It was almost nine-thirty at Juuban Middle School. Usagi was running late as usual as the school bell began to chime.
"I can't believe this! I'm late for class again!" Usagi cried.
She raced into the building, down the hall, and could see her classroom ahead. But then the classroom door opened, and Umino was walking out. Usagi tried to stop herself, but it was too late as she crashed right into Umino, the two of them ending up on the floor from the collision. Naru and Harusuke rushed, overhearing the commotion.
"Hey, Sis! Are you alright?" Harusuke asked as he helped her up.
"Could be better," Usagi groaned, bruised and bemused. "Although I think I broke my head."
"If you broke your head, you wouldn't be alive," Naru spoke flatly.
"Sorry about that, Usagi," apologized Umino picking up his glasses. "I didn't see you there."
"That's alright, Umino," Usagi said. "It was my fault for not being able to stop myself." Then she suddenly remembered. "Oh yeah! What happened to homeroom?! Did they take roll already?"
"Oh, Ms. Haruda isn't here today," replied Umino. "So First Period has been turned to study hall."
"Whew! Lucky me!" Usagi sighed with relief. "Although, if I had known that, I could've had seconds for breakfast."
"If you had seconds, you could have ended up having thirds or even fourths," chuckled Harusuke. "You are a bit of a glutton, Sis."
"Anyway, Umino, would you mind giving that back, please?" asked Naru. "You know it's not finished yet."
"Aw, do I have to?" complained Umino.
Naru then smiled. "Yes, you do," she spoke sternly. "But you'll get it when I'm finished with it, okay?"
Umino smiled too as he dug into his pocket and gave Naru a colorful piece of blended string. "Whatever you say, but make sure that you finish it as soon as you can."
"What is that?" wondered Usagi.
"It's a promise ring," said Naru.
Usagi eyed Naru, doubtfully feeling puzzled, much to the surprise of Naru and Umino.
"You don't know know what a promise ring is?" Umino asked incredulously. "I thought you of all people would know what that was."
"Oh, no! I do!" Usagi said, blushing. "It's a pro wrestling thing. It's something for two people who can't wait to get it on! It sounds painful and dirty."
Naru and Umino stared at Usagi, irked by her response. "She's clueless," the two of them groaned.
"Somehow, I don't think that's what Umino and Naru mean, Usagi," Harusuke said flatly. "How about you come into the classroom, and we'll show you what they mean?"
The four of them went into the classroom, going over to Naru's desk, and Naru presented two more blended pieces of string to Usagi, one yellow with small green and red stripes, and the other was pink with pink wavy orange and aqua colored lines.
"These are the "promise rings" we were talking about," Naru said. "Everyone else has been talking about them too."
"Wow! They're so lovely!" Usagi spoke. "But what do you do with them?"
"You put your hopes and wishes into every braid and wear it on either your wrist or your ankle," explained Umino. "It's meant to symbolize friendship and everlasting love."
"And I've been told that different colors and materials stand for different kinds of wishes," Harusuke added. "Like yellow for safety, pink for friendship, red for love, and so on."
"It's becoming quite popular all over Japan," added Naru. "Even everyone in Class is getting in on it."
Usagi then looked around the classroom and saw that almost every one of her classmates was either giving, wearing, or making a promise ring, which amazed her.
"Wow, you weren't kidding," Usagi said in awe. "It seems as though everyone's wearing one, and making one, too. I wonder if I could braid one, too."
"I'm pretty sure that you could, Sis," Harusuke said. "Although you're probably going to need materials and such. Not to mention someone to teach you how to do it."
"As it just so happens, there's a specialty store that just opened in the Juuban District," Umino said, holding up a flyer. "This store has embroidery thread, instruction books, leather laces, beads, anything you're going to need to make a bracelet. Even having classes for anyone who buys their materials there."
"And it's said if you braid a bracelet for your lover and give it to them," added Naru. "The two of you will be together forever, just like Umino and me."
"Wait a minute, you two are going out?!" wondered Harusuke in surprise. "I mean, don't get me wrong, but when did this happen? Or rather, how did that happen? Weren't you two opposites?"
"Yes, we were, but as they say, opposites attract, my dear Harusuke," Umino spoke snootily. "Naru and I did indeed were at odds with each other, but eventually, the two of us saw eye to eye and eventually ended up going out with each other."
"Umino, don't tell them that," Naru spoke, blushing. "Even though that is kind of true."
As Harusuke continued to talk to the two, Usagi took the flier and inspected it, her eyes filled with admiration. "Maybe I should make one too," she said to herself. T
Then she suddenly remembered Mamoru, most notably the memory of his cruel words toward her when he dumped her. The thought alone immediately evaporated her jubilant feelings, and she now felt sad. Umino and Naru were puzzled, wondering why Usagi now looked so glum, while Harusuke didn't say anything.
Usagi and Harusuke were now walking home, Usagi still feeling blue.
Harusuke wanted to help her. "Sis? Are you feeling alright?" he asked. "You were so happy a while back, but now you've been silent ever since."
The ordango blonde looked up at her brother, wanting to say something, but the words wouldn't come out. Then, Makoto and Ami came up.
"Hey, Usagi. What's the matter?" asked Makoto. "You look a little sad."
"Did something at school today?" inquired Ami.
Usagi faked a smile shaking her head. "No, it's nothing like that," she said. "Don't worry. I'm fine."
"You sure about that?" Makoto wondered. "You don't look fine to me."
"If you have any problems, you can always talk to us," Ami spoke kindly. "And don't forget that you can count on Harusuke, too."
"Thanks a lot, you guys, I appreciate that, but really, there's nothing for you to worry about," Usagi said. "Oh, by the way, Harusuke and I heard that a promise ring shop's just opened in the Juuban District-"
Then Usagi stopped, for someone happened to walk by just in front of them. That someone was Mamoru.
"M-Mamo!" Usagi gasped, not expecting this in the slightest.
Mamoru looked across to Usagi and was surprised to see her too, but not before turning away and walking in the other direction. Usagi tried to chase after him, but then she tripped and ended up falling to the ground.
Harusuke quickly rushed over to help her. "Usagi! Are you alright?!"
Mamoru looked towards Usagi seeing her in pain from her fall, wanting more than anything to check if she was alright but told himself not to as he turned away about to leave when Usagi's voice stopped him.
"Mamo, wait. I've been thinking about us for quite some time, but I don't understand," Usagi spoke tearfully. "Please tell me what I did wrong. What awful thing did I do to make you not like me anymore? If I knew what it was, it would help me get over my feelings for you. Please, tell me."
Mamoru looked back at Usagi, his eyes filled with sorrow before turning away. "You didn't do anything, Usagi," he said quietly. "It's my fault. Please forgive me."
He then walked away, leaving Usagi in tears, while Harusuke, Makoto, and Ami watched him go.
In the distant future, in her own space away, which appeared to be something you'd see in a beautiful garden in Greece, Esmeraude was busy locating another Negative Point using a piece of the Malefic Dark Crystal from her earring.
"Prince Demande cleansed the beautiful Crystal Tokyo with crimson red wine claiming millions of our enemies," Esmeraude said to herself. "So, I shall do my cleansing of this filthy Tokyo with a wash of Dark Power everywhere. And I'll start by locating our new Negative Point, which is right here."
The crystal from her earring swung around on its string as it began to glow, as a portal opened to the present Tokyo, showing Esmeraude a tall building in the middle of Downtown. She stepped through the doorway and summoned forth another one of her Dark Wedges and threw it, making it rest right on top of the roof of the building. The Dark Wedge began to crackle and spark as it activated, releasing malevolent energy.
"Now, come forth! Droid Uderingu!" commanded Esmeraude.
At her command, Esmeraude's droid came forth. She had long violet hair, dark skin, strange painted marks on her chin and eye, and piercing pink eyes. The droid also wore a yellow top with long shoulder guards, a headband with red markings, a white dress, yellow pumps, several red bracelets around her ankles and wrists, and a large blue gem in the middle of her chest.
"Now listen, Uderingu. This Tokyo is cramped and oppressive," Esmeraude said snootily. "You must make sure the Dark Henge grows, so the clan can pass through the Dark Gate and take it over."
"Understood!" Underingu acknowledged as she disappeared.
When she was sure that she was along, Esmeraude looked up at the sky, her face filled with wistfulness and longing. "Prince Demande, I miss you already. I want to go back and be with you as soon as possible and bury my head in your arms."
Not too long after, Usagi, Harusuke, Makoto, and Ami had arrived at the building where Esmeraude planted the Dark Wedge, which just so happened to be where the promise ring class was taking place. Usagi was still feeling depressed, but her brother and friends wanted to cheer her up.
"So this is where the classes are taking place," Harusuke said. "It's huge!"
"These promise rings are a symbol of bringing happiness and making your wishes come true," said Ami.
"And do you know the best way to make sure that these bracelets are working to make you happy?" asked Makoto. "From what I hear, the most important thing is to believe that they're working and that in itself will bring you lots of happiness."
"Wow, Makoto, that's pretty cool of you to say," Harusuke said with a smile. "A bit cheesy, but still pretty cool."
Makoto then blushed. "It's just something I read from somewhere," she said with a light laugh. "But don't you think that believing gives you the power to make yourself feel better?"
Usagi then smiled. "Yes. I do. Thank you for that, Mako," she said. "I appreciate that."
The four then went inside the shop and bought lots of colorful string and an instruction manual on making the promise rings for Usagi. Harusuke bought himself some and a book as well.
"Looks like you've got all the material you need to make a promise bracelet for mending broken relationships, Usagi," said Ami. "But, Harusuke? Why are you buying yourself some?"
"Just to make some for some friends," Harusuke said with a smile. "Nothing special."
"The braiding class should be right over there," Makoto said, pointing to a separate room.
"Well then, let's go in," said Harusuke.
The four of them entered the room, and the Tsukino siblings were surprised by many people inside taking the class.
Usagi couldn't help but be a little nervous. "There sure are a lot of people," she murmured.
"Don't worry, Sis. I'll be right with you," reassured Harusuke. "Let's just have fun and make some bracelets."
"Ami and I are going out in front to see if there's anything we need," said Makoto.
"Have fun, you two," said Ami.
The two girls then left, and Harusuke and Usagi entered the room. When they did, they caught sight of two familiar faces with a female instructor with long brown hair tied in a puffy ponytail, the two being Naru and Umino.
The instructor hearing the siblings come in, turned her attention towards them, and smiled. "Looks like we have two new people for our class," she said.
"Usagi. Harusuke. You two are taking the class, too?" asked Umino. "You didn't take too long."
"Well, since this is a new trend, we figured that we should join in on it too," Harusuke said. "You know, go with the flow as they say."
"In that case, since you all know each other, why don't you sit at their table?" asked the instructor.
Usagi and Harusuke took their seats with their friends, taking her offer.
"I'm glad that the two of you decided to come," Naru said. "Especially you, Usagi. You looked so down today; I was getting worried."
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Usagi said with a smile. "Now then, how do I get this started?"
"First, you have to cut the embroidery. You'll need to measure out and cut ten ninety-centimeter lengths of string," explained the instructor. "Then secure the strings with tape, and start braiding using the middle pieces while forming a figure four. Make sure to repeat this twice."
Usagi and Harusuke stared at the string, trying to process what the instructor just told her, unsure of what to do.
"Let's try starting with a simpler pattern?" the instructor suggested. "Take six strings and start braiding them in the same figure-four shape, starting from the left. It's pretty simple once you get the hang of it."
"I think I'm starting to get it," Harusuke said as he followed the steps. "Though it seems that this will take me a while."
On the other hand, Usagi was still having a bit of trouble. She would start to get the figure four but then tangled her strings, almost tying her fingers.
"Well, I suppose everyone struggles as a beginner," the instructor said wryly.
"Don't worry, Sis. You'll get it," Harusuke said.
Just then, the chime of a bell rang out, signaling that class was over.
"Alright, everyone! That's it for today!" the instructor said. "I want you all to read from your instruction book at home as well as finish your rings."
"Aww. I don't wanna have to read a book," complained Usagi. "It's too much of a hassle!"
"That means you too!" the instructor boomed sternly to Usagi. "Is that understood?!"
"Y-Yes, ma'am!" squeaked Usagi.
Everyone then left the classroom heading home for the day. The instructor waited until everyone was out of the room and then shut the door. When she was sure she was alone, the instructor shed her disguise, revealing herself to be the Droid, Uderingu, as Esmeraude appeared.
"Uderingu, how goes your progress?" asked Esmeraude.
"Those who wear their bracelets tonight will be contaminated," said Uderingu. "The Dark Power that I embedded in all the braiding materials will intensify, and the Dark Hedge will grow!"
"Good work, Uderingu," Esmeraude praised. "I'll be looking forward to seeing your plan come to fruition."
Later that night, Harusuke, Chibiusa, and Luna peeked through Usagi's doorway to see how she was doing with her promise ring, only see her fast asleep on her table with her unfished promise ring next to her.
"Looks like she dozed off," whispered Chibiusa. "Too bad, I was going to ask her to make me one."
"I wouldn't count on that," Harusuke whispered back. "She was having quite a bit of trouble in class today. Although, I'm amazed that she's been at it for this long."
"Most likely, she's worn herself out from trying something new," Luna spoke quietly. "Why don't we let her rest for a while?"
"Good idea," nodded Harusuke. "She needs it after everything that's happened today. Especially with Mamoru."
Harusuke then remembered when they bumped into Mamoru, most notably what Mamoru said before when Usagi questioned his behavior.
"I wonder what Mamoru could have meant when he said it was his fault?" Harusuke thought. "And why did he look so sad even though he was the one that broke up with Usagi?"
"Harusuke? Is something wrong?"
Chibiusa's voice snapped Harusuke out of his train of thought, turning his attention to her.
"It's nothing, Chibiusa. I just spaced out for a minute," Harusuke said. "Anyway, let's go leave Usagi alone. I can show you how to make those promise rings if you want."
"Oh, yeah! I'd like that!" Chibiusa said eagerly.
The three of them then left Usagi's doorway, letting the ordango blonde slumber.
Usagi was dreaming, wearing a beautiful white wedding gown, and Mamoru wore a dashing white tux. The two of them were walking down a stone road lined with bushes and archways of roses as the Wedding March played out loud.
Usagi sighed with happiness. "Mamo, we're finally married at last."
Mamoru glanced over at his bride, looking just as happy. "Usako, I'll never let you go again."
Usagi looked at her beloved groom back, and the two leaned in to kiss to commemorate this special occasion. But then a massive explosion erupted between the two of them, pulling them apart as a voice echoed amid the destruction.
"Mamoru Chiba! You must stay away from Usagi Tsukino! The moment the two of you are married, the world will come to an end, and tragedy will befall Usagi -Princess Serenity!"
"That's a lie!" Mamoru yelled. "A lie, I tell you!"
Usagi woke up with a start, her heart pounding in her chest with fright as she took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. When she was calm, she processed what she had seen in her dream.
"What was that?" Usagi wondered to herself. "Why did I have such a dream?"
Usagi then stood up and went over to her bookshelf, picking up a frame that held a picture of Mamoru and herself. Then as she stared into the photograph, the glass suddenly cracked, much to her horror and shock. It was then that Usagi suddenly realized and understood Mamoru's recent behavior and why he had dumped her. Usagi quickly got dressed and hurried out of her room without a moment's hesitation.
Mamoru was getting ready for bed in his apartment, still feeling less than happy today. He was just about to take a shower to try and ease his thoughts when there was a loud banging on his door startling him.
"Mamo! Open up!" a familiar voice cried out. "It's me! Please open the door!"
Mamoru scowled, knowing who it was, and opened the door to find Usagi standing there as he expected.
"Be quiet, will you?!" Mamoru hushed. "Do you have any idea what time it is?!"
"I'm sorry, but I need you to listen to me!" Usagi begged. "There's something that I have to ask you!"
"I have nothing to say to you," Mamoru said curtly. "Nor am I answering any questions. So, you can go!"
Mamoru then shut the door, but Usagi put her foot in the way, preventing him from asking her question anyway.
"Listen, Mamo, did you have a strange dream about us getting married?"
Mamoru stopped, his eyes widening in surprise. "What?! How did you know that?!" he asked incredulously.
"Let me in, and I'll explain," Usagi said. "I only ask that you hear me out! Please, Mamo!"
Mamoru stared at Usagi; then, he let her inside. When he did, Usagi told Mamoru everything she had seen in her dream, including cracking the photograph.
"So you had the same dream I did," Mamoru spoke when she finished.
"Yes, but it could have been just a dream," Usagi said. "I mean, there's no way it could have any meaning, right?"
"And what if you're wrong, and it wasn't?" Mamoru spoke. "You could die, Usagi!"
"Mamoru, I know now that you broke up with me for my sake," Usagi said. "But I do not believe in that dream, and you shouldn't either!"
"I didn't believe it at first either, but then I kept having the same one every night so far, which meant that this wasn't any ordinary dream!" Mamoru said. "It has to be a vision, and it was showing us the future."
"But even if the dream's true, as long as we're together, I'd die with you, Mamo," Usagi spoke. "As long as we're together, that'd be okay with me."
Mamoru, touched by Usagi's words, wanted to agree, but he still didn't want to see her die more than anything, which made him swallow his heart.
"I'm sorry, Usagi, but we shouldn't be together at all!" Mamoru said. "So, just go!"
And before Usagi could say another word, Mamoru pushed her back out the door and shut it, locking it so that she couldn't get in.
"Mamo, please, don't push me away!" Usagi begged, pounding furiously at the door behind him as she began to cry. "No matter what happens, even if the Earth gets destroyed, I want to be with you! Even if I die, I want to be with you! Don't you get it?! I want to be with you forever!"
"I know, but we can't," Mamoru spoke quietly, visibly upset. "I'm sorry, Usako."
Mamoru then went away from the door, ignoring Usagi's sobs, only to find that he had an unexpected visitor waiting for him in the middle of the room. That unexpected visitor was Harusuke.
Meanwhile, back outside, Chibiusa and Luna were waiting for Usagi and Harusuke to come out from the complex, feeling puzzled.
"I wonder why Usagi would want to see Mamoru at this time of the night?" wondered Luna.
Chibiusa then dug into her pocket, taking out the promise ring she had made, appearing worried. "I don't know, but she shouldn't see him until she finishes her bracelet," she said. "Not to mention, Harusuke hasn't come back yet either. So I hope everything's okay."
Then the elevator opened, and Luna saw Usagi coming out of it.
"Look, there she is now," the black cat observed. "But where's Harusuke?"
Then suddenly, the promise bracelet Chibiusa was holding began to spark with dark energy as it came to life, clinging tightly to Chibiusa's wrist, which made her scream from fright and surprise.
Hearing Chibiusa scream, Usagi quickly rushed over to her. "Chibiusa! What's going on?!" she cried.
"I don't know! My bracelet's suddenly started acting up!" Chibiusa yelled, desperately shaking her arm. "It won't come off!"
"Just hold still!" Luna. "And hold out your arm."
Chibiusa obeyed, and Luna jumped on her arm, clamping her teeth around the bracelet. Then, with a firm tug, Luna tore the bracelet off of Chibiusa and tossed it away to the ground.
"Chibiusa, are you alright?!" Usagi asked as she checked her over. "What in the world just happened?!"
"Chibiusa's promise ring suddenly attacked her!" said Luna.
Usagi then looked at the bracelet, which continued to crackle and spark. Then she figured out what was going on and took off running.
"Luna! Take care of Chibiusa!" Usagi ordered. "I'll be right back!"
"But, where are you going, Usagi?!" Luna asked. "What's going on?!"
But Usagi was already out of sight, heading straight for Downtown Juuban. As she ran, her communicator began to beep as Ami's voice came through.
"Everyone! We have a situation!" Ami said. "The promise bracelets that the students made are acting up and corrupting their wearers!"
"I know! The one Chibiusa made attacked her too!" Usagi said.
"It's got to be that promise ring shop in Downtown Juuban!" Makoto's voice said.
"Artemis and I are heading there right now!" Minako's voice said. "We'll meet you over there!"
"Alright! See you then!" Rei's voice said.
Back at Mamoru's apartment, Harusuke remained standing face to face with Mamoru having to have just heard about what had happened. However, Harusuke continued to stand there, not taking his eyes off of Mamoru.
"Aren't you going to help them?" Mamoru asked.
"I'll join them in a little bit," Harusuke spoke. "But there's something that I want to say to you after everything I heard."
"And what is that?" Mamoru asked coldly. "If there's something you want to say to me, then say it."
Harusuke was silent for a brief pause. Then he spoke these three words to Mamoru.
"You're nothing but a coward."
Mamoru flinched but tried to remain stoic. "Is that all?"
"No, in fact, there's a lot more," Harusuke said. "You're not only a coward, but you're also weak, a fool, and a disgrace to everything you stand for. And you call yourself Prince Endymion of Earth? More like the prince of cowardice."
Mamoru then glared, clenching his fists. "Did you come all this way to insult me?"
"You better believe I did because I can't understand why you're acting like this," Harusuke went on. "I was angry at you before for breaking Usagi's heart, but now, despite everything, I've lost all respect for you. All because you're scared of something that might happen in the future. What happened to the Endymion who would go through fire and brimstone for my sister? The prince that defied his home planet to fight for the Moon Kingdom and his princess?"
Mamoru stood there seething with frustration and anger, not saying a word. Harusuke then turned away, walking towards the balcony.
"I get that you want to protect Usagi, but you can't keep doing that with the way you're going about it right now," Harusuke went on. "You can't change the past, that much is certain, but you can change the future if you don't like it. However, if you don't have the guts to change that future and would rather continue making yourself and Usagi suffer because of your fear, then stop being Tuxedo Mask. Stop being Prince Endymion, stop being Mamoru Chibiusa, and continue to wallow in your cowardice."
Harusuke was soon on the balcony, and in a brilliant flash of light, transformed into Solaris as he stood on the edge, while Mamoru stayed where he stood, not saying anything.
"Not even a rebuttal, eh? I'm honestly disappointed in you, Mamoru," Solaris spoke, looking back. "To think that you were this brave prince ready to fight for my sister no matter what, only to be a shell of your former self. At least, Usagi has the guts to fight to the death to change her fate. So why can't you?"
Solaris then leaped off the balcony taking flight as he disappeared, leaving Mamoru fuming.
Usagi soon arrived at the building where the promise ring shop was with Chibiusa and Luna in tow. When they got there, the three could see the Dark Wedge on top of the roof, growing as it gained power.
"Look at that!" gasped Luna.
"Just as I thought!" Usagi said. "This is the source of it all!"
And not having a second to waste, Usagi raised her brooch and transformed.
"MOON CRYSTAL POWER MAKE UP!"
Transformation Sequence: Usagi
Usagi holds up the Crystal Star brooch as it opens, revealing the Silver Crystal inside. Usagi waved her hand on the Silver Crystal, and it flashed it a bright short burst of pink light emitting a chime. It does it a second time, and on the third, it shines brightly, enveloping Usagi in its glow. Usagi then holds the brooch above her head, suspending it in between her hands, drawing it to the center of her torso, flipping it once before placing it in the center of her chest. She then spins around a few times as the crystal begins to glow even brighter than before in pink light. She holds her hands up as a pair of wings spring forth from her back while pink ribbons come out from the crystal wrapping around Usagi's body, forming her leotard. The wings on her back disappeared as more pink ribbons wrapped around her arms and hands, creating white gloves and red boots around her calves and feet. As the blue skirt appears around her waist, one more pink ribbon ties at her back as she does a kind of spread-eagle motion with one leg up, a glowing moon symbol appearing on her forehead. Her tiara, earrings, choker, and ordango covers appear, and Usagi, now Sailor Moon, finishes with her signature pose.
Back on the roof, Uderingu used all of her power to keep the Dark Hedge growing strong. Then suddenly, the door burst open with Sailor Moon standing in the doorway.
"Stop right there, you! I won't let you do any more damage!" Sailor Moon ordered. "People put their hopes and wishes into every braid, waiting for those dreams to come true, but no thanks to you putting evil power in them, all their wishes got denied, and that is unforgivable!"
"And who the hell are you?!" demanded Uderingu.
"I am the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and justice, Sailor Moon!" she proclaimed heroically. "And now, in the name of the Moon, I'll punish you!"
"You mouthy, impudent little twit!" Uderingu scowled. "I'll teach you what happens when you get in the way of our plans! Prepare to get ringed! ONE RING!"
Uderingu threw a giant blue ring of energy with a whip of her hand, but Sailor Moon swatted it away using her Moon Stick.
"A diagonal pattern makes all dreams come true!" Uderingu cackled. "Refusing to give up after the first time is my secret charm to success! NOW, TRY TWO RINGS!"
Then, the droid unleashed two crimson red energy rings, which hummed with deadly power.
"Normally, I would make them in the shape of a heart, but since you have no boyfriend, why even bother?!" Uderingu taunted.
"How dare you!" Sailor Moon snapped indignantly. "I may look single, but I do have a boyfriend, thank you very much!"
Chibiusa and Luna then came to the roof in time to see the rings coming towards her.
"Sailor Moon, look out!" warned Chibiusa.
Snapping out of her anger per Chibiusa's warning, Sailor Moon jumped out of the way, dodging in the nick of time, but fell to the ground bumping her knee.
"That was all too easy," smirked Uderingu, smelling victory. "There's more where that came from!"
The droid twirled her pinky, making a green ring of energy materialize, and was about to throw it at her target when a red rose shot past, piercing the ring and hitting the ground, stopping her.
"Who did that?!" demanded Uderingu.
Her answer came from a shadow standing from on top of the door. The shadow stepped forth, revealing its identity to be Tuxedo Mask.
"Promise rings are the rings hope that young people put their faith in," Tuxedo Mask said. "But you with your ugly heart, shatter their faith! I, Tuxedo Mask, will never forgive you!"
"Trust? Faith? What nonsense!" scoffed Uderingu. "So why don't you do me a favor and wake up? Here, let me help you! THREE-RING THUNDER!"
The evil monster unleashed three yellow energy rings that sparkled with electricity, but with three swipes of his cane, Tuxedo Mask swatted them all away.
"Not bad, Pretty Boy," acknowledged Uderingu. "You're strong for a guy in a tux, but let's see how you do with my zig-zag design!"
The three yellow rings stopped, cloaked with Dark Power making them gain black stripes as they shot at Tuxedo Mask again. Then -.
"MERCURY SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!"
A powerful stream of water shot out and not only blasted the rings but also froze them solid, saving Tuxedo Mask. Then, Sailor Mercury appeared in the doorway, joining the fight.
"Looks like I got here in time," Sailor Mercury smiled.
"Fine then, let's see how you do against my Four Ring Drive!" Uderingu growled as she summoned forth four white energy rings. "This design gets a lot of traction and is perfect for wanting to defeat your love rival! And pretty soon, without it, you're going to spin out!"
The four rings then shot towards Sailor Moon and Mercury, forcing the two to run away to avoid getting hit. Tuxedo Mask was about to intervene when another voice shouted out.
"MARS BURNING MANDALA!"
A volley of rings made of fire shot out, destroying Uderingu's rings, as Sailor Mars rushed in.
"Sorry, I'm late!" Sailor Mars grinned. "Guess I took a bit too long."
Sailor Moon and Mercury were grateful to see their comrade, but Underingu was more annoyed.
"I still have one left!" the droid shrieked as she summoned forth five rainbow-colored rings. "Let's see you try this! FIVE RING SPIN OUT!"
Uderingu launched her five-ringed attack, only for two more familiar voices to yell out.
"JUPITER SPARKLING WIDE PRESSURE!"
"VENUS LOVE-ME CHAIN!"
A disk of lightning and a long chain of golden hearts shot out, destroying the rings instantly. Then Sailors Jupiter and Venus arrived.
"Better late than never!" Sailor Jupiter and Venus grinned.
Feeling backed into a corner, Uderingu nervously backed away, planning to make her escape. Then a golden beam of light shot forth and wrapped around her, binding her tightly. Uderingu struggled to break free as Solaris stepped forth, revealing the source of the binding that held her.
"Sorry, but you're not going anywhere," Solaris said. "You're done here."
"Sailor Moon! You know what to do!" Tuxedo Mask said.
"You bet!" Sailor Moon nodded as she took out her Cutie Moon Rod. "MOON PRINCESS HALATION!"
And with a mighty blast of sparkles and light from the Cutie Moon Rod, Uderingu was no more, and the Dark Wedge shrunk to its smaller size shattering into pieces. At that moment, a noblewoman's laugh echoed throughout the rooftops making everyone cringe.
"That laugh!" Artemis gasped, recognizing the sound.
"It's Esmeraude!" Luna scowled.
Sure enough, the very woman in question appeared before them. "It seems you Guardians are feeling pretty cocky!" she said haughtily. "But remember this, it'll be a matter of time before the Dark Gate opens in Tokyo, and then the power of the Malefic Black Crystal will come gushing in, changing your precious Silver Crystal into a dark black that will envelop and destroy the world with Dark Power!"
"Go ahead and try, Esmeraude!" Solaris yelled. "We will stop you before that happens! As long as we continue to protect Tokyo, you and your kind will never succeed!"
Esmeraude answered with another fit of laughter as she disappeared. Tuxedo Mask then looked across to Sailor Moon.
"Sailor Moon, as you know, we've been entrusted with the mission of protecting our beloved city and the future city of Crystal Tokyo," he said. "No matter what hardships that come our way, we must endure them and move forward."
"I understand what you're saying," Sailor Moon said quietly.
Tuxedo Mask then turned to leave, taking a few steps forward, but stopped as he spoke again.
"Guardians, let's continue to fight... together."
Tuxedo Mask then leaped away, disappearing into the night. Sailor Moon wanted to follow Tuxedo Mask but didn't because she suspected she shouldn't. Sailor Mars then put her hand on her shoulder.
"Sailor Moon, you need to go after him," Sailor Mars spoke quietly.
Sailor Moon looked up at her friend in surprise as she looked back at her with a smile.
"Go on! Put on your running shoes and go after him!" Sailor Mars urged. "Hurry up!"
"I don't know what happened previously, but there shouldn't be any misunderstanding between you two," said Sailor Mercury.
"How - can you be so certain?" Sailor Moon asked.
"We can see the love shining in your eyes," pointed out Sailor Jupiter. "Live the moment. Put away all your worries for the future."
"And besides, worry brings out the beauty of a girl," added Sailor Venus, winking. "Now go get 'em!"
"You can do this, Usagi!" cheered on Luna. "Just go for it!"
"Make your wish come true," said Artemis. "And live your life filled with love and happiness!"
Sailor Moon looked at her friends as a smile worked its way to her cheeks. "Okay! Thank you, everybody!"
The Guardian turned on her heel and took off running, exiting into the staircase while everyone else watched her go.
"Good luck, Usagi!" called out Chibiusa. "Make sure you make this count!"
The only one who didn't say a word was Solaris as he watched his sister go.
Usagi ran through the streets of Juuban, desperately searching for Mamoru. Finally, when she arrived outside at the embassy that overlooked Juuban below as well as the ocean, which also happened to be the first place where she and Mamoru first kissed. When she saw him and ran towards him even faster. Mamoru heard Usagi coming as turned around, not running away or ignoring her this time, meeting her in a loving embrace for the first time in what seemed to be in eternity.
"Mamo, perhaps in the future, we won't be together. But right now, even if it is just for a moment, this moment feels alright!" Usagi thought to himself. "And I can feel it in my heart that you feel the same way!"
The two lovers gazed into each other's eyes. Then the two leaned in and shared a romantic kiss, savoring this special moment together. While they did, a particular Guardian of the Sun was watching the two from above a big smile etched on his face.
"Well, it's about time," Solaris said with a chuckle. "Guess I was able to get through to Mamoru after all. In any case, I better get going. I don't want to be labeled as a creeper."
He then flew away into the night heading home, as the moon and the stars twinkled.