Chapter 394
The scouts had assembled in the middle of the .A.P.T. house's living room.
"So this enemy we've got to deal with is actually an organization?" Taiki asked.
"Apparently," Haruka said.
"I don't get it, I thought this was all random," Serena said.
"That was no random attack though," Haruka said. "Evil man despite his pathetic sounding name possesses a good deal of power."
"But he can't teleport that far," Serena said. "I figured it out yesterday, he can only move back to his house through some sort of tunnel through time and space."
"That's important to know," Setsuna said. "Still what is his goal?"
"And why did he have this facade set up for trying to take over the world through lobbying anyway?" Lita asked.
"Furthermore just how many of these guys are still out there?" Akiro asked.
"I believe I can answer that question," came a voice. A projection of Jasen appeared in the air.
"Where are you?" Serena asked.
"Mongolia, but that's not important, and this projection drains my strength..."
"You could just use a phone," Mike said.
"The long distance rates stink here," Jasen said.
"Unbelievable," Yaten said.
"Anyway..what you are dealing with is what I suspected, but was afraid to talk about. You see the person most likely behind this is a being known as Ircanite."
"Ircanite? One of yours?" Haruka asked.
"Yes," Jasen said. "You see when we invaded there was several warriors already with the negaverse that weren't converted, Coardite, Metalite and such..Ircanite was their commander. You see though that Ircanite survived the war, but was heavily wounded. Negaverse officers don't die unless killed, and he healed."
"Just how do you know this?" Sai asked.
"I have ways of finding out," Jasen said. "The point is that after this long time, Ircanite has gradually been draining energy out of various remote areas, building his power, but he's not an idiot, there are twenty two of you now, he'd be a fool to attack you alone."
"So he's up to something else?" Setsuna asked.
"Yes, he has used a crystal of the negamoon," Jasen said.
"What's that?" Serena asked.
"An orb of pure negaenergy. It's not something he can use to power anything, instead it is kind of a magnet for a variety of forces across the galaxy."
"You're kidding," Mike said.
"Far from it. You see that I learned this just a short time ago. Ircanite has placed it somewhere in the city."
"Is that why every evil force from Coardite to the Allen Parsons Project has been showing up here!" Serena shrieked.
"Uh..that's one way of putting it, but yes, Ircanite has been attempting to weaken you since Queen Beryl fell. Naturally not every evil force has been drawn here by that, or every force has gone to Tokyo, but plenty of them have. And it's not only evil as well, but other cosmic powers, that giant animal out in Tokyo Bay for instance."
"What is it Jasen?" Michiru asked.
"I don't know, it could be evil.."
"Oh..wonderful," Serena said. "But hasn't Ircanite learned that anything he throws at us we just take care of."
"Yes, but he's been stalling for time I suspect," Jasen said.
"But is he behind Evil Man?" Ai asked.
"Yes, the energy dropped from the meteor may have warped the minds of the people who ingested it, however, Ircanite has moved in since then I think."
"You seem to know a lot," Setsuna said.
"I've been around," Jasen said. "But I wanted to confirm my suspicious. Now you know."
"So how do we stop this Ircanite?" Raye asked.
"Leave that to me, I'm looking for him. In the meantime you just worry about the trouble you've got right now. Evil Man probably has some friends, Ircanite set up."
"But now they're working together for a common purpose aren't they?" Ayeka asked.
"Yes, so they won't be as erratic," Jasen said. "However they aren't exactly trained fighters either, so you have some advantages. And I don't believe their a match for all of you. They could be I don't know, but I'm sure you'll be fine."
"Where's that stupid magnet he set up!" Serena said. "I'm going to rip it apart!"
"Uh..well I don't know, and you won't be able to look for it either, I mean it's not easy to find, in fact it's not meant to be found," Jasen said. "You could probably find it, but right now you have other problems."
"Thanks for the news," Most of the scouts muttered.
"Ehh..quit complaining.." Jasen said and disappeared.
"Well now we know more about what we're dealing with," Setsuna said. "Now we have to deal with it."
"Everyone else can deal with it. I want a cream soda," Serena said.
"I guess we could have expected that," Michiru said.
"Look, we just need to wait for the enemies to make their move as usual," Serena said. "So until then I'm going to get a drink."
She headed for the door and walked out.
"What a girl.." Luna muttered.
"Well she's right," Artemas said. "She might as well enjoy the time."
"Yes, I guess so," Luna said.
"We'd better keep an eye on her," Mina said.
"Yeah lot of beasties running about," Lita said hurrying after Serena.
"You two just want to get a soda too!" Raye said following them.
"Hey...the larger the bodyguard the better!" Mike said.
"So true!" Rick said.
"I will make the sacrifice to protect her life!" Akiro said.
"Not without me you won't," Ai said.
"Uh....I'm just going," Seiya said and followed.
Steve growled and headed off in another direction.
"I'll see what I can turn up," Haruka said.
"Haruka you have a race tomorrow, why don't you concentrate on that," Michiru said.
"This job comes first," Haruka said.
"Haruka..." Setsuna said. "Just worry about the race. We'll handle things."
Haruka looked around. The rest of the scouts nodded.
"Our duties may own us, but they don't need to keep us from our true selves," Sai said.
"Yes I guess so," Haruka said "Thank you."
She headed out.
"She needs to the break," Michiru said.
"Now that we've given her one what do we next?" Ayeka asked.
"Find out all we can," Setsuna said. "Still..Serena is right, the enemy knows what it is doing, we don't."
"I'll see what I can find out," Sai said. "I've been known to pull something out of nothing."
"Hey.don't sell the blue team short, we're usually a step ahead too," Ayeka said.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Sai muttered and walked out.
"He's just sore because I swatted him into next week," "Lisa" said.
"You are going to keep on it too?" Setsuna asked.
"Setsuna I suggest that everyone just leave it to Sai and myself," "Lisa" said. "We'll find out what is needed. The rest of you should all relax."
"That's kind of you to say," Michiru said. "But we have our obligations."
"In my opinion everyone has to forget about that right now. The key to the scouts success is to be able to live normally around the problems we face," "Lisa" said.
"He's right," Amy said. "That's always been true."
"Well I'm going to help," Ayeka said. "But I love this stuff, everyone else, just put it out of your mind."
"Easier said then done," Taiki said.
"Oh come on Taiki, we can go out, it'll perk you right up," Amy said.
"Uh right," Taiki said.
"I'm all for it," Yaten said. "Call me if you need me."
He headed out.
"Guess there's something to be said for just letting things run their course," Setsuna said.
"Most definitely," Michiru said.
The next morning.
"All right..we're ready for this!" Mike said.
"Don't get too excited," Steve muttered.
"Ehh. Don't be such a spoil sport, and what's with you anyway?"
"I am acting differently that's all," Steve said.
"Well obviously, but you've been completely out of it lately?"
"Yes I have," Steve said and walked off.
"And the streak continues," Mike muttered.
"He's got issues," Rick said.
"Didn't notice," Mike said.
"Maybe I could slide across the stage, would that be neat?" Mina asked.
"Slide across the stage?" Raye asked. "Are you nuts."
"What's wrong with it?"
"I can't put it into words," Raye said.
"I think it would get the audience's attention," Lita said.
"Don't encourage her," Raye said.
"I don't know, there's a place in society for girls like Mina," Lita said.
"There's a place for everyone, but the big question is where and how far down.." Raye said.
"Why do you get meaner whenever we perform together?" Mina asked.
"I'm always mean remember?" Raye asked with a grin.
"Now ladies don't fight," Seiya said. "You all have your strong points."
"Thank you so much for that brilliant appraisal," Raye said.
"Yeah, if I'm ever suffering from a lack of confidence, I'll ask for your stirring words," Mina said.
"Ouch...sorry I said anything," Seiya said and walked off.
The doors swung open.
"Oh..look who it is.." Yaten muttered.
"I thought we would never have to see that face again," Taiki said.
In walked the head of Inferno Records, Mr. Mitsukishi.
"Ah..I see the whole gang is back together again."
"Yeah we're going to rob a bank this afternoon," Mike said. "Tell me we didn't forget the dynamite."
"So what do you want?" Rick asked.
"Well you're about to battle one of my performers, and so I take an interest. You see I figure we can make an event of this," Mitsukishi said.
"Not interested," the group said.
"Sorry..Chad is my property so to speak, and as such I set the rules for you facing him in musical combat."
"This had to happen sooner or later," Seiya muttered.
"It's very simple, tomorrow's competition will be moved to the Egg Dome," Mr. Mitsukishi said referring to one of the largest arenas in the country.
"We'll fill it with everyone!" the producer shouted.
"You can't fill the egg dome with people wanting to see this silly thing," Yaten said.
"Ah..but I can if the seats are free. After all..you aren't under contract so I can't really charge for it. However, I can sell all the merchandise I want. And I will be promoting Chad throughout. When he beats you all, and he will..I'll capitalize. That's all."
"You really are a loser," Seiya said.
"I'm rich, that's what I know," Mitsukishi said and walked out.
"I didn't think we'd have such a large audience," Raye said.
"This is great though! We can wallop Chad in front of that sized group!" Mina said.
"Uh...yes, but this isn't supposed to be a circus," Yaten said.
"Life is a circus, you only get to pick what seat you sit in..sort of," Mike said.
"How true you are," Mina said.
"I don't particularly want him making all this money off of us," Yaten said.
"Yeah, our days of that are over," Taiki said.
"But this is a one time thing, it's just for fun," Seiya said.
"I agree," Rick said. "We go in, we win and we get out."
"He's right guys," Raye said. "This'll be fun,"
"Hmm..fun is something I'm beginning to enjoy less and less," Taiki said.
"Well said!" Mike said and banged on a drum.
"I guess we've come this far," Yaten said.
"That's true," Taiki said. "Fine."
"This will require a whole new outfit change though," Mina said.
"I knew it," Raye said. "And you took an even shorter time then usual to say it!"
Mina grinned.
Steve wandered back.
"Hey Steve we're playing the egg dome can you believe it," Mike said.
"Peachy keen," Steve muttered.
Lita looked on with some degree of concern.
At a race track several miles outside Tokyo.
"Now..Haruka..this is your first race, so you should be careful, get into the feel of things," her manager said.
"Right sir," Haruka said. "Is winning out of the question?"
"What? You actually are going to try to go out there and win?"
"Yes of course," Haruka said.
"Well..good luck."
"Thank you," Haruka said.
In the stands of the race track.
"I'm normally not a fan of this kind of thing," Setsuna said. "But Haruka needs our support just as much as anyone else."
"A race like this has a certain beauty to it too," Michiru said. "The speed itself is a sight to behold."
"It is awfully dangerous though."
"Haruka has trouble settling down," Michiru said.
The race started, with a colorful group of competitors shooting around the track. Haruka followed quickly, moving up to pass a biker. Gino Salvetti, the Italian Stalion and the race favorite slid up towards her.
"Not this time," Haruka said and slid back and around her opponent and shot down the track towards another racer.
"She's doing well," Michiru said.
"Somehow I didn't think she was going to take it easy," Setsuna said.
Haruka grinned slightly as she advanced towards another racer. An opponent moved up under her.
"Ganging up on me are you?" she said and shot by both of them narrowly avoiding a third.
"Are they after her or something?" Setsuna asked.
"Of course they are, but she knows that," Michiru said.
Haruka rounded another turn and slid under another cyclist.
"Wow..she's going for it all," Setsuna said. "I had no idea she was this good."
"Haruka keeps some things to herself, but her desire is clear," Michiru said.
"Second place..already," Setsuna said.
"It's a long race though," Michiru said. "Still she knows that. But she has a statement to make."
The crowd began to shout ether for our against her as she approached the leader. The leader looked behind him.
"Just try it girlie!" he said.
Haruka ducked under him. He slid down. Haruka backed off.
"Yeah and stay there!" he said.
The two sped around a corner continuing to vie for position.
"They're getting awfully close," Setsuna said.
Michiru just smiled.
"Aren't you worried?"
"Of course," Michiru said. "But I'm happy at the same time."
"Oh..you'll have to teach me how to be like that sometime."
"It's more of an inherent trait."
The two shot around another turn, Haruka pulled under the leader. He sped down, they bumped. Haruka leaned in, the leader bounced off and fell back. She shot around another corner and towards the finish line to complete the lap.
The leader grimaced and sped up racing after her.
She thinks she so good, she hasn't faced the master!
The leader shot forward again.
Haruka noticed him again.
They began sparring yet again.
An hour or so later.
"I'm proud of you Haruka," Michiru said.
"Uh..Thanks,"Haruka said.
"Second place in your first run, now that's going to make some news."
"I wanted to win," Haruka said.
"Now very few people win your first race, it won't be too long before your in the winner's circle."
"I guess so," Haruka said.
"You've made racing history, you should be happy," Michiru said.
"I am, really," Haruka said.
"Then show it," Setsuna said.
"Sorry," Haruka said. "I just..I wanted to win."
The others smiled.
Chad strode up the steps to Raye's temple quickly and was soon standing in the yard.
"Ah...he returns," Urawa Motoki said.
"Here I am," Chad said. "Is Raye here?"
"She's in the forest," Motoki said.
"Ah..what's she doing?"
"Posing nude," Motoki said.
"Why do you save all your built up sarcasm for me?" Chad asked.
"All part of my training," Motoki said.
Chad said nothing and went into the forest.
"Hey..Uh Raye.." he said. "Raye? You here?"
Raye swung down out of a tree.
"What are you doing here?" Raye asked.
"Well I thought I'd stop by," Chad said. "Say hello."
"Wanna give up before our big concert tomorrow?"
"Nah...the crowd wouldn't like it, and you've all been working so hard. Otherwise yeah."
"You're serious," Raye realized.
"Yeah I am," Chad said. "I'm such a loser."
"Well..you're not that much of a loser," Raye said with a smile. "But honestly Chad what's the problem?"
"You're all going out there to convince me I'm just a good guitarist. You're right, and I don't mind that. I like it. I guess I just wanted to see my name in lights, but all I'll ever be is in everyone else's shadow. And I don't mind that, but...not as Chad..but as a guitar guy. So after tomorrow I'm going to quit."
"You are? Chad..are you sure."
"I've had fun, but now it's time for me to settle back in."
"Oh.." Raye said. "You're moving back here?"
"Not if you don't want me to."
"No..it's not like that, I'm just surprised, I thought you wanted a big break."
"Not anymore, I'm just a guy."
"Is there anyone I know that actually will accept show business?"
"Guess not."
"Well..we're special people I guess."
"You bet you are," Chad said. "Anyway..good luck tomorrow, enjoy annihilating me."
"Chad you're still going to do your best aren't you?"
"Oh sure," Chad said. "I can't give up on the fans, but..against all of you..you're too good..I'm just a wannabe."
"Chad..I'm sure they could always use you back."
"Oh?"
"Yeah sure."
"Well who cares there's no band anymore. I just want to live in a temple again and serve it's beautiful shrine maiden."
"Oh.." Raye said and blushed.
"I'll bring my girlfriend by to see you soon. I'm sure she'd like to meet you."
"Oh..sure,..you have a girlfriend?" Raye asked.
"I've had several, this is the latest."
"Doesn't surprise me," Raye said.
Chad laughed and headed off.
The next night at the Egg Dome.
"I can't believe they actually filled this place," Serena said sitting in the front row.
"I guess there really are a lot of fans of the music," Amy said. "Besides this is a very special event."
"Hmm..the food costs too much," Serena said.
Amy grinned.
"I don't like the looks of this crowd," Hotaru said.
"That's what we normally say," Greg said.
"Play In Da Gada da Vida!" Akiro shouted.
"There's no one on stage," Ai said.
"I know," Akiro said.
"You're not too tired for this are you Haruka?" Michiru asked.
"I'm fine," Haruka said. "I hope they all do well."
"I haven't been able to see these concerts, I think the last time they had one I was fighting D.V. up on a roof,"Ayeka said.
"Couldn't find the time to get away huh?" Setsuna asked.
Ayeka smiled.
The concert began. Chad came out first and did his thing. Then the others came out. The Big Crushers arrived.
"All right.." Rick said. "Before we begin Mike has something he wanted to say."
"That's right, remember only you can prevent florist fires!"
The song began. The crowd roared.
The girls walked onto stage afterward.
"Oo..this should be interesting," Serena said.
"They're so good at combining melodies," Michiru said.
"So that's what it's called.." Akiro said.
"I guess it's our turn to show everyone how good we are," Mina said. "Does everyone like my dress?"
"Oh Mina.." Raye muttered.
The next song began and ran through. The three lights came onto the stage. Most of the girls shrieked.
"Still got it!" Seiya said.
"Well watch it all right," Lita said.
"Let's go!" Rick said. They broke into a combination song they had been working on and went through it flawlessly.
"And now to provide a solo..." Rick said.
Chad jumped onto the stage and jammed with the rest of them.
The crowd not unpredictably let out a howl.
"That's right, Chad is back with the band..they call us the Big Crushers with Three Lights, a couple of Ladies, and Mina."
"HEY!" Mina shirked. The entire arena laughed.
"They really can put on a show," Serena remarked.
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