"We need to learn more about this new force," Luna paused, thoughtfully. "Rei-chan perhaps you could find some answers in the fire. Maybe we can learn where they will strike next." Rei nodded and motioned for everyone to follow her. They went into the shrine where a brilliant fire was already lit and burning fiercely. The priestess kneeled in front of it and tied her hair back with a long white ribbon. She made several movements with her hands, her voice rang strong, and clear, as she chanted. "Rin, pyou, tou, sha, kai, jin, retsu, sai, zen!" The image of a bakery manifested in the flame as she finished her words and gentures. Satisfied, Rei turned around. "A saw a vision of a bakery covered in a warming darkness. The name on the building was 'Sunshine Sweets.' I believe that's where we need to go next." Minako's eyes widened. "I saw that place on my way to school. It opened just a few days ago." Usagi clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Goody! All those sweets. Heh, heh." The others rolled their eyes. ****************** On the Sun, Solaris stood before the large screen once again. A grainy image of the new bakery was displayed there and a smile fell upon her lips. With control of this store, she could capture many customers as they came in. She laughed evilly, and her eyes glowed with an incandescent light. ****************** The girls arrived at the Sunshine Sweets bakery. Usagi looked around the store joyfully, as they entered. Cakes, cookies, and various other junk foods were displayed everywhere. The girls stared in exasperation at Usagi while she loaded her plate with goodies. "Usagi-chan, you really shouldn't eat so much. This stuff is bad for you," Ami scolded. "Come on, Ami-chan. You can't honestly tell me you don't want any." Usagi waved a piece of chocolate cake in Ami's face. She wrinkled her nose and pushed the cake away. "No thank you. All that sugar isn't healthy. It'll rot your teeth." After everyone had paid for their food, they sat at an empty table and began to eat. Ami pulled out her tiny computer and discreetly scanned the room for any negative energy. "Anything unusual?" Makoto inquired as she leaned toward the blue haired girl. "Not yet. Nothing appears to be out of sorts here. My comptuer has yet to encounter the type of energy we are searching for, so it's possible it might be harder to detect. Though it might just be that there are no disturbances. Rei-chan, could the fire have been incorrect?" "I don't think so," Rei said thoughtfully. "Mmmm... This is good! I love fresh warm cookies!" Usagi commented, cramming a chocolate-chip cookie into her mouth. "Usagi-chan! Could you stop stuffing your face for one moment and concentrate on the subject at hand?" Luna reprimanded, crumbs flying out of her mouth. "You're one to be talking!" Makoto laughed. "Usagi-chan is right about this being good. I'll have to ask for the recipe. I hope they'll be willing to share it." "Thanks for sticking up for me, Mako-chan." Usagi sniffled in a mock pouting. "Luna is right as well. You should pay more attention. We're supposed to be watching for enemies," Rei interrupted, only to be greeted with Usagi sticking her tongue out childishly. Ami simply smiled while she listened to her friends bicker. It was a calming melody in comparison to the idea of battle against monsters. Her attention was drawn back to her computer screen when its warning beep sounded. On the screen, a small light flashed as it moved closer to the bakery. "Everyone, some sort of energy is approaching the bakery." Ami looked up from the screen. Surprised, she found the girls staring at her with dazed expressions. "I'm sooo sleepy," Usagi and Minako muttered in unison. Eyes closed, both faces fell into their plates. Soon every person in the room collapsed, until Ami was the only one left standing. "Guys?" Ami reached to shake Rei. "Wake up!" "Mercury Star Power MAKE UP!" Just as Sailor Mercury finished her transformation, a black vapor rose in the center of the room. It begun to solidify, taking the form of a male chef. His laughter rang throughout the bakery. "Ah, the sweet energy of my victims. Fill me! Give me your energy!" "How dare you! To satisfy your taste, you risk the health and teeth of innocent people. I will not forgive you for this crime. In the name of the planet Mercury, I'll end your mischief! I am Sailor Mercury!" "My, my, are we long winded. Kind of cute, too. Awful shame I can't let you live. DIE!" A large muffin took shape between his hands. He hurled it toward Mercury, however she managed to move out of the way in time. The muffin hit the floor where she had been standing and exploded. Suddenly, a young woman with red hair and a black body suit appeared above the youma chef. It cried out in pain as she drained him. "Sweet power. It fills me and makes me stronger." Fitted gold boots formed on her legs, reaching mid-thigh. She glared at Mercury. "Another Sailor Soldier, I presume." Sailor Mercury braced herself for a fight. "Why are you doing this? Who are you?" Mercury demanded. "So many questions. Shame you won't live long enough to have the answers." A gaseous orange ball gathered above Solaris. She placed her hand beneath it and shouted, "Sun Shade!" She lowered her arm, pushing the ball towards Mercury. "Shine Aqua Illusion!" Mercury called out, trying to counter-attack Solaris's sphere. It ripped through Mercury's power, knocking her to the ground. "Weak!" Solaris sneered. "Is that the best you can do? I suppose you're no threat to me, so I will not waste energy killing you. Till next time." Her abilities proven, Solaris disappeared. Battered and bruised, Mercury struggled to her feet. She saw the weakened youma was still wandering around the room. "Sweet energy. Need sweet energy. Give!" He charged at Mercury. Summoning as much strength as she could Sailor Mercury used her Shine Aqua Illusion to destroy the creature. Released from the enemy's spell, people began regaining consciousness. Reverting back to her school uniform, Ami ran to her friends. She couldn't help but laugh when Usagi raised her head, had icing hanging from her cheeks. "What happened?" Usagi questioned, groggily. ****************** Solaris arrived at the Eclipsed Sun Kingdom moments later. She kneeled before the orb and held out her hands in offering. "Great Erebus-sama, take what I have to give. Take this strong energy for our future." The orb glowed as it absorbed Solaris's gift. Its booming voice spoke to her, "This power is great indeed. With the strength included in this energy, I might revive soon. Bring me more." "Yes, my lord." Solaris slowly walked out of the room. Giving so much made her feel overly tired. She groaned when she saw Polaris waiting for her. Polaris stepped forward, her eyes bore into Solaris. "Sister, dear, you look horrible. Are you feeling alright?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "I'm fine." Solaris tried to maneuver around her sister, but was stopped. "Did you know I've been watching you? No? Well, I have, and I know that energy you gave Erebus-sama was your own. You lost more than you gathered. What you did not lose your body absorbed. It seems Erebus-sama really liked your energy, though. If you're not careful, we might have to get rid of some dead weight. Wouldn't want to prevent our kingdom from rising this time." Solaris watched her sister leave. She lowered her head in shame. She could not deny Polaris's accusation. "I can't help absorbing as much as I do. Just walking seems to take so much out of me. It's all so confusing." ****************** Usagi was running to the Hikawa Shrine for yet another meeting, when she crashed into Hogosha, toppling both of them. "Can't you ever watch where you're going?" Hogosha snapped. "I'm sorry," Usagi apologized innocently. She helped Hogosha to her feet and brushed the dirt off her uniform. Usagi still felt guilty about knocking her down. An idea popped into her head. "Um... I'm going on a picnic Sunday. Would you like to come?" Hogosha's eyes softened slightly. "Sure," she agreed. "Great! Meet us at the Ichinohashi Park entrance at noon. Bye." "A park should be a good place to gather what I need," she thought, as she stared at Usagi running figure. Halfway to her destination, Usagi remembered the picnic was supposed to be just her and Mamoru. "Oh well, too late now." Usagi finally reached the shrine, half an hour late. "Sorry, I had detention today." "You're always late, Usagi. You really should be more responsible." Rei shook her finger in Usagi's face. "We can start the meeting since we're all here," Luna interrupted. Minako noticed Ami flinch and asked, "You okay? You look like you're in pain." "That girl, Solaris, was really powerful. My body still hurts from her attack. That's all. Hey, I'll be fine," Ami reassured. Makoto looked her in the eyes, "You're hiding something. I can tell. Come on, out with it." Reluctantly, Ami told the girls about her suspicion. "Ever since I was struck, I have felt something, struggling for control of me. I know it's only a matter of time before I weaken." She placed her head in her hands. "Oh! Ami-chan you should have told us sooner." Usagi hugged her tightly. "Don't worry, we'll help you Ami-chan!" Makoto patted her head. "Yeah! We'll help. Don't give in, Ami-chan," Minako urged. Rei listened to them for awhile before she broke in, "I sensed a different air around you from the moment we left that bakery. Your battle is one of the spirit. We can only help so far. But, I believe in you, Ami-chan. You'll win." Luna cleared her throat to get attention. "Everything has been odd lately, starting with Chibi Usa-chan's disappearance. I am certain our new enemy had a role in her abduction. We still have to learn more about this one called Solaris." ****************** Hogosha entered the park and searched for any sign of her classmate, Usagi. After fifteen minutes, she grew impatient and ventured further from the entrance. She didn't know why she had agreed to meet with her or why she even had come after she had agreed. Just when she was about to give up the idea entirely, she noticed Mamoru placing a blanket under a large shade tree. She walked up behind him and when he didn't notice her, she softly spoke. "Good afternoon." Mamoru jumped. "You startled me," he laughed nervously. "What are you doing here? Meeting someone?" "As a matter of fact, I am. Tsukino-san invited me to a picnic. From the way she talked, I assumed somebody else was coming as well" "That would be me," Mamoru grumbled. He thought to himself as he cleared a spot for the girl to sit, "Leave it to Usako. She complains all the time that we never get to go on dates alone. One of the few times we can, she invites a friend." Hogosha and Mamoru sat on the blanket and soon they broke through the awkward silence with a friendly conversation. Fifteen minutes had gone by, and so engrossed in their chit-chat, they did not notice Usagi had arrived. "A-hem!" She tapped their shoulders as she leaned her body between them. "Usako. What took you so long?" Mamoru cheerily asked. "I was picking up our lunch at Mako-chan's," Usagi mumbled as she eyed Mamoru questioninly. The blond girl sat the large wicker basket she had been carrying on the ground, then sat herself between Mamoru and Hogosha. They quickly made room for her on the blanket. She then revealed a beautifully packed set of bento boxes before them. As she opened them, the sweet aroma of Makoto's cooking was filling the air. Hogosha watched Usagi wolf down a good portion of the food in matter of minutes. She could not believe her eyes. "How can you eat like that?" Her mouth full, Usagi shrugged. Mamoru, meaning to answer for her, tried for a reasonable explanation, but failed. Instead, he handed a sandwich to Hogosha. "No thanks, I'm not hungry." Usagi swallowed the last of her meal and stated, "You're never hungry, Hogosha-san." "I ate before I left." Changing the subject, Hogosha commented, "Say that's a lovely brooch. Would you mind if I had a look at it, Tsukino-san?" A bit unsure, Usagi stared down at her brooch. Then, figuring Hogosha was as harmless as a butterfly, she took the locket off and placed it in her classmate's extended hand. Hogosha sensed strong energy emitting from it. She could almost feel it pulsating gently, as if it were alive. The incandescent light entered Hogosha's eyes as she greedly clutched the heart shaped trinket. The thought of taking the brooch's power entered her mind and she was about to act on the thought when a youma appeared out of the sky. It resembled a dragon, but it held no definite form. The creature headed for Hogosha, draining the life essence of everyone who crossed its path. Hogosha flew through the air as the youma crashed into her. The brooch slipped from her hand and landed a few feet away. Usagi ran to the brooch but the creature sensed her actions. With a swing of it's gray tail it slammed her into a nearby tree, then went back to its prey. Mamoru rushed to Usagi's side and helped her sit upright. The creature hovered above Hogosha, draining the life from her with it's vapor tale. When Usagi saw what it was doing, a small voice called to her once again. "...Usagi...help me..." "Chibi Usa?" Usagi muttered. Cutting through her daze, Mamoru called to her, "Usako! Are you alright? Usako!" "Mamo-chan... I'm fine...help Hogosha-san." Hogosha screamed, "Tsukino-saaaaan!!" Mamoru charged towards the creature, dodging the attacks thrown his way. Artfully, he grabbed Hogosha away from the monster and carried her back to Usagi. Once she saw Hogosha was unconscious, but alright, she retrieved her brooch. She held it high in the air and with a determined voice, shouted, "Moon Cosmic Power! MAKE UP!" Mamoru followed her lead and taking a red rose from his jacket, he transformed. "You who ruin beautiful days and delicious picnics of lovers and friends, I will not forgive. I am the pretty suited Sailor Soldier, Sailor Moon. In the name of the moon, you'll be punished!" The vapor dragon charged full force toward Sailor Moon, but the red rose stopped it in it's path. Tuxedo Kamen called to the soldier, giving her the okay to attack. While the monster was distracted Sailor Moon withdrew her Cutie Moon Rod. "Moon Spiral Heart Attack!" With the youma destroyed, all the stolen energy drifted back to its owners. Usagi and Mamoru reverted to their normal forms and ran to Hogosha, who still lay sprawled beneath the tree. Usagi shook her. Confused, she turned to Mamoru, "Why didn't she regain her energy like everyone else did?" "I don't know." "Hogosha-san, are you okay?" Usagi shook her again. Slowly, she opened her eyes and sat up. The world spun around her. Hogosha reached for her head and shakily answered, "I'm okay. I have to go." Usagi moved to stop Hogosha when she tried to rise. "But you were hurt pretty bad. Maybe you should see a doctor." "I said I'M FINE!" Hogosha smacked Usagi away. She took off, leaving the couple confused. ****************** Some ways down the road, her clothes changed back to that of Solaris. With waning strength, she managed to teleport to the Sun. Weakly, she made her way to the computer room where Alpha Centauri usually stayed while she was away. Disappointed, she discovered he was not there. Alpha Centauri stood in the thrown room, listening to the king scold the twins. "Polaris, Vega! What did you think you were doing sending a youma without consulting me? What a waste!" "Forgive us..." Vega began and Polaris finished, "...father." "Where is Solaris? She should have been back from her mission by this time." Centauri sensed the smirks on the twin's faces and spoke up, "My lord, I will search for her." He bowed to the king, then left. He started his search in the computer room. He was shocked to find her leaning against the control board. "Are you looking for something, princess? Your father wishes to speak with you. Princess?" Cautiously, Solaris began toward his approaching figure, but collapsed. His anger rose to boiling point when he realized what the twins had done. Centauri scooped her into his huge arms. He hurried to King Dionysus with his princess. He begged for the king to re-energized her. Dionysus shook his head, "We can't afford to waste any more energy on her. I believe Vega and Polaris shall take her place, for the time being." Less than pleased, Centauri left, the unconscious Solaris still in his arms. ****************** Night has spread it's blue blanket over Japan and the full moon had risen high. Usagi sat at her window staring at the twinkling diamond sky. "Chibi Usa..." she whispered. Her thoughts were disrupted by the telephone ringing. Usagi's mother called for her to pick up. "Hello?" "Hello, Usako. How are you doing?" He asked, sensing the sadness in her voice. "Mamo-chan! I'm glad to hear from you," she said trying to sound cheery. "I was just thinking about Chibi Usa, but I'm fine now." A tear fell down her face. "Don't worry, Usako. We'll get her back," Mamoru assured her. A brilliant flash appeared outside. Luna went to the window to see what it was. "Hold on for a minute, Mamo-chan." Usagi put the receiver down and joined Luna. She saw two beams of light streak across the sky and land in the same area of the Hikawa Shrine. "Oh no. What was that?" Usagi gasped. "I don't know, but we better warn the others." Usagi got back on the phone and told Mamoru to meet her at the Hikawa shrine. She hung up and called the other girls, telling them the same. ****************** Everyone hastened to the meeting spot. The girls arrived just in time to see Sailor Mars struck by a gaseous blue ball. "No!" Ami yelled, "Mercury Star Power, MAKE UP!" The others soon followed, "Venus Star Power, MAKE UP!" "Jupiter Star Power, MAKE UP!" "Moon Cosmic Power, MAKE UP!" "I am the soldier for Love and Justice. The pretty sailor soldier, Sailor Moon! In the name of the moon, I will punish you."
From out of the darkness two chilling figures emerged. Both had silvery gray hair, with a single white streak in front and cold, icy blue eyes that were enough to freeze the soldiers to the bone. While the girls were preoccupied, the twins took the opportunity to power up. Blue ice spheres were blasted from their joined hands.
Out of nowhere, a battered Mars jumped in front of companion and friend, taking the full blow. "Sailor Mars!" Sailor Moon called, as she watched her friend knocked to the ground. Mercury tried to use her Shining Aqua Illusion on the twins, but Vega blocked her attack easily. Polaris shot an ice spike toward them. "DIE!" she roared. A red rose sailed through the air. It struck the spike, shattering it to pieces. Tuxedo Kamen jumped off the roof and landed next to Sailor Moon. ****************** In the Eclipsed Sun Kingdom, Alpha Centauri cradled Solaris against his chest. She had gone so pale, even her hair had become a dull orange. He gently caressed her cheek, as he whispered, "I'll give you the energy you need." Centauri removed his gray mask, revealing two scars on the right side of his face. One ran the length of his cheek and the other drew a vertical line across his eye. He leaned forward, softly kissing Solaris' mouth. He transferred his harnessed power to her small body. Moments later, her eyes fluttered open. "Alpha Centauri? What happened? Where is your mask? You never take it off." She touched his uncovered face, then she looked down at her outfit. "Where did this gold breast plate come from?" "For you," he answered under his breath. "Centauri?" ****************** Back on earth, the soldiers still fought with Vega and Polaris. The twins were about to send a powerful attack toward their enemies, when a voice called to them telepathically. "Polaris, Vega, return at once!" Dionysus ordered. Without another word the two disappeared. The girls looked around, wondering where the two had gone. Realizing the battle was over, they hurried to Mars who was lying on the ground, badly injured. Polaris and Vega reappeared in the thrown room. They bowed to their father. "How could you waste so much energy!" Dionysus demanded. "We have no energy to spare. Until our great leader is revived, we must be cautious!" "Forgive us..." Vega began and Polaris finished, "...We'll do better next time." "There will not be a next time. You have proven to be reckless. In light of Solaris' recovery I believe it would be best for all of us if she remained in command."
The twins stared in shock as Solaris entered the room. Alpha Centauri walked in behind her and placed his hand on her shoulder. They both smiled at the twins. End Episode 02.