Chapter 331

"Haven't seen much of you lately," General Nagumo said.

"I've been laying low," Nephlite said.

"Don't blame you with those rogues running around. Tell me the scouts have a plan."

"The scouts are doing their best, and I know that if they can keep fighting the enemy long enough they'll win," Nephlite said.

"I see," Nagumo said. "How long is this going to take?"

"That I don't know," Nephlite said. "Trouble I assume."

"Ambassador Churchill for one. You know him?"

"Yes," Nephlite said. "And they say I'm evil."

Nagumo laughed.

"Yes, Nephlite we may not have guys like you trying to take over, but politics still remains. Prime Minister Coral wants us to stop these rogues ourselves, in order to get the spotlight off all the energy. The city gradually getting destroyed is not helping our press."

"That bad huh?" Nephlite said.

Nagumo nodded.

"I honestly have no idea how to fight them. We rush to the scene of the battle, and they're already gone," Nagumo said.

"Yes I can see that," Nephlite said. "The scouts have been attempting to locate their base, but it is taking time. They've hidden pretty well this time," Nephlite said.

"And what are you going to be doing?"

"Good question," Nephlite said. "I guess I should try and find them too, but going out alone is very dangerous."

"You came here didn't you?"

"Yes, but I was very careful," Nephlite said. "Trust me sir, I'm much better on this side. If they were to convert me, well..I'd be a stronger opponent then I am now."

"Case noted," Nagumo said. "Any advice you could give us though. We're out to stop those scouts too."

"Yes, well in this case there isn't much to say," Nephlite said.

"I can understand that," Nagumo said.

And in a park.

"You wanted to talk to me Mike?" Alina asked happily. "What about?"

"Uh..Alina, look, you're a nice girl..but I..."

"You jerk!" Alina said and slapped him. She then walked off.

"Well..that was easy," Mike muttered rubbing his face. "Mina...your hiding place stunk."

There was no reaction from the blonde, who was hoping he was just seeing things.

"Yes, I know you're there behind the row of bushes," Mike said. "Now..don't make me come over there."

"Fine, fine, fine," Mina said emerging "Here I am.."

"You're no good at spying you know."

"Well..I don't care," Mina said. "She picks up on things quick."

"You noticed that," Mike said.

"Why are you so angry?"

"I didn't want to break up like that, I was hoping we could still be friends," Mike said.

"That never works," Mina said.

"Mina.." Mike said pointing at her.

"Oh..of course with me it does, but I'm always the exception, never the rule."

"That much is obvious," Mike said.

"Come on Mike, let me buy you lunch," Mina said.

"You're kidding."

"Nah..this is probably rough on you, come on," Mina said.

"All right," Mike said. "What are you up too?"

"We'll get to that later," Mina said. "Trust me though, the lunch has nothing to do with it."

"Wonderful," Mike said.

"Will you quit the role reversal and start acting weird again!" Mina snapped.

"That's going to take some time," Mike said.

"Oh.." Mina said. What's wrong with him anyway? She thought.

"Now here is your first test," Motoki said facing Rick, wooden sword drawn.

"I'm ready," Rick said.

"Very well. We will keep this simple. I want you to read where my attack is coming from."

"You're kidding right?"

"No," Motoki said. "This is important. I am teaching you all that you must know, it might take years to hone the skill to an art, but for now, you will learn the basics. Now..knowing where the attack will come from gives you a great advantage."

"But it's so hard to know," Rick said.

"It will always be hard, but not impossible," Motoki said. "For now I will make it more obvious then usual, and you must try to pick up on it."

"All right," Rick said. "I'll give it a try."

Motoki took up a fighting stance. Rick watched him intently.

Motoki shot forward. Rick dived out of the way.

"You missed it," Motoki said stopping.

"Yeah," Rick said. "I was just beginning to get it I thought, then you attacked. I was wrong too."

"Hmm..well this will take time," Motoki said. "But I must prepare your mind to be ready, to understand that it is not simply a matter of drawing your sword and swinging it."

"What if I'm facing an enemy that doesn't care about this stuff?"

"Then you're advantage increases even more so."

"Guess that makes sense," Rick said.

"Come, let us continue?"

"All right." Rick said and readied his sword again.

He is a promising pupil. Motoki thought. It is a shame he will never be able to devote himself to the art. He is more than capable.

"Ready?" Motoki asked.

"Ready," Rick said.

The two took up their stances again. Motoki shot forward.

"Serena..wake up," Luna muttered.

"What..what is it?" Serena asked.

"You've slept in again."

"How much?"

"Too much," Luna said. "Now I want to talk with you."

"Couldn't you have waited till I woke up?"

"Serena with you, I never how long that will be," Luna said.

"Yeah, yeah, so I sleep a lot, don't you think you've made that point abundantly clear?"

"Of course, now listen."

""What?"

"Serena, are you okay with all this?"

"You mean the fighting?"

"Yes, I know this is all hard on you, but I wanted to ask if you are ready for it? I mean you've fought well, but can you keep it up?"

"Of course I can," Serena said turning away. "I have to."

"But Serena, I know that there have been times before where this has driven you to new depths and I hope that's not happening now."

"Why would you think that? I'm cheerful aren't I? I've going into the fights, I want to fight them, I want to win this."

"Serena, you're very good at covering up your true feelings," Luna said. "Almost too good, but eventually these things get to you. I know that."

Serena looked into Luna's eyes.

"Luna, right now I have to do what I was called on to do. And I accept that."

"All right," Luna said. "Then we'll do our best to end this war."

"Everyone always does," Serena said. "Except for Mike."

Luna laughed slightly. Serena giggled.

"One thing though Luna."

"Yes, Serena."

"Don't let me fight Guardian Moon again."

"What.."

Serena's tone changed.

"I hate him, and I don't want to hate him."

"Serena.."

"I have to fight, but not with him, he..is..I don't know.."

"All right Serena, I'll talk to the scouts."

"I didn't want to ask the scouts on my own..it just seemed weird, but please, let them know."

"All right Serena, if that will make you feel better."

"Sure it will," Serena said.

Luna walked out.

This is getting her more than she lets on. But she's Sailor Moon, we need her. Still, if we can keep her happy then so be it.

"How are you feeling?" Guardian Earth asked standing over the weakened form of Sailor Earth.

"Better, thank you," Sailor Earth said. "I think given just a little more time I'll be back up to full strength."

"Don't push it, that teleport took a lot out of you," Guardian Earth said.

"They do that," Sailor Earth said. "Don't worry though, I'll be fine."

"I'm in love with you. I'm supposed to worry.," Guardian Earth replied.

"They're getting better you know," Sailor Earth said.

"Our opponents you mean?"

"Yes, we underestimated their ability."

"Their ability may be better, but their attitude is not, and besides, you would think that if they were at their best we would be unable to fight them to a stalemate," Guardian Earth said.

"They aren't at their best," Sailor Earth said. "But, then again, their best is more power then all of us combined, and I am not surprised that we don't see it."

"Really? I didn't understand."

"It is complex, we must continue though."

"Yeah I guess. But can we win?"

"That remains to be seen."

Guardian Moon walked up.

"How are you doing?" he asked.

"I am recovering quickly," Sailor Earth said.

"Excellent," Guardian Moon said. "But do not push yourself."

"I do my best," Sailor Earth said.

"I am going to try and get Nephlite," Guardian Moon said. "The scouts have recently received reinforcements, and unlike us they do have a reserve. Anyway, we must work fast. Sailor Earth, you will remain here, rest. We will handle it."

"Are you sure?" Sailor Earth said. "I mean, maybe it is better to take Nephlite on when all of us are ready."

"It can't wait, besides the five of us should be more than a match for him," Guardian Moon said.

"He shouldn't last very long," Guardian Earth said.

"Please be careful then," Sailor Earth said. "Remember, if he is desperate.."

"I know," Guardian Moon said. "I'm not going to get overconfident. But I do know our strengths. You rest up."

"Yeah, we'll be back soon," Guardian Earth said.

"Let's go," Guardian Moon said.

"And if the scouts get involved?" Guardian Earth asked.

"Then we handle it," Guardian Moon said. "I'm not about to let that stop me from trying though. We need to increase our numbers."

"Yeah I guess," Guardian Earth said. "Still, why don't we just try and eliminate some of the scouts?"

"By eliminate I hope you mean neutralize."

"Of course, I wouldn't want to kill anyone, but I mean.."

"I know what you mean," Guardian Moon said. "And right now that isn't an option. They're watching each other very carefully."

"They could be watching Nephlite."

"If they are that's too bad," Moon said. "But I doubt they are."

"Oh, " Earth said.

"Don't worry, this should be a straightforward operation."

"I hope so."

At the crown restaurant.

"Lita about the mediating, maybe we shouldn't actually do the thing when the other's around," Steve said.

"I can't teach you how to feel that way without letting you try it," Lita said. "It's kinda complex like that. But I guess I could watch what you did instead."

"Maybe that's the right way to do it," Steve said.

"I don't know though, so we've had some strange visions, big deal, you're supposed to," Lita said.

"Yeah I guess," Steve said. "But..I..just..Lita..they worry me."

"They're just like dreams Steve, it's not big deal."

"My dreams are no picnic either," Steve said. "Look..I just wanted to gain a tactical edge, not..you know.."

"Well Steve, you have to create the mind set..at least I think you do..so that you can open your mind up to the new senses."

"Are you sure?"

"Well.that's how I see it anyway," Lita said.

"I guess," Steve said. "Maybe I should just skip it."

"Was your last vision that bad?"

"Well yeah...it was.I.just....I can't do it anymore."

"All right," Lita said. "If it's that uncomfortable."

"It is," Steve said.

"Then we'll just leave it at that," Lita said.

"Yeah," Steve said.

"Something wrong?"

"It's too bad, I did want to learn...I felt we were really.uh.I mean..well..we were able to do something together as friends, and that it was working, but..it's no big deal really."

"Well looks like we're not the only ones hungry.." Mina said walking up with a dejected Mike.

"Oh..hey..what's with you Mike?" Steve said.

"He broke up with Alina," Mina said.

"Oh..that's too bad," Lita said. "You two seemed to have good chemistry."

"Trust me we didn't," Mike said sitting down. "I'm sure of it."

"You sure about this Mike? I thought you really liked her?" Steve asked.

"As a friend, when it got romantic, I blew it," Mike said. "I mean she liked it, I didn't, I just didn't get anything out of dating her."

"Oh..that's rough," Steve said and sighed, Lita recognized his feelings.

"Well..don't worry Mike, I'm sure the right girl will come along," Lita said.

"We can always hope can't we?" Mike said. "She didn't take it well though, that's too bad."

"Some girls have a rough time, she'll get over it," Mina said. "As soon as she finds someone else."

"Yeah, don't worry, if things weren't working out," Lita said.

"She thought they were," Mike said. "Guess I surprised her."

"She seemed to see it coming," Mina said pointing at the red mark on Mike's cheek.

"No, she was just a fast worker," Mike said ."You're paying, right Mina?"

"Yep," Mina said. "Anything for my good friend in trouble."

"Hmm...well this is tempting," Mike said with a smile.

"Don't get any ideas..." Mina said.

"Get ideas," Steve whispered. "I need to see some Mike action right now."

"Why?" Mike said.

"Entertainment is your speciality isn't it?"

"I'm depressed," Mike said.

"So what..."

"Nah..not today," Mike said.

"Now I'm depressed."

"Good."

"Why?"

"Cause it is," Mike said. "All right I'll be nice Mina, but you'll soon learn that when you give me an opportunity, I take it!"

"I know that! Why do you think I cheated on you."

"What does that have to do with it!" Mike snapped back.

"I have no idea.." Mina said befuddled.

The two starred at each other. Steve and Lita glanced at each other in surprise.

"Well..uh..I mean.." Mina said. "Uh...it's a joke."

"Poor timing."

"Sorry, just trying to cheer you up, it doesn't do anyone good for you to depressed, your the one who's supposed to break everyone else out of their depression."

"Hey, I gotta take a break sometime," Mike said.

"Yeah, well you're not sexy when you're like this...uh oh.."

Lita and Steve practically collapsed in shock.

"Ah..I see." Mike said. "You're the vulture ready to pounce on the carcass."

"Vultures don't pounce," Mina said.

"Well you do, so I'm half right. Mina..you want me back don't you?"

"Absolutely not, I have Yaten, and you're a good friend, there's no reason to go down that other road again."

The definitiveness of the statement caused Mike to shrink back.

"Hmm..guess I'm wrong..so what was that thing about then?" Mike asked.

"I..uh..well..I..I don't know.." Mina said. "It was another joke..."

"You and the jokes today," Mike said.

"Maybe we should just go," Mina said.

"No..I'm fine.." Mike said. "Settle down and we'll eat."

"All right," Mina said hesitantly.

Lita and Steve sighed.

Nephlite parked his car outside his apartment and prepared to go inside. He was well aware that if the rogue scouts came to get him they could be waiting. But he had taken precautions. Besides, he didn't mind being a target. He knew the risks involved, but the more time the rogues spent chasing after him, the better off the scouts would be.

"Nephlite..nice to see you," came a voice. He turned. General Patterson walked up.

"Ah..I was expecting trouble," Nephlite said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you found it, but I wanted to talk with you."

"Please come in, though I can't guarantee it'll be peaceful."

"Trust me, you're all right," Patterson said. "For one thing I've got my troops watching this building and there are other means of protection. But actually, we should go for a ride."

"All right," Nephlite said.

They got into an SDF vehicle and drove off.

"You see, I'm worried about the political situation. Nagumo and company have to deal with it more than I do, but if affects operations. Now I know for a fact that Chief Ozaki's been scouring the city looking for a way to find out who the scouts are."

"Did Lita's father give you the heads up?"

"Yes, and he's having a hard time not recognizing the obvious. The cops are getting close. We somehow have to prevent them from getting any farther, but it can't be too blatant. There are too many people who know what's going on now. A blast of energy won't move suspicion off of certain people"

"So to put it bluntly, we can't just get Chief Ozaki to forget what he was doing."

"No, and I think the Prime Minister suspects we've already been up to it, that's why she's got Ozaki on it."

"So what should we do?"

"I'm not sure. We know what the cops are doing. We know what they know, but the question is how do we keep them from putting it together."

"Distractions always work well."

"I know," Patterson said. "Unfortunately..."

He stopped and hit the brakes spinning the car around.

"Ah..I see," Nephlite said as an energy blast flew at the car. "Maybe I should go."

"No way," Patterson said. "I'm going to give them a run for it."

The car turned and sped down the street. The five rogue enemies followed.

"We shouldn't have attacked them now," Guardian Earth said.

"Why not.." Guardian Moon said. "They have to be more careful then we do. City street and all."

"Innocents could be hurt."

"Unfortunately that's true no matter what..let's go," Guardian Moon said.

The car turned a corner. More energy flew at it. Patterson narrowly avoided it.

"The SDF knows where we are," Patterson said. "I'm planning to start a little old fashioned SDF, high powered being rumble!"

"Are you sure about this!" Nephlite said.

"You just keep these jokers busy," Patterson said.

The car kept speeding, Patterson carefully keeping things under control.

The enemies raced after it.

"Aim for the tires!" Guardian Moon said.

Guardian Earth fired his energy sword, hitting the street.

Guardian Moon fired hitting the trunk and causing it to blow apart.

"That should have stopped them!" Moon shouted.

A barrage of energy flew from the car at the two. They dived out of the way.

"We could have done this more discretely," Earth said.

"I didn't think they would expect it!" Moon replied. "Quit questioning my orders."

The three negaverse commanders jumped along the rooftops readying themselves.

"This is going to be close!" Patterson said swinging the car around. A barrage flew at them, but hit a nearby building.

"We could cause a great deal of damage at this rate," Nephlite said. "I can't have that on my conscience. Let me just go with them."

"No..just a little farther," Patterson said.

"What are you planning?"

"It's a surprise."

The car skidded around a bend and raced inside a building.

"I don't like this," Guardian Earth said.

"Neither do I. However, I am willing to fall into their trap," Guardian Moon said. "There isn't a scout for miles."

"How do you know," Earth said.

Moon held up a watch.

"You remember this don't you?" he asked.

"Of course."

"Let's go!"

The group raced towards the building.

"You wait outside and see if there's any trickery," Moon said.

Earth nodded.

Guardian Moon and the negaverse commanders surrounded the building and then raced in.

There was some shouts, some energy blasts from inside. Earth looked around for some sign of escaping men. An energy barrage flew at him. He spun away.

Sailor Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto leapt to the ground.

"Where's your friends?" Uranus asked.

Then the building exploded behind them.

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