It was a cloudy, murky, December day in Juuban. Usually, the people in this town would be going about their day bright and cheerful, but unfortunately, they weren't. Every citizen had gotten sick with a strange infection, and according to medical experts, had no cure yet. Due to this, everyone had to walk around town wearing face masks to stop the spread of infection. However, little did they know that the virus's cause was by a certain someone from the Black Moon Clan, who felt delighted seeing the sickly people as she walked around town wearing a black overcoat.

"None of these oblivious fools will ever suspect that Dark Power caused this flu," Esmeraude cackled to herself. "Foolish, simple savages! I hope you all get sick! Including those Guardians!"

As Esmeraude cackled with glee from her plan, there was someone among the people walking by that was as healthy as ever. That person was Minako, a girl on a mission, wearing a determined look on her face.

"Everyone in town seems to be suffering from the flu, including Usagi and the others, no doubt," Minako said to herself. "But there's no need to fear! Minako Aino, the goddess of love, is on the job!"

Meanwhile, Rei was lying down in her room back at her house, feeling sick and miserable as she tried her best to rest up. She was so ill; she didn't even bother to get dressed, staying in her yellow pajamas while wearing a purple coat and a red scarf. Then the telephone began to ring, and with a sickly groan, Rei got up from her bed and answered it.

"Hello? Hino residence," Rei spoke in a stuffy voice.

"Oh no, Rei," said a familiar voice from the other end. "Don't tell me that you're sick too."

"I'm afraid so, Mako," replied Rei. "I'm burning up with a fever over here. What about you?"

"Well, I don't have it too bad because I have a mild case, and Harusuke's not that sick either," replied Makoto. "However, Usagi and Ami are in pretty bad shape."

"Oh, man. It sounds like all the Guardians are down for the count, huh?" Rei sighed.

"Not exactly," Makoto sighed, appearing exasperated. "One of us is still bright-eyed and healthy as can be."

Rei was just about to ask who it was when her screendoor suddenly opened with a loud bang startling her, as Minako appeared in the doorway, practically swinging her basket with Artemis inside, of whom was yowling loudly.

"Hey there, Rei!" Minako greeted loudly. "I heard that you caught the flu, so I came by to pay you a get-well visit!"

Rei could only stare at the red bowed blonde, dropping the phone in her hands.

Makoto stared at her phone, the line now completely dead. The tall brunette sighed as she hung up the phone.

"Geez, I was hoping I could prevent another casualty," Makoto groaned as she stood up.

As she stood up, she glanced towards the kitchen and the living room, both of which were in a state of disarray, clothes, pots, and discarded food everywhere, which was caused by a certain girl that came not too long ago.

"Minako sure made a mess of things," Makoto mumbled to herself. "Let's just hope Rei and the Tsukino's can survive Minako's klutzy self."

Rei soon was back in bed with Artemis, reading a manga, while Minako was busily cooking something for her to eat. She soon came in with a steaming bowl of rice porridge.

"Here you go, Rei! I made you some rice porridge!" Minako said with a smile. "This time, it turned out great, so I promise it'll be edible!"

Rei was now worried. "Wait, this time?" she asked, looking at Artemis. "What does that mean?"

"Well, before coming here," Artemis spoke hesitantly. "Minako visited Ami and Makoto and made them rice porridge, too."

"Those were practice runs!" Minako sputtered, glancing away in embarrassment, as she placed the bowl in Rei's lap. "And I'm sorry for what I did to both of them, but that's in the past. Now, please, eat up!"

Rei looked at Minako and then at the porridge in her lap, hesitant, but when she looked at Minako again, she saw the look she was giving her. The old puppy dog smile, expecting her to like it. Not wanting to let Minako down, Rei took off the top of the bowl, revealing the steaming rice porridge underneath, took a spoonful, popped it into her mouth, and swallowed.

At that moment, Rei's eyes bulged out of their sockets and let out a wild shriek as a torrent of flames erupted from her mouth while tears gushed out from her eyes. After they soon died down, Rei let out one final moan as she slumped face-first to the bed, appearing unconscious.

Minako was shocked as well as horrified. "Rei! What's the matter?! Are you OK?!"

Artemis then inspected the porridge by tasting it himself. When he did, the white cat's fur practically stood up on end, as his face scrunched up as he let out a yowl.

"M-Mina! You put too much salt in it!" Artemis wheezed.

Minako flinched and then lightly bopped herself on the head in embarrassment. "Oh, I did it again! I guess I'm not worth my salt in cooking, am I?" she joked.

"Please, don't be funny, Minako!" Artemis coughed, still reeling from the porridge. "Your jokes aren't helping!"

"Minako, would you please excuse me?" Rei croaked, managing to speak. "I think I'll rest for a while."

"Sure thing, Rei," smiled Minako. "While you're doing that, let me help you get cozy. I'll take this away."

But as Minako picked up the porridge from Rei's lap, she accidentally lost her balance and causing her to lose control and ended up making the porridge fly out of her hands and spill all over Rei's head, making the girl scream in pain due to it still being hot.

"Minako, you klutz!" Artemis groaned. "How much of a disaster are you?!"

"I'm so sorry!" Minako squeaked nervously. "But don't worry! I'll get you some clean sheets right away!"

However, due to getting so flustered and clumsy, Minaki wasn't thinking clearly and ripped the sheets underneath Rei, causing the girl to fly off the bed.

Artemis cringed as he face-pawed himself in exasperation. "Poor Rei. Somehow, I get the feeling she's going to have a long recovery after this," the white cat groaned. "I'm so sorry, Rei. Minako means well, even though she's just as klutzy as Usagi if not more?"

"You don't say?!" gasped Rei, growing impatient. "If she were trying to cause this much pain, she'd be more of a villain than Esmeraude!"

Minako soon replaced Rei's covers with fresh ones. "There you go, Rei. I made your bed, so now you can get a good rest."

Rei then got into bed, wanting the nightmare to be over, but it would only worsen as Minako got an idea. She went into her basket and took out a small audio cassette tape.

"I'll put on some soothing music so that you can get a restful sleep," Minako said brightly. "This melody uses these things called alpha waves, which made the listener feel relaxed."

Rei didn't seem as convinced as she and Artemis watched Minako fiddle around with her radio cassette player. At first, it was apparent that she had no idea how to work the thing as she pressed one button after another until she finally got it working. But unfortunately, the music wasn't soothing at all. Instead, the radio began to play a rock and roll tune so loud Rei and Artemis had to cover their ears as Minako hurriedly tried to turn it off.

"Don't worry! I'll fix it, right now!" Minako cried. "If I can just figure out how to turn it off!"

Minako pressed button after button, trying to turn off the radio. Then, after furiously pushing button after button, the radio exploded right into Minako's face. Smoke got Minako, covering her in ashes, as well as pieces of her cassette, got caught in her hair.

"I guess I should have known better," Minako spoke, sheepishly scratching her head. "When you're sick, it's better to rest quietly, right?"

At this point, Rei had just about had all she could take of Minako's attempts to be helpful despite being patient with her. Her face grew as red as a cherry with rage as she finally snapped.

"GET OUUUUUUUUUT! ! ! ! !" Rei shrieked at the top of her lungs.

"I'm sorry!" Minako cried as she took off, running as fast as her legs could carry her with Artemis toiling behind her.

Minako and Artemis soon retreated to Downtown Juuban. However, Minako remained determined.

"OK, lesson learned. I messed up again, sure, but I'll have to be more careful not to mess things up at the Tsukino's," Minako said. "After all, if at first, you don't succeed, try some food."

Artemis gawked at Minako. "First of all, Minako, that's not how it goes at all! Secondly, you're going to keep helping?!"

"Of course I am!" said Minako. "Everybody in the Tsukino family is sick in bed! I can't stand by and do nothing! If I don't go, who's going to help their family in their time of need?"

"Yeah, but there's a phrase that's called "an unwanted favor," Artemis muttered. "I mean, who's going to help them get through dealing with you?"

Minako glared at the white cat scowling, and the white cat didn't say anything more as they both went on their way to the Tsukino house.

Meanwhile, in a secluded location, Esmeraude watched as a Dark Henge she had planted earlier continued to grow bigger, much to her delight.

"The Dark Henge is growing just as planned," Esmeraude cackled. "At this rate, it won't be long until the Dark Gate opens." She then sighed, filled with longing, as she began to fantasize about a certain prince. "Oh, my beloved Demande. I hope to be back by your side as soon as I can."

At the Tsukino's, Harusuke and Usagi received a phone call from Rei, who had the two about Minako's "helpful pursuits."

"So Minako went to your place too, eh, Rei?" Haruauske sighed. "Are you feeling OK?"

"Yeah. Ami and Mako called us earlier after Minako visited them, too," Usagi said. "They pretty much gave us an idea of how bad it was."

"You're telling me!" Rei choked as she coughed. "Minako's such a wrecking ball; she was more than I could take! The two of you need to be careful!"

"If it's any consolation, there's someone over here who's as healthy as a horse, too," said Harusuke. "And she's been causing her fair share of trouble."

At that moment, there was a familiar scream for help, which made the two jump in surprise, recognizing it.

"Sorry! We gotta go, Rei!" Usagi hurriedly cried. "Sounds like little Miss Healthy's got herself into trouble yet again!"

Usagi quickly hung up, and the Tsukino siblings and Ikuko rushed out of the room and onto the balcony. They saw Chibiusa dangling over the edge of the railing along with a tablecloth, dangerously close to falling off. Luckily, Ikuko scooped up Chibiusa in her arms just in time as the tablecloth fell to the ground below.

"Whew! That was a close one!" Harusuke sighed in relief. "Nice work, Mom."

"Chibiusa, you don't have to help me with the laundry," Ikuko spoke kindly. "Why don't you go out and play?"

"But Mommy Ikuko, please let me take of the house," begged Chibiusa. "You're not feeling well, and you should be in bed resting."

"Look, Chibiusa, your intentions are good-natured, but if you want to help, you've got to try to do the stuff that only you can do," Harusuke said gently. "Otherwise, your next act of goodwill is going to end up hurting you."

"Come on, Harusuke, I can help!" Chibiusa continued to protest. "And besides, you've been busy helping around the house too, even though you're sick! I can do the laundry, at least!"

"And who was the one who dropped the sheet that mom just washed?" Usagi huffed snootily.

Chibiusa cringed, knowing that Usagi was right, but that didn't stop her and Usagi from glaring at each other. Harusuke then broke them up.

"Knock it off, you two. I've already got my hands full in helping around the house while I'm sick," Harusuke scolded. "I don't need you two to start bickering."

Ikuko then set Chibiusa down as she walked back inside, rubbing her forehead with her hand. "Usagi. Harusuke. I have a splitting headache, so I'm going to go back to bed. Please watch Chibiusa for a bit while I rest."

"Sure thing, Mom," Harusuke said.

"But wait! What about the cooking and the cleaning?!" Chibiusa called to Ikuko. "I just want to be helpful! Just let me do something around here!"

"Good grief. There is no getting through to you, is there?" Harusuke sighed.

"We really could use someone to keep Chibiusa company," Usagi groaned. "Otherwise, we'll never get anything done."

Then they heard a familiar voice coming from below the balcony.

"Say no more! Leave that to the goddess of love!"

Usagi and Harusuke gulped, recognizing the voice. They, along with Chibiusa, turned around and saw someone standing on top of the wall to their gate, wearing the bedsheets that Chibiusa dropped. The mysterious person swiftly jumped into the air and landed on the balcony in front of them, and removed the sheets from their form, revealing that it was none other than Minako and a very exasperated Artemis in her basket.

"Let me help take care of Chibiusa and nurse you all back to health while I'm at it," Minako offered as she posed and winked. "After all, this is just the kind of assignment for Minako Aino since I'm the goddess of love."

"Um, that's nice and everything, Minako," Harusuke said nervously. "But we only wanted your help in babysitting Chibiusa."

"I know, but it's no problem at all," Minako insisted. "Just leave everything to me."

Usagi wanted to interject, but before she could, she let out a couple of coughs, which didn't go unnoticed by Minako.

"Oh, dear. That sounds bad, Usagi," said Minako. "You should be in bed."

"Oh, no! It's fine!" Usagi squeaked, trying to sound well. "I can tell that I'm almost over this flu."

"And I'm not even that sick," Harusuke added. "I mean, all I have is a stuffy nose and maybe some sneezing."

Then, Harusuke let out a sneeze, and Minako glared sternly at the two. "I won't have it. So lie down, both of you. Don't take your health for granted. Remember the saying: "Tomorrow is another flu." So profound, isn't it?"

Chibiusa concurred in agreement while Harusuke and Usagi looked across at each other, feeling worried.

"I don't think we can talk her out of this, Usagi," Harusuke whispered to his sister. "This girl's just about as stubborn as you are."

"But if we let her take care of us, you know what'll happen!" Usagi whispered back. "So, what are we supposed to do?!"

Then Minako pushed the two inside of the house. "Come on, you two, let's go. Get back to bed now."

As she led the two back, Artemis could only sigh, feeling worried. "Poor Usagi and Harusuke. There's no way that this is going to end well."

Usagi was soon lying in her bed with Luna, enjoying their time to rest, while Artemis stayed with them.

"Finally. Some much-needed rest," Usagi sighed with content.

"Are you all right, Luna?" asked Artemis. "You look sicker than a dog."

"Of course, I'm not all right!" Luna grumped in a stuffy voice. "You know, you're such a lucky cat, Artemis. Like the saying goes: "Fools never catch colds."

Artemis felt insulted. "Hey! Who are you calling a fool?!" he crossly yowled.

Then the door swung open as Minako and Chibiusa appeared in the doorway. Both of them were wearing nurse outfits, much to Usagi and the cats' shock and disdain.

"Alright! The patient's all ready!" Minako winked as she sauntered over to Usagi. "Prepare to be well cared for, Usagi! Now, Chibiusa, thermometer, please!"

Chibiusa then used Luna-P to transform into a nursing box and handed Minako the thermometer. Minako popped it into Usagi's mouth and waited for a few seconds. Soon enough, the thermometer was ready with the results. However, as Minako tried to read the temperature, its display suddenly blinked off. Thinking that something was amiss, Minako then started to shake it, hoping that it would start working.

"Chibiusa? Did you put fresh batteries in this thing?" Minako asked.

Then came trouble. Because Minako was shaking it so hard, it flew out of her hand and shot straight through the window with a mighty crash. A strong, cold wind now came blowing through the broken window, making everyone shiver.

"Whoops! It looks like I made a tiny little mistake," Minako squeaked sheepishly. "But, it's fine! It's no big deal if I don't take your temperature. I mean, who needs it, right?"

Everyone could only stare at Minako, feeling worried for her.

"She's even worse than Usagi when it comes to clumsiness!" Luna groaned.

"Tell me about it," agreed Artemis. "I already knew this firsthand."

Minako soon covered the hole with a piece of cardboard and some tape. It was a temporary fix at best, but at least the wind wasn't blowing inside anymore.

"All right, now that the window's taken care of, you feeling hungry, Usagi?" Minako asked. "I think a hot bowl of rice porridge will warm you right up."

Both Usagi and Artemis flinched with fright, and the ordango blonde furiously shook her head, remembering the warning her friends gave her.

"No thanks, I just ate!" Usagi lied. "I appreciate the offer, though!"

"Aw, that's too bad," Minako spoke with a hint of disappointment. "In that case, how about some music to relax?"

Artemis hysterically yowled as Minako went over to Usagi's radio. "Minako! Whatever you do, don't touch that stereo! Remember what happened last time?!"

Minako frowned huffily. "What's the matter with you, Artemis?! You're not giving me a chance to do anything!" she complained.

"Yeah! And I'm bored, too!" added Chibiusa.

Usagi quickly came up with a solution. "Tell you what, how about you both ask Mom if you can be helpful!" she suggested. "I'm sure that there are a lot of chores around here you can do!"

"What a good idea, Usagi!" said Minako. "Let's go ask, Chibiusa!"

"OK!" Chibiusa enthusiastically said.

The two nurses left the room, leaving Usagi and the cats alone.

At that moment, Harusuke entered the room. "Is it safe to come in?" the boy whispered.

Usagi answered with a nod, and Harusuke slipped inside, shutting the door quietly behind him.

"Good grief. All of this is stressing me out so much; I feel like I'm going crazy," Harusuke complained. He then looked up at the patched-up window. "Don't tell me. Minako did that?"

Usagi and the cats all nodded, and Harusuke pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing.

"Well, Dad's not going to like this," Harusuke sighed. "That's going to cost a couple of thousand yen to fix if Hurricanes Minako and Chibiusa don't wreck anything else in the house. But, at least it can't get any worse."

But Harusuke was wrong. At that moment, everyone heard a pair of screams, followed by a tremendous crash. Usagi, Harusuke, and even Ikuko rushed downstairs, wondering what was happening. When they got to the living room, they saw Minako and Chibiusa desperately trying their best to do the household chores, from vacuuming to cleaning the dishes, but ended up causing havoc while making a huge mess.

Ikuko sighed as she surveyed the damage. "Usagi. Harusuke. Please help take care of this mess," she moaned as she went back upstairs. "I'll clean up the rest after I get more sleep."

"Oh, man. I knew those two were disasters, but this is a whole new level," Harusuke gawked.

"Yeah, no kidding," agreed Usagi. "Mom's sure got her work cut out for her."

Then suddenly, Usagi began to feel dizzy, which started something small, but then hit her like a dump truck. "Hey, that's weird. I wonder what's making the room spin around like this?" the ordango blonde moaned woozily.

Before Harusuke could ask what his sister was talking about, Usagi crumpled to the floor, passing out completely.

"Usagi!" Harusuke cried as he rushed over to his sister. "Are you all right?!"

Minako and Chibiusa hearing this, rushed over as well, feeling worried.

"Is she OK?!" Minako asked worriedly. "What happened?!"

Harusuke then placed a hand on his sister's forehead, feeling warm indeed. "She's burning up! We've got to get her into bed now!" he said urgently. "Minako, help me pick her up!"

Minako quickly looped one of Usagi's arms over her shoulders, as did Harusuke, and the two carried her back into her room with Chibiusa following close behind.

Usagi was on a date with Mamoru, having dinner at a fancy restaurant under candlelight.

The ordango blonde sighed happily. "Oh, Mamo. I'm so happy to be on this date with you, Mamo," she said. "I always treasure intimate moments like these."

Mamoru smiled back at Usagi. "Me too, Usako."

The two gazed wistfully into each other's eyes and leaned in to kiss, but then they were rudely interrupted.

"Hold it right there!" said a voice.

Usagi and Mamoru jumped and looked up, only to see Rei, Ami, Makoto, Minako, and even Chibiusa and Harusuke standing there, all of which looked very cross.

"Usagi! We're still in middle school, you know!" scolded Ami.

"Yeah! You're ten years too young to go on a date like this!" lectured Rei.

"And that goes for the cake, the dinner, and you too, Mamoru!" Makoto spoke crossly.

"No sister of mine is going to be on a date such as this!" Harusuke huffed snootily. "It's just not done!"

Chibiusa and Minako then appeared wearing their nurse outfits from before, cackling evilly. "Time to clean up!" the two said.

Then before Usagi could react, Mamoru suddenly dropped, falling into a void, disappearing from view, much to her horror. Simultaneously, a fire suddenly flared forth and encircled Usagi trapping and burning her. Usagi shrieked in agony as she tried to douse the flames, but then something cold and wet splashed right into her face while dispersing the heat from the fire.

Usagi woke up with a start letting out a yell after feeling something cold fall off her forehead. It wasn't long before Usagi found that she was once again in her bed, with a startled Minako and a sleeping Chibiusa at the foot of her bed along with Artemis and Luna.

"Looks like you're awake now," Minako spoke. "I was hoping to change your towel while you were sleeping, but I guess I messed that up too. Sorry if I woke you up."

Usagi shook her head. "No, not at all. So, does this mean that you've been taking care of me all this time?"

"Well, yeah. Though Harusuke's been giving me some pointers," Minako shyly grinned. "I mean, there was nothing else I could do."

Usagi looked at Minako quizzically as she rinsed out her towel. Then Harusuke came in, carrying a piping hot bowl of soup.

"Well, looks who's wide awake," Harusuke chuckled as he set the bowl down. "Glad to see your fever's gone down. Excellent work, Minako."

Minako grinned at Harusuke while giving him a V with her fingers, but Usagi still felt a bit puzzled.

"Minako, why are you trying so hard to be so helpful?" Usagi asked. "I mean, what's the purpose for all this?"

"Yeah. I'm curious about that too," Harusuke said as he sat down. "You know how clumsy you are, and yet you still insist on helping. I can't understand it at all."

Minako smiled kindly. "Because you're both very precious to me, and I care about you both," she replied. "I get this urge like I need to protect the two of you."

"Is it because Harusuke and I are both members of the Royal Moon family?" wondered Usagi.

Minako shook her head. "It's because I feel at ease around you two," she said. "Usagi's full of energy, Harusuke's kind, and you both make me feel happy. That's why when you both became sick; I couldn't just leave you both to struggle on your own."

Both Usagi and Harusuke stared at Minako, feeling surprised and moved by her words of kindness.

Then, Chibiusa stirred until she woke up, rubbing her eyes sleepily. "Did Usagi's fever go down?" she mumbled.

Minako nodded. "And, by the way, Chibiusa's been with me the whole time helping to take care of you as well, Usagi."

Usagi was surprised, and Chibiusa's cheeks went pink with embarrassment.

"So what if I was?! Big deal!" Chibiusa huffed, trying to be indifferent. "Anyway, Minako, we have to go to the pharmacy to get medicine!"

"Oh, yeah! You're right," Minako spoke as she stood up. "Usagi, can you and Harusuke manage by yourselves while we're gone?"

"Of course. Thanks to you two, I feel a lot better now," replied Usagi.

"And I can take care of the rest while you two are gone," reassured Harusuke. "Just make sure the two of you are careful."

"We will," said Minako, while taking Chibiusa's hand. "Let's get going, Chibiusa."

The Tsukino siblings then watched as the two left the room. Harusuke looked at his sister with a broad smile when they were gone.

"She may be a walking disaster, but Minako's quite a gal," Harusuke chuckled. "Don't you agree, Sis?"

Usagi nodded in agreement.

At the Juuban Medical University Hospital, bodies of unconscious doctors and nurses lay everywhere as a dark and evil aura filled the air. At the very back, a nurse stood guard outside a room, which was the source of all the bad energy. This nurse was another one of Esmeraude's Droids, guarding the Dark Henge as it grew.

Esmeraude then appeared. "How's it coming, Pharmakon?" she asked her Droid.

"I'm happy to report that the Dark Henge is growing as expected. Everything is going on track as planned," replied the nurse. "If we continue to spread Dark Power by infusing it into the medications and injections among the humans..."

"Then opening the Dark Gate will be a simple matter," Esmeraude finished, smirking with glee.

Then suddenly, the two heard a voice.

"Hello! Is anyone here?! We're here to pick up some medication for Tsukino?!"

Esmeraude and Pharmakon jumped in surprise.

"Impossible! There's still a child healthy enough to shout?!" Esmeraude cried. "How is this possible?!"

"I-I don't know!" Pharmakon gulped.

Minako and Chibiusa had just arrived, coming to the lobby to pick up the medications, but there wasn't anyone around when they got there.

"That's weird. I wonder where everyone is?" Minako questioned as she glanced around. "It's too quiet in here."

"I know! Talk about rude!" complained Chibiusa. "Isn't there anyone here?"

Feeling impatient, Chibiusa wandered down the hallway along with Luna-P, hoping to find anyone that could provide them with some service. She soon came bursting into a room where Esmeraude, now disguised as a doctor, and Pharmakon were, hurriedly tainting the medications with Dark Power.

Thinking that they were actual doctors, Chibiusa scowled at them crossly. "So this is where you two were hiding!" she scolded. "Now hurry it up! I need my order for Tsukino right now!"

Esmeraude felt insulted for being ordered by a kid, but she kept it to herself as she smiled sweetly at Chibiusa while taking out a syringe. "All right, all right. But first, how's about I give you your vaccination shot so that you won't catch the flu."

Chibiusa's face paled when she saw the syringe in her hand. "A-A shot?!" she cried fearfully.

"Don't worry. It's nothing to worry about, and the injection is even free," Esermaude lied while smirking. "It'll only take a second."

Chibiusa nervously backed away, not convinced. "N-No thanks, I don't want a shot!"

"Come now, little girl, don't be stubborn," Esmeraude scolded. "You should accept help from others when they offer it. Now, Pharmakon, hold her down."

Pharmakon pounced on Chibiusa at her command, restraining her by the shoulders, preventing her escape. Chibiusa, now terrified out of her wits, let out a scream, causing her crescent moon mark to appear on her forehead, unleashing a pillar of light, much to the surprise of Esmeraude and her Droid.

Minako heard Chibiusa's screams and saw the light coming from the hall. "Don't worry, Chibiusa! I'm coming!" Minako cried as she took out her transformation stick. "VENUS STAR POWER MAKE UP!"

Transformation sequence: Minako.

Minako's hand is held up as golden stars swirl around it, alighting her fingernails, turning them into a shade of bright orange. Her transformation stick appears spinning, and she takes hold of it, the star on end as well as the symbol glowing. It begins to turn as Minako is enveloped in yellow light. Then she sweeps the pen over her head as banners of golden stars emit from it. Minako then holds up the pen above her head as the banners of stars form a spiral around her body. They disappear into the ground, forming a circle of stars and burst into more stars going upwards, enveloping Minako's body. Then Minako emerges wearing the same outfit as Sailor Moon's, the center bow, boots, and rims on the gloves colored orange, her back bow, yellow, and her center bow, blue. She then opens her eyes as she assumes her signature pose.

Back at the Tsukino's, both Harusuke and Usagi felt the surge of energy and looked out the window. In the distance, they could see a pillar of light.

"It's Chibiusa!" Harusuke cried. "She's in trouble!"

Usagi immediately tried to get out of bed, and Harusuke made for the door, but Luna jumped onto her lap, preventing Usagi from moving, while Artemis barred Harusuke's way.

"Usagi! What do you think you're doing?!" Luna demanded. "You and Harusuke are in no shape to fight right now!"

"You're both sick and should be resting!" added Artemis. "Especially when there's no telling when Usagi's fever will spike again! Both of you need to stay in bed!"

"We can't stay in bed while Chibiusa's in danger!" Usagi spoke. "She needs us, and we have to help her!"

"Not to mention, Minako's all alone out there!" Harusuke said. "What if she needs back up?! There's no way in heck I'm going to stand by when she might need help!"

Harusuke then moved Artemis out of the way and opened the door, but he looked back at Usagi and was about to help her when she tried shooing him away with her hand.

"Go, Harusuke! I'll catch up!" the ordango blonde gasped. "Help Chibiusa and Minako! You're the only one who's well enough to stand! Hurry!"

Harusuke hesitated for a few seconds, but he obeyed his sister as he rushed out of the room.

Back in the hospital, Chibiusa's beam of light soon died down. When it did, Esmeraude quickly shed her disguise, revealing herself as she cackled in triumph.

"Well, what do you know? This girl turned out to be the Rabbit!" said Esmersaude. "What a strange twist of fate! However, meeting you here will mean the end of you, little brat! Phamakon! Kill her!"

Pharmakon then transformed into her Droid form. Her body became glass-like, her skin turned purple, her eyes turned red, and her hair turned blue and glossy. Her outfit changed into a purple tube mini-skirt with black long-sleeved pumps, and her hands each morphed into a large syringe and a giant scalpel as she closed in on Chibiusa, preparing to go for the kill when a voice called out.

"Hold it right there!"

Esmeraude, Pharmakon, and Chibiusa looked up. Sailor Venus stood on top of the upper level by a window, much to Chibiusa's relief.

"Chasing a young child around and spreading your evil power throughout this town! You both are unforgivable, and I won't stand for it!" Sailor Venus spoke. "I am the Pretty Guardian who fights for love and beauty, Sailor Venus! And now, in the name of Venus, I'll punish you with the power of love!"

"Impossible! You've managed to find our Dark Hedge site already?!" Esmeraude gasped. "You somehow must have used your powers to locate us, didn't you?!"

"Sure did!" said Sailor Venus.

"Damn, you! So you're saying that you were aware of our plan of using this hospital as a base to make the entire city sick by spreading medicines laced with Dark Power?!" Esmeraude demanded.

"Of course, I knew that!" Sailor Venus replied. "It was so obvious!"

Chibiusa was appalled and shocked, knowing full well that Esmeraude had inadvertently revealed her whole plan, and Sailor Venus was playing along.

"Wow! Sailor Venus will say anything depending on the situation!" she thought to herself. "She should be an actress since she's so good at improv!"

"It would seem that I underestimated you brats a bit," Esmeraude scowled. "Very impressive, but you're still going to pay for interfering! Pharmakon! Get her!"

The Droid then pounced towards Sailor Venus, brandishing her scalpel, but Sailor Venus was ready as she aimed her finger at the Droid.

"VENUS CRESCENT BEAM!"

Sailor Venus fired her signature beam attack, only for the Droid to leap into the air, dodging the attack, and while in the air, swung her scalpel at the Guardian, hoping to take advantage. At the last split second, Sailor Venus jumped out of the way, the blade hitting the ground hitting just behind her as she used another attack.

"VENUS LOVE-ME CHAIN!"

Sailor Venus threw the Love-Me Chain around Pharmakon's scalpel, making it wrap tightly around, hoping that it would be enough to stop her, but Pharmakon has other ideas. The Droid aimed with its syringe arm and, to Sailor Venus' surprise, fired it at her like it was a large dart gun forcing Venus to let go to dodge. Now free, Pharmakon fired another syringe missile, forcing Sailor Venus to move to the right as the syringe pierced the wall just under her armpit. Pharmakon fired again, shooting six more syringe missiles. Each one narrowly missed Sailor Venus and pinned her to the wall simultaneously. The Guardian was now stuck as Esmeraude laughed in delight.

"This battle is over!" Esmeraude crowed. "But before you kill her, make sure you kill the Rabbit first!"

Pharmakon obeyed as she aimed her syringe hand at Chibiusa and fired. Chibiusa fled in terror, trying to get away as it loomed closer and closer to her, but at the last second, a red rose shot out, shattering the syringe just in time. Chibiusa looked up and saw her savior, of course, Tuxedo Mask.

"Hospitals are a haven for healing and comfort for those stricken by illness!" Tuxedo Mask proclaimed. "Filling such a place with your filthy power and using it for evil is wrong and despicable!"

Chibiusa and Sailor Venus were grateful, but Esmeraude was now crosser than before.

"Enough! I hate how much you blabber!" Esmeraude snapped. "Pharmakon! Get rid of anyone who interferes with our master plan!"

Pharmakon prepared to aim and fire at Tuxedo Mask, but a golden ball of light shot out and intercepted her. Solaris then appeared, jumping into the fray.

"Sorry if I'm a little late!" Solaris said. "Are you guys, OK?!"

Sailor Venus was surprised. "Solaris?! What are you doing here?!" she cried. "You shouldn't be fighting right now!"

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine. It's going to take a lot more than a stuffy nose to keep me down," Solaris reassured. "Besides, you've been busy taking care of me and the others; it's time for me to repay the favor! Tuxedo Mask! Look after Chibiusa!"

Solaris then took a stance, preparing to fight, but then let out a sneeze into the bend of his elbow, much to the worry of Sailor Venus and Chibiusa.

Esmeraude, however, regained her composure. "You talk a big game, Solaris, but let's see long you can fight when the virus takes full effect on you! Pharmakon!"

The Droid then shot towards Solaris firing her syringe missiles, only for the Guardian to counter with a Solar Binding. The beam of light shot towards the Droid, attempting to bend around it, but Pharmakon was too quick as she moved out of the way fired her syringe missiles again. Then as Solaris prepared to counterattack, he suddenly felt a dizzy spell hit him, causing him to stagger, and his vision briefly wane. This opening made the missiles hit their mark as one nicked Solaris all over as Solaris cried out in agony as the force sent him flying and tumbling to the floor.

"No, Solaris!" Sailor Venus cried.

Solaris grunted in pain as he struggled back up to his feet while holding his shoulder in pain, his cheeks now looking flushed, seeming to be out of breath.

"Looks like the virus has taken full effect on you, Solaris," Esmeraude grinned. "Just like I thought it would."

"D-Damn it. I feel so weak," Solaris thought as his dizziness grew stronger. "At this rate, I might pass out just like Usagi did! But I have to keep fighting! I have to protect everyone!"

"Pharmakon! Finish him off!" ordered Esmeraude. "Make an example out of that fool for what happens when you dare oppose the Black Moon Clan!"

The Droid complied by firing another array of syringes at Solaris, forcing the Guardian to go on the defensive as they nicked and scrapped him all over as he bravely tried to stand his ground. Tuxedo Mask set Chibiusa down and tried to intervene, but Esmeraude cut him off, preventing him.

"Not so fast, Pretty boy," Esmeraude cackled. "Why don't you and the Rabbit have a little fun with me?"

Sailor Venus struggled, trying to break free from the syringes that pinned her, but she couldn't as the Droid continued her relentless assault on Solaris. The Guardian of the Sun soon couldn't defend himself any longer as he ended up on the ground again, his armor scratched and his spandex covered in nicks leaking a bit of blood. As the Droid closed in on him, Solaris struggled as he tried to get up, still refusing to back down.

"Solaris, please! Stop this!" begged Sailor Venus. "You're too weak to fight anymore! If you keep this up, you'll die!"

"You know I can't do that, Sailor Venus. I ain't going anywhere," Solaris grunted. "Besides, there's no way I'm going to go and abandon you. As long as I'm around, I'm going to keep fighting till my last breath. Not just because you're a Sailor Guardian, but because you're compassionate, precious, and I care about you. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't protect the people I care about?!"

Sailor Venus' heart slightly jumped as she stared at Solaris from his words. Pharmakon now stood over Solaris, chuckling maliciously, causing Sailor Venus to struggle even more to try and break free.

"This is the end for you, Guardian!" Pharmakon crowed as she brought her blade up above her head. "Prepare to die!"

Then, as Sailor Venus saw this gruesome sight, as the scalpel started to come down, something snapped inside of her.

"STOOOOOOOOP! ! ! !"

Sailor Venus' body suddenly erupted in a yellow aura, her light shining throughout the hospital, causing everyone to shield their eyes. Then, the light that shrouded Sailor Venus left her body and went over to Solaris, his prism absorbing it all at once, causing it to change to the colors of yellow and slight orange. Solaris also began to feel his strength returning as he got back up on his feet with no difficulty as he looked over at his prism.

"What just happened?!" demanded Esmeraude. "What was that light?!"

Solaris looked at his prism and held it up, shouting these words in response.

"SOLARIS VENUS POWER RANK UP!"

Transformation Solaris: Venus Mode

The gem in Solaris' bracelet glows brightly in a bright yellow light, the symbol of Venus shining inside the prism. Next, Solaris is enveloped in bright yellow light as long banners of yellow stars shot out from his bracelet and encircle his body as he spins around, similar to Minako. First, they surrounded his body, turning into a spiral that spun rapidly. Next, his boots emerge from the flames, yellow while retaining the silver. Then his belt is revealed, also being yellow, along with his right and left gloves and chest, while keeping the silver. At the center of Solaris' chest, it changed to silver, and the dot had changed to the symbol of Venus. Finally, the head of Solaris emerges from the lightning, the helmet slightly different in design. He then strikes his signature pose, while the background shows his symbol and Sailor Venus overlapping each other in a yellow and gold background.

As Solaris reemerged from his transformation, Pharmakon and Esmeraude were filled with disbelief, while Sailor Venus was amazed, her mouth hung open in awe.

"Oh, wow! Solaris looks different now!" Chibiusa gasped. "His armor changed colors!"

Tuxedo Mask smiled in agreement. "Yes. Sailor Venus' bond, as well as her power, made him transform."

Solaris then looked back at the Guardian of Love. "Sailor Venus, your compassion, as well as your desire to protect me, made me gain a new form and fit as a fiddle," He gave her a thumbs-up as he smiled. "I owe you my thanks."

Sailor Venus stared at Solaris and answered with a nod and smile.

Esmeraude scowled angrily. "Don't start getting cocky just because you changed colors!" she snapped. "Parumakon! Get him!"

Pakrumakon dashed at Solaris and fired multiple syringes, but Solaris aimed with his index finger and charged it with power.

"CRESCENT BEAM SHOWER!"

The Guardian fired a powerful beam of light that split into multiple beams at once, destroying not only the syringes but also managing to hit the Droid several times, causing the Droid to shriek in agony, forcing her back. Not letting up on his assault, Solaris began to glow as a chain of light materialized and swirled around his body.

"LOVE-ME CHAIN!"

At his yell, Solaris launched the chain right the Droid making it wrap around Pharmakon, pulled it towards him with a mighty tug, and met the Droid with a powerful punch to the stomach sending the Droid flying across the hall until it hit the wall with a thud as she slumped to the floor.

Esmeraude was now worried, however seeing that Solaris was distracted by his fight with the Droid, she saw an opportunity, glancing over at Tuxedo Mask and Chibiusa. But as she was about to make her move, a voice shouted.

"JUPITER SPARKLING WIDE PRESSURE!"

A massive disc of lightning cut her off, catching her by surprise as another voice shouted out.

"MERCURY BUBBLE SPRAY!"

A thick fog then blanketed the area, obscuring Esmeraude's vision. Then, when the mist cleared, Esemeruade now found herself surrounded by Sailor Moon and the rest of the guardians from all sides.

"So you were the one behind this flu, Esmeraude!" said Sailor Mars. "I should have guessed it would be you!"

"Now, it's time to get some payback!" said Sailor Jupiter.

"Girls! You made it!" Solaris gasped in surprise.

"What are you all doing here?!" cried Sailor Venus. "You should be in bed!"

"It's OK. We're all better now," reassured Sailor Moon.

"All thanks to your kind and loving care, Sailor Venus," smiled Sailor Mars.

"Your compassion as well as sharing your healthy energy nursed us back to health," said Sailor Mercury.

"We're all grateful, Sailor Venus," thanked Sailor Jupiter.

Sailor Venus' lip trembled a bit from emotion as she tried her best to fight back the tears, feeling happy.

Esmeraude, on the other hand, was fed up, realizing she was losing the numbers game. "Pharmakon! Take care of the rest!" she commanded as she disappeared in full retreat.

Everyone then refocused their attention to Pharmakon, who had managed to recover. Sailor Moon then stepped up, preparing to use her Moon Princess Halation, but as she did, she suddenly felt another dizzy spell causing her to falter to her knees. The others quickly rushed over to help her.

"Sailor Moon?! What's wrong?!" asked Sailor Mercury.

"I'm sorry, I want to do my part, but my fever spiked again," Sailor Moon spoke weakly.

"Then let me take care of the droid," said Solaris as he stood in front of them. "I should be able to take it out, no problem."

Sailor Moon and the other guardians then took notice of Solaris and his new form, which caught them by surprise.

"S-Solaris?! You changed forms again!" pointed out Sailor Jupiter. "When did this happen?"

"Let's just say that I received power from the goddess of love," Solaris said with a wink. "Now then, I think it's time to get rid of this flu, and I know just the cure for it!"

Solaris faced the Droid beginning to glow in yellow as the Love-Me Chain surrounded him. He held out his hand, straightening it, making the chain wrap around his arm, and formed a spear of light, briefly taking the shape of a unicorn that neighed. Pharmakon looked up in time to see Solaris shoot straight for her, aiming with his spear.

"SOLARIS VENUS UNICORN SABER!"

Solaris shot past the Droid while giving her a mighty swing of his spear, slashing her right in the middle. After a brief moment of silence, Pharmakon's body cracked and crumbled as she exploded into dust while letting out a scream of agony. Sailor Moon and guardians were amazed as well as impressed.

"Way to go, Solaris!" praised Sailor Jupiter.

"That's my Big Bro!" Sailor Moon smiled.

Solaris looked back and gave a thumbs-up as his armor returned to its natural color in a yellow flash. But then, their moment of triumph was interrupted by Sailor Venus, who remained stuck to the wall.

"Um, excuse me, guys, but would one of you mind helping me get down, please?" begged Sailor Venus. "I can't move, and I think I have to use the bathroom!"

"Whoops. Sorry, Sailor Venus," apologized Sailor Moon. "We kinda forgot about you."

"How could you forget me after everything I did for you?!" Sailor Venus cried indignantly. "Give me a break already!"

Everyone couldn't help but laugh as they went over to help Minako. While this was happening, Esmeraude watched from the shadows, livid that another one of her plans had failed.

"Damn it all! I was so close!" Esmeraude seethed crossly. "Mark my words, Guardians, you'll all pay for this!"

Thanks to the defeat of the Droid, the people in Juuban were in good health. Everyone that was, except for two. Both Minako and Artemis were now sick with the flu and resting in bed feeling ill and miserable.

"I can't believe this," moaned Minako stuffily. "This is the real flu, isn't it?"

"Yup, and you ended up giving it to me," Artemis mumbled.

Luna then appeared, hopping up on the bed. "But there is one upside, though," the black cat chuckled. "Now that you're sick, that means that you're not a fool, after all."

Artemis grumpily glared. "Luna, you're a terrible caregiver, you know that?" he grumped. "That's not exactly what you should be saying during a get-well visit."

At that moment, Usagi and Chibiusa came in, both of which were donning nurse outfits. Usagi was also carrying a bowl of rice porridge, while Chibiusa had a doctor's box ready.

"We're here, Minako!" Usagi spoke cheerily, placing the bowl on Minako's lap. "Now, eat up! You have to eat to keep your strength up, so I made a bowl of delicious rice porridge for you! Let me know how it tastes, and be honest!"

Minako wasn't feeling too keen, especially since Usagi was the one that made it, but not wanting to disappoint her, she popped a spoonful into her mouth. Her face immediately scrunched up from the terrible taste, but she tried her best not to show it.

"It's, um, good. It's different," Minako spoke uneasily.

Usagi was pleased. "Be sure to eat plenty, OK?" she said happily

Chibiusa then jumped in, wanting to help too. "Here you go, Minako," she spoke while holding the thermometer. "I'll take your temperature."

But before she could, Usagi immediately snatched it away from her. "You're supposed to do that later, Chibiusa," she scolded. "Don't butt in, you little meddler!"

"What did you say?!" Chibiusa demanded crossly.

"You heard me!" Usagi shot back.

The two ordangos gazed grimly at each other, and the two then began to argue and fight like a pair of dogs.

Minako could only sigh as they did. "So this is what it's like to have the shoe on the wild goose chase," she sighed.

"Not exactly, but close enough," Artemis groaned.

At that moment, Harusuke came into the room and saw the chaos in the room. He calmly walked over to the two and grabbed them by the scruff of their collars, pulling them apart.

"Alright, that's enough. Both of you," Harusuke spoke calmly. "Minako and Artemis need their rest, and they certainly aren't going to get it with you two around. So, I'm going to have to ask you both to leave."

"But Minako needs someone to take care of her!" protested Usagi. "And I want to help her!"

"Me too!" Chibiusa also protested.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of Minako," Harusuke spoke as he used his malice, hidden smile technique. "I've already had to deal with one disaster today; I will not have another. Got it?"

Usagi and Chibiusa were slightly frightened but obeyed as they went away, with Luna following. Harusuke then sighed in exasperation.

"Sorry about that, Minako," apologized Harusuke. "I know that you wanted some peace, but then they-"

"It's OK, Harusuke. Really," Minako interrupted. "Although, you did save my skin from a potential disaster."

"Anytime," Harusuke said. "Oh, by the way, I have something for you."

He then opened a basket and took out a bowl. Upon seeing it, Minako's face immediately paled.

"Harusuke, please don't tell me that's rice porridge in there," Minako squeaked nervously. "I've had about all I can take of that for one day."

But when Harusuke opened the bowl, a sweet smell wafted into Minako's nose. The sweet smell of cinnamon, which Minako recognized.

"Wait a sec. Is that oatmeal?" Minako asked.

"Yup. I asked Mako about any recommendations for what to eat when you have a cold or flu, and I decided on this instead of rice porridge," Harusuke explained. "I also brought you some tea, an orange and bananas, and even some soup for Artemis."

"That's very kind of you, Harusuke," Artemis said, perking up at the sound of soup. "You could learn a thing or two from him, Minako."

Minako pouted sulkily. "All right, Artemis, I get it. You don't need to rub it in," she huffed. "But seriously, Harusuke. Thank you, this is very thoughtful of you."

"It's the least I can do after you've tried so hard to take care of everyone," Harusuke smiled. "Now, I know that you probably would like some alone time to get well, so I'm going to leave you and Artemis be. But, if you need anything, feel free to let me or anyone of us know."

Harusuke then got up and left the room, quietly shutting the door. Minako then looked at the oatmeal, filled her spoon, and tasted it. Her eyes blinked with surprise as a smile spread on her cheeks.

"It's delicious."