It was a dark and moonlight night outside of Tokyo. Everything was still and not a single sound could be heard.
Suddenly, the silence of the night was broken with the quick pitter-patter of running feet as six shadows dashed about in the night. One of the shadows was Sailor Moon who was running as fast as she could while the other five shadows who were the other guardians pursued her. Eventually, they all reached an open area and seizing their chance, the other guardians leaped into the air and landed in front of them not only cutting her off but also had her surrounded.
"We got you now, Sailor Moon," Solaris called out. "Surrender now and we'll make this as painless as possible."
"No way!" Sailor Moon spoke defiantly. "I will never surrender!"
"Oh? Is that so?" Sailor Jupiter spoke coolly.
"Then we've got no other choice," spoke Sailor Venus as she took a stance.
"This is it then," Sailor Mercury said who seemed to be somewhat resentful. "Goodbye, stupid girl."
Sailor Mars then stepped forward and began charging her power into her fingertips. "Sailor Moon, prepare yourself!" she spoke. "In the name of Mars, I'll chastise you! MARS FIRE SOUL!"
She then unleashed a powerful fireball at Sailor Moon's feet. She meant to target only Sailor Moon but ended up putting so much power into her attack, that it not only hit Sailor Moon, but it also hit the other guardians as well. All of the guardians yelped and hopped around trying to avoid the flames licking at their feet.
"Whoops. I... guess I overdid it a little," Sailor Mars thought embarrassed.
As this turn of events continued, someone was watching the guardians from the shadows behind a tree unknown to anyone. She eyed the guardians carefully for about a few seconds or so, then it disappeared into the night.
In the Dark Kingdom, the orb that was on top of Queen Beryl's scepter began to glow wildly with power as it sparked and shimmered radiating with energy. Queen Beryl shouldn't help but shield her eyes as did Kunzite and Zoisite. A few seconds later, the orb calmed down, the glow fading away.
"That was another unusual burst of energy," spoke Queen Beryl.
"In these past few days, there have been several energy reactions similar to what we just saw," said Kunzite. "I suspect that it might have something to do with the Silver Crystal."
"How so?" wondered Queen Beryl.
"We should have an answer right now, my queen," said Zoisite as he turned around. "Oniwabandana? Are you there?"
At that moment, a monster came rising from the floor of the throne room until it's full appearance could be seen. The monster basically looked like a ninja, female, had long brown-gray hair in a long ponytail with a red headband holding up her bangs, wore a black kunoichi dress that exposed her green skin with dark brown-red armor on her arms and legs with knee-high shoes to go with it. She also had a red kerchief tied around her left leg just above the knee.
"Yes, sir. Oniwabandana, at your service," the monster spoke bowing.
"Have you figured out what the cause of the energy readings are?" asked Kunzite.
"Yes, I have, Ban Ban," replied Oniwabandana as she took out to photographs from her outfit. "Take a look for yourselves."
She then threw the two photographs. One went to Kunzite and the other went to Queen Beryl and with Zoisite looking over with Kunzite, they all looked at the photographs At first there was nothing to see, but then Oniwabandana made a camera gesture with her hands and winked. At that moment, both of the pictures were shown and to Beryl's, Kunzite's, and Zoisite's surprise, each of the photographs revealed a picture of Sailor Moon fighting with the other guardians.
"The source of the unusual energy turned out to be from the guardians," explained Oniwabandana. "In fact, it's happening because Sailor Moon apparently had a fall out with the other guardians and have been fighting each other ever since. Ban Ban."
"Could it be true? Sailor Moon and the other guardians at odds with each other?" pondered Queen Beryl doubtfully. "How very peculiar. There's a possibility that this could be some kind of trap. Kunzite. Zoisite. What do you two make of this?"
Kunzite took a few seconds pondering as he looked at the photo.
"I'd like some additional proof," he said at last. "I would normally say that this could work into our favor, but something about this seems strange."
"I agree. This seems way too suspicious," agreed Zoisite. "I'm all for taking down the guardians while they're at their worst, but this seems way too easy."
"Very well," said Queen Beryl. "Continue watching them, but make sure you stay on guard."
Kunzite then turned to his new recruit. "Oniwabandana, go back and continue your investigation. Make sure you keep a sharp eye on them."
"Consider it done," acknowledged Oniwabandana as she disappeared into the shadows.
The next night, the town of Juuban was quiet as it should be, but then the silence of the night was broken by the sound of shattering glass over at Osa-P Jewellers which was also the residence of Naru and her mother. Oniwabandana had just punched through one of the displays of jewelry grabbing a fistful with her hand. Then the lights came on and Oniwabandana heard a voice.
"Who's there?!"
The ninja snapped her head to the right and was surprised to see Naru and her mother standing there both carrying kitchen utensils for weapons. Upon seeing her, Naru and her mother began to lose their nerve as they squealed with fright. Oniwabandana now knowing that the two weren't a threat, immediately fired multiple mini kunais at them. Luckily, they all missed pinning Naru and her mother to the wall by their clothing, but Naru's mother was so frightened, she immediately fainted falling unconscious.
"Sorry, but I'll be taking these jewels," Oniwabanda spoke cackling. "And I can't have any witnesses, so..."
She then took out another kunai and was just about to throw it at Naru, when a voice was heard.
"Stop right there!"
Oniwabandana immediately stopped turning around to see that a certain sailor guardian was now standing before her much to Naru's relief.
"It's Sailor Moon!" she cried joyfully.
"That's right! I am the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and for justice," she proclaimed. "And now, in the name of the Moon-!"
But Sailor Moon was rudely interrupted as someone gave her a sharp kick to her behind making her fall flat on her face with a thump. Oniwabandana and Naru were surprised to see that the kick came from none other than Sailor Mars of which had also arrived along with the other Guardians. Sailor Moon got up her nose red from hitting the floor and glared crossly at Sailor Mars.
"What'd you do that for?!" she demanded.
"Stop acting like you're the only cool one here," Sailor Mars said.
"Well, your kick ruined my pretty face by flattening it!" Sailor Moon snapped.
"Well, it is better than before," Sailor Mars smirked snootily. "In fact, I'd say it's a big improvement."
Sailor Moon's face went red with fury. "What did you say?!" she growled.
"What are you even doing here?" asked Sailor Jupiter rudely. "Last time I checked, no one invited you."
"Yeah. In fact, I was the one who heard about this crime first," said Sailor Mercury.
"So do us all a favor and butt out," added Sailor Venus.
"I'm willing to bet that you eavesdropped on us just to steal our thunder," went on Sailor Mars. "Well, you can forget it, so leave."
"Don't talk to me like I'm some kind of thief!" Sailor Moon snapped now angrier than ever.
"Just shut up, will you!"
"You shut up! You're standing in my way!"
"You got in my way first!"
"You're the one that's being lame!"
"Me?! Lame?! What about you?!"
As Sailor Moon and the other guardians all continued to bicker and argue, Naru could only watch deeply shocked and dumbfounded.
"What the heck is going on here?!" she spoke incredulously.
Solaris then suddenly appeared next to her. "Isn't it obvious? Sailor Moon and the other guardians are fighting. Just as they always did."
Naru looked at Solaris. "Well, shouldn't you go try and break them up or something?!"
Solaris shook his head. "Are you nut? No way, Jose. I ain't gonna get involved in that hot mess," he said. "If it's one thing I learned, a man should never get involved in a catfight. Especially if those cats can scratch and claw you."
While this was going on, Oniwabandana saw this as an opportunity and quickly hid behind a pillar and while no one else was looking, switched into her human form which was a young woman with a long brown colored ponytail that wore a red long-sleeved button-down with a brown vest, blue bellbottom pants with a yellow star on each of the thigh, and white platform shoes, and also had a large camera that hung around her neck.
She then ran out from her hiding place and began several pictures of the Guardians causing everyone to stop arguing immediately. The camera was flashing so brightly, that everyone had to shield their eyes.
"Hey! Quit that!" complained Sailor Moon.
"Just what we need, paparazzi!" grumbled Sailor Mars.
"Guardians fighting each other at the scene of the crime! This is gonna be a huge scoop!" the woman cried gleefully.
"And who the heck are you?" demanded Solaris.
"I'm a freelance writer for the Weekly Dokkiri," the woman said with a wink as she continued taking pictures.
"Hey, I've heard of that!" Sailor Venus spoke with a hint of disgust. "That's the sleazy photo magazine that prints just about anything, even sleazy stories that aren't are completely untrue, isn't that right?"
"Pretty much," smiled the woman brightly as she then took out a tape recorder pressing the record button. "So what's the cause of this fight between you guys? Care to comment?"
"Well... uh... no! We were just... horsing around!" Sailor Moon spoke nervously. "We get along just fine! There's no way that Guardians like us would really fight with each other. We're a happy team of heroes! Right, guys?"
Sailor Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus turned away from Sailor Moon with a huff in response. Sailor Moon then looked at Solaris who was still standing next to Naru.
"Solaris! Help me out here!" she begged.
"Sorry, but I'm staying out of this one," Solaris spoke waving his hand. "Besides, I don't do journalists."
Sailor Moon was at a loss for words as the woman continued pressing for answers for her interview.
"I knew it! There is something wrong between you guys!" she spoke eagerly as she held her tape holder close to them. "Let me guess, you're tired of dealing with Sailor Moon messing up all the time. Or maybe it's a boy issue. Does it have anything to do with Solaris?"
At that moment, the other guardians had enough as did Solaris.
"That's it. I'm done," said Solaris as he walked out.
"Me too. This is stupid," agreed Sailor Venus.
"I'm going home," said Sailor Jupiter.
"H-hey! Wait a minute! Come back!" called the woman as she gave chase. "You can tell me!"
Sailor Moon now found herself all alone dumbfounded and confused. "What was that all about?" she wondered. Then she saw Naru who was still pinned to the wall suddenly remembered. "Wait a second! The monster!" She then looked around whipping her head back and forth trying to see where Oniwabandana went. "Where'd that monster go, anyway?!"
"I think she kinda got away while you were all busy fighting," said Naru.
Sailor Moon's body then slumped, her head hung with disappointment. "I-Is that so...?" she spoke sheepishly.
"Yeah," said Naru. "So... you mind getting me and my Mom out of this now?"
Sailor Moon immediately snapped out of her depression and blushed with embarrassment.
"Oh yeah! Sorry about that!" she apologized. "I'll get you out!"
As she did so, she didn't know that she was being watched by the disguised Oniwabandana right outside of the door. However, she wasn't the only one being watched. At that same time, Artemis and Luna were keeping a close eye on her as they carefully observed her from the rooftops.
The next day as they walked to school, Naru was explaining to Usagi and Harusuke everything that had happened the other night.
"...and then the thief was able to get away," she finished. "It was so crazy."
"Sounds like you had one heck of a night, Naru," said Harusuke. "You were lucky that you didn't get hurt."
"Yeah, but you know what the weirdest part was?" wondered Naru.
"What?" asked Usagi.
"It seemed that Sailor Moon were having a fight," said Naru.
"N-No way! You're kidding," Usagi spoke trying to feign surprise. "I-I don't know about the other guardians, but Sailor Moon is cute and sweet. She's not the type of person who would fight or argue."
Then suddenly, the same woman from the other night popped out from out of nowhere thrusting her tape recorder right in front of Usagi's face catching everyone by surprise.
"Say, tell me more about who you were just talking about!" she said eagerly.
"Oh no! It's her again!" Usagi thought.
"Oh, great! That's all we need!" Harusuke thought.
"Allow me to introduce myself," said the woman as she handed the teens her information card. "My name is Nana Asahina, a freelance writer. Pleased to meet you. Now then, you three seem to know quite a lot about Sailor Moon which leads me to believe that you're all close. Isn't that right?"
"Well... I guess you could say that," Usagi said nervously.
"Careful, Usagi," warned Harusuke.
"Ah! I see! So, Sailor Moon wouldn't fight or argue. What exactly makes you say that?" Nana continued.
Usagi and Harusuke could only look at Naru begging her for help. Nana then started pressing Naru for answers.
"Ah! That's right! Based on my sources, you've been saved by Sailor Moon lots of times, isn't that right? In fact, you were there last night, so you must have been able to talk with her, right? Was she saying anything bad about the other guardians?"
"OK. That's enough!" snapped Harusuke now clearly fed up. "We don't know anything about what's going on with Sailor Moon and the Guardians, so why don't you take a hike and get lost?! We're in a rush here! Come on, girls. Let's go."
And with that, Usagi, Harusuke, and Naru raced away leaving Nana behind.
"Just give me a call when you can, okay?!" Nana called back.
"Geez! Now there's a woman who doesn't know when to quit!" Usagi panted as she ran.
"No kidding!" agreed Harusuke. "She's so persistent, she's like a rash that won't go away!"
As soon as they left, Nana went on her way. Then she saw something that went by on top of a wall next to her from the corner of her eye, but when she looked, she didn't see anything. Not really thinking much of it, she continued on. At that moment, Artemis and Luna came out from the corner of the wall still keeping a close eye on Nana making sure that she didn't see them.
Later that night at the Hikawa Shrine, Sailor Moon and the guardians were at it again. This time, all of the other guardians were attacking Sailor Moon at once. Sailor Jupiter came in with a mighty kick, but Sailor Moon managed to block it by crossing her arms. Sailor Venus attacked by swinging a tree branch right at Sailor Moon's head of which she dodged by ducking. Sailor Mercury attacked next, but unlike the other two, she attacked Sailor Moon in one of the worst ways possible. Math.
"What is the square root of two?!" she cried out.
Sailor Moon stared dumbly at her not being able to answer. At that moment, Solaris came at her from above, a giant ball of light hovering from his hand.
"SUNSHINE METEOR!"
He then punched the ball of light making it shoot toward Sailor Moon. However, the Moon Guardian was able to dodge by jumping backward. At that moment and seizing her chance, Sailor Mars appeared right behind Sailor Moon and gave her a swift kick on her bum causing her to fall onto the hard ground flat on her face like the night before.
"Ouch! That hurt Mars!" Sailor Moon wailed. "You kicked me for real that time!"
"Well, of course, I did. That's kinda the whole point," Sailor Mars spoke. "If I don't get serious, then what's the point of all this training?"
"But, there was definitely hate in that kick! I know what I felt!" Sailor Moon pouted grumpily as she stood back up. Then she glared suspiciously. "Wait a minute... Don't tell me that you're..."
"Wh-what are you looking at me like that for?! This whole plan of us having a bit fallout with you was your idea!" objected Sailor Mars. "So don't go playing the blame game and stop acting like a wimp!"
"I'm not being a wimp!" Usagi snapped back. "It's absolutely necessary up to us to rescue Tuxedo Mask from the clutches of the Dark Kingdom!"
"That's exactly why we have to make it look convincing that we're really fighting to whoever's watching us," said Sailor Mars.
"But now, my butt's really hurting now," complained Sailor Moon holding her bum in agony. "I think you kicked it, so hard that there's a crack in it."
"Did... did you just say that to make a joke or an innuendo?" asked Solaris incredulously.
Sailor Mars then stomped over to Sailor Moon ignoring Solaris' question. "Enough! Listen, unless it really looks like we mean it, they're sure as heck not gonna invite an enemy like you to their hangout! Got it?!"
"I know, I know," groaned Sailor Moon. "That was the plan."
"Mars is right on this one, Sailor Moon," said Luna. "This plan of yours is really dangerous, Sailor Moon, so you gotta do some serious acting if you're gonna get the Dark Kingdom to buy it."
"All right! I get it already!" sighed Sailor Moon.
The very next morning, everyone met up at the Hikawa Shrine to discuss the recent events.
"Say Artemis, did you happen to find out anything about that reporter who showed up the other day at the jewelry store?" asked Minako.
"Yeah. There's something pretty suspicious about her," said Artemis.
He then showed the teens a tabloid bookmarked at a particular page. Sure enough, as Minako opened it, there was an article about them with a picture of them in big letters; SAILOR MOON DISBANDING? TEAM QUARRELING!
"Aha! I knew it!" Usagi gasped.
"Check this out!" said Minako as she along with everyone else read through the article. "She already wrote the story!"
"Well, she certainly didn't waste any time," said Harusuke. "You gotta hand it to her, she works pretty fast."
"Oh man! I look so stupid in that photo!" complained Usagi. "I'm making such a funny face!"
"That's how you always look Usagi," Rei said snootily. "So they're really nothing for you to worry about."
Usagi immediately glared at Rei her face burning with fury. "What did you say?!" she growled threateningly.
"Cut it out, you two," sighed Minako.
"Anyway, this freelance reporter just appeared out of nowhere and she's already successful and popular," went on Artemis. "She's had big scoops on every political and entertainment story out there. It's like she already knows where to go before it even happens."
"You think that she's been turned into a monster?" wondered Minako.
"Yes. It's very much likely," nodded Artemis.
"Yeah! That fact that a monster is contacting us is good!" said Usagi excitedly. "That means my awesome plan of mine is working!"
"It could also be a coincidence," pointed out Ami.
Usagi enthusiasm immediately deflated. "Ami... come on... at least try to sound happy."
"But she is right, Usagi. There is a possibility that it could be a coincidence," said Harusuke. "In fact, it's possible that the Dark Kingdom could already know about this little plan of ours. Which is why we need to make sure that this plan works otherwise we'll miss our chance to save Mamoru."
"Then I say we get this show on the road," said Makoto.
"But Usagi, your plan's awfully risky," Luna spoke worriedly. "Are you sure that you wanna go through with this?"
"Oh, come on, Luna. It'll be fine," Makoto reassured. "I mean why worry? She knows we got her back. Right, Usagi?"
"Uh... yeah. Sure," Usagi said doubtfully.
"Are you really sure?" Rei asked sensing her doubt. "Because I don't mind going in your place."
Usagi's eyes immediately narrowed as she gave Rei an accusing glare. "Why would you ask me that?" she asked suspiciously. "I go and get myself beat up training for this and now you want to take over as the leader?"
Rei stared at Usagi dumbfounded and speechless while everyone else groaned exasperatedly.
"Usagi, you're totally overthinking this," Harusuke spoke shaking his head. "You and Rei may have your differences, but she would never be as mean as that."
"Well, if Rei wasn't so hard on me, this'd be a lot easier," Usagi grumped.
"Then just stop messing up all the time," Rei spoke hotly.
"What was that?!"
"You heard me!"
The two gazed grimly at each other and immediately made Akanbe faces taunting each other while everyone else could only watch sweatdropping in exasperation.
"Now, it's turned into a real fight for real," groaned Ami.
"Well, at least they got into their respective acting roles," Harusuke muttered.
Everyone sighed in agreement.
A little bit later, Usagi and Luna were walking over to Nana's place with Usagi carrying a pink letter. Soon enough, they arrived at the location thanks to the card that Nana gave them and Usagi and Luna couldn't believe their eyes. Before them, was an enormous house that had the appearance of a mansion that was colored white, gold, and red.
"Wow! This apartment is amazing!" gasped Usagi with wonder. "I envy her! I sure wish I could get a place as nice as this!"
"This isn't the time to be admiring her, Usagi!" Luna spoke sternly. "Don't forget that she could be a monster!"
Usagi then snapped out of her amazement as she looked back at the main gate. Behind the gate, all the other guardians were hiding just outside of it every one of them giving Usagi the peace sign for good luck. Usagi could only laugh awkwardly as she walked up to the door ringing the doorbell. The door opened and she was immediately greeted by Nana.
"Oh! Welcome!" Nana smiled. "How may I help you?"
Usagi then gave her a pink envelope. "Um... Sailor Moon dropped by and she asked me to give this to you," she spoke trying not to sound nervous.
Nana took the pink envelope and opened it reading the letter inside of it.
"I have decided that I don't want to be the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and justice anymore," she read aloud. "I don't want to fight alongside teammates who don't respect me or treat me fairly. I'd also like to give you a shocking confession as well. Meet me at the Juuban Cemetery tonight at eleven pm."
When she finished reading, she was surprised but she also felt very elated for this big scoop. "Thank you so much for the letter," she said. "But why did she have you deliver this?"
Usagi gulped. "I-I don't know!" she squeaked nervously. "I guess... people have always told me that I have a trustworthy face for delivering letters!"
"Seriously? What kind of answer is that?!" Luna groaned in her head. "That is a total lie if I ever heard one!"
"Well, thanks to you, I have got myself another great scoop," smiled Nana. "I owe you one."
"I'm... glad that I could help you out," Usagi smiled nervously.
Unknown to Usagi's eyes gleamed in delight. "Master Kunzite's going to want to know about this," she thought.
In the Dark Kingdom, Kunzite and Zoisite were waiting for Oniwabandana to report back with news. At that moment, Oniwabandana appeared before them.
"Oniwabandana, you've come back," said Kunzite. "How are things proceeding?
Oniwabandana then pulled out the note that Usagi had given her and threw it to Kunzite. Kunzite then skimmed over the note and a slight smirk worked its way to his features.
"What does it say, Kunzite?" wondered Zoisite.
"Sailor Moon has had a change of heart it seems," said Kunzite. "Apparently, she's broken away from her little group."
"Are you serious?!" gasped Zoisite.
"Yes. Which is why, I think it's about time for us to make our appearance," Kunzite spoke as he burned the letter in his hand.
Nightfall came and the clock had begun to strike eleven in the Juuban cemetery. Sailor Moon stood all alone feeling nervous and scared but determined to see this plan through. As the clock continued to ring, Sailor Moon waited and she waited for Nana to arrive. Then on the sixth toll of the bell, Oniwabandana appeared while Sailor Moon wasn't looking. No sooner than she appeared, she quickly transformed into her human appearance as Sailor Moon turned around sensing her.
"N-Nana! You startled me!" she spoke feeling startled.
"Thank you for your letter, Sailor Moon," Nana said winking. "So, is it true that you want to leave the Guardians forever?"
"That's right! I don't even want to look at them anymore!" Sailor Moon said.
"Really?" spoke Nana. "You're sure about that?"
"Yes. Really," Sailor Moon nodded. "I'm definitely sure!"
"Very good. In that case..."
Nana made a few quick signs with her hands. Then as she floated up into the air, she spun around and around until she finally stopped now transformed into her Oniwabandana form. At that very same time, Kunzite and Zoisite then appeared standing on top of the clock much to Sailor Moon's surprise.
"Kunzite?! Zoisite?! Meeting you wasn't part of the agreement!" Sailor Moon spoke indignantly. "I thought I was here for an interview!"
Oniwabandana nearly fell over in surprise. "That's not happening, you fool!" she snapped. "The interview is off!"
"So, we've recently heard about you breaking up with the other guardians," said Kunzite. "You know, if you join us, you'd be able to see Endymion any time you want."
Sailor Moon flinched upon hearing that, but she didn't give in to that temptation. "Don't be ridiculous!" she spoke defiantly. "I'm the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and justice and I don't plan on stopping!"
"Well, that's truly a shame. For you that is," said Zoisite feigning pity. "Right now, Endymion can't even move and isn't going to any time soon."
Sailor Moon was now worried. "Wh-What?! Is he sick?! Tell me!"
"Who knows? One thing's for sure, seeing you would help him get well," smirked Zoisite. "In fact, he would be delighted to see you again."
"And we know that while asking you to join our side is an impossible request," went on Kunzite. "But wouldn't you like to see Endymion again?"
"Y-You'll... you'll take me to him?" asked Sailor Moon tentatively.
Kunzite and Zoisite then jumped off the clock and landed just in front of Sailor Moon.
"Of course, but only on one condition," Zoisite spoke raising a finger. "You can't just get something out of nothing you know."
"And what condition is that?" asked Sailor Moon.
Kunzite then held out his hand. "Hand over the Silver Crystal," he said. "Need I remind you that if you pass up this chance, you'll never see Endymion alive again."
Sailor Moon now was feeling desperate. She wanted more than anything to see Endymion once more, but she wasn't exactly thrilled of handing over the Silver Crystal over. This was certainly an unforeseen part of her plan that she didn't expect.
"What should I do?! Tuxedo Mask must be ill from what Kunzite said," she thought. "But how do we know that they're telling the truth?! What if Tuxedo Mask's in danger?!"
"Well, what's your answer? Ban ban?" demanded Oniwabandana.
"Are you going to hand it over or not?" asked Kunzite.
Sailor Moon after taking a few seconds of thinking then made her decision.
"All right. I'll give it to you," she said in resignation. "But first, I want to make sure that Tuxedo Mask is okay!"
Kunzite and Zoisite smirked with triumph and the two were just about to open a portal to the Dark Kingdom when a whisper reached Oniwabandana's ear.
"All right. Looks like they fell or it."
This did not go unnoticed by the ninja and she looked behind her. A few feet away hiding in the bushes and trees were the other guardians.
"Master Kunzite. Master Zoisite," she whispered. "Look behind us."
Kunzite and Zoisite did and saw the guardians as well much to their surprise.
"Damn it! So it was a trap!" cursed Zoisite. "I should've known those guardians had a trick up their sleeve."
Sailor Moon unaware that her plan had been exposed bravely took a step. "All right, then. I'm ready," she said bravely. "Let's get going. If I ever see Sailor Mars or the others again, it'll be too soon!"
"I must say, I like your hate-filled resolve," Kunzite spoke.
And with a wave of his hand exerting his power, Kunzite made a dark black portal appear just behind Sailor Moon causing the girl to jump in surprise.
"That is the entryway to the Dark Kingdom," said Kunzite. "If you step through there, you'll be taken directly to Endymion."
Sailor Moon was glad her plan was going well, but now she felt terrified as she stared into the dark void that seemed endless.
"Man... That sure is one creepy entrance," she squeaked.
"What's wrong? Having second thoughts?" mocked Zoisite. "There's no shame in turning back."
"I'm going, okay?!" Sailor Moon snapped. "Geez, you're so mean, you're just like Sailor Mars!" She then took a deep breath and plucked up her courage. "Hold on, Tuxedo Mask. I'm coming for you."
She was just about to step into the portal when suddenly, Oniwabandana grabbed her bandana and made it extend wrapping it around Sailor Moon's neck much to the other Guardian's horror.
"Now, hand over the Crystal! Ban ban!" Oniwabandana demanded.
"No! I won't do it!" Sailor Moon spoke with gritted teeth. "Not until I see Tuxedo Mask!"
"Sorry, but it's a little too late for that!" Oniwabandana said as she tightened bandana around Sailor Moon's neck. "I guess you'll die right here! And once you die, we'll take the Silver Crystal from you! Ban ban!"
"No, you don't because the Silver Crystal... isn't even here!" Sailor Moon choked out.
"Like that even matters to us," said Kunzite snootily. "Once you're dead, there will be anyone else left who can use the Silver Crystal."
"It's useless. Looks like you just dug your own grave," Zoisite cackled.
Sailor Moon desperately tried to break free from the bandana around her neck, but it held her firmly as it started to choke and suffocate her. All the guardians could do was sit in their hiding place and watch unsure of what to do.
"She's in trouble!" Sailor Mercury spoke urgently.
"We have to help her!" Sailor Jupiter said as she started to get up and rush in.
"Wait! We can't!" Sailor Mars spoke raising her hand. "If we rescue her now, this whole plan will have been for nothing!"
"Just hold on, everyone!" Sailor Venus said. "Hold back!"
As Sailor Moon continued to be strangled, she saw Kunzite and Zoisite glance towards where the other guardians were hiding. She then understood what they were up to.
"They're trying to use me as a test to see if Sailor Mars and the others will come to my rescue!" she thought. "Please everyone, don't give in! Don't try to save me!"
Sailor Moon's complexion was now starting to look pale as she was starting to grow weak. If something wasn't done and soon, she wouldn't last much longer. Finally, Sailor Jupiter shot up to her feet.
"I'm going!" she said.
"Me too!" said Sailor Mercury.
"So will I!" said Sailor Venus.
They were just about to step out from their hiding place when Sailor Mars cut them off.
"No! Not yet!" she insisted. "We have to stay put!"
"But she really needs our help right now!" Sailor Jupiter snapped. "Move out of the way!"
She then tried shoving Sailor Mars out of the way, but Sailor Mars refused to move. Sailor Jupiter then glared resentfully at Sailor Mars.
"So, is that it, Sailor Mars?! Do you really hate Sailor Moon?!" she snapped bitterly. "Do you hate her so much that you would allow her to die just to be the leader?!"
"Jupiter! Don't say that!" Sailor Mercury gasped.
Then Sailor Mars then took out a very familiar item. The Moon Stick. Everyone gasped with shock from the sight of it.
"The Moon Stick?! But... why do you have it?!" asked Sailor Venus.
"Because Sailor Moon gave it to me!" Sailor Mars snapped her voice cracking. "I wouldn't hold on to something this important for someone I didn't care about!"
"Now you see? Sailor Mars feels the same way you do, Jupiter," Sailor Venus said.
Sailor Jupiter now felt terrible. "Yeah... I'm sorry, but... we can't just sit here!" she said. "I don't want to stand here while my best friend is dying! And I'm sure that Solaris would feel the same-"
Then as Sailor Jupiter turned toward Solaris, she stopped and her eyes went wide with shock. Everyone else turned towards Solaris and were shocked as well. The Guardian of the Sun who had been keeping quiet the whole time was now radiating with a slight amber light shaking and trembling with rage. His fists were clenched so tightly that he almost drew blood from underneath his gloves, he had a slight vein bulging on the top of his forehead that pulsed and throbbed, and his eyes were wide and glaring at the scene unfolding before him.
"Oh man! He looks like he's about to blow!" Sailor Venus gulped nervously.
"S-Solaris! You have to calm down!" spoke Sailor Mars. "Please! Control yourself!"
But there was worse to come. Zoisite startled to walk toward Sailor Moon making a sword made out of crystal materialize in his hand.
"I grow impatient of this," he spoke with a sadistic smile. "Perhaps you'll die quicker with a sword stabbed into your back. If you don't mind, Kunzite."
"Not at all," said Kunzite. "Do what you like."
As soon as he saw the sword, Solaris suddenly remembered back to when Mamoru was stabbed by Zoisite. He could remember the blood, the anguished look on his face, and the sadistic smirk on Zoisite's face. This was enough to send him over the edge. Something snapped inside of him. Before anyone had a chance to react, Solaris shot out from the bushes and headed straight for Zoisite.
"Solaris! Wait!" cried Sailor Mars.
But Solaris didn't hear nor did he care.
"ZOISITE!" he bellowed.
And before Zoisite had a chance to react, Solaris clenched his fist and gave Zoisite a wicked and powerful punch right into his jaw sending Zoisite flying and slamming straight into the clock tower's wall.
"No! Zoisite!" cried Kunzite.
Everyone else stared at Solaris dumbfounded and completely shocked. Even Oniwabandana was frozen with shock. Seeing their chance, the other guardians arrived on the scene just behind him.
"Sailor Mars!"
"Sailor Mercury!"
"Sailor Jupiter!"
"Sailor Venus!"
"The sailor guardians are here and the jig is up!"
Kunzite now taking notice of the other guardians retained his composure and looked back that the guardians with a confident smirk.
"You fools, did you honestly think, we didn't see through this stupid scheme of yours?" he asked haughtily. "We noticed a long time ago."
The guardians all stared dumbly at Kunzite feeling a bit sheepish, but Sailor Mars quickly snapped out of it.
"It doesn't matter! Just let Sailor Moon go you monster!" Sailor Mars snapped as she put her fingers together. "MARS FIRE SOUL!"
She fired a massive fireball at Oniwabandana burning her and also the bandana that she was using to strangle Sailor Moon setting her free. Kunzite then seeing his chance quickly rushed over to Zoisite checking to see if he wasn't hurt. Other than being unconscious, he was now sporting a spectacular bruise on his cheek with a little blood trickling down his mouth.
"Zoisite! Are you alright?! Say something!" begged Kunzite as he gently shook him trying to wake him up.
But he had no time to worry about Zoisite as Solaris then shot towards him with a bigger and brighter ball of light clenched with his fist still overwhelmed with rage.
"KUNZITE! YOU'RE GONNA PAY!" he roared.
He then launched the ball of light with a hard punch, but Kunzite while managing to lift up Zoisite in his arms jumped into the air dodging the blow making a huge explosion shook the area forcing Kunzite to erect a barrier to shield himself and Zoisite.
"What the hell going on here?!" Kunzite thought to himself. "Somehow Solaris' power just skyrocketed! How did he get so strong?! Did he get like this just from sheer rage alone?!"
He then looked at Solaris who still had a livid expression on his face. Then he saw his eyes. They were now glowing in the same color as before. Bright silver.
"Those eyes again!" he gasped. "Just like when he thought Queen Beryl!"
Solaris then saw Kunzite from above and he brought his hands together concentrating all of his power in them.
"I SUMMON FORTH THE POWER OF THE STARS! LEND ME YOUR POWER!" he commanded as a white orb formed in his hands. When he charged enough power, he took aim and fired a powerful beam of white light. "STARLIGHT ATTACK!"
Kunzite braced himself as the powerful attack barreling right into his own barrier using every ounce of strength he had to keep it up. The guardians, as well as Oniwabandana, could only stare watching the battle bewildered and stunned.
Then Oniwabandana now realizing that the guardians were distracted took out her sword and dashed at Sailor Moon aiming it for her neck.
"Time for you to die, Sailor Moon!" she yelled.
Sailor Moon now seeing Oniwabandana coming at her let out a shriek of fright as she ducked just as the blade narrowly missed her cutting a few strands of her hair off. Oniwabandana swiped and swung attacking again and again and again as Sailor Moon ducked and dodged it.
Sailor Mars saw that Sailor Moon was in trouble, so she then threw the Moon Stick toward her.
"Sailor Moon, catch!" she yelled.
Sailor Moon looked back and saw the Moon Stick flying at her as Oniwabandana swung her blade. Luckily, Sailor Moon was able to catch the Moon Stick and blocked the blade just in the nick of time causing the end of the blade to snap completely off.
"You're finished now, Monster!" said Sailor Mars as she the other guardians stood with her. "Give it up!"
But Oniwabandana wasn't one to give up so easily. She made a hand sign with her fingers and just like a ninja, she created four identical copies of herself much to the surprise of the guardians. The five Oniwabandanas each took out metal stars and prepared to throw them at the Guardians.
"We will turn you into mincemeat, Ban ban!" the five of them said.
"Not gonna happen!" cried Sailor Mercury. "MERCURY BUBBLES SPRAY!"
She unleashed her signature attack unleashing a blast of bubbles which made fog cover the entire area confusing the five. Then seizing her chance, Sailor Mars went on the attack unleashing a powerful fireball.
"MARS FIRE SOUL!"
The fireball blasted the ground at the five Oniwabandanas feet causing them to frantically jump and hop around trying not to get burned. The four copies of Oniwabandana disappeared leaving the real one yelping in pain. Sailor Moon then saw her chance and using her Moon Stick unleashed a powerful blast of light, dust, and sparkles at her.
"MOON HEALING ESCALATION!"
In a brilliant flash of light, Oniwabandana was gone and the real Nana Asahina now remained dazed and confused.
Back with the battle of Solaris and Kunzite, Solaris was still blasting Kunzite with his Starlight Attack not wanting to give Kunzite the chance of escaping and Kunzite was beginning to grow weaker. The Guardians then turned their attention towards the battle.
"Solaris! You can do it!" yelled Sailor Jupiter.
"Yeah! Blast those jerks out of the sky!" cheered Sailor Venus. "You got them on the ropes!"
"Damn it! I won't last at this rate!" Kunzite thought gritting his teeth. "If Solaris keeps this up, we won't be able to get out of this unscathed!"
"Give it up, Kunzite!" yelled Solaris. "I ain't gonna stop until you and Zoisite are blasted into dust! I'll make you pay for betraying the Moon with your life!"
Sailor Moon then looked at Solaris seeing his angry expression for the first time. Then she looked at his silver-colored eyes. Upon seeing them, she began to feel a sense of deja vu. She had seen this someone before, but she couldn't remember where or when.
Solaris then put more power into his attack making Kunzite's barrier begin to waver. Then just as he was about to break through the barrier, a mysterious shadow shot out from the darkness past the guardians and unleashed a force of power at Solaris.
Sensing the attack, Solaris immediately stopped his assault and jumped out of the way dodging the blow.
"What was that?!" gasped Sailor Mercury.
"Another enemy?!" wondered Sailor Mars.
Solaris then looked at the shadowed figure and growled in anger. "You dare get in my way, you foul cur?!" he snapped. "Fine then! I shall smite you as well, foul creature!"
"What the heck? Why is he talking like that?" wondered Sailor Jupiter.
Sailor Mars then made a sign with her hands using her shrine maiden senses. Then she gasped. "Something's wrong!" she said. "Solaris isn't himself!"
"What do you mean by that, Mars?" asked Sailor Venus.
"It's like something's possessing him," said Sailor Mars. "I can't feel any evil, but it's nothing good either. It's like something has awakened inside of him in response to in anger just like before when Queen Beryl attacked us."
Solaris then charged at the mysterious figure attacking it with a flurry of fists and kicks, but the shadow dodged and blocked each and every blow.
"Sorry, but I have no time to waster on you," the figure said as it released a blast of force.
Solaris skidded backward trying to stand his ground from the force. When he was able to stop himself, he looked up to see that the shadow was helping Kunzite lift the unconscious Zoisite up to his feet.
"Sorry, Solaris, but don't worry, we'll settle the score another day. You can be sure you will pay for what you did to my Zoisite!" said Kunzite. "As for the rest of you guardians, next time you want to trick me, you might want to try practicing your acting a bit more."
"You're running away?! Get back here, you bastards!" Solaris roared.
But it was too late. Kunzite, Zoisite, as well as the mysterious shadow disappeared without a trace. At that moment, Solaris felt a little weak as he fell to his knees, the silver color vanishing from his eyes. In addition, Sailor Mars could no longer sense the presence she felt from him.
"What the... It's gone," murmured Sailor Mars. "Where did it go?"
Sailor Moon immediately rushed over to him. "Solaris! Are you okay?!" she cried worriedly.
Solaris shook his head getting the confusion out of his head. "What... what happened? Where am I?"
"You went completely bonkers when that monster was strangling Sailor Moon," explained Sailor Jupiter.
"Not to mention you hit Zoisite so hard, you sent him straight to the clock tower," said Sailor Venus. "You even almost took out Kunzite and Zoisite at the same time!"
"I-I did?" Solaris spoke a bit confused. "I... I don't remember any of that. I remember Zoisite taking out that crystal sword of his and then... I blacked out."
"Well, in any case, we did it," smiled Sailor Mercury. "Sure the plan was a failure, but we managed to save Nana at least."
Sailor Moon then suddenly remembered. "Hey! Speaking of which, why did you guys have to come out anyway?!" she demanded. "I could've handled this whole thing on my own!"
"Well, we had to because you were crying like a baby," Sailor Mars huffed snootily.
"Just when was I crying like a baby?!" Sailor Moon snapped crossly.
"Today at eleven-sixteen pm and twenty-eight seconds," Sailor Mars said simply.
"This is what's called being mean!" Sailor Moon yelled her face red with fury. "You can't even be nice when you're trying to save my life!"
Sailor Mars responded by making an akanbe face and Sailor Moon made an akanbe face right back. The two continued taunting each other while the other guardians could only groan sweatdropping.
"And there they go again," sighed Sailor Jupiter. "They never quit."
"Yeah, but I wish they would," agreed Sailor Venus.
"You know, I've heard the saying the more two people fight, the closer they are, but this is ridiculous," groaned Solaris pinching his nose.
Then Nana Asahina suddenly appeared between the arguing Sailors her pen and notepad at the ready.
"Hey, you two! So there's a rumor that the Guardians are splitting up!" she spoke as she furiously wrote in her notepad. "Is there any truth to that?!"
"Oh, give it a rest already!" groaned Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars.
Looks like a reporter never rests when it came to getting a big scoop, even if they were just a monster a few moments ago.
