Inside the circus tent, the many creatures were busy practicing their acts, laughing and cackling ominously. They also talked about what happened with Tiger's Eye and his recent mission.
"Did you guys hear that Tiger's Eye failed his mission?" asked a male who was juggling some pins. "That's so incredible! I can't believe it!"
"It's true!" smirked a female walking on a tightrope. "The guy not only couldn't capture Pegasus, but he also didn't even finish off the girl with the beautiful dream he found either!"
"Oh dear, Madam Zirconia must be furious with him, as is the Amazon Quartet!" laughed a chubby woman floating above on a string like a balloon.
"No kidding!" concurred a male who stood on another male's shoulders, pulling a sword from his mouth. "I just hope they don't punish him too severely!"
The beings continued laughing mockingly, their voices echoing throughout the space until a familiar voice boomed throughout the area.
"All right! Quiet down! Quiet!"
Immediately, everyone went silent and turned their attention towards the jade elephant statue as Zirconia appeared in a billow of smoke. The Amazon Quartet also appeared.
"Now, Amazon Trio, are you present?" called out Zirconia.
Tiger's Eye, Fish's Eye, and Hawk's Eye appeared in the center of the ring, the trio bowing before their superior.
"Present and accounted for, Madam Zirconia," they acknowledged.
"Now, listen up, you three. I have heard that you recently had some trouble on your first mission," barked Zirconia. "While these things happen, I should remind you that capturing Pegasus is a once-in-centuries chance, and we cannot afford to let that slip! It is our first step towards world domination! Now, go and find the one who possesses beautiful dreams where Pegasus is hiding and capture him! Is that understood?"
"Yes, Madam!" the Amazon Trio spoke as they gave one more bow before leaving.
While sitting at the bar, Tiger's Eye was fuming as he sulkily gulped down his drink while Hawk's Eye looked through the photos of the girls from Juuban.
"Why don't you take it easy, Tiger's Eye?" asked Hawk's Eye. "You're going to get yourself drunk if you keep drinking like that."
"I don't care!" huffed Tiger's Eye as he slammed his cup on the counter. "If everyone's been calling you a failure, you'd be angry too! I was doing just fine seducing that girl, and then those so-called Sailor Guardians, Tuxedo Mask, and Solaris had to come butting in! If they hadn't shown up, I never would have failed!"
"Well, I wouldn't go that far," Hawk's Eye spoke cheekily. "You probably failed because you let your personal tastes interfere with your work."
"And what does that mean?!" Tiger's Eye snarled crossly.
Fish's Eye then came in carrying a bundle as he joined the two. "He's right, you know," he said. "We did warn you about that, but you insisted anyway."
"Oh, shut up, Fish's Eye! Like you're one to talk!" Tiger's Eye snapped. He then took notice of the bundle. "What is that thing you're carrying?"
"Oh, this? I found it in the corner of the tent," Fish's Eye spoke eagerly. "Check it out." He then wrapped the bundle and produced a horse's saddle. It was red with gold trims that sparkled under the light. "Don't you think it's pretty? When I capture Pegasus, I think I'll put this saddle on him and ride him."
Tiger's Eye's anger was quickly replaced with interest as his eyes sparkled. "Ooh! That sounds wonderful!" he gushed. "He'd make a fitting mount for us! Not to mention, I've always wanted to be a cowboy! I look great in buckskin!"
Hawk's Eye then picked up a photo of a girl with long brunette hair riding a horse. "Then, in that case, check this one out," he said with a smirk. "I think I found the perfect girl."
He then showed the picture to Tiger's Eye.
"Ooh! You're right! I like her!" the blonde gushed. "She's perfect!"
Fish's Eye then frowned, rolling his eyes. "Oh, please, as usual, you two have the worst taste," he said with a huff while sipping his drink.
"Chill out. Geez, what's gotten you so irritable?" Tiger's Eye wondered in slight surprise. "Sometimes, you can be a strange child."
"Well, either way, we found our next target," soothed Hawk's Eye. "And I take it you'll be taking this one, Tiger's Eye?"
Tiger's Eye smirked as he answered with a nod.
Usagi and her group were in Juuban Park inspecting the area where Usagi, Harusuke, Chibiusa, and Mamoru first met Tiger's Eye and Pegasus, hoping to find a clue. But unfortunately, they weren't able to find anything.
"Usagi, are you sure this is where it all happened?" asked Makoto.
"Yeah! I'm positive!" the odango blonde replied. "I know it is."
"Well, I doubt we'll be able to find any clues around here," said Ami. "I can't see anything out of the ordinary."
"This much we know," Rei spoke. "Our new enemy might be this Dead Moon Circus we heard about the other day, but we don't know next to anything about this mysterious Pegasus."
"And whoever that guy that attacked Unazuki the other day was, he seems to be after Pegasus," said Harusuke. "I remember him mentioning something about him being only able to reside in beautiful dreams represented by that mirror thing that came out of her. Not only that, but they're way stronger than the Death Busters. As much as I hate to say it, if it weren't for that Pegasus transforming Sailor Moon and Chibi Moon to their super forms, we would've been done for."
"The only thing we can do for now is to stay on guard and be ready if they attack again," said Minako. "We can't let them do as they please. Whatever they have planned, we'll be there to stop them."
The only one who hadn't spoken a word was Chibiusa, who was still thinking about the winged horse in question. But out of all the feelings she had about the creature, curiosity was what filled her mind. She wondered who or what Pegasus was and when she would see him again.
But then, a sound reached the pink odango's ears, the sound of a horse's whinny. Believing that to be Pegasus, Chibiusa took off running towards the sound.
"Hey! Chibiusa! Where are you going?!" called out Usagi.
But Chibiusa didn't reply and kept running with Usagi and the others in pursuit. Eventually, they stopped beside some bushes a few feet away in an open area of the park. They saw a range where various horses and riders were practicing different equestrian sports for competitions such as show jumping, racing, and many other things.
One rider, a female in a red suit, was getting herself and her horse in position to make a jump about three bars high. As soon as she was ready, the horse galloped forward with a tap-tap from her legs, its hooves clip-clopping on the ground rapidly. The bars grew nearer and nearer by the second, but then the horse suddenly stopped and reared back, catching the rider by surprise, which caused her to fall right off and hit the dirt hard.
Usagi and her group gasped, worried about the rider, but as she sat up, flipping her long brunette hair, they soon realized that the rider was someone they knew and hadn't seen for a long time.
It was Reika Nishimura.
"Is that who I think it is?!" gasped Harusuke.
"It is! It's Reika!" exclaimed Usagi.
"When did she get back from Africa?!" wondered Makoto.
"Do you all know her?" asked Chibiusa.
"Of course, we do," replied Makoto. "She's Motoki's girlfriend."
Chibiusa couldn't help but be surprised. "Seriously?! I didn't know that!"
"Never mind that!" cried Usagi. "Let's go and see if she needs help! She could be hurt!"
And the group quickly rushed over to help their friend.
After a while, Usagi and the others were sitting in the lobby beside the ranch having tea. Reika wasn't hurt after her fall, but she appeared depressed.
"We're sorry if we're intruding on you, Reika," apologized Ami. "Are we keeping you from practice?"
"No, it's all right," replied Reika. "I couldn't stay focused today. My horse made it clear that I was wasting its time and mine." She looked across to her steed, who was helping itself to a bucket of oats. "Most likely, I can't concentrate because I can't keep my worries out of my head."
"Then, what's been worrying you?" asked Usagi.
Reika sadly sighed. "Well, you see... My research in Africa has gone well. So much so that they've asked me to continue it at an incredibly prestigious university in Europe," she said. "But... if I accept the offer, I won't be able to return to Japan for about ten years."
Usagi and the others gasped in surprise.
"Does Motoki know about this?" asked Makoto.
"Yes, he does, but he just smiled and said, "I'm happy for you," said Reika quietly. "Since then, I've gone to his place several times to try and talk about it, but he won't see me." she smiled mirthlessly. "It makes me wonder if this is his way of saying he's finally over me."
Everyone stared in silence, feeling sorry for Reika. Then, both Usagi and Minako shot to their feet, breaking the silence.
"Here's an idea, Reika!" the two blondes spoke simultaneously. "We'll find out from Motoki for you!"
Luna and Artemis were about to say something to the two, but the two blondes quickly covered their mouths, keeping them quiet.
"I completely understand how painful it is to get separated from the person you love!" Usagi spoke with sympathy. "It's unbearable!"
"And when a friend of ours has love problems, there's no way we can stand by!" concurred Minako. "Just leave everything to us!"
Reika was surprised as well as unsure but agreed.
"Oh, boy," Harusuke sighed, sensing trouble. "Sounds like another day for craziness."
Usagi and the other teens met up with Motoki later at Fruit Parlor Crown. Usagi and Minako were quick to start pushing him.
"Come on, Motoki! You've got to go see Reika!" urged Usagi.
"Yeah! She has no idea what to do!" pleaded Minako. "You've got to help her make up her mind!"
"I appreciate your concern, but there's no point, nor do I intend to see her," Motoki spoke firmly. "It's her choice to decide whether or not to go to Europe. Now, I have to get back to work, if you don't mind."
And Motoki got up and curtly away.
"Well, that was rude," huffed Usagi.
"What did you expect to happen?" said Luna. "No one likes getting confronted like that."
"No kidding," agreed Artemis. "Why don't you two stop meddling like a pair of busybodies?"
Usagi and Minako glared at their cats and squeezed them tightly, making them yowl for a few seconds before letting go while holding them in their arms.
"You two, be quiet!" snapped Minako. "Are you suggesting that the Goddess of Love shouldn't help her friends with love problems?!"
"Yeah! What she said!" barked Usagi.
"As much as I hate to say it, Luna and Artemis are right," said Harusuke. "You two do have a nasty habit of getting involved in other people's love issues, and when that happens, you both end up making the problem worse instead of better."
Usagi and Minako each glared at Harusuke, but Harusuke paid no attention while looking away.
"More importantly, girls, shouldn't we be discussing our new enemy instead of this?" wondered Ami.
"Ami! Don't you care about what happens to Motoki and Reika?!" protested Usagi.
"Yeah! What she said!" added Minako.
"Well, I didn't say that," Ami spoke gently. "Of course, I'm worried."
"Do you think that Motoki may have lost interest in Reika?" Makoto wondered worriedly.
There was a brief silence.
Then, Unazuki came up to their table with a parfait having to have seen and heard everything. "Sorry about that," she apologized. "My brother can be pretty stubborn. I know it may seem like he'll never let on, but truthfully, he's taking it pretty hard."
"Obviously!" said Usagi. "Nobody could be okay with being separated from the person they love!"
"Usagi, did something happen between you and Mamoru?" asked Unazuki.
The ordango blonde sadly sighed and was about to explain, but Rei quickly cut in.
"Don't listen to her," she sniffed. "She's just upset that she doesn't know where Mamoru's been since yesterday."
"Wait, how do you know that, Rei?" puzzled Ami.
"Because she talked my ear off on the phone the other night," cringed Rei with a twitching eyebrow. "I hardly got any sleep."
"Now that you mention it, so did I," realized Makoto.
"Me too," said Ami.
"Same here," Minako also said in surprise. "So, Usagi called every one of us last night?"
"Yeah, and she kept me up all night telling me how lonely she was," Harusuke groaned. "I barely slept a wink that night."
Usagi felt sheepish as she looked down at the table while poking her fingers.
"I mean, honestly! Someone who ends up in tears because she hasn't seen her boyfriend for only one day has no right to say she understands how Motoki feels!" Rei snapped indignantly.
Usagi then burst into tears. "I was lonely, okay?!" she wailed. "Don't judge me!"
Everyone could only wryly sigh and shrug as she continued to sob.
Back at the ranch, Chibiusa was helping Reika feed her horse some carrots. As it munched on the carrot happily, the horse nuzzled against Chibiusa in gratitude, making her smile.
"Do you like horses, Chibiusa?" asked Reika.
"I sure do," smiled Chibiusa as she petted the horse's nose. "You've got such a big face," she said to the animal. "And you've got such pretty eyes, too."
"They are pretty, aren't they? So beautifully clear and god-like," said Reika. "You can never lie or pretend to an animal with eyes like that because they can look inside your heart and see what's truly there."
Chibiusa then remembered Pegasus. "Reika, have you ever heard of a horse with a horn and a pair of wings?" she asked curiously. "Like this?"
She then put a carrot on top of the horse's head, leaving the end sticking up.
Reika thought for seconds. "That would be a creature from the dream world," she replied. "The beautiful dreams of people create such a creature. I wouldn't be surprised if you had an encounter with a creature like that, considering that you're bursting with dreams."
Chibiusa shyly blushed. "Well, I don't have any dreams like that," she said. "But I'm sure that you do, Reika."
Reika chuckled lightly. "Oh, I don't know about that," she said as she looked up at the sky. "It seems that my dream is causing the people who love me to feel sad and lonely. It doesn't sound beautiful to me."
Chibiusa stayed silent, unsure of what to say.
That night, Usagi stayed up a bit late as she talked to Minako on the phone. The two were making plans to try and get Motoki to talk to Reika, still intending to help the girl. After talking for a few minutes and making a plan, Usagi had just gotten off the phone when it suddenly began to ring again. At first, Usagi thought it was Minako again, but a familiar male voice came through the phone.
"Hello? Usako?"
Immediately, Usagi jumped in surprise, almost dropping her phone. It was Mamoru.
"M-Mamo! Where have you been?!" Usagi almost shouted indignantly. "Why haven't you called me?! It's been ages since we last spoke!"
"I'm at a seminar I have to attend for my major," replied Mamoru. "And I've been trying to tell you since last night, but the line was busy every time I tried calling. I know you miss me, Usako, but could you please stop making long phone calls?"
Usagi gulped, feeling a bit guilty.
"Anyway, have you had the chance to talk to the others yet?" asked Mamoru. "About our new enemy, I mean?"
"Oh, right! We are carefully formulating a plan and then will take the best possible action!" Usagi spoke, trying to sound important. "Don't you worry! The girls, Harusuke, and I will meet up first thing tomorrow to discuss it!"
She didn't want Mamoru to know what she was truly up to out of fear of getting scolded.
"Well, as long as you're focusing on that," Mamoru spoke on the other line. "Anyway, I got to get back to work. I'll see you and Chibiusa a bit later, OK?"
"Yes! I will be eagerly awaiting your return!" said Usagi.
"All right then," said Mamoru. "I'll see you later."
The line went dead, and Usagi let out a sigh of relief, happy that Mamoru didn't find out. However, she quickly started feeling giddily elated that Mamoru had talked to her as she hugged her phone close to her chest, giggling madly.
In her room upstairs, Chibiusa and Luna were looking out the window. The moon was shining, and the stars twinkled, but Chibiusa was still thinking about Reika and Motoki and couldn't help but feel worried.
"Hey, Luna? What do you think will happen with Reika or Motoki?" she asked the black cat.
"Well, ten years is a pretty long time," replied Luna gently. "And considering that Reika's already spent a long time away from Motoki before, I'm afraid this might finally be the end of things for them."
Chibiusa was silent for a bit before speaking up again. "They say that long-distance relationships are hard to maintain and are prone to breaking up. Does that mean being apart from someone makes the heart grow distant, too?"
Luna didn't say, for not even she knew the answer to that question.
But then, Chibiusa smiled. "But, you know something, Luna?" she spoke. "No matter how far apart I am from my Mommy and Daddy from the future, I still love them, and I always will, and I know that they feel the same. After all, they sent me here to train and become a strong sailor guardian."
Luna was surprised, but she couldn't help but smile as she nodded in agreement.
"That's right. You can't give up just because you're far apart," Chibiusa thought to herself. "Where's the hope and dream in that?"
She then snuggled up under the covers of her bed and soon fell fast asleep, feeling a bit better about things.
The next day, Reika was back at the range practicing jumping with her horse. She had repeatedly been trying to get her horse to jump over the bars, but the horse would stop short every time, knocking them over or causing her to fall off.
Eventually, Reika then decided to take a break. She had just dismounted her horse and had planned to go to the lobby for some tea when she heard a majestic neigh not too far from her. She then looked up and saw a splendid sight.
A man on a black horse came towards her, his apparel a green jacket with white pants and boots and a black cap as his strawberry blonde hair fluttered about in the breeze. As soon as the man saw Reika, his eyes twinkled bewitchingly.
"I'm amazed," he spoke, marveling. "For a minute, I thought that the goddess of love, Venus, had come to Earth on horseback."
Reika's cheeks went pink, feeling a bit charmed by the man's grace and beauty, not realizing that he was Tiger's Eye.
At the same time, Chibiusa had also arrived at the range along with Luna, hoping to check up on Reika. Then, she saw Tiger's Eye talking to Reika, which surprised her and made her feel suspicious. So, while not saying a word, she quietly tip-toed and hid behind a stall making sure to stay hidden while Tiger's Eye continued speaking to Reika while Luna followed.
"I can see that you've been practicing hard and training very seriously," said Tiger's Eye. "You should be proud of yourself."
"Thank you for saying so," said Reika. "But it seems that the harder I try, the less I can concentrate."
"Is that so? Then, perhaps I can help you," said Tiger's Eye looking concerned. "I can see from behind those lovely eyes of yours that you're carrying a huge dilemma."
Reika stared at Tiger's Eye, taken aback by his kind words, while Tiger's Eye smirked to himself in triumph, feeling pleased the girl was letting down her guard.
"Excellent. Women can't resist a sensitive, soulful man who's willing to listen to their problems," he thought to himself. "Her heart is already mine!"
Then, Reika told Tiger's Eye all about her problem. When she finished, Tiger's Eye kept up his act.
"So, you're going abroad for ten years?" he asked with empathy. "And to Europe, no less."
"That's right, and I don't know what to do," Reika spoke sadly. "Is it right to pursue your dream even if it means you have to leave the people you love behind?"
A malevolent twinkle flashed in the blonde's eye when Reika spoke of the word "dream." He gently took Reika's hand and started caressing and petting it, much to Reika's startlement.
"Tell me more about your dream," Tiger's Eye spoke bewitchingly. "What is this dream that you cherish so much that you would cling to it even though it brings you pain? Please tell me all about it."
While this was happening, Chibiusa, from her hiding place, was desperately trying to listen to what they were saying. However, they were too far away from her.
"I wish I could tell what they were saying!" Chibiusa complained in a whisper. "I can't hear a thing!"
"Come on, Chibiusa, you need to stop this, really," Luna chided. "Spying's not polite, you know."
"But Luna, how else will I know what's going on?" Chibiusa insisted. "Especially since Reika's with another man!"
Luna sighed disapprovingly. "I swear, you and Usagi are so alike with things like this."
Suddenly, the two heard a startled yelp, which made them look back. At this point, Reika had become very uncomfortable with Tiger's Eye's change in demeanor and affection and was getting up to leave.
"S-Sorry! I can't!" Reika told Tiger's Eye. "I-I have to go!"
But as she turned to run away, Tiger's Eye, with a snap of his fingers, used his powers to make a blade of grass grow to a large size and tangle around Reika's leg, causing her to trip and fall to the ground.
The strawberry blonde maliciously chuckled as he shed his disguise, revealing his true self. "Careful now," he spoke ominously. "I wouldn't want any harm to come to such a beautiful dreamer."
Chibusa and Luna gasped.
"It's that guy from before that attacked Unazuki!" Chibiusa cried.
Then, Tiger's Eye did the same thing he did to Unazuki before.
"One!"
The same red slab sprang up from the ground lifting Reika off the ground, so she was upright.
"Two!"
Metal cuffs clamped over Reika's wrists and ankles.
"Three!"
Immediately, Reika's dream mirror sprung out from her chest, much to her bewilderment and fright.
Chibiusa and Luna came out from their hiding place, knowing they had to take action.
"Hurry, Chibiusa! You have to transform!" cried Luna. "I'll see if I can contact Usagi and the others!"
Chibiusa answered with a nod. And as Luna dashed up to get help, she took out her brooch and transformed.
"MOON PRISM POWER! MAKE UP!"
Transformation Sequence: Chibiusa
The Prism Heart Compact opens, revealing Chibiusa's Silver Crystal inside it. It begins to glow pink until a heart made of light pops up from it, flipping and overtaking the screen, revealing Chibiusa bathed in light with the Prism Heart Compact in the center of her chest. The compact bursts with pink ribbons that tighten and wrap around Chibiusa's body, making her leotard. Chibiusa then spins around as a red bow appears where her compact is on her chest. Pink ribbons then wrap around her legs, forming her pink boots and around her waist, forming her skirt and red bow at the back. Her gloves materialize next, and white-bordered red circular accents on her odango appear, along with pointed white fittings resembling a rabbit's ears, a golden tiara with a red gem, a pink choker around her neck, and pink studded earrings. Her transformation finished, Chibiusa winks and then strikes her signature pose with a crescent moon in a pink background shining brightly.
Tiger's Eye was just about to reach and grab Reika's mirror to inspect it when a voice shouted out at him.
"Hold it right there!"
Both Tiger's Eye and Reika looked up as Sailor Chibi Moon arrived.
"I don't care how handsome you are! You're a creep for taking advantage of a woman's love problems!" she scolded. "I am the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and justice, Sailor Chibi Moon! And now, in the name of the future moon, I'll punish you!"
"Oh, bother, if it isn't the little bumpkin from the other day," Tiger's Eye huffed. "Well, I know how to deal with you." He looked down at his shadow on the grass. "Now, come forth, my Lemures!"
His shadow extended with a crack of his whip, and from it, another creature emerged like the other night.
This one was a female with pale skin, a pink afro with ponytails jutting in all directions, two bangs framing her face, and gleaming yellow eyes. Her outfit was a black bikini top shaped like diamonds, purple bicep length gloves, a red collar, a puffy black and orange tutu skirt, and fishnet stockings with orange slippers. Her weapon of choice was a long black whip, just like Tiger's Eye.
"Now, Kyokubadanko, the beast tamer. Why don't you play with her?" ordered Tiger's Eye.
"Danko, Dan, Dan!" acknowledged Kyokubadanko as she went on the attack cracking her whip.
Sailor Chibi Moon let out a squeak of fright as she avoided the incoming end of the whip. However, Kyokubadanko didn't let up as she cracked her whip repeatedly, forcing the little guardian to keep dodging.
With Sailor Chibi Moon distracted, Tiger's Eye turned his attention back to Reika. "Now, let's see your beautiful dream, my dear," he said.
He then inserted his head into the mirror's surface, and Reika began to wail as she struggled, unable to fight back or push him away. Finally, Tiger's Eye pulled his head out after a few seconds, a frown now on his features as Reika passed out from the shock.
"Drat! She's not the one either!" he thought with disappointment. "Pegasus wasn't even there!"
And at this point, Sailor Chibi Moon was now flat on the ground with Kyokubadanko stepping on her back, completely outclassed by the Lemures.
"Kyokubadanko! We can't have Pegasus use this girl's beautiful dream to hide in!" called out Tiger's Eye. "So make sure you get rid of it! And while you're at it, get rid of that little bumpkin, too!"
"Not if we have anything to say about it!" shouted a pair of voices.
Everyone looked up, and much to Sailor Moon Chibi Moon's relief, Sailor Moon and Solaris came to the rescue.
"Sailor Moon! Solaris! Thank goodness!" gasped Sailor Chibi Moon.
"As long as there is evil lurking around in this world, we'll always show up at a moment's notice!" the ordango guardian spoke. "I am the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and justice! I am Sailor Moon!"
"And I'm the Guardian with the brilliance of the Sun and courage of a warrior, who also fights for love and justice!" he proclaimed. "I am Solaris!"
"And now, 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!"
Tiger's Eye was even more annoyed. "Good grief! Now, it's a whole crowd of bumpkins!" he huffed. "You guys just keep coming out of the woodwork!"
Sailor Moon was puzzled. "Wait, what are you mean coming out of the woodwork?" she asked.
Solaris sighed. "Sailor Moon, you could learn to pay attention," he said. "Or did you not realize all of us are here?"
Sailor Moon then looked around and noticed that Sailors Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Artemis had arrived too, much to her bewilderment. "Wait, when did you all get here?!" she exclaimed.
"Well, you kept us all waiting that the Crown," said Sailor Mars. "So, we figured you would be over here."
"That, and we were worried about Reika, too," Sailor Jupiter spoke sheepishly.
"I despise such girlish chatter!" growled Tiger's Eye, feeling cross. "Especially when you're all ignoring me!"
"Oh, don't you worry!" Solaris spoke as he punched his fist into his palm. "If you want attention, I'd be more than willing to give it to you, you blonde fashion disaster!"
Tiger's Eye glared at Solaris. "You dare to insult me?!" he huffed. "I would have thought you learned your lesson last time, but now, I think it's time I teach you some respect! Kyokubadanko! Take care of those girls! I'll handle this little punk!"
"Can do, boss!" acknowledged Kyokubadanko. "But first, allow me to greet them properly!"
She jumped off of Sailor Chibi Moon and gave another crack of her whip, causing everyone to scatter.
Solaris immediately gunned towards Tiger's Eye, summoning forth his blade, and swung, while Tiger's Eye used his whip to block. The two then went back and forth, swinging their weapons at each other while dashing and shooting around.
Kyokubadanko continued her relentless whipping while the sailor guardians dodged, making her angry. "You're all not being very friendly!" she snapped. "Show some appreciation and greet your guests properly!"
"Then, how's about this for appreciation!" Sailor Mars snapped back as she used a move. "MARS SNAKE FIRE!"
While pointing her fingers, she unleashed a torrent of fire that transformed into a giant snake that shot towards Kyokubadanko, but the lemures did something unexpected. With a crack of her whip, she made the fire snake stop dead in its tracks and, while twirling her whip, absorbed the attack into it.
"In that case, how about we skip the greetings!" Kyokubadanko cackled. "Now, have a taste of my Ring of Fire!"
And while cracking her whip again, she unleashed a powerful ring of fire toward the guardians causing them to duck for cover as it shot past them.
Solaris was still clashing with Tiger's Eye trying his best to land a blow or hit, but Tiger's Eye blocked and parried every attack easily. The two then fought, locking their weapons for a few seconds before jumping back to gain some distance.
"Geez! I'm not getting anywhere!" complained Solaris. "In that case, I think it's time for me to bring out the big guns!"
"Don't tell me you plan to use that color-changing trick again," scoffed Tiger's Eye. "You couldn't beat my last Lemures this time using that."
"Yeah, but that's because I didn't think to take this seriously," said Solaris as he clenched his right fist. "If I'm gonna kick your sorry butt, I'm gonna have to use something unexpected."
Tiger's Eye rose a brow with interest as Solaris's prism changed into a yellow color with a blue symbol of Uranus as he shouted his phrase.
"SOLARIS URANUS POWER, RANK UP!"
Transformation Solaris: Uranus Mode
The gem in Solaris' bracelet glows brightly in bright yellow light, the symbol of the Uranus shining inside the prism. Next, Solaris is enveloped in bright yellow light as he spins, similar to Haruka, while a circle outline appears at his feet. The circle erupts with a yellow light and wind pillar, enveloping Solaris completely. Then, his boots emerge from the light, now navy blue, then his belt, right glove, left glove while clenching it into a fist, and then his chest, all of which were now colored navy blue. At the center of Solaris' chest, it became silver, and the dot had changed to the symbol of Uranus. Finally, the head of Solaris emerges, the helmet now white and slightly different in design, leaving his face remaining exposed. Solaris opens his eyes and then strikes his signature pose while the background shows his symbol overlapping Uranus's in a navy blue and gold background.
"Oh, please. First, you turn red and blue, and now you've changed into a different and frankly horrid color this time?" scoffed Tiger's Eye. "Honestly, you are a one-trick pony, aren't you?"
"We'll see how you think in a few moments!" Solaris snarled.
He coiled his legs and shot towards Tiger's Eye at an incredible speed closing the distance rapidly and swinging his sword. Tiger's Eye was briefly surprised but managed to block as Solaris pressed on the attack, swiping his sword with his enhanced speed.
Sailor Moon and the others were still having trouble dealing with Kyokubadanko, who kept turning their attacks against them with her whip.
"JUPITER COCONUT CYCLONE!"
"VENUS WINK CHAIN SWORD!"
"MERCURY AQUA MIRAGE!"
The guardians' attacks were immediately turned into rings by Kyokubadanko while she cracked and twirled her whip, sending them straight back at them.
"How's about we make things a bit more entertaining?!" Kyokubadanko cackled. "I say it's time to put on your dancing shoes!"
The Lemures then cracked her whip, splitting it into multiple ends, one for each guardian. Then, she spun rapidly around and made her multiple whips snap and shoot in every direction. The Guardians desperately tried to avoid them, but for every two they avoided, there was one that managed to strike them, inflicting damage.
Solaris and Tiger's Eye were still scuffling, appearing equal, but then Solaris happened to see Sailor Moon and the others.
"Damn it! The girls need help!" he thought.
Tiger's Eye was quick to pounce. "You shouldn't be so distracted!" he grunted as he swung his whip.
But despite this, Solaris dashed forward while avoiding the whip and managed to land a blow, nailing Tiger's Eye square in the gut with the hilt of his sword, causing him to stagger back in recoil and surprise. Seizing his chance, Solaris gained some distance and then raised a hand to the air, gathering power and clenching his hand, the energy creating a large sphere.
"WORLD SHAKING!"
He slammed his hand to the ground hurling the sphere straight towards Tiger's Eye. However, when he saw the attack coming toward him, Tiger's Eye countered by cracking his whip, straightening it like a rod, and cutting it clean in half with a mighty swing.
Tiger's Eye smirked as he chuckled with confidence. "Is that all you got?" he teased. "Surely, you can do a bit better than-!"
But then, he was rudely interrupted as he saw Solaris shoot towards him, holding up his sword as a sphere of energy formed on its tip.
"SPACE SWORD BLASTER!"
As he shouted the name of his next attack, he swung his sword down, launching the ord as it split into several little ones transforming into seven separate blades.
The sickles of energy all hit Tiger's Eye at once, causing several explosions resulting in a cloud of smoke. Then, believing he had struck his target, Solaris let out a satisfying humph and turned to help his comrades.
But suddenly, the cloud of smoke dispersed, revealing that Tiger's Eye, dusty and having a couple of scratches here and there but was almost unfazed.
"Ow! That hurt a little!" complained Tiger's Eye as he scowled. "And you got me all dirty too!"
Solaris was so shocked that his eyes went wide as saucers. "N-No way! That's impossible!" he gasped. "H-How are you...?!"
Tiger's Eye then cracked his whip in anger as his shadow expanded. "All right, you want to play rough? Fine! No more, Mr. Nice Tiger! Let's see if you can handle this! Come forth, Nightmare Lemures!"
From his shadow, several little balls of black with glowing red eyes emerged and shot toward Solaris, quickly surrounding him. Solaris quickly attacked, swinging his sword, but the little creatures darted around him, using their small size to their advantage to dodge.
Then, they began to crackle and spark with ominous purple electricity. Before Solaris could react, several watts of their power electrocuted his body, making him scream in agony as his body seized and convulsed.
Tiger's Eye laughed, mocking the warrior. "How's that? My Lemures are strong, but my Nightmare Lemures are even more powerful and deadly!"
Sailor Chibi Moon looked over to Solaris and saw he was in trouble and also looked back over at the Guardians as they kept taking Kyokubadanko's whipping.
"It's no use! They're way too strong for us! We need help!" she thought desperately. "We need...!"
A brilliant flash came from the sky, and a shining light erupted, shining all around the area, causing everyone to stop and look up at it. While this happened, the Nightmare Lemures surrounding Solaris disappeared, ceasing their assault.
And just like the other night before, Pegasus emerged from the light, letting out a majestic neigh as it soared above everyone's heads.
While looking toward Sailor Moon and Chibi Moon, it released a beam of light at them, which made them change into their Super forms, much to the bewilderment of the Inner Guardians and the cats, seeing this for the first time.
Next, the two pink rods appeared before them, and each took hold of one, took aim at Kyokubadanko, and unleashed powerful attacks in the form of pink spheres of energy trailing shards of rainbow-colored glass.
Their attacks hit their target simultaneously, and Kyokubadanko screamed in agony as they engulfed her and shattered her into pieces, turning her back into the shadow from whence she came as it disappeared into nothingness.
"D-Damn it all to hell!" Tiger's Eye cursed, realizing he couldn't win. "You'll pay for this!"
The blonde then summoned forth his portal and fled, the portal disappearing behind him along with the slab imprisoning Reika setting her free.
Super Sailor Moon, Jupiter, Luna, and Mars rushed over to check on Reika, while Super Sailor Chibi Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Artemis checked on Solaris.
"Uncle Sunny! Are you okay?!" Sailor Chibi Moon asked worriedly.
Solaris winced as he shakily sat up. "Been better, but I'm alive," he replied.
Then, they all heard Pegasus let out another whinny turning their gazes back towards the sky. Pegasus stared at everyone silently as it flew, then it flew away, eventually disappearing into the wild blue yonder. As soon as it did, Super Sailor Moon and Chibi Moon returned to their normal states again.
The Inner Guardians were still stunned by what they had seen.
"So, that was the thing Usagi and Chibiusa told us about," murmured Sailor Mercury. "Pegasus."
"I still can't believe it," Sailor Jupiter spoke in amazement. "It truly exists."
Sailor Moon and Chibi Moon could only stay silent as they stared at the sky, feeling as amazed as everyone else.
Later, Usagi and the gang had corned Motoki at the Fruit Parlor Crown again, along with Mamoru, still trying to get the guy to talk to Reika.
"Come on, Motoki! Stop avoiding Reika and talk to her!" urged Usagi.
"Yeah! At least go see her one more time before she leaves!" Minako also urged. "Let her know how you feel!"
But Motoki was still standing firm. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that," he said. "I won't."
"Motoki, if you honestly don't want to, that's fine," Mamoru spoke firmly. "But can't you at least tell us why you won't see Reika?"
"Yeah, and unless you do, Usagi and the other girls will never leave you alone," added Harusuke. "And trust me when I say they're about as stubborn as stubborn can get even more than you."
Motoki hummed in slight vexation, taking a moment to think. Then, he finally explained. "It's because I don't want Reika to give up her dream for my sake or how I might feel," he said. "This is something that she's been working hard for, so I promised myself I'd keep away so that she can make her own decision." His expression softened. "Besides, the truth is I can wait ten years or as long as I have to for her."
Then, Unazuko spoke up. "Well, that's good enough for me," she chirped as she came up to Motoki's booth. She then turned towards the counter. "You heard that, right, Reika?"
Motoki immediately shot to his feet and turned around, only to see Reika pop up from behind the counter, making his face go red as a cherry.
"R-Reika!" he couldn't help but gasp.
The brunette in question smiled in delight. "I'm so relieved," the woman spoke thankfully. "I began to think that you didn't love me anymore, and you thought I was a selfish woman."
While forgetting about his embarrassment, Motoki rushed over to Reika, holding the woman by her shoulders gently while looking straight at her.
"Reika, don't be silly! I could never hate such a wonderful person like you!" he spoke passionately. "I will always love you, no matter how far you are!"
Reika's eyes twinkled as her eyes began to fill with tears. "Do you mean that?" she spoke while trying not to sob.
Motoki smiled. "Yes, I do. Every single word," he replied. "So, if you want to go to Europe, go, and do your best."
The two then embraced each other while Usagi and the others cheered for the two. As they did, Chibiusa also felt happy, glad that the two had made up and confirmed their feelings.
"I knew that things would work out between them," the pink ordango spoke to Luna and Harusuke. "As long as they love and have faith in each other, things will work out. The red string of fate that ties them together will never be broken, no matter how far it stretches."
Harusuke chuckled. "I have to agree," he said. "Besides, those two make a cute couple. It would have been a shame if they broke up over something like this. It almost makes me a bit jealous."
However, as they continued watching from afar, Harusuke's crystal let out a slight itty-bitty crackle of purple lightning before dispersing.