Zoisite and Kunzite made it back to the throne room where Queen Beryl was waiting for them on her throne in the Dark Kingdom, both feeling confused.
"Queen Beryl, why did order us to retreat from the battle?" asked Kunzite.
"We were so close to getting all the Rainbow Crystals and finishing off Tuxedo Mask," added Zoisite.
"I apologize if it seems a big shock, but it was not my intention to retreat," said Queen Beryl. "It was an order from our Great Ruler."
"The Great Ruler?" puzzled Kunzite. "What orders were those?"
"You are not to kill Tuxedo Mask," said Queen Beryl. "Instead, you are to bring him to me alive."
"But why do that?!" demanded Zoisite incredulously. "It's preposterous!"
Queen Beryl's eyes flashed red. "I don't have to explain myself to you!" she snapped. "Bring Tuxedo Mask alive. Is that understood?"
There was a long silence. Then Kunzite respectfully bowed.
"As you wish, my queen," he said.
Zoisite was still shocked by the order, but he had no choice but to comply as he, too, bowed.
Solaris and the other guardians waited for Minako's answer to Harusuke's question. Sailor Venus took a few seconds, then she finally responded.
"Yes. I know it may seem hard to believe, but I'm the Moon Princess," she said.
Sailor Moon then blushed with excitement. "I can't believe it! Sailor V, my hero, is not only the princess, but she's also standing right here in front of me! Unbelievable!"
"Geez. Curb your enthusiasm, Sailor Moon," said Sailor Mars. "You're acting like a child."
"In any case, it's very nice to meet all of you," said Sailor Venus as she extended her hand. "Now that we finally met, I'm looking forward to working with you all."
Sailor Moon then took Sailor Venus' hand, shaking it eagerly, and then Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter all placed their hands on top of theirs. The only one who didn't join in on the greeting was Solaris. He just stood there staring at Venus, puzzling and puzzling.
Then Artemis spoke up. "Listen up, Guardians. While it is nice that all of you have finally met, we're in the middle of an investigation here. We'll share the details tomorrow evening when we meet at the Hikawa Shrine. Until then, we'd best be going."
"Bye, everyone. See you later!" said Sailor Venus.
She then took a giant leap shooting off of the ground and disappearing in the rooftops with Artemis following close behind.
"And there she goes..." said Sailor Mercury.
"She certainly doesn't waste any time, doesn't she?" said Sailor Mars.
Sailor Moon could only gush with glee. "Yeah... but she's so cool!"
Sailor Jupiter saw Harusuke, who was still staring up to where Sailor Venus disappeared.
"Hey, Solaris. Is everything OK?" she asked. "You look worried."
Solaris then shook his head, snapping out of his daze. "It's nothing. I'm fine," he said. Then he looked at the Guardians, looking very ashamed. "Look, I'm sorry, girls. I - I let Zoisite get away with the Rainbow Crystal. Please forgive me."
"It's OK, Solaris," soothed Luna. "You were just trying to help the Guardians."
"Yeah. No need to beat yourself up about it," said Sailor Moon.
"I know... but still..." said Solaris.
Solaris was still feeling sorry and angry at himself for letting Zoisite get the better of him. Then he suddenly remembered.
"Oh wait... Girls, listen. There's something that I need to take care of real quick," he said. "You guys go on ahead without me."
"But Solaris... where are you going?" asked Sailor Moon.
"Let's just say... there's something I need to check before I do anything else," said Solaris.
Before anyone could ask anything more, Solaris took a giant leap and disappeared into the rooftops above. The Sailor Guardians, as well as Luna, were puzzled.
"I wonder what that was all about?" wondered Sailor Mercury. "Solaris was acting a bit strange."
"Who knows," said Sailor Mars. "But I suppose we should leave him be for now. Hopefully, nothing's wrong."
Sailor Moon could look up at the rooftops with worry. "I hope you're right."
Sailor Venus and Artemis were leaping about on the rooftops heading for home. But then they heard a voice coming from behind them.
"Sailor Venus! Artemis! Wait up!"
The two stopped as Solaris landed on the rooftop just before them.
"Solaris? What are you doing here?" asked Sailor Venus.
"I need to talk to you," said Solaris. "It's... about what you said about being the princess."
"What about it?" asked Artemis.
Solaris took a deep breath before responding.
"Look. I know this may sound impolite, and I know this isn't right because we just met, but - I don't believe you're the Moon Princess."
Sailor Venus's eye instinctively twitched. Artemis, however, was surprised and somewhat cross.
"What? Hold on a minute, Solaris. Are you doubting Sailor Venus?" he demanded.
"Don't get me wrong; she is a Guardian, the genuine article," said Solaris. "But... when it comes to being the princess... I just have a feeling that it's not her."
"And what makes you so sure of that?" asked Sailor Venus, her eyes now narrowing in a scowl.
Solaris paused, clenching his fists as he looked at the ground. Then he looked back up.
"First of all, no princess in their right mind would reveal their identity out of the blue like that unless they want to be followed by the enemy," said Solaris. "Secondly, it's because... I think I've seen the real princess in my visions."
Sailor Venus and Artemis looked at each other, a bit surprised.
"What kind of visions?" asked Artemis. "Please explain."
"You see... they've been showing up every single time a Sailor Guardian has awakened or revealed," explained Solaris. "First it happened with Ami, then Rei, after that Makoto, and now you. They all were mostly the same thing; first, a silver castle under the stars. Next, a woman with long hair in a white gown, standing on the balcony looking similar to Usagi. Then, a young knight kneeling before the same queen or princess. Finally - the knight leaping into battle attacking an evil-looking woman holding a staff."
Sailor Venus's eyes widened a little. "What did this woman look like?" she asked.
"I don't remember much, but if I recall correctly, she had red eyes that seemed to glow with long red hair to match," said Solaris. "And she was wearing a black tiara in the middle of her forehead."
Now both Artemis and Sailor Venus were deeply shocked.
"Artemis. Do you think..." Sailor Venus began.
Artemis then nodded. "No doubt. It's gotta be," he said. He then turned to Solaris. "Have you told the other Guardians about this?"
Solaris shook his head.
"Good. Now, listen very closely, Solaris," he continued. "First of all, I want you to keep quiet about what you told us just now. Luna and the others can't know about this either, at least not yet."
"But... why? Do you know anything about my visions?" asked Solaris.
"You could say that we do, but we can't quite tell you anything just yet," said Artemis. "And I know that you're in doubt, but we want you to trust us."
Now Solaris was feeling a bit cross. "But why not? I want to know what's going on here! If you two know something, then I have a right to know!"
"Please, Solaris," begged Sailor Venus. "I promise you that we'll tell you everything when we have a chance. But for now, please trust us and keep this a secret."
Solaris stared at Sailor Venus, feeling less trusting than before. Then he sighed. "Alright then. I guess I don't have a choice," he said. "But remember this, if I find out that you're not a guardian and you're an enemy, you can bet that I'll come for you and stop you."
And Solaris then leaped off the disappearing into the rooftops below. Sailor Venus and Artemis were now by themselves.
"Artemis... what he just said about his visions," murmured Sailor Venus. "What do you think they meant?"
"I'm not sure," said Artemis. "But Solaris is starting to get suspicious of us. It's only a matter of time until he finds out. But, no matter what happens, we can't let him find out our mission, not until the time is right."
"Don't worry, he said that he'll trust us, so it's fine," smiled Sailor Venus. "No need to worry. Now let's get home. I may be a superheroine, but even we heroines need their beauty sleep."
And so, the two of them set off for home.
Meanwhile, Mamoru was in his apartment holding his shoulder while wincing in pain. It was a miracle that he got there without passing out from the pain. He tried to take deep breaths to ease the pain as he leaned against the door, but it didn't help. But there was an even deeper pain going through Mamoru at this moment. It was the pain of guilt. Guilt for letting his guard down, letting his true identity show, and most of all, for not being able to protect Sailor Moon.
"Damn it!" he cursed as he banged his fist on the door. " I'm sorry... Sailor Moon. I couldn't protect you. I failed you."
He then walked over to his couch, leaving a bloody stain on his door due to his wound, and sat down, trying to relax. Then suddenly, he heard a light knock on his screen door. Mamoru jumped and snapped his head towards the door to find that he had an unexpected visitor standing there.
"S-Solaris?!" he gasped.
Solaris then opened the screen door and walked in. "I figured I'd find you here," he said quietly.
"How... how did you find me?" winced Mamoru.
"Let's just say that I have my sources," said Solaris. "But never mind about me. I'm more concerned about you. Why haven't you checked into a hospital yet for that wound?"
Mamoru looked away. "Because... the last thing I want is to get other people involved," he said. "Especially now that Zoisite's seen me."
Solaris then walked out of the living room and disappeared for a couple of minutes. He returned shortly carrying a first aid box.
"Thank goodness you have one of these here," he said as he went back to Mamoru. "Now then... I'm going to take off your shirt."
Mamoru was surprised. "Wh-what?! But why?!"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to treat your wound," said Solaris. "You obviously can't go walking around dripping blood everywhere. So I'm going to treat your wound before it gets any worse. Don't worry; I know first aid."
Mamoru was still baffled, but he didn't say anything more. Solaris then took off his shirt, leaving Mamoru bare-chested. He then took a cloth and began applying pressure to stop the bleeding. Mamoru grunted in pain, doing his best not to yell out. Solaris then spoke up, trying to help take his mind off it.
"So... mind if I ask you a couple of questions?" he asked.
"Sure. I guess," grunted Mamoru. "What do you want to know?"
"Well, first things first; How long have you been Tuxedo Mask?" asked Solaris. "When did this whole thing start?"
Mamoru took a few seconds to think. Then he began his story.
"It started way back. Back when I was a little kid," he said. "In those days, I had a loving Mom and Dad. They loved me, and I loved them. We would do everything together, having picnics, shopping, you name it. As long as we were together, everything was fine. But those happy days wouldn't last forever. It was the day of my sixth birthday. We were going to go to the park. That was when it happened. Our car veered out of control and went offroad and crashed, claiming both my parents' lives. Miraculously, I managed to survive the crash, but I would lose something else that was important - my memories. I couldn't remember who my parents were, and I couldn't even remember my name when someone called me. I kept asking myself: Was I Mamoru Chiba? Or was I someone else entirely? Then that's when the dreams started to happen. I had the same dream happen over and over again. A dream of a white castle and a single girl standing on the balcony telling me these words: "Find the Legendary Silver Crystal, and all will become clear." Those were the words that sparked something in me, and before I knew it, I was roaming the streets at night as Tuxedo Mask. A masked man on a mission to find the Legendary Silver Crystal to regain my lost memories."
Solaris stared at Mamoru's back as he continued to apply pressure while hearing the story. "So that's the reason why you're looking for the Silver Crystal? To help you remember who you are?"
Mamoru nodded in response. Then Solaris took a cup of water mixed it with a tablespoon of salt.
"Just to warn you, this is gonna hurt," he warned. "So brace yourself."
Mamoru nodded in response, and then Solaris poured the water on the wound after taking off the cloth. Mamoru groaned in agony and pain, but he didn't move. Solaris carefully cleaned the wound, ensuring no dirt or anything foreign on it. Then he got a large roll of gauze and a large cotton pad. He gently placed it on the wound and began wrapping it up with the gauze. Soon the wound was bandaged up and clipped into place.
"OK. That should take care of it for now," said Solaris. "But I would get that checked out by a doctor just to be safe. And be sure not to move around so much. I may have stopped the bleeding, but it may open up again if you try to fight with it."
"I'll try to keep that in mind," said Mamoru. "Thank you, Solaris."
"It's no problem. That's what friends are for," he said.
He then walked toward the screen door about to leave when he stopped and looked back at Mamoru.
"Say Mamoru, if you want the Legendary Silver Crystal so badly, then why don't you team up with us?" he asked. "With us working together, we can-"
"I'm sorry, but I can't," interrupted Mamoru. "Especially with what happened. I've already put you all in grave danger. It's my problem to deal with."
"I understand that, but in your current state, you don't stand a chance against Kunzite or Zoisite," said Solaris. "And there's no doubt that The Dark Kingdom knows who you are already. So they could come for you and the two Rainbow Crystals that you have in your possession."
"As I said... it's my problem," insisted Mamoru. "I'm sorry, Solaris. I understand that you want to help, but I can't afford to get you dragged into another trap. Not again. Besides, Zoisite hasn't found me yet; I have to keep under the radar, that's all."
Solaris stared at Mamoru, and Mamoru stared at him back.
Then the Guardian of the Sun sighed. "Such stubbornness. I don't know where you get it," he said. "You're starting to remind me of Sailor Moon." Then he turned around. "Very well then. I'll take my leave. But if you do get into trouble again or want some help, send me a signal or something. Until then, be careful."
Solaris then exited the room and jumped off the ledge into the city below.
Mamoru was now left alone. As he sat there on the couch, he touched his bandaged shoulder, smiling to himself, feeling a bit touched.
"Never expected to have that happen," he thought. "It was kind of unexpected, but... thank you, Solaris. It doesn't even hurt as much now."
Then Mamoru was rudely interrupted.
"My, my. This is quite the lovely place you got here," said a voice.
Mamoru then jumped as his TV suddenly turned on by itself as Zoisite appeared on the screen.
"How did you find me?!" he demanded.
"It was quite an easy task once I found out your true identity, Tuxedo Mask," Zoisite spoke while playing his hair. "Or should I call you Mamoru Chiba?"
Mamoru then grinned, putting on a brave face. "So, what do you want from me? Surely, you wouldn't go through all this trouble just to say hello."
"Well, since we now know each other, I think the time is right for us to settle things once and for all," said Zoisite. "Here's the deal, we both have the Rainbow Crystals. You have two, and I have five. So naturally, one of us needs to have all seven to get the Legendary Silver Crystal, so I propose a winner take all fight. Whoever wins gets the Rainbow Crystals. How's that sound?"
"Sounds about fair," said Mamoru. "I accept your challenge."
Zoisite then grinned maliciously. "Now, that's a good boy. For the location, Kunzite and I have taken the initiative by creating our structure in the bay. We call it Starlight Tower. How's about we meet there for our duel?"
"Sounds good to me," replied Mamoru.
"Very well then. I'll meet you there at five p.m. later this evening. Until then, good night, Mamoru."
Zoisite's face then disappeared from the TV as it turned off. Mamoru then got up and took a look outside the door. In the distance, there was Starlight Tower. It was a large and tall building that towered over the others. His eyes then narrowed.
"Sorry, Solaris," he thought. "Guess I won't be taking it easy after all."
That afternoon after school, Harusuke was waiting for Usagi outside the gates. The ordango blonde had gotten herself into trouble again and was currently in detention. As he waited, he let out a big yawn.
"Man... I'm so tired..." he complained. "That's what I get for staying up all night."
He then recalled what had happened the other night.
"It was good of me to help Mamoru with his wound and all, but... I still can't believe that Mamoru is Tuxedo Mask," he thought. "If Usagi ever found out about it, she would freak. Not only that, but Mamoru has been having visions like I was. Only his were a little different. But I wonder what our visions could mean? Who is that woman, and why do I have the sneaking suspicion that I know who she is - but I can't remember."
Then he remembered Sailor Venus and Artemis.
"I don't know who those two think they are, but one thing's for sure," he thought as he squeezed his arms. "Sailor Venus not only isn't the princess, but she and that furball Artemis are hiding something. And I'm going to find out what that something is."
Then he heard the sound of running footsteps and a familiar voice.
"Alright, Ms. Haruna! Bye for now!"
Harusuke looked inside, and he saw Usagi just coming out of the school building.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Usagi panted.
"It's alright," said Harusuke. "Although, I would have preferred if you hadn't gotten detention in the first place. Especially since we're all supposed to meet up at the Hikawa Shrine."
Usagi then gulped. "Oh, man. You're right. I can only imagine what Rei's going to say to me. We better get going!"
The Tsukino siblings then started to run, heading towards the Hikawa shrine. They hadn't gone very far when Harusuke noticed someone walking ahead of them. It was none other than Mamoru.
"What's he doing here?!" Harusuke thought. "He's supposed to be resting!"
"Wait a sec... I know those pants..." Usagi murmured.
She mischievously smirked as she tip-toed towards Mamoru until she was right behind him.
"Usagi, what are you doing?" wondered Harusuke.
He found that out soon enough. Usagi saw this as an opportunity to surprise and taunt Mamoru. She brought her hand back, and before Harusuke could react, she gave Mamoru a hard slap right where his wound was.
"Hey, there! How you doing?!" she yelled.
Mamoru grunted in surprise and pain as he staggered a little.
"Hey! Usagi! What the heck do you think you're doing?!" he scolded crossly. "Don't just go up to someone and slap him from behind like that!"
Usagi was surprised. "Whoa. What's with you, Harusuke? I was just messing with him."
"It doesn't matter!" snapped Harusuke. Then he turned to Mamoru. "I'm so sorry, Mamoru. Sometimes, I don't know what my sister is sometimes thinking."
But Mamoru smiled. "It's alright. No need to be concerned." Then he turned to Usagi. "You're cheerful today, Bun-head."
Usagi felt insulted, thinking that Mamoru was his usually teasing self. "Well, excuse me! It just so happens that I'm a cheerful person all the time!" she snapped as she made an akanbe face at him.
Usually, Mamoru would go on teasing her, but Mamoru just smiled.
"That's good. I hope you'll always be that way," he said kindly. "You and your brother take of each other, OK?"
And he walked away. Usagi was surprised, while Harusuke was concerned.
"What the heck's the matter with him?" she wondered. "He's not acting like his usual self."
"Search me," said Harusuke pretending not to notice.
"That moron," he thought to himself. "I told him to get that wound checked out by a doctor. But he won't listen. Then again - he could be on his way to a doctor right now..."
Then Usagi felt something on her hand. Something warm and wet. She looked at it and gasped. "H-Harusuke!"
Harusuke looked at her sister and saw her hand too. It was only a little bit, but on Usagi's hand was blood.
"Oh no! Could Mamoru's wound be bleeding through the gauze and onto his clothes?" he thought. "Either that or he must still have had blood on his shirt. "
Now Usagi was worried. "Wait a minute... Could he be hurt in some way?" she wondered.
"He must be. If he is, we'd better make sure that he's OK," Harusuke spoke, pretending to be clueless.
Mamoru kept on walking, making sure that no one was following. All he had to do was walk a few more feet, and he would soon be there. He then felt his shoulder, making sure that the bandages were holding. It was a bit damp but not too serious. Then he felt something touch his shoulder. Thinking that it was an enemy, Mamoru immediately and quickly turned around behind him using his hand to strike, but then he stopped for the Tsukino siblings were now standing behind him.
"What the-! Bun-head?! Harusuke?!" he gasped as he relaxed.
"Hey, what was that about!" demanded Usagi. "You could have hurt us, you know!"
"Well, you startled me!" said Mamoru. "What are you two even doing here?!"
"Well... we got worried about you and decided to follow you," said Usagi.
"Worried about me?" Mamoru murmured in surprise. "But why?"
"Come on. It's obvious! You're injured!" Usagi said, pointing to his right shoulder. "You need to go see a doctor before it gets any worse!"
"She's right," said Harusuke. "The last thing you want is to be moving around like that."
Mamoru then scowled. "Look, it's none of your business! So just bug off, will you?!"
And he walked away. Usagi was now cross.
"What's his problem?!" she grumped. "He didn't have to be all rude!"
"He's trying to put on a brave face," Harusuke said. "That and he didn't want us following him for some reason."
The two siblings then resumed their pursuit of Mamoru, ensuring he didn't notice them.
Soon enough, Mamoru was getting close to the bay and could see the Starlight Tower. Then suddenly, the red around him began to glow in bright red surrounding him and the Tsukino siblings.
"What the-! What's happening?!" cried Usagi. "Everything is all red!"
Mamoru then saw the siblings. "You idiots! Why did you two follow me?!" he yelled.
Then before the three of them could react, they got whisked away in the form of a red energy ball shooting straight towards the Starlight Tower.
At the Hikawa Shrine, Rei, Ami, Makoto, and Luna waited for Usagi and Harusuke to show up and Sailor Venus and Artemis. It had been a long time, and they were starting to worry.
"What's going on here?" wondered Rei. "Usagi may be late, but it's not like her to be this late. Harusuke either."
"I tried calling them, but they didn't answer," said Ami.
"And they weren't at the school either," said Makoto.
"I even tried calling them on their communicators, but nothing," added Luna. "I fear something may have happened."
"Yeah... I agree," said Rei. "I have a bad feeling about this."
"Then why don't we split up and find them?" suggested Ami.
"But where should we look?" wondered Makoto. "We have no idea where to start."
Then they heard a voice. "I think I might know. Both of the Tsukinos are over at the Starlight Tower."
The four looked towards the entrance where the voice came from, and a young girl stood. She was young and wore a school uniform like the others, but her skirt was blue, and the upper part was white with blue trims and a red scarf. She also had a familiar hairstyle: long blonde hair with a red bow on top.
"Who are you?" asked Rei.
Then a white cat appeared next to the girl. "What kind of question is that? Did you forget us already?" he asked.
"Wait... that's Artemis!" gasped Ami. "Then...this girl must be... Sailor Venus."
"That's right. My real name is Minako Aino," the girl said. "I'm a second-year middle school student just like you guys."
"According to our investigation, the enemy is up to something in a structure they created called the Starlight Tower," explained Artemis.
"And the fact that we can't reach Usagi and Harusuke proves it," said Minako grimly. "They must have figured out the enemy's plan and gone after them all by themselves."
The other girls could only stay silent. Rei could only shake her head, Makoto stared at Minako like she was speaking French, and Ami could only scratch her cheek and sigh.
"Well... it would make sense if it was Harusuke," said Luna. "But if Usagi were that kind of girl, my job certainly would be a whole lot easier."
Minako took no notice as she began walking down the steps. "Come on! Let's hurry! We've gotta get to the Starlight Tower and help them!"
"Right!"
And the girls and Luna then followed.
Zoisite was waiting patiently for a particular guest to arrive inside. A red sphere of energy appeared at that moment, and Mamoru, Harusuke, and Usagi emerged from it. Both the Tsukinos unconscious but luckily, Mamoru wasn't.
Zoisite smirked as he played with the five Rainbow Crystals in his hand. "Welcome, Mamoru. Glad you could come." He then walked to the middle of the room, placed the five Rainbow Crystals he had on the floor, and walked back. "I've placed the Rainbow Crystals I have there. Now show me yours."
Mamoru glared, not trusting this man for a second. Then he looked behind him where the unconscious Tsukino twins lay. "Before I do that, you need to let these two go."
"Only if you show me your Rainbow Crystals first," Zoisite said.
Mamoru, concerned about Harusuke and Usagi's safety, then walked towards the Rainbow Crystals Zoisite placed, dug into his pocket, took out the two he had, and put them on the floor stepping back. Then Zoisite burst into hysterical laughter, seeming to mock him.
"What's so funny?!" he demanded.
"You are," Zoisite cackled. "I'm laughing at how foolish you are!"
At that moment, Kunzite suddenly appeared. Then, before Mamoru had a chance to react, all seven of the Rainbow Crystals floated towards his hand and disappeared in an instant.
"Now all the Rainbow Crystals are ours," he spoke with victory.
"Damn it! Kunzite!" growled Mamoru as he glared daggers at Zoisite. "You lied to me!"
He was about to attack when Zoisite held up a hand aiming for the Tsukino twins.
"Now, now. You better stay where you are. Otherwise, I'll turn your friends into ashes," he spoke.
"Zoisite, I'll leave the rest to you," said Kunzite.
Then Mamoru threw a rose, hoping to at least try to hit Kunzite, but it was too late. Kunzite was already gone. But the rose didn't change its trajectory as it shot towards Zoisite. Thinking that the rose would miss, Zoisite tilted his head, avoiding it as it pierced the window behind. Zoisite felt that he got away scot-free, but then he felt some slight pain on his cheek. He touched it, looked at his hand, and saw his glove stained with red. After that, he wasn't smiling anymore.
"How dare you do this to my beautiful face, you worm?!" he hissed angrily. "I'll get you for this!"
And with that, Zoisite disappeared in a flurry of petals. At that moment, Usagi and Harusuke had both regained consciousness and were now awake just in time to hear Zoisite's voice echo throughout the room.
"Mamoru Chiba! If you want to get the Rainbow Crystals back, come to the observation deck on the top floor!"
"The Rainbow Crystals?" Usagi thought. "What would Mamoru want with them?"
"Damn it! Mamoru must have walked into a trap by Zoisite," Harusuke thought. "And we got dragged into it!"
"Until then," went on Zoisite. "Have an icy cold taste of fear! Try not to die!"
The room then suddenly grew cold, with icicles hanging from the ceiling. Suddenly, the icicles grew bigger, threatening to stab the three teens from above.
"Watch out!" yelled Mamoru as he immediately pushed Usagi out of the way just as the icicles pierced the floor where they once stood.
Harusuke saw another one coming at him, and he immediately jumped out of the way. "Man! He's certainly not pulling his punches!" he gasped.
"Run!" yelled Mamoru.
The three then took off running as the icicles continued to rain down from above. Mamoru couldn't help but wince in pain as they ran, for his shoulder was starting to hurt again. Usagi noticing this, she suddenly remembered.
"Hold on a sec... Now that I think about it, Tuxedo Mask had a similar injury the other day," she thought. "Could he be..."
"This is bad," thought Harusuke. "At this rate... we'll die if we don't find an exit!" He then quickly looked around, trying to find a way to escape. Then he saw it—the exit that was their ticket out of here, the elevator.
"Guys! Over there!" he cried. "The elevator! Run to it before it's too late!"
They managed to make it to the elevator, and Usagi furiously pressed the button to open it.
"Come on, come on, come on! Open!" she shrieked. "I can't take much more of this!"
The raining icicles grew closer and closer, and then the doors finally opened. The three teens quickly jumped inside as the doors slowly closed.
Usagi and Harusuke sighed in relief.
"Phew. That was a close one," said Harusuke.
"Yeah. At least we're safe now," agreed Usagi.
"I wouldn't count on it," said Mamoru grimly.
Before Usagi and Harusuke could ask Mamoru what he meant, they took a look at their surroundings. Instead of the usual interior of an elevator, the walls were green, lumpy, plant-like, and seemed to be alive. To make things worse, the door they came through suddenly disappeared. Then they felt the elevator suddenly jolt and whir as it started going up.
"I should have known," said Mamoru. "There's nowhere else to go. We're trapped here."
Outside, Luna and the other guardians arrived transformed and ready to fight.
"So this is the Starlight Tower," murmured Sailor Mars. "It's quite the building."
"I'll say," agreed Sailor Jupiter. "It's gigantic!"
Sailor Mercury activated her visor and scanned the building, trying to find a way inside. At first, she couldn't see anything. Then it picked up three heat signatures riding on the elevator. She pressed the button on her earrings and could see who the signatures were.
"Usagi, Harusuke, and Mamoru are all trapped in the elevator!" she said. "Not only that but the doors are sealed shut!"
"You mean to say they're trapped inside?!" gasped Sailor Mars. "What the heck is going on?!"
"I don't know," said Luna. "But we have to get in there!"
"But how?!" wondered Artemis. "There no way to get in!"
Sailor Jupiter stepped forward as her signature antenna popped out of her tiara, charging with power.
"JUPITER SUPREME THUNDER!"
She then unleashed a powerful shockwave of lightning, destroying the door before them in a manner of minutes, leaving the guardians and the cats completely dumbfounded.
"If we can't get through, then we'll just have to force our way in," she grinned. "Let's go!"
They all then made their way inside the Starlight Tower.
Unaware to them at that moment, Kunzite and Zoisite were watching from above, with Zoisite still seething with fury over his scarred cheek.
"What a bunch of pesky ants," scoffed Zoisite.
"We now have all of the Rainbow Crystals and Mamoru as well," said Zoisite. "If we can destroy the Guardians here..."
"That will be our revenge for that cut cheek of yours," finished Kunzite as he lovingly placed an arm around his shoulder.
Back inside the elevator, Usagi, Harusuke, and Mamoru were still riding inside the elevator. They had now risen so high the town below looked like a toy model.
"Wow... we're high up," said Usagi. "I can't even see the ground anymore."
"Yeah. Not to mention this elevator's taking its sweet time," said Harusuke. "It makes you feel like we've been up here for days."
The only one who wasn't talking was Mamoru, who was staring out into the town below, seeming to be deep in thought. There was a long silence after that until, at last, Usagi spoke.
"So... why are you after those crystals, Mamoru?" she asked.
Harusuke then gently nudged Usagi. "Hey. Keep it down, Nosy."
"Oh! I mean - it's OK if you don't want to talk about it," Usagi apologized.
But to both their surprise, Mamoru spoke up.
"It's about past," he said. "If I have all those Rainbow Crystals, they'll help me find the Legendary Silver Cyrstal. Then I'll be able to regain my memories."
Mamoru then went to tell Usagi about his past as a child and about losing his memory. Harusuke tuned the conversation out due to him knowing this story already. When Mamoru finished, Usagi couldn't help but be surprised.
Mamoru then smiled bitterly. "You know, I honestly don't know why I'm telling you both this," he said. "So sorry if this seems a bit crazy."
Usagi then turned away, pretending to be gruff. "You know what? I used to think that you were the worst person in the world," she said. Then she smiled. "But.. not anymore. You're the second worst."
Mamoru then smiled. "Thanks. I'll take it as a compliment."
Usagi then saw a mirage of her masked hero overlapping Mamoru's face. She then blushed, and she looked away in embarrassment.
"Why on earth would I think about Tuxedo Mask right now?" she thought. "Could it be that... no! It can't be! It's impossible!"
Harusuke then sighed as he looked out the window. "If only she knew..." he said to himself.
At another part of the tower, Kunzite was standing there gazing into the town below.
"Now Guardians... the time has come," he said. "This will be the place where you all meet your end!"
His eyes then glowed in a bright white color. At that moment, all the lights in the town of Juuban went out, making everything pitch-black dark except for the tower. Then it suddenly changed in appearance, now having a more frightening shape.
At the observation deck, Zoisite stood right above the opening where the elevator would soon make its stop. His eyes glinted with malice and revenge as a rope of fire formed in his hand. He wanted to make Mamoru Chiba and the two Tsukinos die, and who better to carry out this task than him.
"Goodbye, you two," he cackled as he unleashed the rope of fire, sending it straight down to the elevator riding along the rope that held it.
The elevator continued to go upwards until suddenly it came to a complete stop with a jolt startling the three.
"What happened?! Why'd it stop?!" cried Usagi.
"I don't know!" said Harusuke. "But it can't be a good thing!"
Mamoru then looked up, and his face paled with horror. "Look!"
The Tsukino siblings looked up, and their eyes widened. From above, shooting straight towards them was Zoisite's fire. Now faced with a dangerous predicament, the two Tsukinos had to decide.
"This is bad! We have to transform!" thought Harusuke. "But if we do..."
"Mamoru will know who we are!" Usagi thought. "But don't, we'll die!"
After what seemed like an eternity, Harusuke looked at Usagi, Usagi looked at Harusuke, and they both gave each other a nod and knew what to do.
"I guess we don't have a choice now, Harusuke!" said Usagi. "Let's do it!"
"I'm with you, Usagi!" agreed Harusuke.
Mamoru then looked at the Tsukino siblings, wondering what they would do just in time to hear -.
"MOON PRISM POWER MAKE UP!"
"SOLAR GUARDIAN POWER FLARE UP!"
Transformation Sequence: Usagi
Usagi's body shone with rainbow-colored light as she seemed to spin around. Then from her brooch, it flashed pink and pink ribbons shot out, wrapping her upper torso and midsection and became a white leotard with a red bow in the center and a collar that was blue with white stripes. Next, Usagi crosses her arms, and more pink ribbons wrap around them, turning into long white gloves. The pink ribbon then wraps around Usagi's legs and turns into a pair of red thigh-high boots. Then a blue skirt appears around Usagi's waist with a red bow in the back. Then a tiny gem starts glowing in the middle of Usagi's forehead, and a gold tiara with a red gem, a pair of dangling crescent moon earrings, a red choker with a moon on it appear along with red circular accents in her hair buns. Usagi then strikes her signature pose as the Moon shines behind her in the background.
Transformation sequence: Harusuke.
Harusuke's bracelet begins to glow as Harusuke holds it into the air. Next, the symbol of the sun starts to shine on Harusuke's head as golden yellow and silver light envelop his body. First, the sun appears above him, shining its light upon him. Then, while Harusuke bathed in its light, a silver jumpsuit with gold lines on his hips materializes around his body. After that, the light shone on his legs, and long golden metal boots that went up to his knees appeared on his legs with silver hexagon knee pads. Next, the light shone on his arms, and then golden gauntlets appeared on his hands going up to wrists. Then a yellow symbol of the sun materializes in front of him, and it crashes into his chest, making a golden chest piece of armor appear with silver shoulder guards. Finally, a silver helmet covers his head, exposing his hair and making it stand up with a mouth guard covering his mouth and nose. Finally, Harusuke's eyes open, and he strikes his signature pose the symbol of the sun appears behind him.
Zoisite watched as the fire reached the elevator destroying it with a mighty boom. Smoke and rubble blew everywhere. The Dark Kingdom's general smirked with triumph.
"What a pity," he mused mockingly. "I'll tell Queen Beryl that it was an accident. I'm sure she won't mind now that we have all seven of the Rainbow Crystals."
"You call that an accident?!" demanded a voice.
"If that were an accident, then I'd hate to find out what murder would be to you," said another voice.
Zoisite immediately turned around and saw Sailor Moon and Solaris standing before him Mamoru behind them.
"You're going to pay big time for deceiving people with your dirty tricks and torment!" Sailor Moon spoke crossly.
"And you're gonna pay for all the other crimes that you committed!" added Solaris.
"I am Sailor Moon! And in the name of the Moon, I'll punish you!"
"And I'm Solaris! And in the name of the sun with my blinding rays, I'll scorch you!"
As Mamoru stood behind the two heroes, he could not believe what he had just seen. He was so shocked that he thought his heart would burst.
Zoisite gazed at the two, not intimidated in the slightest. "Well, well. Sailor Moon and Solaris have joined the party," he said. "But no matter. I'll get rid of you two and Tuxedo Mask at the same time."
Sailor Moon was puzzled. "What are you talking about?" she asked. "Tuxedo Mask isn't even here."
Then she heard a familiar voice coming from behind her.
"I'm right here."
Sailor Moon slowly turned around and saw that the only person there was Mamoru. Mamoru then dug into his coat and pulled out a red rose. Then he transformed.
Transformation Sequence: Mamoru
The rose in Mamoru's begins to glow as Mamoru the enveloped in a grayish-black glowing cape. Mamoru then emerges from the case wearing his tuxedo and mask, donning the cape that transformed him and his top hat. He then throws his hat, making it fly around, then comes back to him, landing on top of his head as he finishes with his signature pose.
Sailor Moon's face was bright red as a cherry, her eyes wide as saucers. Mamoru, the guy who would tease her and call her Bun-head, was the mysterious masked man she loved. Solaris, however, showed no reaction, not surprised in the slightest.
"Well... the cat's out of the bag now," he sighed.
"Sailor Moon. Solaris. You were both courageous, and I owe you my life," said Tuxedo Mask. "But now, you two can leave the rest to me."
"Hold on just a minute," objected Solaris. "You're not planning to fight him, are you?"
"You can't! You're hurt!" added Sailor Moon as she held his hand. "Please, let us handle this and get out of here!"
"Don't worry. I'll be fine," said Tuxedo Mask. Then he looked at Sailor Moon. "I promise... I will protect you, Sailor Moon."
Sailor Moon then blushed, not sure what to say.
Solaris then glared huffily. "Hey. Did you come here to make goo-goo eyes?" he grumped. "Save the flirting for later!"
"Now, now. Playtime's over, dear children," said Zoisite. "I'd say it's time that we settle this once and for all, Tuxedo Mask. And you're welcome to join him if you'd like Guardians."
"No. Leave them out of this," said Tuxedo Mask. "Your fight is with me."
"Very well then," said Zoisite. "We'll fight it out fair and square."
Tuxedo Mask then stepped towards Zoisite with Sailor Moon and Solaris staying back. However, this was another trap set up by Zoisite. While they had their backs turned, Zoisite conjured a dagger-like shard of crystal aimed at one target. Sailor Moon.
"That's it... come and get me, Tuxedo Mask," purred Zoisite.
Solaris started to feel uneasy, feeling something about this was off. Then he took notice of Zoisite's hand as it opened and closed. At first, he was puzzled, then he saw something in the window's reflection. Just behind Sailor Moon, something glinted, shining brightly. That was then he realized.
"Mamoru, stop!" he yelled. "It's another trap!"
"Too late, Solaris! Now die!" shrieked Zoisite as he flicked his wrist.
The crystal then shot out, heading straight towards Sailor Moon. Everything seemed to happen in an instant. Solaris dashed towards Sailor Moon and shielded her in an attempt to save her life, but at the last moment, with speed never before seen, Mamoru stepped in front just as the shard pierced him in the midsection. Sailor Moon and Solaris could only stare in horror as the shard of crystal disappeared, and Mamoru fell to the ground badly wounded. Sailor Moon immediately rushed to his side while Solaris stared at him in utter shock and disbelief.
"No! Don't die!" Sailor Moon cried as she cradled him in her arms. "Please hang in there!"
Mamoru smiled weakly. "Are... you all right... Sailor Moon?"
"Yes... I'm fine," Sailor Moon replied, her eyes filling with tears. "You... you saved me... Me and Solaris..."
"Stop looking like... you're about to cry," Mamoru spoke, now growing weaker. "Listen to me... I'm sorry that I've been rude to you all time. I've - always been on your side. I'm just glad that you and your brother - are safe." He then looked at Solaris. "Solaris... please take care of your sister... and thank you for your kindness... I'm glad - that both of you - are safe."
Then Mamoru's arm went limp, falling to the cold hard floor as he took his final breath. Tuxedo Mask was now dead. Solaris and Sailor Moon stared at his lifeless body in horror and shock, not believing what they were seeing.
"Tuxedo Mask! Tuxedo Mask!" Sailor Moon cried, trying to wake him up.
At that moment, the other Sailors arrived on the scene and saw this terrible sight.
"No! We're too late!" gasped Sailor Venus.
Sailor Mars saw the deceased Tuxedo Mask and gasped. Not only because he was dead, but he was also Mamoru. Sailor Moon, now realizing that her beloved Tuxedo Mask was dead, a single tear trickled down her cheek. Then suddenly, her tear began to glow. At that moment, up from above, seven different colored lights appeared now hovering around her.
"It's the Rainbow Crystals!" gasped Solaris. "But... what are they doing here?!"
Then the Rainbow Crystals all began to gather, and Sailor Moon's tear floated up towards them. The crystals disappeared into it, and it started to shine in white light. Now, one crystal remained. It was in a sphere, colored in a bright white-silver color, and shined in a beautiful pink glow. Everyone couldn't help but be mesmerized by this incredible sight. Even Zoisite couldn't help but stare with wonder.
"Is... is that what I think it is?!" murmured Artemis.
"It is! It's the Legendary Silver Crystal!" cried Luna.
Then the Moon Stick suddenly materialized, and the Silver Crystal implanted itself right on top of it as it continued to shine. Sailor Moon then slowly stood up, her eyes vacant in a daze as she bathed in the crystal's glow.
"Sailor Moon?!" gasped Sailor Venus.
"What's... what's happening to her?!" wondered Sailor Mercury.
She got her answer soon enough. For right then, Sailor Moon underwent a startling transformation. First, her tiara disappeared, revealing a yellow crescent moon mark in the middle of her forehead. At the same time, the crescent moon mark on Sailor Venus' forehead disappeared and got replaced with a tiara like the other sailors. Sailor Moon's outfit then vanished and was replaced with a beautiful white gown having a decorated bodice, golden earrings, and a beaded bracelet on her right wrist. Everyone's mouths hung open in shock. Solaris especially could not believe what he was seeing.
"N-no way!" he gasped. "Usagi... is not only Sailor Moon... but she's... she's also..."
"The Moon Princess!" finished Luna.