Chapter 308
The next morning, Principal Oksua stood at the front of the classroom sighing.
"So Setsuna Meio is in rehab you say?" he asked with surprise.
"Yes sir," Haruka said. "Michiru's keeping an eye on her."
"That's wonderful, but just when exactly did Setsuna start abusing alcohol anyway?"
"It's hard to say," Haruka said.
"I didn't think this class was that bad."
"She has other concerns."
"Hmm..I guess so. Anyway..so..how long is she going to be gone?"
"The rest of the semester," Haruka said.
"Ouch..well fortunately we have a substitute teacher available," Oksua said.
"Who?" Haruka asked.
"Hi everyone!" came a shout. The entire class turned in surprise to see a bubbly woman walk in the door with long strands of blonde hair trailing down behind her. She sauntered up to the front of the room.
"I'm Sakura Love!" she said.
"You're who?" the entire class said in surprise.
"Enjoy class," Oksua said and slipped out the door.
"This is highly irregular," Yaten muttered.
"Oh we've just scratched the surface," Mike said.
"Okay..well anyway...how is everyone?" Sakura asked.
"Worried," The class replied.
"Strange...I'm really a nice person," Sakura said.
"Tell me she's from the negaverse so I can blast her," Lita said leaning over towards Patterson's desk.
"No energy detected," Patterson muttered with some sense of disappointment as he studied his watch.
"She seemed like the type too.." Raye muttered.
"What's going on back there?" Sakura said.
"Nothing," The class replied.
The door swung open and Ayeka Mizuno slid in the door.
"My apologies," she said quickly and took her seat.
"Well I want to get to know everybody..let's start with you," Sakura said. "Who are you?"
"Uh..Ayeka Mizuno," Ayeka said.
"Are you normally late Ayeka?" Sakura asked.
"No that would be Serena," Ayeka said.
The class all nodded.
"Don't get me in bad with the sub!" Serena shrieked.
"That's all right, I don't care about attendance," Sakura said. "If you don't want to be here that's fine with me. And if you want to come in late, well that's okay, we've all got problems."
"Some people have more than others," Hotaru said.
"What's that?" Sakura asked.
"Just an observation," Hotaru said.
"Uh good...and you are?" Sakura asked.
"Hotaru Tomoe."
"Oh..I see..can you smile for me Hotaru?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I don't smile for anything."
"Not even pictures."
"Especially pictures," Hotaru said.
"You tell her Hotaru!" Mike shouted from the back.
"You detention!" Sakura shouted.
"But I thought you were nice," Mike moaned.
"Just kidding," Sakura said and started laughing.
"She's more insane then you are," Raye said to Patterson said.
Patterson said nothing and merely nodded.
"Okay..well let's get started," Sakura said. "Is that okay with everyone?"
"Knock yourself out,"Seiya muttered.
When lunch came around, the scouts were all clustered around a large table. The girls at the school had learned to settle down so the three lights could eat in peace, but there was still their angry arch rivals at the other end of the table to deal with.
"I thought the concert went well last night," Seiya said.
"I agree," Mina said. "Yaten you were so perfect."
"There's no need to kiss up to me like that," Yaten said.
"I mean it though," Mina said. "You were really good."
"She's complimenting you Yaten," Taiki explained.
"Oh..well..thank you," Yaten said.
"Lighten up," Mina said.
"So what did you think Raye?" Seiya asked.
"It went well," Raye said. "I felt good about it."
"Glad to.." Seiya was interrupted by a pie slamming into his face.
"Strike!" Mike shouted.
"Yeah!" the male contingent of the school shouted.
"Cut it out!" Lita said leaping onto the table.
The group all sat down.
"Sorry.." Mike said.
"We're done," Rick said.
"I'm surprised Mike," Haruka said.
"Oh?" Mike asked.
"I didn't know you could throw that well."
"Pie throwing is a skill I've become quite proficient at," Mike said.
"That is believable," Haruka said.
"Say on that subject sort of.." Rick said. "Hotaru..you really kicked some butt yesterday."
"Apparently yes," Hotaru said.
"You're fighting skill has improved I'm impressed," Rick said.
"Oh...well..thank you. I have found that learning how to use one's own pain to inflict similar such pain on others has the ability to relieve stress," Hotaru said.
"Hotaru are you going to massacre us?" Mike asked.
"No.." Hotaru said. "Though..your death does seem to be justifiable homicide."
The entire cafeteria went quiet.
Laughter broke out. All eyes to the source, Patterson, who quickly stopped.
"Tell me she's kidding!" Mike said hurriedly.
"Of course I am kidding," Hotaru said. "But I'm sure the thought has all crossed our minds."
"Uh huh," The entire cafeteria said.
"HAH!" Mike said leaping onto the table. "It'll take all of you to take me down!"
"Ahem...am I interrupting anything?" Ayeka Mizuno said wandering up.
"Here we go," Lita observed.
"So..D.V. Patterson you've managed to get a draw out of combat, but now it's time to settle things for good," Ayeka said. "Right here."
"Don't you mean outside?" Steve asked.
"No..here.in this cafeteria," Ayeka said.
"Uh Ayeka..you could damage the cafeteria," Principal Oksua said walking up.
"With wooden swords Principal?" Ayeka asked.
"Uh..well..yeah.." Oksua said.
"I will not accept no.." Ayeka said.
"Uh...well..ahem...all right," Oksua said. "But you're paying for any damage."
"I will do so," Ayeka said. She drew her sword.
Patterson sighed.
"I have a new weapon," he said.
"Then please let's see it," Ayeka said grinning. Patterson walked out and returned a minute later with his new sword.
"Ah..I see..." Ayeka said. The students all moved to one side of the cafeteria and waited as the two faced off.
"Nice.." Ayeka said. "But this sword has been in my family since the Tokugawa shogunate."
Patterson nodded and took up his defensive stance.
"They're going to trash the place aren't they?" Oksua moaned.
"You are allowing the fight you know," Haruka muttered.
"Yes, but I want to see it so badly," Oksua said.
"Pathetic," Haruka said.
The two charged at each other. Their swords met and knocked off of each other.
"Hah," Ayeka said spinning her sword under Patterson's. He slid back and countered. The two slid apart.
"Spin kick!" Ayeka shouted in mid motion. Patterson dropped under it and flipped forward spinning in mid flight. Ayeka leapt at him. He met her sword and they parried with above average speed.
"Thrust!" Ayeka shouted. Patterson knocked it aside.
"Why is she calling her shots?" Rick wondered.
"Has this fight reached a new level?" Steve asked.
"Maybe," Rick said.
"Ayeka back flip!" Ayeka shouted flipping along the back of the cafeteria. She landed on a table.
"Come on Patterson. Let's see your skill?"
Patterson leapt onto the table. The two flew at each other along the narrow surface. They both crossed and ended up on other sides of the table. They spun.
"Hmm..not many people have been able to counter the Mizuno-Ryu-Isa," Ayeka said.
"Perhaps that is because they did not know the Circle of Sariso," Patterson said.
Ayeka grinned.
"I see..." she said. "Ryu-Isa-Reverse!" she shouted flying forward. Patterson leapt off one table and onto another. Ayeka followed keeping up her momentum they hopped from table to table.
"Come on Patterson fight back!" Rick shouted.
"Show em the skills!" Mike shouted.
Patterson flipped over Ayeka and swung his sword over her head. She ducked and kicked. Patterson leapt over it. Their two swords met.
Ayeka grinned.
"I don't know who trained you, but they are a true master," she said.
"I trained myself, with all the skills of ten masters," Patterson said. "I use them at will."
"Ah..." Ayeka said. "I'm not surprised. Ayeka Spin Move of Armageddon!"
She spun around with such force that Patterson was knocked off balance, but he slid along the table as Ayeka lunged at him. He rolled off as she swung. He leapt up into the air around her and swung down. She met his blow.
"Hah..so you're not perfect," Ayeka said.
"Far from it," Patterson said knocking her sword away.
"Well let's see if you can counter the Ayeka Mizuno patented switchback maneuver!"
She swung her sword at his as fast as she could. The two met and they went back and forth blocking and thrusting as fast as they could, each of them alternatively taking the initiative.
Ayeka slid back along the table and leapt into the air.
"Super air thrust!" She shouted.
"The block from Osaka!" Patterson shouted back. The two collided and fell of the table. Each landing on the ground.
"Ouch!" the entire class said.
"Wait a minute...the block from Osaka?" Raye asked with surprise at the inherent stupidity of the name.
"The block from Osaka!" The class repeated.
Patterson sighed and stood up to brush himself off.
Ayeka picked herself up grinning.
"You continue to surprise me," She said. "Well..guess we'll have to settle this later."
She walked off. Patterson sighed until he noticed everyone in the room looking at him.
"Don't ask!" he snapped and walked off.
Later that day at Inferno Records.
"You wanted to see me?" Rick asked.
"Yes I did. See I'm disturbed by what I've learned," The executive said.
"About what?"
"Well..you were at the three lights concert last night with Leslie there."
"Yes, but we went to see Mina and Raye."
"Perhaps you didn't see this," the executive said throwing a paper down on the desk.
"A tabloid?" Rick asked.
"There a picture of you and Mike, I know you let your hair down, but Leslie's just wearing sunglasses. Some paparazzi got you," the executive said. "When people see that...well..just what are they going to think?"
"I was only there for Raye and Mina's performance," Rick said.
"The world doesn't know that. They know what they read here," The executive said. "You've ruined your image."
"What do you mean?"
"You're the three lights rivals. Instead I see you here."
"Raye's my girlfriend."
"Well dump her."
"I won't do that."
"Then stay away from her concerts."
"I may not be able to do that."
"If you got to another concert your group is through. Just how are you going to explain this?"
"With the truth," Rick said.
"That you're dating the idol star who performs three lights. The heck you will," the executive said. "That'll just make you look like more of wuss."
Rick clenched his fist.
"No..I have another solution. You're going to lie. Say you were staging a publicity stunt. Furthermore your whole reason for being there was to hear what their idols sound like," the executive said. "Because you're going to make fun of them."
"Uh what?" Rick asked.
"Yes I had that idiot Leslie in here earlier. And he gave me a suggestion. A friend of yours like to sing does she."
"Wait..a sec..she wouldn't," Rick said.
"Yes she would," the executive said. "I just talked to her."
"You're kidding..."
"Yes this Lita Nelson, apparently seemed curious about the whole affair."
"That's not like her at all. She wouldn't want to make fun of Raye and Mina."
"Apparently she does for some reason. We hired her. You're going to send her out at your intermission to make fun of Raye and Mina, I've heard her sing. She's not too good, but she's good enough for what we're looking for."
"But sir," Rick said.
"This is an order. If you don't follow it, consider your
careers over," the executive said.
Later.
"Uh Lita," Steve said. "Rick told me about you joining us."
"Yes I guess it's a surprise huh," Lita said.
"But why would you?"
"I know you'd never suspect me of wanting too..but you see..there is a reason. My father's a police officer. He's risked his life for me, and for a lot of people. He's the only father I have. And I don't want him to be out there anymore. If I made the money an idol makes. Or just a little, maybe he would retire, or at least not work as much."
"I see..but Lita..you know you've made this hard on us."
"Why? Mike wanted to do it. You don't want me to tour with you?"
"No..I'd love it, but this is so fast..I mean..it's just moving so quickly," Steve said.
"I'll catch up, but if it worked out..I just had to take the chance. I thought you would understand."
"I think I do," Steve said. "I just..I don't know..I know what you mean, so I'm going to say we at least give it a try, but this is..strange territory here Lita."
"I know," Lita said. "Besides I'm not supposed to sing well."
"Aren't you worried Mina and Raye might get upset."
"They'll get used to it," Lita said.
"Okay." Steve said unsurely.
And at Raye's temple.
"I can't believe this," Rick said.
"What?" Raye asked.
"The record company's strong arming me. They threatened to break my contract because I went to see you last night."
"Oh..I'm sorry Rick, I shouldn't have asked you to come."
"No, I have a right to go see my girlfriend perform. Especially when she's as good as you are."
"Rick..I didn't want to get you into trouble."
"It's too late for that," Rick said. "Still..it's unfair and that's not all."
"It isn't?"
"No, they've hired Lita."
"To do what?"
"Sing."
"SING? HOW?" Raye shouted.
"She's supposed to make fun of you two," Rick said.
"But why would she do that?" Lita asked.
"I don't know," Rick said. "But they signed her up."
"This is so strange. I knew the business was rough, but not this rough."
"It's just a wonderful day isn't it?" Rick muttered.
"I'm calling Lita," Raye said.
"Raye..don't," Rick said.
"Why?"
"Because you're mad right now," Rick said.
"Good," Raye said.
"I don't want you two to lose your friendship. Now calm down and talk to her later, maybe she has a good reason, though I have no idea what that might be."
"All right Rick," Raye said. "If you say so,"
Rick nodded.
"I think it's best."
"Still what's she up to?"
Elsewhere.
"Lita? Singing?" Mina said in shock.
"Yep," Mike said.
"That's wonderful."
"I didn't expect you to like the idea."
"Why not?" Mina said. "That's great that she has realized her dream."
"What dream?"
"I don't know," Mina said. "But...the sailor scouts are taking over..can't you see that?"
"Yeah..well.."
"Mike you're a genius. But what's Lita going to sing?"
"Uh..well..that's not important."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean..I don't know."
"Oh you don't."
"I have no idea," Mike said.
"Oh..well let me know when you do."
"Sure thing, but it's almost time for the next battle."
"I guess it is," Mina said.
Sailor Lead Crow walked onto the battlefield. Sailor Venus and Sailor Mercury starred her down.
"Well let's get to it," Lead Crow said. A wall of flame shot across the battlefield. The two scouts leapt backward as quickly as they could. The rest of the scouts scattered.
Lead Crow laughed.
"Where are they learning these new tricks?" Venus said.
"No idea," Mercury said. "I'll be ready for it next time."
Venus nodded.
Lead Crow leapt at Mercury firing energy blasts. Mercury leapt out of the way. Venus leapt to her friend's aid.
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"
The instantaneous attack flew at Lead Crow who dodged it and instead fired attacks at Mercury. Mercury dodged another of them.
"Mercury Bubbles Blast!"
Lead Crow dove through the fog and hit Mercury head on.
"I can see through it kiddo!" She shouted blasting Mercury to the ground.
"Venus Love Chain Encircle!" the attack swept in towards Lead Crow knocking her to the side. Venus pounced on her throwing her to the ground.
"What's going on in there?" Gala muttered.
Venus went flying out of the fog cloud. Lead Crow leapt after her. The two were soon trading energy blasts carefully avoiding each other's attacks.
"MERCURY AQUA RHAPSODY!"
The attack blasted straight at Lead Crow in a large wave. She dived out of the way of it.
"Venus Love Chain Encircle!" Venus shouted holding onto the energy. It swung at Lead Crow and knocked her the ground. She leapt up and fired blasts in all directions knocking both of the scouts down.
"How are they doing?" Jupiter asked Maverick. Maverick glanced at his watch.
"They're about even."
Jupiter nodded and caught the glance of Mars who was quickly turning away from her.
"Mercury Ice Storm Blast!"
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"
Lead Crow blasted both attacks away and leapt at Mercury swinging bolts of energy as she did so.
Mercury leapt out of the way. Venus charged forward.
"Venus Love Chain Encircle!" She shouted unleashing her attack. Lead Crow knocked it away with an energy blast. Venus held on and swung it again. Lead Crow avoided it.
Mercury watched Lead Crow through her visor. Her eyes narrowed. A sword popped out of the air and landed in her hand.
"What's that?" Sailor Moon said in surprise.
"I let her borrow my sword..ahem Maverick's sword," Jupiter said.
"Good thinking," Sailor Moon said.
Mercury rushed forward. Lead Crow turned in surprise.
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!" Lead Crow barely avoided the attack. Mercury swung the sword into Lead Crow. She cried out in pain and staggered back. Mercury kept firing.
"Venus Love and Beauty Shock!"
The attack slammed into Lead Crow and threw her to the ground.
"Very good," Gala said. "Lead Crow you lost."
Lead Crow sighed and crawled back to her lines.
"She will not be that easy to beat a second time," Gala said and the group headed off.
"Good work Mercury," Venus said.
"Thank you," Mercury said.
"Jupiter we need to talk," Mars said.
"I was guessing you'd say that," Jupiter said.
Minutes later.
"I don't know why you're doing what you're doing, but I just need to say this," Mars said. "Good luck."
"You're not mad?" Jupiter asked.
"I was, but..it'll probably be fun," Mars said. "And after all you're not trying to be a real idol singer, just have some fun and make some money."
"That's right, your ego is secure."
"Uh..right.." Mars said.
The two laughed.
"Well they're not killing each other," Sailor Moon said watching from a distance.
"That's not always a good sign," Guardian Neptune said.
Everyone glanced at him.
"I have the data to prove it," he replied.
The group sighed.