I've been dreaming about making an anime magical girl transformation for ages and now it's finally here!!!

On the screen, there's Baby Ria - a small child with short red hair and big, bright blue eyes.

Ria: Her parents, as the tradition was, went to the Energy Fountain to take a look at her future. What they got was a terrifying prophecy. It said, as soon as the child turns nineteen, the entire planet will be destroyed.

Ria: As the child grew, her power became more and more visible. Her power was to drain energy from things, and it was one of the strongest powers in all Eternity, possibly in the whole universe. This is the power that no one has ever seen before. Wherever she went, the wind stopped blowing, the animals ran, and the plants faded. Other children were too scared to play with her.

Baby Ria sits in the garden. She smiles as she reaches for a pretty red flower, but it dries as she touches it. Ria sighs sadly and looks in the sky. Birds are flying away from her, as the dark clouds cover the sky. She buries her face in her hands as a patch of grass around her slowly turns black.

Ria: On her tenth birthday, her parents gifted her a magical pendant.

Ria's parents give their child a gift. It is a pendant made of a red heart-shaped crystal on a silver chain.

Baby Ria: Wow! It's so pretty!

Ria: They said that it would help her control her powers. She could just put this on and don't worry about the energy drain.

We see Baby Ria sitting in a garden and looking at blooming flowers with a smile. None of the flowers react to her. She laughs happily as she picks one up and smells it.

Ria: Until one day... The pendant itself got out of control.

As Baby Ria sits in bed with a pendant on her neck, it glows. Suddenly, it starts to grow, spreading crystal spikes around itself. Baby Ria, horrified, tries to throw it away, but it looks like it's stuck to her body. She cries out as her entire body is slowly covered by the crystal. It grows, and its edges shatter the lamp and the glass in the bedroom window. It gets dark, only the crystal is glowing from the inside.

Baby Ria: Mom, Dad, help!!!

A giant red, heart-shaped crystal, the same that Usagi saw in her dreams, is standing in front of Ria’s family house outside the broken window with Baby Ria trapped in it. A group of Eternians surrounds the crystal, they discuss the matter.

Ria: The Crystal was meant to suppress her power, and in the end it did – by trapping her. Nothing could break it since it was built to resist one of the strongest powers in the whole Universe.

Ria: Eternians were really trying to help, but some of them still feared her...

The picture shows a group of Eternians standing in the shadows of the evening light.

Eternian One: I'm so glad this evil child is finally trapped in its cage. Did you hear the prophecy? She would have destroyed this planet by the age of nineteen!

Eternian Two: Yeah, but what if she gets out of it somehow? Except for this crystal, nothing in the world can suppress her powers. If she wins, we are doomed!

Eternian Three: I have an idea...

In the night, a group of Eternians gets to the crystal unnoticed. Two of them lift them off the ground using telekinesis, and the other one launches a gravity beam on it to launch it into space. The crystal, with Ria in it, floats across space, away from her home planet.

Ria: Years and years of drifting away, alone in space, struggling to break free, until finally...

We see as the crystal breaks from the inside by Ria's hand and shatters into pieces. At this point in her memories, she's a grown-up, and her eyes are glowing bright red.

(art by Jessieee)

We see her floating in space above the Earth around the shards.

Ria: And still, we are somehow inseparable.

A little heart-shaped crystal can be seen blinking on Ria's chest. Usagi looks at it.

Sailor Moon: Inseparable?

Ria: It doesn't matter! What matters is that... After all this time… I'm finally going home.

Sailor Guardians and Ria are floating across space in a white transparent bubble created by Sailor Teleport.

Sailor Mercury: Are we getting close?

Ria: We are! It's right behind that asteroid.

The bubble passes by the asteroid, and Ria's blue eyes widen in horror and disbelief.

Ria: Is this...

(art by Jessieee)

(preferred soundtrack: Land Of Eternity by Firewind)

The planet in front of them is completely destroyed. Not even ruins are seen on black, lifeless pieces of rock that were once Eternity, held together by gravity. Sailor Guardians gasp.

The bubble lands on what's left of Eternity's surface.

Ria rushes out of the bubbled and falls to her knees. She is motionless. Usagi reaches towards her, but Rei grabs her hand, telling her there is no oxygen. Usagi closes her eyes and concentrates for a while, and the bubble splits into five different oxygen bubbles, each one for each girl.

Ria: It's gone... Eternity... It's all gone. Ruined. Destroyed...

Sailor Jupiter: Maybe it's the wrong planet? What if you're mistaken?

Ria raises her head, and we see the stars above the planet reflecting in her sky.

Ria: No. The stars... They are the same stars I used to look at. Everything in the sky is the same. Except for... Except for the planet. And the people. They're gone. My home... I don't have a home anymore.

Sailor Moon: Hey, we don't know it yet! Eternians are super powerful, right? Maybe they left in advance and left you a message in the Energy Fountain or something!

Ria gets up.

Ria: The Energy Fountain! Nothing can destroy or move it. I need to find it!

She runs across the remains of the planet, Sailor Guardians can barely keep pace. Ria stops in front of the Energy Fountain ruins. There are stones with engraving on them. Ria presses one of them. Holographic images project on the nearest rock.

Ria: The message...

Pictures capture the darkness coming from space, slowly covering the entire planet and panicking Eternians trying to escape it in vain.

Sailor Moon: Horrible...

Ria: So they're truly gone... Swallowed by darkness... Huh... Just like the prophecy said. And they didn't even need me for that.

Sailor Mercury leans in to see the other engraved stones.

Sailor Mercury: The signs. What does this say?

Ria: "The rift broke, and the darkness came. We couldn't fight it. All is lost."

Sailor Mercury: And below?

Ria: "Beware the shadows hiding amongst you".

Sailor Moon: What is the rift? Who are the shadows?

Ria doesn't answer. She just stands there, looking at the surface, and bites her lips.

Ria: All gone. All lost. That's...

She suddenly turns to Sailor Moon.

Ria: That's what I almost put you through.

Ria: I thought your planet is not important... That it needed to be destroyed in order to reach my goal. Funny... The darkness must have thought the same about my planet. The Earth was nothing to me, but it was everything for you. And I almost...

Sailor Moon: I understand, Ria. But you've stopped right in time.

Ria: No, it's you who have stopped me. And you did the right thing. Now your home is safe. And I... I've come this far, only to find out there is no home for me after all...

Ria *barely audible*: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for everything I did.

Sailor Guardians look at her and nod, as they accept their apology.

Sailor Moon: It's really sad that this happened to you and your planet...

Ria stands quietly for a while. Sailor Guardians mourn her loss with her.

After that, she raises her head and exclaims:

- Energy Fountain, Awaken!

A fountain of white and yellow energy blasts from the rocks beneath. Ria steps into it, her body absorbs the shiny waves of energy. After that, the fountain disappears. Ria turns to Sailor Guardians, her body is still glowing a little.

She waves her hand at Sailor Moon, and her scars heal.

Ria: Thank you, all of you. You helped me get home and get my powers back. Now I'm going to search the galaxy and find the ones who've destroyed my planet.

Her eyes glow red again.

Ria: I'll make them regret what they have done.

She jumps up in the air and soon disappears in space.

Sailor Mercury: She can move with the speed of light?!

Sailor Venus: Apparently, now she can!

Sailor Moon: Bye! Come visit us sometime!

Sailor Mars: But no energy hoarding!

Sailor Guardians stare in the sky for a while, as if Ria turned into one of the stars.

(end of the preferred soundtrack)

***

Days later, everyone celebrates their victory in the cafe. Mamoru pays and he happily watches Usagi and the girls order one dessert after another. Cats lick their special treats under the table.

Luna: Artemis, how is Minako's boyfriend doing?

Artemis: I didn't trust him at first. But... Now, I have to admit that Minako chose well.

Usagi speaks with her mouth full of food.

Usagi: I want that one!

Usagi reaches for a sweet treat and almost drops her glass. Rei catches it.

Rei: Watch what you’re doing, airhead!

Usagi: I am watching! Rude!

Rei: You don't ever think about the consequences for your own actions, do you?

Usagi: Well, I do... Sometimes.

Rei's voice suddenly turns serious.

Rei: I think you don't! What did you do back then?! Don't ever sacrifice yourself for us ever again, or...

Usagi: Hey, it all worked out!

Mamoru: I'm sorry, Usa, you did what now?!

Everyone goes silent. Rei speaks in a worried tone.

Rei: That was stupid, Usagi! Really, really dumb!

Usagi: I'm not dumb! I just did it because... Because...

She sniffs.

Usagi: You always say you'll be alright but you won't! I saw you die, I saw you all die! Twice! What if it happens again?! I can't let this happen again!! I can't... I can't...

She buries her head into Mamoru's chest and cries. Mamoru hugs her. Everyone stays silent for a while.

Rei: Well, yes, we can die in the end. Our job is dangerous.

Minako and Makoto: Rei!

Rei: However, that's just one possible future. If you think about it for too long, you will miss the present! The present, when we are all here, happily spending time with you.

Ami: The fate of Sailor Guardians is not easy, but that's just because there's evil out there and we are chosen to fight it. Whatever happens to us, is not your fault, Usagi.

Makoto: And we can't imagine life without you. You've tried to protect us, but we want to protect you, too. You're precious to us! Don't be so hard on yourself.

Usagi stops sobbing.

Usagi: Guys...

Minako: I still think everything is going to be alright at the end.

Usagi: You do?

Minako: Yes, and it's because of you!

Usagi wipes her tears.

Usagi: Because of me?

Minako: Yes! Your power gets stronger every day, and it makes us stronger, too. Before I met you, I haven't even thought that using the Silver Crystal like that is even possible, but you keep proving me wrong. I believe in a better future because I believe in you, Usagi. Cheer up!

Usagi looks around her friends and smiles, as she is touched.

Usagi: Girls, you are the best!!

Everyone rushes over to hug Usagi. Inevitably, they knock over some cups and the tea nearly splashes on Artemis' head.

Artemis: Clumsy humans!

Luna: I have to admit, Usagi really has grown a lot. Her recent awakening, and this new attack of hers... She seems really in control of Silver Crystal. I am impressed.

Artemis: She still shouldn't relax too much.

Luna: Really? Why? I think she deserves it.

Artemis: I feel like something is coming. Something strong. Something otherwordly. Will we be able to withstand it?

Luna: I believe in Sailor Guardians. If they unite their power... they can achieve anything.

Artemis: Let's hope for that.

Next Episode: COMING THIS WINTER

Cats watch Sailor Guardians approach the factory entrance. The entrance is blocked with big black rocks. Suddenly, one of the rocks lifts in the air and attacks the Guardians.

Luna: Watch out!

Sailor Venus: Crescent Beam Shower!

Golden beams shield the Guardians and shatter the rock into pieces. Those pieces then turn around to attack the girls from behind. Mercury turns quickly.

Sailor Mercury: Bubble Spray!

Each piece of rock is captured in a bubble. They stop in the air and fall on the ground. Mercury puts on her visor and looks around to catch the attack source.

Sailor Mercury: It's remotely controlled by those two peaks, watch out!

Sailor Venus: Mars, Jupiter!

Sailor Mars and Sailor Jupiter: Got it!

Sailor Mars: Fire Soul Bird!

Sailor Jupiter: Supreme Thunder Dragon!

Mars and Jupiter's attacks destroy two crystal peaks.

Sailor Moon: Everyone, you did great!

Sailor Mars: Still got it.

The entrance is cleared. Sailor Guardians enter the factory. It's dark inside, and the footsteps echo as they walk. The only light in the room is the moonlight shining through the door and the shattered windows.

Sailor Venus: We need to find the controls.

Sailor Mercury: I'm going to search for the- What?..

(art by Jessieee)

The image on her glasses becomes noisy and disappears. All of the Mercury’s electronics had shut down.

Sailor Mars: There is a dark aura here. A special type of energy must be interfering with electricity.

Suddenly, the doors slam shut behind them. A figure of Ria appears in the distance.

Ria: Oh, you've finally arrived.

Sailor Mars: Mars Flame Sniper!

Sailor Venus: Mars, wait! That is...

The burning arrow passes right through Ria.

Ria: Oh, stop with the useless attacks. It's not me, it's barely a projection. You really fall for everything I do, don't you? Listen. Your planet will fall. There's nothing you can do to prevent it, so give up right now!

Sailor Moon: Never! Hurting innocent people is never okay! Show yourself, you villain, and prepare to be punished by pretty guardians in sailor suits! I, Sailor Moon, will stop you in the name of the Moon!

Ria: You want me to show myself? I could, but first... Take this!

The ground underneath Sailor Guardians starts to glow, and walls of light appear around them. Sailor Mars tries to escape them but screams in pain as she touches the walls. As the girls stand in the circle of light, they feel weaker and weaker.

Sailor Jupiter: Jupiter... Coconut... Can't do it...

Sailor Guardians fall to the ground.

Sailor Mercury: I don't... Understand... Where are the controls?

Ria: You fools! You really thought I would control the crystals from the Earth?! This was all a trap to lure you in! This room is designed to drain your energy, you are powerless in it!

She looks around. Something outside the room draws her attention.

Ria: Huh, Test Crystal? What's that? Well, this amount should be enough for a small test. With this amount of energy, I could teleport to... Watch out, Earth! Here I come!

The hologram of Ria fades, and her actual body appears in its place. She slowly lands her feet on the ground.

***

Mamoru Chiba is sitting at the dinner table with Usagi's parents. They drink tea.

Ikuko: Shingo, go to bed! It's night already!

Shingo: Fine.

Ikuko: Don't forget to brush your teeth!

Shingo yawns.

Shingo: And you don't forget to wake me up when she comes back!

He goes upstairs.

Kenji: What do you think? Are they going to be alright?

Mamoru: If anyone can save this planet, it's Sailor Moon. I believe in her wholeheartedly.

Kenji: I know... I just worry about her.

Mamoru sighs and pauses for a little.

Mamoru: Me too. After all, she is everything to me.

Ikuko: You should visit us more often. Not just when the world is ending, you know. You are also part of Usagi's family now.

Mamoru smiles, surprised.

Mamoru: Thank you. You are right, I should.

***

Ria is standing on the factory floor, looking at her own hands.

Ria: Huh... It's been so long since I stood on something. I haven't felt gravity for ages.

She makes a couple of uneven steps getting used to the feel of the gravity. Then she smiles sharply and walks over to Sailor Guardians triumphantly. Test Crystal materializes and lands behind her back.

Sailor Moon: Who are you? What do you want?

Ria: My name is Ria... And it doesn't matter! All you need to know is that you are no match for me! It all will be over soon! Crystals, activate!

She raises her hands. Test Crystal rotates and ascends slowly, reacting to her motion, and all the crystals all around Tokyo start to rotate and strike red bolts of lightning. People see them now and are horrified.

Ria: Okay Earth, give me your energy! Now!

She stands tall and puts both of her hands in the air. A cloud of black substance starts to form in her hands, getting bigger and bigger. But suddenly it poofs and disappears. Ria turns around sharply.

Ria: What the-?

***

Tuxedo Mask is outside Usagi's house, holding the crystal in place with a rose vine and stopping it from rotating. Cats help him to pull the vine as best as they can.

***

Ria: Curses! Someone somewhere must be interfering with the crystal flow. Well, it won't be for long. No human can withstand this power!

Sailor Moon: Wait!!

Ria: Shut up!

Ria snaps her fingers, and the crystal trees start growing around Sailor Guardians.

Sailor Moon: Stop!!!

She screams in pain as she breaks through the crystals and the light. Crystals are leaving cuts on her face and her arms. The next moment, the crystals form a transparent, solid fence around Sailor Guardians. Sailor Guardians can't break through them and can only hopelessly watch from behind them.

Inner Sailor Guardians: Sailor Moon!

Sailor Moon: Wait! Listen to me! You don't have to hurt the humans!

Ria turns around.

Ria: I do what I want! What now?!

Sailor Moon drops to her knees before Ria.

Sailor Moon: Don't hurt them! You can take my energy instead. I am sure it will help you.

Sailor Mars: What are you doing...

Ria extends her hand towards Sailor Moon. A warm light shines into her hand. The crescent moon on Sailor Moon's forehead and her brooch light up, surrounded with the same warm light. Ria looks at her hand, surprised.

Ria: This aura... I've never seen a light like this. What if... Maybe I should...

Ria shakes her head. She smiles wickedly.

Ria: Well then! I'll have your energy, and then, with you out of my way, I'll take the entire planet, too!

With a hand gesture, she lifts Sailor Moon in the air and starts to drain her energy, which appears to be a painful process.

(art by Jessieee)

Sailor Mercury: Stop, what are you doing?!

Sailor Jupiter: She just wanted to save the Earth, you greedy demon!!

Sailor Mars: You can't betray her like this!

Sailor Venus: Let her go! You're killing her!

Ria: I DON'T CARE!!!

She lifts Sailor Moon even higher, her hands are starting to shake. Ria is yelling against the energy waves.

Ria: No one cared when I was trapped in a crystal prison! No one cared about me, lost in space, helpless, floating away from everything I knew! No one cares about me here, being alone, powerless, so far away from home! No one! So why! Should! I! Care! Now?!

Sailor Moon opens her eyes.

Sailor Moon: That sounds... Awful... I'm... I'm sorry.

Ria's eyes widen.

Ria: What... What did you say?

Sailor Moon: I'm... I'm so sorry it happened to you.

Tears start running down the villain's face. She lowers her shaking hand and puts Sailor Moon down.

Ria: You care... But why... I thought you were nothing to me, and I was nothing to you... I thought...

Ria's eyes, filled with tears, slowly turn from red to blue. No longer filled with rage, she lowers her head. Her tears fall on the floor in silence

The barrier around Sailor Guardians disappears, they run up to Sailor Moon.

Sailor Mars: Sailor Moon!! Are you okay?!

Sailor Moon: Hi everyone! I'll be fine...

Ria falls down to her knees and covers her face.

***

Tuxedo Mask watches as the crystal he was holding back slowly disappears. So do all other crystals around the city. The giant one on the horizon, piercing through the abandoned factory, also starts to vanish. The clouds part and the moon shines bright through.

***

Sailor Moon gets up on her feet with everyone's help. She carefully lifts both of her arms, revealing she can stand on her own. She then turns to walk towards Ria, but the others warn her. Ria sits on the floor with her head in her hands, sobbing.

Ria: Why did I... What was I doing... Why am I even here... I've been lost in space for so long, and I have no energy on my own.... I want to go home... I just want to go home.

After a while, Sailor Moon approaches Ria. Hesitantly, so do the others. They look at the villain from a several steps distance, surprised by her mood change, but they can feel she is honest. Sailor Moon puts her hand at Ria's shoulder, she almost flinches.

Sailor Moon: Don't cry. We can help you get back home. Right, girls?

Girls look at each other with surprised expressions, but then they look back at Sailor Moon and nod.

Ria raises her head.

Ria: But why? Why help me?

Sailor Mercury smiles at her reassuringly.

Sailor Mercury: We will help you because you need help.

Sailor Jupiter: Yeah! Because that's how we do it on Earth, we help people!

Sailor Venus: Because the Sailor Guardian duty is to help those in need!

Sailor Mars clenches her fist and smirks.

Sailor Mars: Because we can!

Sailor Moon looks at Ria sympathetically.

Sailor Moon: Because I care.

She offers her hand to Ria. Ria takes her hand and gets up. When she speaks, it's barely audible.

Ria: Thank you...

Cats run in.

Luna: Everyone!

Artemis: Are you okay?

Sailor Moon: Artemis, Luna! We'll be right back, we're going to space!

She winks.

Luna: What?

Sailor Guardians hold hands. Ria is between Mercury and Moon.

Sailor Mercury: Now, close your eyes and imagine your home planet as clearly as you can. This will help us get there.

Ria nods. Everyone closes their eyes. Sailor Guardians' tiaras start to glow with energy.

Sailor Guardians: Sailor Teleport!

With a flash, they disappear into the sky.

NEXT☽☽

The following scenes are happening at the same time in different places.

Rei, Mako, Ami, Minako, and Usagi are minding their own busyness walking around Tokyo. Suddenly, each of them sees a dark crystal in front of them.

Rei: What is...

Minako: Another one!

Makoto: Again?!

Ami: Better attack it while it's not moving!

Inner Sailor Guardians transform and prepare their attacks.

Sailor Mars: Mars Flame Sniper!

Sailor Jupiter: Jupiter Oak Evolution!

Sailor Mercury: Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!

Sailor Venus: Venus Love-And-Beauty Shock!

Usagi: Ugh, when will you stop! Moon Celestial Power, Make Up!

The crystals turn to dust.

Venus: Huh... Almost too easy...

Sailor Moon: Royal Moonlight...

Luna: Usagi, wait! Look around!

Sailor Moon looks around and gasps in horror. The dark crystals - their height is about average human height - are floating all over the streets and buildings.

Sailor Moon: They're everywhere!

Other Sailor Guardians notice them too. Sailor Moon rushes home.

Sailor Moon: Mom, Dad, Shingo! Don't leave the house! Beware of the crystals!

Kenji: What crystals, dear?

Sailor Moon points out of the window, but her family acts like they don't see anything unusual.

Sailor Moon: Forget it, just stay safe!

Her communicator beeps.

Luna: We have to get the others, quick!

Sailor Moon and her cat run out of the house.

Shingo: Did that cat just...

Sailor Guardians are gathered at the shrine. Rei is sitting below the fire, meditating and chanting. As she finishes, the flame rises up to the ceiling and then disappears.

(art by Jessieee)

Rei: This should keep the crystals out for now. No evil spirit can enter this holy place!

Makoto: The crystals... They are everywhere, shouldn't they be on the news?

Ami turns on the TV.

Ami: It can't be... They act as nothing happened!

Usagi: So did my dad! He said he didn't see any crystals!

Everyone gasps.

Luna: This is serious. Mercury, can you pass me the crystal energy print? We need to find out what those things are.

Ami pulls out a memory stick and plugs it into the computer. Cats look at the screen and the calculations.

Usagi: Oh no! Mamo-chan! I need to go get him! What if he doesn't see the crystals?

Rei: Go get him and return quickly!

Usagi runs out of the shrine. She runs to the train station as fast as she can, avoiding crystals that are seemingly everywhere. People in the streets don't seem to notice them.

As Usagi runs, somewhere in the sky a giant crystal floats up to the villain. She turns to look at it.

???: Finally! How is it going, Test Crystal?

Test Crystal turns around: in each of its sides, we can see reflections of Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, and Tuxedo Mask.

???: Well that's new...

Luna and Artemis look at the computer screen and gasp. Ami leans to the screen

Rei: What is it?

Ami: Those crystals are not really crystals! They're just particles that have taken crystal form! They're not material objects yet!

Minako: How is that possible?

Artemis: But if they're literally just particles... That means...

Ami: Our attacks didn't destroy them. They just dissolved to regroup again.

The girls gasp. Rei shakes her head.

Rei: Usagi...

Usagi jumps out of the train and runs ahead. She looks around, soon she sees Mamoru parking his motorcycle and taking his helmet off. She runs up to him.

Usagi: Mamo-chan! Have you seen the crystals? Are you okay?

Mamoru: Yes, I can see them. But it seems like no one else can.

Usagi grabs his hand.

Usagi: Come with me. I'm going to get you to safety.

Mamoru: Usako...

He is clearly touched by the fact that she cares about him so much, as if, somehow, he is still not used to it. Usagi takes a step towards the train station, but Mamoru doesn't.

Mamoru: Look!

New crystals appear out of nowhere. They block their way.

Usagi: Oh no!! How are we going to get back?

Mamoru silently gives Usagi another helmet he pulled seemingly out of nowhere. He gets back on his motorcycle, and Usagi sits behind him, hugging him tightly.

Mamoru: Hang on.

Usagi: I can't believe it! I am going to ride a bike with Mamo-cha...-aaaaa, whoa, that's so fast!!

The motorcycle takes off down the road. Mamoru rides to Hikawa shrine, avoiding the crystals which keep appearing.

(art by Jessieee)

In the sky, the villain is talking to the Test Crystal.

???: Phase one is going excellent. And those Sailor Guardians... They brought this upon themselves. I am going to trap them and then destroy them. And then, this wonderful planet will give me all the energy I need... Ugh, Test Crystal, you aren't even listening. You are not alive, after all...

The camera gets closer to her face, and we can see her flaming red eyes clearly now. Her thin lips curl in a wicked smile.

???: No one stops me on my way to Eternity! I will make them regret messing with me, Ria!

Girls are looking at the computer in the Hikawa shrine.

Ami: I think I get it now. The wavelength of those particles is tuned to be invisible to humans! So the only people who can see them are...

Luna: Moon Kingdom Descendants.

Artemis: Or just aliens.

Ami: It's so weird. To think that we are alien to this planet...

Makoto: Wait! There are tons of those crystals out there in the streets where people are walking – and they can't see them?

Rei: What if someone gets into the crystal? What happens if someone walks through?!

Luna lowers her head.

Mamoru and Usagi keep driving around the roads at high speed, taking shortcuts, and avoiding the crystals. Mamoru takes sharp turns since crystals keep appearing. Suddenly, one materializes right in front of them.

Mamoru: Get down!

Usagi: Mamo-chan!

They ride right beneath the crystal; Usagi ducks and is intact, but Mamoru, being taller than her, still manages to touch the crystal with his head. His head goes right through, and they leave the crystal behind. Mamoru's eyes darken, he almost loses the grip on the wheel.

Usagi: Mamo-chan! Are you okay?

Mamoru grits his teeth.

Usagi: I know you're not!!

Mamoru: I can still drive. We're almost there.

Mamoru's motorcycle drives up to the stairs of the Hikawa Shrine. Usagi jumps off it, grabs Mamoru's hand and they both run up the stairs. As they run into the shrine, Mamoru collapses in the corner.

Everyone: Usagi! Mamoru!

Rei: You sure took your time!

Cats jump to Mamoru.

Luna: He'll be fine! He had lost some energy, but he will recover it soon. Just let him sleep.

Luna and Usagi sit next to Mamoru, Artemis goes back to the computer.

Ami: So that's what the crystals do... They drain energy from people.

Artemis: Not only that! They transport it somewhere I can't track.

Minako: We need to stop them.

Usagi: But how? We will need an attack that covers the entire city, if not the entire Earth!

Rei: And we can't destroy them.

Ami: Girls, look!

Everyone looks at the computer screen, then out of the window. It's getting darker outside. A giant crystal, taller than the building, is emerging from the ground in the distance. The computer detects a lot of signals coming from this one.

Artemis: This one is different! It's a material object! This must be the control center!

Minako: It's near the abandoned factory! This is our chance!

Usagi: But how will we get there?

Artemis zooms into the danger map.

Artemis: There is a short path free of crystals that should be safe for you to go. It's not that far, either!

Rei: Let's go then.

Minako: Wait!

She opens her bag and smiles.

Minako: Let's eat first!

Usagi: Wow! I am hungry!

Minako blinks and then smiles, reaching down to her voluminous bag. She pulls out a container, full of onigiris. She opens the container and hands out onigiris taking one herself.

Minako: Actually... I bought those for my boyfriend today. But now, I don't know if I'll ever see him again.

Rei: Don't be stupid, Mina! Of course, you will! We will kick the evil's butt like we always do, right, Usagi?

Usagi doesn't answer. Mamoru opens his eyes, she hugs him and gives him half of her onigiri.

Five Sailor Guardians and Tuxedo Mask walk across the streets as the sun goes down. They pass Usagi's house, her family is looking out of the window.

Shingo: Go Sailor Moon! Kick their butt!

Sailor Moon stops for a moment to take Tuxedo Mask's hands. She looks at him caringly.

Sailor Moon: You can't go any further. It's too dangerous, and you have lost a lot of energy.

Tuxedo Mask: But...

Sailor Moon: I'll be okay. You don't have to always put your life on the line for me.

Both lower their eyes. Sailor Moon continues quietly.

Sailor Moon: I know you are worried. It's okay.

Tuxedo Mask grips her hands tighter.

Sailor Moon: But we need you right here. No one knows what the crystals will do next. Go and protect the Earth, Earth Guardian.

Tuxedo Mask looks at Sailor Moon, who is ready to go off into battle without him. He lets go of her hands, carefully and slowly. For a moment he sees NeoQueen Serenity in her. He bows his head.

Tuxedo Mask: As you command.

Sailor Moon smiles at him, reassuringly.

Sailor Moon: Do it for me, alright?

Tuxedo Mask can't help but smile back.

Tuxedo Mask: Anything for you.

Sailor Moon: Oh, and... Watch over my family.

She hesitates for a while, then kisses him on the cheek and runs away after the others. Tuxedo Mask watches them walking away into the sunset, his cape flowing in the wind.

NEXT☽☽

Ikuko: Here, I've packed everything for you.

Usagi: Thanks mommy, you're the best!

Shingo: Can we mention that it's almost noon and you still managed to oversleep? And you're supposed to be an adult?

Usagi: Shut up, Mister I-Don't-want-to-go-school!

They bicker a little as Usagi takes her backpack and storms off. But just as she runs on the streets, she almost bumps into another giant crystal. It's as big as a human, dark and floating half-meter above the ground, but it doesn't attack or turn.

Usagi: Ugh, I'm running late! But I can't let this thing be! Moon Celestial Power, Make Up!

She transforms into her Celestial form and destroys the crystal with the Royal Moonlight Everlasting attack. Then she transforms back and picks up her backpack.

Usagi: Phew, this is out of my hair now...

She runs away without knowing that Shingo was watching her through the window this whole time!

Shingo: Sailor Moon! Right near me! I'm so lucky I've got my camera!

He looks at the photos he took with his camera. He notices that on one of them, Sailor Moon is reaching for Usagi's backpack. He almost drops the camera.

(art by @levierina (☕) )

Shingo: Wait... What?!! This can't... This is just impossible!!!

Usagi arrives at the picnic with her face is red from all the running. She explains, that she is only late because she had to fight a crystal, but Rei doesn't believe her, claiming she has overslept as usual. Makoto brings lunch for everyone, as usual, and the girls carry on with the picnic. That lasts for a while until Usagi decides to go and smell the flowers. Just as she is left alone, Shingo jumps at her from the bushes with a sinister smile.

Shingo: I have a deal to make with you, Usagi! I know everything about your secret identity!

Usagi: What are you doing here? What are you talking about?

Shingo: I know who you are! You're Sailor Moon!

Usagi: You must be joking, Shingo. We don't even look alike!

Shingo reveals to Usagi that he saw her picking up the backpack transforming. He has photo proof that she is Sailor Moon! He offers to make a deal with her – he won't tell their parents about it, but Usagi will have to buy him whatever he wants until school starts!

Usagi: Okay, Shingo, I'll think about this. Wait here, I'll be right back!

She dashes back to the picnic, grabs Luna, mutters something about how she has to go, and runs away. As she runs across the park with a struggling cat in her hands, Usagi explains what happened. When she finally reaches an empty street, she puts Luna down.

Usagi: You got me into this, now you will sort this out!

Luna explains to Usagi that, as a cat, she can't really blow her cover. However, Usagi can. In the end, if she has truly awakened as Queen Serenity, that means that the events they saw in the future will happen relatively soon. After all, using the power of Silver Crystal, Usagi is destined to rule the world one day, so her parents will inevitably find out the truth about her sooner or later.

Luna: It's about time for you to start behaving like the Queen you're going to be!

Usagi: Luna, you are right. I'm going to settle this like an adult!

The next frame shows Mamoru opening his door. Usagi stands behind it with Luna in her backpack.

Usagi: Mamo-chan, move your things, I am going to live with you forever. I ran away from home!

As she marches into his flat, followed by Mamoru's shocked stare, Luna explains to him what happened. Usagi then lands straight on his bed and gazes longingly out of the window.

Usagi: To protect my identity... I will now live alone, away from everyone. I will be a Beautiful Lonely Warrior, Defender of Justice, whose face will never be known to any human.

Mamoru: Wouldn't that make your family even more suspicious?

Usagi: You're right, but at least I won't have to talk to them!

Usagi sadly rolls over in bed for a while.

Usagi: But I already miss them... I miss my mum's cooking... I'm hungry. What do I do?

Mamoru sits on the bed beside her.

Mamoru: I can come with you if you want. We can talk to them together. They're lovely people, your parents. I'm sure they will understand the situation.

Usagi: Really? You're going to do this with me?

Mamoru: Yeah! We're protecting the Earth together, remember? You don't have to do this alone, either.

Usagi gets up and hugs Mamoru so tight, he almost falls on the bed.

Usagi: Mamo-chan, you are the best! Maybe you should do all the talking.

Luna: Usagi, you'll still have to say something.

Usagi: Fine, I'll do it!

Usagi, Mamoru, and Luna approach Tsukinos' house. When the whole family opens the door, they tell that they were worried sick about Usagi.

Shingo: I told you! She was out there fighting evil again!

Kenji: What are you talking about?

Usagi: Mom, Dad, I have to show you something. Moon Celestial Power, Make Up!

Everyone stares at Usagi as she transforms. Shingo is amazed, and the parents are shocked. Mamoru blushes slightly, looking at her lovingly. He also transforms into his Tuxedo Mask form in the background.

(art by Jessieee)

Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Mask, and the Tsukino family sit down and talk a lot. Parents listen carefully, and Shingo can't help but exclaim from time to time. In the end, the family agrees that it was a lot to take in, but they understand.

Ikuko: Those crystals... Are those evil spirits?

Usagi: I think so. But don't worry, we will destroy them!

Kenji: I have to admit, our daughter is really more independent than we thought!

Luna wants to disagree but quickly shuts her mouth – after all, that Usagi's family was exposed to, a talking cat might be too much!

Ikuko: We will keep your secret if necessary. It's just... You are my daughter, and I'm worried about you. These crystals...

Tuxedo Mask: She is not alone. I and the others will do everything to protect her.

Ikuko: I knew I can count on you.

Usagi and Mamoru transform back into their civilian forms. They eat and drink with the Tsukino family, talking about everything and laughing.

Usagi: Shingo, and you thought you could expose me! Who is laughing now?

Shingo: Fine, I have to admit it, you're pretty cool. Being... Sailor Moon and all that stuff.

Usagi: Yeah, thanks for noticing!

Shingo: But you're still a lazy person!

Usagi: Watch out, Shingo! I'll be the Queen soon, and my first order will be to execute you!

Shingo: Hah, the Queen of what? Eating sweets?

Usagi: Shut up!

Mamoru, Ikuko and Kenji look at them and smile.

Later that night, Usagi tells the story to the girls.

Usagi: Well, it's fine. Now I can skip school and tell them I am on a mission!

Minako: No, you can't. It didn't work with my parents.

Everyone: Your parents... Know you're Sailor Venus?

Minako: Well, they know me as Sailor V! I should visit them one day.

Usagi: Whoa, I can't believe it!

Minako: My boyfriend doesn't know though... I don't think I should tell him.

Everyone:

- I'm sorry your what?!

- Minako! Do you have a boyfriend?

- Why didn't you tell us?

- I wanted to tell you that on a picnic! But Usagi stormed off...

- You could have told us anyway! Why wait for her?

- Hey, that's unfair!

- All right, all right, I'll tell you everything now!

And the girls keep talking as the sun goes down.

NEXT☽☽

When Usagi gets home, she struggles to fall asleep. The girl is haunted by the nightmares of her friends and loved ones, Sailor Guardians, dying over and over again by the hands of Galaxia or demons. She also sees a giant red heart-shaped crystal in her sleep, which is floating through space. At some point, it shatters, and Usagi wakes up.

As soon as the sun rises, she sleepily gets out of the bed and goes to Mamoru's house. As he greets her, surprised she is that early, she explains that she is afraid of losing him and her friends again. Mamoru reassures Usagi, tucks her in his bed, and sits beside her until she's peacefully asleep. He then leaves to work, leaving food for her on the bedside table.

While Usagi sleeps, Luna gathers the Inner Guardians (Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus) in the Hikawa Shrine. Rei had a vision about the new enemy approaching the Earth, and Ami with the help of Artemis is trying to find its location on the computer. Luna messages Usagi by her communicator, but Usagi doesn't arrive for way too long. At first, the girls are joking about her always being late and oversleeping, but then Minako decides they should call her.

Usagi answers the communicator still in bed. When Luna explains the matter to her, Usagi almost starts crying. She pleads Sailor Guardians not to go on missions anymore and to leave it to someone else to handle. Luna and Rei are frustrated with Usagi's behavior, but also deeply worried about her. Meanwhile, Ami discovers that an unknown crystal with the dark energy in it has landed in Tokyo and is already in contact with humans. Luna yells in the communicator, asking Usagi if she's going to go or not, but Usagi just sobs. Her hand is shaking, so, she drops the communicator, and the signal disappears.

Minako stands up. She explains that Sailor Guardians have to interfere before people get hurt. She decides to go off and get to the crystal even without Sailor Moon, and the girls agree with her.

The location of the enemy turns out to be in front of Mamoru's house.

Usagi eats her late breakfast with no appetite. She keeps looking at her communicator and her brooch, remembering the times she fought back to back with Sailor Soldiers. She isn't ready to let go of that.

She hears the screams outside and looks out of the window.

The dark crystal object is in the center of the street, hitting people with red lightning.

Sailor Guardians are running to their destination. On their way, they transform into their Sailor forms.

Usagi stares blankly at the street as the crystal turns around, shooting the lightning bolts. One of them is headed towards Mamoru's window, but it does not hit Usagi. At the last moment, the rose hits the top of the crystal and it stops turning.

Tuxedo Mask is standing on the nearest lamp post.

Tuxedo Mask: How dare you hurt innocent citizens on this lovely day! Whatever you are, there's no forgiveness for this! You will be stopped, enemy!

Usagi looks at him, then at her brooch.

The rose on top of the crystal begins to dry. All of its petals fall one by one until it dries completely. The crystal fires another lightning bolt towards Tuxedo, but he jumps away from it.

Usagi clutches her brooch.

The crystal starts turning faster and fires several lightning bolts. Tuxedo Mask throws several roses at it, but all of them dry out before even reaching the crystal. Lightning bolts fly in Tuxedo's direction, but at the last moment, he is saved by the Moon Tiara.

Sailor Guardians arrive just in time to see a familiar silhouette standing on the balcony.

(art by @levierina (☕))

Sailor Moon: Stop right there! You will not spread your evil powers any further! No one else will get hurt because of you! I am the pretty guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon! I won't let you hurt my planet, I won't let you hurt my friends! In the name of the Moon, I will destroy you!

Sailor Venus: And we are...

All together: ...the Sailor Guardians!

Sailor Jupiter: You won't escape us!

Sailor Mercury: Girls... This thing isn't alive, it can't hear us!

Sailor Jupiter: What is it doing here?

Sailor Mercury: It's gathering energy from all living things!

The crystal shoots a lightning bolt at Sailor Moon, so she has to jump to the ground. Tuxedo Mask reaches for her. She raises her arm to attack, but then stops and gasps - she can't summon her magic wand anymore!

Sailor Mars fires an attack on the crystal, but it immediately gets absorbed. Sailor Moon jumps away from another lightning and falls on the ground, clutching her brooch at the center of her chest.

Sailor Moon: I can't do it... My powers, they're not the same anymore…

Sailor Moon breathes heavily, clutching her brooch even harder. A picture of her having fun in the cafe with the girls yesterday passes through her head.

Sailor Moon: Everything was perfect just a day ago. And now, our future is…

Tears fill her eyes. The brooch starts to glow in her hand.

Sailor Moon: No! I can't let this be!

She closes her eyes, then, a second later, opens them readily.

Sailor Moon: I can do it! For the sake of the people I love! I'm going to save everyone!

Her tiara lights up. It flies up from her head, transforms into the Neo-Queen Serenity tiara, and lands back on her hair. As the crystals inside the tiara are shining, Sailor Moon starts to transform into her new form called Celestial Sailor Moon. Her brooch turns into a giant star with a crescent moon on top of it, her sailor skirt turns deep blue with a pink-blue gradient on the bottom. On her back, there is a long white bow of flowing fabric, and behind her shoulders, there are wings made of the same fabric, just like the ones of a Neo-Queen Serenity's dress. A new, white, long magic staff appears in her hand, with Silver Crystal inside the golden crescent moon on top of it.

Sailor Venus throws her chain around the crystal to stop it from spinning, and Sailor Mercury uses her attacks to cloud the crystal and freeze it. Sailor Moon in her new celestial form lands on the ground.

(art by Jessieee)

Artemis: It can't be...

Luna: Neo-Queen Serenity... The Queen awakens!

Sailor Moon raises her staff. Glowing energy beams start to flow into the crystal. She lowers the staff and points the crescent beam on the enemy.

Sailor Moon: Royal Moonlight Everlasting!

A white energy beam fires from the staff and turns the crystal to dust. Sailor Moon puts the staff down, and it disappears. She lets out a sigh of relief.

Sailor Guardians run over to Sailor Moon and hug her. Luna tells Sailor Moon how proud she is of her. Luna and Artemis were worried about her awakening as Neo-Queen Serenity, but now when this happened, Luna is sure that the future of the planet is bright.

Sailor Moon: Yes, because I am here to protect it!

Sailor Jupiter: And you are not alone!

Tuxedo Mask: We will always be by your side.

As the Sailor Guardians walk away from the crystal, they talk to each other and smile.

As it gets darker, the city lights start to shine. Above the Earth, in the starry sky, there is a dark figure of a woman with red hair in a red outfit. She speaks in a low voice.

???: Earth. A wonderful planet filled with energetic living things. Well... Not for long!

NEXT☽☽

Luna: We've talked about the past before, let's talk about the future! Spoilers ahead, I guess...
Artemis: The future of Planet Earth is discussed a lot in the second season of Sailor Moon.
Luna: That's when we first met Chibiusa, a little girl with pink hair, who came to us from the future! Completely unexpectedly...
Artemis: Her home was invaded by the evil Black Moon Clan, and she ran away to the past, hoping to find the Silver Crystal.
Luna: And then the enemies followed her back to our time, and Sailor Guardians were protecting this little girl.
Artemis: Eventually, Chibiusa has brought us to the Time Gate she came here through. Time Gate is guarded by Sailor Pluto - the Sailor Guardian with the powers of space-time manipulation. Sailor Pluto opened the gate for Chibiusa as she escaped, and she let Sailor Guardians, Tuxedo Mask, and us in to look at the future.
Luna: That's when we found out more about Chibiusa's family and who she really was! She showed us her home.
Artemis: The city Chibiusa brought us to is called Crystal Tokyo, the future capital of Earth. Chibiusa's parents live in the Crystal Palace since they are royalty. Their names? Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion.
Luna: Sounds familiar? Well, that's because they're the future Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion, also known as Usagi and Mamoru!
Artemis: We've learned that one day, Usagi will be able to fully possess the true power of the Silver Crystal. This power is going to save the Earth from a natural disaster and ensure the long and peaceful lives of all humans. And that's when she gets proclaimed the queen of the world!
Luna: She won't be singlehandedly making all the political decisions in the world, though. I wouldn't trust any single person with this, let alone Usagi...
Artemis: But she can be trusted with Silver Crystal, which is the most reliable energy source when it comes to banishing darkness from deep space. So, Neo-Queen Serenity's mission is to protect the Earth from possible invasions...
Luna: This is also the mission of her King and her Sailor Guardians.
Artemis: Now, we all know it's going to happen, but we don't know exactly, when... But I have a feeling this events might be close already.
Luna: Oh! Do you remember the tiara Usagi has in the first episode of Sailor Moon Space, in her Celestial form? This tiara resembles the tiara Neo-Queen Serenity has. That's why I consider her new form an awakening as Neo-Queen Serenity!
Artemis: And that's probably why the episode is called "The Queen Awakens".
Luna: That means, soon, Sailor Guardians will be fully responsible for the safety of our planet...
Artemis: What do you think about this? Should we start training them for that?
Luna: It seems right, but... I don't think we should. The next few years might be the last chance our Guardians get to live as ordinary girls... And they deserve that life.
Artemis: You're right. We can't stop them from chasing their dreams. Ami wants to become a doctor, Rei is continuing her spiritual journey, Makoto plans to open a cafe, and Minako still dreams about being an idol...
Luna: And Usagi... She has a lot of dreams. But her biggest wish is probably to have a beautiful wedding... And to be a good mom. Again, we don't know when exactly that will happen, but... Chibiusa has stopeed coming to our timeline, since she feels like she's getting close to her own birth. And intersecting with your own self while time traveling for an extended period of time is against the time travelling laws.
Artemis: Speaking of which...
Luna: What?
Artemis: Chibusa is not the only one in the show who comes from the future...
Luna: Oh... Do you think we should tell them?
Artemis: The author says it's important...
Luna: Fine! In season four of Sailor Moon, Chibusa is accompanied by a tiny grey talking kitten with pink eyes.
Artemis: Her name is Diana.
Luna: And she is...
Artemis: Our...
Luna: Future...
Artemis: Daughter.
Luna: Don't ask, humans. It's none of your business.
Artemis: R-right...
Luna: Anyway, we've told them plenty of stuff already. Do you think it's time to end the episode?
Artemis: Perharps... I think this is all you need to know to finally start reading Sailor Moon Space!
Luna: And if you have any question, send an ask to this blog and we'll gladly answer them!
Artemis: We can also talk more in-depth about Usagi's new abilities and the power of Silver Crystal! But that will happen later, most likely...
Luna: Until then, bye!
Artemis: Bye!