Chapter 292
The room was obscured by darkness and shadows. A solitary candle burned in the center of it, providing little illumination. A figure stood near the candle, her silhouette outline. Another figure approached the light.
"Mistress, maybe you could provide some lights here?" Sailor Iron Mouse said with annoyance.
"Sailor Iron Mouse, I suggest that you let me run this operation the way I choose," the figure said. "You will find me more patient then the my mother. However, that does not mean I have to accept your complaints."
"Sorry madam Gala," Iron Mouse said.
"I revived you for a reason," Gala said. "You're fighting skill is not at the level of the sailor scouts, however, you do have experience. You observed them in action. That is why you are here."
"Uh..yes..well..what exactly are you here for madame Gala?" Iron Mouse asked.
"I am here to accomplish two things. The first is to find the star seeds this planet possesses. My mother used up much of the star seed's power we found on other worlds, and now our control over this galaxy has ended, however, the star seeds on this planet are pure, untouched. With them I can gain control of this planet and reestablish the empire."
"The second reason?" Iron Mouse asked.
"To avenge my mother's death of course," Gala said. "As you see though, both of my plans fit along the same lines. Before I can take this planet I must destroy the sailor scouts, either with the star seeds or without, I will destroy them, and then the planet will be mine."
"Uh..well you talk big, but no one has ever beaten them," Iron Mouse said.
Gala grinned slightly.
"Your impertinence is annoying, do you somehow believe I am not in a position to punish you?"
"No.." Iron Mouse said shrinking back. "I..am sorry..but I've seen the scouts in action. They destroyed Madam Galaxia and she had the star seeds. Gala, you are powerful and skilled, but how can we stop them?"
"I have some ideas. I have also saved as much energy as possible from our empire. We will manage."
"Uh..if you say so. Is there something you want me to do?"
"Yes, there is," Gala said. "I have a mission for you."
"Oh goodie," Iron Mouse perkily.
"Iron Mouse, shut up," Gala said.
At Juuban High School that morning, Ayeka Mizuno was once again practicing her swordsmanship on the lawn. D.V. Patterson stood on the roof of the school staring down at her, hoping he couldn't be detected.
"I thought you had more sophisticated spy methods than that," came a familiar voice. He started. Amy stood there and smiled.
"Now D.V. There's nothing unhealthy about being in love. Especially with her. She's both beautiful and well skilled."
Patterson said nothing.
Amy's eyes widened.
"D.V? Can you hear me?" She asked.
D.V. continued to stare.
Amy grinned again and tapped him on the shoulder. He started and whirled.
"Sorry.." she said. "You've got it bad D.V. You should try to get to know her better."
"I can't do that," Patterson said.
"Why not? There's no evil to fight. You've got time to pursue romance."
"Another enemy force could strike at any time," Patterson said.
Amy started laughing.
"You're funny when you're in love," she said.
Patterson sighed.
"So Darrien's pretty busy huh?" Lita asked.
"Well..yeah..he lost a great opportunity, so he has to work extra hard to get back to where he was," Serena said.
"Too bad. I mean most of the time these battles don't affect our real lives like that."
"How can you say that? I mean hasn't this all changed things?"
"Well..yeah, but most of the time it's just a matter of us having to take the time to fight the enemy, and then back to the other stuff. Sure it takes an emotional toll too, but I mean it's not like we can't get a job because of it."
"Darrien can get a job, the question is will it be any good," Serena said. "I hope he gets a good one though, I'd hate to have to be a working mother."
Lita glanced at her.
"That's thinking practically," the brown haired girl replied.
"Well..isn't it though?" Serena asked.
Her friend sighed.
"IT IS!" Serena said.
"Okay..okay...it is," Lita said. "But..Serena, I think you're ahead of yourself here."
"Darrien and I am engaged, I should be thinking about this sort of thing," Serena said.
"Well..yes, I guess that's right, but I'd be more worried about the affect this has on Darrien then on whether you'll need to get a job yourself."
"And what makes you think I'm not worried about him."
"Just a hunch Serena," Lita muttered.
"Oh I see, you think just because I told you I'm worried about being a working mother, that that's my sole reason for hoping he's all right?" Serena asked accusatively.
"I didn't say that, I just suggested," Lita began.
"No...you're advice is not needed. I don't see why everyone thinks I'm a ditzy self centered girl, when I've proven time and again that I'm willing to sacrifice everything I have for my friends, for the world, for Darrien."
"I guess you're right," Lita said.
Serena stopped. Lita did too.
"And besides, worrying about being a working mother isn't selfish. The multitude of children I have would prefer to have me around the house."
"Multitude? You're going to take care of more than one?"
"What? Why is that a problem?" Serena asked.
"You don't want my advice remember?" Lita said.
"You're right I don't," Serena muttered and began walking again.
Lita sighed.
"And stop sighing!" Serena said.
"Uh..sorry.." Lita said.
"Setsuna hasn't contacted us in a while," Michiru said.
"What? Are you worried?" Haruka said.
"Yes, a little. I mean what is it she's doing?"
"She doesn't usually let us in on the details."
"Yes, but..I don't know. I like to know what's going on."
"So do I, but I'm sure she has a good reason," Haruka said.
"Are you really sure?" Michiru asked. "She's been acting strangely lately."
"That's true, but she controls space and time, it's not like we can just go looking for her," Haruka said.
"We can go looking for her. There's just no guarantee we'll find her," Michiru said. "We should."
"Hmm..yes I guess, it's not like there's any other business for the two of us to handle," Haruka said.
"That's what I was thinking," Michiru said.
"Hotaru..I'm not sure I know what this is about," Greg said.
"I said I wanted to speak with you, and that is what I intend to do," Hotaru said.
"Yes..well is there something I can do for you?"
"D.V. Patterson is acting erratically, more so then I understood. I had accepted that he was dealing with a bout of immaturity, however, this is different. These are not the same emotions he used to attack the three lights with."
"It's love Hotaru."
"For this Ayeka Mizuno?" Hotaru asked blankly.
"Yes, he seems to have taken a liking to her," Greg said.
"But how does love appear so fast? He just met her," Hotaru said.
"I guess it just happens that way. Uh..there's no guarantee this is final, I mean Ayeka hasn't said she's interested or anything," Greg said.
"But...why does he feel this way?"
"I don't know," Greg said. "Love is a complex thing. I think it has a lot to do with the fact she can fight with a sword like she does."
"I see..so..he is attracted to those who share his skills."
"That's part of it, but love is more than that," Greg said.
"But he is attracted to people like himself..."
"I guess that's part of it, but Ayeka isn't exactly like him. She's.."
"But so he should be attracted to people that are the most like him."
"No not necessarily.."
"But that makes sense..." Hotaru said.
"Love doesn't necessarily follow rules," Greg said.
"Why not? Everything else does," Hotaru said.
"Yes, but.."
"Why her?" Hotaru asked.
"I can't explain it..."
"What about you? Who do you love?"
"What?"
"Well..maybe if you explained your love..it might be easier for me to understand.."
"Right now..I don't know..I'm not in love."
"I see...what would change that?"
"I don't know..meeting the right person I guess."
"Is the right person clearly labeled?"
"No of course not.."
"Then how do you know when you've met them.."
"Sometimes it just comes to you."
"I see..so love is a matter of instinct?"
"Sure," Greg said.
"And if you have this instinct should you act on it?"
"Ideally yes..I'm really not the expert on this..I..there are things you should do and not do."
"What about this?" Hotaru said grabbing on to him. Greg started as Hotaru pulled her face close to him.
"Hotaru..this is..."
"What?" Hotaru asked.
"I..what are you doing?" Greg asked.
"You are available," She said.
"But..I like you and all..but love..uh.."
"We share a lot of characteristics, we should see if we are compatible."
"Uh..I...Hotaru..I don't know..." Greg said.
"I see this will take some more action," Hotaru said and kissed him. She let go a few seconds later. Greg stood there in shock before feinting.
"Hmm.I did not believe that was going to happen,"
Hotaru said.
"Now you understand Miss..." Principal Oksua began.
"Miss Irene Morris," the short young woman sitting across the desk from him said.
"Uh..right Miss Morris, that this class is sort of special for several reasons," Oksua said.
"They misbehave?"
"Not since half of them went on tour, but ...still it can be strange," Oksua said. "And there's the girl Serena, who is always late."
"I see..." Morris said.
"I'm glad you could substitute though. We don't know when Miss Meio will be getting back."
"Yes well..this should be an enlightening experience I think," Morris said. "Maybe I should get started."
"Yes, good idea," Principal Oksua said.
"I can't wait to meet them all," Morris said and walked out.
"That attitude will change," Oksua said to himself.
"Michiru there's something else I've been meaning to talk to you about," Haruka said.
"Oh..and now it comes to you. We're only together sixteen hours a day," Michiru said.
"Well..actually.."
Hotaru walked in and moved to her seat.
"Anyway..I just wanted to talk to you about it later, and wanted to let you know about it," Haruka said.
"Now you've got me worried," Michiru said.
"It's nothing like that," Haruka said. "It's not bad news, just a decision that's all," Haruka said.
"Ah..all right," Michiru said.
Hotaru stood up and moved between their desks.
"I am having trouble understand some things," She said.
"Like what Hotaru? Michiru asked.
Hotaru told them.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Amy said.
"I know," Patterson said.
"I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner," Amy said.
Patterson sighed.
"WHAT?" came a shout from the room down the hall.
"Sounded like Haruka and Michiru," Amy said. "Strange, they don't usually yell out like that."
Patterson nodded. They entered to find Michiru and Haruka looking at Hotaru with surprise.
"What did I do to illicit this response?" she asked calmly.
"I'm curious as to that myself," Amy said.
"All I said was that I have begun to make romantic advances towards your brother Greg," Hotaru said.
"Oh..that's surprising, but not enough to yell out in surprise," Amy said.
"I have already given him a kiss," Hotaru said.
"Yes, before when you were thanking him.." Amy said.
"That's not what she means," Haruka and Michiru said.
"This isn't looking good, " Patterson said and headed out the door.
"What do you mean?" Amy asked.
"We mean that Hotaru kissed him on the lips just a few minutes ago," Haruka and Michiru said.
"WHAT?" Amy shouted.
"I do not understand. What is the problem with my strategy?" Hotaru said.
The other three girls looked at each other.
"Wow..I'm here on time," Serena said.
"Yep..good for you," Lita said following her in. They looked at the situation.
"We miss something important?" Serena and Lita asked.
"Yes," Haruka, Michiru, and Amy replied still in
their shocked state.
Minutes later Greg staggered in and laid his head on his desk.
"I know exactly how you're feeling," Patterson said.
"Ehh..." Greg said.
"We have to ask the question," Serena said.
"Not now..it's not the right time," Lita said.
"But he'll forget later," Serena said.
"I think it's a bad idea," Lita said.
"It's the right time."
"No it isn't Serena."
"I'll go, you can stay," Serena said.
"No...I don't think you should.." Lita said.
"I will find out whether he enjoyed it, trust me."
"Then do it later," Lita said. "When he doesn't look like that.."
"Fine, fine," Serena said. "But if there's memory loss..."
"It won't matter Serena," Lita said.
"Ah here we are," came a voice. The group looked to see Miss Irene Morris walk in and move to the front of the room.
"I'm Irene Morris the new substitute teacher," she said. "I think it's time to take attendance. My there isn't very many of you is there? Uh..what's that boy's problem in the back."
Greg snapped up.
"I'm fine Miss," he said.
"You don't look fine," Morris said.
"Uh..no really," Greg said. "Please continue."
"Uh...right..well..I hope we can have fun in the short time I spend here..or at the very least learn something," she said.
Most of the class was still recovering from the earlier news.
"Is something wrong class?" Morris asked.
"No," they answered in unison.
"I see.." Morris said. "Uh..well let's get started then."
Later the afternoon.
"So Iron Mouse, what have you found out?" Gala asked.
"Well..all the scouts you told me about. I looked into the school's file. They're all in the same class at the high school. However, several of the scouts haven't been to class," Iron Mouse said.
"They haven't?" Gala asked.
"Yes, Sailors Mars and Venus, and all of the Guardian Scouts except for Mercury and Saturn were elsewhere."
"I see, so now is the time to strike," Gala said.
"But with what? I mean..you've got me and all, but," Iron Mouse said.
"I have more then you, trust me," Gala said.
"Okay..so what's the plan."
"I still have to develop one, but that will not take long," Gala said.
"Uh..gotcha," Iron Mouse said.
"So what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Michiru asked.
"Well...I've decided to try and join the professional bike racing tour," Haruka said.
"But Haruka.." Michiru said.
"I know, I am a student, and a woman, but I've won the regional championship. They have to give me a chance," Haruka said.
"Yes, but how are you going to fit in a racing schedule and school, and anything else?" Michiru asked.
"I'm going to join the lower circuit, they don't race that often. Besides most of the events are over the summer. When I have time to go to them. Michiru, if I win some races will have more money coming in," Haruka said. "Besides, I am good at it, and I enjoy it."
"Well I guess getting paid for something you like to do is a plus," Michiru said. "But are you sure, and being the first female competitor?"
"I can handle it," the blonde said sweeping some strands of hair out of her face.
"I guess," her friend replied. "If anyone could. I know I can't convince you otherwise."
"You might be able to, but I wish you wouldn't try," Haruka said.
Michiru nodded.
"No I won't, but I will be keeping an eye on things," Michiru said.
"By the way Michiru, have you gotten a spot in that orchestra yet?" Haruka asked.
"Uh..no..they're not interested in me."
"What? When did they say that?"
"A couple of days ago. I didn't want to tell you," Michiru said.
"But..you're so good, why wouldn't they want you?" Haruka asked.
"They think that because I've spent so long as a soloist that I wouldn't fit," Michiru said trying to hold back any emotion.
"I..don't know what to say," Haruka said. "That's wrong of them."
"Yes, well there are other orchestras," Michiru said. "I just have to try out for them that's all."
"Yes, how can they leave you out there, you're the best I've seen."
"There are people that are better," Michiru said.
"That doesn't matter, you're very good, you deserve to be there," Haruka said.
"I know that, now it's just a matter of someone important agreeing with us," Michiru said.
"Love," Greg and D.V. muttered.
"This is why I try and avoid it," Patterson said.
"I know," Greg said. "I wasn't exactly interested in getting into this right now."
"But do you like Hotaru?" Patterson asked.
"Sure, she's interesting, smart, but she's still adjusting..I like her as a friends, I never thought about us romantically seriously, she did this before, remember?"
"I wasn't here."
"Oh that's right, but she did...but..that time she said it was just her way of expressing gratitude. This time..."
"Well think about it. Would you want to date her?"
"Patterson it would be like dating you that first year you were around," Greg said.
"I don't think that analogy is something I want to think about, but you're worried about her instability," Patterson said.
"She's still like a child, still learning. How can I have a relationship with her. I'm still trying to stabilize her."
"Then talk to her about it," Patterson said.
"Easy for you to say."
"I guess it is. But there isn't much else you can do."
"I know," his brother replied. "You've got it easy, D.V. you can stare at Ayeka all you want, but at least she's not making advances."
"How is that easy?" Patterson asked. "I don't want to be in love."
"Yeah, so you can get out at anytime, I'm kind of trapped."
"What makes you think I can get out, Ayeka has already managed to destroy all my nervous defenses."
"I guess so," Greg said. "We're both doomed."
The door buzzed.
"Amy.." the two muttered and opened the door.
"You two don't look so good," Amy said.
"Wonder why!" the two snapped.
"Ooo..touchy subject.." Amy said. "You two should calm down."
"At least, we don't collapse at the sight of love letters," the two replied.
"Ouch.." Amy said, her eyes widening. "All right guys...I can see this is affecting you, so let me help you get through it."
The two sighed.
Serena meanwhile walked down a hallway at Tokyo University until she found the room she was looking for. She pushed open the door slowly, to see Furuhata Sagara and Darrien working at a chalkboard.
"Furuhata Sagara, I should have known.." Serena said.
"Known what?" Sagara asked.
"Oh hello Serena," Darrien said.
Serena walked in, cast an evil glance at Sagara and then collapsed into Darrien's arms.
"It's so good to see you," She said hugging him.
"See...we're a couple!" Serena said glancing at Sagara.
"Serena I gave up on Darrien months ago, you know that," Furi said.
"I'm just keeping you honest," Serena said. "I brought you dinner Darrien."
"Serena I'm pretty busy, I don't really have time to eat it," Darrien said.
"Fine, I'll eat it then," Serena said. "Wow this is all complex stuff."
She stared at the chalkboard intently.
"Guess you have to really like your work..." she said. "Well I'd better let you keep working here.." She said and moved towards the door casting a cautious glance at Sagara on the way out.
"Nice girl," Furi said.
"Cute isn't she?" Darrien asked.
"No," Furi muttered.