The next day, the Senshi did a mission. Everyone was there, the inner guardians, Chibiusa, the cats, and Mamoru. Artemis was with Minako, Diana was with Mamoru and Chibiusa, while Luna was with Usagi.
Luna gazed at Usagi, her eyes devoid of the usual warmth they held, reflecting a deep concern that resonated through the air. Everyone felt and noticed the palpable tension simmering between Usagi and Mamoru, an unspoken rift that seemed to grow wider with each passing moment. Despite the weight of the situation, the others chose to remain silent, opting instead to focus on the task at hand. Chibiusa, however, was a bubbling ball of excitement, her youthful enthusiasm contrasting sharply with the unease surrounding her. Just the night before, Mamoru had found her at the park, and in his protective embrace, he had ensured she returned home safely, which had only deepened her admiration for him.
"Wow!" Chibiusa exclaimed, her voice ringing with joy. "It's the great Dead Moon Circus, everyone!"
She clung tightly to Mamoru's hand, her innocent enthusiasm brightening the somber atmosphere. "Please purchase your tickets here. Don't miss the traveling carnival inside!"
As the group approached the circus, they were greeted by the sight of a clown, complete with a garish-painted face and a wide, inviting grin, beckoning them forward. But what shocked them most wasn't the vibrant colors or the lively atmosphere of the circus; it was the exorbitant price of admission.
"The S seats are 10,000 yen!" Minako exclaimed, her tone dripping with disbelief as she stared at the sign.
"How expensive!" Ami remarked, her brow furrowing in disapproval. "What a fraud!" Rei interjected, her voice tinged with indignation.
"Dead Moon Circus is even more suspicious now," Makoto chimed in, crossing her arms defiantly.
While the others voiced their concerns, Mamoru and Usagi remained quiet, their expressions a mix of contemplation and unspoken worries. Chibiusa, sensing the tension but unable to grasp its significance, looked between them with a furrowed brow, clearly puzzled by the adults' reactions.
Luna, who had been observing the exchange with a heavy heart, decided to redirect their focus. "Usagi and I will look around the area," she announced, breaking the tension that had built up around the group.
"B-but, Luna… is it okay for you two to be alone?" Minako asked, her voice laced with concern, and one by one, the others nodded in agreement.
Mamoru's gaze locked onto Usagi, his expression earnest and protective, subtly conveying his unspoken support for her decision. "Yes. If anything happens, we will contact you immediately," Usagi assured them, mustering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Okay, be careful," Ami replied, her tone softening. "Then, we should go too…" Makoto suggested, her voice more resolute now. They began to disperse, forming pairs as they moved away from Usagi and Luna. Artemis remained with Rei and Minako, while Ami and Makoto walked together, their conversation filled with hushed tones of concern. Chibiusa, along with Diana and Mamoru, brought up the rear, her laughter echoing softly as she enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
Usagi turned away, the air thick with unexpressed feelings as Mamoru called her name. "Usa…" he began, but she halted, not daring to look back at him. "Be careful," he said, his voice carrying a weight of worry that lingered long after he walked away, Chibiusa in tow, her excitement palpable.
"Do you have to do this, Usagi-chan?" Luna asked, her voice tinged with sadness, a stark contrast to the vibrant circus around them. "It's okay, Luna. I love him so much and everyone else. They are the sole reason why I am doing this. I have to be strong for him, for Chibiusa, especially since the enemies are getting stronger with each battle. I have to find the maiden Helios has been talking about," Usagi replied, her determination shining through even as doubt crept into her heart.
"But, they have the right to know, Usagi… They are your Guardians," Luna insisted, her tone more pleading than accusatory.
"I know, Luna. But this isn't the right time for that. Let's focus on our investigation first," Usagi said, her voice firm but tinged with uncertainty. With a deep breath, she steeled herself, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that the fate of those she loved rested on her shoulders. As they ventured deeper into the circus grounds, the vibrant colors and whimsical sounds surrounded them, but all Usagi could think of was the looming threat that waited in the shadows, whispering promises of danger and deception.
As everyone investigated each area of the circus, Rei encountered the enemy. Each communicator rang to help her. Super Sailor Mercury, Super Sailor Chibi Moon, and Tuxedo Mask were the first people to get there. The four of them found themselves trapped in the mirror room, a disorienting chamber where reflections danced mockingly, except for Usagi, Minako, and Makoto, who were still searching for clues elsewhere in the sprawling, eerie circus.
"You can't defeat me!.., you may have defeated Fish Eye but not Tiger's Eye!" the enemy boasted, his voice echoing ominously off the mirrored walls. It became evident that he was not only aware of their previous battles but also seemed to draw strength from his connections to them.
"Try us!" Mercury challenged him, her resolve unshaken despite the overwhelming odds.
Tiger's Eye channeled his dark power, his energy swirling around him like a tempest, as he tapped into the residual strength of Mars and Mercury. It was a sight that sent shivers down the spines of the Sailor Guardians, who could feel the palpable tension in the air, thick with the potential for chaos.
"Mercury! Aqua Rhapsody!" Mercury shouted, and a brilliant blast of water surged forth, aiming to engulf their foe. But to their dismay, it didn't even scratch him. Instead, he laughed mockingly, a sound that resonated through the room like a dark symphony, dismissing their efforts as if they were nothing more than mere raindrops against a steel wall.
Tuxedo Mask and Super Sailor Chibi Moon, refusing to back down, channeled their powers in unison. "Tuxedo La Smoking Bomber!" he shouted, sending a flurry of rose petals that transformed into a powerful blast, while Super Sailor Chibi Moon summoned her magic. "Moon Gorgeous Meditation!" she shouted, her voice ringing with determination. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, their combined forces also failed to leave a mark on Tiger's Eye, who stood there, impervious and triumphant.
Frustration bubbled within the group as they clenched their teeth and fists, each of them feeling the weight of their collective failure. This enemy was not just strong; he was formidable, a dark force that seemed to thrive on their despair. "You're no match for us! Dead Moon Circus!" he laughed mockingly, his eyes glinting with malevolence as he prepared to summon yet another attack.
"What do you want from us? Why are you invading the peace on Earth?!" Sailor Mars exclaimed, her voice rising above the cacophony of chaos. Her heart raced, not just from the battle but from the urgency of the situation.
Tiger's Eye's demeanor shifted; the mockery faded from his face, replaced by a serious, chilling expression. "Our goal is to defeat all the people belonging to the White Moon Kingdom, especially Sailor Moon, for she looks like a threat to us," he declared, his voice dripping with venomous intent. The revelation hung heavy in the air, startling everyone in the room and igniting a fierce determination within them.
It was as if a spark had ignited a fire. Anger surged through them, particularly Mamoru, who felt a protective instinct awaken at the thought of Usagi being targeted. The intensity of the moment triggered Sailor Mars's powers, her emotional state intertwining with her abilities.
"Mars!" she shouted, her voice steady as she focused her energy. Flames erupted around her, coalescing into a deadly arrow that shimmered with fierce determination. "Flame Sniper!"
"That won't work–" Tiger's Eye was startled, caught off guard as the flames surged towards him, his confidence wavering in the face of their combined strength. However, before he could finish his sentence, he felt the claws of the cats on his face. "Artemis!"
In that instant, Sailor Mars's power reached Tiger's Eye, and with a final, desperate cry, he was reduced to dust, evaporating into nothingness as the mirror room shattered like glass around them. The world transformed around them, and they found themselves in an open space of the circus, illuminated by the glow of the sunlight that spilled through the clouds above.
Minako and Makoto, having raced through the chaotic circus, finally reached them, their expressions filled with urgency. "Rei! Ami-chan! Mamoru-san! Chibiusa-chan!" Minako called out, her heart pounding from the adrenaline of the chase.
"This circus is dangerous and suspicious," Rei exclaimed, her voice laced with a mixture of fear and determination as she scanned their surroundings for further threats.
"Where is Usagi?" Mamoru asked, his concern palpable as he searched the faces of his friends, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down on him. The shadows of the circus loomed large, and the air crackled with tension, a reminder that their battle was far from over.
"Everyone!" Luna called, her voice cutting through the darkness like a beacon of hope.
"Luna!" Artemis replied, his tone urgent, echoing the gravity of their situation.
"Help, Sailor Moon!" she cried, and in that moment, Mamoru felt a shiver run down his spine. The urgency in Luna's voice ignited a fierce determination within him. He knew something was wrong, and his heart raced as he hurriedly ran toward the source of her distress. He didn't know where she was, only that their bond—an unbreakable thread woven through time and fate—would guide him through the chaos.
The others followed closely, their expressions a mix of fear and resolve. As they reached the heart of the circus, the scene that unfolded before them was one of pure horror. The enemy, a monstrous figure shrouded in shadows, loomed over Super Sailor Moon, a cruel hand wrapped tightly around her neck, squeezing the life from her.
"Usa!" Tuxedo Mask called out, his voice breaking through the thick fog of despair that surrounded them. The enemy, momentarily distracted by the sound, turned to face him, allowing Tuxedo Mask to channel the power surging within him. It felt like a burning flame in his chest, a fierce determination igniting his very soul. With a powerful blast, he unleashed his energy toward the foe, the light illuminating the darkness and pushing back against the encroaching shadows. The enemy faltered, weakened by the force of his attack, and slowly began to dissipate like ash in the wind.
Without a second thought, Tuxedo Mask dashed toward Sailor Moon, his heart pounding in his chest as he knelt beside her. She was coughing violently, her breaths coming in ragged gasps, eyes wide with fear and exhaustion. He reached out, trembling fingers brushing against her cheek, and at that moment, their eyes locked. Sailor Moon's weary gaze pierced through him, filled with a mix of gratitude and sorrow.
"G-get away from me, you can stop acting as if worried, everyone is not here yet…" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, as she turned her head away, trying to shield her vulnerability from him.
"You think I am acting? I am worried about you!" he exclaimed, his voice thick with emotion. "If this break-up would lead you to danger, then I take it back! I don't want this!" The desperation in his tone only seemed to deepen the chasm of misunderstanding between them.
"This is normal! Mamoru! I am Sailor Moon, a defender of love and justice! This is my fate, and you can't do anything about it." The conviction in her words was strong, but beneath it lay a tremor of uncertainty that he couldn't ignore.
Mamoru's heart sank at her declaration. "You act as if this isn't killing you inside. Don't you love me anymore?" he asked, his voice trembling with vulnerability. Sailor Moon looked down, her golden hair cascading like a waterfall, hiding the turmoil etched on her face.
"You know the answer to your question. Mamoru." Her voice was filled with a resigned sadness, the weight of her duty pressing down on her like a heavy cloak.
"Then why? Give me a valid reason to accept this about us," he implored, desperation tinging his words. The air around them seemed to thicken with unspoken emotions, a mixture of fear, love, and an inevitable sense of loss.
Sailor Moon took a deep breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Because I can't bear the thought of you being hurt because of me. My battles are not just my own; they put everyone I love at risk. I thought that by pushing you away, I could shield you from the darkness that surrounds me. But it seems I'm only hurting us both."
Mamoru felt a surge of frustration and hurt. "But pushing me away won't protect me, Usagi! It only leaves me feeling helpless! I want to stand by you, to fight alongside you. You're not alone in this, and you never have to be."
As the shadows danced around them, threatening to consume the light, Mamoru's resolve strengthened. He took her hands in his, their fingers intertwining like the threads of fate that had brought them together. "Together, we can face anything, even the darkest of enemies. I refuse to let you go without a fight."
"No! You won't change my mind, especially now that I know that they target us." Sailor Moon stood her ground, her heart racing with a mix of determination and dread. She could feel the weight of Mamoru's gaze, filled with concern and confusion, but she couldn't afford to let her resolve waver. With a heavy heart, she turned on her heel and began to walk away, leaving Mamoru behind, his silhouette fading into the background as she made her way out of the area bustling with her friends.
As she stepped into the open air, the realization of the burden she carried settled deep within her. She glanced around and caught sight of her friends, their faces etched with worry and fear—Luna, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, and the others—all concerned for her well-being. But today, she felt like she couldn't bear the weight of their expectations or fears. She hesitated momentarily, feeling the familiar warmth of friendship wrap around her, but the turmoil inside her was too overwhelming. "I'll go home first, Chibiusa, be with Mamo-chan…" she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
Chibiusa, sensing her distress yet not fully understanding its depth, looked up with wide eyes, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Are you sure, Usagi?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. She nodded. Usagi had already turned to leave. Chibiusa bit her lip, feeling the weight of the moment, and then she ran to Mamoru, her heart aching for both of them. She glanced back at their friends, who were still calling out to Usagi, their voices a mix of confusion and concern. "I'm sorry, I'm not feeling well… talk to you later, guys!" she said hurriedly before sprinting after Usagi, her small frame a blur of pink in the fading light.
"Wait, Usagi!" everyone called after her, a chorus of worry that faded into the distance as Usagi continued on her path, her mind racing with thoughts that felt like an unending storm. With each step, she felt the world around her blur, until she finally reached her home. The door slammed shut behind her, echoing the tumult in her heart. She locked her room, shutting out the outside world, and sank to the floor, her back against the door as sobs wracked her body.
The tears streamed down her cheeks, each drop a release of the pent-up emotions she had been holding inside. His words echoed in her mind, echoing like a cruel mantra: "I refuse to let you go without a fight." The ache in her heart was unbearable, a mix of fear that he would never understand. Why couldn't he see that she had to protect them, that she couldn't let him or anyone else suffer because of her?
"I just want to keep you safe…" she murmured to herself, the words barely audible through her tears. Even in her solitude, the weight of her friends' expectations felt suffocating. How could she tell them that sometimes, the hardest battles were not fought against monsters, but within herself? As she sat there in the dim light of her room, surrounded by silence, she knew deep down that she had to find a way to reconcile her feelings, find strength in her vulnerability, and face whatever was coming—together with her friends, or alone if necessary.