Chapter 395
"Akiro, do you have any idea what it takes to prepare for a dance like this?" Ai asked.
"No," Akiro said. "I'm sure if I did it would lead to other problems."
"That's the wrong attitude," Ai said. "But you leave the planning to me. You can go off into your own world now."
Akiro grinned.
"So glad to hear it," Akiro said and headed off.
Dances..what do I care? If it makes Ai happy, fine. However, I really have no interest in social functions. Except to destroy them that is...but I can't do that, it would ruin Ai's evening, and that's not right. It's unfair that something she likes so much is something I hate so much. How cruel.
But it'll pass.
He headed down the street looking for something to do.
Hmm...what does one do in this city on a day like this? I've done most of the stuff with Ai, but now..it's just me. Hmm..not used to being alone...kinda odd. But I'm cool with it. He stopped outside an electronics store.
Video games..how pitiful. Real life! Now that's a challenge. He grinned. I guess some people can go for those sort of things. I prefer human opponents. Actually I hate opponents. But if they gotta be there they have to be human. That's my philosophy. Though that soccer game looks interesting. No...anything that costs fifty dollars and allows you to simulate a low scoring game such as soccer actually is quite wrong, I resent that. Though I don't resent it enough to do anything about it.
He kept walking.
"Michiru are we out of coffee?" Setsuna asked.
"No I don't think so, we just got some more," Michiru said.
"Hmm," Setsuna said and looked in a cupboard.
"Ah..here we are," she said. "Scared me for a minute."
"Amazing how humanity believes that all their problems can be solved by ingesting things," Michiru said.
"It's a necessity," Setsuna said.
"Coffee isn't."
"Trust me, it is," Setsuna said.
Michiru grinned.
"I doubt it is," Michiru said. "But if you insist."
"So what do you have planned for today?"
"Not much," Michiru said. "Haruka's down at the race track for time trials, I thought I'd just walk around, take in the universe. Maybe stop by to see Greg later."
"You've really taken an interest in him huh," Setsuna said.
"He's facing some tough challenges in his life right now, I'm just trying to help. Artist to artist. I was where he was once. I guess it can't help that his close friends all made it big with hardly any effort at all."
"It probably also can't help that they all soon learned to dislike it," Setsuna said.
"Yes, true," Michiru said. "So how does your day look?"
"It's pretty open, of course I don't know what to do," Setsuna said.
"Then lets find something," Michiru said. "If you want."
"All right," Setsuna said. "You're better at letting go then I am."
"It takes practice," Michiru said.
"Really?"
"Not particularly," Michiru said.
"Say Michiru, you're going to that silly dance with Yaten aren't you?"
"Oh..yes..it sort of makes sense, we have a similar mind set."
"You've never talked to each other though?"
"We talked once or twice, besides the mystery excites me," Michiru said.
"I guess it would," Setsuna said. "The girls are all going crazy while their dates seem less than willing."
"Yes well that's what happens with a dance this crazy, but I'm sure they'll all have fun," Michiru said.
"Can I ask you something honestly?"
"Sure."
"Do you hope to make any headway with Yaten at this dance."
"Romantically? Absolutely not. But I would like to get to know him better."
"That's what I thought. Don't you have your eye on anyone Michiru?"
"That's an interesting question," Michiru said. "I really don't think in those terms."
"Oh?"
"Yes, it's hard to explain. Haruka's a close friend to me, and I prefer to spend my efforts with her, you know strengthening that relationship then necessarily finding someone else," Michiru said.
"I can understand that," Setsuna said.
"Yes, well..that's how it is," Michiru said. "I guess I'm afraid in a way that if I was to find someone else I might lose Haruka, I mean if I were to get married or something, then what?"
"Haruka feels the same way it seems," Setsuna said.
"That's right. Right now I feel happy as it is," Michiru said.
"You seem to be doing fine," Setsuna said.
"Ehh..." Steve muttered.
"Great to see you in such high spirits," Mike said sliding into a booth across from him.
"Is it really?" Steve said.
"What?"
"I've been keeping up this solitary loner act for some reason, but now I'm just depressed."
"Well that's wonderful," Mike said. "You've realized your human. Now come back to Earth. So what's the problem?"
"It's just not fair.."
"That Seiya has Lita and you don't? Come on you gotta get beyond this. Turning into the dark lord of emptiness won't help."
"But Mike, she made me whole."
"Steve you're really freaking me out here."
"Ah..looks like I'm just in time," Rick said sitting down.
"Look..guys..is it so wrong for me to attracted to Lita?" Steve said.
"It's so wrong to do everything else you're doing," Rick said.
"Exactly," Mike said.
"Steve, you're obsessed to the point of self destruction," Rick said.
"And while that's entertaining to watch it's no fun to be," Mike said. "Look Steve you gotta put this behind you. You'll destroy yourself if you don't."
"I know that," Steve said. "But what else can I do...you know how bad I am at sorting out the intricacies of love and such."
"That's not a problem, men aren't supposed to know anything about love, it makes it easier for us to fight wars," Mike said.
"Yeah, we're evolutionarily impaired," Rick said. "To tell you the truth you are a little too obsessed here. I have to doubt your manliness at this point."
"Ah..I see.." Steve said. "Then I must retrieve my manliness."
He stood up.
"What exactly are you doing?" Mike asked.
"I'm going downtown!" Steve said and walked out.
"Oh..good he's going downtown," Rick said.
"He's cured," Mike said.
"No, he's going to get into a fight," Rick said.
"He's cured."
"Not if he's caught by the will o' wisps of love he isn't."
"Aw..come this is Steve here."
"Anything's possible."
"You're right, let's go."
The two hurried after him.
What an odd sight that is. Akiro thought as he witnessed Steve hurrying down the street with his two closest friends right behind him.
I'm tempted to follow them, find out what's happening, but I might spoil it. They might not act normally with me around and that's not what I'm about. Besides it seems that whatever they're doing it's somewhat important, so I'll let it go.
He continued to walk.
I wonder just what goes through the heads of everyone out here. Do they like their lives, are they glad to be on the sidewalk? Do they wish they were somewhere else. Naturally the answer would be different for many of them. Still I am curious. He glanced inside a woman's clothing shop out of curiosity more than anything else. He noticed Serena, Lita, Mina, Raye, and Amy all clustering around various racks.
Picking out their dresses no doubt. They seem to be happy enough. Still it's interesting how we differ. They marvel at the various styles and colors they can choose and look for the right fit. Men just pick the tux or shirt that works and goes with it. Hah! We've got it easy. And we don't get pregnant either. Why would anyone want to be a girl? Though I guess I'm oversimplifying the matter.
He kept on walking.
"It's too bad you're a girl," Ayeka said.
"I noticed," "Lisa" said.
"It would have been wonderful if we could have gone to the dance together. I mean the last dance we attended we crashed through the roof locked in mortal combat," Ayeka said.
"I remember."
"Though it was romantic, the two of us alone in the moonlight, our swords glistening in the darkness..and we were trying to kill each other," Ayeka said dreamily.
"Oh..memories....how wonderful?"
"You know I'm opening up to you, you could respect that."
"I'm a girl what can I say."
"You use that excuse for everything now. You're just in a bad mood."
"Because I'm a girl, need I remind you what I went through recently."
"Well those things happen," Ayeka said.
"Setsuna we both know there are more universes then this one, and that there are even alternate versions of this existence," Michiru said.
"That we do."
"Do you ever wish you were part of another one."
"No, I'm used to the idea though," Setsuna said. "Still this is my universe, like it or not. I'd feel strange without it."
"I guess I'd be the same way. I'm curious though, does what you see in those other dimensions surprise you? I mean is the wonder still there."
"Oh yes," Setsuna said. "I can still be surprised, and in awe of what happens. It is some amazing sights."
"I'm sure you wish you could walk away though."
"Many times, I guess if someone took my place I would, but there aren't any takers."
"That's too bad," Michiru said. "You'd think someone wouldn't mind the power."
"But many of those people are dangerous, the right person would have to come forward."
"I suppose you're right," Michiru said. "It's too bad, you shouldn't have to spend eternity dealing with these problems."
"I know," Setsuna said. "But at least I have the time."
She smiled.
Michiru grinned.
"It's too bad, I wonder what you could contribute to our world without everything else hanging over you," Michiru said.
"I wonder that too sometimes," Setsuna said. "But it doesn't bother me. I've got plenty to do and I'm proud of it."
"I guess I can respect that."
"But enough talk about that, let's talk about what we see here and now."
"It's beautiful that's what it is," Michiru said. "I play songs about things like this."
"I can tell," Setsuna said. "You're quite good at conveying the images."
"Thank you for saying so," Michiru said. "Many people don't notice the images."
"I do."
"Then you are blessed with better senses then many."
"Maybe, but you do such a good job, I'm surprised everyone doesn't see it," Setsuna said.
"Well they don't," Michiru said. "It's too bad, I only do it for them."
"Really?"
"Yes, there's only much satisfaction I can get from my music, but I push it higher for them."
"Then you must get satisfaction when they're happy."
"Yes, but that's a little different."
"Oh? How?"
"It just is," Michiru said. "The happiness I feel playing my music is different from what others think of it, I do that for a reason. That's so even if others don't like what I play I can still take solace in what I've done. I don't dare combine the two."
"So you're still afraid you won't be accepted."
"I just cover myself," Michiru said. "I don't want the art form I believe in to be tarnished by those that don't understand me, and they are out there."
"I understand what you mean," Setsuna said.
"But now we're onto a topic that may not be that fun, so let's move on," Michiru said.
Setsuna nodded.
"Those crazy girls," Seiya said.
"What?" Taiki asked.
"They've been trying to convince me to wear a red tuxedo," Seiya said.
"Wouldn't you normally do something like that on your own?" Taiki asked.
"I wouldn't go that far," Seiya said. "I'm surprised they haven't been over you trying to get the same thing."
"One red tuxedo would be interesting, two an eye sore," Taiki said.
"Maybe, how about a nice green?"
"Not likely," Taiki said.
"So I bet you've got it easy with Amy as your date. Lita won't stop talking about everything."
"I do not have it easy," Taiki said. "Amy's been proving to be quite a handful lately."
"Oh..really..why do you think that is?"
"I don't know, though Yaten thinks its because she's in love, but this really doesn't seem to fit. No one in love is that upbeat?"
"Well..Amy has her quirks from what I hear," Seiya said.
"I wasn't aware of anything like that," Taiki said.
"Ah..well it's no big deal, you should be flattered though. She's pouring her heart out to you."
"Oh believe me I am, but she's not getting much studying done either."
"How terrible," Seiya said.
"There is such a thing as planning for the future."
"Yeah, well I'll figure that out when it happens."
"Bad attitude."
Yaten walked in.
"Hello you two, did I miss anything, probably not," Yaten said.
"No don't worry. You didn't miss anything you probably won't hear again," Taiki said.
Seiya grinned.
"So what do you think about a red tuxedo Yaten?" Seiya asked.
"Well they shouldn't exist," Yaten said.
"Ah..since they do..would it work with me?"
"No...it wouldn't work with anyone."
"Oh...so why are the girls so big on the idea. Lita's really pushing it."
"The girls are not thinking straight," Yaten said.
"You noticed that too," Taiki said.
"Oh, yes," Yaten said. "You can tell, they're all acting like Mina normally does, and Mina is practically worth institutionalizing."
"I wonder what has been building up to this," Taiki said.
"What do you mean?" Seiya asked.
"Well are these girls going to get like this occasionally from now on," Taiki said.
"Probably," Yaten said. "Can't you accept that?"
"I think I would have problems," Taiki said.
"Hey, it's kinda cute in a way," Seiya said.
"I don't think it is," Yaten said. "Still..it'll pass."
"Yes, well..anyway...it's just very disturbing when it's Amy," Taiki said.
"I can understand your reasoning there," Yaten said.
"Ah..thank you," Taiki said.
Meanwhile downtown.
"Steve as much as I'd like to believe that you know what you're doing.." Mike began.
"I do know what I'm doing," Steve said. "You're right, I've lost my way, and the best way to get it back is a good bar fight."
"At 4 in the afternoon?" Rick asked.
"Yes," Steve said. "I'm sure I can find one."
"That's all assuming that it's a good idea to want to find a bar fight, I mean bar fights are not all their cracked up to be," Mike said.
"You two didn't have to come along," Steve said.
"Sure we did, we need to identify the body," Rick said.
"Besides, someone needs to keep you from completely losing your mind though we don't seem to be doing a good job," Mike said.
Steve grinned.
"All right..all right..I'm done.." he said.
"What?" Mike said.
"I think I'm back to normal, I just needed to immerse myself in one of our crazy adventures," Steve said. "I think I'm fine."
"Aw..good." Rick said.
"You had us going there," Mike said.
"Yeah I know," Steve said. "But I'm fine now."
"Hey! You looking for a good bar fight!" someone shouted from the street.
"Why?" Steve asked.
"Check this out!"
A man went smashing through a wooden door.
"Oh I can't pass this up!" Steve said.
"Now wait a second!" Mike said.
"No this is my own choice it has no emotional value whatsoever!" Steve said.
"That doesn't reassure us!" Rick and Mike shouted as Steve hurried into the
brawl.
"So Setsuna have you ever thought about a relationship?" Michiru asked.
"No way," Setsuna said. "There's no way I can get drawn into one."
"Are you sure."
"I'd outlive my husband, that wouldn't work."
"Oh.."
"I've tried it before."
"I see..and it didn't work out?"
"No," Setsuna said. "I can't get involved."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Michiru said. "You could use some companionship."
"Yes..well..I know that," Setsuna said. "I've got a lot to do, and my friends do fine."
"I'm flattered, but really Setsuna, are you sure that there couldn't be someone for you?"
"I can't allow that, even if there was someone I cared for. My powers are just..well..the only person I could ever be close to is someone who lived the same life I do, and then I don't think we'd have the time for it, but that's the only scenario."
"Oh...is maybe that person floating around the cosmos somewhere?"
"I can't look for them," Setsuna said. "But that's all right. I live without it. It's not something that hurts me or keeps me awake at night you now. I'm fine with it."
"Somehow I don't think you are, but that's all right," Michiru said. "I shouldn't have brought it up."
"No no it's all right, I guess if there's anyone I should talk to about it, it's you."
"Thank you for saying so," Michiru said.
Ah..Setsuna and Michiru. An interesting pair, though I'm used to seeing Haruka with them. There's such a burden on their shoulders, but they've adapted surprisingly well..not like I have, or Ai had, though she managed to get around it with a video game. I still haven't figured that one out. Akiro thought. I wonder if I should talk to them. Nah..might as well just keep to myself.
Where's Sai? No doubt tracking the enemy down. I wonder about him, he's gone a little over the edge of late, and that's not a good sign. He should learn to relax. Then again, look at what's he endured. No parents..forced to fight all these evil powerful forces, and me and Ai the only company he's had for years. Surprised he hasn't cracked completely.
I wonder where my parents are right now. Guess they're probably somewhere they like completely at terms with the fact I ran away from them. It's been ten years, they must have learned to live with it. I wonder...yeah..ten years...by now. They deserved it anyway.
He stopped and stared at a bird sitting on a fence.
Birds..what interesting creatures. Soaring majestically, yet so vulnerable to their own kind. I'd hate to be a bird, too easy to get into trouble. What am I talking about? I get into trouble constantly.
He kept going.
Back down town.
"So let me get this straight...you went in to try and break up the fight?" The cop asked.
"Absolutely," Steve said. "And then I got hit and I fought back, self defense."
"That's right officer, how could Steve have gotten in there if there wasn't a fight, he's underage" Mike said.
"And he's not stupid enough to pick a fight with that felon," Rick said.
"Hmm...true," The cop said. "All right on your way..but I suggest you stay out of here for a while."
"Yes, well..that's what I usually do," Steve said. "I was on my way to do some missionary work."
"He's a good Christian," Rick said.
"Completely," Mike said. "I mean he even does the rosary, he's nuts if you asked me, started the crusades I think. His family I mean."
"Whatever," The cop said.
The three headed off.
"See? I'm the man!" Steve said.
"You almost got yourself killed," Mike said.
"Sure did," Steve said.
"That was stupid," Rick said.
"Sure was," Steve said.
"You the man!" the other two said.
"Oh yeah!" Steve said.
"I wouldn't ever leave this universe voluntarily," Setsuna said. "It's too beautiful, even with all the problems it has...the potential it has is so great, and while there are those who would destroy it from within and without, I don't think that'll ever happen. They're too strong."
"That's why it's easy to defend all this," Michiru said. "It will endure..somehow."
"Humanity isn't perfect."
"Not even close."
"There may be alien civilizations that have tried to conquer or just came to visit who may be more advanced then us in many ways, but that's all right, because we manage. I know this planet well. I can't say I'd want to be anywhere else."
"Have you had the chance to leave it?"
"Once, and I didn't take it," Setsuna said. "I'm so glad I didn't. It's very nice here."
"Hi Setsuna! Michiru!" the five girls said running by.
Setsuna smiled.
"That is what it all about isn't it?" She said.
"Them, yeah," Michiru said. "That is why we're here, so people like them can be happy."
"I'm willing to live with the pain and trouble that causes aren't you?"
"Yes, absolutely," Michiru said. "You know all we've talked about is our problems, why don't we stop that."
"I don't know it makes me who I am."
"Yes, me too, but let's go do something we can enjoy all right?"
"Sure," Setsuna said and the two headed off
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