It was another day in the town of Juuban. Chibiusa was out and about, walking with her Luna P ball feeling cheerful. Then as they walked around a bridge that went over the street, Chibiusa caught sight of something. Just below, next to the stairs, was an ice cream shop called Bob-Floy. Many people were there, all of whom were enjoying the ice cream there.
Chibiusa herself wanted some ice cream, too, drooling from seeing all the people eating the ice cream, but she quickly restrained herself.
"What's the matter with me? I'm not a little kid!" Chibiusa scolded herself. "Right now, I need to focus on finding the Silver Crystal as soon as possible, and I can't afford any distractions!"
She was just about to walk away when Ami appeared just behind her.
"Hey there, Chibiusa," Ami greeted. "Are you on your way home?"
"O-Oh. Yes, I am," replied Chibiusa.
Ami then caught sight of Bob-Floy. "Were you looking at the ice cream shop down there?" asked Ami. "I'm told that it just opened and became very popular."
"I don't care about that!" Chibiusa sputtered. "Ice cream is little kid stuff!"
"Well, that's a pity. I heard that the ice cream is delicious," Ami said, pretending to be disappointed. "I was on my way over there to try some myself. I know that it's "little kid stuff," but you're welcome to join me if you want. My treat."
Chibiusa's face immediately lit up. "You will?! Well, in that case, since you insist, I guess I'll come with you. So let's go, Ami!"
The pinkette odango eagerly took Ami by the hand and pulled her along as they made their way to Bob-Floy to buy some ice cream. Chibiusa got chocolate mint, and Ami got strawberry. The two enjoyed eating their ice cream as they sat on a bench together. Soon they finished their ice cream, and Ami then stood up.
"Alright then, it's almost time for my cram school to start," Ami said. "I have to go now. I'll see you later, Chibiusa."
"Okay, bye, Ami," said Chibiusa. "And thanks for the ice cream."
And as Chibiusa waved goodbye, Ami then went on her way. As she watched Ami go, Chibiusa couldn't help but feel impressed.
"Wow, Ami sure is responsible, even more so than Harusuke," Chibiusa thought to herself. "She's probably more likely to have the Silver Crystal than someone like Usagi. So maybe I should investigate her next."
At the Hikawa Shrine, excluding Ami, Usagi, and the gang all met up to discuss some unexpected news regarding Ami.
"Say what?! No way!" Usagi cried, clearly shocked. "Are you sure?!"
"I'm afraid it's true, Usagi," said Luna. "Ami's been invited to study in Germany to continue her studies."
"Believe us, we're as shocked as you were when we found out," added Rei.
"Well, it is no surpirse," said Minako. "She did have the top score on the national mock exam several times."
"I'm just surprised this never came up before," said Makoto. "I mean, we're just hearing about this for the first time."
"So did she say that she was going to go?" wondered Artemis.
"She hasn't given her response yet," replied Luna. "But I imagine that she'll want to go."
"Ami's dream has always been to study medicine so she could become a doctor just like her mom," added Makoto. "And Germany is one of the best places to go for that."
"But, I don't want to say goodbye to Ami!" protested Usagi. "We rely on her to figure things out for us! We need her to be our brain! Are we going to call her from Germany if an enemy appears?!"
"Usagi! That may be true, but we have to consider Ami's feelings," Rei spoke sternly.
"It is going to be tough without her, but I'm sure we can manage," said Minako. "We'll just have to work a lot harder to figure everything out."
"So you're all saying that you're okay with her leaving us?!" Usagi snapped bitterly. "Even though we might never see her again?!"
"Usagi, Ami has always been a loyal Guardian, even when fighting took her away from her studies," Harusuke said gently. "She probably never got a decent amount of rest because she's been studying to make up for everything that she missed without complaining. Now her hard work is about to pay off, so we can't be childish by holding her back just for wanting her to stay. It just wouldn't be right."
"Harusuke's right," agreed Makoto. "I want Ami to fulfill her dream too. I mean, it's not every day that an opportunity like this comes along."
"And you even said it yourself, Usagi," pointed out Luna. "You wanted everyone to be able to live normal lives, and now Ami has her chance."
Usagi frowned, her hands clenched at their sides, wanting to disagree, but she knew that her friends and brother were right as much as she didn't like it.
"Alright, then. You're right," Usagi said bravely. "Let's make sure Ami goes to Germany to live her dream."
"Atta girl, Usagi," smiled Rei. "I knew you'd come around."
"Well, since we're on the same page, why don't we plan a farewell party for Ami?" suggested Minako. "Send her off with a smile?"
"Yeah! Let's do it!" everyone cheered.
"Hold on a second, everyone," said Artemis. "Before we do anything else, Luna and I got something to show you."
Luna and Artemis then presented the teens with four sticks with stars on end and six communicators, each with different colors, and bore the symbol of their respective planets. Four of them and communicators came in sets of Red, Orange, Green, and blue, and the two remaining communicators were each colored pink and the other gold.
"These are your new transformation sticks and communicator wrist bands," Artemis spoke proudly.
"And you'll have access to even more power than before," said Luna. She then turned to Harusuke. "We weren't able to make another transformation bracelet for you, Harusuke, but at least you'll be able to keep in touch with the Guardians whenever there is danger."
"I know, and I appreciate that, Luna," said Harusuke, as he put his communicator band on his right hand. "At least I have a way of contacting Usagi and the others now."
As everyone else took their respective communicators and sticks, one set remained the pair belonging to Ami.
"It looks like Ami won't be able to use hers," said Usagi sadly.
Everyone agreed with her, feeling a little sad, but Harusuke spoke.
"Now, come on, girls. Let's not be sad, okay?" Harusuke said kindly. "Let's not worry about it too much. Besides, we're going to send off Ami with a smile, and we're going to give her the best farewell party ever. Am I right?"
Everyone looked at Harusuke and nodded in agreement.
In the UFO, in the circle of mirrors, Rubeus was gazing at the map of Crystal Tokyo again, trying to come up with his next plan of corrupting a Crystal Point.
"Berthier!" Rubeus called. "Are you here?"
The woman in question appeared just behind him, coming out of one of her mirrors. "Yes, Sir?"
"I found another Crystal Point, another one of Crystal Tokyo's barriers," Rubeus said. "And it's right in this location."
The projection of Crystal moved sideways, showing a red dot just next to one of the points of the star. It then melted away, revealing the location of the Crystal Point, which happened to be Bob-Floy's ice cream shop.
"So the next thing we have to do is go down there and replace its Crystal Power with our Dark Power," Berthier said. "That is the plan, correct?"
"Yes," replied Rubeus, glancing back at her. "Can I trust you to handle it this time?"
"You might as well kiss it goodbye," Berthier smiled, blowing a kiss. "Just leave it to me."
She then disappeared, setting off to accomplish her mission.
Later that night, Chibiusa was waiting just outside Ami's cram school. At that moment, the school was letting out its students, and Chibiusa then caught sight of the bluenette as she came out.
"Hi Ami," Chibiusa said.
Ami was surprised. "Chibiusa?! What are you doing here?" she asked. "You shouldn't be out so late."
"Well, I was waiting because I wanted to ask you a favor, Ami," said Chibiusa. "Will it be okay that I stay at your place for a little while?"
"What happened?" wondered Ami. "Did you and Usagi get into another fight?"
"No, it's nothing like that," replied Chibiusa, an exasperated look crossing her face. "I'd like to study, but it's kind of hard to concentrate when she's around, especially when she's reading those manga books. I'd ask Harusuke, but I could hear her even from in his room. Plus, I don't want to distract him."
"I see what you mean," said Ami thoughtfully. Then she smiled. "In that case, say no more. You're more than welcome to stay at my place. I'll give Usagi and Harusuke a call and let them know where you are."
"Alright! Thank you so much, Ami," smiled Chibiusa.
Chibiusa was happy that Ami accepted her request, but she was even more delighted that she now had an opportunity to search Ami's place for the Silver Crystal.
At Ami's home, which was a condominium, Ami and Chibiusa were busily at work studying. It was about ten minutes past ten, and Chibiusa had begun to nod off as she waited for her opportunity to search Ami's room for the Silver Crystal. She tried to stay awake, but her eyelids seemed to get heavier.
Ami took notice of this. "Chibiusa? Are you okay?" she asked.
Chibiusa flopped onto the table, exhausted. "Geez, I want to go to sleep already," she moaned.
"Come now, it's only a little past ten o'clock," Ami said. "We can still keep going for another hour."
Chibiusa then shot up, looking worried. "Oh no, it's already past ten?! I have to be in bed by now!" she cried. "My teacher always told me that I have to rest my eyes at around ten o'clock every night!"
"Well, it's not good to use your eyes to watch TV at night," said Ami. "but studying is a whole different matter. So take a deep breath and hang in there for a little longer."
"Seriously, what is with this girl?!" Chibiusa thought, taken aback. "It's like she never takes a break! I can't even begin to look for the Silver Crystal!"
Then she noticed that Ami was staring at her, appearing interested in her for unknown reasons, making Chibiusa nervous.
"Wh-what is it?" asked Chibiusa.
"Nothing. I'm just curious," said Ami. "Chibiusa, where exactly are you from? It's clear you're not Usagi's cousin, so I was just wondering who you are."
Chibiusa then gulped, not expecting Ami to be questioning her and unable to say anything. However, Ami smiled.
"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it," Ami went on with a hint of sadness. "But if you have nowhere else to go, then you're free to stay here if you want. You'd have this whole room to yourself since I might be going far away, and you could keep my mom company while I'm away."
Chibiusa was relieved, but she also couldn't help but feel surprised. "Are you going somewhere, Ami?" she asked.
"Yes. I have an opportunity to fulfill one of my biggest dreams," Ami said longingly. "But I don't think I could do it. I can't leave Usagi and the others behind on their own." She then shook her head as she returned to studying. "I'm sorry. Forget what I just said."
Chibiusa watched as Ami resumed, feeling confused.
Back at the Tsukino house, Usagi was fast asleep. However, she had started to dream as she slept, and it wasn't the pleasant kind.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Usagi stood face to face with Ami trying to convince her to stay.
"Come on, Ami. Let's go," said Usagi. "Let's go back home with the others."
Ami sadly looked at Usagi, her face filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Usagi. I can't. I can't be with you anymore."
"But... why not?" asked Usagi, feeling hurt.
"I just can't be with you anymore," replied Ami. "I'm going somewhere far away, and... I won't be able to see you anymore."
At that moment, someone appeared just behind Usagi, which caused her to turn around. To her surprise, the person that appeared behind her was Mamoru.
"I don't have feelings for you anymore," Mamoru spoke coldly. "Goodbye, Usagi."
Ami and Mamoru floated away in a blizzard of petals and eventually disappeared from view.
"No! Don't leave me!" begged Usagi as she reached out. "Please, wait! Don't go!"
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And the more she dreamt this, the more she began to toss and turn in her sleep, moaning for Ami not to leave.
Back in his room, Harusuke was having problems sleeping on his own, his thoughts filled with Ami and about her going to Germany. As he did, he thought back to when he talked to Ami on the phone after she called them about Chibiusa staying with her.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"...so, if you don't mind, Chibiusa's going to stay with me to study," Ami finished.
"Well, that's fine with me, and Mom and Dad gave their permission too," Harusuke said. "The only thing that I ask is to make sure that Chibiusa behaves herself, and if you or she need anything, don't hesitate to call us."
"No problem," said Ami.
"Say, Ami, there's something I've wanted to talk to you about," said Harusuke. "And it's important."
"What is it?" asked Ami.
Harusuke then paused, trying to come up with the words, but his words died in his throat as he began to stammer a bit.
"Harusuke? Is everything okay?" asked Ami. "You sound sick."
Harusuke then worked up the nerve to speak. "N-No. It's nothing. I forgot," he replied. "Anyway, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Bye, Ami."
"Bye, Harusuke," said Ami, as she hung up.
"Geez, why couldn't I work up the nerve to talk to her?" Harusuke wondered aloud. "I know that I said I'd support her with going to Germany, but the truth is... I don't want her to leave. However, I don't want to make Ami give up her dream because I want her to stay here. I mean, she deserves to follow her dream, and I can't hold her back."
He turned to his side, looking out the window, as he continued to worry.
Around that same time, close by Bob-Floy, Berthier appeared standing outside the ice cream shop.
"Oh, Niphas? Are you there?" Berthier beckoned. "I have a job for you."
At that moment, a Droid who had the appearance of a young woman appeared before her. She had dark green eyes and light blue-green hair tied in an exotic top knot, and also wore a tall metal hat in the style of what a Japanese priest would wear, and wore a sky blue and white hakama.
"Yes, Master?" said Niphas.
"It's time to get started," said Berthier. "It's time for Operation: Some like it cold."
Niphas then took a deep breath and unleashed a powerful blizzard of snow from her mouth, encasing the entire parlor in ice. Berthier was pleased.
"Very well done," the second Spectre sister praised. "Now, proceed to phase two."
"Understood, Mistress Berthier," acknowledged Niphas.
The next day, Ami and Chibiusa met up with Usagi and Harusuke and walked together back to the Tsukino's place to drop her off.
"Thanks for looking after Chibiusa last night, Ami," said Usagi. "We appreciate it."
"I hope that she didn't cause too much trouble for you," said Harusuke.
"Not at all," smiled Ami. "It was my pleasure. She can come over anytime."
"Thanks, I will," said Chibiusa.
"I may have been unable to look for the Silver Crytal, but I won't give up!" Chibiusa thought to herself. "I'll just keep coming over to Ami's place again and again until I find the Silver Crystal."
After that, Usagi, Harusuke, and Ami walked to school. As they did, Usagi and Harusuke told Ami all about the farewell party they were planning to have for her, which greatly surprised her.
"A farewell party?! For me?!" Ami repeated. "But why? You don't have to do that. I still haven't even made my decision yet."
"Come on, what are you talking about? I heard that you were good to go, and the departure date got set," said Usagi.
"That may be so, but that's not till a couple of days, said Ami. "And I've already made arrangements, but... I'm not sure if I should go or not. Maybe I should stay."
Harusuke was just about to say something, but Usagi cut him off.
"Ami, you should go to Germany. Don't worry about us on our account," Usagi said firmly. "We want you to study a whole lot of medical stuff so that you can become a great doctor who saves tons of lives. Right, Harusuke?"
Harusuke was surprised when he got put on the spot but nodded. "Well, yeah. We all feel the same way, and we want what's best for you," he said.
Ami then smiled at Usagi's words. "Well then, if that's the case, then I suppose I should go," the bluenette said. "But... I would prefer it if you guys didn't throw a farewell party for me."
Harusuke and Usagi were surprised.
"But why not?" asked Usagi.
"It's just that I've never been good at saying goodbye to people I love," said Ami, kindly. "So if you were to throw me a farewell party or go see me off, it would make me all the more difficult to leave. I know it sounds selfish, but try to understand."
Usagi and Harusuke looked at each other unable to say anything more, as they soon arrived at the school with Ami walking into the gates.
A while later, after school, Usagi and Harusuke relayed Ami's response to the other Guardians as they sat outside an open-air cafe drinking pop and were surprised as they were.
"What do you mean she doesn't want to see us off or throw her a farewell party?!" exclaimed Rei.
"Don't tell me she's decided not to go after all," Makoto spoke worriedly.
"No, it's nothing like that," said Usagi. "She just doesn't want to make a big deal out of it, is all. She thinks that it'll make it harder for her to say goodbye."
"Well, that's Ami for you," sighed Rei. "I mean, that sounds like something she would do."
"But even so, we should still say goodbye to her!" protested Makoto.
"Maybe the best way to do that is to go to the airport and see her off just as she boards the plane?" suggested Minako.
"Yeah, that could work," Makoto smiled. "Good idea, Minako!"
"Sounds like a plan," agreed Rei.
"Then we're all in agreement," said Usagi eagerly.
"Yeah! Let's do it!" the girls cheered together.
However, one among them wasn't so keen about this. Harusuke was still thinking about the whole thing, not paying attention.
"Harusuke, is something the matter?" asked Usagi. "You've been quiet."
Harusuke then jumped and shook his head, getting the cobwebs out of his mind. "N-No! It's nothing! I'm fine!" he said hastily.
"You sure?" asked Rei. "You looked spaced out and haven't said anything in a while."
"No. I'm fine. I'm just - preparing myself to say goodbye to Ami is all," said Harusuke as he stood up. "Anyway, we've got a lot of planning to do, so let's get ourselves ready, okay?"
The girls weren't so sure, but they decided to go ahead and start planning Ami's goodbye.
Meanwhile, things were the same at Bob-Floy, with business booming. Only this time, Niphas had taken it over, tainting all the ice cream in the parlor unbeknownst to the unsuspecting people, disguised as a human.
"Delicious ice cream! Get your ice cream here!" Niphas called out. "Beat the heat, and have some tasty ice cream!"
She then handed two ice cream cones to a couple looking forward to eating them, immediately taking a lick from each of their cones. No sooner than they did, they both glared grimly at each other.
"You're way too clingy!" the boy snapped.
"Speak for yourself!" the girl shot back. "You're making me feel stuffy!"
"Fine! Then how about I just leave?!" the boy snapped.
"Best idea you had all day!" the girl shouted.
And the couple immediately went their separate ways, walking away. Berthier, who was in her casual clothing, had seen the whole and felt very pleased with herself. But, as she headed towards the back of the store with Niphas following, she didn't realize that a familiar white cat had been watching the whole thing as well and was following them. The two then shed their disguises as soon as they were alone.
"It seems that things are going well," Berthier said. "One lick of my special homemade ice cream will make even the slightest sensation of heat unbearable for these people."
"And those who can't stand the heat will come back for more, which would make it impossible to put a new barrier here in the future," smirked Niphas. "A most wonderful plan, indeed, Mistress."
Berthier giggled darkly. "Of course, it is."
Artemis gasped and was shocked to hear this and was just about to race away to warn the Guardians when he bumped into a pail, which made a clattering noise, which unfortunately Berthier and Niphas heard.
"Who's there?!" snapped Niphas.
Knowing that he got found out with no means of escape, Artemis slowly came out of hiding, putting on the cat act, meowing cutely.
"Aww, how cute. It's a kitty," said Berthier, smiling. "Come here, little kitty. Let me pet you."
Artemis meowed again and walked over to Berthier as she picked him up. However, this would be Artemis' mistake as Berthier looked across to Niphas. Then before Artemis could react, Berthier threw Artemis high into the air, and with one quick blast from her mouth, Niphas froze Artemis solid as his frozen form landed on the floor with a clink.
Berthier then cackled. "Sleep tight, Kitty."
At the Hikawa Shrine, Rei, Usagi, Harusuke, Makoto, and Minako were in the room of the Sacred Fire, Rei reading the flames to search for Artemis, who had not been back for quite some time. After chanting while reading the fire, Rei stopped now, looking very worried.
"It's no good," Rei said, turning to her friends. "No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to find Artemis anywhere!"
"Oh, no!" Minako gasped, concerned.
"This can't be a good thing," Makoto said grimly. "Artemis isn't the type to just wander off."
"You think that he might have gotten captured by the enemy or something?" asked Harusuke.
"What else could it be?!" Usagi spoke. "Tell Ami to track his whereabouts on her computer and-" Then Usagi remembered and immediately went quiet.
There was an awkward pause as everyone stared at her. Rei was about to say something, but then Usagi spoke up first.
"I know. We can't distract Ami now that she's made up her mind to go," Usagi said. "So, we'll just have to figure out a way to find him ourselves."
"So let's get to work then," smiled Rei.
Harusuke said nothing more as he squeezed his fists, not saying a word.
Back at her place, Ami was busy packing up her things in a large suitcase with Chibiusa once again visiting. As she packed, Ami was wearing a sullen yet neutral expression as if she was trying to hide her emotions as she packed, not saying a single word.
"So, today's finally the day, huh?" Chibiusa asked. "You're leaving for Germany?"
"Yes," replied Ami, shutting her suitcase. "I am."
"Well, thank you for letting me study here," smiled Chibiusa. "I learned a lot. Work hard, and good luck over in Germany. You'll be great."
Ami paused, not seeming to pay attention at first, but she quickly recollected herself.
"Thank you very much, Chibiusa," smiled Ami. "And while I'm away, I want you to do me a favor and get along with everyone, okay?"
"Sure thing," said Chibiusa."
"Well, now I know that Ami doesn't have the Silver Crystal after all," Chibiusa thought. "But if she doesn't have it, then who does?"
Back by Bob-Floy, Minako was standing on the bridge, which led to the ice cream shop feeling worried about her white cat companion. Then Luna came up to her.
"Say, Minako. It's almost time to say goodbye to see Ami off," said Luna. "Maybe you should start getting ready."
"Yeah. Right," Minako said absently, her eyes never leaving Bob-Floy.
Luna then looked down towards the ice cream parlor too. "Isn't that the ice cream shop that Artemis said looked suspicious?"
Minako could only nod as the wind whipped about her hair.
It was soon closing time. Niphas was closing the shutters when Berthier appeared.
"Ah, Master Berthier, the plan is going just as planned," Niphas said.
"That's very good, but there's something that you left unchecked," Berthier spoke coldly. "You have yet to dispose of the frozen people in the back of the storage room."
Niphas gasped. "Y-You're right! I'm so sorry!"
"If your sloppiness continues, I just might have to get rid of you along with them," Berthier threatened coolly.
Niphas gulped nervously. "I-It won't! I'll tend to them immediately!" she said nervously.
"All right then, but just so you know, if you're feeling overwhelmed, just let me know, and I can relieve you," Berthier added darkly.
"Th-that won't be necessary, Mistress!" stammered Niphas. "I can handle this."
"Okay then, I'm counting on you," said Berthier in a singing tone as she faded away, disappearing.
Feeling a little shaky from Berthier's threats, Niphas immediately went to the back, wanting to complete the task at hand before Berthier would make good on her threats. But as she went to the back, opening the door to the room where dozens of people remained frozen, she was greeted by two unexpected guests, Minako and Luna, who had somehow got into the room without her knowing.
"Just as I suspected!" Minako cried. "Who are you, and what are you going to do with all of these people?!"
Niphas then smirked. "As if I'd ever tell you," she cackled. "But since you've found them and won't be allowed to leave this place alive, how about I show you?!"
Niphas launched herself into the air in a blast of cold wind, revealing her Droid form. She swooped down towards Minako and Luna unleashing a powerful burst of cold wind at them. Minako jumped out of the way just in time to dodge, but Luna wasn't so lucky and ended up frozen solid. Having no other choice, Minako jumped behind some crates taking cover as Niphas' raging winds continued to whip about.
Usagi, Harusuke, Rei, and Makoto were all waiting for Luna and Minako to ride the bus to the airport together at the bus stop. However, they were nowhere to be seen and got forced to miss several buses going on eight.
"Man, that was the eighth bus we had to skip!" complained Usagi.
"I wonder where Minako and Luna could be?" wondered Makoto. "They shouldn't be taking this long."
"I agree," said Rei. "I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this."
"They might still be searching for Artemis," suggested Harusuke. "But then again, I could be wrong."
Then suddenly, everyone's communicator bands began to beep, and Minako's voice came out from each of them.
"Everyone! Another Droid has appeared at the Bob-Floy ice cream shop!" Minako cried. "Please hurry, and get here as soon as possible!"
"We're on our way!" Rei spoke to Minako. "Come on, let's go!"
"But what about Ami?!" asked Usagi, as she held up a decorated paper bag. "We were planning to give her this going away gift while we saw her off!"
Harusuke then took the bag. "Leave it to me!" he said. "I'll go to the airport and make sure she gets it, no problem!"
Usagi was worried. "But Harusuke? Are you sure that you'll be able to make it in time?"
Harusuke then smiled. "Don't worry. I may no longer be a Guardian, but I still can run pretty fast. Besides, I've got something to say to Ami before she leaves. So make sure you help Minako."
And Harusuke turned on his heel and raced away as fast as his feet could carry him. Usagi, Rei, and Makoto then set off to help Minako defeat the Droid.
Back inside, Niphas was looking around the room, searching for Minako, but she couldn't see her anywhere. Then she heard a clang coming from her right. Reacting quickly, she unleashed her icy breath, immediately freezing whatever she heard, thinking that it was Minako, but what she froze wasn't Minako. Instead, it was an aluminum can. Then she heard a voice from above.
"Hey, you! Where are you aiming at?!"
Niphas looked up, and above her standing on top of some crates were Sailor Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, all transformed and ready to fight.
"How dare you use ice cream in your evil plan, you wicked monster?!" Sailor Moon scolded crossly. "It's a treat that girls love, and we're here to make sure that you won't get away with it any longer! And now, in the name of Moon, we'll punish you!"
The four sailor Guardians then leaped off the crates and went on the attack hoping to gang up on Niphas before she reacted, but the Droid immediately unleashed a blast of ice from her mouth and blew them all away, knocking them to the cold hard floor. It was a miracle that the girls weren't frozen, but Niphas continued her relentless blizzard breath forcing the guardians to take cover from behind some crates.
"Geez! It's freaking cold in here!" Sailor Moon complained.
"This is even colder than the Artic back when we fought the Dark Kingdom!" agreed Sailor Venus.
"We got to do something!" said Sailor Jupiter. "But if we attack, we'll end up frozen solid. And if we stay here, we'll freeze to death!"
"It's so cold; I don't even think my flames could help!" Sailor Mars cried. "There has to be something we can do!"
Meanwhile, Ami had just arrived at the airport through a taxi. As she came into the lobby pulling her suitcase, Ami went over to the window, staring up at the night sky as numerous airplanes flew past wearing a melancholy frown. She was finally going to fulfill her dream, but she still couldn't help feeling uneasy. But then, two unexpected visitors arrived, a certain odango pinkette and a certain casually dressed boy with black hair.
"Chibiusa? Mamoru?" Ami gasped. "What are you two doing here?"
"I wanted to see you off before you left," explained Chibiusa. "So I went over to Mamoru's place and asked him if he could drop me off."
She then began to bounce her Luna P ball and launched it into the air, and in a puff of pink smoke, the ball was now a strange candy cane. Chibiusa then handed it over to Ami, and as she did, the top popped off, revealing a bouquet of pink flowers.
"Well, thank you very much, you two," smiled Ami. "You didn't have to do this."
"Where are Usagi and the others?" wondered Mamoru. "I would have thought that they of all people would be here to see you off."
"Well, I suppose they're respecting my wishes," Ami said. "After all, if they did show up, I would have made things sad, and I don't want that."
Chibiusa then looked at Ami. "Is that how your friendship measures up to?" she asked coldly. "Because if it is, it doesn't make any sense. I can't believe they're not here to see you off."
Ami flinched in surprise for a fraction of a second, but she faked a smile and tried not to show any emotion. "That's because I told them I didn't want them to come," she said.
"That shouldn't even matter!" Chibiusa snapped. "I can't believe you'd call those people your friends."
"Usagi and the others are wonderful friends," Ami argued softly. "I'm sure that there's a good reason for them not coming."
"That's nothing but a lie!" Chibiusa spoke bitterly. "They don't care about you! All they care about is themselves; trust me, I know!"
Ami stared at Chibiusa, not saying another word, feeling shocked as was Mamoru, but then, they all heard a voice calling out.
"AMI!"
Ami then looked up and saw someone who made her eyes go wide with shock, causing Mamoru and Chibiusa to turn around in time to see Harusuke jog wearily in the lobby.
"H-Harusuke?!" Ami gasped. "Wh-what in the world?!"
Harusuke finally stopped when he came up to the three, doubling over trying to catch his breath.
"Why are you the only one here?" asked Mamoru. "Where's everyone else?"
"They all had... an important emergency to take care of," Harusuke panted as he got his breathing in order. Then, he turned to the bluenette and walked up to her. "Ami, there's something that I've been wanting to tell you," Harusuke spoke firmly. "And it's something that I should have told you a while ago." He then gave Ami the bag. "First and foremost, this is for you."
Ami then took the bag, still surprised as Harusuke continued to talk.
"Ami, first, I want to apologize that I'm telling you this at the last minute," Harusuke said. "I was too afraid to say anything the other day because I was putting you first, and I didn't want to sound selfish, but..."
Harusuke squeezed his hands into fists, gathering up his courage, then he looked Ami in the eye and told her these words.
"Ami, I want you to stay!"
Ami stared at Harusuke in disbelief, as was Mamoru and Chibiusa.
"I know I'm being selfish, and this is the last thing you want to hear, but you're a special friend, Ami, and I don't want to lose you," Harusuke said. "But I also know that you have dreams that you want to accomplish too, and you'll eventually want to fulfill them. That's why everyone else decided to let you go because we have no right to stop you. We only wanted what was best for you. I'm probably being indecisive right now and can't tell you what's best for you, but no matter where you go or what you do, you'll always be my friend, and that goes for Usagi and the others too."
Ami's eyes twinkled as she stared at Harusuke, looking like she was about to cry. However, she held her tears back as she opened the bag.
Inside was her new transformation stick and her communicator band with a small card that read these words.
NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO, WE'LL ALWAYS BE TOGETHER
FROM USAGI AND FRIENDS
Ami gazed at the items in her hands, and it was then that she realized why Usagi and the others weren't here, and only Harusuke came.
"Harusuke, tell me the truth," Ami spoke, worry showing on her face. "Are Usagi and the others not here because..."
Harusuke bit his lip, but he gave Ami a nod in response, confirming her suspicions. Ami was now more worried than ever and even felt regretful; however, she finally realized what she wanted now.
"Harusuke, thank you very much for your words; they touched my heart," Ami said. "And Chibiusa, you were right. I was only thinking about myself and completely forgot what was important." She turned to Mamoru. "Mamoru, I need you to do Harusuke and me a favor!"
"JUPITER S-SUPREME TH-THUNDER!"
"V-V-VENUS CRESCENT B-BEAM SHOWER!"
The other guardians were trying their best to fight Niphas and her icy attacks, but they were too cold to use their attacks to their full strength.
"M-MARS F-FIRE SOUL!"
Sailor Mars even tried using her fire to try and use the heat against Niphas, but the icy wind was so strong it got blown out like a candle. At this point, all of the Guardians were so cold they had were soon unable to move, huddling together to keep warm.
"Well, well. What are you going to do now, Sailor Guardians?" cackled Niphas. "There's nowhere for you to run or hide. It's over!"
Sailor Moon and the others could only lie on the floor in agony, shivering from the cold, as Niphas prepared to deliver the finishing blow.
Ami and Harusuke managed to arrive back to Juuban thanks to Mamoru giving them a ride and were running as fast as their legs could carry them.
"Harusuke, do you know exactly where Usagi and the girls are?" panted Ami.
"They were heading for Bob-Floy's," Harusuke replied. "Artemis was suspicious and went over there to inspect, but he didn't come back. So Minako went over there too and found out that a Droid had taken it over."
"Then we have to get there as soon as we can!" said Ami. "The others could be in danger!"
"I know, but are you sure about this, Ami?" Harusuke asked. "Is this what you want?"
Ami paused for a brief moment. Then she gave Harusuke a firm nod,
"Yes, I know what I want!" Ami said, a fire of determination showing in her eyes. "After all, I'm a Sailor Guardian, Sailor Mercury!"
They soon could see Bob-Floy's ahead of them, and Ami raised her hand into the air and used her new transformation stick to transform.
"MERCURY STAR POWER MAKE UP!"
Transformation Sequence: Ami
Ami holds up her hand as blue sparkles swirled around it, alighting her fingernails turning them into a shade of bright blue. Her transformation stick appears spinning, and she takes hold of it, the star on end and the symbol glowing. It begins to turn as Ami is enveloped in blue light. Then she sweeps the pen over her head as a stream of sparkling blue water begins to emit from it, forming her leotard, boots, and gloves. A sparkling ripple and a flurry of bubbles expand over her body, creating a tiny mist of water that forms the rest of her uniform, the same as Sailor Moon's, but the center bow, boots, and rims on the gloves were blue and bright blue. Finally, she turns around and then strikes her signature pose.
Back inside, Niphas had begun blasting the Guardians with her icy breath. Then just as the Guardians were about to be frozen solid, they heard a familiar voice.
"Hold it right there!"
Niphas then stopped, turned around, and stood in front of the doorway with Harusuke by her side was Sailor Mercury.
"Sailor Mercury!" the Guardians gasped.
Niphas turned her attention toward Sailor Mercury and Harusuke, getting ready to attack, but Sailor Mercury stepped forward and unleashed a brand new attack.
"MERCURY SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!"
The Guardian of Mercury spun herself around, making water droplets surround her. They came together as she unleashed a powerful blast at Niphas, encasing her in a tower of water. Niphas, taken by surprise, shrieked in agony as the water blasted her. However, there was more to come. As the water continued to rage, most likely due to how cold the room was, the water began to freeze Niphas until she was frozen too, just like the innocent people she trapped.
Sailor Moon, the Guardians, and Harusuke could not believe their eyes.
"No way! You froze her solid!" Harusuke cried in amazement. "Talk about your strength being your weakness!"
Sailor Mercury then looked at the Guardian of the Moon, smiling. "Sailor Moon! Now's your chance!"
Sailor Moon smiled back, and then with her Cutie Moon Rod at the ready, she aimed and unleashed a powerful blast of sparkles and light at the frozen Droid.
"MOON PRINCESS HALATION!"
In seconds, Niphas was destroyed, turning into a pile of ash with her blackened gem on top. At the same time, the temperature slowly began to turn to normal as the ice melted away, freeing all the victims as well, including Luna and Artemis. Everyone immediately rushed over to Sailor Mercury, delighted yet surprised to see her.
"Mercury! You saved us!" cried Sailor Mars.
"And you came back!" Sailor Moon said. "But why did you?"
Sailor Mercury then smiled at her friends. "I decided that I want to be with all of you," she said. "Right now, friendship is way more important to me."
She held out her hand, and one by one, the others placed their hands on top of hers in a team hand stack.
After a while, everyone left the ice cream shop behind them and spent a little more time together on the bridge.
"Ami, are you sure that you won't regret not going to Germany?" asked Usagi. "I mean, it was a pretty big deal."
Ami looked at the odango blonde and smiled. "It doesn't matter where I study," she said. "If I study hard, I'll learn everything I need to know to become a great doctor right here in Juuban."
"I'm sure that won't be a problem for you," Usagi smiled.
"But it would be impossible for you, though," Luna spoke snootily.
"Shut up, Luna!" snapped Usagi, as she glared at the black cat angrily.
"Now, now. No need to ruin the moment," Harusuke soothed. "Besides, we've got something to celebrate for, right, Ami?"
"Right," agreed Ami.
"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I need a hot bath after going through that," said Minako. "I'm still feeling frostbitten."
As the girls started to walk away from the bridge, Harusuke followed, but then Ami touched his sleeve, stopping him.
"Say, Harusuke? You may I speak with you for a moment?" Ami asked.
"Sure, what's up, Ami?" wondered Harusuke.
"I just wanted to thank you again for what you said back at the airport and for coming to see me before I left," said Ami. "I know that Chibiusa was partially the reason I decided to stay, but I feel as if the real reason was because of you. I'm only sorry that you had to go through so much trouble."
"It was no big deal. If anything, I'm the one that should be apologizing," said Harusuke. "Maybe if I had spoken up, we never would have gotten into that mess. But, then again, if this didn't happen, you never would have learned a new attack, which might I add was pretty awesome."
The two then stared at each other, pausing briefly, and Harusuke spoke up again.
"I'm happy you're staying, Ami. I honestly am," he said. "If you had to go, while I may have been happy for you, I would have been sad if you left. You're a good friend, and I don't want you to leave. At least, not yet anyway."
Ami smiled as well as her eyes shone. "Me too, Harusuke. That's very sweet of you to say," she said happily. "Anyway, what do you say we go home? We've got lots of studying to do for the upcoming tests. Now that I'm staying in Juuban, we've got a lot of time to make up. Especially me with all that commotion."
Harusuke then sighed as he chuckled under his breath. "And she's back to being the hard-working Ami," he said to himself. "But that's Ami for you, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
He followed Ami and the other girls as they set off for home.