Chapter 359
It was foggy that morning in Tokyo. The sun was slowly rising, but had yet to lighten the day up. Setsuna Meio stood on her apartment balcony staring out over the city like she often did.
Twenty three days. She thought and turned away.
An hour later at Sailor Scout High School.
"This isn't fair," Serena said staring.
"What a travesty," Mina said.
"They've got a lot of nerve," Raye said.
"If they come back, they're in for it," Lita said.
The four were growling at their statue which had been covered in bird droppings.
"Oh...they're going to pay for this ON BEHALF OF THE MOON!" Serena shouted.
"Calm down Serena!" the three others hissed.
Serena sighed.
And up in class 3-1's class room. Steve's eyes were locked with that of Akiro's. Most of the class was watching intently.
"1..." Steve said.
"2.." Akiro said.
"3..." Steve said.
"4..." Akiro replied.
"I declare a thumb war!" Steve said and the two began to try to push the others thumb down as fast as possible. The crowd of students started rooting whichever side they favored.
"HAH! I win!" Steve said.
"Now let's fight for real!" Akiro said rising.
"Not here, but I'll be glad to pound your face in later," Steve said.
"Ah...interesting threat, but I assure you that I will make indentations in your skeletal structure just because it gives me joy to do so, and once that is done, I'll finish you off," Akiro said.
"Words mean nothing, only kicking butt," Steve said.
"Hmm...you'll learn to appreciate words too,"Akiro said.
Steve and Akiro glared at each other.
"How immature," Haruka said.
"Well..there's immaturity and then there's the pull of natural instincts,"Michiru said.
"You actually accept this?"
"Oh come on Haruka, you should know that competition is something almost everyone wants to be a part of, the ability to be the best at something, and to stare back at the losers and grin."
"Well...I don't use my fists for that," Haruka said.
"Yes, but while the weapons change, the method is the same."
"Still this is the most primitive," Haruka said.
"Sure it is," Michiru said. "But some people like that sort of thing."
"They're just taking the easy way out," Haruka said.
"Well what does one do when they have no other skills?" Michiru said.
"Oo....that was mean," Haruka said.
"Guess so," Michiru said.
"What a terrible desecration," Serena muttered walking in. "What kind of evil birds would do that to a statue?"
"It's not a matter of an innate tendency," Amy said. "Most likely they were other factors rather than a dislike of the sailor scouts in general."
"No, these birds were just evil, and disrespectful," Serena said. Mina, Raye, and Lita nodded.
"They're worse than I thought," Sai muttered from his desk across the room.
"I think it's cute," Ai said.
"Just how have they survived so long?" Sai muttered.
"It's best not to think about it," Michiru said walking by.
"So it is," Sai said.
Ai smiled.
"That must be some video game," Sai muttered.
"And the ironic thing is that I hate it," Ai said.
"Ai, don't become one of them please," Sai said seriously.
"One of who?"
"Don't fall into the trap, don't think the way they do, stay in the realm of sanity, please for all of our sakes," Sai said.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine," Ai said.
"Hey Ai!" Mike called from across the classroom.
"What?"
"I thought you could use this, I just had a few lying around," Mike said and tossed a t-shirt across the room. Ai caught it.
It read across it's front:
"I was able to gain back repressed memories and emotions by playing a mere video game."
"Oh..it's nice, and 100 percent cotton, too thank you," Ai said.
"No problem," Mike said.
Sai sighed.
In the hallway outside the room.
"Oh come on Molly, what did I say?" Melvin squeaked.
"You figure it out," Molly snapped. "We shouldn't talk about it here. I'm not even sure we should talk about it at all."
"But.."
"Melvin, just leave me alone," Molly said and walked into the room. The class' attention had since turned to the two.
Molly said nothing and took her seat. Melvin walked over to Serena.
"Uh Serena, can we switch seats for today?" he asked.
"Sure, Melvin, what's wrong," Serena asked.
"Nothing..nothing," Melvin said. "Uh.."
"Okay..Melvin," Serena said and headed off to the seat besides Molly.
"Molly..are..you.."
"Serena, don't try and help me this time," Molly said quickly.
"Uh..are you sure?"
"Yes," Molly said sharply.
"Okay," Serena said worriedly and turned away.
Could their relationship be taking a turn for the worse? Serena thought. That
wouldn't be good, I wonder what the problem is. If Molly's in trouble how can
she expect me not to help her. It's been a while, but I'll jump into action to
save this relationship!
Later at lunch.
"Serena is that a wise thing to do?" Raye asked.
"Why wouldn't it be?" Serena asked.
"It's not like your record is perfect on this sort of thing, and there are times where couples have to work things out together," Raye said.
"Yeah, so I'm just going to make that happen," Serena said.
"I don't know Serena," Rick said. "This is something you have to be careful about. Even with the best intentions you could only make things worse."
"Believe me I know about making things worse," Serena said. "But they need help, and usually I'm good at providing it."
"Yes, but that's not the issue," Raye said. "Of course you can help people, but sometimes they don't need it."
"I at least have to find out what's wrong," Serena said.
"But how can you do that without getting involved?" Seiya asked.
"I have my ways," Serena said.
"Probably involving hiding behind a bush no less," Sai said.
"It works," Serena said quickly.
"Though not that well," Mina said. "Rooftops and well fermented trees work better.
"Well fermented?" Lita asked.
"I read it in a book," Mina said.
"Even then I believe you're misquoting it," Amy said. "I think you mean well foliaged."
"That hasn't stopped me before," Mina said.
"Guys, guys, we're off the subject here," Serena said. "Actually I had a better plan than hiding behind bushes, one that ensure I won't get into trouble. I mean guys, shouldn't we at least find out what the problem is?"
"Even that's a stretch of responsibility." Haruka said.
"Ah..but what if it's really serious," Serena said. "As a friend it's my job to make sure."
"All right, we'll give you that at least," Raye said. "But what is your plan?"
"Uh..right...D.V...be a dear and lend me one of your cameras," Serena said. All eyes shifted to the introvert.
"Uh.Serena..you..know..we..uh..can't use..them..for personal..uh.business," Patterson said.
"Sure we can, I'm the leader and I'm telling you we can," Serena said.
"But..uh.."
"Look, who is it that despite promising not to, went and continued to spy on us," Serena asked.
"Shaft?" Mike asked.
"That was selective and tactically necessary, it saved your lives on several occasions," D.V. said.
"Ah..but..that's not the issue," Serena said.
"Actually, Serena it kinda justifies, it, besides it wasn't the same as before," Lita said.
"What were you doing before?" Ayeka asked.
"Being thorough!" D.V. said. "That's all," he said with a reddening face.
"Come on D.V., putting that all aside, your way is the best way," Serena said.
"But if I let you have..it...then everyone's going to believe they're entitled...to it," D.V. said.
"Hmm...well this is a special case," Serena said. "Come on..please.."
Patterson sighed and nodded.
"HAH! My charm wins again," Serena said.
"No backbone ey?" Akiro asked.
"Would you like to see a backbone?" Patterson said. "I'll be glad to show you yours."
"And he can too," Ayeka said.
"Stop trying to gain his praise through such tactics," Hotaru said.
"What?" Ayeka asked.
"I'm onto you," Hotaru said.
"Onto what?"
"Ayeka Mizuno I won't let you defeat me," Hotaru said standing.
"Uh...right..what now?" Ayeka said.
"And now I shall prove my love with my embrace!" Hotaru said and lunged at Patterson. Patterson dived under the table. Ayeka leapt forward and deflected Hotaru.
"Just what are you trying to do?" Ayeka said.
Hotaru tackled her and the two were soon fighting.
"What is happening?" Sai muttered.
"This could spiral rapidly into a bloodbath," Haruka observed.
"Hardly ladylike I'd say," Michiru said.
"Who cares, I'd usually have to pay to see this action," Mike said.
"Have you?" Mina snapped.
"Oh..of course not," Mike said. "I meant in theory."
"Come on Hotaru, just how do you think you can beat me!" Ayeka said.
"Well for one thing you don't have a sword," Hotaru said.
And the two continued to brawl with little regard to form.
"I bet this is just how you pictured your first romantic encounter would be huh?" Rick asked Patterson.
"Actually..." Patterson began.
"We really should separate them," Lita said.
"True," Raye said.
"It might take some effort you know," Haruka said.
"Well, guess we gotta try," Raye said.
Raye, Lita, and Haruka stood up.
"I'll get between them," Lita said. "You two pull."
They moved in and pulled the two apart.
"That's right hold me back!" Ayeka shouted. "I just might kill her!"
"Don't flatter yourself," Hotaru shouted. "I am much more lethal than you are!"
The two lunged at each other only to be pulled back again.
"You brat! You bite!" Ayeka shouted.
"I do what is necessary," Hotaru said. "There is no honor in destroying you anyway."
"Oh, you'll pay for that, you're going to learn a new definition of pain and considering who you are you should be quite afraid of that."
"I will take your pure heart," Hotaru said her eyes narrowed. "Then I will shatter it with a hammer."
"Not before your star seed lies in pieces all over the ground!" Ayeka shouted.
"Oo..kay. We're getting a little too scary here.." Lita said.
Later that day.
Molly sighed as she walked down the street.
When is he going to learn there are just things I can't like about him? She thought. There are times when he's wonderful and all, but why can't he keep his interests out of our relationship?
She didn't notice she was being spied upon.
Meanwhile at the A.P.T. house.
"Why can't she talk to herself?" Serena muttered starring at the computer image in front of her.
"Well Serena, just expecting her to dictate out loud what the problem is hoping for a little much," Amy said controlling the mini-camera with her computer.
"Yeah, well..this is harder than I thought," Serena said.
Maybe I shouldn't have told Serena I didn't need her help. I do need someone to talk to, I was just angrier earlier. Oh I don't know.
She sat down on a bench.
I wonder. Are Melvin and I really meant to be a couple? I don't know...I
thought I loved him, but he's Melvin...how can I know what my true feelings are?
"Oh come on Molly, give me a sign," Serena said.
"Come to think of it, just who would she tell her problems too?" Amy said. "I mean if she's mad at Melvin and she doesn't want to talk to you."
"No she does want to talk to me! I'm sure of it," Serena said.
"What?"
"She wouldn't be wandering around like this if she didn't."
Serena hurried for the door.
"Serena are you sure about this?" Amy said worriedly.
"Uh huh, I know," Serena said. "You let me know where she is on the communicator."
"Uh..right.." Amy said and sighed.
I hope she knows what she's talking about. She thought.
"I know what I'm talking about don't worry!" Serena shouted eerily and then raced out the door.
"That raises other questions, but I guess I'll have to trust her," Amy said.
Who am I kidding? She might be completely right. I'm no expert on this
myself.
Meanwhile at the Deveraux household.
"Now listen you two," Mina said. "I'm pleased with your progress, and you're all tied up in the event scores."
"Yea..." Yaten muttered.
"I'll deduct points for attitude," Mina said.
"So you keep telling me," Yaten said.
"Hey, if you don't want to be here, there are plenty of other girls,"Mina said.
"All right, all right, so what now?" Yaten asked.
"Now it's time for the scavenger hunt," Mina said.
"All right!" Mike said.
Yaten sighed.
"The object, find stuff I'd like all over the city and then come back tomorrow and tell me the meaning of them," Mina said.
"I'm off!" Mike said and dashed out the door.
"Yeah, me too," Yaten said and walked out.
Come on Yaten, stop resisting. Mina thought with concern.
Molly was still sitting on a bench when Serena arrived, or more precisely, Serena slipped in behind a wall and slowly peeked around it.
Now how do I make this look like I had no idea I would end up here? Serena thought. I could fall out of a tree or something. No that's too suspect. Besides, I've fallen out of trees before. I could just walk by...but she might..oh forget it....I'll wing it.. Ah...
"Luna! Luna are you here!" Serena called and then rounded the corner. Molly turned to face her.
"Oh..uh..Molly...have you seen Luna?" Serena asked.
"No," Molly said.
"Oh...hey..what are you doing all alone out here?" Serena asked.
"I needed to think," Molly said.
"Let me help. I'll listen," Serena said.
"No that's all right."
"Oh come on Molly. I know a little bit about this kind of thing."
"Serena, I don't want to burden you, and besides it's not a big deal."
"Sure it is," Serena said. "Now, you've been sitting here for a while. Something's on your mind."
"How do you know I've been sitting here for a while."
"I just do, it's a girl thing."
"What?"
"Oh..uh..just please tell me what the problem is."
"Melvin is becoming annoying."
"Melvin has always been annoying, but I thought you didn't mind that."
"I guess I do now."
"Why?"
"He..just can't telling me about some sort of insect or some sort of bizarre mating ritual of some plant.."
"Well I think he's just trying to share his knowledge."
"Would you want to listen to that for hours?"
"No, but have you told him you don't like it?"
"Sure," Molly said. "Sort of."
"Sort of?"
"Well how am I supposed to tell him I dislike everything he's interested in?"
"Uh..carefully, but come on isn't there more to Melvin then that? I mean if there wasn't, why would you like him so much."
"I don't know, but I'm not sure I love him. I mean, he has this way of breaking up romantic moments, not all the time, but sometimes he'll just blow it, and now I'm worried every time that he'll say something and then, the evening goes down the drain."
"Oh.." Serena said. "Well most guys are like that."
"What?"
"Sure, Melvin has his ways, but look, all the guys I know, Darrien included, blow it sometimes, though Darrien's pretty good about it, but that's just they're nature, they don't understand the romance idea too well, even the best of them."
"Yes, but even given that..." Molly said.
"Well come on then, we'll talk to Melvin, or you will, whatever, but you two need to talk not mope around like this," Serena said.
"I know, but I'm afraid," Molly said.
"Well of course you are," Serena said. "Come on...wait..here..a second.."
Serena hurried around a corner.
"Amy, find Melvin," Serena said.
"Melvin? All right," Amy said. "That could take some time."
"Well we'll start looking for him and you tell me what you find."
"All right," Amy said.
"Come on Molly," Serena said. Molly reluctantly followed.
"Ah hah! Perfect," Mike said and pulled several blades of grass out of the ground.
"Just what are you doing?" Yaten muttered.
"Yaten, what'd you do? Follow me?"
"Yes, I was curious as to just what you were going to do."
"Cheater."
"Not really, I can only guess your approach will be radically different to mine," Yaten said.
"Well probably," Mike said.
"So what are you going to do with those?"
"The blades of grass..ah...now that is a trade secret," Mike said and laughed.
"You are a bigger fool then I ever possibly imagined," Yaten said.
"It's all about expanding horizons,"Mike said. "That's me for ya!"
Yaten sighed.
"Ah..excellent.." Mike said and headed down a path.
"Are you just going to give her stuff you've swiped from a park?" Yaten asked.
"Maybe," Mike said.
Yaten sighed.
"Oh..wait a second.." Mike said moved off into a clump of trees.
Yaten followed morbidly curious.
"Melvin what are you doing?" Mike asked.
Melvin was lying on the ground, eyes closed, not making a move.
"Oh..playing dead I see," Mike said and kicked him. Melvin shot up.
"Hey..don't do that?" he squeaked.
"Well I had to make sure you were a corpse or we couldn't name a street after you," Mike said.
"I'll have you know I was in deep thought."
"You're scaring the birds," Mike said.
"Ehh...well that's what happens when you're in love."
"So it is, now what's your problem?"
"Molly's just mad at me for me for some reason," Melvin said.
"Any idea what that might be?" Mike asked.
"Nope, not really," Melvin said.
"I don't know who is the bigger fool here," Yaten said walking up. "If you don't know why's she mad you should talk to her."
"I tried," Melvin said.
"Well you try again," Yaten said. "That's the way the game works."
"The Yateninator is right, you gotta get trying" Mike said.
"Never refer to me like that again," Yaten snapped.
"Oh..now that's only going to encourage me, Yatenitentary," Mike said.
Yaten sighed.
"No really Melvin, the best way despite appearances and the fear that builds inside of you is to go talk to her, and not to give up," Mike said.
"But if she's sick of me?" Melvin asked.
"Well then, she's open to Yaten's advances once Mina gets through dumping him," Mike said.
"I am not a man of violence, but I am this close!" Yaten shouted.
"Any time Yatenoscopy,"Mike muttered.
"Then I've got to find her then!" Melvin said and hurried away. A splash followed several seconds later.
"I'd better follow him," Mike said. Yaten growled and stormed off.
Soon afterwards.
"Ah..there you are," Melvin said.
"Melvin.."Molly said as the two met up.
"Uh..we need to talk.."
"You're right," Molly said.
"I think I know a place," the two said in unison and then glanced at each other.
"Come on," Molly said.
Melvin nodded and the two walked off.
"So...is it that bad?" Mike asked watching from affair.
"I don't think so," Serena said. "They've just got some stuff to work out. Why is he all wet?"
"He got a little overanxious."
"And why are you with him anyway?" Serena asked.
"I'm everywhere,"Mike said
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