Chapter 314
As the alarm went off, Serena woke up slowly staring at the clock in front of her.
"Ehh..." she moaned and fell out of bed.
"You all right Serena?" Luna asked.
Serena moaned again and walked to her closet. She promptly threw it open stepped inside and closed the door. In what seemed like seconds later she jumped out fully attired in her school uniform.
"She's never done that before," Luna muttered as Serena dashed out the door and down the steps.
"I'd better keep an eye on her, she's getting more
predictable as the prom gets closer," Luna said and raced
after her.
"So Amy have you asked him yet?" Lita asked.
"Who? And What?" Amy asked.
"You know Taiki, and the 2nd year prom," Lita said.
"Oh that..I really hadn't thought about it with all the work I've been doing."
"You're kidding," Lita said.
"No," Amy said. "I really haven't."
"Well are you going to get on top of this or what?"
"I guess I should," Amy said. "So have you asked Seiya yet."
"No, but I've just been planning things," Lita said.
Amy grinned.
"Hi guys," Serena said dropping to the ground in front of them. They both were startled.
"What are you doing?" Lita muttered.
"Uh..well.." Serena said. "I'm just happy."
"Girls, she's been a little wired," Luna said.
"And why not?" Serena asked. "Just a few more days until me and Darrien are dancing together pleasantly amidst the beautifulness.."
Lita and Amy sighed as Serena slipped into a daydream.
"Does she remember that she isn't that good at ballroom dancing?" Amy wondered.
"She's gotten better but..yeah.." Lita said.
"Hah!" Serena said facing the two, worrying them more then before. "You two are good at dancing and look where it got you, frozen statuettes..."
"What?" the two muttered.
"Hah remember..the princess academy hah..that's what good ballroom dancers all end up as sooner or later. Your criticism can't touch me," Serena said and started walking.
"She's warping reality," Amy muttered.
"I'm surprised she remembers three years ago," Lita said.
"What did I tell you?" Luna said.
"Patterson..." Taiki said approaching the dark haired warrior on the roof.
"Yes Taiki," Patterson said continuing to stare through the fencing.
"I think it would be best for Amy's sake to put any bad feelings behind us," Taiki said.
"Indeed it would be," Patterson said. "In a perfect world."
"I'm serious," Taiki said.
"Sure you are," Patterson said. "Did I say you weren't?"
"I'm not interested in your mind games."
"Very well," Patterson said. "No more feuding. To be honest I don't particularly care. Amy seems happy with you. You haven't done anything too troublesome lately. Your ego has subsided, and I almost felt sorry for you all when you got beat up again. It's very simple Taiki. Do what you want to. If you were to hurt Amy, I'd hurt you. Otherwise, you will not receive any interference from me."
"Fine," Taiki said and turned towards the roof door. He stopped. "No...that's not good enough."
"Not good enough?" Patterson asked stoically turning to face him. "Just what do you want?"
"I want you to understand..." Taiki said. "Amy doesn't want the two of us hostile to each other in any form."
"As much as I'd like to prevent that, I don't see it as being possible," Patterson said.
"It is," Taiki said. "The two of us are at odds because of the past, the situation has changed. I agree that Seiya has deserved some of what he has received. However, I believe I am exempt from scorn."
"You do?" Patterson asked. "Well..I've got news for you. The past does mean something. Especially when dealing with me. I am governed by my own past. I don't believe someone just changes without a good reason."
"I have one. Her," Taiki said.
"Good answer," Patterson said. "However, you listen to me...you want to understand. You want to throw aside the animosity we have and learn to like each other. That takes work. It doesn't come from a gentleman's agreement. We'll wait a see."
Patterson turned away. Taiki sighed.
"Perhaps you are right," he said and walked away.
Now we'll see just what you're willing to do to prove
yourself.. Patterson thought.
And up the classroom.
"All this foolishness about the prom.." Haruka muttered. "Who cares?"
"Well it means a lot of things to people," Michiru said. "Can you really blame the girls for getting excited."
"I just don't understand it. You have this one event where everyone comes together and dances. Every night in Tokyo dancing is going on. So why the heck is this the least bit important?" Haruka said.
"It's a matter of tradition," Michiru said. "I'm not getting excited or anything, but I at least respect it."
"You of course can do what you want, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over who I would ask. Or who might ask me. For that matter I probably won't even go," Haruka said.
Michiru grinned.
"I bet you will," she said.
"Why do you think that?" Haruka asked.
"I know you better then you think," Michiru said.
Haruka sighed.
"So you lined up your date yet Mike?" Rick asked.
"Well of course Alina will be going," Mike said.
"She seems perfect for you," Rick said. "Though I give it about three months."
"How little you underestimate my prowess," Mike said. "Six months."
Rick grinned.
"So what about you Steve? Or should I ask?" Mike asked.
"Proms are stupid," Steve said.
"There's our answer," Rick said.
Later that day at the racetrack various motorcyclists were practicing.
"Hahhah!" Shadow racer shouted above the hum of his engine as he raced around the track.
Haruka grimaced and followed after him.
I've got a better bike, and better skill. There's no reason he should be ahead of me.
She sped up and kicked the bike into high gear. She shot towards him.
Suddenly another figure pulled in front of her. He wore a strange white outfit with a cape trailing behind it arranged to look like the Italian flag.
"What the.." Haruka said.
The new arrival shot by Shadow racer and raced along the road. Haruka raced after him.
Just who is that joker pushing so hard during practice? Haruka thought. Regardless, no one wears a cape in a motorcycle race.
She gunned the engine and sped up racing after him. He turned back and glanced at her for a split second before speeding up into a turn.
He's insane. Can he handle those speeds? She wondered. I guess so. No..I'm not going to push myself like that. I'm new here. Can't risk it. But I will beat that guy. She turned off and arrived in pit road.
She climbed the off the bike finding the man standing there. Steve was leaning against the wall.
"Who was that guy out there?" she asked with annoyance.
"You mean Gino Salvetti, the Italian Stalion?" the man asked.
"Is there such a thing as an Italian Stallion?" Haruka muttered.
"Not that I know of," The man said.
"He's insane," Haruka said.
"He's also the champion seven years running," Steve said walking up. "He's been lucky."
"That's more than luck, no one could keep doing what he's doing for seven years and survive it," Haruka said.
"Perhaps you're right," Steve said. "Still..even skill as good as that needs a little luck don't you think?"
"Yes, I guess that is true as well," Haruka said. "Regardless."
"He's who you have to beat," The man said. "But that's possible. If you don't hold yourself back."
"I'm not going to get killed out there. Still.... the arrogance of that man," Haruka said.
"That we know he has," Steve said.
"Didn't you research who your competition was going to be?" The man asked.
"Well I..was more concerned about other things. I've been a little busy," Haruka said.
"Hmm..well..you really should study them. A good driver knows their opponents well," the man said and headed out.
"You're spending a lot of time here," Haruka said.
"Yeah, I guess so," Steve said. "No one's kicked me out because I know Arnie."
"So you've been watching these races for some time now?"
"Arnie's been on the circuit for a while, and it's cheaper then the full circuit. I don't want to be trouble..or anything..but he's right..the competition is very strange. There's a lot of style differences. I know you are busy, but knowing the difference between them could be the key to victory."
"I realize that," Haruka said. "Thank you for the suggestion anyway."
"I..uh..no..forget it."
"What?" Haruka asked.
"Nah..it's really not important," Steve said.
"Don't be afraid of me, what is it?" Haruka asked.
"Well..maybe I could help you out a little, I mean..I do have the time to watch these guys in action and.."
"You probably know more about them then I do," Haruka said. "All right..maybe you can help out."
"Uh..sure.." Steve said. "I really don't have much else to do."
"I appreciate it," Haruka said. "What you're saying makes sense."
"You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard that..I mean..it's in one figures."
"Don't get down on yourself, I'm sure you have some use," Haruka said with a grin.
"Uh.yeah guess so," Steve said.
"I thought I might find you here," Michiru said wandering through the ruins of the old temple. Greg was crouched behind it staring at a patch of ground.
"Gravesites," Greg said.
"Oh.." Michiru said.
"They used to be here," Greg said. "They aren't anymore."
"Yeah, guess so," Michiru said. "Someone must have moved them."
"This place is just more curious the more I look at it," Greg said. "Some of it makes you think it was abandoned deliberately with a plan. But other things look like they were rushed."
"Well..a lot of damage could have been done in the years it has just sat here. Who knows," Michiru said.
"Agreed," Greg said. "So interesting. Everything has greater meaning if you understand it."
Michiru nodded.
"So true," Michiru said. "Looks like I've released something here."
"Yeah..well.." Greg said. "I can only spend so much time here each day..I don't want to seem like I'm desecrating it."
"No...I guess not," Michiru said.
Greg headed for the steps.
"Greg..I've been meaning to talk to you about something else.." Michiru said.
"Oh?" Greg asked.
"I realize with you being caught up in the writing it may not have occurred to you or anything..but I was wondering.." Michiru said feeling a rare touch of nervousness.
"Well..I mean.." Michiru said. "We've spent a lot of time together. We've gotten to know each other..I..don't know.."
"Oh..that.." Greg said.
"That?" Michiru asked.
"I was afraid of this."
"You were.."
"I don't know Michiru, I don't know how I feel. I mean there's no doubt in my mind, that we get along really well."
"Yeah.." Michiru said. "But that doesn't necessarily mean anything else does it?"
"Yeah..I guess if it was romantic I wouldn't have a problem with it, I mean..if it worked out it would."
"That's an interesting way of putting it," Michiru said with a smile. "Greg..why don't we move slowly. I mean..we can figure it out as we go along."
"Yeah.."
"But..I'm guessing you don't have a date to the prom right?"
"I don't," Greg said. "But I think I just found one."
They smiled at each other.
"Well..it's worth a try at least," Michiru said. "I mean..what have we got to lose really?"
"Nothing," Greg said. "Right?"
"Yeah..I think.."
"I mean..you have more experience with this.."
"I do?"
"Well don't you?"
"Not really.."
"Oh..I just thought."
"I haven't really been oriented towards dating," Michiru said.
"Well me neither," Greg said.
"Guess we'll have to experiment then."
"Yeah," Greg said.
Amy headed down a corridor at Tokyo General Hospital occasionally glancing at objects on the walls, and keeping to herself. She stopped at a room marked 4C and stared at the name tag. What had once said M.Okuri, had been replaced by another name, one that meant nothing to her yet. She hadn't met the person. She knew she'd probably come across them, but at the moment it was the absence of Mister Okuri that meant something. She stared at the tag, and lost herself as she thought back to what he had said.
What a strange concept? She thought, not knowing exactly what concept she was referring to do. She headed back down the hallway thinking to herself yet again. I wonder if it gets any easier to deal with as time passes. It probably doesn't. My parents held it in. They didn't let me know about the pain of it. I guess I was slightly nieve. Now I know better. Still..it would seem right for it to linger in my mind, to hurt, but it's also hard to let it linger. I have to move on.
She was soon leaving the hospital and heading home.
Well I had best take my mind off of it. There's still
schoolwork to do. Can't let anything slip. But what exactly and I
am working towards. Does that sense of helping you overwhelm the
people you can't help? I really wonder. I need to know. But who
can I ask?
"Gala about these battles. We've lost most of them," Metalite said.
"That is true," Gala said. "However, I think we just need to redouble our efforts."
"Why? Why not just attack?" Metalite said. "They must believe they are going along with the plan. They're wide open."
"They are not..." Gala said. "They are protected by destiny as well as themselves."
"Honestly..." Metalite scoffed.
"I sometimes wonder...maybe this is all about how we fight."
"What are you talking about?" Metalite said.
"What I am saying is that perhaps the forces of the universe, those we do not understand will look kindly on us for doing this."
"You're making this up."
"Am I? How would you explain how they've survived for so long, with the forces of fate intervening at just the right moment to save the day," Gala said. "This is not just simple luck they have. There are powerful forces behind it!"
"Nonsense. If we launch a comprehensive strike against them...they're spread out, and vulnerable," Metalite said.
"They have proven themselves capable of taking what we can dish out," Gala said. "Destiny prevents us from gaining an unfair advantage."
"I don't agree. We just need to try harder."
"I prefer this method."
"But we're losing."
"Indeed," Gala said. "But we are fighting them in open ground. They have no advantages either. We know that our forces will encounter no more than two scouts. If my minions cannot use that to their advantage..."
"Whatever, but this is a grave mistake continuing like this," Metalite said.
"There is nothing you can do about it," Gala said. "Now..back off.."
"Yeah.." Metalite muttered and headed off.
"I'm worried about him Gala," Lead Crow said.
"He can't move against me," Gala said.
"I don't know for sure. The negaverse is the second most powerful evil force we know of. If Metalite could draw from it."
"How could he?" Gala asked.
"I do not know. But he talks big."
"He is a fool," Gala said.
"Fools sometimes are the most dangerous," Lead Crow said.
"That I know," Gala said. "Still..he is necessary right now. I have my reasons."
"Yes Gala," Lead Crow said.
"So Yaten...you're coming to the prom with me right?" Mina asked.
"I doubt you would let me back out of it," Yaten said.
"You're right about that," Mina said. "I wouldn't, in fact I'd probably kill you if you didn't agree to come along."
"Don't joke about that kind of thing."
"Who's joking?"
"Mina..please..can you stop being insane for just a couple of days, until the prom, and at the prom?"
"If it will make you happy. Sure."
"Thank you?"
"But it's hard to stop cold turkey, I warn you," Mina said.
"All right," Yaten said.
"I've never seen you in a tuxedo before, But I'm sure you look very cute."
"I do look above average," Yaten said.
"You can't compliment yourself," Mina snapped. "Only girls can do that."
"Sorry..forgive me," Yaten said. "So are you going to be at that big crushers concert?"
"Uh huh, we're going to do something really special tonight."
"What?"
"We don't know yet," Mina said.
"Oh.." Yaten said.
Back at the shrine.
"Ah..Michiru..glad I found you.." Rick said leaping out of a limo.
"They still let you have a limousine?" Michiru asked.
"Uh huh..hey Greg.." he glanced at the two. "All right! Way to go! Anyway..uh..listen..Michiru how would you like to do something really musically spontaneous?"
"I'm curious.." Michiru said. "That okay with you Greg."
"We're just talking anyway.." Greg said.
"All right..what did you have in mind?" Michiru asked.
"Get in..you too Greg.'
"But I don't like spontaneity."
"Too bad, the spontaneity is beyond your control," Rick said.
The limo was soon speeding off.
And outside of an auditorium.
"I was going to buy a prom dress, but instead I'm here. Why?" Serena asked.
"Well..the guys said they had a special performance planned for tonight's concert," Amy said.
"This place is pretty small compared to the others," Serena said.
"Yes, well there's something special about too..I have no idea what."
"Strange," Serena said. "And why do we have to wait in line, we're VIP's."
"We're not really," Amy said.
Meanwhile inside the auditorium.
"I see they dragged you out here at the last minute too ey Haruka," Darrien said sitting down.
"Apparently I'm not the only one," Haruka said.
"Where's Michiru?"
"Up there," Haruka said.
"You know anything about this Greg?" Darrien asked.
"I was rapidly thrown out of the loop," Greg said.
"So..this is popular culture?" Setsuna asked as she sat down.
"You too huh?" Darrien asked.
"Yeah..I don't know why I'm here, I guess it was all curiosity," Setsuna said.
"Hey everyone," Serena said. "Darrien..oh..I'm glad to see you."
"Likewise," Darrien said.
"So anyone have any idea what's going on?" Serena asked.
They all shook their heads.
"This is just a fine example of my life in miniature," Serena muttered and sat down.
The concert began.
Two hours later outside the auditorium. Maverick starred down from the roof of a ten story building and sighed.
"A slow night it seems," Sailor Saturn said. Maverick turned slightly.
"I wish to ask you something. Please forgive me if it is inappropriate," Saturn asked.
Maverick nodded.
"Are you in love with Ayeka Mizuno?"
Maverick started.
"Okay..okay..it's time for the last song," Rick said into his microphone. "And what we're about to do will shock you, perhaps mystify you, perhaps make you wonder just what is going on through our heads..But..I just want to say something. Us and the Three
lights we really don't get along too..well..however, we both have our reasons for doing what we're doing. And I guess while we may not like their music, and they might not like our music, the interesting thing would be to produce a sort of hybrid."
"What is he talking about?" Serena wondered.
Michiru appeared on a darkened stage and started playing quickly. The big crushers started up and was joined by a some more instruments.
"How are they playing that much with what they have?" Darrien wondered. The lights came up and everyone was shock as the song began. Raye was singing, Mina and Lita stood ready to start singing with her, but arranged around the Big Crushers were the Three
lights and their instruments.
"Just what is happening?" Serena said in surprise. The crowd just watched in shock as the song kept going with all the instruments being played. The three girls singing, and Michiru occasionally adding a violin solo.
"Two things are going to happen," Haruka said."Either this is going to be understood and welcomed, or a riot will start."
"I'm betting on riot," Serena said.