Chapter 301
"Setsuna it's good to have you back," Principal Oksua said. "But I have to ask, is everything all right. You were gone for quite a while."
"Everything's fine. I don't think anything like this will come up again," Setsuna said. "I'm sure of that."
"Well..all right," Oksua said. "You feeling okay today?"
"Just a little weak that's all," Setsuna lied. Her wounds were healing quickly, but not quickly enough as far as she was concerned. She sighed.
"Well..I'm sure you're class will be glad to see you," Oksua said. "We've had to put you all in a different room while the construction goes on."
"Oh..yes..I figured," Setsuna said. "Uh..you don't have to accompany me, I can make it."
"Well yes, that's true, however, even though I know you are their teacher and all some strange things have been going on. I'm just keeping an eye on it," Oksua said.
"Oh..I see," Setsuna said.
"Let's not keep them waiting ey?"
Setsuna nodded slowly.
They walked into the new room.
"Hello class," she said.
"Hello Miss Meio," The sixteen scouts moaned, amidst wincing because of their wounds.
"Happy group," Oksua said. "What are you all so down about?"
All sixteen turned and stared at him.
"O..kay.." Oksua said and headed out.
"Actually just what is so one upset about?" Melvin asked.
They glared at him.
"Mind your own business Melvin," Raye snapped.
"Actually," Melvin said. "Hmm..fifteen of you...eight girls eight guys."
The group tensed slightly. Setsuna eyes narrowed.
"Hmm...all wounded like you are..." Melvin said. "Hmm..I have no idea..weird."
"Melvin! SHUT UP!" they all shouted.
"I quite agree," Setsuna said. "Let's begin class, if such a thing is possible. I see we have a new student I haven't met before."
"Ayeka Mizuno miss," Ayeka said rising from her chair.
"Ah..I see," Setsuna said. "So you're the one who's been challenging Patterson to all those fights."
"Yes ma'am," Ayeka said.
"Why exactly?"
"Were we starting class?" Melvin asked.
Everyone growled at him.
"Why? Well..because he's the best," Ayeka said. "And I want to test my skill."
"All right..sounds good enough, but there are places to do this other then school," Setsuna said.
"Yes, but he's so hard to find," Ayeka said.
"Point taken. Okay let's get class going," Setsuna said. "Someone tell me where we are?"
There was silence.
"No one knows?" Setsuna said.
"We've sort of been thrown off by the different teachers," Amy said and winced.
"You all right Amy?" Setsuna asked.
"Paper cut," Amy stammered.
The others sighed at Amy's flimsy excuse.
"Hmm..well forget the lecture today, I'll have to figure out where we are," Setsuna said and sat down. "Just talk amongst yourselves quietly."
"Setsuna's acting a bit strangely," Lita said.
"Hey she gave us a break," Mina said.
"Yes, but still.." Raye said.
"She got beaten up too yesterday," Seiya said. "Maybe it has something to do with that."
"That's probably the answer," Taiki said.
"So how's your tour been?" Lita asked.
"Great!" Mina said.
"Mina," Setsuna snapped.
"Sorry," Mina said. "Sure Raye and me had some problems, but then we started singing against each other, and it goes really well."
"I'm surprised myself," Seiya said. "It really does work."
"And they are both even better then we thought," Yaten said. "Mina has shown improvement."
"Thank you Yaten," Mina said happily.
"So you guys must really like all this," Lita said.
"It's really been fun," Mina said. "I don't care what you three say about being professional, I enjoy it even if it's hard work."
"We didn't say we didn't enjoy it," Yaten said. "Just that it wasn't always fun."
"Yes it has it's highs and lows," Taiki said.
"Agreed," Seiya said. "So did we miss much?"
"Hmm..except for the massive battles," Lita said. "Nothing."
"Are you annoyed with us?" Seiya asked.
"Not really, but as you can see this wasn't exactly the fighting off a farce here.." Lita said.
"We'll be around for a while," Taiki said. "Our tour has several stops in Tokyo to wrap it up and then we'll be done touring for a while."
"That's good news.." Amy said. "Maybe I could help you with your studying Taiki, I mean you probably would like to see my notes from the time we missed"
"Amy I would be glad to see them," Taiki said.
"Yeah..you two should meet and exchange notes," Mina said with a grin.
"Maybe at a nice restaurant overlooking the bay," Raye added.
"It can be a candlelight studying exercise," Lita said.
Amy and Taiki blushed.
"I think that's what they had in mind," Seiya said.
The group laughed.
"Don't embarrass me like that," Taiki said.
"Now that kind of reaction just gives us more of a reason to do it," Yaten said.
"Speaking purely empirically of course," Seiya said.
"You're using the word wrong," Amy and Taiki said in unison.
The group began laughing again.
"So..seems like you've been putting the moves on a girl while we've been gone," Mike said.
"I will punch you," Patterson said bluntly.
"Guys..it's not like he's made any advances, it's all her," Greg said.
"So he's merely drawing them in," Mike said.
Patterson leveled him with one shot.
"Hmm..that comment clearly wasn't worth the pain," Rick said.
"Honestly though Patterson, do you think all she's after is to beat you in a sword fight?" Steve said.
"That appears to be her only goal," Patterson said. Rick, Mike, and Steve began laughing only to start coughing and wincing.
"You shouldn't laugh with rib damage," Patterson said.
They all sighed.
"So what's wrong Serena, you really look down?" Molly asked.
"Oh..Molly..I appreciate you asking, but I really don't know," Serena said. "There's so many things I started thinking about."
"Well if you wanna talk, then I'll listen," Molly said.
"Not here.." Serena said.
"Later then?"
"Your house okay?"
"Sure," Molly said.
"Thanks," Serena said.
"Setsuna you feeling okay, you look a little pale?" Haruka asked.
"Probably just the injuries, didn't sleep much last night," Setsuna said.
"So..where have you been lately?" Michiru asked.
"On..business," Setsuna said.
"Did it turn out all right?" Haruka asked.
"Sure," Setsuna said.
"So it's nothing we need to know about?" Michiru asked.
"Nothing of the sort, don't trouble yourselves," Setsuna asked.
"Setsuna, something is different with you," Hotaru said.
"Hotaru..please..don't delve into someone else's mind without their permission," Setsuna said with an edge.
"I cannot control it sometimes," Hotaru said.
"Try harder," Setsuna said. "I'm just a exhausted that's all. There is a lot that has happened."
"Well then you should rest," Haruka said.
"Like I can, I have to work," Setsuna said.
"Well.then rest some more out of work. Right now.." Haruka said.
"Right now..Gala..is around and she's very dangerous..I can't rest..I know what's going on, I'm stuck for a while until we beat her. So let's get on with it," Setsuna said.
"Uh..yes that's maybe a good idea," Michiru said.
Hotaru just watched her former mentor with concern.
"Well..you look well for a dead man?" Nephlite said walking into Darrien's apartment.
"Don't I?" Darrien muttered. "Interesting place the afterlife is."
"Yes...I'd say so," Nephlite said.
"I guess it wasn't bad as I thought. I met my parents again. We talked. You have parents?"
"None I wish to meet," Nephlite said.
"Oh..sorry to hear it," Darrien said.
"Yeah well.."
"Can I ask for a favor from you?"
"Of course, we owe you all plenty."
"I'm concerned about Serena. After all this she was pretty shaken up. Could you keep an eye on her?"
"I'll do better then that. I'll get some of the others to help too," Nephlite said. "I agree it's best to watch her. For two reasons. One to make sure she is emotionally stable. Second, to protect her. Though I fear we weren't much help in the battle."
"From what I hear you helped a lot."
"There is only so much we can do. We can't use much negaenergy or risk losing ourselves to it again."
Darrien nodded.
"I've felt it. I know what you mean," he said. "Thanks.."
"Sure," Nephlite said. "You know it's strange."
"What?"
"Back when the negamoon was planning to attack Earth and the moon kingdom, one of our seers predicted that one day we would serve those we wished to destroy. We of course didn't believe him. But here we are."
"It's not a bad thing is it?"
"It has it's advantages," Nephlite said. "Of course I didn't really believe the seer. I've always believed it was the heavens themselves, the stars, that could control destiny."
"How exactly?"
"Never been sure," Nephlite said. "Don't worry we'll protect her."
Darrien nodded and sighed as Nephlite headed out.
"We go through too much," he said and laid back on a couch.
"So much for your plans Gala," Prince Metalite said snidely.
"My plan worked," Gala said. "Just not as well as I hoped. We got a star seed didn't we?"
"Yes, but the scouts still exist at full strength," Metalite said.
"True," Gala said. "But we will gain power to beat them. You see Metalite. The Scouts themselves have the star seeds. I'm sure of it. We merely need to get them."
"Easier said then done," Metalite said.
"We got Tuxedo Mask's," Gala said.
"So I assume you have a plan?" Metalite asked.
"No..not yet," Gala said. "But I will soon get one. I warn you Metalite. I have given you more power, but I am capable of destroying you still."
"Are you capable of fighting off all of us," Metalite said.
Gala grinned.
"That would not be a problem. Besides..Metalite...I revived you. I can undo that revival at any point."
"You're bluffing," Metalite said.
"Hardly," Gala said. "Do you think I would be stupid enough not to protect myself. You would do the same."
"You make a good point," Metalite said.
"I usually do," Gala said. "We will speak later."
She headed off.
Metalite watched her go and grinned.
She just might pull this off. He thought.
"So Serena, what's troubling you?" Molly asked.
"Molly, Darrien died yesterday."
"What? How.."
"I saved him though..I resurrected him..we Sailor Scouts can do that.."
"Oh..I see.." Molly said. "Actually I don't, but he's still alive?"
"Yes," Serena said. "I saved him. But..I..."
Serena began to cry.
Molly watched her friend with concern.
"I know.." she said and hugged her friend. "Serena..I watched Nephlite die. And I know that even though he's alive today, that it hurt to watch it, to feel what I felt. You don't think it can happen till it actually does. And you wonder can it happen again?"
Serena sniffled.
"I've lost him so many times, but never like this," Serena said. "I couldn't protect him."
"Well...Serena...you can't be expected to protect everyone."
"That's wrong," Serena said. "I'm supposed to. I've saved the world so many times, but I couldn't save his life."
"You did save him though."
"But he died anyway." Serena said. "I...."
"Serena..please..calm down..it isn't that bad. At least you got to save him. You were able to do what no one can. Bring a loved one back. You should be happy. You should be thanking whatever powers exist up there for allowing you such power," Molly said.
"You're right," Serena said. "But..there's just something about it...I can't just..I don't know..it just bothers me," she sniffled again.
"I know.." Molly said. "You just keep crying all right."
Serena did just that.
"Thanks Molly," she said.
"Protecting the world..that's what I do.." Setsuna said leaning against a bar.
"You a soldier or something?" the bartender asked.
"Yeah.." Setsuna said. "Yeah..I am..24-7," she said. "You have anything stronger?"
"Yeah, but I'm not sure you could handle it," the bartender said.
Setsuna pounded on the bar.
"Trust me.." she said. "I can handle anything. Or maybe I can't, that's why I'm here."
"Well..maybe one glass," the bartender said. "But after this, you're cut off."
"Yeah..you're just doing your job. I just do my job and looks where it gets me. You're a lucky man. The world doesn't sit on your shoulder. Heck..how'd you like to be responsible for this planet?"
"The whole thing?" The bartender asked.
"Sure..would you want to be?"
"Heck no..I'm just a man."
"What if you were to be responsible for a lot of worlds."
"What more than one?"
"Sure...five, seven..ten..earths, all different."
"You saying you somehow are?."
"And then some," Setsuna said and grimaced.
"Maybe I shouldn't give you this then," the bartender said.
"Last one..then I'll be fine," Setsuna said.
"All right," the bartender said.
At National Racing League Headquarters.
"So you want to race professionally ey Tenno?" One of the NRL's bureaucrats said sitting behind his desk.
"Uh huh," Haruka said.
"I am impressed by your record," the bureaucrat said. "However, a woman has never raced on this circuit."
"There's no law against is there?"
"No one's tried before."
"You're kidding," Haruka said.
"No I'm not," the man said. "However, Haruka, I agree you're skilled. I don't particularly care who races or not. The problem is that someone is going to have to sponsor you. You may find that hard."
"If I am not blocked by the race committee itself, I will not have a problem," Haruka said.
"You seem pretty sure of yourself."
"I have confidence in myself," Haruka said. "Well deserved confidence."
"Very well. I have no problem with this. You can try all you want."
"Thank you," Haruka said.
"However, some of the racers may have a problem with you."
"I will deal with them then," Haruka said.
"I have no doubt you will. I just thought I would tell you," the bureaucrat said.
"Thank you for the warning. However I will manage."
Haruka then walked out and shut the door.
"Something bothering you Raye?" Seiya asked.
"Seiya, I'm worried about Serena. We haven't seen her for a while and after what she went through," Raye said. "You see Seiya I went through the same thing."
"I know," Seiya said. "You're distracted though. And I understand..maybe you should take the night off."
"I can't do that. I'd like to think there are people out there who want to see me."
"Well then maybe we should cut your work load a bit," Seiya said. "You know..just until things get better."
"I think maybe that would work," Raye said. "I bet Mina wouldn't mind singing another song."
"Well..actually, she's been pretty worried herself. I'm not sure either of you are in that great shape," Seiya said.
"Mina's worried...well..I guess she should be. I just didn't expect her to be..so..caring..what am I saying. She's a ditz, she's not an idiot.." Raye said. "Seiya me and Mina should really be trying to help Serena right now."
"Then go ahead. The concert's not until tomorrow. We'll see how you two are doing," Seiya said.
"Thanks Seiya," Raye said.
Elsewhere.
"I hope you don't mind us stopping by to see Serena," Amy said.
"No of course not. I think it's a good idea considering what happened," Taiki said. "Our studying can wait. I've always been willing to accept death. But still..the idea of it, is...terrifying."
"Now Darrien and Rick have experienced it. I guess they got through it," Amy said. "Then again they came back."
"Yeah.." Taiki said. "The three starlights. We've seen our share of death. Galaxia got to many star seed carriers before we could stop her.."
Amy's eyes widened.
"I guess it hasn't helped our personalities any," Taiki said.
"I understand," Amy said. "You know on our side we have our share of fighters too."
"Yeah," Taiki said. "I guess we all have our wars to fight, inside and out."
Amy nodded.
Darrien answered the door and expected it to be Serena, he was surprised momentarily by the figure standing in his doorway.
"Got a minute?" Rick asked.
"Yeah," Darrien said. Rick walked in.
"I don't know what to say exactly.." Rick began. "I mean..needless to say..you know why I'm here.."
"Yeah," Darrien said. "I guess you had it harder. I mean..you didn't know anyone could come to get you."
"Yeah.." Rick said. "So did you know she was going to come get you?"
"I knew," Darrien said. "I knew even as I died, she would come in for me."
"I guess that softens the blow. Me..it was just..pain..and watching life slip away...I guess you can say that knowing what's beyond makes it easier to accept. But..I've got a lot to do here. A lot of things I can't do there..I mean..sure it seems like a dreamworld, but there are limits."
"I know," Darrien said.
"Darrien..it's been a while since I went..but..I've held all that with me. Held some things inside. I didn't tell Raye, or anyone. Can't tell my parents...but..I've tried to be the same old Rick. Still...you saw that time. I ran...most of the time I keep things under control. But..there are times when I can't...control it..the panic hits me. It feels like the end all over again."
Darrien nodded.
"Yeah I guess."
"I mean..both of us.we can't die again. We've got no out card this time. We have one more than most people do..but..still...they say there are things that make you realize your mortality. What can do that more than your own death ey?"
Darrien nodded.
"I know," he said. "I've never been afraid of dying when I've tried to protect her. But dying like that..so meaningless..." Darrien said.
"Yeah.." Rick said.
"You died in battle," Darrien said. "At least you had that."
"Yeah..I know..listen..maybe the two of us..should talk you know..some more..or whenever we need to.." Rick said.
"Good idea," Darrien said. "I think we can help each other."
"Maybe beat it," Rick said.
The two nodded.
Lita was about to knock on Serena's door when she found her friends walking up with her.
"I see you had the same idea," she said.
The three nodded.
They went in together.
They found Serena staring out her window.
"Serena.." Raye said.
Serena turned.
"I won't give up," She said. "I won't give Darrien up, I won't give any of you up either. No one. Sailor, Guardian, Starlight, anyone...not the person across the street. Or the person miles away. No one.." She said.