Chapter 155
"We just got another report in, a building on the west side..everyone inside drained," Chief Ozaki said throwing a sheet of paper on his desk.
"Ten locations, all under everyone's noses," Nagumo said in frustration.
"Even the Sailor Scouts didn't find whoever's behind this," Colonel Patterson said.
"I can only guess what kind of damage that can be done with that much energy," Ozaki said.
"In the wrong hands, enough," Patterson said.
"It's odd though, there isn't a pattern followed just ten random buildings," Nagumo said.
"Of course there's no pattern, the negaverse knew that if they don't give us one we'll have trouble locating them," Patterson said.
"Still..I wonder how they're doing it. Multiple monsters, or one making very roundabout journeys..or for that matter something in between," Ozaki said.
"Guess we won't know until we find them ey?" Nagumo said.
The three nodded.
"Did you sleep at all last night?" Amy asked.
"Hardly a wink," Greg said. "I'm just too stressed out. I wish I knew what we could do."
"I know..it seems almost impossible to trap her. And how would we? Legally anyway."
Greg shrugged.
The doorbell rang.
"I hope this isn't any more trouble," Amy said and answered it.
Colonel Patterson stood there.
"Colonel..." she said. "Something I can do for you?"
"Well..actually I'm here with some information for you," Patterson said.
"Oh. I see..." Amy said. "Please come in."
Minutes later they were sipping tea.
"So you see...we think the negaverse is up to a new sort of trick to somehow avoid our detection. Furthermore we have some other suspicions..well...don't you worry about those we'll handle the other suspicions," Patterson said.
"Uh..I guess I should tell the scouts what's been happening, they'll find it important," Amy said. "I'm afraid we have our own problems at the moment."
"Something I can help with?" Patterson asked.
"I don't think so..." Amy said.
"But then again.." Greg said. "Maybe you can...if you have a minute."
"Yeah, I've got a few," Patterson said.
"Well.." Greg began.
Meanwhile at an apartment building. Sailor Pluto crouched and looked at the floor.
"Whoever was here didn't leave any footprints.." she said.
"They didn't leave anything..except drained people," Sailor Uranus said.
"It seems for once the negaverse is learning from it's mistakes," Sailor Neptune said.
"Just what we need..." Sailor Uranus muttered.
"Well...I'm not surprised..." Sailor Pluto said. "They're not idiots."
"So now that they know how to keep us from noticing them until it's too late..how are they doing it?" Neptune asked.
"There are very few possible ways," Saturn said emerging from the hallway. "One is that they cannot be seen. Two is that they travel in ways they cannot be seen. Third is that they convince everyone they can't be seen."
"Makes sense," Neptune said.
"And number three seems to involve energy..they might try to avoid that route," Uranus said.
"Number one is interesting..but improbable," Pluto said.
"That leaves number two," Neptune said.
"If they flew someone would have to see them.." Uranus said.
"If they walked on the street they would be seen," Pluto said.
"Unless they could disguise themselves as a normal human," Neptune said.
"Right...." Pluto said. "Or they could use the most direct route...the sewer system."
"Perhaps.." Saturn said. "Is not the sewer system the first place we would look though?"
The others nodded.
"The negaverse has to know that," Uranus said.
"Maybe that's part of their strategy..we should have a look," Pluto said.
The others nodded.
Raye swept the floor of her fire reading room carefully, trying to get as much dust as she could.
"You shouldn't work so hard..it looks fine.." Chad said from the doorway.
"No..there's still work that can be done," Raye said.
"Okay if you say so," Chad said. "I know this whole snow prayer thing means a lot to you."
"Yes it does," Raye said. "It's a tradition in my family to open up the temple to whoever seeks to pray when the winter reaches it's zenith. Things have to go right. Especially this year."
Chad nodded.
"I know..no problem," he said. "We'll make it work. Is there anything I can do?"
"If you could clean off the steps that would be a big help," Raye said.
"Sure," Chad said and hurried out.
"Darrien why do you think there's so much snow this year?" Serena asked.
"There is an unusual weather pattern coming in off the sea, it's been that way for a while," Darrien said. "That seems to explain it."
"But what causes that?"
"Other weather patterns."
"But where does it all start?"
"Uh...well..I'm not sure it starts anywhere in particular."
"Oh...so you're saying you don't know."
"I'm not a meteorologist."
Watch her say this isn't about meteors. Darrien thought.
"I just thought you'd know more about the weather then I did...I didn't expect you to be a meteorologist," Serena said.
"You mean you know what a meteorologist is?" Darrien asked in surprise.
"Nope..but I just knew it had nothing to do with meteors," Serena said.
Darrien's eyes widened.
"And why did you think that?" he asked.
"Well..you knew what you were talking about right?" Serena asked.
"Yes."
"So why would you talk about meteors when there was no reason to?"
"Guess there's some logic to that.." Darrien said.
"Aw..good..I wasn't sure..." Serena said. "You know how I am."
"Yeah I guess I do."
"So why are they called meteorologists anyway..if meteors aren't involved?
"I have no idea."
"Darrien...didn't they teach you that in school?"
"Not really no.."
"Oh....do you think anyone knows?"
"Sure."
"Well what are you waiting for let's find them and ask them!"
"Now?"
"Now."
"Uh..Serena...I'm not so sure about that..we were supposed to be shopping."
"Darrien..you're saving money..I wouldn't complain if I were you," Serena said.
"Uh..good point," Darrien said.
"So..evolutionarily speaking.." Mike said.
"What?" Rick and Steve said.
"That got your attention didn't it?" Mike said grinning.
"But..." Rick said.
"Yes...and now that I have your attention I think it's time for us to decide once and for all whether we are really three different people, or are all just slightly mutated carbon copies of myself," Mike said.
"I think it's time to throw you in the river," Steve said.
"I'll second that.." Rick said.
"You're just avoiding the inevitable," Mike said.
The other two glanced at each other.
"Hi ya....are you the Doctor Hiro Makisa, professor of Meteorology?" Serena said poking her head in a door.
"If I wasn't my name wouldn't be written on the door," Makisa said. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Uh..sort of...see..I'm doing this school project..and I'm supposed to find out where the name Meteorology comes from.."
"Oh..I see...that's a tough one..you couldn't have just asked why there's such an abnormal snowfall this quarter could you?"
"No..sorry..I mean after all..no one knows where whether starts anyway..so what's the point?"
"Oh..okay.." Makisa said. "Well to be perfectly honest with you..I have no idea where that name comes from. I think I knew once..but now..I just don't know."
"Well thank you anyway.." Serena said and dashed out.
"Strange girl..." Makisa said. "Strange ideas too."
He grinned.
"Ooo..decorations just what's happening here?" Mina asked as she and Lita had ascended Raye's long stairs.
"I'm having the annual snow prayer tonight.." Raye said.
"Oh...that's tonight.." Mina said.
"You coming?" Raye asked.
"Oh..I don't know.." Mina said. "I'm not very religious."
"What about you Lita?"
"Uh..hmm..well I've been meddling in polytheism myself..things might get messy..." Lita said.
Raye frowned.
"Why is it that the only time I hear a bit about your religious habits, it's in coming up with excuses to avoid my snow prayer? This isn't about one religion it's about all of them," Raye said.
"They're not excuses," Mina said. "At least mine isn't."
"Mine isn't either..it's just I'm not big on the ceremonies," Lita said.
"Well..there are plenty others that will fill this place up.." Raye said almost with resentment.
"Woah..sorry we brought it up," Mina said.
"Yeah..if you're going to be that way about it," Lita said.
The two turned and walked off.
Raye sighed.
"The river is much too cold!" Mike said dashing down the street followed by Rick and Steve said.
"Well we'll find something warmer to dump you in," Steve said.
"Yeah...it shouldn't be that hard!" Rick shouted.
"You're only hiding from your destinies...come out into the light and face it!" Mike shouted trying to get away on them.
"It's not about that!" Rick shouted.
"Of course it isn't..it's about that 'mutated carbon copies of you' remark that we have a problem with," Steve said.
"Oh..that..." Mike said and dashed down a side street. The other two followed.
"Uh oh.." Mike said seeing a wall at the other end. "Now is the time for action!" he shouted. The other two moved in. He slowed his pace slightly and then jumped forward throwing himself off the wall he flipped around tapped Steve and Rick and flew over them. They fell to the ground and he raced back down the alley. His two friends stood up and brushed the snow off of them.
"WHEN DID HE LEARN TO DO THAT!" they shouted.
"Hah!" Mike said and hurried away.
"Oh..he's going to pay for this.." Steve said.
"For what?" Rick asked.
"You know..becoming Jackie Chan without telling us.." Steve said.
"Oh..so you're saying something that amounts to his personal improvement is going to earn him a beat down," Rick said.
"Yeah."
"Well all right...whatever works," Rick said and shrugged.
"Excuse me are you Doctor Phoenix Fielding, TV meteorologist," Serena said.
"Why yes," Fielding said stepping out of his car. "You've heard of me?"
"Uh..no...listen...uh..do you know why Meteorologists are called that.. I mean..what it has to do with meteors and all?"
"Hmm..strange question..wouldn't you rather know when these winter storms are going to let up."
"Aw come on..you tv weathermen are never right...but you might actually know the answer to my other question."
"Ehh...no I don't...and you should learn to be a little more respectful.." Fielding said and walked off.
"Yeah! Well you try getting caught in a thunderstorm when Mister TV WEATHERMAN SAID YOU'D HAVE A CLEAR DAY FOR YOUR PICNIC WITH YOUR ONE TRUE LOVE!" Serena shouted after him.
"Serena..just let it go..." Darrien said walking up.
"Ehh..." Serena said.
"Now..if this works...you'll have all you need," Colonel Patterson said.
"But this is a little too cloak and dagger for my liking," Amy said. "Not that she doesn't deserve it."
"Is this even legal?" Greg asked.
"What isn't legal?" Patterson asked.
"I mean the..." Greg said.
"Greg...he knows what you mean..." Amy said.
"Oh..of course..nothing is illegal and that's all we're doing nothing," Greg said.
"Exactly," Colonel Patterson. "If you'll excuse me..I've got some other problems to handle."
"Sure," The two said.
"Thank you," Amy said.
Colonel Patterson nodded and walked out.
"Well it's worth a try," Greg said.
"Yeah I guess," Amy said.
"There...all done.." Raye said staring at her temple now covered with lanterns.
"You did a great job Raye," Chad said.
"Well..you helped."
"Yeah, but it was mostly you."
"I guess so," Raye muttered. "You know Chad I had hoped that this prayer would let the scouts come together for a different reason then just to fight evil. You know..I mean..I have my religion they all have theirs...but it's about the spirit...not the rigidity of your beliefs.."
"Yeah, I know," Chad said.
"I've told everyone about it," Raye said. "But the sad thing is you saw how Lita and Mina reacted. I can only guess Serena sees it the same way. Amy and Greg have that teacher problem they really want to solve...so they won't be here. The guys..Rick might show up...but only because he's a nice guy...and the others...nope. I even talked to Haruka and Michiru..."
"I haven't met them.." Chad said.
"No you haven't but..I asked them. They both seem interested but said they had something to take care of which might interfere..it was just their polite way of saying no..."
"Okay..so maybe it was a bad time."
"No it wasn't...but you know it's more than this..usually when I plan something it works out.people show up and their glad to."
"You may get plenty of people showing up anyway."
"Yes I know that Chad..but if you can't get your friends to come it hurts in a way..a different way...when a stranger decides against it, you know hey it's just a stranger..not sure who you are what you're about..but when you're friends say no..it makes you wonder."
"You're over thinking this," Chad said.
"Maybe.." Raye said turning to look at the grey clouds hovering over the setting sun.
Chad looked at her with concern.
I don't usually see her like this. But I don't know what I'm supposed to do.
"Can I help you?" the secretary at the Japanese Meteorological Society said as Serena and Darrien stood patiently.
"Uh..we were hoping we could talk to someone..anyone..who might be able to answer a question for us," Serena said.
"About what?" the secretary asked.
"We're trying to find out just where the name Meteorology comes from," Serena said.
"She is.." Darrien said. "I'm just her boyfriend."
"Oh..." the secretary said. "Hmm..I guess I've wondered that myself from time to time. The trouble is most of our people are very busy...you can understand that it's not that easy to disturb someone to ask them such a question."
"We know..we're hoping not to intrude," Serena said.
"Hmm...I'll tell you what..it's almost the end of the day for a lot of people. If I see someone leaving I think could help you..I'll ask okay?" The secretary said.
Serena nodded.
"Thank you," she said and the two stood to the side.
"No we're getting somewhere," She said.
Darrien sighed.
"Hmm...Sewers can be quite cold in the winter.." Neptune said as the four Sailor Scouts wandered through the underground system. The four were all wearing their cold weather outfits as a result of it.
"Yes..that's true.." Uranus said.
"Then why not use the lack of heat as a guideline to discover the presence of heat," Saturn said. The other three looked at her.
"She's right," Pluto said. "If we could pick up the body heat of the creatures..."
Seconds later something blasted by them spraying cold water everywhere.
"Or...we can follow him," Uranus said and the four hurried down the sewer.
"Doctor Suchek..." the secretary said. "Meet Serena and Darrien."
"Hello," a portly scientist said.
"They were trying to uncover the origins of the word Meteorology," the secretary said.
"Oh..I see.." Suchek said. Serena felt a feeling in her head.
My communicator. Not now.
"Well..to define it you would have to trace the history back to.." Suchek began.
"Oh..I'm sorry doctor...I've been holding it all day..can you wait a minute..or better yet..why don't you tell my boyfriend..and he'll tell me..thank you," Serena said and dashed out the door.
"The bathrooms over there.." Suchek muttered.
"Sorry.." Darrien said with embarrassment. "But she has this problem sometimes. And her mind isn't fully developed."
"Oh..I can understand that," Suchek said. "Really I can...so let me explain
it to you my boy.." he said.
"What is it?" Serena asked into her communicator.
"Uh...Serena...we're in pursuit of the latest negaverse enemy..." Sailor Neptune said.
"Oh...where are you?" Serena asked.
"Oh...uh..good question..." Neptune said. "I'll call you back when I find out."
Serena suddenly found herself for the first and probably last time, missing Maverick's useful surveillance devices.
"Oh..uh..we're on tenth street.." Neptune said. "By the sushi bar.."
"Which one?"
"Oh..the one with the dragon fighting with the bear painted on the side," Neptune said.
"Oh..that one...okay..I'm coming," Serena said and pulled out her crystal.
"Celestial Moon Power!" she shouted.
Trid had just blasted out of a manhole and was racing down the street the four scouts were leaping after him trying to keep up.
"It's fast," Uranus muttered.
Pluto fired a bolt off her staff. It flew over Trid and slammed into the ground.
Trid swerved down a side street.
"His speed is his greatest liability," Saturn said.
"She's got a point..if we can send that one down a dead end.." Neptune said.
The four then worked to figure out their next move.
Meanwhile a cloaked figure stood on a rooftop watching the pursuit.
"At last..." The figure said.
Trid glanced behind him for a second still trying to figure out how he was going to evade the four Sailor Scouts pursuing him. It wasn't going to be easy. He knew that. Suddenly a barrage of laser bolts flew down at him. He swerved out of the way.
"Missed.." Guardian Neptune muttered from a roof top.
"Well..our usefulness is at an end," Guardian Pluto added watching Trid race off followed by the Outer scouts.
"Too bad," Guardian Uranus muttered.
So..the scouts are closing in..no problem.. Trid said swerving between cars of a street and turning down a walkway knocking pedestrians aside still looking for a way out. A car skidded onto the walkway and Trid slid to a stop but skidded into it. He quickly stood up and looked up in surprise to see a hooded figure standing over him.
"So..evil doer..you have dared to cross paths..with.." the figure through off his cloak. "THE MAN!"
"Wha.." Trid said.
The four Sailor Scouts stopped.
"What is this?" Uranus asked in surprise.
"Hah..." The Man said. "You're not so tough."
"Amateur! Leave before you get hurt," Uranus snapped.
"Oh..the Sailor Scouts...I thank you for the assistance..but I will take it from here.." The Man said.
"Whose that idiot?" Guardian Neptune said as the three Guardians landed nearby.
"Idiot? I am the Man."
"No, I'm the Man," Neptune said.
"No, I am the MAN."
"No..I'm the man."
"He's the man," Uranus said pointing at Neptune.
"He is not," The Man said. "I have this trademarked."
Trid zapped him.
"Thank you," the Scouts all said.
Trid stood there.
"Oh..well..guess this is end," he said.
"Hold it!" Sailor Moon said dropping to the ground. "I am Sailor Moon, Champion of Justice, Righter of Wrongs, and all that other stuff....Moon Spiral Hearts attack!"
She shouted in five seconds. Trid shrugged as he was hit. The energy slammed him into the Man's car which flipped over and skidded into a tree from the impact.
"Moon Healing Power!" Sailor Moon said.
Trid returned to normal form.
"Well..that wraps it up then don't it?" she said.
"For the record we could have handled it," Sailor Uranus said.
"Then why'd you call me?" Sailor Moon asked.
"We had to be prepared just in case, Sailor Moon," Sailor Pluto said.
"So that's your excuse," Sailor Moon said.
CHAPTER 141 CHAPTER 142 CHAPTER 143 CHAPTER 144 CHAPTER 145
CHAPTER 146 CHAPTER 147 CHAPTER 148 CHAPTER 149 CHAPTER 150
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