Chapter 295
"It is unfortunate that you were discovered," Gala said.
"It was such a fluke," Lead Crow said. "The chances of failure were so small."
"You failed didn't you?" Gala growled.
"Uh..yes..well.." Lead Crow said.
"I am not angry at you. I am annoyed at this Patterson character. He will pay for this. In the meantime though we will have to develop a new strategy."
"Madame Gala, my cover has not yet been exposed as their teacher," Iron Mouse said.
"Yes, that's true, we will continue to utilize that," Gala said.
"Uh..so just what should we do?" Aluminum Siren asked.
"First let me introduce you to our newest operative," Gala said. "Coardite."
Coardite emerged from the shadows, he raised his clawed hand and cracked it together.
"Who's he?" Lead Crow muttered.
"Coardite lead one of the many failed negaverse invasions of this planet. He also has experience battling Maverick," Gala said.
"Really?" Lead Crow asked. "Yet you didn't beat him."
"There were reasons for that," Coardite growled.. "Gala, let me have a shot at him now, my victory is assured!"
"There you are mistaken," Gala said. "A consequence of your revival is you possess a lower then average power level as is true of all the creatures I revive. Maverick is now endowed with the powers of Guardian Mercury as well. Furthermore there are nine scouts out there, you would undoubtedly have to fight more than one of them."
"I will then," Coardite said. "He was the only thing standing in my way of victory though. I must destroy him."
"You will get your chance I promise. But right now I must know all that you know," Gala said.
"Very well," Coardite said.
Serena bolted up with a start.
"Ah..I'm late!"
She looked around in surprise.
"Where am I?" she asked herself. "Wait..a second...this is Darrien's room..."
She realized at this point that she was lying in his bed.
"AHHHH!" She shouted and bolted up and raced out of the bedroom.
"Oh..good you're up," Darrien said from the kitchen.
"What happened?" Serena asked. "And why don't I remember it."
"Calm down Serena, you feel asleep after our date. I didn't want to wake you, so I put you in my bed so you could sleep comfortably."
"Then nothing happened?" Serena asked.
"Serena, wouldn't you want something to happen?" Darrien asked.
"Uh..not when I can't remember it afterward."
"All right, point taken. No you just fell asleep all right."
"Okay..but I'll be late for school if I don't hurry."
"You're school books are all at your house aren't they?"
"Uh huh..then lets' go. You'll be late for sure, but I can make sure you're not hours behind. He headed for the door," Darrien said.
"Uh great.." Serena said and followed.
On the roof of Juuban High School.
"Every time we think we're finished.." Haruka muttered.
"I thought you'd be used to this by now," Michiru said.
"Used to it, yeah.." Haruka said. "But I keep hoping."
"So do I," Michiru said. "Still..I guess it was just a matter of time."
"How many more of these enemies do we have to destroy. Especially when they return from the dead to fight us?"
"Now Haruka, you know death is hardly the ending we all suspect it to be. We've come back from the dead ourselves," Michiru said.
"I had pretty much forgotten that, still..I am sick of these enemies. When will they learn to give up?" Haruka asked.
"No idea," Michiru said. "Isn't it odd though?"
"What?"
"That neither of us sensed the enemy before it hit us," Michiru said.
"That worried me too."
"More evil forces..that's all this planet needs," Lita muttered.
"Seem's like Galaxia's goons are back again," Greg said.
"Let's just hope she isn't with them," Amy said.
"All this resurrection stuff gets annoying sometimes. I mean I don't mind it on our side, but if we kill an enemy, why can't they just go," Lita said.
The other two shrugged.
"At least we've faced them before," Amy said. "We know how to fight them."
"That'll help us," Greg said.
"Still the three of them at once. It took a lot of us just to beat Crow and Siren before," Lita said.
"We know," The two nodded.
"Say has anyone seen Serena?" Lita asked.
The siblings shook their heads.
"Strange..I haven't heard from her since yesterday
afternoon," Lita said.
When Hotaru arrived she found the only other person in the classroom to be Patterson.
"So...you are not watching her," Hotaru said. Patterson started a bit.
"I uh..no.." Patterson said.
Hotaru walked closer to him.
"Why do you fear me so much?" She asked.
"Fear...it isn't about fear.." Patterson said.
"Yes it is," Hotaru said. "You worry about what I might say or do, or what you might say or do in response, or to cause a problem."
"All right Hotaru..that's right...I admit it," Patterson snapped. "There now..enjoy it, enjoy the complexities of human existence in the form that has taken shape around me."
"That response was unexpected," Hotaru said. "You have changed, strange..I had perceived you as incapable of changing, but I was wrong."
"I've changed too much, that's the problem," Patterson said.
"That is a matter for debate," Hotaru said and moved to her desk.
The door opened and Ayeka Mizuno walked in with a grin on her face.
"Do you normally do such stupid things as charge superior enemy forces?" she said wandering up to D.V.
Patterson, already worked up started some more,
"He does what is necessary," Hotaru said. Ayeka turned towards her.
"I see," Ayeka said. "D.V. it was a brave thing you did there..I thought I would say that. But you know you were taking a big risk."
"That's how I survive," Patterson said.
"What?" Ayeka said.
"I risk myself for others," Patterson said.
"So this is a regular occurrence?" Ayeka asked.
"It can be," Patterson said.
"Patterson, are you not going to thank her for aiding you?" Hotaru asked.
"Oh..uh..yes..well..uh..thanks..uh.." Patterson said.
Ayeka grinned.
"Sure..how could I let such a skilled fighter as yourself be swamped like that. Besides I like a good fight."
She moved to her seat.
"Interesting we go from fighting to a draw to proving to be a quite superior team," Ayeka said.
"Yes..well.." Patterson said. "Uh..that's good."
"Yeah it is," Ayeka said.
Hotaru watched the two and then turned back to face the room.
That hardly seems like love. She thought. But then again I do
not know the intricacies of the issue as Greg has often reminded
me. He will have to explain this more though.
Irene Morris walked into class and sighed.
Wish I could just blast them right now. She thought with annoyance.
"Where's Serena?" she asked.
The class shrugged.
"Late again, well good for her," Morris muttered. "Well we'll start anyway. I must say I found your weakness papers disappointing. So I going to have to give you all bad grades. That includes you Amy."
"But my paper was well written, and those really are my weaknesses, being a workaholic has been a problem for me," Amy stammered.
"I don't see it that way," Morris said. "It is obvious to me that you all didn't see the merits of this assignment, and chose to ignore it."
"With good reason," Hotaru said.
The class went silent. Hotaru stood.
"Miss Morris, you are not a real teacher. You know that. You have the choice of leaving now or facing the consequences later," she said.
"Hotaru what are you talking about?" Amy asked.
"Yeah, where'd you get that information?" Lita asked.
"She's right," Patterson said.
"What do you mean?" Morris said. "I'm a teacher here."
"That's what your record, or lack of one says," Patterson said.
Irene Morris stared at him and then at Hotaru. Hotaru and Patterson's eyes narrowed.
The class watched in amazement.
"Guess it's time for you to go," Haruka said quietly.
"I really don't think you're in the position to resist Iron Mouse," Michiru whispered.
Irene Morris' eyes widened. She then hurried for the door only to smash into Serena running in.
"Outta my way," Morris said and raced out into the hall.
"Did I miss something?" Serena said in shock.
"I hope this means the assignment doesn't count," Amy said.
Everyone sighed.
"What exactly happened here?" Melvin squeaked.
"Wasn't that clear?" Lita asked with a grin.
Principal Oksua came rushing in a minute or so later.
"Patterson! This is your fault somehow..." he said.
"I was responsible," Hotaru said.
"Why are you insane students always trying to ruin me?" Oksua said. "All right..guess I'm teaching another class. Patterson if you even shift in your chair I'll give you a detention for sure!" Oksua said.
"This is blatant persecution Oksua," Patterson said.
"Ehh..so sue me," Oksua said.
"Do you really want to face me in court," Patterson said.
"He's got a point Principal Oksua," Amy said.
"You must realize that," Greg said.
Oksua sighed.
"Whatever, let's just begin."
"I uh wasn't late by the way," Serena said.
"You're always late," Oksua said. "And now you're a liar."
"I had to try," Serena moaned.
"Yes you did," Oksua said. "Any idea what we're doing?"
The class shook their heads.
"After this, even I'm confused," Amy said.
"The end is near," Oksua said. "I can see it."
"What kind of extrasensory perception do you possess?" Hotaru asked.
Oksua sighed.
Elsewhere.
"Prime Minister Coral, you're looking well," General Nagumo said.
"Well at least I've got that going for me. Stupid terrorists," Coral said. "So what have I missed while I was out."
"Prime Minister, the scout team fought off yet another enemy force. A Queen Galaxia. Apparently this Galaxia ruled most of the outlying solar systems," Nagumo said.
"Oh...wonderful," Coral said. "But they beat her?"
"Yes, only the thing is that apparently some of her forces are still hanging around. At least that's what our reports say."
"You don't know?"
"Well..you see ma'am we have a sighting at Juuban High School, but nothing else."
"Juuban High School. A lot seems to happen around that school doesn't it?"
"Yeah, it's kind of curious I guess," Nagumo said. "But our analysis suggests it's nothing more than random chance."
"Hmm..well I'll trust your judgement on that," Coral said. "Keep an eye on things. I've got a lot of work to catch up one."
"It's good to have you back," Nagumo said.
Coral nodded.
"So what brings you two by?" General Patterson said looking at the two figures who sat in front of his desk.
"Is it true there was an attack yesterday?" Nephlite asked.
"Uh huh," Patterson said. "Three of Galaxia's stooges."
"But didn't the scouts take care of Galaxia?" Jaedite said.
"It seemed that way, but then again, you two should know that death is hardly a certain thing nowadays," Patterson said.
The two nodded.
"By the way, just how did you all come back?" Patterson added.
"The first time or the second time?" Jaedite asked.
"Either.." Patterson said.
"The first time, an unknown force revived us," Jaedite said.
"Apparently one with little concern for what we were going to do," Nephlite said. "We never met them."
"The second time it was Prince Metalite himself who revived us, because we were all part of the negaverse it was relatively easy to do. It required a great deal of energy though," Jaedite said.
"Maybe Galaxia, or someone in her group did the same thing," Patterson said.
The two former negaverse commanders nodded.
"It would be annoying if Galaxia herself was not killed, she was quite powerful," Nephlite said.
"Still..her apparent death has destabilized the interstellar region," Jaedite said.
"You've been keeping tabs on it?" Patterson asked skeptically.
"We have ways," Jaedite said. "The point is that the planets Galaxia controls are now out of her control. Which means she is either dead, or unable to keep up her power base."
"Just how did she control the planets?" Patterson asked.
"We never got close enough to find out," Nephlite said. "Our experience with her is minimal, the negaverse exists in a different dimension."
"What we do know is that she did control those planets through the power of the star seeds, but that we learned from the scouts themselves," Jaedite said.
"Perhaps you should ask those newer scouts whoever they are," Nephlite said.
"They're relatively secretive," Patterson said. "And plus, they're hard to find."
"I know this though," Nephlite said. "With Galaxia's empire in disarray, there isn't a force left in this galaxy capable of taking on the scouts."
"And how do you know that?" Patterson asked.
"Galaxia subjugated every planet in this galaxy except earth, how could there be anyone left?" Jaedite asked.
"Well..the starlights got through, and they caused enough trouble," Patterson said.
"Hmm..still..Galaxia wouldn't have allowed resistance," Nephlite said.
"Even if what you say is accurate, that doesn't mean we don't have other problems to worry about. There's still enemies here. And after all, you came from another dimension yourselves," Patterson said.
"I didn't suggest we let down our guard," Nephlite said. "I only made an observation."
"I do wonder though," Jaedite said. "Maybe with this last batch of enemies, they'll finally be an end to the conflict."
"That'd be nice," Patterson said. "I wouldn't count on it."
"Do you have some sort of information we don't have?" Jaedite asked.
"Not particularly, but I've lived a while, when that
happens, you learn to be skeptical," Patterson said.
That afternoon.
"Lita, why do you have me holding this baseball?" Serena asked.
"Because I want you to throw it at me," Lita said.
"Uh...you don't have a glove," Serena said.
"I don't need a glove," Lita said. "Now..when I say throw it, you throw it."
"If you insist," Serena said.
Lita closed her eyes and stood ready.
"Uh Lita..you might want to watch for it.." Serena said nervously.
"No..that would ruin it," Lita said.
"Ruin what?" Serena asked in surprise.
"Just trust me," Lita said. "Now..throw it."
"How hard?" Serena asked.
"As fast as you like," Lita said.
"All right..." Serena said still bewildered. She wound up and threw the ball. It curved and smashed into wooden fence.
"You missed Serena," Lita muttered.
"Sorry.." Serena said. "Just what are you trying to do."
"Show off my new power."
"New power?" Serena asked.
"Sure, I've been working on it ever since I started meditating. Actually it kinda developed accidently, but I can sense things coming, even when I can't see, actually it works better with my eyes closed since my eyes don't misjudge anything," Lita said.
"So you're saying that if I threw that ball at you, you'd catch it, even with your eyes closed?" Serena asked.
"Yep, and I would catch it in a way that would prevent it from hurting or anything, because I would know what to expect," Lita said.
"Sounds interesting," Serena said. "Uh..but..why did you have to go and become spooky?"
Lita sighed.
"I prefer to think of it as being useful," Lita said. "Awesome too."
"Well I guess that's your right," Serena said. "Uh Lita..can we talk? Seriously?"
"Sure..what's wrong?" Lita asked.
"Well..you see I fell asleep over at Darrien's last night, and I woke up in his bed."
"Ehh....what?" Lita asked in surprise.
"Nothing happened," Serena said hurriedly. "But..I.."
"What is it?" Lita asked.
"I can't explain it. I feel weird," Serena said.
"There's nothing wrong with that. I mean..it was a strange situation. It probably brought up some questions you weren't thinking about before," Lita said.
"Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. But..it was just strange. I don't even know what I'm feeling, but...haven't you ever felt strange before."
"Strange yes, but I don't know what you're feeling."
"Neither do I," Serena said. "Who should I ask to find out?"
"That's a good question," Lita said.
"So that's the target ey?" Coardite muttered as he crouched in some bushes.
"Uh huh," Iron Mouse said. "That's where the school records said they live."
The group was starring at the Anderson-Patterson-Thompson house.
"Hmm....do we really have to trash such a nice house?" Aluminum Siren asked.
"This is no time to enjoy the scenery," Lead Crow asked.
"Can we just go," Coardite said. "I want my revenge."
"You'll only get your revenge if we catch them by surprise," Lead Crow said.
"Ehh...fat chance of that, you'll find Maverick to be a target capable of complete surprise of his own," Coardite said.
"We know his past," Lead Crow said. "Now let's just do this thing. We know the plan?"
The group nodded.
"Uh..the plan won't work!" Aluminum Siren shouted and jumped out of the bushes.
"Ehh?" The other three said and then also dived out of the way as a massive blast of blue energy smashed into the bushes.
The four enemies were attacked from several directions at once. Blue energy attacks flew at them. A yellow bolt smashed along the ground. They all dived out of the way and looked around. Sailor Mercury, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn stood on opposite sides of the street. Guardian Saturn dropped to the ground and fired several blue bolts from his sword.
"Great they all show up and he doesn't," Coardite shouted.
"Coardite, let's go!" came a shout. Guardian Mercury leapt out of nowhere and unleashed a barrage of energy, and started swinging at Coardite. The former negaverse commander backed up wincing from early wounds and drew his own energy sword. The two were soon sparring back and forth.
"Uh listen.." Iron Mouse said looking at the sailor scouts. "There's no point in us fighting right now..I mean the best we could achieve is a stale mate."
"We disagree," Sailor Uranus said shooting a golden crescent of energy over Iron Mouse's head.
"Uh..yes..well.." Iron Mouse said. "Let's just decide this after those two have stopped fighting."
The sailor scouts glanced at each other and shrugged.
Good thinking Iron Mouse. Let's figure out how to get out of
this mess. Lead Crow said.
"You will find that no one can save you from my wrath!" Coardite shouted.
"Please," Guardian Mercury said swinging his sword. Coardite dodged and attacked on his own.
"You only survived because of your sailor scout friends."
"I'm not disputing that," Mercury said. "This time however!"
He stabbed Coardite in leg and then kicked him. Coardite tripped, but rolled back and swung his sword quickly. Mercury barely blocked it and stepped back.
"I will fight you to the end!" Coardite said jumping back up and standing on his wounded leg.
"Apparently you will," Mercury said and the two kept fighting.
There was a massive flash of light. Energy flew down the streets. The scouts all dived out of the way. Mercury narrowly avoided it and stepped back.
"What's that?" Guardian Saturn asked.
"It is evil whatever it is," Sailor Saturn said.
"And powerful too," Sailor Mercury said looking into her computer. The energy swirled and came to a stop. A figure dressed in golden armor appeared.
"She looks like Galaxia," Guardian Saturn said.
"But she isn't," Sailor Neptune observed.
"Indeed.." the figure said. "I am Gala, daughter of Galaxia, and I assure you, you are in no position to fight the five of us."
"Hold it right there!" came a shout. Sailor Moon dropped to the ground.
"I see..you too," Gala said. "Very well..."
Energy flew from Gala at the scouts. They all jumped out of the way of it, but as they took up fighting stances, the enemies hurried off, Coardite included.
"She's strong," Sailor Mercury said studying her computer. "I don't know if we would be enough to stop her."
"Come on Mercury, has there been anyone we couldn't stop?" Sailor Moon said.
"There is always the possibility she would be the
first," Sailor Saturn said.