It was late in the evening. In the middle of the Juban District, in an alleyway by the bakery, numerous young girls and some men stood in line, gathering around a single man. He was elderly for his age and was also a skilled fortune teller. People came from all over to see him. A young man, in particular, was standing in front, wearing a large overcoat with a black hat and sunglasses. He was, of course, Jadeite, but nobody knew this yet. Just then, two women came behind the man and saw the line.
"Oh, no! Look how long the line is!" one said.
"Well, of course!" said the other. "I mean, after all, the guy is the best! He's even been on TV a couple of times too!"
"Yeah. I heard that when the guy reads your fortune, he'll be spot on," said the first.
Jadeite, who happened to overhear them, scoffed under his breath. "Foolish humans," he thought as he stepped out of the line and walked away.
Back in the dark dimension, Queen Beryl sat on her throne before her followers, awaiting their news.
"What? You all still have not yet found the Legendary Silver Crystal?"
"No..." her followers replied, all speaking in a ghostly wail.
"Then, you must hurry and search harder!" boomed Beryl crossly. "The great ruler needs large amounts of energy and doesn't like waiting. Is that understood?"
"Yes," said her followers as they all disappeared to resume their search. Then, Jadeite appeared.
"Jadeite, it's you," noticed Queen Beryl.
"Yes, my queen," said Jadeite as he bowed before her.
"I'm sure you must have heard that the others haven't found Legendary Silver Crystal and are continuing the search," said Beryl. "So, I want you to focus on harvesting the energy from the humans instead.
"Yes, my queen," said Jadeite. "And rest assured, I already have a plan going underway as we speak."
"Good," said Beryl. "Now go. Gather as much energy as you can, and don't fail."
"Yes, my queen," acknowledged Jadeite.
In the real world, at the Tsukino residence, Usagi was sleeping peacefully. Then her alarm clock, shaped like a cartoonish chicken, began cheep, signaling that it was time for her to wake up. However, Usagi turned to her side and ignored it. Then Luna came up next to her by her bed.
"Time to wake up, Usagi!" she said while trying to rouse her.
In a sleepy mumble, Usagi turned to her side again, pulling her blankets over her head, wanting to stay asleep, but Luna would not have it.
"Oh no, you don't. You're not going to fall back asleep that easily."
She jumped up and landed on top of Usagi's sleeping body, right on her chest. Now wide awake, Usagi uncovered her head from the blankets, looking red and having the wind knocked out of her.
"I... can't breathe..." she croaked.
"How do you expect to get anywhere in our mission like that?!" said Luna. "Now, get up already."
"All right, all right," said Usagi as she sat up from the bed, grabbing the clock and turning it off. "I'm up already."
"Atta girl," smiled Luna.
Then Usagi's eyes widened, her face slightly paled, and she let out a startled scream, for when she looked at the clock, it read the time of eight twenty, which meant that she had once again woken up late.
"It's already at eight!" she cried. "Luna! Why didn't you or Harusuke wake me up earlier?! I'm late for school again!"
"Well, Harusuke and I tried, but you still wouldn't-"
Luna tried to explain, but Usagi leaped out of bed, dashing out of the room. After a few moments of silence, Luna couldn't help but let out an aggravated sigh.
At Juuban Middle School, Harusuke sat in the classroom deep into his thoughts, staring at the bracelet he now wore on his wrist. His thoughts were everywhere, but he couldn't stop thinking about what had happened the other night when he and Usagi had become Sailor Moon and Solaris to defeat Morga.
"I still can't get over it," he thought. "One minute Usagi and I were normal kids, and then the next minute, a talking cat named Luna comes along and turns us into superheroes. No matter how often I think about it, it still feels like a dream. It makes me wonder if that be all for Usagi and me, or will there be other battles we have to fight?"
He looked over at Usagi's and saw it was once again empty.
"And speaking of Usagi, it looks like she's late again as usual," he thought as he sighed. "You'd think that after becoming Sailor Moon, she'd learn to be more punctual."
Then Ms. Haruna came in and started taking roll. As she did, a particular someone quietly entered the classroom, crawling on the floor towards her desk, trying to be sneaky. However, everyone in the class could see her, including Ms. Haruna. It wasn't long till Umino spoke up, having just now spotted Usagi on the floor.
"Well, hello, and good morning to you, Usagi!" the bespectacled boy greeted cheerfully.
Usagi froze from surprise, and Ms. Haruna took one look at Usagi and pointed towards the door. "Usagi Tsukino! Once again, you go straight into the hallway!" she said.
All Harusuke could do was sigh and pinch his nose, pretending not to notice.
Usagi was once again standing in the hallway. However, she had an unexpected someone standing with her. Umino, to be exact.
"So... how come you're out here with me?" asked Usagi.
Umino blushed while scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.
"Well... uh...you see... it's kinda difficult for me to explain," he said.
Usagi gave Umino a strange look while stepping away from him. "He's such a weirdo," she mumbled to herself.
A little later, Umino called Naru during the lunch period by the tree near the courtyard. Naru ran as fast as she could until she saw Umino leaning against a tree. She then went up to him.
"Hey, Umino! I'm here!" she said. "What did you want to talk to me about that was so important?"
Umino said nothing. Then his cheeks turned bright red as he spoke. "I wanna go out on a date with Usagi!" he said. "Date her, trade diaries with her, and talk to her parents about our future together!"
Naru stared at Umino. Then she burst out laughing. "There is no way that's gonna happen!"
Umino let out a wail of despair as he sank to his knees while Naru continued to laugh, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"I'm sorry, but I just don't think that it'll work between you two if you come and ask her straight out like that," said Naru as she collected herself.
"You're right!" said Umino as he straightened up. "Maybe I should go for the stealthy approach and attack her from behind!"
"Please don't do that," said Naru giving Umino a strange look. "Now, if you want my opinion, I say you should go to a fortune-teller about what you should do."
Umino looked at Naru and smiled. "If that's the case, then I already have the answer!" he said. Then, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a strange pink device with a small screen. He pushed a button, and a small picture of himself as Usagi appeared on it. "Based on this fortune-telling game, Usagi and I are supposed to get married in the future and live happily ever after!"
"That's not what I meant!" snapped Naru, her face bright red with annoyance. "I'm saying that you should go see a real fortune-teller!"
"Oh, I see," said Umino putting his Game back into his pocket.
"Now that I think about it, I think a house of fortune just opened up in the Juban District," said Naru. "I heard that they're excellent at telling fortunes, so why don't you try them?"
"Yeah! I think I will!" said Umino. "Thanks, Naru!"
Later that day, Usagi and Harusuke headed home after a rough day at school. For Usagi, that is. So Harusuke decided to take Usagi to see the fortune-teller everyone had been talking about to cheer her up before the two of them went home.
"Man... what a day," said Usagi. "I hate it when Ms. Haruna sends me to the hallway like that."
"Well, she wouldn't have had to if you hadn't gone and tried to sneak into the classroom," deadpanned Harusuke.
Usagi pouted. "Come on, Harusuke! You don't need to rub it in. And here I thought you were taking me to this fortune-teller because you're a good brother.."
Harusuke chuckled. "Come on, Usagi. Don't be like that. Besides, look on the bright side; maybe you'll get good luck when you have your fortune read."
"Yeah! You're right!" said Usagi smiling. "Maybe I will! Let's hurry up and get there already! I hope the line won't be too long!"
They then passed the alley, expecting to find it with an abnormally long line, but they were surprised to see no line.
"That's odd," said Harusuke. "I'm pretty sure it was somewhere around here."
Then Usagi looked down at the alley, and there sat an older man with a table reading a book.
"Hey, Harusuke, look," said Usagi pointing to the old man. "Is that him?"
Harusuke looked. "I don't know," he said. "But it couldn't hurt to ask."
The two then walked up to the man, and he greeted them warmly with a friendly smile.
"Excuse me, sir," said Usagi. "Is this the place where people have their fortune read?"
"That's correct," said the man.
"Really? That's odd," said Harusuke. "Isn't there supposed to be a long line of people? We've heard this place was trendy."
The man chuckled. "Yes. You're right. However, I have competition now."
He then pointed behind Harusuke and Usagi, causing them to turn around. They saw a giant, elaborate sign with flashing colors on another building that read: "House of Fortune."
"What the heck...? That's downright flashy," said Harusuke.
"What on earth is that place?" asked Usagi.
"Well, as the name suggests, it's the newest place for reading your fortunes, The House of Fortune," said the old man.
"What? You mean to tell us that that place does fortune-telling, too?" asked Usagi.
"Yes," said the old man, now looking sad. "Everyone is over there because... well, it's new."
Feeling a little sorry for the man and wanting to cheer him up, Harusuke and Usagi held out their palms, causing the man to look up at them.
"Well, not us," said Harusuke. "If you don't mind..."
"We would like you to read our fortunes, please," finished Usagi.
The man smiled. "Why, of course," said the old man. "And thank you." He took a magnifying glass and carefully looked at Usagi's palm first. Then, after a few seconds, he gave his reading.
"I can tell there's a boy that likes you," he said. "And it's someone that you see all the time."
"Really?!" squealed Usagi feeling excited. "That's great!"
The man then looked at Harusuke's palm. He thoughtfully hummed as he looked at his palm carefully. Then he spoke again. "As for you, young man, you will have a fateful encounter with a girl," he said.
"Really?" asked Harusuke.
"Yes," continued the old man. "She will be a total stranger to you at first, but as time passes, you both will grow close and become lovers."
"Oh, wow! That's great, Harusuke!" said Usagi. "I wonder who the lucky girl is?"
While Harusuke and Usagi were having their fortune read, Umino just so happened to pass by them and walk into the House of Fortune taking Naru's advice, hoping to get his fortune read about his future with Usagi. When he got inside, he looked around and was amazed. The place had mysterious paintings and dim lighting, giving the room an otherworldly vibe. He soon came to a table where a young woman sat before him.
"Hello there, young one," she said. "Have you come to have your fortune read?"
"Y-yes, ma'am," said Umino as he sat down. "I wanna know about a certain girl. I wanna ask if she wants to go out with me, but I don't think I have the guts."
"Do not worry," said the woman. "Your question will soon be answered as I look into your future."
She shuffled a deck of tarot cards and placed twelve of them face down in a circle around the table. She then placed one more card right in the center of the table in the middle. She blew gently on the cards causing them to stand upright for a few seconds, and then they flipped over, revealing their other sides.
"Now... look deep into my eyes," she said ominously.
Umino obeyed, and he couldn't help but be hypnotized by the woman's eyes as they stared into his. Then, the card in the middle began to glow in an eerie light and float into the air.
"You are now a charming servant of the devil," the woman said to Umino. "Whatever little thing you want to do pops into your head, you will do it without fear.
"I understand completely," said Umino in a dull and strange monotone. "I can do whatever I want to."
The card floated around like it was alive and slipped inside Umino's uniform. The woman chuckled, having to have succeeded in obtaining another puppet for her to control.
"Very soon, I will begin collecting the energy for you, Master Jadeite," she said. "I'm sure you'll be pleased."
After their fortunes were read, Usagi and Harusuke were walking home, both thinking about what the man had told them.
"Oh, wow! Can you believe it, Harusuke?! We'll both have lovers in our futures!" said Usagi excitedly.
"Well... nothing's for certain yet," said Harusuke. "But I feel you. It is pretty exciting, isn't it?"
"A boy I see all the time likes me? I wonder if it could be him?" said Usagi giggling a little.
"Umino?" asked Harusuke, trying to take a guess. "I mean, after all, you see him a lot."
Usagi's grin quickly changed into a disgusted frown. "Of course not! I'm thinking about Motoki, Harusuke!"
"You mean the guy who runs the Game Center?"
"Yes, him! I'm going to see him right now! Ooh! I wonder if he'll be happy to see me?"
"Now hold on Usagi," said Harusuke. "We're supposed to go straight home after we got our fortunes read."
"Oh, come on, Harusuke. It won't be that long," said Usagi. "Now come on! Time's a-wasting!"
And Usagi dashed away, leaving Harusuke trailing behind her. It wasn't long before they reached the Game Center, but they couldn't see Motkai anywhere when they arrived.
"Aww... he's not here," said Usagi, disappointed.
"That's alright," said Harusuke. "We can just come back tomorrow and-"
"Hey, Usagi! Harusuke!"
Harusuke looked up, and Usagi blushed and almost jumped in surprise. There standing before them was the very person Usagi wanted to see.
"Hey there, you two," said Motoki. "I was just about to start work. Talk about perfect timing."
"Hi Motoki," said Usagi and Harusuke.
"Hey, I thought you guys should know the newest Sailor V game just came in," said Motoki. "How would you two like to be the first to play it?"
"Yeah!" said Usagi as she followed Motoki inside. Harusuke sighed as he followed them in pursuit.
Usagi was soon playing the new Sailor V game with Harusuke and Motoki watching her. Her hands busily went back and forth as she controlled Sailor V in the Game. She was doing fine at first, but then the Game got more complicated, making her lose one life after another until she was on her last one. Finally, it seemed she would beat the monsters, but then one of them got the upper hand, and it was Game Over.
"Shoot!" said Usagi, and she lightly pounded her fists.
"Pretty difficult, isn't it?" asked Motoki.
"It sure is," replied Usagi.
"Here. Let me show you a few tricks," said Harusuke as he pulled up a seat next to Usagi. He then inserted a coin to get the Game started.
"You don't have to do that, Motoki," said Harusuke. "I could have given you a coin to use."
"It's all right. It's on me," said Motoki. "Now watch very closely, OK, Usagi?"
"Um... OK," said Usagi.
As Motoki explained how to beat the Game, Usagi felt her face redden and her heart beat like a drum.
"Oh wow... my heart is beating like crazy, but I feel like I'm in heaven," Usagi thought.
Harusuke, watching this play out, could see how Usagi looked while sitting with Motoki.
"Well, what do you know? Guess Sis has got a crush on him after all," he thought. "Well, I guess that shouldn't surprise me. She acted the same way when she saw Tuxedo Mask the other day. Must be a phase or something."
Just then, Harusuke looked away from the Motoki and Usagi to find that an unexpected visitor had appeared next to him, sitting on the game console. A particular black cat, to be exact. When Harusuke saw her, he couldn't help but let out a startled yelp causing Usagi and Motoki to stop focusing on the Game. Usagi couldn't help but frown at Luna for ruining their mood.
"Luna? What are you doing here?"
"Luna? Is that the name of your cat Usagi?" asked Motoki. "Hm. Now that I think about it, she's been around here quite a lot lately. Is she a stray?"
Luna glared at Motoki, insulted for being called a stray. Then he leaped out and grabbed Usagi's sleeve by her teeth.
"Hey! Luna, what are you doing?! Get off of me!" she cried as she tried to shake her off her arm, but she refused to let go.
"I think she's trying to tell us that we should get home," said Harusuke. "It is getting a little late."
"All right. All right, we're coming," said Usagi. "We'll head home already."
Luna finally let go at the sound of her words, and Usagi picked up her school bag.
"Well then, we'll see you later, Motoki," said Harusuke. "We're gonna head home now."
"You sure you want to?" asked Motoki. "Usagi hasn't finished her game."
"Don't worry. I'll come back later," said Usagi. "See ya!"
"I'll be waiting," said Motoki. "You know... you always brighten my day whenever I see you, Usagi."
Usagi couldn't help but let out a happy squeal under her breath. She turned around and gave Motoki a cheerful smile, and then she, along with Harsuke and Luna, left the arcade. Usagi then looked down at Luna, glaring.
"Nice going, Luna! We had a perfect mood going on in there, you know!" she harshly whispered.
"Weren't you two supposed to have gone home after school?" asked Luna.
"That's what I've been trying to tell her," said Harusuke.
"Well... yeah... technically, I was supposed to," said Usagi hesitantly.
"As long as you understand, you two," said Luna. "After all, you two have a mission of the utmost importance."
"Yes, Luna, we know," said Harusuke. "Right, Usagi?"
Harusuke then noticed that Usagi wasn't there. He then saw her running in the other direction of where they came.
"Hey! Usagi! Come back!" he cried
"Where are you going!?" called Luna.
"I'm going to see that fortune-teller again to ask him about my future with Motoki!" Usagi called back.
The ordango blonde soon returned to the alleyway, but when Usagi looked in the alley, she was surprised to find it empty.
"Oh, no. I'm too late," Usagi moaned.
Harusuke and Luna soon caught up with her.
"It looks like he's gone home for the day," said Harusuke.
Then Usagi turned around and saw the House of Fortune. An idea flew into her brain.
"Hey, Harusuke! Let's go there," she said, pointing to it.
"Now, wait just a minute Usagi," said Harusuke. "We should head home instead! You can wait until tomorrow."
"But Harusuke! I wanna know right away," said Usagi. Then she had another idea. She then started to take off her shoe but left her foot inside it.
"Usagi, what are you up to?" asked Luna.
"I'm going to decide my fortune to decide where to go," said Usagi. "Since we don't have coins, I'll use my shoe. Heads, I go to the fortune teller from before. Tails, I go to the House of Fortune."
"Usagi! Wait a minute! Don't-"
Harusuke tried to stop her, but it was too late. Usagi kicked her leg up, sending her shoe flying. It flew in a beautiful arc until gravity brought the shoe down, landing perfectly on a young boy's head. The same young boy who Usagi and Harusuke had encountered before.
"OW!" he yelled as he took the shoe off his head. Then, he turned around and approached them, looking very cross, particularly at Usagi. "Watch where you're throwing things, bun-head!" he said.
"Is that all you can say?!" snapped Usagi.
"OK, then. How about this then: why don't you try acting more like a lady for a change?" said the young boy.
"Now, now. Take it easy, you two," said Harusuke coming in between them, trying to calm them down.
The two gazed grimly at each other before Usagi snatched her shoe back, and the young boy walked away. Usagi grumpily put her shoe back on her foot and stomped away, heading towards home, but not before blowing a razzberry at his back.
"That lousy stupid jerk!" she grumbled. "Now that boy's got me in a rotten mood! Who does that jerk think he is?!"
All Luna and Harusuke could do, was shrug their shoulders as they followed Usagi home. At least she was now walking home as they wanted. On their way back, a familiar voice called out to them as they were getting close.
"Hey, Usagi, Harusuke!"
Usagi and Harusuke turned around and saw their father, Kenji Tsukino, carrying a couple of bags of groceries.
"Oh, hey, Dad," said Harusuke. "What brings you around here? Doing some shopping?"
"Yeah. I managed to get off work early for a change and decided to get some things for your mother," said Kenji.
"Well, that's sweet of you, Dad," said Usagi.
"Of course," smiled Kenji. "After all, your mom works very hard to care for us. It's the very least I can do. By the way, what are the two of you doing out so late? Come on, let's get home. We don't want your mother getting worried."
"Sure thing Dad."
Then the three of them walked home together, with Luna walking alongside. It was then that Kenji noticed Luna.
"Hey, you two, what's with the cat?" he asked. "It looks like it's trying to follow us home."
"Oh, don't worry about that, Dad," said Harusuke. "That cat's a friend of ours."
"Yeah, a good friend," added Usagi.
"Well, OK then," said Kenji. "I guess that's OK. Although I do find it slightly strange."
Luna let out a small humph, having been insulted a second time as the four of them walked home.
The next day, Usagi and Harusuke arrived at school the same as usual. Only this time, Usagi managed to get herself up for once and walked with Harusuke to school. The two were at their lockers, switching their shoes with their walking ones in the building. Just then, Naru came up to them.
"Hey there, you guys," she said.
"Good morning Naru. What's up?" asked Harusuke.
"There's something I wanted to ask you two," said Naru.
"What is it?" asked Usagi.
"Has Umino said anything to you lately?" asked Naru. "Particularly you, Usagi?"
"Not really," said Usagi shaking her head. "Why? What do you mean? About what?"
Naru grinned. "That he likes you. But not the like as a friend. I mean, the 'likes' like you."
"What?!" cried Usagi, her hair jumping slightly in surprise.
"Well, now," said Harusuke, a smile working its way to his lips. "This is a surprise. Guess that man we ran into the other day was spot on."
"Harusuke! Don't joke about that!" said Usagi. "Naru, are you sure? It has to be someone else."
"Of course, I'm sure," said Naru. "Umino likes you, but the guy's so shy he couldn't bring himself to tell you and-"
"Hey there, Usagi," interrupted a voice. "How about we go on a date together?"
The three looked up to find Umino, a completely different person standing before them. He was wearing a light blue suit with a pink undershirt and a green tie and appeared to be radiating with confidence. Naru, Usagi, and Harusuke were surprised to see him.
"What in the world...? Is that you, Umino?" murmured Harusuke taken aback a little.
"What's happened to you?" asked Usagi.
"Umino, you can't come to school out of uniform like that," said Naru. "Ms. Haruna is gonna get upset."
"Who cares?" scoffed Umino as he approached Usagi and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Usagi, let's get going and have some fun."
"What? Going where exactly?" asked Usagi nervously.
"Wow. Someone's a little overconfident all of a sudden," said Naru.
"Overconfident or pushy?" muttered Harusuke.
Then Ms. Haruna arrived, and just as Naru said, when she saw Umino's suit, she was upset.
"Umino! What in the world is with that outfit are you wearing?!" she said in shock and anger.
Umino smirked as he put a biscuit and put it into his mouth. Then he walked past Ms. Haruna ignoring her, which made her even angrier.
"Are you listening to me?! Is this a joke to you?!"
Umino stopped and then did the unthinkable of someone of his nature. He reached under her skirt and flipped it upwards, exposing her underwear in front of Usagi, Naru, and Harusuke.
"That was a joke," said Umino as he strolled away, laughing rudely.
Ms. Haruna stood there stunned as to what had just happened, as did Harusuke, Usagi, and Naru. Then Ms. Haruna burst into tears, wailing like a child. "I'll never live this down! There's no way that someone will marry me now!" she sobbed.
In the middle of class, things were no better. Umino laughed rudely and loudly as he read a manga, not paying attention to Ms. Haruna. Ms. Haruna tried her best to ignore Umino, but considering that he had exposed her underwear before, she quickly reached a breaking point. She was so cross that the stick of chalk she held in her hand broke in two, and her face went red with anger.
"Umino, that's quite enough!"
She then walked towards his desk, hoping to teach him a lesson or two, when suddenly she fell over. The reason was that another student named Yuji had stuck out his leg, causing Ms. Haruna to trip. The teacher glared at him.
"Just what do you think you're doing, Yuji?!" she said.
"I think you need to learn to speak more quietly in class, teacher," said Yuji with a snarky smirk.
Ms. Haruno grew even angrier. "What did you say?!"
Usagi, Naru, and Harusuke could only stare in surprise as Umino kept reading his manga while laughing.
A little later, Usagi, Naru, and Harusuke met to discuss Umino's and Yuji's recent behavior at the courtyard corner. Naru then explained that they hadn't acted like this since they came from the House of Fortune.
"And you're sure that's where Umino went after you talked to him?" asked Harusuke.
"Yeah, and I think that Yuji went over there as well," said Naru.
"Well, one thing's for sure," said Usagi. "Umino's taken a turn for the crazy, and Yuji too. I think I liked him better as a wacko. All this stuff that they're doing is bound to get them suspended. Or worse."
"Well, let's just hope things don't get that far," said Harusuke.
But Harusuke's hopes would end up being in vain. Right then, the three heard the sound of broken glass, causing them to turn their attention to where they heard it. Sure enough, Umino and four other boys stood by a window to a classroom with a fresh hole in it, each holding stones.
"Guess I spoke too soon," said Harusuke.
"Hey! Just what do you think you kids are doing?!" he exclaimed as he opened the broken window. "You kids are in a lot of trouble!"
Umino then picked up another rock and threw it at the teacher, who hastily shut the window, making the stone break another hole.
"Screw you! Can an incompetent teacher like you act so big and boss us around? Guess again!" said Umino. "You're not as smart as you think, old man!"
"Yeah! Let's teach him a lesson!" said another boy.
Then five of them all started throwing stones at the windows, causing the glass to sprinkle everywhere, and all the while, the boys laughed, not having the slightest care in the world.
While this went on, the woman from the House of Fortune was watching from afar. In truth, she was another one of Jadeite's soldiers like Morga and was responsible for Umino and the others, putting them under her spell and draining their energy.
"Yes... yes..." she said, smiling. "Keep on wreaking havoc! Keep causing trouble!"
While hiding his dark dimension, Jadeite had just received the energy his monster had drained from Umino and the others.
"Ah. The rebellious energy of youth," Jadeite thought. "What a way to get the most powerful energy from our great ruler. Keep going, Balm. Keep draining them dry as they cause more trouble!"
Harusuke, Naru, and Usagi couldn't stand by and watch this anymore and ran up to Umino and his gang.
"Umino! Stop it!" cried Usagi.
"Just what do you think you're doing!?" demanded Naru.
"This has gone way too far!" said Harusuke. "You could hurt someone like that!"
Umino paid no attention to Harusuke and Naru. He did, however, look at Usagi. "Hey there, Usagi," he said, giving her a twisted smile that was not like him in a tone that was trying to be smooth.
Usagi immediately cringed. "Stop saying my name like that!"
She tried to step back, but Umino suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him.
"How about a kiss?" asked Umino as he grew close to Usagi's face making her just inches away from him. Usagi's eyes widened with shock, as did Naru and Harusuke's. Umino got close and was about to kiss her, but Harusuke came between them and pushed Umino away.
"Back off, Umino!" he snapped, sounding very angry. "Now you've gone too far! Even for yourself! I won't let someone force himself on my sister like that!"
"What's your problem, Harusuke?!" Umino snapped, glaring at the boy. "You think you're hot stuff just because you're her brother? I'm tired of you always thinking you're better than me. I think it's time that someone put you in your place!"
Umino and the boys surrounded Harusuke, appearing ready to beat him up, but then suddenly, Usagi, not wanting to take it anymore, burst into tears letting out a loud wail.
"I can't stand you like this, Umino!" she wailed. "I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!"
Her sobs were so loud that everyone around her covered their ears. Even Harusuke and Naru.
"C-come on, you guys," said Umino, clearly put off by Usagi's crying. "Let's get out of here."
And with that, Umino and his gang walked away, leaving a sobbing Usagi, Harusuke, and Naru alone.
"Usagi! It's OK!" called Naru putting a hand on her shoulder. "They're gone now."
Usagi immediately stopped crying and then went back to normal, letting out a sigh of relief. "Phew. I feel better now."
Naru sighed in annoyance while Harusuke stared dumbly at his sister in surprise.
Later after school, Usagi and Harusuke strolled home, still thinking about Umino and the others.
"Usagi, not that I'm complaining, but did you cry like that just to save me?" asked Harusuke.
"Well..." said Usagi thoughtfully. "I don't know. I just cried. Although I didn't want you to get into a fight, especially with those odds."
"I know," said Harusuke. "You're right about that, but Umino overstepped a boundary back there, and I couldn't help myself."
"Not to mention that Umino and his little gang were throwing rocks at the teacher and other stuff," said Usagi. "I wonder what's causing him to act that way."
"Perhaps maybe I can explain," said a voice.
Usagi and Harusuke looked up to find Luna sitting on a wall, looking down at them.
"Oh, Luna. I take it you know what's going on?" asked Harusuke.
"Indeed," said Luna. "I happened to be by the school and saw those boys, and I sensed dark energy coming from them."
"Dark energy?"
Harusuke and Usagi looked at each other. They immediately knew what Luna was getting at when she said those words.
"So... that means..." began Usagi.
"Yes. I'm afraid that some bad guys are stirring up trouble again," said Luna.
"You mean like with what happened at Naru's store?" asked Harusuke.
"If that's true, then that means Umino and the others are being controlled?" asked Usagi.
"Exactly," said Luna.
Usagi then suddenly remembered what Naru had told her and Harusuke back at school. "If that's the case, then the House of Fortune had something to do with it."
"How do you figure?" asked Luna.
"We just talked to Naru today," explained Usagi. "She told us how Umino's been acting weird since he came from that place."
"And it's not just him. I bet some other boys went into there, too," added Harusuke.
"Good work, you two. I'm impressed," said Luna.
"Thanks! You can reward me with more magic items like the brooch you gave me?" said Usagi as she held out her hand, expecting a reward.
"Nice try," Luna sweatdropped as she ran down the block. "Now come on! Let's go!"
"Right!"
The three ran back to the Juban district, and when they got there, they hid inside an alley beside the House of Fortune.
"All right, you two. It's time to transform again," said Luna.
"Um... do we have to? Will we have to fight again?" asked Usagi nervously.
"Of course you do!" said Luna sharply. "If you don't, who knows what the enemy plans to do with your friends."
"I agree," said Harusuke. "I know this will be our second time doing this, Usagi, and I'm a little nervous too, but we gotta do this. We're the only ones who can save Umino and the others. Don't worry. I'll be right there with you."
Usagi was still slightly nervous but felt more confident thanks to Harusuke's words. She raised her hand and was about to transform, but then she paused. Then she knocked her head, smiling sheepishly.
"Um... I forgot what I was supposed to say. What were the words again?"
Luna sighed. "It's Moon Prism Power, Make Up."
"Right," said Usagi. "I'm ready now."
"Then let's do it," said Harusuke holding his hand with his bracelet.
Then they both said their respective words to transform.
"MOON PRISM POWER, MAKE UP!"
"SOLAR GUARDIAN POWER, FLARE UP!"
Transformation Sequence: Usagi
Usagi's body shone with rainbow-colored light as she seemed to spin around. Then from her brooch, it flashed pink and pink ribbons shot out, wrapping her upper torso and midsection, and became a white leotard with a red bow in the center and a blue collar with white stripes. Next, Usagi crosses her arms as more pink ribbons cover them, turning into long white gloves. Then, the pink ribbons wrap around Usagi's legs and turn into red thigh-high boots. Then a blue skirt appears around Usagi's waist with a red bow in the back. Then a tiny gem starts glowing in the middle of Usagi's forehead, a gold tiara with a red gem, a pair of dangling crescent moon earrings, and a red choker with a moon on it appear along with red circular accents in her hair buns. Usagi then strikes her signature pose as the Moon shines behind her.
Transformation sequence: Harusuke.
Harusuke's bracelet begins to glow as Harusuke holds it in the air. Next, the symbol of the sun starts to shine on Harusuke's head as golden yellow and silver light envelop his body. First, the sun appears above him, shining its light upon him. Then, while Harusuke bathed in its light, a silver jumpsuit with gold lines on his hips formed around his body. After that, the light shone on his legs, and long golden metal boots that went up to his knees appeared on his legs with silver hexagon knee pads. Next, the light shone on his arms, and then golden gauntlets appeared on his hands going up to his wrists. Then a yellow symbol of the sun materializes in front of him, crashing into his chest, making a golden armor with silver shoulder guards appear. Finally, a silver helmet covers his head, exposing his hair and making it stand up with a mouth guard covering his mouth and nose. Finally, Harusuke's eyes open, and he strikes his signature pose as the symbol of the sun appears behind him.
Inside the House of Fortune, all of the controlled boys, including Umino, were gathered inside with Balm.
"You all have done well, my loyal servants," she said. "Now go out and tear up the rest of this town! Do it for our great ruler!"
"Sounds like fun!"
"Let's do it!"
The boys smiled evilly and were about to leave to do what the woman told them, but then two voices were heard.
"You know what's worse than forcing people to be rude and damaging things that aren't theirs?" asked a feminine voice. "Forcing those people to think of nothing for other people's feelings, that's what."
"Especially if you're forcing the person to do something that he or she might regret or not want to do!" said a male voice.
Balm and the boys snapped their heads toward the direction of the voices coming from the doors.
"Who's there?!" demanded Balm.
The doors immediately burst open, revealing the very two in question.
"I am the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and justice! I am Sailor Moon!" she proclaimed
"And I'm the knight with the brilliance of the sun and the courage of a warrior who also fights for love and justice! I am Solaris!" he also proclaimed.
"And in the name of the moon, I'll punish you!"
"And in the name of the sun, with my blinding rays, I"ll scorch you!"
Balm was surprised and confused by their speeches, but then she fired an array of what appeared to be tarot cards at them. Sailor Moon and Harusuke dodged them just in time.
"Hey! You could have hit my face with those things!" snapped Sailor Moon.
"That's because she was trying to hit you in the face!" said Luna, who watched the fight behind the door. "Get it together, Sailor Moon!"
"Yeah. The enemy isn't going to give you a warning when they attack," said Solaris flatly. "Now, get ready!"
Balm then revealed her monster form. Her skin became a sickly green, her eyes turned yellow, and her hair turned black and alive.
"Go get them!" she commanded to her mind-controlled army.
Umino and the boys, now as green as their master, faced the two Guardians snickering malevolently and advanced towards them.
"Oh, no! Not again!" cried Sailor Moon.
"I can take them on!" said Solaris as he stood bravely in front, ready to fend off the boys.
"No, Solaris, don't!" said Sailor Moon. "They may be puppets, but they're still innocent! You can't hurt them!"
"But we just can't sit here and do nothing either," said Solaris. "If we don't do something soon, they'll be right on top of us!"
The boys crowded closer and closer to Sailor Moon and Solaris. Then, a red rose shot out and hit Balm right on her face blinding her. Balm shrieked in agony, and simultaneously, the boys suddenly were frozen dead in their tracks.
"Damn it!" she growled as she rubbed her eyes. "Who else dares get in my way?!"
"That would be me."
Everyone looked over by the door, and standing there was the man in the tuxedo from the other night. Sailor Moon and Solaris recognized him immediately. Sailor Moon, especially.
"It's Tuxedo Mask!" the ordango heroine squealed with hearts in her eyes.
"What are you doing here?" asked Solaris.
"Just helping out," he replied. "Remember never to give up, no matter how hard or difficult."
"OK!" said Sailor Moon adoringly.
Tuxedo Mask smiled. "See you around," he said as he disappeared behind the door. "Until we meet again."
"Goodbye and thank you, Tuxedo Mask!" said Sailor Moon, still having a lovestruck look in her eyes.
Then Balm, seeing Sailor Moon distracted, went on the attack, her hair growing large and turning into tendril-like hands.
"Sailor Moon! Incoming!" yelled Solaris.
Sailor Moon, hearing the warning, jumped out of the way just in time as Balm's tendrils clawed the floor in front of her.
"Oh, man! That was close!" she breathed with relief.
"Sailor Moon! Use your tiara!" cried Luna.
Balm attacked again using her hair tendrils. Sailor Moon then leaped out of the way just in time to dodge once more as the tendrils pierced the wall behind her but ended up on the floor due to losing balance. Balm turned towards her and closed in for the kill, but Solaris jumped in.
"Not so fast, you foul creature!" he yelled. "SOLAR BINDING!"
A beam of light burst out from his hand and wrapped around Balm, closing around her and trapping her.
"Now, Sailor Moon! Finish the job!" said Solaris.
"Right! Thank you, Solaris!" replied Sailor Moon as she took off her tiara as it transformed into a white glowing disk. She aimed and flung it right at Balm. "MOON TIARA ACTION!"
The disc flew straight at Balm and pierced right through her center. Balm howled in pain as the attack annihilated her, reducing the monster to dust, eventually fading away in seconds. The cards she used to control the boys also vanished, returning them to normal.
"All right! We did it!" cheered Sailor Moon.
"Yeah! We did, didn't we?" said Solaris. "We showed that monster a thing or two!"
Then, seeing that Umino and the others were back to themselves regaining consciousness, the two heroes, along with Luna, left the room as soon as they could, disappearing into the night.
The next day, Naru explained everything that happened to Umino, and needless to say, he felt mortified.
"WHAT?! I lifted Ms. Haruna's skirt?! Seriously?!" he asked incredulously.
"Yup. And not only that, but you demanded a kiss from Usagi, almost picked a fight with Harusuke, and broke a window in one of the teacher's offices."
Umino's face went pale from the shock and depression as he turned around and walked away.
"Hey, Umino, wait. Where are you going?" asked Naru.
"Home," replied Umino miserably. "The only things waiting for me at school is possibly expulsion and misery."
"Good morning Umino."
"Feeling a little better today?"
Umino then looked up to find that Harusuke and Usagi had appeared before him, causing him to jump in surprise and shriek. He then immediately bowed before them in remorse.
"Usagi! Harusuke! I am so sorry!" he said. "Please forgive me!"
"It's OK," said Usagi. "No need to apologize."
"Yeah. Don't worry about it," said Harusuke. "As long as you're sorry about it, there's no reason you should worry."
"Yeah. You're right. " I shouldn't be all worried about it," said Umino, feeling slightly better. "After all, Usagi always picks herself up when she fails a test. I should be more like her."
And with that, Umino walked off towards the school feeling much better, while Usagi felt slightly insulted.
"That jerk! Does he have any idea what I go through when that happens!?" she grumped.
Harusuke chuckled. "Well, at least he's cheered up a bit," he said as he walked ahead of her. "Now come on. We're going to be late for class."
And with that, the two Tsukinos headed for Ms. Haruno's classroom, continuing their lives as undercover heroes.
