Chapter 296
Serena woke up slowly as sunlight crept into her room.
"Amazing, you're actually up early," Luna muttered.
"You're commentary is not needed luna," Serena said and stood up. "Yep, no more rushing around for me."
"You still could blow it," Luna said.
"But I won't," Serena said and got dressed.
She headed downstairs where breakfast was being made.
"Did you alarm actually work today Serena?" her mother asked.
"No, this is all biological clock," Serena said.
"Well that's good," her mother said.
"Too bad it doesn't work the other 364 days of the year," Sammy said.
"Sammy, I don't know why you're so mean to me," Serena said. "Then again, jealously can cause people to do strange things."
"Jealously has nothing to do with it," Sammy said. "You've got nothing that I'd want."
"Both of you quit fighting. Sooner or later you're going to have to grow out of this," her mother said.
"We do not," The two replied in unison. Her mother sighed.
Their father hurried for the door quickly.
"No time for breakfast, gonna be late," he said.
"What is it today dear?" his wife asked.
"Can't say, too busy," he raced out the door.
"Just what does he do anyway?" Sammy wondered.
"Good question," Serena said. "You'd think after all these years we'd find out."
"I'm sure he'll let us know eventually," Mrs.
Tsukino said.
Serena was soon walking down the street towards school.
"I've got all the time in the world today," Serena said.
"Yes, amazingly," Luna said. "It's very nice around here, a pity you rarely can enjoy it while you're rushing off like you are."
"Luna, don't you have anything good to say?" Serena asked.
"It's just so hard to compliment you Serena," Luna said.
"You just proved your point," Serena muttered. "But I bet you never thought I'd get this far."
"How far?" Luna asked.
"You know. So many evil forces have come and gone, and yet here I am," Serena said.
"You're Sailor Moon, you're supposed to come through," Luna said.
"But did you actually believe I would be able to do it?" Serena asked.
"There were times I didn't, but even you had those feelings," Luna said.
"True," Serena said. "So Luna..why do you think I'm the one?" Serena asked.
"You're asking me this now?" Luna asked.
"Sure, I've been curious. I mean..why have me reborn like this," Serena said. "Wouldn't Queen Serenity have been better off encasing my personality in a true fighter."
"No," Luna said. "I thought about this for a long time once I met you. Yes you were generous and caring, that I knew, but could you fight. It seemed early on you had some trouble. But destiny protected you. I questioned just why you would be given so much power. I finally realized why."
"So why is it?" Serena asked.
"Because you're perfect to be Sailor Moon."
"Of course that answers all my questions," Serena muttered.
"Well listen Serena, you are a klutz, sometimes, a bit slow on the uptake and such, however, you are also a dreamer, someone who believes what they do no matter what. You put your heart behind your feelings, and that gives you strength. You're not held back by realistic concerns."
"Isn't that a bad thing?" Serena asked. "That's what everyone says."
"But Serena, what is realistic about the powers you all possess?" Luna asked. "You use magic, magic driven by forces that we don't even understand fully. Powers driven by emotion, love, all the good things in life. You exemplify them. Sure, you're work ethic leaves something to be desired, when you're human, but when you're a scout, you do your best, you don't let anything hold you back. And when it counts, you are there fighting with everything you have. You see that's the reason you are Sailor Moon. It's also why Mina was Sailor V. You two are the only scouts who have not been held back by any sense of realism."
"Well..that's an overstatement I think," Serena said.
"The point is, that every other scout has baggage, they've lost part of their innocence in one way or another. You two, and especially you still cling to that innocence with all you have. And that's what makes you so powerful," Luna said.
"Oh.." Serena said.
"Naturally this innocence sometimes doesn't help with worldly matters, but.."
"I get it know, it all makes sense," Serena said.
"Wow..that's amazing."
Patterson sat in silence and thought about the last battle.
So Coardite's back. I'll have to review my data on his strategy. It's been so long since we fought. How annoying. Gala is being patient, trying to feel us out. Wise move..
He noticed that Hotaru had arrived beside his desk. He tensed as she sat on it.
"Hmm..this position is not as desirable as I had suspected," She said. "I had suspected it gave one some sense of satisfaction to sit like this. Regardless...I wished to ask you something."
Patterson nodded.
"You have learned much about me, in that time we spent together," she said.
Patterson nodded again.
"You also understand the instability that can inhabit ones mind."
Patterson nodded.
"I have to ask you.." Hotaru said. "You are the only one who could answer this question objectively....if I was a stable girl, would I be attractive?"
Patterson fell out of his chair.
"Are you all right?" Hotaru asked blankly.
Patterson climbed back up from his chair.
"Uh..yeah," he said.
"I should have expected such a response, and I'm sorry I have this effect on you, but I must know. For my own sake."
"Uh..Hotaru, from what I've seen, you have all the makings of a wonderful human being," Patterson stammered.
"I see.." Hotaru said. "Physically?"
"Yes."
"Emotionally?"
"Uh huh."
"Spiritually."
"I'd guess so."
"Oh..well then..I guess that's all I wanted to know,"Hotaru said and walked back to her seat. "Thank you," she added.
Patterson sighed.
"This Gala character worries me," Haruka said at the assembled group of scouts at the lunch table.
"She is pretty powerful," Amy said.
"Not as powerful as she lead on though," Hotaru said.
Everyone looked at her.
"That's my sense of her," Hotaru said.
"I was thinking about that too," Amy said. "After all, if she was that powerful and capable of keeping that kind of energy going, why use any of those soldiers of hers."
"I was wondering about that too," Haruka said.
"It must have taken some energy to revive Coardite and the others," Michiru said. "If they were revived...."
"They were," Hotaru said. "The lingering effects of death hangs over them."
Serena spat out a piece of food.
"Guys..please...I'm eating.."she said.
The others's sighed.
"I know what you're thinking," Serena said. "But it's all right. See, I'm supposed to be the innocent one. This is all part of the plan."
"What plan is that?" Amy asked.
"See...it all has to do with innocence. Because I'm such a fool in everyday life, that means I'll be the most powerful fighter in the universe!" Serena said.
"How?" everyone asked.
"Ask Luna, she knows," Serena said.
"That should be an interesting conversation," Lita observed.
"That's all right, continue to underestimate my intelligence, it all helps the image," Serena said. "The more immature I am, the greater the chances of me saving the universe."
"This flawed logic worries me," Michiru said.
"I'm more worried about her steadfast belief in it," Haruka said.
"What an interesting bunch of people there is here," came a voice. Everyone turned to see Ayeka standing there.
"Haruka Tenno, regional bike racing champion, nationally respected violinist Michiru Kaioh, the best student in the country Amy Anderson, her more than capable brother Greg. Hotaru Tomoe, daughter of the now famous professor. Lita Nelson, the best student cook in the city..."
"Well..I don't know about that, it's not like I've won awards or anything," Lita said.
"You just did, last month," Amy said.
"Oh yeah, I'm so used to not winning awards.." Lita said.
"And of course Serena Tsukino," Ayeka said.
"There's nothing important about me," Serena said.
"Oh but there is," Ayeka said with a grin. Everyone tensed a bit. "You're dating the cute hunk Darrien Shields."
Everyone sighed.
"Well yes,but that isn't exactly common knowledge," Serena said.
"You seem to have an excellent information network Ayeka," Haruka said suspiciously.
Ayeka grinned.
"They can come in handy, but anyway...D.V. we haven't settled our battle yet," she said.
"I really..uh..don't want to fight you.." D.V. stammered.
"What? Why not?"
"Because victory would bring me no satisfaction, and defeat no dejection," Patterson said.
"But I'm challenging you," Ayeka said.
"I really don't..."
"Ah...I see you're not sure about this," Principal Oksua said emerging. "But I want to see this, so you will fight until someone wins."
"Oksua..I'll get you for this someday," Patterson snapped.
Serena watched this scene play out curiously.
She had little doubt that D.V. meant what he said, from vowing to get revenge on Oksua down to his reluctance to fight Ayeka. But why was it that way? She had listened to what he said, but what she wondered was why he chose to feel that way. Maybe she could figure it out.
"Come on..enough stalling," Oksua said. "To the courtyard!"
"Aren't you about to be fired or something?" Patterson muttered.
Oksua just grinned nervously.
And once again the two faced each other.
"I know you say defeat means nothing to you, but I want you to fight me with all you have," Ayeka said.
"I'm not interested in fighting for sport," Patterson said.
"Why not?"
"I never fight without a good reason."
"Isn't a challenge a good enough reason?"
"Not for me."
Ayeka paused.
"You won't fight me with everything you've got then?"
"I don't intend to..no."
"Then I'll take what I can get," she said swinging her sword upright. Patterson took up a defensive stance. The two faced each other. Ayeka shot forward swinging her sword. Patterson sidestepped it and knocked the sword away from him. He then took up another defensive stance and waited for her to attack. She waited and sized up the situation. She grinned.
"You know D.V. I think I have more respect for you now then I ever did."
"What?" the group shouted.
Ayeka charged forward. Patterson blocked all her attacks. Both of them slid back and faced each other again.
Ayeka grinned and swung her sword up into an offensive stance. She shot forward. Patterson stepped out of the way. She spun around. He barely blocked her blow, but then swung causing her to step back in surprise. They both faced each other again.
"One more time.." she said. "If I don't stop you in the next two minutes, we'll call it a draw all right?"
Patterson nodded.
Ayeka charged and then leapt off to the side. She jumped off a table and leapt at him. Patterson slid under her attack and the two met. They parried with each other. Ayeka back flipped and charged again. Patterson cartwheeled out of the way and then the two started swinging again. Ayeka grinned as her eyes narrowed. Patterson blocked every attack she made and the crowd watched with amazement. Ayeka slid back and stopped.
"Two minutes is up," she said and then dropped her sword.
Patterson just stood there.
"This isn't over," Oksua said.
"It is for now," Ayeka said and walked back inside.
Patterson shrugged.
She is very good. He thought.
"Hi, Serena," Lieutenant Nelson said opening the door to find the girl standing there.
"Hello sir," Serena said. "Aren't you on duty?"
"I've got the night shift for a while," Nelson said.
"Oh...uh..is that good?" Serena asked.
"It can be," Nelson said. "Lita's upstairs...say Serena, would you take this letter up to her."
"Uh sure.." Serena said taking it. Serena headed up the stairs. She was surprised to hear singing coming from Lita's room. She glanced at the letter.
"Oo..it's from Seiya," She said with a grin, and became more curious as to the singing as she approached Lita's closed door.
"That sounds like Lita, but..why would she be..." Serena said and knocked. There was no answer. Serena opened the door slowly to see Lita singing into a kareoke machine one of the three light's hits. Serena grinned slightly. Lita noticed her and stopped.
"You could have knocked," Lita said with slight embarrassment.
"I did," Serena muttered. "Letter for you."
"Oh.." Lita said and took it. "From Seiya.."
She immediately blushed and opened it.
"So what's it say?" Serena asked.
"It's personal," Lita said.
"Personal sure it is," Serena said. "He's probably trying to sell ya something."
"That's an awfully cynical thought," Lita said. "No, he's just wanted to let me know when the tour's going to be over, it'll end in a couple of weeks, and then he's coming back for a performance here. Look tickets..."
"Oo..gimme," Serena said.
"I don't think Seiya would appreciate your attitude," Lita said.
"Seiya worshiped the ground I walked on," Serena said. "Gimmee."
"Not yet," Lita said. "Oh..he's so cute when he doesn't use complete sentences."
Serena sighed.
"So..what's with the singing Lita?" Serena asked.
"I was just having some fun that's all," Lita said.
"You weren't half bad," Serena said.
"No, I'm really not too good at it, but...it's fun," Lita said. "I'm not trying to be the next Mina or Raye you know."
"Fancy that, who knows where such idol stars like that get their start," Serena said with a grin. "Still I'm sure if you smoozed with Seiya, he'd let you sing with him."
"That isn't what it's about at all. But Seiya and the other three lights have given me a greater appreciate of music," Lita said.
"No doubt," Serena said.
And at the restaurant the scouts usually frequented.
"I registered for that program today," Amy said looking from up from a milkshake.
"Oh the pre-medical exploration program?" Greg asked.
"Yes, I really do want to be a doctor Greg. I can't let what happened to my parents stop me. I really do want to help people."
Greg nodded.
"This will let me find out more about it," Amy said.
"It's good that you're using foresight there," Greg said. "I on the other hand still have no idea what to do."
"I'm sure something will come to you," Amy said.
"Yeah..." Greg said and sighed.
"Something bothering you?" Amy asked.
"No, nothing," Greg said. "Just thinking. You know life can take a lot out of you."
Amy nodded.
"I was headed back home, you coming?" Amy asked.
"No," Greg said. "I've got some things to do..."
"All right, see you later," Amy said and headed out.
Greg stared at his milkshake and drifted off into thought, but only for a twenty second period.
"I hope it's not the milkshake your contemplating," came a voice. Greg looked to see Michiru standing there.
"May I?" she asked.
Greg nodded.
"I've found that people do need to be alone sometimes, but that out here is not the place to find that solitude," Michiru said sitting down.
"Where's Haruka?" Greg asked.
Michiru grinned.
"Believe it or not, we don't do everything together," Michiru said. "I've been keeping an eye on you Greg."
Greg started a bit.
"To be honest I've been concerned. After going through that custody business and such..I guess I'm worried about you," Michiru said.
"I'm fine," Greg said.
"I appreciate you trying to shelter your problems from me, but Greg, let's be honest you really need some support. You're siblings care for you, but neither of them really can help. Amy's got so much to do on her own, and her own demons to take care, of and D.V. well..he's D.V. I want to help you."
"Michiru, really it's all right.." Greg said.
"It's not," Michiru said. "You won't get rid of me that easily."
Greg sighed.
"I know that," he said.
"So let's go somewhere and talk," Michiru said.
Greg nodded and the two headed out.
"These scouts are meddlesome," Gala said. "Perhaps I underestimated their abilities to be ready for a surprise attack."
"I warned you about Maverick," Coardite said.
"Indeed you did," Gala said. "Advice I know take with the utmost seriousness. However, he can't be everywhere and sense every move we make. Unfortunately there are many scouts who are quite capable of preempting our plans. We must work to hit the scouts where they don't expect it. But before that let me introduce to you our latest warrior. Argosante."
"Argosante?" the other four asked.
"HAH! I am Argosante! I am here to avenge the deaths of my brothers!" Argosante said emerging from the shadows.
"What brothers?" Lead Crow muttered.
"It is a long story," Gala said. "However, Argosante has learned much about the scouts and their actions. He will be a valuable asset."
"If you say so," Lead Crow muttered.
"Hmm..are you sure about this Gala?" Coardite asked.
"Why?" Gala asked.
"Well Argosante, in all his forms, has problems," Coardite said.
"I don't care, he will be useful to us," Gala said.
"So when do we attack?" Argosante asked.
"Patience," Gala said. "I want to figure out just how we should do this."
The group all nodded.
Hotaru Tomoe sat in her room starring at a mirror.
"I must become human. I must become normal," she said. "I want to understand the feelings I have instead of acting incorrectly. I will achieve this goal. I know how to do so. And when I do then I will have someone who loves me, just like they do."
Her eyes narrowed.
"As for you Ayeka Mizuno. You have a secret, and I will find it. You tried to hide it from me, but I know it's there, and even if I must feel the pain, I shall, because it is necessary for me to know it."
Hotaru stood up and headed for the door.
"Michiru just why are we here?" Greg asked. Michiru and himself were standing in the middle of the tenth street shopping district amidst a mass of people.
"First we must have chaos," Michiru said. "Disruption and the like."
"But why?" Greg asked.
"You will understand soon enough."
"I wish I understood higher order thought," Greg muttered.
"You will," Michiru said.
Elsewhere, at the National Racing League headquarters.
"Good afternoon, can I help you?" the secretary behind the desk said.
"Yes you can," Haruka said. "I am Haruka Tenno, and I want to register for professional circuit 3."
The secretary looked at her in surprise.
"But..you..."
"Will be the first woman to race on the circuit," Haruka said with a grin.
"Uh..I see," the secretary said.
Haruka's eyes narrowed. I've come this far. I won't stop now.
"Now..here we are," Michiru said. She and Greg stood in the forest around Raye's temple. "Peaceful isn't it?"
"Sure."
"Not a soul around except for us."
"Uh huh."
"We're hidden from the world," Michiru said. "Aren't we?"
"Well..I don't know about that," Greg said.
"Trust me, we are," Michiru said. "Now Greg, what seems to be the problem."
"Michiru, I have no direction," Greg said. "Ever since I met Amy and gradually lost my telepathic powers, I've worked hard to do well in school, but all the while having no idea what I want to do with my life, or even know what to do with my free time."
"Hmm...well your career can come later, I'm going to teach you how to live," Michiru said.
"Are you sure that you should.."
Michiru grinned.
"You really have no choice in the matter, I'm committed."
"Oh.."
Michiru's smile got larger.
"You're mine now.." She said.
Greg sighed.