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The season begins with the introduction of Tsukino Usagi, a 14 year old Tokyo school girl who is rarely on time and gorges herself often. One day, when Usagi is once again late for school, she finds a black cat. It turns out that the cat is able to speak and is named Luna. Luna tells Usagi that she is the Sailor Senshi, Sailor Moon.
As Sailor Moon, Usagi enters into combat against the forces of the Dark Kingdom as led by Queen Beryl and her Generals. This combat is also in addition to her primary objective (which she is told by Luna) of finding the Moon Princess and protecting her; however, Usagi really has no clue of where to look.
During her combat with the Dark Kingdom, Usagi is often rescued by Tuxedo Kamen. Much of the dramatic tension is built up through him in that no one knows who he is. In his mysterious guise, Kamen appears to serve as a neutral character (at the beginning) in the struggle between Usagi and the Dark Kingdom. Kamen protects Usagi by tossing roses, but his motives are unknown.
As the season progresses, more of the Senshi are found. The first senshi found is Sailor Mercury who is then followed by Sailor Mars and then Sailor Jupiter. In the action preceeding the story, the Senshi are warriors of the Moon Kingdom; they fight against Metalia, Beryl and the Generals.
After a few tens of battles, the final Inner Senshi Sailor Venus is discovered in a particular time of need for the Senshi. With the Inner Senshi finally united, they begin to search for the Moon Princess.
The latter portion of the Sailor Moon season is concerned with the search for both the Moon Princess and the seven nijuzuishou (rainbow crystals). The nijuzuishou are important for both the Senshi and the Dark Kingdom because when they are all combined, the Ginzuishou (Silver Crystal) can be reformed. During this portion, it is revealed that Usagi is the Moon Princess and that Mamoru is Tuxedo Kamen.
Mamoru is then captured by the Dark Kingdom and is brainwashed into opposing the Senshi. Throughout this, Usagi maintains her devoted love for Mamoru. This love is essential for Usagi in that it is the only thing that prevents Mamoru from attacking her at the end.
In the final three episodes of the season, Usagi leads the rest of the Inner Senshi to oppose Queen Beryl and the Dark Kingdom. Each of the Inner Senshi, save Usagi, is killed leaving Usagi as the only one able to oppose Queen Beryl; even so, Usagi is still aided by the spirits of her deceased friends. Beryl is killed by the now restored Tuxedo Kamen; Beryl is allowed to die by Metalia, the true ruler of the Dark Kingdom.
During her fight against Metalia, Usagi becomes Princess Serenity and is able to kill Metalia with the support of the dead Senshi's spirits. As Usagi lies weakened after using the power of the Ginzuishou, she wishes that she could be a normal girl.
The next day begins as did the first episode with Usagi late for school. Each of the Senshi is shown, but none know each other; all of the Inner Senshi have lost their memories of their roles as Sailor Senshi.
End Sailor Moon
Cathcart, Barbara Ann. Season Summaries. <http://www.oriens.com/sailormoon/summary22.html>
Simpson, Michelle R. MaachaQ's Sailor Moon Synopsis.
<http://www.msu.edu/~simpso57/moonsyn.htm>
Copyright ©1998-2001 Stephen Congly
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