Chapter 357

Miles away from Tokyo.

"What a wonderful resort," Serena said. "And we didn't even need reservations."

"Well that's how it gets its business, people running off hoping to find romance or just to get away on the spur of the moment," Darrien said.

"Business based on irrational and unpredictable actions, what a concept," Serena said.

"I thought you'd like it though."

"Yep sure I do."

"Can I get you two anything?" a waiter said hurrying up.

"We're fine," Serena said. "Right?"

"Yep," Darrien said.

"Okay, just let us know, because that's what we do best, serve people," the waiter said and hurried off to bug someone else.

Serena sniffed the air.

"Hmm..there's nothing greater than the clean air of the mountains mixed with that of steak on a grill, makes me feel so...wow!"

"Glad you're able to appreciate the beauty of life," Darrien said.

"It reminds me of the time I was at the beach, and the smell of sea air mixed with this wonderful variety of cod they were serving, now was bliss, I mean this was good cod, the type they'd put on Iron Chef, ooo..why won't they let me be a taster!"

Darrien grinned.

"I mean I'm a celebrity right?" Serena said.

"Only half of you is," Darrien said.

"Oh you see it as a half and half sort of thing?"Serena asked.

"Sure, how do you see it."

"Well I mean the power's just added to my personality, so it's more like a 90 to 10 percent thing," Serena said.

"Oh," Darrien said. "Guess that has a logical basis."

Serena made the sign for victory.

"Well I don't know if it's worthy of that," Darrien said.

"Hey, it's a sign of intellectual growth," Serena said.

Darrien wasn't sure it was, but he nodded anyway.

"Hey waiter! Where's that steak they're cooking up!" Serena shouted.

"Ah..miss..would you like some?" the waiter said hurrying up.

"I want as much as possible," Serena said.

"Then I'll get you some then."

"Hey.." Serena said pulling him back. "Some of the grease too.."

"Uh..yes maam.."

The waiter then dashed off.

"I like the service here," she said. "I think I'll move in."

"We can live here after I get a steady job," Darrien said.

"How's that coming anyway?"

"Oh..don't ask."

"You brought it up."

"I regret doing so."

"Come to think of it, are you ever going to get a job?" Serena asked.

"I've had jobs before!" Darrien said.

"Yeah, but one that doesn't involve mad scientists."

"I used to model remember."

"Oh yeah, you should do that."

"Serena, it's not a secure lifestyle and it's so unsatisfying."

"For you, or for everyone else?" Serena asked.

"Serena, would you want other girls ogling over me?"

"Sure because then I could enjoy the thought of them being jealous of me."

"Your heart's in all the right places," Darrien said.

Serena grinned.

"I'm just teasing, I don't care whether you're a model or a scientist, or whatever it is you're doing now involving numbers and the exploding rockets..or whatever.."

Darrien sighed.

"As long as you're mine," Serena finished.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Darrien said.

"Sure thing."

"Your steak ma'am," the waiter said walking up.

"Ahh.." Serena said.

"And grease," The waiter said and put a cup beside the plate.

"Ah..thank you," Serena said and put a little paper umbrella in the cup.

Darrien moved to ask and then pulled back.

No I really don't want to know. He thought.

"All right guys, tell me if you think this is good," Mike said. The restaurant table consisting of the other guardian scouts looked at him expecting the worst.

"My mind is a flutter, like a ant eats some butter, when I think of you, and all the things that you do. Why you ask, as I bask, in the glow of your aura though. Yes, my dear it is quite clear that my love is like a dove flying from tree to tree...not constrained but free."

He stopped.

"What do you think?" Mike asked.

"You poor soul," Patterson said. The other three Guardians sank into laughter.

"Ah..I get it," Mike said. "It needs work. All good writing needs work."

"The bad writing too," Steve said.

They started laughing.

"No, I think you've got a good start in that your using words," Rick said. "However, it's the words you're using that aren't working."

"As well as the lack of any particular meaning," Greg said.

Mike sighed.

"I'm trying at least," he said. "But something tells me that Yaten's going to win this event."

"On what day is the bobsled?" Steve asked.

Mike glared at him.

"Mike, what exactly does this competition for Mina involve anyway?" Rick asked.

"Here, she made a brochure," Mike said and handed it to Rick.

On the front was a crude drawing of Mina holding a torch and Mike and Yaten reaching up to grab it.

"Not a bad drawing really," Steve said. "Though the lines are a little rough."

"I think it speaks to the real issue involved in romance, two guys reaching for a torch.." Rick said.

The guardians laughed again.

"I don't know what she's thinking," Mike said. "For the first time in my life I believe someone has gone beyond me in the realm of ludicrousisty."

"I think you just passed them by again," Rick said.

"Look at this," Steve said. "Opening ceremonies? What were those?"

"Don't ask," Mike said.

"All right, lets see the poetry competition, followed by the spontaneity competition," Steve read.

"How is it going to be spontaneous if she know's it coming?" Greg asked.

"That's been something I've been mulling over for a good while now," Mike said.

"Ah..day seven, the romantic interlude..." Rick said.

"Competitors will be presented with romantic phenomena and be judged on their ability to react to it," Steve said.

"She's really put too much thought into this," Rick said.

"I was about to say that," Greg said. "I mean...I thought I understood at least what abnormality was, but Mina's redefining it."

"Greg, watch it, you just said something that was very odd," Patterson said.

"Yeah, what was that you just said?" Mike asked.

"Never mind," Greg said.

"Ah..day eleven, the swimsuit competition," Steve said.

"Described as the most popular event of the tournament..oh is that what she's calling it?" Rick said.

"Day fourteen, kiss marathon," Steve said.

"What are they going to do kiss for 26 miles?" Rick muttered.

"I could you know,"Mike said.

"No you couldn't," the group muttered.

"Wanna see me!" Mike said.

"No!" the four shouted.

Mike growled.

At the Crown Restaurant.

"So how well do you get along with your Guardian Scout allies?" Sai asked.

"Get along with them? Now there's an interesting question," Taiki said. "We try and stay out of each others way, and we have kept the physical violence down, though that could be coming up again with the recent romantic debacles."

"What?"

"Haven't you noticed?"

"Been a little busy or haven't cared," Sai said.

"That has basically been my position, however I fear things are spiraling out of control."

"What exactly is happening?"

"Well..you know Lita of course."

"Sure."

"Seiya's her boyfriend, so to speak, only her former boyfriend Steve wants her back and has stated so publicly. Naturally Seiya's annoyed. Steve says he's willing to wait, however, the problem is that Seiya's so annoyed he's losing his grip."

"Ah..I see..so things are not going well between those two."

"Not at all and then there's Mina.."

"Mina..what about her?"

"She has Yaten and Mike competing for her affection literally. It is not a normal situation at all. I'm surprised Yaten is putting up with it. Though this has soured relations between Yaten and Mike considerably."

"Hmm.." Sai said. "And what about you?"

"I behave myself," Taiki said. "I see no need for conflict."

"Well conflict can clear the air sometimes," Sai said. "Personally I believe in conflict to set the ground rules. I mean take this leadership question."

"What leadership question?" Taiki asked.

"Well you know, I mean with the battle and all we didn't have time to decide it, but now I think it is time to decide just who our leader is."

"I assume you want the job," Taiki said.

"I'm the rightful leader," Sai said.

"Not anymore," Taiki said.

"What?"

"Well you've been replaced," Taiki said.

"I doubt it. Just what right does this Patterson have to command?" Sai asked.

"He's been running the show for a while," Taiki said. "Whether he admits it or not."

"Well, that's going to change," Sai said.

"Oh, really, how are you going to state your claim?"

"Whatever's necessary," Sai said.

"You'll lose, he beat you before."

"I didn't think you liked him," Sai said.

"We don't trust each other, but then again, I think we have gained a measure of respect for each other," Taiki said. "Besides, I'm not sure I like you either."

Sai grinned.

"I can't fault you for that," he said.

Yaten and Seiya walked up.

"Well, time for me to go," Sai said. "Things to do."

He headed off.

Yaten and Seiya sat down.

"What did he want?" Seiya asked.

"We were just talking," Taiki said. "And how are you two this morning?"

"How do you think we are?" Seiya asked.

"Don't let our facial expressions fool you, we're much worse than that," Yaten said.

"I see," Taiki said. "It's your own fault you know, falling in love like this."

"You should talk," Seiya said.

"Fortunately for me, gentlemen I have found a completely rational girl, unlike your choices," Taiki said.

"Lita's rational, just confused at times," Seiya said.

"Mina's insane. I don't deny it," Yaten said.

"Then why are you dating her?" The other two asked.

"I don't know," Yaten said. "Because I want to cure her, maybe, I..can't give up now."

"Ah..now it all becomes clear," Taiki said.

"Yes it does," Seiya said. "You're delusional Yaten."

"That's not what I meant," Taiki said.

Nearby at the Crown Arcade.

"I don't understand how this game can excite you," Ai said.

"Why not?" Akiro asked.

"Because after experiencing real combat, how can this paltry reproduction do a thing to simulate it," Ai said.

"Ai, what happened to your cheerful smiling face, that used to not criticize everything so often?"

"I lost it somewhere in battle," Ai said.

"Ah..come on, why can't you smile for me?"

"No. Now could you explain the concept of this game to me."

"There's really not much to it you see..." Earth said.

"THIS STUPID GAME!" came a shout from behind them. They whirled.

"Now Hotaru you said you wouldn't play that one," Andrew said. "You know what it does to you."

"I thought I had it this time," Hotaru said stoically.

"What a remarkable transformation," Ai said. "What could possibly result in such an emotional response."

"Hotaru, you know that it just upsets you," Andrew said.

"It penetrates my dreams mocking me," Hotaru said. "I vowed to destroy it. Please don't let me abandon my vow."

"Uh..Hotaru, you aren't supposed to get into it that much," Andrew said.

"Like I'm the first one," Hotaru said. "I am merely the latest in a long line of warriors to come along."

"Yes, but most of them don't yell as loudly as you do," Andrew said.

"Oh..so that's it is it?" Hotaru said. "Very well..I shall find other forms of stimulation."

The dark haired girl then turned and walked out the door.

Ai walked over to the game and stared at it.

"It does not look that impressive," She said and slipped a coin into the slot. She began to play trying to understand it as she did. Akiro wandered over.

"I thought you didn't.." he began.

"Quiet," Ai snapped and stared at the screen incensed.

"Uh..." Akiro said.

"I will not allow such a simple minded construction of computer hardware to defeat me in such over simplified combat."

"Uh..yes..but.."

"NO! I shot it first!" Ai shouted.

"Uh oh," Andrew said.

"This is not a genuine test of my abilities!" Ai said and dived into another game.

"What is it with that game?" Andrew muttered.

Ai kept playing occasionally hitting the screen.

"Don't do that Ai," Akiro said.

"Maybe it will help," Ai said.

"Uh I don't think it will."

"CURSES! I hate this game! AND yet it still exists.."

"Uh.."

"Not my last life!" Ai shouted. "How dare it take away what it does not deserve!" she snapped. She looked at Earth.

"I'm angry and I love it!" she shouted.

Earth stared at her in disbelief.

"Everything okay here.." Andrew said. "I think we oughta do something about that game."

"Oh no..not this game," Ai said leaping up. "It's opened up new worlds, better still old worlds, I never understood it, but yes, it works wonders! Come on Akiro let's go!"

She hurried out with a smile on her face.

"Nice place you got here," Akiro said and hurried after her.

"I didn't think anything could top Hotaru," Andrew said to himself.

"Ahh..." Serena said sunbathing on the patio of a resort. "I like this.."

"Don't stay out here too long," Darrien said walking up.

"Oh I'm fine," Serena said. "Besides, I look cute sunburned."

"That's not the point, and who told you that?"

"No one, it's just a personal observation," Serena said.

"And what a one to make," Darrien said. "Look Serena, I'm heading down into the forest around the resort to look around, you'll know where to find me."

"All right, I'll probably be right here when you get back, or eating something, or doing both, now that's something I haven't tried yet."

"Just don't choke."

"I don't choke Darrien, I have a very wide throat," Serena said.

"Oh.." Darrien said and headed off.

"WAITER!" Serena said.

"Want a massage miss," The waiter said hurrying up..

"No..well..yes, but not immediately, first I must eat again."

"Ah..yes..I suspected as much," the waiter said.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that you're one of the best customers we've had and we value your patronage."

Serena glanced at him.

"Just bring me roast beef sandwiches, actually three, no use two rolls, just put a lot roast beef between them."

"Grease too?"

"No let's not overdo things."

"Ah..of course,"the waiter said and hurried away.

"I really like it here," Serena said.

"Hey..Serena.." came a voice. She turned and recognized the speaker.

"Chad? What are you doing up here."

"Spending money mostly," Chad said leaning back in a lawn chair. "But even a rock star like me has to take a break."

"Chad, who on earth listens to your music?" Serena asked.

"It's a very strange demographic actually," Chad said. "I could explain it, but I don't think you would understand."

"You underestimate my intelligence."

"No I mean, no one understands it, not me, not the guy who did the studying of it, no one, I'm rock and roll's great abnormality!"

"Stand up and cheer for that!" Serena said.

"So how's everyone doing?"

"Well we had the war and all, but other than that, things are fine," Serena said.

"I saw Darrien, he took you up here?"

"Yep, he's such a nice guy."

"Sure is, you know sometime I'll have to introduce you to my fiancé."

"You already have a fiancé?" Serena asked.

"Yep, she wants me for my money, but figure I can convince her to see me for who I am when I spend it all and don't buy a nice house," Chad said.

"Well that's something to work for I guess," Serena said.

"I'm just kidding, she's really nice, and she doesn't' want me for my money, because if she did she wouldn't have let me spend ninety thousand dollars on socks."

"YOU DID WHAT?"

"Sure...." Chad said. "But I donated most of them to charity. I just thought, hey..socks...there we go."

"Chad you don't change," Serena said.

"Yeah I guess not," Chad said. "Well you enjoy yourself," he said and headed off.

Chad with a wife? Serena thought. Has society finally crumbled that much? Probably, look who they ask to save it daily?

She laughed.

"What's so funny Serena?" came another voice. Serena looked up.

"Hi," Raye, Mina, Amy, and Lita said grinning.

"Now guys, what are you doing here?" Serena asked.

"Pure coincidence," the four said.

"Really," Amy said. "We just felt the need to get away from the city too..and here we are."

"That's right," Lita said. "If we were spying on you and Darrien we'd be much more covert about it."

"Guys, you've never once been able to spy on me without me noticing, maybe this is just a new tactic," Serena said.

"Except for the fact we're standing right in front of you, maybe you have a point," Raye snapped.

"Ah..well..I'm still not convinced," Serena said.

"Too bad, we're here," Raye said.

"But we'll just let you and Darrien do what you do best," Mina said.

"Say..where is Darrien anyway?" Lita asked.

"Down in the woods for some reason," Serena said.

"Ah.right..just where he should be on a romantic excursion," Raye said.

The four girls exchanged glances.

"What so maybe he likes the trees?" Serena asked.

Meanwhile in the forest nearby.

"Ah you noticed me," Darrien said.

"Yes," a man said approaching.

"I figured you'd want to talk."

"Indeed I would," the man said. "How have you been?"

"Better," Darrien said. "But this place does bring back some memories."

"Yeah, I bet. What would bring you back up here."

"My girlfriend wanted something special, this seemed like the perfect place."

"Even.."

"Yes.."

"You must really love her then," the man said.

"Yeah.."

There was a large crash behind them. The two turned. The five girls picked themselves up out of the dirt.

"I told you to find your own tree," Raye snapped.

"Oh uh..hi.." Serena said.

"Girls," Darrien said unflinchingly, meet Mister Gorai.

Gorai nodded.

"Hi," the five said embarrassed.

"Mister Gorai was the one who pulled me from the wreckage of my parent's car so many years ago."

"Oh and you met here," Serena said. "Strange huh."

"Serena," Amy said. "Didn't you know where this location is?"

"What?" Serena asked.

Amy pointed up at the top of the hill, a turn along the road with a guardrail running around it.

"Oh..my.." Serena said. "Darrien I had no idea, I wouldn't have..I.."

"It's all right Serena, I'm okay," Darrien said. "But..I had to.come down here."

"I understand," Serena said hurrying to his side. They hugged.

"Ah so she's the one that he speaks of," Gorai said. The other four girls nodded.

"She must be extraordinary," he said. The four nodded again.

"She certainly is," the four said.

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