Chapter 391
It was a dark room somewhere. A single light bulb illuminated a long table. Figures moved into the room and sat down at either end.
"All right..let's deal," Lita said. Beside her sat Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten. Across from her was Rick, Steve, Mike, and Mina. Raye took up a spot in the middle.
"Now be civil," Raye said.
"I believe we can come to terms," Rick said. "Now the idea is to allow us allow to perform on stage without Seiya and Steve killing each other."
"Simple terms, Seiya doesn't play with your band except for the final number," Lita said. "So that means the hyphen song is out."
"Good riddance," most of the room said.
"Fine, we'll part with it," Rick said. "When on stage Seiya and Steve will be on opposite sides separated by everyone else."
"Lita's on my side...very close to me," Seiya said.
"Uh right....those are the terms," Lita said a little disturbed.
"Agreed," Rick said.
"The after concert snack shall be ho ho's," Mike said.
"Mike!" everyone snapped.
"Let's just sign the contract," Rick said.
"Here.." Raye said and passed one side a piece of paper.. Rick signed it. He handed it to Steve.
"Sign it in blood..sign it in blood.." Mike said.
"No," Steve snapped.
"Aw.come on.."
"Now you're turn," Steve said.
Lita signed it, then Seiya did.
"Seems like everything's in order here," Raye said.
"Then it's agreed then," Lita said.
"So it is," Rick said.
"Just remember no one has ever messed with the family and survived," Mike said.
Everyone sighed.
"What are you crazy kids doing down there!" Mister Leslie shouted.
"We had to use your basement didn't we?" Yaten snapped at Mike.
"Hey..it's convenient," Mike said.
"Never again," Yaten said.
"You wanna sign a contract on that?" Mike asked.
"No," Yaten said.
"Seiya do me a favor and let me talk to Steve for a minute will you?" Lita asked.
"I don't think I should," Seiya said.
"Seiya!" Lita snapped.
"Fine..fine," Seiya said and the group headed off.
"All the theatrics aside.." Lita said. "You think you can behave yourself?"
"I don't know," Steve said.
"What do you mean you don't know? You can't say that. You have to say yes!"
"But I haven't," Steve said. "Lita, you know what emotions do to people...they don't let us act the way we should."
"You're letting your emotions overcome you Steve, regain control," Lita said. "I mean it. I want us to be friends at least. I really do, but we can't if this is going on."
"I know," Steve said and sat down. "But he's just not right for you."
"You keep telling people that, but we've been together, we know there's some problems."
"Lita..I know the problems..we had," Steve said. "It was all me, but that's only because I wasn't trying hard enough."
"Steve we really shouldn't be talking about this," Lita said.
"Lita..look..you're the only girl I've ever met who I could envision spending my entire life with."
"Steve cut it out!"
"That's the truth, whether it's a foolish crush or not I don't know, but..until you and Seiya realize the truth...you don't have to worry about me saying a word anymore. I've made my mistake violated my vow. No more..I have come to terms with it all." Steve turned and headed out.
This is really getting messy. Lita thought.
There was a knock at the door and Haruka moved to answer it quickly.
"Hah hah!" came a familiar voice.
"Shadow Racer? What do you want?" Haruka said.
"Ah..interesting you should ask.."
"You're here aren't you?" Haruka said.
"Right, you see I need your help."
"My help?"
"Yes, you see I've been suspended," Shadow Racer said.
"For what?"
"Uh..that's not important," Shadow Racer said. "But anyway...we need a relief driver and you're perfect."
"But I'm in school."
"That's all right, you can work on the weekends anyway. There's a lot of prize money in it for you."
"That's assuming I win."
"You get a salary too, and a brand new motorcycle."
"Oh," Haruka said. "I guess I could consider it."
"Please do it, I know we don't get along that well, but I know I can trust you."
"I'll think it over."
"You've got until tomorrow."
"Thanks for the warning," Haruka said.
"Uh..right..Shadow Racer is off!"
"Eh shut up!" one of the neighbors down the hall yelled as Shadow Racer hurried down the hallway.
Haruka grinned.
"You know what we really need to do sometime Akiro?" Mike asked.
"What?"Akiro asked.
"Double date," Mike said.
"That's insane!" Akiro said.
"My thoughts exactly," Mike said. "Think of the potential."
"There is no way we can allow you two to have that much contact," Ai said.
"That's right," Mina said.
"Aw..come on,"Akiro said. "We'll take you someplace nice."
"That won't do, you'll still be with us," Ai said.
"She's got us there," Mike said.
"This is just a bad idea," Mina said. "I mean double dating is taboo as it is."
"That's never stopped you before," Raye said.
"Yes, well...but what I'm saying is that this is the worst possible date that could happen," Mina said.
"Tell you girls what.." Akiro said. "We try the double date, and then we pay for you two to go somewhere really special without us."
"This is becoming quite a strange arrangement," Lita observed.
"Bizarre," Seiya said.
"Hmm..well...that could be lucrative," Ai said.
"It's going to cost you," Mina said.
"We know," Mike and Akiro said. "But it'll be worth it."
"Why does it mean so much to you anyway?" Rick asked.
"Look. We just have to say how each of us interact with the other," Mike said.
"Yeah, I've been wondering what the deal with Mike is for a while," Akiro said.
"And me likewise with Akiro," Mike said. "Now we finally get to see each other in action."
"And the world weeps," Hotaru said.
The entire class started laughing.
"What's all this laughing about?" Setsuna muttered walking in. "As if I really wanted to know."
"Miss Meio you underestimate our..something," Mike said.
"Yeah, Hotaru told a joke," Ayeka said.
"Hotaru told a joke?" Setsuna asked in shock.
"Yes, I have been experimenting with humorous conversation," Hotaru said.
"Yeesh...so much for the world surviving much longer," Mike said.
"Yeah we're doomed," Akiro said.
"All right enough of that," Setsuna said. "It's wonderful to hear you're advancing along Hotaru."
"Thank you," Hotaru said.
Urawa Ryo staggered in.
"Hey..look who's back," Akiro said.
"Refrain from any comments!" Urawa snapped.
The class just started laughing.
"I was under evil control!" he shouted. "Will this nightmare never end?"
"Not as long as you continue to exist in your present form, however there are exciting possibilities awaiting you in the gaseous state," Hotaru said.
Urawa sighed.
At lunch that day.
"Racing on the pro circuit. That sounds exciting," Lita said.
"It's going to be a lot of hard work, but I've always wanted to do it," Haruka said.
"You'll be the first woman to race there won't you?" Ayeka asked.
"Yes, it's an honor to do it," Haruka said. "I'll be filling in for the team of the Shadow Racer."
"Oh Steve's relative, what a nutcase," Mike said. "I mean..I'm a nutcase, but this guy's a few barrels short of a waterfall."
"That was beyond stupid," Hotaru stated.
"Thanks for the constructive criticism, I'll have to keep that in mind," Mike said.
"A pity it will do you no long term good," Hotaru said.
Mike grinned.
"Hotaru you're even more beautiful then I imagined, run away with me," Mike said.
"Fine, but I'm fairly sure you wouldn't survive the trip," Hotaru said.
"Yep, that snapped me out of it," Mike said.
"Serves you right," Mina said.
"I think you'd make a cute couple," Akiro said.
"Yeah, think about how you're children would be.." Serena said.
"So that's where homicidal maniacs who kill people for fun come from," Rick said. "People like Mike and Mina mating."
"Hmm...I am what I am," Mike said.
"Enough of this!" Sai said standing. "I challenge you!" he said pointing at Lisa.
"To what?" Lisa muttered.
"Sword combat. I have improved since the last time we met."
"And you think that just because certain things have changed since that time that you can beat me."
"Most assuredly."
"And what good will it do you? You're true target is my cousin."
"Ah..but your cousin isn't here, so you'll do," Sai said. "We've seen your skill."
The lunchroom was now riveted on them.
"Oh fine Sai, but this won't take long," Lisa said.
"I know that," Sai said. "Prepare to be defeated!"
"You kids are really much too violent," Michiru said.
"It's how we let off steam," Lita said.
"That's just your excuse," Michiru said.
Sai and "Lisa" were soon facing off swords drawn.
"Let's see how good you are Lisa," Sai said. "While you've been putting on makeup I've been training."
"You're only going to make it more painful for yourself," "Lisa" replied.
"We'll see!" Sai said and shot forward. Lisa met him and swatted him away. Sai slid back and charged again. Lisa flipped over him and came around blocking another blow from Sai. The two swords cracked together. They slid back.
"I suppose Sai doesn't realize that his opponent still spends eight hours a day training in anticipation of moments such as this," Ayeka said.
"Eight hours a day huh?" Akiro asked.
"Yeah what else would "Lisa" do with her time?"
"Sai is gonna get it. He's just being toyed with isn't he?"
Ayeka grinned.
"Now feast on my might!" Sai shouted and swung forward quickly. Lisa dodged it and swung quickly. Sai's sword flew into the air. Lisa swung quickly kicking and punching Sai back. She grabbed his sword and moved fast pointing one and the other at various vital parts of Sai's body.
"So....had enough?" Lisa asked.
"You're..not human.." Sai said.
"You get what you pay for Sai," Lisa said.
The crowd all began to laugh.
"I'll win someday!" Sai shouted.
"Sure you will," she muttered.
"What rowdy friends I have," Serena said to herself as she wandered down the street alone after school.
Now things are getting even crazier. Mina's back with Mike. Amy's reached a new level of perkiness..scary. Lita and..well.that's a mess...Raye's the only one who's been the least bit normal, all the rest..well of course Haruka and Michiru..but otherwise..
A figure leapt in front of her. She started.
"Greetings, I am Evil Man."
"We've met."
"Ah..we have haven't we..such a beautiful girl you are..yes..I remember.what's your name again?"
"I never told you my name."
"Ah..that's right..well..good news.."
"Good news?"
"Yep, I've formed a partnership."
"With who?" Serena asked.
"He calls himself Car Thief Man, interesting character."
"Explain to me why I care!" Serena said.
"Well.because..he's behind you.."
Serena whirled.
"Hi, there," Car Thief Man said.
"I thought you were just trying to take over the world through legal means," Serena said.
"Yes, well..it's a real dead end," Evil man said. "Now we steal cars."
"Oh..joy.." Serena said.
"Look..I was thinking the thing I need is a wife, then you came to mind.."
"Eeep," Serena said. "You can't be serious."
"Sure am, so what do you say?" Evil Man asked.
"I don't even know you."
"But I'm Evil Man."
"That doesn't matter."
"I'm engaged already," Serena said showing him a ring. "I think you should get out of here before you get hurt."
"Nah.." Evil Man said and reached out towards her.
"Hey!" Serena said trying to dodge her.
Evil man grabbed her ring and pulled it off.
"Give that back!" Serena shouted.
"I'll tell you what..agree to marry me and I'll give it back," Evil Man said.
"No!" Serena said.
"Hmm..I'll just keep it then, and give you some time to think it over," Evil Man said.
"No.you give me that back," Serena said and threw a punch.
"Aw..a feisty one...excellent." Evil Man said.
A car skidded up, Car Thief Man at the wheel.
"Let's roll!" he said.
"Right!" Evil Man said and tossed Serena into the back seat before she could react. The car speed off into the city. Serena pressed the emergency button on her communicator.
"This is going to be a lovely relationship," Evil Man said.
"Let me go right now or you're going to be really, really sorry," Serena said.
"No, I think it's going to be all right wife," Evil Man said.
"You are so dead," Serena said.
"Nah.." Evil Man said and hit her with a small energy blast. She slumped in her seat.
"Hey boss see if she has any money," Car Thief Man said.
"Are you suggesting we rob my future wife?"
"Yeah..why not?"
"Hmm..I guess," Evil Man said and rummaged through Serena's pockets.
"Strange.." Evil Man said. "What is this?"
He held up Serena's pocket communicator.
"Looks like a calculator," Evil Man said. He pressed a button.
"Serena! Are you there?" Sailor Venus asked appearing.
"Sailor Venus!" Evil Man said in surprise.
"Who are you!" Venus said. "What have you done with Serena!"
"Hmm...you know what.." Evil Man said and tossed the communicator away in surprise.
"What?" Car Thief Man said.
"I think this girl knows the Sailor Scouts.."
"Ah..that's not good is it?"
"No..it isn't...in fact it's worse than that, it's really bad."
An energy blast flew over them.
"Yikes their here!" Car Thief Man said and slid the car to a stop.
"Unless you want real trouble," Guardian Moon said. "I suggest you let go of Serena."
"Hmm nah," Evil Man said and in a flash vanished with Serena.
"What.." Guardian Moon said.
"Hey! Where'd you go!" Car Thief Man shouted.
Guardian Moon charged.
"Ugh!" Car Thief Man said as Guardian Moon connected with his attack.
"Where'd they go!" Sailor Pluto said landing nearby.
Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune arrived soon after.
"They teleported away somehow." Guardian Moon said.
"They could be anywhere," Sailor Pluto said.
"Gmerc come in," Sailor Uranus said into her communicator.
Lisa appeared.
"Any idea where Serena is?"
"That's a problem my cameras are searching the immediate area, but it'll take time for them to hone in on her depending on how far she has gone," Lisa said.
"They must have caught her by surprise," Sailor Neptune said.
"Uh oh," Sailor Pluto said.
"What?" The scouts all said.
"Look," Sailor Pluto said.
Sitting in the back seat of the car was Sailor Moon's transformation brooch.
"Wait a second..isn't she right there?" Lisa asked.
"No she isn't..let me tell you why," Haruka said.
Serena woke up in the dark.
"Wha...where..am..I.."
"Welcome to fantasy island!" Evil Man said. "Actually we're just in a warehouse. The fantasy warehouse!"
Evil man laughed.
Serena noticed she was in a cage.
"So you just had this readily prepared then?" she asked.
"Yep," Evil Man said. "Thought it could come in handy."
"How original..a cage." Serena muttered. "Couldn't you come up with anything better?"
Minutes later she had been tied to a chair.
"How original..tied to a chair..like that hasn't been done.." Serena said.
"No I'm not falling for that a second time.." Evil Man said.
"Fell for it? I'm worse off then when I started!"
"Ah...you're just trying to outwit me! It won't happen my dear...I'm too smart for you..wife."
He advanced towards her.
"Oh no you don't," Serena said pushing away.
"Now..now..it's not so bad wife..for you I shall reveal my true form."
He pulled off his mask.
"ANDREW!" Serena shouted.
"Andrew? I guess that is my name..but I am truly Evil Man!"
"I thought you were an accountant!
"All part of the plan," Evil Man said. "Anyway..now we shall begin the pre-marital arrangements."
"Now this is irony," Serena muttered.
"Just how are we supposed to find her now?" Sailor Mars said.
"There are ways," Sailor Earth said. "We just have to seek out her telepathic vibrations."
"This city is huge," Sailor Mars said.
"Which means we should stop talking and start searching," Guardian Mars said.
"There's got to be some way to track her down..." Sailor Venus said.
"Maybe we can draw Evil Man out and then follow him," Sailor Mercury said.
"That's a plan," Maverick said.
"How exactly do we do that though?" Guardian Venus asked.
"Any luck yet!" Tuxedo Mask said hurrying up.
"No, sorry," Sailor Pluto said. "We're trying as hard as we can."
"I know," Tuxedo Mask said.
"Maybe there's some clue with the car and Car Thief Man.." Guardian Uranus said.
"Car Thief Man was a blank," Sailor Saturn said.
"The car was stolen," Guardian Moon said.
"Well where was it stolen from..maybe that's something," Sailor Uranus said.
"I don't think it turned up anything," Guardian Moon said.
"Then what are we going to do just give up?" Sailor Mars snapped.
"We just need a plan," Sailor Pluto said.
"Are you comfortable?" Evil Man asked.
"I'm tied to a chair." Serena muttered.
"Oh..good point. I could tie you to something else."
"Hey..how about getting rid of the ropes altogether."
"No..then you might run away."
"I wouldn't, I'm your loving wife aren't I?"
"Not until the reverend gets here."
"You sent for a priest?"
"Oh yes, Reverend Man."
"Just how many of you are there?" Serena snapped.
"A lot actually."
"Oh...great," Serena said.
The door blasted open.
Evil Man whirled. The scouts all appeared.
"What..how?" Evil Man said.
"You were hiding at the Evil Man Candy Company!" the scouts all shouted.
"Oh..yeah..well...bam!" Evil Man said and disappeared.
"Thank goodness you all got here," Serena said. "It was just that easy wasn't it?"
"Oh yeah.." Sailor Mars said untying her. "Still you got us worried. You all right?"
"I almost married Andrew. But everything else is all right."
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