Chapter 344

"I don't want to go back to school," Serena muttered.

"You've got one week left of vacation, enjoy it then," Luna said.

"But, why do they make us go to school anyway? Especially me. Don't they know I'm a lost cause?" Serena said.

"Apparently they haven't figured that out yet, but then again who can blame them for hoping you have a future," Luna said.

"I have a future," Serena said. "It'll be wonderful, me and Darrien together."

"Yes, well, you should still get a good education."

" But it's not meant for me," Serena said.

"Serena, just deal with it. Honestly, I've never met someone who can go from bravely facing the hideous forces of evil and then become such a crybaby."

"Yeah, well..you're just not looking hard enough," Serena said.

Luna sighed.

"I'm going out," Serena said. "I'm going to enjoy myself in a nag free environment."

Luna said nothing. Serena hurried out the door.

"The house hardly looks like it was completely totaled," Serena said stopping to look at her fully repaired house.

Seconds later a toilet shot through the roof and into the air pushed by a cascade of water.

"Mom!" She could hear Sammy shout from within.

"I spoke too soon," Serena muttered.

The toilet smashed into the front yard.

"I'd better go," she said and hurried off.

Serena was soon walking through familiar neighborhoods. She ran into the disguised three lights heading down a side street. She of course was quite familiar with their disguises and wasn't fooled.

"Hey you three, what are you up to?" she asked.

"The usual," Seiya said.

"And what is the usual?" Serena asked.

"We've been trying to find that out," Taiki said.

"Seiya seems to hoping we'll just figure it by faith," Yaten said.

Serena smiled.

"So guys, what exactly are you going to do with yourselves now that you're back?" she asked.

"We could always start the band up again," Seiya said.

"No we couldn't," The other two snapped.

"Uh right, that wouldn't work out," Seiya said. "I was joking. You see that was so much work, and now that we've found our princess and saved our planet, it's really not a big deal."

"Besides with all the money we made, we're set for a while," Taiki said.

"Don't you guys have any goals in life though?" Serena asked.

"We haven't come up with any yet," Seiya said.

"Though we should," Yaten and Taiki added

"That's right," Serena said. "I'm sure you guys can accomplish anything you tried to do."

"We're a little unsure about that though," Taiki said. "This planet is not set up like our home planet was, there are different jobs, and such."

"It can't be that different," Serena said.

"It is," The three said.

"In fact we have trouble comprehending that at times," Yaten said.

"Yes, there is a complexity to it all," Seiya said.

"Uh well, that's uh..just the way things are I guess," Serena said. "Look I can help you find a career."

"Serena, what are you going to do with your life?" Yaten asked.

"Uh..well that's uh..hard to explain," Serena said.

The three starlights looked at each other.

"Hey, don't do that, I know what I'm going to do, don't you worry about that," Serena said.

"I believe you," Seiya said with a grin and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Seiya, I'm not sure if you do or are just hitting on me," Serena said.

"Hey, I've got a girlfriend,"Seiya said.

"For now," Taiki said.

"What do you mean?" Seiya snapped.

"Nothing at all," Taiki said.

"Can we get off that subject?" Yaten asked.

"What's the matter?" Serena asked.

"You haven't heard?" Seiya asked.

They explained it to her.

"That's typical Mina," Serena said. "But do you guys have some time?"

"Sure," Seiya said. "To be perfectly honest we were looking for something to do."

"All right then," Serena said. "Let's go for a walk then."

The three nodded.

"I never got to appreciate what a city this was," Sai said.

"Yes, we were to busy fighting everyone in it," Akiro said.

"I'm glad to see your sense of humor has returned," Sai muttered.

"It's what keeps me going," Akiro said. "And since things aren't as serious now."

"It is an interesting place," Ai said stoically.

"Do you think we did the right thing?" Sai asked.

"When?" Akiro asked.

"Now, getting together with all of them," Sai said.

"They seem nice enough," Akiro said.

"That's not what I'm worried about," Sai said. "I mean was it right to give up like this, and let them off the hook?"

"I thought you were for that?" Akiro asked.

"Well I am," Sai said. "But I just wasn't completely sure."

"Oh I see," Akiro said. "Well, I think it was the right thing."

"It was inevitable," Ai said. "We are all scouts, we must band together as they have."

"Yeah I guess," Sai said. "They are quite a team."

"Mike! I'm going to kill you!" Raye shouted.

Mike bolted down the Cherry Hill Temple steps, Raye chased after him.

"I guess I missed something while I was in the bathroom," Mina said walking onto the porch.

"No, just Mike forgetting that when he says anything, it leads to trouble," Lita said.

"I don't know what she's so mad about honestly," Steve said.

"You never say a thing like that to a girl," Lita said.

"But, what's the big deal about talking about a girls dress size?" Steve asked.

"Well you fool," Lita said. "If you underestimate it the girl thinks you think she should be thinner, and if you overestimate it..well..we will skin you."

"But Mike underestimated," Steve said.

"So he won't be skinned just gutted," Lita said.

"It's a fact," Mina said.

"I warned him," Rick said staggering out of Raye's room.

"What happened to you?" Mina asked.

"I was between Raye and Mike, no one's safe from a woman's scorn."

"Are you forgetting who you're talking to?" Mina snapped.

"No, I'm just too beat up to care," Rick said.

"Well you should!" Mina shouted. "We're the kindest gentlest creatures on the planet!"

"I wouldn't have doubted that for a second," Rick said.

"Yeah, our mistake," Steve said.

"Hey, don't get sarcastic on us, we're just liable to explode," Lita said.

"With kindness and gentleness?" Rick and Steve asked.

"That's it!" Mina and Lita shouted. Rick and Steve took off.

"Where are we going?" Taiki asked as he, Yaten, and Seiya sat in the back of a bus with Serena.

"You'll see," Serena said.

"But do we want to see. That's a key question," Yaten said.

"Oh come on, everyone reacts the same way to my surprises," Serena said.

"Perhaps with good reason?" Taiki asked.

"Far from it," Serena said. "Just because I'm a little impulsive is no excuse. Now look, you guys just trust me, and in the end it'll work out."

"But just why are you taking us anywhere?" Seiya asked.

"We're friends right? Friends spend time together, right? Well here we go," Serena said.

"Hmm..good point," Seiya said.

"Yeah, I'm surprised I had to explain it," Serena said.

"Can you blame us for being a little cautious?" Taiki asked.

"Yes, you are unpredictable," Yaten said.

"Of course I am," Serena said. "And that's why everyone likes me!"

"Uh...yes, that must be it," The other three moaned.

"What?"

"Nothing," They said.

In the basement of the A.P.T. house.

"This isn't helping," Patterson muttered.

"What isn't?" Ayeka asked.

"I'm running camera scans, surveillance, looking into background files and the like, but it just isn't helping me get any closer," Patterson said.

"That's why it's a conspiracy."

"Yes, but I usually can root out the conspiracies. Regardless I have to go to the U.S."

"You're not planning on leaving me behind are you?"

"Uh..no..of course not.." Patterson said.

The door chimed.

"Amy and Hotaru, " Patterson noticed and opened the door.

"So how's the mystery coming?" Amy asked.

"It's hit a wall," Patterson said. "I've gotta go."

"Where?" Amy asked.

"New York for starters," Patterson said.

"Me too," Ayeka said.

"I must go as well then," Hotaru said.

"Well if you want Hotaru," Patterson said.

"I am involved now, I wish to see it to it's end," Hotaru said.

"Fine," Patterson said.

"Now wait a second," Amy said standing in the doorway. "I'm tired of my brother running off, not leaving word and letting me worry about him. I'm coming too."

"Amy..I.." Patterson said.

"Don't you want me along?" Amy asked.

"Sure....I..just didn't want to take it away from anything else you were doing," Patterson said.

"Don't you worry about that," Amy said. "Besides I'm curious to see what goes on in one of your secret missions."

"This is getting to be quite a party isn't it?" Ayeka said.

The four emerged from the war room.

"I've got tell Taiki and the others I'm going," Amy said.

"My father should know, wherever he is," Hotaru said.

"My parents would probably want to know," Ayeka said.

"Hey, what's all this?" Greg asked emerging from the kitchen.

"Road trip," Ayeka said.

"Oh?" Greg asked.

"We're going to delve into the conspiracy over in the US," Patterson said.

"The four of you?" Greg asked. "Sounds interesting."

"You look like you want in," Ayeka said.

"No, I..uh..well.." Greg said. "I no..I.."

"Greg you're in," Patterson said.

"Oh..uh..good," Greg said.

This is getting complex. Patterson thought.

"The Tokyo Botanical Gardens?" Seiya asked. "Why here?"

"Oh come on Seiya, don't you like flowers?" Serena asked.

"Uh..well..kinda but..." Seiya said.

"Now come on, let me show you something," Serena said.

"She keeps saying that," Yaten said hesitantly.

"I think she knows what she's talking about," Taiki said. "I have faith that she wouldn't take us so far without being sure that what she's going to show us will be worth it."

"Good for you," Seiya said. "But what could she possibly show us here?"

"Open your mind Seiya, it's always possible," Taiki said.

"Hmm..I'm beginning to agree with Taiki," Yaten said.

"Besides Seiya, you tried to date her. What do you think?" Taiki asked.

"I think we're in for it," Seiya said worriedly.

"Just a little farther," Serena said and ran to the top of a hill.

"Do you think it's beyond there?" Yaten asked.

"Could be," Taiki said.

"I don't know about this," Seiya said. "I like Serena a lot, but she's been known to go off on whims."

"Give her a chance," Yaten said.

The three crept up the hill.

"I knew you guys always appreciated the inner beauty as well as the feeling of things, and I thought I had to show this to you, I don't know if you'll like it or not," Serena said.

The three reached the top of the hill and starred down. The ground are all around was hollowed out into a circular crater, only the crater was filled with flowers of all colors, arranged and organized so perfectly as to complement themselves exactly and produce a pattern of beauty. The three stared at it.

"She was right, this is impressive," Yaten said. "I'm not sure why, but it is."

"Yeah," Taiki said. "The creation seems so tiresome, yet it is right to look at, almost a sign of purity."

"Purity, no stability amidst the chaos, that beauty can be understood without involving recklessness," Seiya said.

The other two glanced at him.

"Well I like it don't I?" Seiya said.

"This was worth it," Yaten said.

"This says so much," Taiki said.

"That's right it does," Serena said. "I've been taking all my friends to see it, they all have the same reaction. In fact everyone does. I know you guys may be a little less oriented towards this kind of thing, but then again, of all the men I know, you three would appreciate it the most."

"And why not Darrien?" Seiya asked.

"Because Darrien's too subjective," Serena said. "He would see some meaning for himself in it, because he fights with roses and such. I knew that, he looked for some message. It's not a message just for him, or for me, or anyone, it's for everyone, or else, why would it be here for all to see."

"You're right," Yaten said. "You have spoken well."

"Thank you," Serena said. "I have my moments."

"So you're going to America then?" Setsuna asked.

"Yes," Hotaru said. "We are needed there."

"Hmm..well it makes sense, I guess the rest of the scouts can deal with any problems here," Setsuna said.

"That was D.V.'s assessment," Hotaru said.

"Getting awfully familiar with him aren't you?" Setsuna asked.

"Of course," Hotaru said. "Shouldn't I? He is my friend."

"Ah..you're right," Setsuna said with a smile. "Well enjoy your trip."

"Headed somewhere Hotaru?" Michiru said walking in the door.

"Yes," Hotaru said. "America."

"Why?"

"Patterson, Ayeka, Amy, Greg, and her are headed there to root out some conspiracies. Actually Michiru, would you go with them?" Setsuna said.

"Me?" Michiru asked. "Why to babysit?"

"No, but you know you're way around New York. Your performances there and such, plus having you over there can only help," Setsuna said.

"Well sure," Michiru said. "That all right with you Hotaru?"

"I think it can be only be beneficial, "Hotaru said. "I will tell the others."

She headed out.

"Truthfully I meant everything I said. However, it would be a good idea for someone a bit more maturer to be keeping an eye on that bunch," Setsuna said.

"Them? They're as mature as it gets," Michiru said.

"I know, still lately..they've even had some...moments of absurdity," Setsuna said.

"All right." Michiru said grinning. "I could use a vacation anyway."

"From what I see, it will be no vacation."

"It'll have it's high points."

"Enjoy yourself," Setsuna said.

"Amy! What's this about you going to the US?" Taiki said into a phone.

"Oh hello Taiki, yes, it's a mission," Amy said.

"Uh..well...let me come along."

"Taiki we've already got six scouts going."

"Yes, well why not a seventh, I mean, look, I can use the practice, and besides, the starlights should be a part of it in someway," Taiki said.

"Hold on," Amy said and turned away from the phone.

"D.V. Taiki wants to come."

"Why don't we just all go?" D.V. muttered. "Still..fine."

"What? Why are you agreeing?" Amy asked.

"Wha...don't you um..want him to come.."

"Oh..well.yes..but..I..was just surprised," Amy said. "Uh hello again Taiki, sure, come along."

"Great," Taiki said. "When are you leaving?"

"Before anyone else can join up I'd guess," Amy said smiling.

"I think we can finally go now," Ayeka said smiling as the scouts got ready.

"There are enough of you that you can teleport," Setsuna said.

"That should save some time huh," Mike said.

"Good luck everyone," Serena said. "And let us know what's going on okay?"

"We will Serena," Mercury said.

"Be careful," Haruka said. "From what we know about this enemy, it could be dangerous."

"It probably will be," Sailor Saturn said. "That's usually how things work."

"Hey Greg, get me a T-shirt," Mike said tossing Greg several dollars.

"Uh I'll try," Guardian Saturn said.

"Good man," Mike said.

"Taiki, watch yourself," Seiya said quietly.

"I'll be fine," Guardian Jupiter said.

"You'd better get going or we'll never stop saying good bye," Mina said.

"Yeah, get going you guys," Lita said.

The group all waved. The seven scouts then disappeared.

"Glad I'm not them," Mike said.

"Why?" everyone else said.

"They actually have to fight."

"Oh yeah," they said.

"Not us, we'll just relax here," Mike said.

"Yeah!" Steve said and the two high fived.

"Actually it's kind of nice to have someone else doing the work," Serena said.

"Don't let you guard down Serena," Setsuna said. "They've struck here before, they might again."

"But with those seven on it, they won't last long," Serena said. "I mean come on, you've got three fighting maniacs, the brainpower of Amy, Greg, and Taiki, and Michiru who's pretty smart and a great fighter. How can they lose?"

"Good point," Mina said.

"Maybe they can end homelessness and feed the needy too while they're at it.," Mike said.

"Hey, yeah," Steve said. "That much brainpower together, who can stop em?"

"I wouldn't get your hopes up," Raye said.

"Still, they'll do the job," Serena said. "Now let's all go eat."

"Yeah!" the guys all said.

"Glad they're enjoying themselves," Setsuna said.

"I just hope it's as easy for the others as they all think it is," Haruka said. "Still they have a point. That is a pretty talented group."

"I wouldn't sell them short," Setsuna said.

"This is just great!" Guardian Jupiter muttered.

The seven scouts were racing down a street chased by several New York Police Cars.

"Wonderful, we come out of the teleport exhausted and right in the open," Ayeka Mizuno snapped.

"That figures," Patterson said. "Just keep going! We'll find someplace to hide."

"Ambassador Churchill," came a voice.

"Ah, yes you," Churchill said. "Are you pleased with the progress being made."

"Quite pleased. However, these scouts still are a threat."

"They certainly are, but we're working to deal with that. If we could perhaps have some more help from you."

"Our resources are limited, however, we will do what we can. What did you have in mind?"

"Interesting you should bring that up," Churchill said. "So far we've managed to set the countries against each other. They will never cooperate on this, some of them don't even believe such supernatural phenomena exists," he let out a chuckle.

"And this will keep them from resisting?"

"It will make it much harder, in addition they will already be weakening their own defenses. In the meantime you should concentrate on eliminating the scouts," Churchill said.

"Easier said then done."

"Oh I know, I've seen the reports. However, it is possible. Furthermore, word has it that some of them have ended up here."

"Here?"

"Yes, I'd guess they're looking for us."

"Then we should greet them."

"That is exactly what I was thinking," Churchill said.

That night in Serena's bedroom.

"It was pretty brave of them to go off like that," Serena said.

"Sure it was," Luna said.

"I just hope together we can all stop whatever it is that's wrong."

"I bet you're glad that you're not over there."

"Luna, I do my part, but yeah, I like it over here, and if I see a bad guy I'll take em out! But still...I'm happy that some other people are doing the hard work."

"Guess I don't blame you," Luna said.

"Still, they like that kind of stuff anyway."

"They don't like it, they're just good at it."

"Same thing."

"It is not."

"How can you be good at something and not like it at least a little."

"It's possible."

"No it isn't."

"Serena, go to bed."

"Now wait a minute, I'm right here, why can't you admit that?"

"Because I'm tired."

"So you're just tired, that doesn't mean I'm wrong."

"Fine you're right go to sleep."

"That's not satisfying."

"I don't care," Luna said

319  320  321  322  323  324  325  326  327  328

329  330  331  332  333 334  335  336  337  338

To Next Menu