Inside the Dead Moon Circus tent, the Amazon Quartet had just finished their rehearsal and were heading to the bar to see the Amazon Trio to see how they were getting along after the recent mission.
But when they got there, they saw the three, but they all looked grumpy and upset.
"Hey, you guys. Why the long faces?" asked VesVes. "The other lemures talking about you guys again?"
"If you know, then why did you ask?" grumped Tiger's Eye as he took a swig of his drink.
"Why do you even bother letting them get you?" asked JunJun. "I mean, sure. You guys haven't been getting into Ziconia's good graces, but that shouldn't get you down."
"That's precisely why the other Lemures were talking about us," said Hawk's Eye. "Due to our inability to find Pegasus, they keep calling us failures and disgraces to the Dead Moon Circus. We've been searching all over this lousy town for targets and haven't found a trace of Pegasus."
"Well, if it's any consolation, at least you guys succeeded in something," said PallaPalla. "At least you were to use that crystal and bring it back to Zirconia."
"Yeah, after almost dying because Solaris decided to go dark and murderous on me," huffed Tiger's Eye.
"And I even went through the trouble of discovering his secret identity, too," sighed Fish's Eye. "And the sad part? Zirconia doesn't even care. All of her attention has been toward that lousy crystal."
"Now that you mention it, she's been holed up in her room for a while now," said CereCere. "Not to mention, Zircon hasn't found any new targets. I can't help but wonder what she's been up to."
"Let's just hope it's not something weird," said JunJun. "But knowing the old granny, it'll probably be crazy."
Tiger's Eye then stood up while slamming his hands on the table, making everyone jump. He now wore a determined scowl, his eyes burning with resolution.
"That's it! I'm sick and tired of feeling this way!" he spoke. "I'm tired of not finding Pegasus and dealing with those lousy guardians! I say it's time we take matters into our own hands!"
"And off he goes, ladies and gentlemen," sighed Fish's Eye.
"Just hear out! Instead of waiting for Madame Zirconia or Zircon to give us orders, why don't we do her a favor and take out those guardians ourselves!" Tiger's Eye went on. "If we can take them out, we'll be able to save our reputation, and we won't have to deal with them anymore! Plus, we'll earn ourselves brownie points with Madame Zirconia!"
"And how exactly are we supposed to do that?" asked Fish's Eye.
Tiger's Eye flashed a confident grin. "It's simple. We lure them out, and then bam! Catch them by surprise! After all, we know about Solaris's human identity, so it should be simple."
"In case you haven't noticed, that tactic is a bit too straightforward," said VesVes. "Besides, even if you know who he is outside of the suit, once those Sailor Guardians show up, it's game over. I wish we could help you if we weren't so busy perfecting our acts, along with Granny Zirconia forbidding us from going outside."
"Maybe you won't have to," said Hawk's Eye.
Everyone looked across to Hawk's Eye as a twinkle flashed in his gaze.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Fish's Eye. "Don't tell me you agree with him."
"Well, with some tweaking, I think we can make it work," said Hawk's Eye. "Besides, I'm also tired of being mocked for our failures. It's high time we show everyone, especially Zirconia, what we can do when we use our full strength. No more playing around. No more games. And no more failures."
Everyone could see that Hawk's Eye meant business.
Fish's Eye then stood up. "Well, when you put it that way, it's hard not to feel motivated," he said. "All right then. Count me in."
"Then what are we doing standing around?" smirked Tiger's Eye. "You guys with me?"
The Amazon Trio then gave each other a nod as they got up, preparing to leave.
"Well, I'll say this much. You guys have guts," said CereCere. "You know that Granny Zirconia might get mad if you do this without her consent."
"At this point, I'm willing to take that risk," said Tiger's Eye. "Sorry if it sounds like I'm being selfish, but I'm not the kind of person to just give up without giving it everything I got! I'll take whatever risk I have to regain my pride as an Amazon!" He looked over at Fish's Eye and Hawk's Eye. "You two don't have to go along with me if you don't want to."
"Forget it. You're stuck with us whether you like it or not," said Hawk's Eye. "After all, we're the Amazon Trio. Sure, we argue and are rough around the edges, but we stick together."
"Besides, someone's got to make sure you stay out of trouble," Fish's Eye spoke while touching his shoulder. "You know, all for one and one for all and all that jazz."
"Hawk's Eye... Fish's Eye..." Tiger's Eye spoke with a moved smile. "Thank you. Both of you. What did I do to deserve friends like you?"
"All right. Enough being sentimental," said Hawk's Eye. "It's high time we start planning. But we can't have Madame Zirconia getting suspicious. We want to surprise her after all. Until then, Tiger's Eye, you pick out another target and act like everything is normal. And while you do that..." He looked back at the Quartet. "PallaPalla, would you mind if we have some time with you?"
"Who, me?" PallaPalla blinked while pointing at herself. "What do you need me for?"
"Let's just say our plan will acquire your abilities," said Hawk's Eye. "They're essential for what I have in mind."
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In Juuban Park, Chibiusa was sitting with her two friends, Momoko and Kyuusuke, drawing. They were on a field trip with their other classmates for art class. Their goal was to paint the current scenery precisely as they see it. Chibiusa was so deeply immersed in painting that she even went as far as to wear a mustache and a beret. She had painted a magical landscape with a white pegasus standing on an island in the middle of the lake.
Momoko then approached. "Hey, Chibiusa. Are you finished with your painting?" she asked.
"Almost," replied Chibiusa.
Momoko then noticed Chibiusa's painting along with the mustache and beret, and while briefly taken aback, she was impressed. "Wow, Chibiusa! You're a good artist!" she complimented. "And you even look like one, too!"
"I'm glad you think so," Chibiusa beamed. "Just call me, Monseur Artistico!"
Kyuusuke also came to inspect. "It's not too shabby," he said. "For a beginner, that is."
Momoko then frowned, knowing he was teasing. "All right then. Let's see yours then, Kyuusuke," she leered.
"Why should I?" countered Kyuusuke. "And besides, it's not even finished yet."
But Momoko was persistent as she went over to Kyuusuke's painting. However, Kyuusuke beat her to the punch and tried not to let her see. The two then eventually started fighting, much to Chibiusa's chagrin.
Then, a young, bespectacled woman approached. She was Ms. Morino, the art class teacher.
"What's going on here?" Ms. Morino asked sternly. "Are you two finished with your paintings?"
Momoko and Kyuusuke immediately stopped bickering and quickly returned to their paintings.
"A-Almost done!" Kyuusuke gulped.
"Y-Yes! Me too, Ms. Morino!" concurred Momoko nervously.
Ms. Morina then took notice of Chibiusa in her current attire. "Ms. Tsukino, why are you dressed like that?" she asked, a bit bewildered.
"I'm just copying a famous artist I saw on TV once," replied Chibiusa.
"Ms. Tsukino, I'm afraid I don't approve," she said, continuing to be strict. "Could you please stop playing around and be serious?"
"But I'm not playing around, Ms. Morino!" protested Chibiusa. "I feel more talented when I dress like this."
Ms. Morino sighed, conceding. "Well, that aside, how's your painting coming along?" she questioned.
Chibiusa then proudly showed off her painting for her to inspect.
"Well, now. It's vibrant and well drawn," Ms. Morino critiqued. "And your use of colors is nice also."
Chibiusa felt pleased, as were her friends. But that didn't last for long, as Ms. Morino frowned.
"However, I'm afraid I can't give you a very high grade."
Chibusa and her friends were surprised as well as dismayed. "But why not?" they asked.
"The assignment for today was to paint a landscape," explained Ms. Morino. "Which means trying to reproduce what's in front of you exactly as it appears. It isn't necessary to draw something imaginary; otherwise, you wouldn't be able to call it a landscape."
"Well, you're not wrong, Ms. Morino," said Chibusa. "But I think it matches the scenery."
Ms. Morino was about to explain even further, but Kyuusuke cut in.
"Geez, you're always so strict and rigid, Ms. Morino!" He then gave her a teasing wink. "That's probably why you're still single."
Ms. Morino took great offense to that comment but kept it to herself, pretending not to hear.
"In any case, there's still time," she said. "So I suggest you redo it before you turn it in."
She then walked away to check on the other students.
"You know, now that I think about it, Ms. Morino does seem cold and stern most of the time," said Momoko. "I wonder why that is?"
"Who knows?" shrugged Kyuusuke. "Maybe she just doesn't like kids."
Chibiusa didn't have an answer either.
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After school, Chibiusa was walking home with Usagi and Harusuke.
They had just gone to the supermarket and bought some groceries. But while Harusuke and Usagi carried some, Chibiusa walked further ahead, wanting to hurry home.
"Come on, you slow pokes!" the pink ordango called. "Keep moving!"
"What are you talking about?!" Usagi snapped huffily. "The third pole is right here! Now, hurry up and get back here and help carry these! My arms are killing me!"
Chibiusa sighed as she trotted back to them. Then, the two pulled back their arms as they played Rock, Paper, Scissors.
"Rock, Paper, Scissors!"
But much to Usagi's dismay, Chibiusa did paper while she did rock.
"You lose, Chibiusa," said Chibiusa. "Now you have to carry them for three more poles."
"Why am I the one who loses every time?!" Usagi snapped. "I don't know how you're doing it, Chibiusa, but you're cheating! I know the game's just luck, but since you're from the future, you probably knew what I would do!"
"Or maybe someone keeps using rock instead of paper or scissors," commented Harusuke. "I mean, seriously. What did you think was going to happen? Besides, Chibiusa may be a sailor guardian, but she's not like Sailor Pluto or anything. If you need help, I can take some more bags if you want."
Usagi reluctantly handed Harusuke some bags and resumed walking while mumbling huffily. But as she did while coming to an intersection, she didn't realize until too late that someone came walking to her right and bumped straight into her. Usagi fell flat on her bottom, and the groceries went everywhere. That someone turned out to be Ms. Morino.
As Usagi recovered, Ms. Morino quickly rushed over to apologize. "I'm so sorry! Are you all right!?"
"I think so," Usagi mumbled. "I wish I could say the same for the groceries, though."
"I'm so sorry about that. I wasn't watching where I was going," Ms. Morino apologized again. "Let me help pick them up. And I'll happily pay for any damages."
"Don't worry about it," said Harusuke. "It was an accident."
Chibiusa then came back wondering what was going on, but she was surprised when she saw her art teacher as she was to see her.
"Oh! Ms. Tsukino. Good afternoon," greeted Ms. Morino.
"Good afternoon to you, too, Ms. Morino," said Chibiusa.
"Hold on. Do you two know each other, Chibiusa?" asked Usagi.
"Yes, Ms. Morino is my art teacher," said Chibiusa.
"Oh? Is that so?" Usagi then introduced herself. "Hello there. I'm Usagi. It's nice to meet you. And thank you for always teaching Chibiusa."
"And I'm Harusuke," the boy also introduced. "Ditto to everything she said."
"Likewise," said Ms. Morino. "Would you two happen to be Chibiusa's siblings?"
"Yes, we're her big brother and sister," said Usagi. "So, since you're here, how has Chibiusa been doing in class? Has she been doing OK? I know she can be a handful sometimes."
"Hey, I'm doing just fine, thank you!" Chibiusa huffed with pouty cheeks.
Usagi chuckled. "Oh, calm down. I'm just kidding."
But Ms. Morino smiled warmly. "Well, your sister is quite popular in class," she spoke. "She seems to make friends with everyone so quickly."
"Is that so?" Harusuke spoke with interest. "That's quite the praise."
"Yes. And I mean every one of those words," went on Ms. Morino as her expression became wistful. "Sometimes, I almost envy her."
Chibiusa was surprised to hear about that.
Ms. Morino then cleared her throat, correcting herself. "Anyway, I'm so sorry about your groceries."
"Don't worry about it. It's quite all right," said Usagi. "Accidents happen. Besides, I'm happy to hear about Chibiusa doing well in class. It makes me happy and proud to hear she's doing great."
Chibiusa's cheeks flushed. "H-Hey! You're embarrassing me, Usagi!" she complained as she played with her fingers. "It's not that big a deal or anything."
"Aww, is someone getting embarrassed?" Usagi teased. "You're so cute when you're blushing!"
"I'm not blushing!" objected Chibiusa. "Stop picking on me!"
"Well, to be fair, you kinda had it coming after the way you beat her all those times," chuckled Harusuke.
Ms. Morino also couldn't help but smile. However, she felt more envious than before, but she kept it to herself. "Anyway, I better get going now," she said. "I'll see you at school tomorrow, Ms. Tsukino."
And she went away while Usagi, Chibusa, and Harusuke watched her go, the three sensing something to be amiss with the woman.
"She seemed really nice," said Harusuke. "And she doesn't seem to be the kind to just be polite."
"And despite what she said about me," said Chibiusa. "Even I can't make friends with everybody."
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Ms. Morino continued wandering around, feeling depressed.
She could still remember what Kyuusuke said about her and Chibusa being close with Usagi and Harusuke.
"I guess a teacher is a teacher even on Sundays," she thought. "But with that being said, I wish I knew how to deal with children better."
Then, she heard a voice that came from beside her.
"Excuse me, young lady."
Ms. Morion stopped looking up and noticed a young man wearing a traditional kimono and hat sitting at a desk. It was Tiger's Eye once again disguised to lure in his prey.
"Is something troubling you?" Tiger's Eye asked. "I can see that you're looking quite depressed."
"Who might you be?" asked Ms. Morino.
"I am but a simple fortune teller," replied Tiger's Eye. "Whose job is to help people such as you by relieving your worries. And right now, as a special service, I'm offering a free live consultation."
Ms. Morino was a bit heisitant. "I see. Well, I," the woman began to say.
"Not that you're lovely when you're worried," Tiger's Eye interrupted, looking at her with a beckoning smile. "But I think a smile would look much better on you. Wouldn't you like to become a more wonderful version of yourself? Come. Sit down and tell me your story."
Ms. Morino was still hesitant but then decided it couldn't hurt to talk about her feelings with someone. So she sat down and began telling Tiger's Eye about her problems. While she did, Tiger's Eye started reading her palm using a magnifying glass.
"I've wanted to become a teacher ever since I was little," spoke Ms. Morino. "But now that I've finally become one, I feel like I can't seem to get along with the children."
"Is that so?" said Tiger's Eye.
"It's gotten to a point where I've lost all my self-confidence," continued Ms. Moreno sadly. "I'm not even sure if I should be a teacher anymore. If I could learn how to get the children to like me, that would at least be a start."
Tiger's Eye nodded in understanding, but inside, he couldn't help but feel blase.
"How boring. The things I have to put up these days," the blonde thought. "Here I am, having to listen to this woman prattle on while trying to lure out Pegasus and those pesky guardians and wait for Hawk's Eye and Fish's Eye, who are off doing who knows what with PallaPalla. I know Hawk's Eye said that this was a part of the plan, but I fail to see how this is any different than last time. I deserve a higher pay grade for this."
"Listen, I understand your concern, and I'm happy to say that there's nothing for you to worry about anymore," Tiger's Eye said ominously as he took Ms. Morino's hand while leaning close. "Because I'm going to show you how to kiss all those worries and cares goodbye."
Sensing his change in tone, Ms. Morino promptly stood up and tried to leave, but Tiger's Eye extended his magnifying glass and used it to make her trip, causing her to fall.
"And where are you going?" he spoke with a chuckle. "I'm not done with you yet."
His magnifying glass then changed into his signature whip and, while giving it a crack, shed his disguise, much to Ms. Morino's fright.
Tiger's Eye then counted down.
"One!"
The slab sprang up, lifting her up from the ground.
"Two!"
Metal clamps shut tight around her limbs.
"Three!"
Ms. Morino's dream mirror then sprang out from her chest, and she could only sit there bewildered and terrified.
Then, Hawk's Eye appeared through his wormhole. "Well done, as always, Tiger's Eye," he congratulated. "You've managed to catch yourself another one."
But Tiger's Eye was scowling. "Tell me again why I had to go through all that?" he complained. "This is no different than any other plan we've cooked up. What? Are you planning to trap the guardians in another one of your cages?"
"Oh, stop being such fuddy-duddy," said Hawk's Eye. "This is necessary to lure in those Sailor Guardians. As you know, thanks to Madame Zirconia's lecturing, Pegasus is essential for us to rule this planet. The one that appears in this world is nothing more but a shadow of its actual self. Therefore, we must find the person with beautiful dreams as its host."
"I already know that," Tiger's Eye huffed. "But sometimes I can't help but wonder what would happen if the host becomes aware of these powers Pegasus has. Who's to say they won't use that power for their own purposes?"
"If they did, they wouldn't be much of a beautiful dreamer, now would they?" said Hawk's Eye. "Their dreams would become dark and twisted, forcing him to leave and find a different host. That being said, I've devised a plan to finally catch him once and for all, and this is the key." He looked over at his shadow. "Hebihanabiko? Are you there?"
At the sound of his voice, the shadow stretched and enlarged as a pair of eyes appeared, followed by a feminine voice.
"You called for me, Master Hawk's Eye?" it asked.
"I take it that you've heard everything I've said," said Hawk's Eye. "Including the part about Pegasus being a shadow?"
"Every word," Hebihanabiko replied.
Tiger's Eye then started catching on. "Hey, that's right! Hebihanabiko can enter a person's heart from their shadow! And since Pegasus is a shadow..."
"Hebihanabiko can sneak into the heart of the real Pegasus and then find out where he's been hiding and find out the identity of its current host," finished Hawk's Eye. "Not only that, but she can also get into the host's heart and bend them to our will. And since Sailor Chibi Moon is the only one who seems to be able to summon him since he provides her aid, we'll lure them in with this woman and her dream mirror, and the moment Chibi Moon summons him, we'll catch them by surprise with Hebihanabiko."
"That's a pretty good plan," said Tiger's Eye. "But I can't help but ask, what happens if this one fails like the others?"
"Then, we'll just have to go with Plan B," said Hawk's Eye. "And use our secret weapon."
"Secret weapon? What exactly is it?" asked Tiger's Eye. "I'm getting a bit tired of you keeping me in the dark like this."
"Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be much of a secret, would it?" said Hawk's Eye. "All I can tell you is that PallaPalla is putting the finishing touches on it. In the meantime, see if that woman has Pegasus in her dreams, and wait for the Guardians. And Hebihanibiko, you stay with Tiger's Eye. Make sure you both put on a good show."
"Understood," the lemures replied as her shadow moved toward Tiger's Eye, disappearing into it.
And with that, Hawk's Eye disappeared with a hop into his wormhole.
Tiger's Eye sighed. "Well, I suppose I don't have anything else to lose. So let's get this over with."
Ms. Morino could only watch as Tiger's Eye stretched her dream mirror wide and plunged his head deep inside it, beginning his search.
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Meanwhile, the Tsukinos had yet to go far while carrying their groceries. Usagi was still complaining, tired of losing and carrying the groceries.
Then, a red Alfa Romeo SZ pulled up next to them. And as the window went down, the three were surprised and happy to see its driver was none other than Mamoru.
"Hey, you guys," Mamoru greeted. "You three need a lift?"
"Of course we do!" gushed Usag gratefully. "You really are a prince, you know that?"
"If that's the case, then this is quite the chariot you're showing off," said Harusuke. "Where did you get it? Did Haruka introduce you to an exclusive seller or something?"
Before Mamoru could answer, they all heard a loud scream, making them jump.
Chibiusa recognized it immediately. "That sounded like Ms. Morino!"
All four looked at each other and nodded. The Tsukinos dropped their groceries and raced off to where they heard the sound. They eventually found Tiger's Eye, head deep in Ms. Morino's dream mirror, who had passed out at some point.
"All right, you two! You guys ready?" asked Harusuke.
Usagi and Chibiusa nodded in response as they all transformed.
"MOON CRISIS, MAKE UP!"
"SOLAR QWASAR POWER, SUIT UP!
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Transformation Sequence: Usagi and Chibiusa.
Usagi's Crisis Moon Compact and Chibiusa's Chibi Moon Compact open, and their crystals flash until they erupt with pink light. While enveloped in light with their compacts affixed to the middle of their chests, Usagi and Chibiusa stand side by side as pink ribbons made of light burst from their brooches, trailing and flapping in the wind-like capes. First, as she turns around, they wrap around Usagi, forming her leotard, and the same happens to Chibiusa. Next, the two stood back-to-back, bending backward elegantly as their skirt, boots, and ribbons materialized. Then, as they move around face-to-face, Chibiusa kisses Usagi's cheek, and as she pulls away, her tiara and other accessories appear along with Usagi's. The two then open their eyes, their transformations completed; they turn one and strike their signature poses while a yellow moon with pink roses appears in the background.
Transformation Sequence: Solaris (Post Super S)
Harusuke's crystal begins to shine, each of the ten points glowing in different colors of the rainbow until the center explodes in golden light. Harusuke, enveloped in silver light, holds his hands to his chest. His crystal lets out a burst of light as he throws his hands out, the symbol of the Sun appearing on his chest. Multiple streams of rainbow-colored light shine forth from it and spread throughout his body, enveloping him. Then, chrome golden and silver armor forms on his body, starting from his chest, arms, and legs. The symbol of the Sun appears in the middle of his forehead, and as it shines, light envelops his head, forming his helmet. His transformation completed, his eyes snap open, brightly flashing silver once and while spinning once, strikes his signature pose as the symbol of the Sun, now having ten different colored points, shines behind him in a starry blue background.
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Tiger's Eye soon pulled his head out of the dream mirror, having finished searching Ms. Morino's dream mirror. "Just like I thought, no Pegasus," he thought while frowning. "Another dead end. Which means..."
"Hey, Tiger's Eye! Get away from that woman right now!" ordered a voice.
Tiger's Eye turned around, and just as he expected, Super Sailor Moon, Super Sailor Chibi Moon, and Solaris stood in the middle of the road.
"Teachers work long, hard hours to make sure their students grow up to be better people!" said Super Sailor Moon. "And they don't even get paid that well!"
"But even with all that, they keep caring for those children even if it costs them their lives!" Solaris also spoke. "They're a special friend and a service to us all!"
"And you dare attack Ms. Morino even with her struggling?!" said Super Sailor Chibi Moon. "You're just as a villain as always!"
"We're the Guardians...!"
"...who fight for love and justice!"
"I am Sailor Moon!"
"I am Sailor Chibi Moon!"
"I am Solaris!"
"And in the name of the Moon, we'll punish you!"
"And in the name of the Sun with my blinding rays, I'll scorch you!"
"Well, well. You're right on time, Guardians," smirked Tiger's Eye as he brandished his whip. "I've been expecting you."
Tiger's Eye then cracked his whip and went on the attack, launching it in their direction. The three heroes leaped out of the way to dodge, but as they did, Tiger's Eye let loose dozens of daggers while using his magic and speed. Solaris promptly summoned forth his sword and, with a few quick and rapid slices, deflected all of them. He rapidly closed the distance and swung his mighty blade again, intending to cut his enemy in half, only for Tiger's Eye to flip out of the way, narrowly dodging him.
Tiger's Eye clicked his tongue in annoyance and was about to attack again. But then, a rose shot down from above, causing him to jump back, bumping into a wall. The next thing Tiger's Eye knew, Tuxedo Mask suddenly appeared, his cane pointing dangerously at his throat.
"When you learn to stop attacking women, you wretch?" Tuxedo Mask snarled. "Now it's time for you to pay for your crimes!"
"Nicely done, Tuxedo Mask," smiled Solaris. "Now, keep him pinned," He turned to Super Sailor Moon and Chibi Moon. "All right, you two! Finish the job!"
"Damn it! This was now how I wanted things to go!" Tiger's Eye cursed mentally. "With how things are going right now, I'll never be able to lure out Pegasus!"
Then, as he glared at Super Sailor Moon and Chibi Moon, who were readying their wands, an idea popped into Tiger's Eye's brain.
"Wait a second! Maybe I won't have to!" he realized. "That pink pumpkin over there can summon Pegasus, if I'm not mistaken! Then, if my logic is correct, she might be the one who knows who the host of Pegasus truly is! Sorry, Hawks Eye, but I'm changing the plan!"
"Now, come forth, my Lemures!" he called out. "Hebihanabiko, the Lady Who Walks Through Walls!"
At his command, the Lemures came shooting out from his shadow. The creature was like a naga, only instead of a snake's tail, it was a tail of shadows. As for the humanoid half, it had pale white skin, short blonde hair, purple eye shadow with red lipstick, and a large blue teardrop under her left eye. She wore a purple one-piece miniskirt with a diamond opening exposing her belly and gold bracelets on her wrists.
"Now, Hebihanabiko! Your target is the little bumpkin!" Tiger's Eye ordered. "Take control of her heart!"
And before anyone could react, Hebihanabiko gunned straight toward Super Sailor Chibi Moon and disappeared into her shadow. The little guardian went rigid before her eyes went blank. She then fell to her knees, appearing to be lifeless.
"Super Sailor Chibi Moon!" Super Sailor Moon cried out.
"What did you do to her?!" demanded Solaris.
Rather than respond, Tiger's Eye saw his chance by swatting Tuxedo Mask's cane away and nailing him square in the chest with a knee, making the guy grunt in pain as he collapsed.
"I'll leave the rest to you, Hebikanabiko!" Tiger's Eye called out. "Catch you later, Guardians!"
"Hey, get back here!" yelled out Solaris.
But Tiger's Eye had already retreated using his portal while the slab disappeared, setting Ms. Morino free.
Solaris then returned to Tuxedo Mask, who was holding his chest while grimacing in pain.
"Hey! You OK?" he asked worriedly.
"I'm fine," coughed Tuxedo Mask. "But what about Super Sailor Chibi Moon?"
Super Sailor Moon was now shaking the little guardian by the shoulders, trying to get a reaction. "Chibi Moon! Snap out of it! Say something! Chibi Moon!"
But she didn't respond.
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When Chibiusa next regained consciousness, she found herself in the mindscape that was her dream. A strange space that was heavy with mist, with nothing but herself occupying it. At least, that's what she thought.
"What is this place? Where am I?"
Then, Hebihanabiko emerged from the mist, surprising the little girl.
"So, you're the one," the lemures mused as she danced around her. "The one who knows about Pegasus."
She then disappeared from the mist, and as she did, a giant statue in the likeness of Pegasus appeared right in front of Chibiusa, causing more surprise from the girl.
Hebihanabiko then appeared beside the statue, causally resting her arm on its muzzle. "What a beautiful horse we have here," she purred. "Don't you think so?"
"Hey! You get away from him!" Chibiusa yelled at her with a scowl. "Just what're you going to do with him?!"
"I won't be doing a thing," Hebihanabiko replied coolly. "After all, he is yours, not mine."
Chibiusa grew puzzled. "What do you mean?" she asked.
"Come on, little girl. Think about it," the lemures continued temptingly. "We're inside your dream. Everything in here belongs to you, including this magnificent horse."
She then waved her hand over the muzzle of the pegasus statue, making a bridle appear around its head, and then held out the reigns to Chibiusa, expecting her to take them. At first, Chibiusa instinctively reached out to take them but then stopped herself while defiantly glaring at the lemures.
"What's the matter? There's no reason to be afraid. Go on and take them," Hebihanabiko urged. " If you do, Pegasus will become yours."
"No! I won't!" Chibiusa refused.
"Come now, why act so strange and silly?" asked Hebihanabiko. "Every little girl wants a horsey to ride on. And this isn't an ordinary horse, you know. With his powers at your disposal, you could even make the entire world yours to control. Just take the reigns."
She then took Chibiusa's hand and tried to make her hold the reigns, but the pink ordango swatted her hand away, remaining stubborn, much to the lemures's disbelief.
"No way! Never!" Chibiusa snapped. "My dream is to become friends with the people I like, not to own them like possessions and make them do what I want! I don't want to own Pegasus or control him, either! I want to be friends with him!"
Hebihanabiko was taken aback but still persisted. "Now, you're just being foolish," she scoffed. "Why waste the effort trying to be friends with everybody when it's much easier to control them?"
"That may be how it is for you and those other meanies in the Dead Moon Circus, but not for me!" Chibiusa scowled. "Now, get out of my dream right now!"
Immediately as soon as she said that, the landscape turned into a bright shade of pink, and the Pegasus statue suddenly sprang to life, transforming into the actual version, shining its golden horn and blinding the two.
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Back outside, Super Sailor Moon and everyone else kept an eye on Super Sailor Chibi Moon's unconscious body, praying that she was all right while unsure how to help her.
Then, Hebihanabiko shot out from the pink ordango girl's shadow while the light returned to her eyes, surprising everyone.
"You little brat!" she snarled. "I'll make you pay for that!"
"Oh, no, you don't!" shouted Solaris.
He drew his magic circle with his sword and launched it at the lemures, immobilizing her in seconds.
"All right, you two! You know what to do!"
Super Sailor Moon and Super Sailor Chibi summoned their Moon Kaleidoscopes, took aim, and unleashed their attack.
"MOON GORGEOUS MEDITATION!"
And with a blast of rainbow shards from each of them striking quick and sure, Hebihanabiko was destroyed in a blinding flash.
"Chibi Moon, are you all right?" asked Super Sailor Moon.
"I think so," said Super Sailor Chibi Moon.
"Whew. Well, that's a relief to hear," said Solaris. "At least you're safe now."
Tuxedo Mask then approached them, still holding his hand on his chest.
"Mamo, what's wrong?" asked Super Sailor Moon. "You look like you're still in pain,"
"I'll be all right," reassured Tuxedo Mask. "I just let my guard down, is all. In the meantime, you two stay here while I get the car."
"I'll go with you," said Solaris.
The two boys left, leaving the two ordango guardians alone with Ms. Morino.
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Ms. Morino found herself in a brightly colored meadow with a few other children, admiring the sky.
"Ms. Morino! Doesn't that cloud look like a cream puff?" asked a boy.
"It sure does," smiled Ms. Morino. "So, why don't we try painting it that way? Enough to make it good enough to eat?"
All of the children's faces lit up in delight at this suggestion.
"You make painting so much fun, Ms. Morino!" said a girl. "I love you!"
"Me too!"
"So do I!"
As the other children voiced their opinions about her, Ms. Morino couldn't help but smile joyfully, her heart swelling with pride.
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"Ms. Morino! Ms. Morino!"
Chibiusa's voice made Ms. Morion wake up with a start. She found herself against the wall with the pink ordango and Usagi beside her as she looked at her surroundings.
"What happened?" Ms. Morino wondered. "Where am I?"
"You kind of fainted," said Chibiusa. "But don't worry. Sailor Moon and her friends were able to chase away that weirdo!"
"Sailor Moon, you said?" repeated Ms. Morino in wonder as she got up. "How unexpected."
"Are you going to be OK from now on?" asked Usagi. "We can walk you home if you want."
"No, that won't be necessary. I can walk," replied Ms. Morino. "But I appreciate your concern."
"Well, in that case, we'll see you later, Ms. Morino," said Chibiusa.
But as they were about to walk away, Ms. Morino called out to her.
"Ms. Tsukino, wait a second. About your landscape painting, I noticed that you turned it in with the pegasus still in it. Why is that?"
"Well, it just seemed fitting for that scene to me," replied Chibiusa. "I know it wasn't really the assignment, and I know what you told me, but I still felt like it was a better picture that way and decided to be true to my feelings."
"That may be so, but I still can't give you a good grade regardless of how good it is," pointed out Ms. Morino.
Chibiusa smiled. "That's OK. I may not be perfect, but I like myself the way I am."
Ms. Morino stared curiously at the child. But then she smiled, too. "You are an unusual child," the teacher said. Then, she whispered to her. "But just between you and me, I loved your painting, too."
Chibiusa couldn't help but beam.
Ms. Morino then took her leave. She felt much better and more motivated now as she remembered what Chibiusa said.
"All right! I'm not giving up either!" she said to herself. "Bring it on, you little monsters!"
Usagi and Chibiusa watched her leave, happy to see her cheered up. But the happy moment didn't last long as they heard Harusuke.
"Usagi! Chibusa!"
The two turned around just in time to see Harusuke sprint up to them, sweaty, panting, and alarmed.
"Harusuke, what's wrong?" asked Usagi. "Why do you look so panicked?"
"It's Mamoru!" gasped Harusue. "Something's wrong with him!"
Immediately, both Usagi and Chibusa's faces went a bit pale.
Harusuke then led the two back to Mamoru's car, and the two ordangos saw Mamoru lying beside his vehicle, unconscious and passed out.
"Mamo!" Chibiusa and Usagi cried as they rushed over to him.
"What happened, Harusuke?!" asked Usagi.
"I'm not sure," said Harusuke. "We were walking to Mamoru's car when suddenly he fainted. He's not responding to anything, and I don't know what could be wrong with him!"
"For now, we need to get him to hospital," Usagi spoke calmly. "Come on. Let's hurry and help him up."
As they were about to do so, something fell from above and landed just in front of the girls. It was a small purple ball.
At first, the two girls didn't know what to make of it, but the ball suddenly exploded in a giant puff of purple smoke, swallowing the two in its wake.
Harusuke heard the explosion and looked. "Usagi! Chibiusa! What was-."
Then, his words died in his throat, and his eyes widened in shock.
Usagi had shrunken into a tiny little girl shy of five years old, her clothes all too baggy for her, and Chibusa had grown into a teenager, her clothes ripping at the due to her new size.
"Wh-What in the name of Freaky Friday is this?!" Harusuke exclaimed.
At first, Usagi and Chibiusa were puzzled, but as soon as they took one look at each other, they each couldn't help but let out a scream of surprise and utter confusion.
"HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHH?!"