Chapter 306
"Haruka!" Michiru said hurriedly hurrying into the bedroom she and Haruka shared.
"Wha.." Haruka said slowly waking up.
"Setsuna's gone."
"Wonderful," Haruka muttered.
"We have to find her."
"I know," Haruka said and fell out of bed. "I'm just starting slow."
"I can see that," Michiru said. "I'll drive."
"Good idea," Haruka muttered. "I need coffee."
"Don't we all?" Michiru said. "I'll make some. You get dressed."
"I didn't think she'd try something like this?"
"In her state of mind, I'd expect anything."
"I'm supposed to be the paranoid one."
"You're not paranoid, just careful."
"I suppose so," Haruka said. "I hate waking up."
"Isn't it a shame you have to do it every day?" Michiru said with a grin.
"Glad you're enjoying my suffering."
"Well..no use everyone getting depressed," Michiru said.
"Michiru, your logic at time disturbs me."
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Michiru said.
Haruka sighed.
At the three lights studio.
"We have to train for battle so we don't embarrass ourselves again," Seiya said.
"And when do you plan on doing this training?" Taiki asked. "I've got schoolwork as well as a little thing called being an idol to do."
"So you'd prefer getting beaten up again?" Seiya asked.
"Seiya, I'm saying you'd better know what you're doing. There must be time available, but you'll have to use it wisely," Taiki said. "I can make some time, but this is not a high priority. I'll accept getting beaten up. The other scouts can handle it."
"That's no way of looking at it," Seiya said. "Just giving up."
"It's really not our fight in the first place," Yaten said. "We shouldn't even be on Earth."
"Oh don't start that again," Seiya said. "You're suggesting we tell the rest of the scouts, sorry we're just not even going to try. I won't do that. I may be dense at times, and I know I have my problems..but I won't do that. They expect more from us. I could care less what those idiotic Guardians think, but the girls would be disappointed."
"It all comes back to the girls again ey Seiya?" Yaten asked.
"This isn't about that!" Seiya said. "I have a girlfriend."
"Sure you do," Taiki said. "And Seiya I understand, but I'm in no position to take on three major responsibilities at once. We used to fight with our skill. Retraining ourselves to get better does not fit into this equation."
"I agree, if we can't beat them with what we have.." Yaten said.
"Oh come on, we used to practice a little," Seiya said.
"Practice all you want," Taiki said. "I just don't know where I'm supposed to find the time."
"Besides, we fight better as a team of three, not two," Yaten said. "We've never fought very well separately."
"Well I can't change the rules," Seiya said. "But that's still how it is. I'm surprised you two aren't being cooperative at all."
"We are trying to be realistic," Taiki said.
"Someone has to be," Yaten said.
"Whatever," Seiya muttered and walked to the door. "Do whatever you want."
He headed out and shut the door.
"I just don't know what we're in a position to do," Taiki said.
"Me neither. Why are we still idol stars anyway?" Yaten asked. "What does it matter?"
"We have fans. People who like to hear our music," Taiki said.
"I never cared for all this. This was a mission. I took on this job to accomplish it. Mission accomplished. Now what?"
"Yaten, do you even have anything left inside of you?" Taiki asked.
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is that since we arrived you've been nothing but vapid. You're personality is usually antagonistic and except for a few rare moments of breakthrough you're nothing but a shell."
"So what?" Yaten said. "I have my pain. Everyone does."
"Yes, but..what's happened to you?"
Yaten said nothing and walked out.
Taiki sighed.
And at another studio.
"What if we changed the speed of the song?" Steve asked.
"No, that's not the answer," Rick said. "It's a good song, I just don't think it's working."
"I agree, but what's the problem," Steve said.
"Hmm..maybe it's the interlude."
"Yeah...I think I see what you mean."
"Hey look what I found!" Mike said sliding through the door.
The two turned. Walking through the door was a brown haired girl with a short ponytail trailing down behind her.
"Hi..." she said.
Rick and Steve just looked at each other.
"She's our personal assistant Alina Kucera," Mike said.
"When did we need a personal assistant?" Rick asked.
"Well..we haven't needed one, but they're always good to have," Mike said.
"Welcome aboard then," Steve said grinning.
"Uh..yeah..guess we could use some help around here," Rick said.
"Uh thank you," Kucera said.
"Say Mike..why don't you show her around?" Rick said.
"Good idea," Mike said. "Come along."
"Okay," Alina said enthusiastically and the two headed out.
"Steve stop staring," Rick said.
"She's a looker," Steve said.
"What do we need an assistant for?" Rick wondered.
"Uh well you know..she's staying," Steve said.
"I didn't doubt that for a minute," Rick muttered.
"Heck ya! Who's the new babe!" Chad said sticking his head in the door.
"She's mine," Steve said.
"We'll see," Chad said popping out.
"Oh no you don't," Steve said. "Chad you can have any girl you want, leave me a piece of pie!" shouted chasing after him.
"You're inept," Chad said.
"I still have desires!" Steve said.
"Okay..let's fight!"
"Good idea!"
Rick sighed as he heard the crashing in the hall. He thumbed his communicator.
"Hey..Patterson come in..." he said.
"Yeah what?" Patterson said.
"How's your Ayeka Mizuno screen saver coming?"
"I am working on no such thing," Patterson snapped and promptly paused his construction of an Ayeka Mizuno screen saver at that point.
"Yeah..well..listen..any plan on what our latest attack on the three lights will be?"
"That really hasn't been a top priority for months."
"I know, but with me back in town, it only makes sense to reignite the feud."
"I'll see what I can do," Patterson said.
"All right thanks," Rick said. The door flew open as Steve and Chad smashed through it struggling with each other.
"Have fun," Patterson muttered and disconnected the transmission.
"Will you two get up?" Rick muttered.
Greg sat at the keys of his computer typing quickly staring at the letters as they scrolled across the screen. He thought intently about what the next passage might say and then stopped and whirled as a reflection appeared in the screen.
"What's this?" Amy asked.
"Ah..Amy..don't sneak up on me like that!" Greg said hitting the minimize button.
"Oh..I see," Amy said. "Is it a diary?"
"How can you be so intrusive," Greg said defensively.
"Don't know..guess I picked it up from the others," Amy said nonchalantly. "Come on Greg, you're writing a novel and you didn't tell me?"
"Well novels are personal things, they need time and effort. I just didn't think to mention it."
"Oh..I see..so what's it about?"Amy asked.
"I'm still waiting to find out," Greg said.
"Oh.."
"It's a long process," Greg said.
"So how far along are you..."
"I don't know, page four hundred I think."
"WHAT?" Amy shouted in surprise.
"What's the problem?" Greg asked.
"Greg, you've written four hundred pages...." Amy said. "That's a lot. When'd you start?"
"A few days ago I guess," Greg said.
"WHAT?"
"Amy..you're worrying me," Greg said.
"Greg, you're the one who's written four hundred pages in a short period of time."
"I guess I have a knack for it," Greg said.
"Uh well..yes..but.." Amy said. "Never mind..enjoy yourself."
"Uh..well..okay," Greg said.
Amy headed out.
Four hundred pages? I should be happy for him..but...isn't that a bit excessive? Maybe not. I don't know. Well I'd better get ready for my day at the hospital. Four hundred pages? Just what is he writing about anyway.
Greg continued to type.
THE ENEMY STOOD THERE UNPHAZED BY THE HEROINE'S SPEECH OR
POSES. SHE WORRIEDLY WATCHED HIM AS HE ADVANCED TOWARDS HER WITH
AN EVIL LOOK ON HIS FACE....SHE SCREECHED..
"Now we don't know exactly what you'll be doing for us," Mike said. "But..I'm sure they'll be plenty."
"Just want to be part of the team," Alina said.
"We're glad to have you aboard too.." Mike said.
"To be honest, I've always wondered what you were like off stage," Alina said with a foolish grin.
"Oh..really? Well..that's a road few have traveled. In fact for your own good I suggest you don't find out what goes on."
"Why not? Now I'm really interested."
"Go! Run before it's too late!" Mike said.
"You're silly," Alina said. "I like that."
"You do," Mike said. "Do you like people who are abnormally silly?"
"Well I guess," Alina said.
"Then come with my dear," Mike said grinning. "Let's talk."
"Oh..okay," Alina said happily.
"Well she's not in any of the bars," Michiru said.
"Her car's gone which means she could be anywhere," Haruka said.
"And if she were drunk that could be bad news," Michiru said.
"We'll check at the police station, find out if anything happened," Haruka said.
"Good idea," Michiru said.
"Well no more time for talk, let's get on this."
The two were soon speeding in the direction of police
headquarters.
"So Raye you up to this?" Lita asked.
"Sure am," Raye said. "I am ready to jump back into the action."
"Good, because that's what we're going to get," Lita said. "Iron Mouse is probably tough."
"Tougher since we really haven't seen her fight that much."
"Well I have, but she's still been pretty elusive in just what her attacks are," Lita said.
"I'll be ready for her," Raye said.
"Good," Lita said. "Any strategy you think we should use?"
The door chimed.
"Oh..the door.." Lita said and headed down, Raye followed. She opened it to see Seiya standing there.
"Seiya..what brings you by?" Lita asked.
"Lita, I need you to make me into a better fighter," Seiya said.
"Oh..well..sure Seiya, but it's going to have to wait till after my battle," Lita said.
"I know, but I just was around thought I'd ask," Seiya said.
"It's good to see you committed like this," Raye said.
"Yeah well, I need to fight back," Seiya said. "I've gone soft."
"Don't worry Seiya, I'll turn you into a fighting machine!" Lita said with a grin.
"Uh..thanks," Seiya said a bit worriedly.
Lita smiled.
At a place in Tokyo where the ground sloped toward towards a riverbed, and an overpass sat quiet the two sides gathered. The sun began to set.
Iron Mouse stood ready.
"Come on, let's get this started," She said. Sailor Mars and Sailor Jupiter stood ready.
Iron Mouse grinned.
"Well..come get me.." she said.
"Should we?"Jupiter asked.
"Considering she suggested it. I'd rather not," Mars said.
The two sides faced off. The rest of the group watched intently.
"Oh come on...don't be bashful," Iron Mouse said.
"We're not about to fall into some trap of yours," Mars said.
"Yeah," Jupiter said.
"You two are no fun,"Iron Mouse said. "And your singing stinks Mars!"
"Iron Mouse," Mars said her eyes narrowing. "You'll pay for that..."
"Uh Mars.." Jupiter said.
"But you're still not going to get me to charge you!" Mars said.
"HAH!" Guardian Uranus shouted.
Iron Mouse sighed.
"Will someone do something?" Lead Crow muttered.
"Fine, fine, fine," Iron Mouse said. She shot forward with a speed no one was expecting. Energy flew from her wrists at her two opponents. Jupiter and Mars jumped out of the way hurriedly and sloppily. Iron Mouse spun and turned racing at Jupiter and launching energy straight at her. Jupiter leapt over her. Mars dived under the leaping Jupiter and lunged at Iron Mouse.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" She shouted. Iron Mouse skidded out of the way.
"Too slow!" Iron Mouse said. Jupiter charged at her.
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!"
The attack rippled along the ground. Iron Mouse sped out of the way. The attack flew at the enemy lines. They all scattered.
"Hey! Watch it!" Lead Crow shouted.
The two took up fighting stances again.
"Surprise," Iron Mouse said. "I'm dangerous."
"She never did that before," Guardian Saturn said.
"Funny I didn't think she was that smart to withhold her power like that," Sailor Mercury said.
"Now..would you two nimrods care to try again?" Iron Mouse said.
"Jupiter..you wait for an opening," Mars said.
Jupiter nodded.
Mars walked slowly toward Iron Mouse, fire began to form in her hand.
"What's to be gained by letting me know exactly what you're planning?" Iron Mouse said and waited for Mars to make her move.
Mars said nothing and kept walking.
Iron Mouse aimed her bracelets and fired.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" she shouted. The shots exploded. Iron Mouses bolt flew through it though. Mars stepped out of the way of them and charged at Iron Mouse. Iron Mouse took off in another direction. Mars raced after her.
"Mars...Celestial..Fireball...Surround!"
Energy flew around Iron Mouse. She skidded to a stop as rings of fire came at her from all directions.
A blast from her bracelets sent the blasts flying back at Mars, who ducked them quickly.
Iron Mouse sped at her and hit her with an energy filled punch. Mars was thrown backward.
"Jupiter Thunder Clap Crash!"
The attack spun through the air. Iron Mouse dived under it, and it smashed into a hillside.
"Not fast enough," Jupiter muttered.
Iron Mouse grinned and sped towards her energy flew through her hands.
Jupiter grinned and lunged forward. The two met and both connected, they each stumbled forward, Iron Mouse from a blow to the head, Jupiter from a hit to the stomach. They both spun.
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!" Jupiter shouted.
The two attacks exploded throwing the two backwards.
Mars raced forward. Iron Mouse leapt up firing more energy. Mars dodged it.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" she shouted. Iron Mouse blasted it away.
"How much energy does she have anyway?" Guardian Neptune thought.
"She can't keep this up forever," Sailor Venus said.
"Who is to say she can't," Guardian Venus said. "Maybe that's part of her hidden power."
"Doubtful," Sailor Mercury said. "Iron Mouse's energy level is slowly dropping. Still she is using her energy effectively, using only enough for the tasks she needs it for."
"Come on guys, take her down!" Sailor Moon said.
Iron Mouse jumped through the air, as two attacks flew at her.
"This isn't working," Jupiter said.
"Let's just rush her then!" Mars said.
"But.."
"Never mind common sense!" Mars said as the two raced across the battlefield. Iron Mouse sped towards them. They all let energy go at the same time. It exploded knocking the three to the ground.
They all leapt up and fired again. The impact knocked them back some more.
"You're annoying me!" Mars shouted racing forward and kicking Iron Mouse. Iron Mouse staggered back and avoided the various chops that Mars was throwing at her.
"You imp!" Mars shouted.
"HAH!" Iron Mouse shouted. Energy flew from her and knocked Mars back seventy feet. She landed in the crowd of her friends.
"What was that?" she muttered.
"You okay?" Guardian Uranus asked.
"How'd she do that?" Mars snapped standing up only to fall again.
"Hey..be careful," Uranus said.
"Iron Mouse was building up energy inside of her during that time period, now she's lost about half of hers," Mercury said.
"Jupiter Thunder Clap Crash!" Jupiter shouted holding the lightening disc in her hand as she punched. Iron Mouse slid under it and sped down the battlefield.
"Come back here!" Jupiter shouted leaping after her. Iron Mouse changed direction sending a bolt of energy out of her hand as she did so. Jupiter avoided it.
"What we need is a change of pace," Mars said standing up and almost falling again.
"I'm fine," she said. "And I'll get her. Mars..Fire Bird Strike!" She shouted.
From her arms flew a bird of red energy. It glided across the battlefield at Iron Mouse.
"Just what is that thing?" Iron Mouse said. The fire bird swept in at her. She raced away from it.
Jupiter grinned.
"I know just what'll help...Jupiter..Thunder Dragon!"
A greenish dragon flew from her hands and flew at Iron Mouse. The enemy hurried out of the way.
"Jupiter..look for an opening!" Mars said.
Jupiter nodded. The two energy attacks chased Iron Mouse over the battlefield. She let out small screams and then turned to fire some energy, but they swept at her. She slid under them and they flew on towards the enemy.
"Hey! Watch it!" the group shouted again and dived out of the way.
"Cheaters!" Most of them replied sending energy flying across the field. The Guardians all opened fire with their swords.
"Hey! Calm down!" Gala shouted.
"Yeah!" Sailor Moon said. "They're fighting here."
"So much for the fire bird," Mars muttered stumbling down the hill.
Iron Mouse charged at her.
"Oh geez.." she said.
Jupiter leapt after Iron Mouse.
"I'll get you good!" Iron Mouse said.
"Mars...Fire Ignite!" Mars shouted. Iron Mouse leapt shooting energy, she blasted through the attack. Mars screeched and was hit by a powerful punch from Iron Mouse and knocked to the ground. She stuck her tongue out at the other scouts and leapt out of the way as lightening flew at her.
"Jupiter!" the scouts all shouted jumping out of the way.
"Sorry," Jupiter said jumping off of the hill and back after Iron Mouse.
"Come get me!" Iron Mouse shouted.
"Uh uh..come get me," Jupiter said standing ready.
"Oh that's cheap," Iron Mouse said stopping.
"Uh huh," Jupiter said stepping back a few feet.
"Retreating?" Iron Mouse asked.
Jupiter grinned.
"Nope just...taking a few steps back."
She leapt back and stopped.
"Whatever!" Iron Mouse said and shot forward building up energy as she did so.
"JUPITER OAK EVOLUTION!" Jupiter shouted. It took Iron Mouse several seconds to reach her. The attack flew out from her hands. Iron Mouse through out her energy. The attack blasted through it and flung Iron Mouse to the ground. Jupiter grinned.
Iron Mouse crawled along the dirt.
"Come on give it up," Jupiter said.
"No.." Iron Mouse said standing. "I will push you to the limit."
Jupiter leapt forward. Iron Mouse fired off a quick burst. Jupiter took the hit and grimaced, but still hit Iron Mouse in the face and kneed her in the gut. She spun around with a standing spin kick. Iron Mouse fell to the ground. Jupiter picked her up. Iron Mouse grabbed her hands sending shocks through it, but she still through the enemy across the battlefield with her superstrength. Iron Mouse skidded into the ground and bounced.
"Ouch.." she whined.
"You win," Gala said. "Very impressive. Shame on you Iron Mouse."
"Sorry Gala," Iron Mouse moaned.
"Mars you all right?" Uranus asked.
"Everyone keeps asking that.." Mars muttered. "And no I'm not. I'm in pain you fool!"
"Sorry," Uranus said.
"Ehh..we won didn't we," She said standing up. "Guess that's good."
The enemy vanished. The scouts headed off.