Chapter 415
"And what would that be?" Ircanite asked. "It had better be good."
"Oh it is," Sorophyte said. "You see it all leads back to what you're really after. Namely the city of Tokyo..of course what do you care for the city? Nothing.."
"What of it?"
"You of course seek the power like no one has seen before. A power much older..much more powerful. You seek the power of the descendants of this universe!"
"I am well aware of that."
"I'm letting you know I know now too. A gift from Caria before she died. But anyway..you will understand why I am restating all this soon," Sorophyte said. "Is it not true that before the silver millennium, possibly centuries, possible millennia itself, a civilization existed?"
"Yes that is true."
"And from this civilization grew an empire that stretched into the reaches of space?"
"Indeed it did," Ircanite said.
"But this empire didn't last..now it's people destroyed themselves in their power...well not their power..it was only buried.."
"That is exactly it."
"And you seek buried down below the city. Deep below. The power, a weapon of that old race..a weapon of immense power."
"Yes!"
"Exactly," Sorophyte said. "And I am going to acquire it for you."
"You?"
"Right from under the scouts noses. You see there's a race of people down there, daimons and such from various wars. I've been gradually enslaving them, but trying to keep the scouts from noticing..and so far I've achieved it. Right now there are hundred of creatures digging slowly..towards your goal."
"I see..." Ircanite said. "So that was what lead you to serve up two of our warriors as bait."
"I did not expect the human response to be so effective...that is true, but they did serve a purpose. Yes I finalized the plans...there isn't a creature left in that area that knows any differently from what I'm telling them. In fact...the deaths of our two comrades adds to the it all. You see now the scouts believe they are winning, they do have more crystals then us..true..but if we get to that power first.the crystals will mean nothing."
"Still...I want the crystals," Ircanite said. "Sailor Moon is dangerous, if she was to acquire the rest of them..she might interfere anyway."
"I figured as much, you just leave keeping the Tokyo scouts busy to me. The rest of them can waste their time with Visinite."
"Yes..that's the idea," Ircanite said. "Sorophyte, you must kill some more of the scouts."
"I know," Sorophyte said. "I have a few choice targets in mind."
He grinned.
"Then get to it," Ircanite said.
Sorophyte grinned and headed out.
"Visinite! Report!"
Visinite walked in slowly.
"Uh..well.." Visinite said. "We lost another one."
"You disappoint me. You used to be so good at this," Ircanite said.
"I'm sorry," Visinite said. "I will try harder next time."
"Oh spare me," Ircanite said. "You will have all that's left of the strike force. I don't want you to move until you have a definite plan to destroy the scouts. Understood?"
"Yes sir."
"Good...now go."
Visinite hurried out.
"Good to see you feeling better Steve," Lita said.
"Oh..uh thanks," Steve said. "It is good to see you..uh.well."
Lita glanced at him.
"Uh..hi.." Steve said. "I'd better be going now."
"What..wait.."
"No..no..that's okay..time's a wasting," Steve said and hurried down the street.
"Strange behavior," Lita said.
"Oh come on..discharge me.." Patterson snapped.
"I can't do that, D.V. you've got a back injury again..you really have to stop pushing yourself."
"It'll be fine in a day or so.."
"I'm afraid not..this is a major mend."
"Keeping in mind who I am."
"D.V...you're knee has been knocked out of place again anyway..you're not going anywhere..for a few more days..got it?"
D.V. sighed.
And where's this magical healing when I need it?"
"Jeez..you really challenge the power don't you?" Ayeka asked.
"It gets worse each time," D.V. said.
"It's nothing to be proud of," Ayeka said. "You know some people in this world actually care about you. I don't like seeing you like this."
"I don't exactly seek this stuff out."
"You could be more careful..most of the time you get into trouble trying to stab someone."
"It's very effective.."
"At getting you into a hospital bed.."
"I do what I can for the team."
"Well stop doing it for once. I don't want to see you hurt like this ever again."
"I'll try.."
"You will."
Ayeka said sternly and walked out.
"Taiki! Yaten..what are you doing back?" Seiya asked.
"Well..with Mina there the scouts are pretty able to handle themselves, and they figured we were better off back here, since everyone's still on the mend a little," Taiki said.
"Ironically this now brings the Guardian Scouts to one side of the conflict, which I don't know can ever be considered a good thing," Yaten said.
"So true," Taiki said.
"It's good to have you back," Seiya said. "Most of these guys give me the creeps. I mean..you know.."
"I'm not surprised," Taiki said.
"Common response," Yaten said.
"So what are you doing?" Hotaru asked.
"Rewriting," Greg said.
"But I thought everyone liked your book."
"Yes you did, that's true, but these publishers evidently don't think I'm the best, so I just have to let them know differently," Greg said.
"How exactly will you do that?"
"By making this is a work of literature never before seen on the face of the planet!"
"I see," Hotaru said. "And how will you do that?"
"Hotaru...you know how you're always asking whether you're being romantic or not?"
"Yes.."
"Well..right now..you're not.."
"I believe there is hostility there."
"You guessed it."
"And what makes you think I just won't kill you," Hotaru said.
Greg whirled.
"Just kidding," Hotaru said. "Lighten up!"
She started laughing.
Greg sighed.
"I'm sorry..I'm just under a lot of stress, I need to get this book published," Greg said.
"And yet you just throw away a way to do it, your alter ego" Hotaru said.
"Yes, well I guess I did," Greg said. "But there's such a thing as principles."
"Oh I see.. So you don't want it bad enough to throw away your principles in the pursuit of it."
"That's right."
"Interesting," Hotaru said.
"What is?"
"Nothing.."
"How can you say that?" Greg asked. "You just said it was interesting."
"I lied."
"Hotaru..come on be honest."
"I think you're insane, principle means nothing right now.." Hotaru said. "You should take the opportunity given and then impose your principles on others later."
"I'm not trying to acquire the holy grail here...I don't need to resort to imposing anything on others."
"Hmm..that was cold," Hotaru said. "Very well..continue to wallow in self pity..I am going to the arcade."
"Wait..Hotaru.you know what that does to you?" Greg said.
"That is what I am looking forward too," Hotaru said and walked out.
"Weird," Greg said. "But anyway..as I was doing..time to create a literary classic."
He began to cackle.
"Greg..you've been drinking too much coffee haven't you?" Mike asked poking his head in the door.
"Uh...what? Well maybe a little."
Mike laughed.
"Now Greg, you gotta respect the coffee it can be your enemy as well as your friend, sometimes it'll be both at the same time, but I'm not going to go into that story..eww..anyway..what's the problem?"
"I am going to make my story even greater then before," Greg said. "The publishers will have no choice but to accept it! And then...they're in for it!"
"Oh..I see.so this is a matter of revenge then..." Mike said.
"No..no..of course not..well..maybe.."
"Revenge..what a concept," Mike said. "Seeking retribution....it's fun at the very least."
"That's what you have to add to this?" Greg snapped.
"Yes, essentially," Mike said. "Just watch yourself with this stuff. I know from my novel writing experience.."
"Your experience?"
Mike grinned.
"Well.let's just call it some advice. You never know how good something is until someone else captures the same spirit as you, and you can look at them, and say..yep.that's it, that's good. Right now..it's guess work."
"But everyone liked it."
"You're right they did," Mike said. "So you know what you've got is good. Now..shove it down their throats!"
"What..."
"The publishers just need to be convinced they made a mistake and I know how to do it."
"You do huh?" Greg asked.
"Trust me..I'll take you under my wing."
"But..you.."
Mike grinned.
"Let's rock and roll Greg!"
"What?"
"Come on..feel the power.."
"Stop spouting slogans and explain to me what you're about to do."
"Just let the coffee take over man," Mike said. "Then you're onto easy street."
"I don't think I should," Greg said.
"Give me a chance. I mean I usually fail, but the law of averages says I have to succeed at something right?"
"Well..actually..I don't know."
"Money back guarantee? You need one is that it?"
"I..uh..all right."
"Then let's ride this turkey!" Mike shouted.
"You sure you have everything?" Michiru asked.
"I don't need that much to go to a race," Haruka said.
"You're right of course. But are you ready for all of this, I mean you've been so distracted as of late."
"I need to do this," Haruka said. "It's one of the few things that relaxes me."
"Oh yes...nothing more then racing around a track at over a hundred miles per hour," Michiru said. "Really soothes the soul."
"For me it does," Haruka said.
"I know," Michiru said.
"You headed to the race?" Lita asked.
"Sure ," Haruka said.
"I'm going too, I hope you win."
"I can give you a ride if you want," Haruka said.
"Oh..uh thanks.." Lita said. "Sure..."
She hopped in.
The three were soon speeding towards the race track.
In the Garage Area of the Race Track.
"So...they let you off suspension finally?" Steve asked.
"No one can put down the Shadow Racer!"
"Apparently they did Arnie," Steve said.
"But not for good..never for good."
"You know what they really need out there...swords," Rick said.
"On the race track?" Steve asked.
"Sure, now that would be exciting," Rick said.
"Hmm..yes...I assure you the Shadow Racer would prevail in that form as well."
"Have you even won a race yet?" Steve asked.
"I am at best consistent, but the slump is over. I have been imbibed with the spirit of all those who have come before me!" The Shadow Racer yelled.
"At what?" The two asked.
"Never mind," the Shadow Racer said. "You will soon learn!"
He began to laugh.
"Enough with the cackling Arnie!" Steve shouted.
"Yeah, that's always a bad sign," Rick said.
"Not for me!" The Shadow Racer said and rode off.
"He really needs to be put in a home," Steve said.
"Isn't he thirty seven?"Rick said.
"Yeah..." Steve said.
"Well here comes Haruka."
"Yikes!" Steve said and hurried off.
Rick looked around.
"That's not normal..but what has been these days?" He thought with annoyance.
Haruka, Lita, and Michiru walked up.
"It is surprising to see you here," Haruka said.
"I had some time off, I came out here with Steve," Rick said.
"Where is he?" Haruka asked.
"Hiding," Rick said.
"From who?" Haruka asked.
"I wouldn't know," Rick said.
"It's me isn't it?" Lita asked.
"Bingo," Rick said.
"You don't hold up well under cross examination," Michiru said.
"I just don't have much of a stake in it that's all," Rick said. "I've gotta get to a seat."
"Why don't you watch from the pits here?" Haruka said.
"Oh..well..all right," Rick said.
"Which way did Steve go?" Lita asked.
"I'm not sure I should say," Rick said.
"Rick...come on..he's not running for any good reason," Lita said.
"Hmm..all right..but don't tell him I told you," Rick said and pointed.
Lita hurried off.
"Wonder what she plans on doing?" Michiru said.
"I have other problems," Haruka said and headed off to get ready.
"So what do you think?" Michiru asked.
"About what?" Rick asked.
"About that," Michiru said.
"Oh..that.." Rick said. "Hard to say..Steve's a hard read."
"That's how you see it?" Michiru said. "I always thought of him as pretty obvious."
"You got it wrong..I'm surprised..you seem to be good at seeing the real someone.."
"I'm not right all the time," Michiru said.
"Steve...he's a tough guy, you would want him with you in a fight. He stays true to you.. We've been friends for a while. We had problems..but hey..we know when it's time to get serious we do. But see he's never really set himself out from the pack. He still tries...everyday to try and be someone on his own. Someone we can notice, and say, yeah that's Steve he does this..and he does it well. Steve doesn't do anything well, and it gets to him. I mean there's me..well I do everything well.. And Mike is amusing."
"On occasion," Michiru said.
"But..Steve..he's just this guy.."
"Hmm..perhaps I didn't see it. I should have understood. So what is this all about now?"
"Lita's what is he really want. If he can prove he's right for her..well.."
"Strange that he would seek out love as his goal."
"It's his last resort," Rick said.
"So that's why he went all out?"
"Sure, though keep in mind that was not healthy."
"I don't know...it was kinda cute."
"Cute? Michiru he was insane."
"Just motivated," Michiru said.
"Euphemism," Rick said.
"I don't think so," Michiru said.
Haruka sped by.
"I hope she wins today," Michiru said. "She really needs it."
"Oh?"
"Yes, she's been having her ups and downs lately."
"Sorry."
"In a way she's like Steve in pursuit of her individuality."
M"How does she need to keep searching, I think we all know who she is."
"Yes, you might think so," Michiru said. "But Haruka's always been defined by her duty, not her own choices, she wants to change that. I suppose she doesn't want to be remembered just as her alter ego."
"Yeah..guess that's natural," Rick said. "So...wonder who will get what they want first."
"Oh definitely Haruka."
"I wouldn't be so sure."
"Don't delude yourself."
"Now..granted Steve is the underdog, but he could still surprise you."
"Haruka wants it bad."
"Steve wants it bad."
"We'll just see won't we?"
"Yeah.."
"I found that quite an interesting dialogue, though that kind of competition really doesn't excite me in the least."
Rick laughed.
"Yeah I figured that, but I thought I'd run with it."
"I thank you for the opportunity."
Haruka shot around the race track, she approached The Italian Stallion, Gino Salvetti, who was leading the race.
You think that you can beat me again. But I'm getting better. She thought. I've studied you, your moves are good, you're tactics practically flawless. However, I have some things you don't.
Her bike darted to the inside of the track. The Stallion followed. Haruka zipped by and took the turn very tightly. The Stallion couldn't match it and followed a little looser. The two shot down a straight away.
I can do this. Haruka thought. I shouldn't be foolish enough to think that it isn't possible.
Salvetti gained on her.
I'm all up for a fight. She thought.
The Stallion raced below her. She sped up and slid around the turn dipping in front of the leader and shooting down another straightaway.
She grinned.
Didn't expect me to be so ready for a fight did you?
She grinned again and slid her bike into another corner.
I'm going to win this one...it's all mine!
"HAH!" Lita said.
"Yikes!" Steve said starting.
"Thought you could hide from me did you?" Lita asked.
"Uh..well..uh.." Steve said. "Just trying to watch the race."
"You've been avoiding me Steve."
"Well..obviously."
"Why.."
"Because I.."
"What?"
"Gotta go!"
He ducked around her.
She raced after him,
"Now don't you do that!" She shouted.
Steve rounded a corner. She tackled him.
"Steve..." she snapped.
"Uh...wha.."
"I think it's time we talked about our feelings," Lita said.
"Well..uh..we're missing the race."
"I don't care...you've got a problem it seems.."
"What?"
"Are you forgetting that you love me?"
"Oh..that..well.." Steve said.
"Steve..I .."
"LITA!" He shouted.
"What."
A blade of energy flew at them and slid across Lita's back. She screeched and rolled forward. Another blade flew right at Steve. He ducked it and leapt forward.
A barrage of energy shot through the air and smashed into Lita throwing her into a wall. She slid to the ground.
"I'll kill you!" Steve shouted racing forward.
"Shut up!" Sorophyte said and blasted him back.
"Neptune Deep Submerge!"
"Uranus Fire Spikes Attack!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah..." Sorophyte said and blocked them. He then fired a massive blast. The ground exploded throwing Lita twenty feet. She skidded to the ground.
"I'll kill you!" Guardian Pluto said racing forward.
"Don't make me laugh!" Sorophyte shouted.
Pluto unleashed a massive barrage. Sorophyte moved to block it. It punched through and hit him in the face. He stumbled back. Neptune and Uranus' latest attacks hit him as well. He whirled. A motorcycle slammed into him, Haruka at the wheel. He fell to the ground.
"Very well..congratulations," he said and disappeared.
Guardian Pluto leapt to Lita's side.
"Oh no.." he said worriedly.
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