Chapter 312
"Time really is going by isn't it Luna?" Serena asked leaning against her window sill.
"I guess so," Luna said. "Think of it in just a few weeks you finish school."
"That's right," Serena said. "But before that it's the prom. It's so great!"
"Well yes," Luna said. "I could see you interested in that. But.."
"But what?"
"You've got plenty of other things to do aside from that."
"Yeah I know," Serena said. "But let's not worry about that now. I'm euphoric!"
"Oh..well then..enjoy your euphoria," Luna muttered.
"Well it seems after our last performance, we're going to get out scot free," Rick said.
"Heck ya!" Mike said.
"The only condition is that we perform till summer," Rick said.
"Which we can do," Steve said.
"No problem," Mike said.
"It's kinda interesting though," Rick said. "We borrow our arch rival's idol singers and the crowd loves it."
"We'll have to do it more often," Mike said.
"I agree," Steve said.
"Yeah..I think you're right about that," Rick said. "I'm sure they'd be up for it."
"After the fun they had last night? You bet," Steve said.
"That was an interesting performance," Raye said.
"I had fun didn't you?" Mina asked.
"I didn't say I didn't," Raye said. "It was fun, I mean I love the romance of the three lights songs, and I love to sing like they do, but when you think about it, the two of us haven't been doing that, we've been singing against each other."
"Right, so doing this was no problem," Mina said.
"I almost like the idea of working with the big crushers more."
"You do? "
"Sure..it was fun wasn't it?"
"Yeah, but..I thought you just said you liked the other kind of singing."
"That I did. However, considering that when the three lights go, we go, I figure why not have some fun anyway," Raye said. "And I noticed something else."
"Yeah?" Mina asked.
"Lita sings pretty well, as long as we're singing along with her."
"You noticed that too," Mina said. "I had thought about mentioning it..but..I didn't know if you picked up on it."
"It was uncanny," Raye said. "When the three of us sing, we hit various levels perfectly, without even trying."
"You think there's something to this?" Mina said.
"I think so," Raye said. "I mean Lita needs work, but it's also true that when she was at the level she was at she did it well. I think with just some time and effort the three of us could go places."
"Not with this recording company," Mina said.
"There are other recording companies you know," Raye said.
"Yeah," Mina said. "Still, I don't think I'm ready for this yet."
"You felt that way too?"
"Yeah, you did?"
"Yeah," Raye said. "I like it, but there's so much to do, I'd rather still be a kid."
"I was thinking the same thing," Mina said. "What if me, you, and Lita just worked on it when we had a chance, maybe when we're all outta college or something we could work it out."
"I think you're on to something," Raye said. "Let's do that."
"You think Lita will want to go along?"
"Sure she will," Raye said.
"Well I guess," Lita said. "Unfortunately it won't help me get my father out of the police force before then, but ..I guess I was just dreaming that would happen anyway."
"Well..you can still try," Raye said. "But think about it, maybe your time would be better spent working on the other important things."
"Like marrying a rich husband," Mina said.
"Not exactly what I meant," Raye said.
"I know what you guys meant," Lita said with a grin. "So you don't think I'm that bad huh."
"Not at all," Raye said. "I think you've got potential."
"Well I really didn't think of things like that. I was just going to jump in earn some quick cash and jump out," Lita said.
"It normally doesn't work that way," Mina said. "Except here apparently," she added.
"Yeah, we've sort of messed up the history of music for some time now," Raye said.
"We do have that affect on things," Lita said.
The three laughed.
Michiru and Greg were at the moment sitting on a scenic overlook.
"We really haven't had much time to talk lately," Michiru said. "But you seem to be doing well."
"Yeah thank you Michiru," Greg said. "I found that writing can be really interesting and that it does let me have fun. I..guess that's why I wrote so much."
"So how is the story coming?" Michiru asked.
"I'm about to end it, but I'm leaving open room for a sequel. What I'm doing right now is just getting the suitable location for the ending," Greg said.
"Suitable location? That sounds interesting."
"I want to be hit with a view or a feeling when I'm somewhere, where I could envision this is where the story would end," Greg said.
"Ahh..I see," Michiru said. "And obviously right here isn't good enough?"
"Well..." Greg said. "It is nice.."
He starred.
"But not perfect. At least for what I'm looking for," Greg said.
"Guess you're going to need something really special then," Michiru said. "This is one of the best views in the city."
"I don't necessarily need a best view. I may need something else," Greg said. "I don't know exactly what yet, but I'll find it."
"I want to be there when you do. Do you mind if I tag along?"
"Yeah sure," Greg said. "Maybe you'll see it before I do."
"How would I?"
"I don't know, that's the problem with dealing the abstract."
"So true," Michiru said. "Anywhere in particular you want to go to look?"
"Maybe.."Greg said. "I need to think about it though."
Michiru nodded.
"I'll just enjoy the view while you think it over," she said with a grin.
I think I've reached him. She thought.
Ayeka Mizuno meanwhile was walking down the street glancing at the various products in the window of stores. She didn't notice, or at least make any indication that she had noticed Hotaru Tomoe following her from behind.
She headed into an alley to cross to a side street. Hotaru stopped and peered around the corner. Ayeka had already turned a corner.
I sincerely hope she has not observed me. Hotaru thought and continued to follow her.
"Here's lunch Mister Okuri," Amy said bringing a tray into a hospital room.
"Ah Amy," an elderly man replied. "Haven't seen you in a while."
"Well I have other duties," Amy said pleasantly.
"Yeah..but it's good to see you," Okuri said. "Sure everyone's nice around here. But you're cute too."
"Uh..well thank you," Amy said blushing.
"Yeah..they tell me I don't have much time left," Okuri said.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Amy said.
"Still it's good, I get to see a pretty face in my last days," Okuri said. "Believe me it's been a good life. No one can underestimate the value of knowing you've had a good life."
Amy nodded.
"Are you living a good life?" Okuri asked.
"Relatively good."
"What do you want to do with it?"
"I don't know for sure. Probably I'll be a doctor."
"So you want to help people?"
"I do."
"Well you're suited for it," Okuri said. "Because old men like me need young girls like you to take care of them."
Amy grinned.
"Yeah...you're lucky, it's just the beginning,"Okuri said. "Everything's going to shoot forward, more gadgets, technology whatever you want to call it. The world will get better, or destroy itself I guess. But no need to worry about that. It won't destroy itself. Not with people like you around."
"I hope so," Amy said. "There are always forces working to undue the good people do."
"Yeah, well fight them! Fight them wherever you can. Don't let them stop you," Okuri said. "You kids all of you have dreams. If you stick to them you'll get somewhere!"
"I hope so," Amy said.
"Stop hoping. You...you'll do it," the man said. "Sure..people can get in your way, but you can push them back out of the way if you want to."
Amy nodded.
"Well..better give me lunch before I talk all day,"
Okuri said. Amy nodded.
Hotaru rounded another corner.
I have a strong suspicion my surveillance is going to fail. She said.
Ayeka Mizuno stood there staring at her.
"Hotaru Tomoe, just why are you following me?" She asked bluntly.
"I have my reasons," Hotaru said.
"Which are?"
"You would not understand."
"Hotaru, you're following me all over the city for a reason that must mean enough for you to do it. I'm not angry, more like surprised. Now let's settle this civilly."
"You want D.V. Patterson, I won't let you have him until I know you can be trusted," Hotaru said.
"What? Does he mean something to you?" Ayeka asked.
"He helped me out..once...he is one of the few people who understands me. I understand him as well. That is important to me," Hotaru said.
"So that's it?"
"That is enough," Hotaru said. "Where are you from Ayeka?"
"Tokyo, like yourself. Just a different part of it."
"Perhaps so," Hotaru said. "Be warned, I am watching. I will always be watching."
She turned and walked away.
Ayeka watched her disappear into the crowd and sighed.
Elsewhere.
"Here.." Greg said.
"An abandoned shrine?" Michiru asked.
"Well..no..this isn't going to be the ending..but..look at this," Greg said examining it. "This..is very interesting. Just look at it."
"A sign of changing times?" Michiru asked.
"I wonder..just what is the story behind it. Why is it abandoned. I don't suppose I can find out. But maybe I can write one that suits it."
"You already have a story to finish."
"No reason not to start another," Greg said.
Michiru grinned.
He's hooked.
Greg moved across the stone lawn of the shrine looking at the few weeds creeping up through cracks in the stonework.
"Weeds...what an interesting concept they are," Greg said.
"Concept?" Michiru asked.
"Yes," Greg said. "You can find them in a field, or right here among dilapidation."
"That's because eventually this place will probably end up as a field," Michiru said.
"Perhaps," Greg said. "It's just interesting that's all."
"You'll have to thought your thoughts into a book so I can read it," Michiru said.
"Trust me I will," Greg said.
Michiru turned towards the front of the shrine and stared at the name plate listed on the side of the temple.
"Is that sword mark?" she asked herself staring at it. She moved closer her shoes clanking on the stone. Greg looked up and stared at the scene.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I was just examining the sign. It looks as if someone stuck a katana through it," Michiru said.
"Strange," Greg said. "But you know the thing about it is that when I saw you, I wondered just what you were doing. I mean who could tell for sure, aside from the fact you were looking."
"Well I was looking," Michiru said.
"Right..but why were you looking. You told me of course, but think of the many reasons you could have been looking."
"I see," Michiru said.
"This is what makes literature," he said and scribbled something down in a notepad he had with him.
"Yes this could be a great novel," Greg said. "Assuming I find out just what's going to happen."
"Find out?"
"Sure," Greg said. "What's the point of writing a novel if you know how it comes out?"
"But you're the writer," Michiru said.
"Yes, but, there's only so much planning you should do in advance."
"I guess..you are the writer..." Michiru said.
"I mean..many people would do it in advance, but wouldn't the true art, be the art that surprises and mystifies it's creator as well as the people who witness it?"
"That's very profound," Michiru said. "I knew there was this side of you to see."
"Well thanks to you it's come out," Greg said.
"Maybe," Michiru said. "But I'm sure it would have forced it's way out eventually."
Greg nodded.
"Well anyway.." Michiru said. "Maybe I should let you work here..get some ideas. I mean..an artist needs his solitude."
"But Michiru, you are a big help," Greg said.
"I just listen," Michiru said.
"That's very important," Greg said. "Nothing is more important than for an artist to know he has listeners."
"So true," Michiru said. "I guess the same rules that apply to music could apply to writing."
"They do, trust me," Greg said. "You're only able to reach your listeners in a different way."
Michiru nodded.
"I honestly don't think I could have done this without you," Greg said.
"Sure you could have," Michiru said.
"No..see..Michiru your artistry is different enough not to interfere, but instead expand mine. You understand things in a different way then many people perceive them. That really helped. When I wrote, I couldn't just use my opinion or understanding of things, so I thought how would Michiru see this, and then how would Amy see this, or Serena, or Raye, or anybody, and then I was able to create different points of view, explore new possibilities. But you were the catalyst."
"Uh..that's great," Michiru said. "I'm glad I could help out. But I wouldn't take credit away from yourself."
"I try not to give myself any credit, and merely go about my work," Greg said.
"Modesty," Michiru said. "It has it's values."
"Please, Michiru, tell me what you think about this shrine. Why do you think it's the way it is?" Greg asked.
"Well..uh..maybe the war.." Michiru said. "Then again there was a sword. Hmm..there could be any sort of thing. Maybe just time. I really don't know. Still..it seems like a dark place."
"Dark place?" Greg asked.
"Maybe it isn't. Maybe.it once was a place of light obscured by time, but now..it doesn't represent what it used to. It does not do what it was meant to. It instead holds back the expression of anything else in turn."
"I see," Greg said. "I don't know if it was ever light, or whether it is dark now. Just abandoned. But abandonment doesn't mean dark. Guess I've got a good start...but I won't keep you anymore. I should go home get started on this."
Michiru nodded.
Haruka crouched next to her new bike starring at it's engine.
"Powerful," she said.
"Hahhah!" came a shout. She turned.
"Shadow racer, go away," Haruka muttered.
"Sorry," Shadow racer said. "Perhaps I've made the wrong impression on you."
"Of course you have, what's with that gimmick anyway?" Haruka asked.
"I don't know. I just like it," the shadow racer said. "It's a part of me now."
"I can see that," Haruka said. "But don't you think you should come back to earth."
"It intimidates my opponents," the shadow racer said. "And for your information in that trial race I held back."
"I know that," Haruka said. "I figured it was because it was just a trial."
"No one has beaten me even when I held back like that before. Then again we don't usually get someone of your skill," The shadow racer said pulling off his helmet revealing a scarred dark haired man.
"There are reasons I wear a helmet," he said.
"Don't blame you," Haruka said.
"Haruka, to be honest, with this bike you can beat me. You can beat anyone, if your skills are at their best. However when you raced me before you let me distract you."
"I didn't..not much.."
"Enough," the shadow racer said. "I am the least of your problems. You can't let the weirdness of the circuit get to you. Otherwise, you might beat everyone."
"You really think so?" Haruka asked. "I was mainly interested in the competition not necessarily victory."
"We are all interested in victory," The shadow racer said.
"I guess so," Haruka said. "But what is your real name?"
"Hah! That will remain a mystery," The shadow racer said.
Haruka sighed.
"Yes..no one can delve into the depths of human consciousness and pull out my name, for it is my shield, what gives me the control and power I need over the darkness.."
"What are you talking about?" Haruka said.
"I am saying that many years has passed since my name was stated and that I shall continue to be only the shadow racer...he is who I am, mind, body, and soul..."
"Hey..Arnie good to see ya?" came a familiar voice. The shadow racer whirled. Steve leaned in the garage doorway.
"You fool, you've revealed the shadow racer's identity!"
Haruka grinned.
"You want me to reveal your home address too Arnie?" Steve asked.
The shadow racer pulled on his helmet.
"You shall pay for this Steve Carlin!" he said and stalked off.
"You know him?" Haruka asked.
"Yep, he's my uncle," Steve said. "In fact I was just stopping by to see how he was doing, but we parted on bad terms just there. I didn't know you were in the pro racing circuit."
"I haven't exactly been boasting about it. But yes, here I am," Haruka said.
"That is a nice bike."
"Shadow racer...ahem..Arnie.." Haruka said. "Thinks I can beat anyone with it."
"If he does, then you can," Steve said. "Arnie may have a stupid name, stupid names...but the point is that he knows this sport well. Been in it for years. He used to take me to the races."
"If he's so good why hasn't moved up to the full circuit."
"He has a real job too," Steve said. "Can't handle a full circuit schedule."
"Oh, I guess that would matter," Haruka said. "I was about to take her out for a spin."
"Do you mind if I watch?" Steve asked.
"No..be my guest," Haruka said.
Haruka was soon zooming out onto the racetrack.
There's something about a girl in control of that much power. Steve thought.
"You know her?" Arnie muttered wandering back up.
"Sure," Steve said. "We're classmates."
"Oh.." Arnie said. "Interesting. She have a boyfriend?"
"No, I don't think so."
"That's good, why don't you.."
"What?" Steve said before Arnie finished.
"Well why not? She likes racing bikes, you like racing bikes, even though you can't do it yourself. She seems tough. You're tough, sort of. She's perfect for you."
"She's also Haruka Tenno," Steve said.
"What about it?"
"Trust, me I have my reasons," Steve said.
"Ehh..why'd you have to tell her my name was Arnie anyway?"
"Because it was the perfect opportunity to do so," Steve said.
"It's for that reason and that reason only that I forgive you," Arnie said.
"Shadow racer? Come on?"
"Yeah so what there are people with worse names?"
"Like what..."
"Well..Guardian Pluto for instance."
"WHAT?" Steve shouted.
"Come on...who does that guy think he is. YO! I'm Guardian Pluto..fear me..come on," Arnie said.
"Uh..yeah.." Steve said nervously. He doesn't know. That was pure coincidence. It had better be..come on this is Arnie we're talking about.
"If you ask me those super hero types really should study their nicknames more," Arnie said. "Now Maverick, that's a name."
Steve sighed.
"You have no idea," he muttered.
"What?" Arnie said.
"Yep, everyone's doing well for themselves," Serena said. "We're fighting the battles still, keeping even with those evil people..our lives are coming under control. Isn't it great?"
"Well yes," Luna said. "You do realize Serena you've been leaning out that window for seven hours don't you?"
"Wha.." Serena said. "Oh..I guess I have been. I must have gotten lost in thought."
She began laughing.
"Serena stop laughing it's not funny," Luna muttered.
"I'm allowed to laugh at my own stupidity," Serena said.
"Whatever," Luna said.
"Hey!" Artemas said jumping in the window.
"Good thing you got out of the way Serena or wouldn't have been able to land," Luna said.
Serena stuck her tongue out.
"So how are things with you Artemas?" Serena asked.
"Pretty good but Mina's bought this terrible cat food," Artemas said.
"I thought you lived with Greg," Serena said.
"I moved back in with Mina's family while everyone was in the other dimension and I guess I just stayed there," Artemas said.
"Why don't you just tell Mina you don't like the food," Luna said. "I mean we're the only two cats on the planet who can complain verbally about food, why not do it?"
"Well..Mina isn't around much," Artemas said. "All this idol singing, dating Yaten, secret makeout sessions with Mike stuff you know."
"WHAT?" Luna and Serena said.
"Oh..I didn't say anything," he said.
The two stared at him.