Chapter 378

"Gee...and I thought we were entering the Crystal Millennium or something, guess not," Serena said.

"Looks like Crystal Tokyo was just a temporary solution," Luna said. "After all that time line changed."

"Yeah, it would have been kinda neat living in a crystal city," Serena said. "Hey wait isn't there one in the United States?"

"I don't think so Serena," Luna said. "Don't you think we would have noticed?"

"No..I remember hearing it I was daydreaming in class, but it came up. I'm sure of it."

"Oh..you are.." Luna said.

"I'll prove it."

"You've got better things to do."

"It won't take long! Besides Amy'll know and I want to see how she's doing."

"Serena now is not the time to ask questions like that!" Luna shouted.

"Well I'm going to see Amy anyway!" Serena said and hurried out the door of her room.

Luna chased after her.

What a wild girl she still is.

At one of many clothing stores.

"Hotaru why are we doing this?" Ayeka asked.

"Because the best thing we can do for our romantic partners is show a little leg," Hotaru said.

"Yes Hotaru that sounds nice and all, but where are you getting this from?"

"Mina and I had a long talk about it."

"We're going on Mina's advice?" Ayeka said. "That's insane, and you're not the one who would usually be initiating such a thing. If it was one of the two of us it would be me."

"But is it?"

"Well no.."

"Then what are you talking about?" Hotaru asked.

"You're evil," Ayeka asked.

"Dangerous too."

"I'm more dangerous."

"Think what you want," Hotaru said.

The two glared at each other.

"But..this is not the time, I wish to give Greg something aesthetically pleasing to look at," Hotaru said.

"But I didn't think those two were really into physical attraction," Ayeka said.

"According to Mina, every guy is."

"Well that's certainly true of everyone Mina dates, but.."

"Now..now..that's unfair, and I don't see why my advice is being taken so skeptically," Mina said swinging out of another dressing room.

"You followed us,"Ayeka muttered.

"Without either of us detecting her no less," Hotaru said.

"That's because I'm dangerous," Mina said.

Ayeka and Hotaru glanced at each other.

"I didn't think it would be this hard to deal with," Amy said. "I guess losing you once I realize it can happen. You two have to be more careful now."

"We'll do what we can," Patterson said.

"I just can't lose anyone else," Amy said.

"We know," Greg said. "We won't let that happen."

"I know you'll try," Amy said. "I guess I had been deluding myself, thinking we were invincible, even when Darrien and Rick were hit. Even when I saw all of us hurt badly. Never thought it would be us."

"Amy, that's natural. It's how we live," Patterson said.

"Yeah," Greg said. "But we can't live in fear."

"I guess so," Amy said. "I just have a lot to think about."

She headed off to her room.

"What do we do now?" Greg asked.

"I can say with all certainty, there is only thing we can do," Patterson said.

"And that is?"

"Leave her alone. She must think this through, there is no quick fix," Patterson said.

"You sure we can't help?"

"There are ways we can, but it's up to her to initiate them."

There was a knock on the door.

Serena was let in.

"How's Amy?" She asked.

"Recovering," Greg said. "The shock is still with her."

"Well..aren't you guys trying to talk to her?" Serena asked.

"No, it's best not to," D.V. said. "I know."

"Hmm..yeah I guess you're right," Serena said. "This is a thing she has to understand on her own since she must carry it with her."

"You know what she's feeling," Greg said.

"When Darrien went...but came back," she added. "I thought about it. But you see that I've known all along that life is too short, and that this stuff can happen so, I've learned to live with it, that's why isn't a complete shock, but I know what Amy's feeling. You're right, she needs to understand and learn to deal with it. Say you two..I have a question."

"Yes?" the two asked.

"Is there a crystal city in America?" she asked.

"A crystal city?" Greg asked.

"I'm sure I've heard the name," Serena said.

"Crystal City Maryland," Patterson said. "It's near Washington D.C."

"AH Hah!" Serena said. "Thanks! Let me know if Amy gets better!"

She dashed out the door.

"Wonder what that was about," Greg said.

"I thought you knew better," Patterson said.

"Well..curiosity isn't always a rational thing," Greg said.

"Ah..it's good to be back," Chief Ozaki said leaning back in his office chair. "Waiting for Armageddon in a place as annoying as Yokohama is no fun."

"Yes sir," Haruka said.

"You all did a good job there."

"Thank you sir."

"Say Haruka, have you ever thought of becoming a cop?"

"Uh..well..no..not really."

"You'd be perfect, I mean as long as no one notices your illegal driver's license."

Haruka sighed.

Ozaki grinned.

"I don't care," he said. "Anyway, look you should think about it. You could be a bike cop. We've got good machines."

"Mine is better," Haruka said.

"Tested it have you?"

"Not yet," Haruka said with a grin.

"Is that a challenge?" Ozaki asked.

"Depends..." Haruka said.

And at an apartment complex.

"I don't understand humanity," Setsuna said.

"What do you mean?" Michiru asked.

"Everyone's been back in the city two days and already it's back to normal."

"Well what are they supposed to do, timidly hide inside their houses?" Michiru asked.

"Yes," Setsuna said.

"That's just not the way it happens around here," Michiru said.

"It doesn't make sense, that's all," Setsuna said. "I mean do these people even understand?"

"Some of them can't, others won't, others do, but all of them share something in common, a need to want to go on, in the hope that this everything will be all right."

"I don't know, it's like getting on a plane that's crashed seven times before and expecting to get where you're going," Setsuna said.

"Ah..but Setsuna the planes have crashed and no one was killed."

"It was different this time," Setsuna said.

"Not to the normal citizen on the street," Michiru said. "To them it's smooth sailing."

"You seem to respect that."

"Well..it brave if not reckless, but if there's no smoke, there's no fire."

"That's decidedly simple minded."

"Have you seen any smoke?"

"No."

"Do you know if there's any fires?"

"There must be somewhere."

"Well not necessarily."

A fire engine raced up the street.

"Could be a gas leak," Michiru said. "What I mean is that.."

"I know what you mean," Setsuna said. "Let's leave it at that."

"So you are enjoying yourself with Mina?" Yaten asked.

"Haven't seen her in two days," Mike said.

"That's not normal."

"It is for Mina."

"So why are you gracing me with your presence?"

"I was hoping we could at least settle things a little cordially at least as far as Mina was concerned. I mean. No use keeping that going."

"Yes, I guess you're right. You mystify me though."

"Why? Because I don't deserve her?"

"Well yes."

"What can I tell you?" Mike said. "She's weird, I'm weird."

"Yes I noticed that," Yaten said.

"So..let's shake on this one okay."

Yaten stuck out his hand first.

Mike took it.

"As for everything else we'll leave that open," Yaten said.

"Oh yeah, like I'm going to leave you alone..hah!" Mike said and started laughing. He then headed off.

Yaten sighed.

"Ah..here we go!" Mina said.

"Now that's way too short," Ayeka said.

"Well then I'll take it then," Mina said.

"You are stranger then usual," Hotaru said.

"Hey, just trying to help," Mina said.

"But you don't understand D.V. or Greg at all," Ayeka said.

"I understand hormones!" Mina shouted.

"Try to yell louder, you might be able to drown out the in flight movie being shown on a 747 passing overhead," Hotaru muttered.

"Hey..listen you two..trust me on this one. I am completely in the know."

"I think he'd admire the battle axe I just bought more than this dress," Ayeka said.

"And Greg prefers to hear what is on my mind then to see what is on my body,"Hotaru said.

"Well..that's your opinion, but remember, weaponry and intelligence are not the only things in a relationship," Mina asked.

"They contribute very little to yours I can see," Hotaru said.

"Now there's no need to get that rude," Mina said.

"Motoki-san how are you doing?" Raye asked. "I haven't seen you in a while. Kinda got worried."

"Yes, well I took some time for spiritual enlightenment," Motoki said. "I am done now. Anyway, it is good to see you survived."

"That's how I greet her everyday too," Rick said.

Motoki grinned slightly.

"You're sense of humor grows with your fighting skill," he said.

"Actually my sense of humor's always been like this," Rick said.

"That's what I meant," Motoki said.

Rick sighed.

Raye grinned.

"You provoked him," She said.

"He's a better sword fighter, but he can't outwit me."

"He just did," Rick said.

"Not really."

"I'd say so."

"Well you missed the underlying messages."

"What are you talking about?"

"See?" Rick asked.

Motoki returned from his room..

"I also picked up the mail," he said and handed it to her.

"Thank you," she said and looked through it.

"A letter from Chad," Raye said.

"This should be a joy to behold," Rick said.

"Hey..he's a nice guy," Raye said.

She opened it.

"Yo..Raye.." She read.

"Okay..he's not a very smart nice guy, but we'll let it slide," Raye said. "He's about to leave on the...Tokyo didn't blow up Tour.."

Rick started laughing.

"He says he's fine and is meeting women every night? Why should I care?"

"Maybe he's trying to make you jealous."

"He's an idiot," Raye said. "Anyway..enclosed is...two..oo..look at these.." she held them up.

"What are they?" Rick asked.

"These will get us into the one of the trendiest restaurants in the city."

"And I care why?"

"Rick..come on, this is the place movie stars go to eat."

"I had a band once," Rick said.

Raye glanced at him,

"Why are you trying to ruin the moment?" Raye asked.

"Because I can't understand why you're so impressed."

"Rick..haven't you wanted to eat where celebrities eat."

"Not if we're sharing plates."

"Oh..you jerk," Raye said and went inside her room.

"What did you do now?" Motoki asked poking his head out the door.

"Nothing," Rick snapped. "It's not like this is a bad relationship you know."

"Just wondering," Motoki said.

"Be a solemn swords master will you?"

"Crystal City Maryland!" Serena shouted and laughed hysterically.

"Uh..Serena,,fine you win," Luna said.

"No, no, I'm going to enjoy this, why because you were wrong!" Serena laughed.

'Serena, please calm down."

"No I'm going savor this..I'm going to tell everyone!" she said and hurried away again.

"That girl.." Luna muttered.

In an apartment several blocks away.

"How cute.." Ai said.

"We can't get an animal...we live in an apartment," Akiro said.

"Oh..let's move in with someone then. I miss the companionship of a creature that doesn't feel the need to talk back."

"You have someone in mind?" Akiro asked.

Ai smiled.

"Hey, I saved your life, the least you could do is move so we can have a cat," Ai said.

"That's not the way I see it," Akiro said.

Ai smiled and hugged him.

"Do you know what I really want?" she asked.

"What?"

Ai grinned.

"A ferret."

"What?" Akiro muttered.

"Right, ferrets are so cute, and wonderful."

"If we can't have a pet, we can't have a ferret," Akiro said.

"Yes, but I can dream can't I?"

"Dream for something I can provide."

"Now that's hardly worth dreaming about, a ham sandwich is about all you can provide."

"Oh come on, I can provide love, and you like that.."

"But I don't need to dream about it. But I can dream about ferrets."

"Ai, I don't think you've fully recovered from everything yet," Akiro said.

Ai smiled.

"Oh no I'm fine," she said. "Maybe you're having trouble adjusting."

"No...I think the ferrets are a clear indication of something else at work."

"Ferrets are cute. I've always loved ferrets. I had a ferret when I was two!"

"You did? How'd that work out?"

"He didn't like me, but that can happen," Ai said.

"Ai, why don't I take you to a movie."

"Oh..great, we'll go see, when 'Roses are the Answer;."

Akiro turned away frowned and then turned back.

"You got it," he said.

Ai smiled.

"That's what I like, you like those movies too," Ai said.

They are my nemesis, someday I will find a way to destroy them. Akiro thought.

"I hate getting beaten up, it feels like I've lost even when I've won," Lita said.

"The price we pay for violence I guess," Steve said.

Lita smiled.

"Yes, I guess so," Lita said. "Say you still have those tickets to the rugby game."

"Sure do, you wanna go?"

"You bet, I wouldn't pass a chance like that up," Lita said.

"Well call me and let me know. I'm going to get out of here before Seiya arrives."

"You don't have to."

"It's just better, there's no need to cause tension, you enjoy yourself on your date."

"Thank you," Lita said.

Steve hurried out the door and down the street. Seiya knocked on the door soon afterward.

"So..Seiya, feeling better?" Lita asked.

"Sure am," Seiya said. "About before..I've really had a chance to think about it. Maybe I was selling myself short. Can you forgive me?"

"It's not a forgivable sort of thing, you didn't commit high treason or anything."

"Well I was being stupid."

"Seiya, sometimes we make stupid mistakes, guys do it more than girls do, but I know what's it like."

"I'm so glad to have your honest opinion," Seiya said with a grin. "I know where we can go."

"Really?"

"Serena showed it to me, it's wonderful," Seiya said.

"Well okay," Lita said. "Serena showed it to you?"

"That's what I thought at first too, trust me on this one," Seiya said.

"All right, just let me get my things," Lita said.

The two were soon headed down the street and off on their date.

Steve peered around the street corner and sighed.

"Crystal City!" Serena said.

"So you're celebrating one upping Luna," Darrien said.

"It never happens!"

"But are you supposed to be this happy?"

"How would I know if it never happens?"

"Hmm..well you should be making inferences," Darrien said.

"What?"

"Never.never..mind." Darrien said. "Just go with it."

Serena grinned.

Haruka's motorcycle rocketed around a track setup in a police HQ parking lot. A police motorcycle sped after her.

"Catch me if you can," Haruka said.

"I will not be defeated by a civilian!" the bike cop shouted back. The two shot around another turn as half the department watched cheering on.

"Hah hah great fun isn't it?" Chief Ozaki said.

"CHIEF!" an officer said racing out of the building. "We've got a major accident and fire in midtown."

"All right! Shut it down!"

The motorcycles skidded to a stop.

"Saved by duty, quaint," Haruka said.

"I was just about to make my move," The bike cop said. Most of the officers were soon hurrying away in police cars and bikes. Haruka actually stood in awe at the speed in which they moved from fun to urgency.

"Well done.." came a voice. Haruka turned.

"Sai..what exactly are you doing here?" Haruka asked.

"Heard the engines, became curious," Sai said. "You ride well."

"So I do," Haruka said.

"Just thought I'd say so," Sai said and walked away.

The next day.

"Come on guys settle down," Serena whined. "Now I want to get a picture of us before everything goes down the toilet again which it could do any minute, so behave."

"You crazy kids.." Luna muttered.

"Hey I don't want to be eternally preserved standing next to Yaten," Mike said. "We possess distinct personality types, which represent different points on an ideological spectrum, and besides our colors clash."

"This is embarrassing," Artemas said.

"Hey watch where you're stepping," Seiya said.

"I was, your foot got in the way," Steve said.

Most of the guardian scouts began arguing with each other.

"Go ahead Patterson take control of the situation," Sai said.

"Watch the attitude," Patterson snapped.

"Or what?"

"Want me to show you?"

"Sure."

Minutes later.

"Now that we have the blood cleaned up, can we try this again," Serena said.

"Your jaw all right Seiya!" Steve asked with a grin.