't have that luxury. Besides, it just doesn't seem natural for Usagi-chan to be in that kind of condition. She's the last person I'd ever expect to just lose all optimism and hope."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You're right," Minako added. "Usagi-chan's not someone who'd want to stay miserable for long. She needs someone to cheer her up. I think I might know just the thing."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi came home after school, went straight to her room, and sat in front of her mirror. She took out her star locket and opened it, listening to it play, then put her head down on her arms again and stared sadly into the mirror. Tears began to stream down her cheeks as she listened to the locket play its music.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She could almost imagine Mamoru's face in the mirror. "You don't look good crying, Meatball-head," she could imagine hearing him say.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Mamoru...," she whimpered quietly. "Where are you? I never thought that I'd miss hearing you call me 'Meatball-head'." She glanced over to an open magazine on her bed. It was turned to that same ad that Naru showed her earlier. "There's that ad for the new hair salon that opened up. If I cut them off, then I won't have to hear anyone call me that anymore...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Usagi-chan," someone called from behind her. She looked up over her shoulder and saw Minako behind her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Minako-chan," she said in a more normal tone.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sorry," Minako said as she came in. "I knocked, but you didn't answer," she added, grinning cheerily as she glanced down at the ad on her bed. "Tell me.... Do you want to change your hairstyle, to refresh yourself?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"All right," Usagi replied, nodding.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Minako's smile widened. She knelt down behind her and started to undo both of the buns on her head, letting the hair tumble down to the floor. She then picked up a hairbrush from Usagi's dresser and started to gently brush Usagi's hair. Usagi closed her eyes in contentment as the soft stroking of the hairbrush relaxed her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What do you think?" Minako asked while she worked. "Short for a mature spirit? A light wave for something extra? How about simply straight? Girls can change so much just by changing their hairstyle, don't you think? They can become someone totally different; a whole new person."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi nodded silently and glanced down at the hair salon ad again.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Kunzite stared balefully down at Mamoru, who was still in the brainwashing device. The process was nearly complete and soon he would join their side. However, he didn't look forward to it. In fact, he despised him for being the root of what had caused Zoisite's demise. He would only put up with his presence because Beryl had plans for him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Kunzite," Beryl said as she entered. He glanced up to where she was standing at the other side of the room, and bowed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Yes, Queen Beryl?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We must get the Silver Crystal out of Sailor Moon's hands at any cost," Beryl told him. "Have you not discovered the true identity of Sailor Moon?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I still require more time," Kunzite replied, bowing again.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Do not delay," Beryl advised. "You must discover the true identity of Sailor Moon and retrieve the Silver Crystal."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Do not be concerned. I have an operation currently underway." Kunzite raised his right hand, displaying a long strand of blonde hair. "This is a strand of Sailor Moon's hair that I found during a battle. I'll analyze it and find the girl who matches. Surely, we shall find out who Sailor Moon is."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Good. Carry on."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The hair salon, Tokoyama Kariko, which was named after its owner and founder, was very busy. Several girls were lined up at sinks for shampoo and rinse, in chairs for haircuts and trims, at the hair steamers, and in the waiting area. Despite the capacity, the flow of customers moved swiftly for a hair salon.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">When Minako and Usagi entered the salon, they were greeted by none other than Kariko herself, whom they recognized from her picture in the ads they had seen before.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hello. Welcome to Tokoyama Kariko. What can I do for you?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Minako pushed Usagi forward. "Can you take a look at her hair? Perhaps suggest a new style for her?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sure," Kariko replied, taking a look at Usagi's hair. "Oh, what pretty hair! Please, come this way." She led Usagi over to one of the unoccupied sinks and sat her down in it. She then placed a warm cloth over Usagi's face and filled the sink with warm water.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What do you think about short and red?" she asked as she began to shampoo Usagi's hair.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Me? A redhead?" Usagi exclaimed, her voice muffled through the cloth.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Minako watched Usagi with a small, pleased grin on her face. This's just the thing she needs right now - something to take her mind off Mamoru. I hope this makes you feel better, Usagi-chan.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">One of the hairstylists who were tending to the girls at the hair steamers readied another girl under one of the steamers. "Please wait there," she requested, then left to go take care of something else.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Kariko turned to look at the girl under the steamer as the machine began to analyze the girl's hair. A light at the top flashed a bright blue. So, this girl is not Sailor Moon, either....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Another hairstylist approached Minako, who was sitting in the waiting area reading one of the magazines. "Thank you for waiting," she told her. "We're ready for you now."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Oh, that's okay," Minako replied, holding her hand up in polite refusal. "I'm just waiting for my friend."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I see," she answered, undaunted. "Well, why not try out our special hair steamer. This machine will treat damaged hair with a special steam."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Minako nodded her assent. Why not? she thought to herself. After all, it's free. She got up from her chair and followed the hairstylist to one of the unoccupied steamers and sat down. She reached up and untied the hairbow, letting her long blonde hair fall freely around her shoulders. The hairstylist then wrapped her hair in a small towel and lowered the steamer over her head.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Please wait there," she said and left. Kariko turned toward Minako and watched as the machine analyzed her hair. A light at the top flashed a bright red. Her eyes widened in surprised, then narrowed in anticipation.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">At last, Sailor Moon!

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"OW!" Usagi yelped, as Kariko's hands started massaging Usagi's scalp a little too hard. "Hey, do you have to rub so hard?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">At last, we discovered the true identity of Sailor Moon....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's better. Can you go over a bit to the right?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Kariko left Usagi and strode over to where Minako was sitting.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Kariko-san, are you done with the shampoo?" Usagi asked, still seated at the sink.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We have finally found you, Sailor Moon," Kariko growled quietly as she roughly grabbed Minako's shoulder. Usagi heard Minako's shout of pain and surprise and quickly sat up to see what was going on.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The other hairstylists stood in a circle in the center of the room and each raised an unmarked aerosol spray can. They started spraying a somniferous vapor around the room, which slowly began to blanket the interior of the salon. All of the customers promptly fell asleep, except for Minako, who was fighting the effects of the spray, and Usagi, who had quickly dropped to the floor and crawled around a wall, out of the effected area.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No!" Kariko shouted, shaking Minako savagely. "You will not go to sleep! Now, hand over the Silver Crystal!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What are you talking about?" Minako asked tiredly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She angrily shook her again. "There's no use in playing ignorant!" she snapped fiercely, and began slamming her repeatedly back against her chair. "We've analyzed your hair. It matches Sailor Moon's perfectly!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hair?" Minako murmured weakly, after she ceased slamming her against the chair. I see.... I must've gotten some of Usagi's hair on me earlier as I was brushing it....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"So, you're not going to cooperate with us," Kariko stated, slamming Minako back against the chair one last time and releasing her. Minako slumped back into the chair, weak from the effects of the vapor. She then began to walk backwards toward the center of the circle of hairstylists. "We have another plan."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">As soon as she stepped into the center of the circle, it began to revolve around her. Soon, the red- and blue-garbed hairstylists began to blur into one giant ring of alternating red and blue around white-clothed Kariko. The red, white, and blue cylindrical blur soon disappeared, leaving a giant monster in its place. The huge red creature's four blond braids stuck out in an X-pattern behind her head. Her right arm had what resembled a barber pole on her forearm.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No way...," Minako uttered apprehensively.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi watched all this from behind the corner of the wall. "Kariko-san must've been turned into a youma by the Dark Kingdom!" she exclaimed. "Hang in there, Minako-chan. I'll rescue you! Moon prism power, make up!" Within moments, she had transformed into Sailor Moon.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hold it!" Sailor Moon commanded. The creature paused in her tracks and turned to regard whoever had interrupted her. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Sailor Moon standing behind her, arms folded sternly in front of her. "She's not Sailor Moon."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Impossible!" she exclaimed in confusion.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You claim to do haircuts for free and play over the girls who are short on money! Sailor Moon will not forgive a stingy youma like you! On behalf of the Moon, I'll punish you!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Nice of you to come out into the open like this, Sailor Moon. Now, I can take care of you and get the Silver Crystal!" Her right hand sank into her forearm, below the barber pole. She then affixed a hair dryer attachment to it and pointed it at Sailor Moon. "I, the youma Mitsuarmy, will melt you away!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Sailor Moon dived to one side as a blast of searing hot air melted the counter she had been standing beside.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sailor Moon...," Minako murmured faintly and succumbed to the effects of the spray.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Always dry wet hair!" Mitsuarmy shouted, pointing her dryer toward Sailor Moon. She sent another blast of burning air at her, incinerating the three potted plants and the counter top Sailor Moon was hiding behind. She took one look at the damage and gave a small yelp of apprehension.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Mitsuarmy exchanged her dryer attachment for a large razor blade. She then leaped into the air, while sharpening the blade on a length of course material. "I'll shave away unwanted hair!" she declared as she brought the blade down over Sailor Moon. The blade went through the middle of the counter and even through a bit of the floor, while Sailor Moon leaped out of the way.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">As she rolled toward one of the couches in the waiting area, she stopped just in time to avoid getting hit by a pair of scissors, which had embedded themselves into the side of the couch in front of her. She dived to the ground and started to roll again as Mitsuarmy fired a barrage of scissors, imbedding them into the ground in a straight line behind her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Sailor Moon continued to roll until she crashed into a cart full of makeup, causing the contents of the cart to scatter everywhere, but mostly on her. Mitsuarmy strode over to where she could get another clear shot at her, just as Sailor Moon threw a small jar of powder at her. The jar shattered, creating a cloud of powder around her face.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Mitsuarmy," Sailor Moon said as she brought out her Crescent Moon Wand, "I'll turn you back into Tokoyama Kariko again! Moon healing.... Ah!" she exclaimed, as something struck the Crescent Moon Wand out of her hand. She cradled her hand for a moment, then reached out and picked up the wand. When she turned to see what had struck her hand, she froze for a moment in shock.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's...," she whispered to herself. She slowly turned around, half-afraid that her mind was only playing tricks on her and half-hopeful that it really was who she thought it was.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">In front of her, a figure dressed in black with a top hat was seated in one of the chairs with his back turned to her. "Is he...?" she wondered aloud. The figure turned in his chair. "Tuxedo Kamen-sama!" she exclaimed in immense relief. "I'm so glad you're safe."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Unnoticed by Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen's usual red rose suddenly turned black. "I am not the man you speak of," he remarked coldly, and got up from the chair. Sailor Moon's expression turned from relief to confusion as she stared at Tuxedo Kamen in disbelief. "I'm a commander of the Dark Kingdom, Endymion."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No... no way," she uttered in disbelief.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sailor Moon, hand over the Silver Crystal," he demanded, lifting up his cane and extending it.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No way...," Sailor Moon lamented, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "How could he...?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Behind her, Mitsuarmy was busy trying to start some kind of motor. After several pulls on the starter cord, the motor sputtered to life. "Finally," she muttered irritably as a plume of smoke rose from the motor. She whirled around, displaying a huge motorized razor on her right arm. "I have the engine going." She leaped at Sailor Moon, lunging with the huge razor. Sailor Moon quickly leaped back from the attack, still holding onto the Crescent Moon Wand.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Mitsuarmy, take the Silver Crystal!" Tuxedo Kamen ordered, pointing his cane directly at Sailor Moon.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No!" Sailor Moon gasped. "This can't be happening!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'll trim your hair!" Mitsuarmy shouted and rushed toward her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No way!" Sailor Moon shrieked and dashed out of the salon. Mitsuarmy dashed after her, breaking through the door and most of the wall around it. Tuxedo Kamen calmly followed after them.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Minako came to just as he passed by her. She weakly lifted her head and watched as he walked out the considerably enlarged doorway.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Tuxedo Kamen is on the enemy's side?" she murmured in astonishment. "I'd better call the others." She brought out her transformation pen and held it out in front of her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Venus power, make up!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Mitsuarmy lunged again with her oversized razor, just missing Sailor Moon, and struck a telephone pole. The pole toppled over, snapping the phone wires, and crashed into the ground.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Stand still and let me shave you bald!" she shouted and took another swipe at her, this time hitting a lamppost.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Are you kidding?" Sailor Moon retorted. "My head'll come off if you use that thing!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What is taking so long, Mitsuarmy?" Tuxedo Kamen demanded. "Take the Silver Crystal now!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No...," Sailor Moon whispered sadly to herself.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Mitsuarmy leaped at Sailor Moon again, striking the concrete as Sailor Moon dodged the attack again and tumbled to the ground. She turned around in time to watch her advance toward her with the large razor pointed straight at her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Say goodbye, Sailor Moon," she sneered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hold it right there!" five voices ordered in unison.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Everyone turned to regard the new arrivals: the other Sailor Scouts and the two guardian cats. "Everyone...," Sailor Moon said in relief.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Fire...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Supreme...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Earth...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"...soul!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"...thunder!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"...thrust!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The three attacks combined and struck the huge razor on Mitsuarmy's right hand and blew it up, causing her to stagger from the blow.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Shabon spray!" Mercury shouted, raising a thick mist to obscure vision.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hurry, Sailor Moon!" Venus shouted.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Moon healing escalation!" she shouted, rotating the wand in a large circle in front of her, ending above her head. As she held the wand above her head, a white glow emanated from the wand and covered the monster, returning her and the other hairstylists to their normal form. They then collapsed in a heap onto the ground. Tuxedo Kamen growled furiously, seeing that Mitsuarmy was now gone.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Tuxedo Kamen-sama!" Mars called out, taking a few steps toward him. "I'm so glad to see you safe...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sailor Mars," Venus said in a stern voice. "He's not the Tuxedo Kamen you knew. He's a commander of the Dark Kingdom," she declared, pointing an accusing finger at him. "Endymion. That youma was taking orders from him." Each of the other four Scouts and the two cats stared at Tuxedo Kamen in disbelief, Mars with tears in her eyes. Sailor Moon just stared down into the crystal on her wand.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"He can't be," Mars said in astonishment. "That's not true, is it? Please, Tuxedo Kamen-sama," she pleaded, "tell me it's not true."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It is," Tuxedo Kamen replied. "A rose has its thorns, and even a red rose can turn black."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"How could you...," Mars whispered sadly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You... traitor...," Knight uttered incredulously, tightly clenching both fists at his sides.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Are you seriously going to fight against us?" Mercury asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It if against my belief to defeat women, but I will if it is to get the Silver Crystal," Tuxedo Kamen stated. "So, who's first?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars, I'm so sorry," Knight said quietly and stepped between the other Scouts and Tuxedo Kamen. "Even during the race for the Rainbow Crystals, I never truly believed that it would come to this." He sighed regretfully and stood in a defensive fighting stance. "I'm first. Come, Endymion. I am ready."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Tuxedo Kamen stepped forward to fight Sailor Knight, but paused as he heard Queen Beryl contact him telepathically.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Endymion, leave them for now.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">What?

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">That is the order of Queen Metallia.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">His glare swept over all of the Scouts for a brief moment. "Sailor Scouts, the day to meet your fate has been postponed for now," he told them as he turned to leave. "I will return and I will have that Silver Crystal. Beware of that. Farewell." All of the Scouts and cats stared after him as he walked away. A black portal opened up a short distance in front of him, which he calmly strode through, and disappeared.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Endymion, now in his Earth Prince uniform, entered the chamber where Queen Metallia resided and knelt in front of dark structure which housed her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Why have you called me back?" Mamoru inquired.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The dark form bubbled to life. "BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE YOU, ENDYMION."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Endymion nodded and bowed again. "As you wish, Great Master."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Beryl grinned as she sat in her throne, gazing over her crystal. "It appears Endymion has totally become the Dark Kingdom's warrior," she commented.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"The brainwashing has been quite effective," Kunzite replied, bowing.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We must have Endymion working very hard as a warrior of the Dark Kingdom now."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"As you wish, my Queen."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Each of the six Scouts stood outside of the hair salon, observing the hairstylists at work. Neither they, nor the customers, seemed to recall anything of what happened earlier. Usagi nodded to herself, turned, and started to walk away.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Everything seems back to normal here," she said, then stopped. "They all had nothing to do with our fight. I don't want them to become victims of our battle."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Looks like Usagi-chan's finally starting to accept her destiny as the Princess," Artemis remarked as he sat in Minako's arms.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Most of all, I'm glad Tuxedo Kamen-sama's okay!" Usagi declared cheerily. Everyone sweatdropped in exasperation as she laughed happily.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You were saying, Artemis?" Luna commented as she sat in Ami's arms.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Well, I'm sure she's trying, Luna," Artemis continued. "I meant that she was moving forward."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I definitely prefer her this way," Ryoku replied quietly, his expression showing a little concern as he watched Usagi. "At least, opposed to her being in a deep depression. That is no way for anyone to be." The two cats, Ami and Minako all gave him a questioning look, but he ignored it.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Rei-chan," Makoto said, putting a concerned hand on her shoulder. Rei had been watching Usagi with a concerned expression as well, but turned to Makoto when she felt her hand on her shoulder. "Rei-chan, you can't keep worrying, either," Makoto told her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Rei smiled faintly and nodded. "You're right," she agreed and turned back to watch Usagi.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I bet he's being used by the bad guys!" Usagi continued, clenching a fist angrily. "I'll get him back! You'll see! I'll break whatever hold they have on him and I'll bring him back!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">It was supposed to be a sunny afternoon... according to the weatherman, at least. Supposedly, weathermen are experts on stuff like this, so Makoto left the apartment without her umbrella.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Hours later, true to the nature of all weathermen, it rained.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Stupid weatherman!" she growled running while holding her bookbag over her head. "Ten percent chance of rain, he says. Some ten percent this is!" She continued on her way, not watching where she was going while muttering angrily and suggesting that the aforementioned weatherman should stick his forecast somewhere that was bound to hurt, when she ran into someone and crashed onto the wet ground. "Hey! Why don't you watch where you're going!" she yelled furiously.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm sorry," the person apologized.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sorry isn't good enough!" she growled. She paused as she recognized the guy's voice. Is that voice... Motoki-san...? She looked up. It was Motoki.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Mako-chan, are you okay?" he asked as he grabbed her hand and helped her up. "I'm really sorry. I was busy thinking about something. By the way, don't you have an umbrella?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">His voice sounds like my long-lost senpai..., Makoto thought dreamily to herself. I wish time could stop right now....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Maybe we should get going?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Makoto suddenly snapped out of her trance and nodded. "Sure."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">They walked down the street, Makoto staying close under Motoki's umbrella. Staying dry was one thing, but to actually have an excuse to stay close to him....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I hear you're an excellent cook," he said suddenly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Just a bit," she said with a grin.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sounds great," he replied. "Can you cook me something?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sure, anytime!" she answered eagerly. "And I'll clean up your room."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Motoki blinked. He wasn't really expecting to be taken seriously, but.... "That'd be great," he said with a small, appreciative grin.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She quickly reached into her bookbag, pulled out a pencil and a pad of paper, and handed it over to him. "Here. Can you write down your address, phone number and favorite food?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He took the pad and pencil and wrote down the requested information. "There. You're an interesting girl," he said with some amusement.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's what everybody tells me," she replied, looking over at the pad as he wrote. "Hmm... your favorite food is Hayashi Rice."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Slowly, the rain began to lessen until it completely stopped. The clouds parted quickly allowing the sun to shine over them. "The rain stopped," he said, folding his umbrella. "I guess we can be on our way."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Why did it have to stop raining already?" she grumbled disappointedly. He looked at her in confusion and she laughed nervously in chagrin.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Mako-chan, I have to drop by my school for a bit," he mentioned.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I see. Then, I'll drop by your place later to make Hayashi Rice. See you later!" she said cheerily as she ran off.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Wait!" Motoki called, but she had already left. "I have a date tonight...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"My, you have a pretty friend," a female voice said from behind. She was frowning lightly with her arms folded in front of her. "So, is she the new girlfriend Mamoru-kun was telling me about?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Motoki grinned as he turned around. "Don't tease me like that, Reika."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm just kidding," Reika replied, smiling as well.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He glanced over her outfit and frowned in disappointment. She was wearing a lab coat over her lavender dress, which could only mean one thing. "Judging from your outfit, no date tonight, right?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm sorry. It'll probably take until night to finish."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It's all right. So, have you decided on what you're going to do?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She sighed and shook her head. "I still can't make up my mind."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He frowned in concern as he nodded. "I see. It is a once-in-a-lifetime decision, so take your time."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You're such a kind man," she replied, looking away as a tear slowly ran down her cheek. With her facing away from him like that, he couldn't see it. "But...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hi there, you two!" Mamoru called out, walking up to the couple with Ryoku silently walking with him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Mamoru-kun!" Reika exclaimed in surprise. "You've got to stop sneaking up on us like that! By the way, who's that with you?" she asked, glancing at Ryoku.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's Kino Ryoku," Motoki replied. "He's a friend of ours. Ryoku, this is my girlfriend, Nishimura Reika."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Ryoku was surprised to find out that Motoki had a girlfriend, but it didn't show on his face. Well, I never did ask if he had a girlfriend. Usagi-chan and Mako-chan are really going to be shocked over hearing this! I'd better let them know about Reika-san. "Hello," he greeted pleasantly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Nice to meet you, Ryoku-san," she replied, smiling. She glanced at her watch and gasped slightly. "Oh, look at the time! I've got to go. Mamoru-kun, would you and Ryoku-san mind keeping him company for a while? Bye Motoki, I'll call you later!" she shouted over her shoulder as she ran off.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Both Ryoku and Mamoru turned to Motoki, who was still staring off after Reika with a crestfallen expression on his face. They shared a look, nodded, and dragged Motoki along with them.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Zoisite thrust her crystal spinning out in front of her. The crystal spun in place for a second, then stopped with one point sticking straight into the air. "Dark Crystal," she shouted, "I command you, show me the fifth of the Rainbow Crystal carriers!" Several small streaks of light shot up from the bottom end of the dark crystal and gathered at the top into a glowing sphere of light. The bright sphere of light then exploded into a swirling black funnel, upon which the image of a red-haired woman appeared, wearing a lab coat over her lavender dress.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She looked over to Kunzite, who was standing beside her. "This woman is the next target. The top biology research student at Azabu Technical Institute."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Kunzite glanced at the image from the Dark Crystal. "Hmm... she is rather attractive," he remarked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Zoisite glared at him with a hurt expression on her face. "How could you?" she exclaimed dejectedly. "She's only an ugly youma! And you call her attractive?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Zoisite, jealousy does not suit beautiful you," he replied.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm not listening!" she answered coolly, closing her eyes and turning away.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Undaunted, he made a rose appear in his hand and offered it to her. "Even this rose cannot surpass your beauty," he said softly, as she took the rose from him and smiled. She rested her head on his chest as he gently stroked the back of her head.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Kunzite-sama, I will get the next Rainbow Crystal for you."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"So, what's wrong?" Ryoku asked, staring at a slightly disappointed Motoki sitting across from him. He and Mamoru had dragged him for a short distance until he got the message and started to follow them. Mamoru had suggested they go to a cafe and order some drinks. Idly, Ryoku had noticed that it was the same place he and Rei went to when she told him that she had won tickets to that cruise they went on a couple of months ago. He ordered a soda while the two older guys both ordered some coffee.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Reika might be leaving soon," Motoki replied despondently. "To Africa." He absently drank a little of his coffee. "It's a research project on the possible origins of life on Earth."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I see," Mamoru replied. "So, what's going to happen?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I don't know. She's still trying to decide."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I mean, what're you going to do?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I just don't know. I want her to stay close to me, but I can't tie down her future."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's typical you," Mamoru replied wryly, folding his arms across his chest.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Haven't either of you ever been in love with someone?" Motoki asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Not really," Mamoru replied flatly. Ryoku remained silent as he began to study the table in front of him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"How about you, Ryoku?" he asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Once," Ryoku replied quietly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Really?" Mamoru inquired.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Yes, but I really don't want to talk about it."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Mamoru and Motoki both glanced at him as he continued to stare down at the table.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Oh, yeah," Motoki said suddenly. "Do either of you like Hayashi Rice?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Not really," Mamoru replied while Ryoku blinked at the abrupt change in subject and silently nodded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I see," Motoki replied. "Ryoku, your sister said she'd come over and cook me some. Why don't you two join me?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Mako-chan?" Mamoru asked, frowning in thought. "Oh, Usagi's friend."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You've met my sister, Mamoru-san?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Not really. I've just seen her around Usagi; that's all." He paused as he gave Motoki a significant look. "Do you know how Usagi feels about you?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Well...," he began with a casual shrug, "she is cute."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Cute?" Mamoru remarked, staring at him as he sweatdropped in chagrin. "We were talking about Reika-san and look at you...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Do you think I'd get serious about junior high students?" he asked, then smirked at him. "What about you and Usagi-chan's friend, Rei-chan?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It's not like I'm that interested in her. She's the one with the huge crush on me."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Rei-chan tells me you've been going to karate classes together," Motoki mentioned. Mamoru paused for a moment in mortification. Ryoku noticed his hesitation and decided to answer the question for him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You're right about that," he said with a half-grin of amusement as Mamoru gave him a silencing glare. He ignored it and continued. "In fact, Rei-chan has already kicked his butt three times in a row and is gonna go for a fourth the next time they go." Both Motoki and Ryoku laughed at Mamoru's expense as he softly growled to himself in vexation.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Cute," he muttered dryly. "Very cute."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sorry, Mamoru-san, but it is true," Ryoku replied.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Anyway, that's not the point," Motoki continued, "Usagi-chan and her friend are like my younger sisters."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Both Mamoru and Ryoku shared another look. From the chagrined look on Mamoru's face, Ryoku knew he was thinking the same thing. Wait until he finds out that both Mako-chan and Usagi-chan have huge crushes on him!

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Ryoku, though, was definitely not looking forward to breaking the news to Makoto tonight. Usagi could wait until tomorrow at school.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Later that day, Makoto cheerily ran over to the address Motoki had given her earlier. The apartments that he lived in weren't that much different from the ones that she and her brother lived in, the major difference being that theirs was a three-story complex, whereas his was just two stories tall. She glanced down at the notepad. Yes, this was the right address. She grinned to herself as she strode over to the door and knocked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Yes? Who is it?" Motoki's voice called from behind the door.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Good morning!" she responded loudly. "This's Kino Makoto!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hold on." The sound of a door unlocking was heard, then the door opened with Motoki standing in the doorway. "Hi, Mako-chan. What brings you here?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Excuse me," she replied as she quickly walked into the apartment, nearly knocking him aside.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"My place is a mess right now," he said apologetically.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Don't worry," she replied, not having seen the room yet, since she was looking at him. "I know that some guys don't clean up a lot...," she faltered as she observed the extreme disarray that was his living room. Clothes strewn chaotically all over the place, dishes piled in the sink, dust everywhere.... To say that the room was a mess was quite an understatement. "...or at all," she concluded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">A determined expression set on her face as she took out a bandanna from her bag and tied it across her forehead. "Okay! Let's do it!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Do what?" he asked in surprised confusion.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Clean up, of course," she replied matter-of-factly. "You honestly don't expect me to cook in a mess like this, do you?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Um... I guess not."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Here we go!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Makoto quickly went to work helping Motoki clean up the place. He started cleaning the dishes as she gathered up some of the clothes lying about the floor and set them over in a pile in the corner, which he would wash later. When that was done, she began to dust, then clean the windows, while he returned most of his books and other objects to his room. She was in the middle of mopping the floor he had just swept, when she noticed a picture of him standing next to an unfamiliar red-haired woman.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Who is she?" she asked, picking up the picture.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's Reika," he said fondly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"She's not your sister, is she?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Uh-oh, she thought suddenly. If she's not his sister, then that must mean.... "She's your girlfriend?" she asked frantically.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Well...," he began sheepishly, "...yeah."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Reality was like running face-first into a brick wall at 100 mph.... repeatedly. I think I'm gonna be sick....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Ryoku was considering how to break the unfortunate news to his sister when the door to their apartment opened and she walked forlornly through the door. Her expression was so bleak and depressed that he decided not to tell her about Motoki's girlfriend... at least, not right away. No sense compounding her misery by giving her what could be even worse news.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He walked over to Makoto and put his arm around her shoulders as closed the door behind her. "What happened, Mako-chan?" he asked with deep concern. "You seem so miserable."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It's Motoki-san," she sighed. "I just found out that he has a girlfriend."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">So much for having to worry about that. "I know. I just found out today, as well. I met her while I was talking with Mamoru-san and Motoki-san this afternoon."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"So you've seen her, too?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Yes. I can't help but feel sorry for Usagi-chan. She had a crush on him, too. I'm going to hate breaking this to her tomorrow. I don't think she'll take it well."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I know what you mean," she replied glumly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Makoto was still despondent when she went to school the next day. She was sitting beneath one of the many trees on the school grounds, sighing softly to herself. Luna sat quietly on the grass to her right, while her brother stood on her left. He was leaning against the tree behind her, with his arms folded across his chest. His expression was neutral, as usual, and he looked as though he was making sure no one bothered his sister's brooding.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It's strange to see Mako-chan so troubled," Usagi said as she walked up to Makoto on her right. "What's wrong? You look down. Another broken heart?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Makoto gave Usagi a furious scowl. "It's a bit annoying when you say stuff like that," she snapped irritably.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi jumped back a bit at the severity of that scowl. "Uh-oh. I was just kidding," she said contritely. "What happened? I'll help you out."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I doubt you could," Ryoku remarked, not turning his head. He hadn't moved from his position, leaning against the tree.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Why don't you worry about your own problems?" Luna added before Ryoku could say anything more.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Just tell me," she said sympathetically, turning to Makoto. "Who was it this time?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Motoki-san," Makoto replied curtly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Apparently, reality had the same crushing effect on Usagi, because she immediately broke down into tears. At that point, Luna decided to walk over to Ryoku and leap into his arms, then climb onto his shoulder. She didn't exactly want to be next to Usagi when she was wailing at her usual level of loudness.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"How come you're so surprised?" Makoto added.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Why shouldn't I be? I saw him first.... I liked him, too!" Usagi whined.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Is that so?" Ryoku said sardonically, still not turning his head.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"This's too much!" Usagi continued, bawling incessantly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"But I thought you said you liked Tuxedo Kamen," Makoto pointed out.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I like both of them!" Usagi cried miserably. Ryoku and Luna promptly facefaulted.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Make up your mind!" Makoto shouted irritably.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Why don't you two cut it out?" Luna chided in annoyance from Ryoku's shoulder. "He has the right to choose, you know."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I don't think they're listening, Luna," Ryoku sighed in vexation.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Wait!" Usagi said as she stopped her crying.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Now what?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"If Motoki-oniisan didn't choose Mako-chan, that means he's got someone else in mind."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Brilliant deduction," Ryoku muttered dryly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"And it must be... me!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Ryoku and Luna performed their second facefault for the day.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Nope," Makoto corrected flatly. "Her name's Reika-san."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No way!" Usagi gasped. "I'm out, too?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Cheer up!" Makoto said encouragingly. "Who cares if he has a steady? I say we go for broke! Keep on trying, because you'll get nowhere just by crying!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's right!" she said with renewed confidence as they both got to their feet.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"If we don't go for it, then there'll be no future for the Sailor Scouts!" they shouted simultaneously.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Luna and Ryoku sweatdropped. "Why do I get the feeling that those two don't have a future either way?" Luna asked dryly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Ryoku sighed and shook his head sadly. "Just hope that this will pass swiftly, Luna. That's all we can do right now."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"And if it doesn't?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That is a trail of thought too perilous to pursue, Luna. I would rather not think about it."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Ryoku and Luna, who was still riding on his shoulders, followed Usagi and Makoto to the arcade after school. When the two girls asked why they were coming, he replied that he was curious as to how they intended to steal Motoki away from his girlfriend. Truthfully, he just wanted to watch both girls make fools of themselves, but he wasn't about to tell them that. He definitely wasn't going to tell them about Reika's possible trip to Africa, since it wasn't decided yet. No sense giving them aid in a futile endeavor.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Here we go," Usagi said seriously.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No grudges regardless of who wins, right?" Makoto said just as seriously.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Right," Usagi answered, nodding. "Let's go in order of height!" she suggested suddenly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Facefault number three.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What is this? P.E.?" Makoto muttered as she sweatdropped while Ryoku and Luna recovered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hey, Meatball-head!" Mamoru called as he walked up behind the group.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Oh, great," Usagi growled. "Just what I don't need."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Both of you?" he said, more to himself than to anyone else. Ryoku silently nodded as the girls blinked in surprise. "Why don't you two just forget about him, for both your sakes?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It's none of your business!" Usagi snapped irately.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You cynic!" Makoto added just as testily.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I hate to break this to you," Mamoru added undauntedly, "but Motoki thinks of you two as younger sisters and nothing more."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Younger sister?" Makoto repeated in quiet disbelief.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No way," Usagi added in similar disbelief.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Don't believe me?" Mamoru asked. "Just ask Ryoku." Both girls whirled to face Ryoku, each with a questioning expression on their faces. Before they could ask, he nodded confirmation of Mamoru's statement. "Believe me now, Meatball-head?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Why should I believe anything a jerk like you has to say!" Usagi retorted furiously. "And remember, my name is Usagi. Not Meatball-head!" She turned and stomped toward the arcade's entrance.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sure, I know your name," Mamoru called after her. "Meatball-head!" Usagi stopped in mid-step, growled furiously and continued into the arcade.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Don't you know that Motoki's already got a girlfriend?" he asked Makoto. He shot a glance over to Ryoku, who was leaning boredly against the wall with Luna perched on his right shoulder. Ryoku gave him an I'm-staying-out-of-this look and folded his arms stubbornly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You mean, Reika-san?" Makoto answered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Mamoru looked at Ryoku again, who just shrugged, and sighed. "I just don't get what's going through the minds of junior high students these days," he muttered tiredly. "Even if she does choose to go overseas, I still doubt that either of you would have a chance...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He was interrupted when Makoto suddenly grabbed him and started shaking him violently. "Overseas?" she demanded forcefully. "What do you mean? Tell me more!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I shouldn't have told her...," he muttered weakly as Makoto's fierce shaking caused him to collapse onto the ground.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Are you okay?" she anxiously asked Mamoru's prostrate form.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I think you killed him, Mako-chan," Ryoku teased from behind. Luna stifled a laugh and meowed her agreement.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Some help you two are," Makoto muttered as she tried to revive Mamoru.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">That night, Makoto waited by the gates of Azabu Technical Institute and stared up into the clear sky. The pale moonlight softly illuminated the school grounds where there were no lampposts. She sighed softly as the waiting was beginning to become boring.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I came to urge Reika-san into going overseas, but...," she began, then dropped her gaze from the sky. "...how am I going to tell her?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The sound of approaching voices caught her attention. There were two voices, one male and one female. She looked around the corner of the wall she was leaning against and peered through the gates. "It's her," she said, catching sight of Reika as she was walking towards the gate. She opened the gate, walked through it, and closed it again, all without noticing Makoto. "Excuse me," Makoto said, trying to catch her attention.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Who is it?" she asked as she turned towards Makoto. "Didn't I see you with Motoki yesterday?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You did?" she asked as she followed Reika.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She grinned slightly. "I'm not upset, if that's what you're wondering," she mentioned. "So, what is it? Did you want to ask me about something?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Actually, I did," Makoto said as they walked into Shiba Park and sat on one of the benches. "Have you decided to study overseas?" she asked bluntly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You got the news quickly. Did Motoki tell you?" Reika asked obliquely.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Please answer my question," Makoto requested.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Reika's expression fell slightly as she gazed down at the ground in front of her. "I still don't know yet," she replied after a long pause. "I'm still trying to decide. On one hand, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but... I don't want to part with Motoki, either. If only he'd stop me...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What are you talking about?" Makoto exclaimed, standing up from the bench. "Who do you think you are? You wouldn't go overseas if Motoki-san stops you? Then, why don't you just forget about the whole idea? You only have one way. Study or love. You won't get both!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Reika nodded in surprised agreement, while Makoto suddenly realized what she had just said. Oops... I wasn't supposed to push her to go....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The following afternoon, Makoto went to go cook Motoki's favorite dish for him since last time she didn't have the proper ingredients to make the dish. Usagi insisted on tagging along and Ryoku came because he wanted to pick up a few pointers from his master chef sister, or so he claimed. She wasn't too sure about that, but she let him come along anyway. She also made him carry the bag of ingredients, too.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">It was a large, heavy bag.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's his place over there," Makoto said, pointing to Motoki's apartment.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You know your way? At last, I'll be in Motoki-oniisan's home," Usagi said excitedly. Ryoku and Luna rolled their eyes in exasperation and sweatdropped.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Knock it off, Usagi," Luna muttered as the girls headed over to Motoki's apartment door and knocked. Ryoku noticed that Luna wasn't following.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You're not coming with us?" he asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm a cat. I don't really need cooking lessons," Luna explained.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I see. Well, see you later, then," Ryoku replied and went to join the girls.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The door opened and Motoki stepped into the doorway. "Hi, everyone! Please come in."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The apartment was still clean from the cleaning it had two days ago. Evidently, Motoki must've kept the apartment from falling back into the mess that was there before.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Nice place you've got here, Motoki-san," Ryoku remarked appreciatively.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Wow, it's so clean," Usagi said, surprised. "The rooms of good-looking men are good-looking as well, aren't they?" Makoto choked slightly in chagrin after hearing what she said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi spotted an almost empty coffee mug sitting on the table in the living room. "Unfinished coffee," she said, picking up the mug. "I smell Motoki-oniisan," she said as she smelled the coffee.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Usagi, what are you doing?" Makoto asked pointedly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Oh, I forgot about that," Motoki mentioned as he came up behind them.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi put down the mug and blushed slightly, bowing her head so no one would be able to see. "I hope you don't mind me coming," she said sheepishly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I came to watch Mako-chan cook," Ryoku called from the kitchen as he set the bag of ingredients down on the counter. "They also made me carry everything here for them. Anyway, I'm ready to go if you all are."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi glanced over at Motoki, then down to the floor again. "No," she said almost to herself. "I'm not mentally prepared yet."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Wow, that's impressive," Motoki replied. "You need mental preparation to cook, too?" From the expressions on Usagi and Makoto's faces, they didn't exactly expect that reaction to Usagi's usual complaints. Ryoku, on the other hand, simply dumped the contents of the bag he'd been carrying onto the table and arranged them for later use.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Let's just get started," Makoto said dryly and went to go join her brother in the kitchen.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"All right," Usagi said, joining the others in the kitchen and still elated over getting that unexpected comment from Motoki. "Just tell me what to do."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Okay, here's a knife. Start peeling some carrots," she ordered, handing her a knife.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"But, I'm not good at peeling," Usagi replied, staring at the knife in her hand.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'll just have Motoki-san handle it, then," Ryoku said, grabbing the carrots and carrying them off.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Okay, then," Makoto said, slightly annoyed at Usagi's refusal to peel carrots. "Slice up some onions."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I don't wanna be in tears," Usagi complained.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'll do it, then," Ryoku replied, walking back into the kitchen and grabbing the onions.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">By now, Makoto was really getting annoyed with Usagi, clenching a fist in annoyance and snapping the carrot she was holding in half. "I think it's dead now, Mako-chan," Ryoku muttered aside to his sister as he began chopping the onions.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Then, start cooking rice!" she growled to Usagi, ignoring her brother's remark.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"But, I don't know how to wash rice!" Usagi exclaimed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Don't look at me. I'm already busy," Ryoku said, still chopping onions.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You useless thing...," Makoto grumbled.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"But...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Well, you can always eat what everyone else makes," Ryoku remarked. "However, it would be kind of embarrassing for your future husband if he had to cook for his wife." He was saved from a scathing reply from Usagi when the phone suddenly rang.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Motoki left his carrots and went to go answer the phone. "Hello? Reika!" he exclaimed. Both Usagi and Makoto abandoned the food and started eavesdropping, leaving Ryoku to continue preparing the food and grumbling quietly to himself about nosy friends and sisters.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Motoki, I've made up my mind," Reika told him sadly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I've come to a decision, Motoki," she informed him. "I... I need to see you. Right now."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Okay, I'll be right there," he said, hanging up the phone. Usagi and Makoto quickly rushed back into the kitchen. Ryoku gave both girls a quick disapproving glance and went back to work.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Usagi-chan, Mako-chan, Ryoku, sorry but...," Motoki began.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sure, see you later!" Usagi replied, cutting him off.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You heard me?" he asked, slightly embarrassed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"...you dummy," Makoto muttered aside to Usagi.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What're you waiting for?" Ryoku asked, having figured out what was going on from the anxious expression on Motoki's face and the disappointed looks on the girls' faces. "Go."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'll be out for a bit!" he told them and rushed out the door.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Makoto sighed while Usagi suddenly yelped in pain.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I cut my finger!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">While the meal they prepared slowly simmered, the girls sat around the living room table. Ryoku was keeping watch over the pot, in case it started to boil over, while the girls waited for Motoki to return. He didn't mind watching the pot; it was almost done anyway and it was better than listening to those two sigh constantly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Outside, the sun had all but set. Usagi was half-asleep, while Makoto was extremely bored. Ryoku had set the pot aside to cool and was now sitting with the girls.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"He's late," Makoto muttered quietly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Luna walked up to the window and peered inside. "Oh, there they are," she said to herself. "I wonder what happened to Motoki-san. It's not like him to just run off."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Suddenly, a faint beeping sounded from within Usagi's purse. "The Crescent Moon Wand is reacting! There must be a Rainbow Crystal nearby! Usagi!" Luna leaped up to a nearby window... and discovered that it was closed by smacking into the glass.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What?" Usagi mumbled sleepily. "What's happening?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Rainbow Crystal...," Luna exclaimed as she landed face-first onto the ground after crashing into the window. "Everyone, transform!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Makoto noticed the beeping sound coming from Usagi's purse. "Motoki-san's late and now I'm ticked off!" she stated, standing up.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's right! And he's making us wait! Damn Motoki-oniisan!" Usagi grumbled loudly, also standing up.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"...Usagi-chan," Luna muttered in exasperation.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm just kidding."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Enough of that," Ryoku told them, also standing up. "We've got work to do."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Right. Moon prism power, make up!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Jupiter power, make up!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Knight swords power!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The three transformed Scouts ran out of the apartment and headed straight for the location of the fifth Rainbow Crystal.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Motoki stood protectively between Reika and their attacker. The blonde woman was at that moment surrounding them and herself with a tall ring of fire, preventing their escape. He stared harshly at the blonde woman, who was now laughing mockingly at his attempts to protect Reika.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"How heroic," the woman mocked. Motoki snarled furiously as he rushed at the woman. She leaped into the air and hovered over the fire behind her, then quickly crossed her arms over her chest and then flung them apart, causing a huge energy blast to fly straight at him. The attack struck hard, sending him flying backwards to land at Reika's feet, out cold. "Have a nice nap," the woman said, landing back on the ground and striding over to Reika.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Reika kneeled down worriedly and touched his cheek with her trembling hand. She was scared. Scared, and infuriated. How dare this woman attack her and the one she loved! "You monster!" she spat furiously, whirling to face the blonde threat approaching her. She hovered protectively over Motoki's motionless form as if to ward off any further attacks from their assailant.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"And you are a hideous monster as well," Zoisite stated as she approached her. "One of the Seven Shadows, Rikoukeida."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Seven Shadows?" Reika repeated in disbelief.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Yes," Zoisite replied, holding up the Dark Crystal in front of Reika. "Now I'll retrieve the Rainbow Crystal and show you exactly what I mean." The Dark Crystal began to glow, emitting pulses of energy at her. The pulses of energy began to envelope her and penetrate through her. Suddenly, she felt a surge of power as the energy from the Dark Crystal found the Rainbow Crystal within her. She began to scream as the power of the Blue Rainbow Crystal began to overload her senses. Suddenly, a screen of smoke rose around her. From out of the smoke, the Blue Rainbow Crystal flew straight towards Zoisite's hand. She smiled darkly as she caught the crystal. The smoke cleared, revealing a green-skinned woman with short flame-colored hair. She wore a monocle over her right eye, and what seemed to be a black one-piece swimsuit and red knee-high boots.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Reika-san!" Sailor Moon exclaimed as the three Scouts and Luna appeared on the scene.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"She changed into a...," Sailor Jupiter continued.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"...into a Shadow Warrior," Sailor Knight finished.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sailor Moon, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Knight, be careful!" Luna warned.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm the Sailor Warrior fighting for love and justice, Sailor Moon!" Sailor Moon stated. "I'm different from the usual me!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Ten thousand volt power of a broken heart!" Jupiter shouted.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Looking for boyfriends!" they finished together.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Luna stared at them in complete exasperation. "You too, Mako-chan?" she muttered in a suffering tone.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Knight had an utterly mortified look on his face. "Why me?" he implored skyward as if patience would materialize from thin air.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"On behalf of the Moon, I'll punish you!" Sailor Moon shouted, finishing her speech.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"So, you have no boyfriends?" Rikoukeida asked derisively.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It's all your fault!" Sailor Moon retorted.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Forget boyfriends for now!" Knight exclaimed in frustration.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I will have the Rainbow Crystal!" Zoisite said, laughing as the Shadow Warrior tossed an exploding canister at Sailor Moon, which would have hit her if Knight hadn't pulled her out of the way. As she was watching the scene below her, something struck her hand from behind, forcing her to drop the crystal. "What?" she growled as she turned around to see who had attacked her. A figure dressed in a black tuxedo, top hat and cape stood atop the building behind her, his cane retracting back to its normal length. "Tuxedo Kamen!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Tuxedo Kamen leaped off the building and landed onto the ground just as Zoisite settled to the ground herself. "So, you dare to interfere with me again?" she sneered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You will not have the Rainbow Crystal," he declared.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Sailor Moon was staring dreamy-eyed at Tuxedo Kamen, which didn't go unnoticed by the other two Scouts. "Hey, what about Motoki-san?" Jupiter asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Right now, I'm Tuxedo Kamen-sama all the way!" Sailor Moon replied.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Facefault number four.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It must be nice to be able to change your loyalties, just like that," Knight remarked sarcastically as he recovered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Before Sailor Moon could ask Knight what he meant by that remark, Rikoukeida began to bombard the Scouts with several blue-colored canisters. The canisters exploded upon contact with the ground, releasing several small, slimy blobs that slowly began to climb up their legs.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What are these disgusting things?" Sailor Moon shrieked as she leaped up and down, trying to dislodge the disgusting creatures.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Those cells will draw the energy out of you through osmosis, leaving your bodies in a desiccative state," she explained. Sailor Moon's expression turned blank from confusion.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"She needs to brush up on her biology," Luna commented dryly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"She meant that these things'll suck out all of our energy until we turn into raisins," Knight told Sailor Moon, simplifying it for her benefit.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Oh," she replied, now understanding what that complex statement meant. "...but I don't wanna be a raisin!" she whined, fully understanding what that complex statement meant.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"My guardian planet, Jupiter," Jupiter intoned, preparing her attack. "Bring forth the storm! Call upon the clouds! Let thunder come down upon me! Supreme thunder!" The lightning bolts struck the energy-draining cells, destroying them. Rikoukeida, on the other hand, summoned a flask to appear between her hands, which she used to catch Jupiter's attack.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What?" Knight uttered in shock.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"She caught my attack!" Jupiter exclaimed, also surprised.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The Shadow Warrior pointed the opening of the flask at the Scouts and slapped the bottom. Lightning bolts shot out from the flask, headed straight for them.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Look out!" both Knight and Jupiter shouted, each grabbing one side of Sailor Moon and pulling her out of the way of the attack.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"So, you escaped," Rikoukeida said indifferently. "I still have plenty of thunder left."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sailor Jupiter, do something!" Sailor Moon pleaded. "Can't you turn that lightning bolt off or something?" Jupiter only shook her head.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I will send you three to hell together," the Shadow Warrior declared, readying another attack.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Shabon spray!" Sailor Mercury shouted, raising a thick fog to obscure vision.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Mercury!" Knight exclaimed in relief.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"And Mars!" Jupiter added, echoing his relief.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Glad we made it on time," Mercury said, as she and Mars appeared from out of the mist.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Do you know how hard it was looking for you three?" Mars asked pointedly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Tell us later," Knight replied as prepared his attack, hoping to shatter that flask and rid the Shadow Warrior of that weapon. "Earth thrust!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Fire soul!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The two attacks struck the flask simultaneously, completely destroying the flask. As the fog began to dissipate, Rikoukeida found herself surrounded by the five Sailor Scouts.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Use lab equipment with care," Mercury told her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Use limited resources wisely," Jupiter added.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Now, get moving," Mars urged imperiously.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Don't get bossy!" Sailor Moon retorted irritably.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Then, don't just stand there like an idiot!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Who's an idiot?!?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Would you two just knock it off?!?" Knight bellowed in frustration.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sailor Moon, hurry!" Luna scolded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Sailor Moon nodded and brought out the Crescent Moon Wand. "Moon healing escalation!" she shouted, rotating the wand in a large circle in front of her, ending above her head. As she held the wand above her head, a white glow emanated from the wand and covered the Shadow Warrior, returning her to her normal form. She then collapsed onto the ground.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Meanwhile, Tuxedo Kamen and Zoisite had been busy dueling over the Blue Rainbow Crystal, which was still lying on the ground where Zoisite had dropped it. Tuxedo Kamen thrust and blocked with his cane while Zoisite tried to blast him with several energy bolts, each missing by a slight margin.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It appears that the battle is over," Tuxedo Kamen announced as he dodged another shot from Zoisite and thrust again with his cane.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She took a cautious look over to where the Scouts were gathered, and saw that he was right. "You win. You can have the Rainbow Crystal," she resigned, stepping back from the crystal. He gazed warily at the blonde General for a moment, then bent to pick up the crystal. Suddenly, a flurry of flower petals flew straight for him, forcing him to bring up his cape protectively against the attack.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Tuxedo Kamen, you fool," Zoisite taunted, after grabbing the crystal and opening a portal behind her. "I will have the Rainbow Crystals!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hold it, Zoisite!" Knight ordered to the fleeing General as he rushed after her. "I won't let you have that crystal!" He reached behind his back, brought out one of his swords and quickly flung it at the retreating General's hand. The sword struck the Rainbow Crystal, knocking it out of her hand just as the portal closed on her. He dashed over to the crystal and grabbed both it and his sword before Tuxedo Kamen could recover from Zoisite's attack.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Tuxedo Kamen stared at Knight's retreating form, as he ran off with the Blue Rainbow Crystal. At least Zoisite didn't get the crystal, he thought as he turned and departed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Motoki slowly got to his feet, his head aching from Zoisite's last blow. "Motoki!" he heard Reika call. He turned to see her running anxiously towards him. "Reika!" he responded, relieved to see her all right. She rushed into his arms, all of her fears and worries melting away in his embrace.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hey!" Knight called out to the other Scouts as they were beginning to leave. "Look at what I've got!" he exclaimed, proudly holding up the Blue Rainbow Crystal.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's wonderful, Knight!" Mercury exclaimed delightedly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Now, we have two Rainbow Crystals!" Jupiter added.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"There are only two more crystals to find," Luna pointed out. "Not to mention that we have to retrieve the other three from Zoisite and Tuxedo Kamen."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Oh, don't be so gloomy," Sailor Moon admonished. "We at least have two."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Don't worry. We'll get the others," Mars added. The other Scouts each nodded their agreement.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">A few days later, Motoki and Reika were despondently holding hands at the airport, near the gate for her flight. She had finally decided that she would take the opportunity to study in Africa, which he supported wholeheartedly, if a little sadly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The last call for boarding sounded over the PA system. Though it was time for them to part, they were loath to leave each other's side.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Reika, I won't say goodbye," he promised ardently.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'll write you."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'll be waiting."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'd better go."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Have a safe trip."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Reika gazed into Motoki's eyes, as her eyes grew teary. "You're in my heart," she said lovingly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"As you're in mine," he replied just as lovingly. He followed her all the way to the gate and watched as she boarded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Oh, that's the most romantic thing I've ever seen!" Usagi exclaimed, dabbing a handkerchief to her eyes. She, Makoto, and Ryoku all accompanied Motoki and Reika to the airport, and were now watching the tableau between the parting couple.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Indeed," Ryoku remarked as he stood with his arms folded, watching the couple with a sympathetic expression on his face. It definitely was worth it to come to the airport with them, even if he and his sister did hate the place.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Mako-chan, let's give up on Motoki-oniisan," Usagi suggested.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Reika-san might find a good man in Africa," Makoto said with a sly grin.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi regarded her with surprise. "No way!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"So, you're dropping out?" she inquired as she started after Motoki.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No, I did not!" Usagi shouted, chasing after her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Didn't you give up?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No, I didn't!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'll have Motoki-san!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No!!!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Facefault number five.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'll just pretend I don't know them," he muttered wryly as he recovered and headed in the opposite direction.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Queen Beryl was really mad at Jaedite this time. Not only had he failed again, but thanks to Sailor Moon and the three other Sailor Scouts, he had also lost Titus. Things just couldn't get any worse, but then again things usually did. And, as of late, they always seemed to happen to him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She had left him waiting for her, as she went to decide his fate. He knew it wasn't going to be good, especially since she was furious when she left. When she returned, she was icy calm. That was a very bad sign.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Jadeite, we are pleased with the energy you have collected from the people of Earth," she began, "but you also have made several mistakes." Jadeite growled to himself and clenched a fist in anger. "Furthermore, you have not yet been able to eliminate the four Sailor Scouts: Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars and Sailor Knight. This disturbs me, Jadeite," she said in an ominous tone.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"But, Queen Beryl...," he began, but Beryl cut him off.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I will hear no excuses!" she roared fiercely. "Kill the Sailor Scouts!" She grinned wickedly in the pale lighting. "If you fail this time... the punishment is eternal sleep."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">In the background, astonished murmuring could be heard easily. Jadeite was merely speechless with worry over his fate. Now, things couldn't get any worse.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"The punishment of eternal sleep condemns you to the most profound darkness... forever. You will be sealed away into the edge of darkness... never to return. Remember that."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">It was time for him to take drastic measures.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Rei was just getting dressed after taking a nice long soak in the bathtub. She slipped on her usual red and white robes and headed for her room. Ever since that so-called cruise that she, Ami and Ryoku went on, she had been mulling over the same thing: why Ryoku had apparently given up on dating.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She had come to several different conclusions, but only a few seemed to fit. For one, she knew he was interested in girls, not boys. She had flirted with him a couple times and had even made him blush a few times; though he tried to hide it. Besides, he didn't seem to be the type that would go for that sort of thing.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The one reason she thought was the most likely, was that his last girlfriend must've really broken his heart. That would explain his constant depression and reluctance to date again. She wanted to ask him about what happened, but she knew that he didn't want to talk about it.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">From out of nowhere, an ominous, wicked laughter interrupted her musings. She turned to look out her window....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Ami had just finished another chapter in her biology textbook. She yawned and stretched out her arms. She had been sitting on her bed for a long time, so decided to get up and move her legs for a bit before moving on to the next chapter.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She went over to her window and opened it. A gentle breeze flew into her room stirring her short blue hair. She closed her eyes and tilted her head, letting the wind blow across her face. It felt good. Things like this were little reminders to her that there actually was more to life than studying. Then again, she thought with some amusement, with friends like mine, who needs to be reminded?

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">From out of nowhere, an ominous, wicked laughter interrupted her musings. She looked up into the sky....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Ryoku was up on the roof again, but this time his swords were back in his room. He was sitting on the edge of the roof while letting his feet dangle over the edge. He had brought his guitar up with him and he was now softly strumming a few insignificant chords. He wasn't really trying to play anything; he was just listing to the sound it made.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He was growing very tired of the repeated misunderstandings that seemed to be prevalent in his life as of late. First, there was the incident that landed him at Crossroads in the first place. No big deal; he had all but forgotten it already. Then, there were the rumors that had greeted him upon his arrival at the junior high. Hospitalized, indeed! That couldn't be further from the truth.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Now, there was this misunderstanding he had with Rei. He thought he told her that he was no longer interested in dating. I guess that to her that meant that you're free to flirt, as long as you don't go farther than that. He sighed. Oh well, I never did say that I didn't want to be flirted with, either. So, he endured it. She had even managed to make him blush! Before, only Keiko could've done that....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">From out of nowhere, an ominous, wicked laughter interrupted his musings. He looked up from his guitar into the sky....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi was staring up at the stars with Luna. "I love looking up at the constellations. Oh, look, Cygnus," she said, pointing to one constellation after another. "Sagittarius. Libra. Motoki-oniisan." She pointed over to another. "And there, Tuxedo Kamen." She giggled. "What a two-timer I am! I'm in love with two guys at the same time. I'm a very sinful girl."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Luna merely groaned tiredly and yawned. "This is making me sleepy, Usagi-chan. Don't you have anything better to do with your time?" she asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Obviously, she did not, since she continued to stare out into the starry night. "It's so hard to be in love. But, what if Motoki-oniisan was Tuxedo Kamen...?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">From out of nowhere, an ominous, wicked laughter interrupted her musings. As she looked up into the sky, she saw lightning flash and clouds swirl around unnaturally. "Huh? What is that?" she asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">As if answering her question, the clouds converged and formed into an image of Jadeite. Luna arched her back and hissed at him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Now hear this, Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars and Sailor Knight!" he challenged. "Come to the F runway of Haneda Airport tomorrow night at one o'clock. If you do not come...." He shot a fireball into the city, igniting it instantly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi and Luna gasped in shock. "Stop it, you monster!" Luna shouted angrily.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He merely snapped his fingers and the flames vanished. "That was only an illusion, but if you do not come, I will burn all of Tokyo." As suddenly as his image appeared, it disappeared, displaying the serene starlit sky.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"This calls for an emergency meeting," Luna said worriedly. "Come on, Usagi-chan. We need to go to Rei's shrine. Now."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Rei was outside, waiting for the others when they arrived. She noticed the varying degrees of worry on the others' faces, from Ryoku's calm demeanor to Usagi's obvious apprehension. At least she wasn't crying like a baby this time.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Good, we're all here," Luna said. "Now, we've all seen Jadeite's challenge to us a few minutes ago...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Yes," Ryoku said flatly, "either we show up, or he incinerates the whole city."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Do you really think he'll do it?" Usagi asked apprehensively.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm sure he'd turn Tokyo into an inferno, just as he said," Luna told them.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Let's go," Rei suggested. "We can't just ignore his challenge."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"But that means we're walking right into his trap!" Ami interjected.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Actually," Ryoku said thoughtfully, "you both have a point. If we don't answer, Jadeite roasts Tokyo. But, Jadeite wouldn't have challenged us unless he was sure of winning. That means a trap."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Luna nodded and turned to Usagi. "What do you think, Usagi-chan?" she asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The other three turned to Usagi, who up until now was lost in thought. "We fight him, right?" Rei asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Think carefully," Ami said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Well, Usagi-chan?" Ryoku asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi laughed nervously. "Me?" she asked, pointing to herself. "I'm scared I don't wanna go!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Okay, so it's settled," Luna said. "We all meet Jadeite tomorrow night."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Hey!" Usagi interrupted. Everyone else ignored her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Right," Ryoku said and left.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I don't like this, but we don't have any choice," Ami said. "We must meet Jadeite or the city will suffer." She turned and left.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Come on, Usagi-chan," Luna said. "We'd better be getting home, too."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi noticed that she and Luna were all alone. Rei had already gone back inside and Ryoku and Ami left. "All right. Coming, Luna."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The next day, an announcement on the news stated that due to Jadeite's late-night message to the Scouts, the police were going to station teams of officers all over the airport. The news of the impending battle was currently being discussed throughout the school, especially in Usagi's class.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi was standing next to the window with Luna, while the other students were discussing the nature of the strange message last night. They were even suggesting that they sneak over to the airport to watch the fight.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We can't have all those people there!" Luna said, concerned. "They could get hurt!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Maybe we shouldn't go there, either," Usagi said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Usagi!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Just kidding."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Just then, Usagi's teacher, Sakurada Haruna, entered the room. "What are you all planning?" she demanded, after overhearing a little bit of the many conversations going on in the room. "Junior high students shouldn't be out that late at night!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's right!" Usagi added. "Don't go!" Everyone suddenly turned to Usagi, looking at her curiously, as if to say, 'Who are you, and what have you done with the real Usagi?'

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"How come?" Naru said, surprised at what her best friend had just said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Because, it's too dangerous!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"How come it's dangerous?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Do you know something, Usagi-san?" Umino asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No, of course not!" Usagi said indignantly. "Why should I know anything? Anyway, if you all have so much free time, you should stay home and study!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Everyone's jaws dropped at the same time, even Haruna's. "Tsukino-san... I wonder what made you talk so normal," she said worriedly as she walked over to her. "You don't have a fever, do you?" She put her hand to her forehead, checking her temperature. "Is there something bothering you? Maybe I can be of some help to you."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I can't believe this! Usagi thought as she started to grow angry. They're all acting as if just had a nervous breakdown or something! "Come on!" she shouted indignantly. "What's wrong with me talking normal?!?" Suddenly, tears started to form on her face as she grew more and more upset. "You can't do that!!!" she wailed as she started crying.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I guess she's back to normal," Haruna muttered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">At the Crown Video Arcade, Usagi was telling Motoki about what happened when she tried to be serious in class. She expected him to understand. What she got was totally unexpected.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He laughed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Isn't she cruel?" she said petulantly, while he was still laughing.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Motoki finally managed to get his laughter under control. "Maybe, but I can't help agreeing with your teacher." Usagi awarded him with a hurt, indignant look. "You don't look attractive talking normally," he continued. "I prefer a girl with character."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi's expression brightened at the news. "Really?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Really."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">She smiled and exited the arcade. As soon as she was outside, she leaped into the air. "Yahoo! Motoki-oniisan said such a nice thing to me!" she sang to herself happily.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">As she skipped in time to her singing, she kicked off her right shoe. It sailed through the air and landed on a certain someone's head. "Ow!" Mamoru exclaimed, picking up the shoe that hit him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm sorry," she said. Oh, great! Of all the people my shoe had to land on....

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Not your shoes again. Were you aiming for me?" he asked irritably.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You watch were you're going!" she retorted angrily.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What a snob. Why can't you be more serious, like a normal girl?" he asked tiredly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No I can't," she said happily. "There's a guy who told me that he prefers a girl that's not normal."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That's dumb," he said contemptuously. "He's gotta be stupid."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"He's way better than you!" she snapped.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Like gathers alike," he said mockingly. "Garbage in a trash can. A Meatball-head deserves somebody just as stupid as her."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi grew really upset with that remark as tears started to form in her eyes. "How could you? I don't care what you say about me, but... to talk like that... about... him...?" she moaned as she began to cry.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Mamoru began to grow embarrassed and nervous as he noticed all the people beginning to stare. "H-hey...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You can't do that!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sorry about that. I gotta rush. Here's your shoe back." He tossed the shoe over to Usagi, who had already dropped to her knees, wailing heavily. "Later," he said and ran off. She just picked up the shoe and kept on crying.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Night had fallen hours ago and midnight was just minutes past. Haneda Airport was devoid of passengers waiting for a late night departure or waiting to greet an arrival. Instead, it was crawling with alert, uniformed policemen, watching and waiting for any sign of the oncoming battle between the Sailor Scouts and the one whose face appeared in the sky yesterday night.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Above the policemen, on the airport roof, Jadeite walked over to the edge of the roof and looked down at the foolish humans who thought they could come between him and his only means for redemption.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We have no need for you," he said impatiently. "Sleep for now." He raised his arms, causing a dark fog to appear. All the policemen promptly fall asleep, some falling on their sides as if tipped over like cows. Jadeite walked through the inside of the airport, examining his handiwork and laughing to himself.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Now come, Sailor Scouts," he said ominously.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The four Scouts and Luna were, at this moment, running up the stairs of the nearest subway that would take them to the airport.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Run, Usagi-chan!" Rei shouted back irritably. "I can't believe that your name means 'rabbit'. It that some sort of joke?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Shut up!" Usagi muttered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We've got no time to be fighting amongst ourselves," Ami said patiently as she tried to stifle their bickering. They all suddenly stopped as they realized that it was too quiet. Nothing was running.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"So, they're not running anymore?" Usagi asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Can we afford a taxi?" Rei asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I think I can," Ryoku said. "Except most of my money is back at home." The whole discussion became moot as the only subway car left at the station opened up by itself.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What's going on?" Luna exclaimed in surprise.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">After their initial surprise was over, Rei was the first to speak. "An invitation from the enemy, huh? Fine with me," she said, and moved to enter.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Wait!" Ryoku said, holding a sword across the doorway, keeping Rei from entering. "Let me go first." She eyed him curiously for a moment, then nodded, stepping aside.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He pulled out his second sword, from seemingly out of nowhere, and cautiously stepped inside, both swords at the ready. Although there wasn't anybody inside, he moved slowly, watching for any sign of an ambush. He slowly turned completely around eyeing every corner warily. After confirming that the car was safe, so to speak, he waved the girls inside.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Even though there's no one here, I'm still getting a bad feeling about this," he said, making his swords vanish behind his back. "It's like we're walking into...."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">He was cut off as the door suddenly slammed shut and the train began to move. "The door... it's locked!" Ami exclaimed as she tried to open it.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"...a trap," he finished quietly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Looks like you two were right," Luna said worriedly. "We're being led straight into a trap."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"All we can do now is wait and enjoy the ride," Ryoku muttered. He was wondering about the irony of this situation. Here he was, willingly heading for an airport - a place either he or his sister would avoid unless absolutely necessary, though each had different ideas about what necessary meant as applied to flying, even though he wasn't there for flying anyway - ready to fight someone who was waiting to ambush them. His opinion of airports was steadily declining each passing minute.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">After arriving at Haneda Airport, they ran into the main building. They needed to go through the main building in order to get to the main runway. As they ran up another set of stairs, Ryoku pointed to a wall, indicating that they stop and peek around it. As they looked around the wall, they saw several policemen watching the area.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"So many officers," Usagi commented.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Everything looks okay so far," Rei added.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Well," Ryoku said, glancing at his watch, "it's almost one. Jadeite won't wait for very long."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Still, something's weird about all this," Ami said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Just as she spoke, some policemen were slowly sneaking up on the group from behind. Their eyes began to glow red as they reached their hands out to grab them.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Rei suddenly sensed the policemen just as Ryoku heard them slide their clubs out of their holsters. As one, they both turned around and shouted, "Look out!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Usagi and Ami turned around quickly and spotted the policemen. They shouted as a couple of them lunged at the two girls. Rei kicked one in the head, knocking him to the floor as Ryoku pulled out a sword and cut the club in half, spun and elbowed the other in the gut, causing him to double over.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Why are police officers after us?" Usagi yelled as Ami, Rei, Luna and Ryoku began to run.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"This way! Hurry!" Rei shouted behind her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I can't stand this!" Usagi grumbled, ranting as the policemen began to give chase. "I've lost faith in the Japanese government! Hey! Wait up!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The chase quickly led onto the main runway. The Scouts and Luna managed to keep ahead of the policemen for a while, but they were quickly growing tired.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Finally deciding that they had enough, they all stopped and turned to face the policemen. "Strange.... This doesn't make sense," Ami said, frowning. "Mercury power, make up!" She quickly transformed into Sailor Mercury.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Fine, then. Me, too!" Rei shouted. "Mars power, make up!" She quickly transformed into Sailor Mars.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"All right, my turn!" Ryoku shouted. "Knight swords power!" He quickly transformed into Sailor Knight.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm the last?" Usagi stammered nervously. "Moon prism power, make up!" She quickly transformed into Sailor Moon.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The four transformed Sailor Scouts faced the group of policemen. Mercury pressed an earring and activated her visor. She studied the readout and learned an interesting fact about their attackers. "What? They aren't humans! They're just clay dolls!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Then, there's no need to hesitate," Mars said. "Fire soul!" A huge fireball flew straight for the disguised clay dolls and burnt them completely, leaving nothing but ashes. "Got them," Mars said, as Mercury deactivated her visor.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"They were clay dolls after all," Luna said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sailor Mars, you're awesome!" Sailor Moon exclaimed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It's nothing," Mars said smugly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I think Jadeite just sent them to flush us out." Knight said as his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You don't mean...?" Mercury said worriedly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars and Sailor Knight, now I know your true identities!" Jadeite said smugly from the roof of the airport.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Yes, he now knows our identities," Knight said quietly. "He watched us transform from there."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Yikes! He did?" Sailor Moon asked fearfully.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Flowers only have a short life full of hardship," Jadeite said derisively. "So, you will die tonight."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"There's a saying that pretty women don't live long," Sailor Moon said apprehensively. "So, I'm going to die early."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What makes you think you're a pretty woman?" Mars asked, annoyed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"At least, better than you."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I can't believe this conversation is actually taking place," Knight muttered, as he and Mercury were silently suffering though yet another Usagi/Rei argument. "And, now of all times!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Oh, well," Mercury said tiredly. "I guess we've gotta go break them up again."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Very funny. Monkeys look better than you!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Shut up!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We've got no time to quarrel!" Mercury shouted as she and Knight stepped between the two feuding Scouts.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Remember what's happening here! You two can argue later for all we care, but for now, stay focused!" Knight added.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Sorry," Sailor Moon said apologetically.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We've got a mission to finish. We can't die," Mars said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Prepare to meet your fate!" Jadeite said, bringing his hands together. Dark lightning flew out of his hands and struck a nearby plane. The plane started turning towards the Scouts. They all stared at the plane for a moment in surprise.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We'll get run over!" Sailor Moon shouted, frightened.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Run!" Luna shouted. As they all fled from the oncoming plane, a second plane started heading straight for them.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Here comes another one!" Sailor Moon yelled. "Do something!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"All right. I'll use a Fire Soul," Mars suggested.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"No!" Luna exclaimed. "Don't you know how much a jet aircraft costs? It'll take more than your entire life to pay for it!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"That much?" Mars asked, blinking.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Well, that's out," Knight said. "Any other ideas?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"There's only one thing I can think of," Mercury stated.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"And that is?" Sailor Moon and Mars asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Run!!!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Everybody yelled in panic and ran from the two planes. "Getting run over by a car is fine, but I don't wanna get flattened by an airplane!" Sailor Moon muttered. "It's too embarrassing!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Up ahead, the end of the runway was growing very close. "We're running out of runway!" Sailor Moon yelled as they all stopped.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">What a disaster! Luna thought to herself.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">As the planes steadily closed the gap between themselves and the Scouts, Jadeite laughed. "Now, you are finished!" he said, watching in anticipation. Suddenly, a rose flew past his face and embedding itself into the roof. In his surprise, he lost control of the planes, which promptly stopped.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"The airplanes stopped?" all the Scouts said in unison.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Is it enjoyable, picking on girls?" Tuxedo Kamen asked condescendingly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We meet again, Tuxedo Kamen," he said, turning to face him. "You will die as well."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You are a villain who plays tricks on innocent people with your magic," Tuxedo Kamen said. "You will pay for it." A sudden breeze picked up, blowing his cape open.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Knight noticed that the other three Scouts had gone all dreamy-eyed on him. He was still a little upset that both Jadeite and Tuxedo Kamen had referred to the Scouts collectively as girls, though he definitely was not a girl. Although Tuxedo Kamen meant nothing by it, he was sure that Jadeite's remark was an extra insult on his part. He would definitely have to pay him back for that.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Jadeite raised his hands and shot the same dark lightning as before. Tuxedo Kamen leaped into the air, dodging the attack. As he was leaping upward, Jadeite leaped up after him and intercepted him midair. They began to grapple and soon they fell down into the water.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Tuxedo Kamen-sama!" Sailor Moon shouted worriedly. The four Scouts and Luna rushed to the edge of the runway and peered into the water. Suddenly, a rose floated to the surface. Jadeite rose out of the water afterwards, laughing wickedly. "What happened to him?" she asked concernedly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Where's Tuxedo Kamen-sama?" Mars demanded angrily.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Jadeite continued his evil laughter. "Your only hope, Tuxedo Kamen, is dead. Cry and scream. Can you not do anything without a man to help you? What silly girls."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What did you say?!?" Knight yelled angrily. "Insinuating that I'm a girl is bad enough, but that's going too far!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Only a fossil geezer would think that men are better than women now," Mars added sternly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"The idea of looking down on women is a remnant from the feudal society!" Mercury added.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We're all equal!" Sailor Moon finished.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Fools," Jadeite said mockingly. "Taste my power!" He raised his arms again, calling one of the planes that had chased down the Scouts before.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Not again!" Sailor Moon whined.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Come on! This way!" Mars shouted as everyone started running away from the plane.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Don't be distracted by the jets!" Luna shouted. "Our enemy is the one who's moving them!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Everyone came to a stop. "Hold on! Luna's right!" Mercury said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"We have to work together!" Knight added.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It's Jadeite we must defeat!" Sailor Moon stated.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You got it!" Mars said and pointed to Sailor Moon. "Now, you be the decoy and run."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Huh?" Sailor Moon said confused. "Hey, why me?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Shabon spray!" Mercury shouted, raising a thick mist. As planned, the jet began following Sailor Moon, much to her dismay.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You can't do that!" Sailor Moon shouted indignantly. "Why is it always me running for my life?" The plane was growing closer. "I can't keep this up forever," she muttered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Jadeite leaped to the ground and looked around for the Scouts. "Where are the other three?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Meanwhile, Knight was sneaking up behind Jadeite. When he was close enough, he leaped behind Jadeite and grabbed his arms, pulling them behind his back and pinning them so that he couldn't move. "Gotcha, Jadeite," he said. Now it was up to Mars.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Evil spirit, begone! she thought as she slapped an ofuda on Jadeite's back after Knight leaped away. Now that the ward was on his back, the plane turned toward him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"What? What's happening?" he shouted after noticing that the planes were now chasing him. He immediately began to run. "Why? Why are they after me?" He came to a stop in front of the four Sailor Scouts.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Don't you underestimate girls, Jadeite," Sailor Moon said. "Crying isn't the only thing we do."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Why?" Jadeite demanded. "Why can't I concentrate?"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Because your mind is evil," Mars told him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You are the fool for falling into your own trap," Mercury added.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You have failed again, Jadeite," Knight said, his arms folded. "And it's not half of what you deserve for calling me a girl!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You'll pay for all those deeds you have committed," Sailor Moon said. "On behalf on the Moon, I'll punish you!" She removed her tiara from her forehead. "Moon tiara action!" she shouted, throwing her tiara. It flew at Jadeite, just missing him, but knocking him down nonetheless.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">As the plane came within a few feet from crushing Jadeite, he began to scream in fright. The four Scouts turned away, knowing that they had seen the last of him and went back to look for Tuxedo Kamen. What they didn't see was that he had vanished before the plane had totally run him over.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Jadeite reappeared in front of Beryl, wounded but still standing. He knew what he was in for, but he was determined to try to convince her that she should give him just one more chance.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Queen Beryl, I have important information for you!" he said quickly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You fool! How dare you come back here in failure!" Beryl shouted.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"But, Queen Beryl, I have discovered the identities of the Sailor Scouts!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Do not disgrace yourself with excuses!" she roared angrily. "Now sleep eternally!" Her eyes began to glow and a sphere of energy struck him from her staff. He screamed as he was encased in crystal.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Dispose of the body," Beryl said as the crystal containing Jadeite vanished. "You will be in charge of the operation, Nephrite."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Within the darkness, a man stepped forward and bowed. "Jadeite was useless. Let me handle the matter," Nephrite said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Back at the airport, the three female Scouts were watching the water and waiting. Suddenly, Sailor Knight came up to the surface of the water. Coming onto the asphalt of the runway, he stopped and wiped the water from his face. He looked at each of the girls' worried faces and slowly shook his head. "No sign of him," he said quietly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Tuxedo Kamen-sama...," Sailor Moon said sadly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"It's no use just standing here," Luna said quietly. "We'll just have to give up."

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I don't wanna...," she whispered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I thank you for your concern," Tuxedo Kamen said from behind the Scouts. All four Scouts turned around to see him standing there unhurt.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"You were alive?" Sailor Moon said relieved.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I'm not so easy to get rid of," Tuxedo Kamen said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"So I see," Knight said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Why do you always come to our aid?" Sailor Mercury asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I can tell," Sailor Moon said dreamily. "You love me, don't you?" Mars, Mercury and Knight all groaned in exasperation.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"Who are you?" Mars asked. Knight nodded seriously as he gave him a scrutinizing look.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">"I cannot reveal my identity yet," he told her. "Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Knight, value your friendship! Farewell!"

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">As Tuxedo Kamen leaped away into the twilight, the three girls stared at his departing form in awe. For Sailor Knight, he saw a kindred spirit who had assisted him in his battle once again... maybe, even a friend. For now, he would not pursue his identity....