David Johnston
15th January 2005, 02:55 PM
>-----------------------------
>Terrible Things to Waste
>Part 4: Allegiances
>-----------------------------
> A brilliance of flames danced beneath him feasting upon
>wood, metal, and clothing. Malance smiled. Vibrant orange
>and red flares bloomed in the fire rolling into black smoke
>billowing forth towards the sky. Ashes and embers rained
>down upon the metallic armor of Malance's suit.
> "This should get her attention." He murmured.
attention," he murmured.
> Another explosion erupted from within the building and
>shook its foundation. Unable to tolerate the strain any
>longer the building finally collapsed upon the ground.
>People scattered around everywhere like ants flushed out of
>its nest screaming.
Screaming people scattered everywhere like ants flushed out
of their nest.
> 'My General, this is all for you.' Malance thought.
you,' Malance thought.
>'My mind, body, and soul belongs to you. Forget the blonde,
>I am your only servant. Please enjoy what I have made for
>you.'
> The blue mechanical suit zipped around the structure.
>Malance punched his fist and watched the output display on
>the interior of his visor. The guidance system flickered
>slightly as it tried to lock on the base of the remaining
>wall.
> 'Damn cloaking device is draining my power.' Malance
>turned off his display and lowered his arm. 'I'll have to
>recharge when I return.'
> "Malance, report." A grainy voice rung in Malance's
>ear.
> "Phase Two complete, General."
> "Good."
> 'I knew I wouldn't disappoint you.' Elation filled
>Malance.
> "How may I serve you?" Malance responded coolly.
'I knew I wouldn't disappoint you.' Elation filled Malance, but
he responded with cool formality, "How may I serve?"
> "Report back. We will make our next move tomorrow
>night."
> "Yes, sir."
> Malance cut the feed. 'So calm, so calculated.
>General, you deserve so much more. You are so strong; you
>should not be bothered with rodents like that Timelord.
>I'll make sure to deal with that problem personally. But
>that can wait for later.'
> 'Soon, though,' Malance thought as charged his
>thrusters, 'the General's plan will come to fruition, and
>once we're done here; there will be no more need for that
>blonde wench.'
> Flying away, Malance spun around and punched his arm.
>A small cannon popped up from his forearm, firing a blast at
>the building. The remnants of the structure tumbled,
>leaving nothing but rumble and flames in its wake.
> 'Soon very soon. I'll have him all to myself.'
....and he'll take me in his strong manly arms and...
>------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Cindy brushed her fingertips along the smooth surface
>of the pond. The warmth of the sun helped offset the chill
>of the water. She kept her eyes closed as she lay on the
>grass, letting the gentle breeze wash over carrying the
>sounds of Victoria playing and romping about.
> 'Today's a good day.' The blonde woman thought.
>'Actually any day away from the old man is a good day so
>it's been a good few days.'
> Cindy couldn't remember ever relaxing like this since
>she joined the Society. She opened her eyes and watched the
>white puffs of clouds rolling overhead.
> 'Heh, that one looks like a horse.' She mused. 'Hmmm,
>I can't believe the last time I did this was in my mother's
>garden.'
> Cindy closed her eyes. She had almost forgotten what
>that garden looked like. Vibrancy of reds, yellows, and
>violets would explode when the flowers bloomed. A few wiry
>trees provided some shade for the garden near a small
>reflection pool at the end of a winding dirt path.
> At the edge of the path, a statue of Serenity stood on
>the watery banks. Its ivory surface would glow in the
>midday sun. Cindy remembered running out into garden as a
>child to sit there, dazzled by its glow.
>
> Cindy giggled to herself. 'Mother always scolded me
>for ditching my studies like that.'
>
> "What's so funny Traveller?"
> "Huh?!" The blonde woman shot upright. "Oh it's you
>Pluto."
you, Pluto."
> Cindy regarded the Time Guardian. "Um, you look
>different."
Confusing. Makes it seem like the blonde women and Cindy are
different people.
> The woman in the blazer and knee length business skirt
>pursed her lips.
> "Please address me as Susan when we're in public."
> "I'm, uh, sorry. I'm not accustomed to seeing you in
>anything other than that sailor suit and short skirt." The
>blonde Traveller observed, rising to her feet.
>
> Despite the blazer's soft pastel blue, Cindy felt it
>did nothing to dispel the mysterious shadow that hung around
>the woman like a fog. She imagined at any moment the Time
>Guardian would wrap herself in her long dark mane and fade
>into the shade of the surrounding trees.
>
> "I see Erica and Michelle have grown quite fond of
>you."
>
> Cindy watched the woman with wavy green hair and her
>sandy-haired partner run about the pond's shore trying to
>stay a step ahead of their small child.
>
> "Yeah. On the surface they appear rough around the
>edges, but they have a good heart. That's why I always
>admired them as a girl."
>
> "I see." Susan replied flatly. "I take it you know
>why I'm here."
>
> "The attacks on the homeless shelters." Cindy rubbed
>her elbow. "They're looking for places I can hide.
>Unfortunately, there aren't too many left."
>
> "There's one left."
> Cindy idly toyed with her ruby bracelet. "And there's
>no telling what they'll start attacking next. Hospitals,
>shops, or schools are all a possibility. These Timelords
>are tenacious and they won't stop until they find me.
>You've got to listen to me and let me help you fight them.
>Together we can destroy them."
> "I don't think so. You present far too great of a risk
>to us all and we will not engage the Timelords until we have
>found out more about them on our own."
Pluto is being pretty stupid to think that's her decision.
The Time Guardian
>stared at the blonde woman. "I will make this promise to
>you, Traveller. If any of the Scouts, especially the Queen,
>comes to harm because of the Timelords, you will be held
>responsible. I will personally ensure your reciprocation is
>swift."
> "Hey Cindy! Susan!" Michelle called. "Are you guys
>going to join our picnic or what?"
> Cindy took a few steps before pausing.
> "You have my word, Time Guardian; I will do everything
>in my power to prevent that from happening."
> "Time will tell, Traveller."
>
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "How did you convince the teacher to let us do this?"
>Mina's eyes widened.
> Serena beamed as she took a big sip from her drink. "I
>just said those poor homeless people needed help after all
>those attacks on the other shelters, and that's how I got us
>out of cleaning duties at school."
> "So, instead of scrubbing the floor, you have managed
>to put us in one of the most dangerous places in Tokyo!"
>Raye exclaimed.
> 'I wonder if Raye gets a headache whenever she twitches
>her eyebrows like that.' Serena wondered.
> "It's probably one of those demons left behind from one
>of our previous fights." Mina whispered.
> "Um, Mina what about the Timelords Cindy was talking
>about?" Serena asked.
> Serena gagged as her blonde friend tugged on the collar
>of her school uniform. "Shhh! You don't know who is
>listening."
> "Mina we're in a video arcade, I don't think anyone's
>going to be paying much attention to us." Raye replied.
>"Much a less hear us over all the beeping and the noises."
> Mina frowned. "You can never be too careful. Now, um,
>I lost my train of thought."
> "Monsters, Timelords, and Serena's great idea to get us
>all killed."
> "Oh yeah."
> "Hey now." Serena huffed. "We're scouts and it's our
>duty to prevent whoever is doing this from harming any more
>people."
> "I'd feel a lot better if Lita and Amy could join us."
> "Lita's out on a date with a guy." Mina rang in sing-
>song. "It seems Lita finally has gotten over that old
>boyfriend of hers."
> Serena lowered her eyes. "And Amy is still following
>leads on Greg's disappearance."
> Raye crossed her arms. "I'd still feel better if they
>were with us."
> "Then, Raye, you can go scrub the floor in the safety
>of the school room."
> Serena grinned mischievously; suppressing a chuckle as
>Raye's face grew red.
> "Oh fine! I'll come with you two, just to make sure
>you don't get yourselves hurt." The raven-haired girl
>growled.
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "Hey Mr. Zen-"
> "Listen kid, for the last time call me Tracer. This
>Mr. Zen jazz is beginning to get on my nerves." The taller
>man snapped.
> Greg sighed. "Okay, do you think you could pass some
>of that pocky my way?"
> "Sure."
> Greg took his time to savory the few sticks of the
>chocolate covered cookie sticks. Meals had been meager the
>last few days since they began running low on cash. As he
>ate, Greg observed the tall, lanky Timelord leaning against
>the wall and keeping a watchful eye on the girls in the
>arcade across the street.
> 'I hope this ends soon.' Greg examined his hands.
>'I'm getting tired of cleaning myself in public restrooms
>and sleeping under bridges. I don't know how he does it.'
> A river of people rushed along the sidewalk. In the
>small gaps between the jumble of arms and legs Greg could
>see cars zip by on the street. In the shadow of the
>building, he felt like he was sitting on his couch at home
>watching the bright and variant world before him.
> 'It's a busy day.' Greg curled his knees up to his
>chin. 'Perhaps if I lie still long enough I'll merge with
>the wall. It's not like any one would notice. Well, with
>the exception of Amy. At least I hope so.'
> Curious, Greg turned to the dark-haired man. "Hey
>Tracer."
> "What now?"
> "Do you have someone back home?"
> Tracer flexed his hand. "What do you mean?"
> "Don't you have family waiting for you at home? Or
>even a girlfriend of some type?"
> The man eyed the boy. "Nooo. Why do you ask?"
> "It's just that," Greg reached into one of his pockets,
>"You dropped this picture of a blonde girl when we were
>leaving the Cherry Hill Temple. And I thought maybe she was
>your girlfriend or something."
> "Gimme that." The Timelord snatched the picture. "Why
>didn't you give me this earlier?"
> "Uh, you were in a hurry and I had forgotten about in
>our rush to keep up with the girls."
> "Uh-huh."
> "So, um, who is she?"
> "No one important."
> "Why are you carrying a picture of her with you?"
> Tracer's cheeks burned red. "None of your damn
>business!"
> "Ah, okay."
> Tracer stuffed the picture in one of his pockets. "Now
>I suggest you sit there and shut up before I smack you."
> Spinning around, Tracer once again took his spot
>against the wall. Greg peered around Tracer's shoulder and
>noticed the three girls already making their way down the
>street.
> "Um, Tracer-" *SMACK!* "Owwww."
> Tracer's head bobbed and weaved about trying to locate
>the girls. Finally, Greg tugged on Tracer's trench coat and
>became immediately aquatinted with the Timelord's bloodshot
>eyes.
> "WHAT?"
> "The girls." Greg pointed down the street.
> "Crap!"
> Tracer grabbed the boy and shot off into the crowd.
>Greg struggled to get some footing as the Timelord carried
>him through the mass of people. Looking ahead, he could see
>Serena's fluttering blonde ponytails heading towards the bus
>station. The man shoved ahead through the crowd battering
>Greg with various shoulders and elbows.
>
> "Ack!" Greg tucked in his chin and raised his arms.
> The loose flaps of the trenchcoat tickled Greg's nose.
>As Greg avoided the burlap ends of the coat, he caught a
>glimpse of the Timelord's sword flaring with light amid the
>dark folds.
> 'What the? Why is his sword glowing so brightly?'
He just changed the batteries?
> "Damn it!" Tracer spat, dropping Greg.
> "What?" Greg steadied himself on his feet and watched
>a bus drive away.
> "We didn't make it." Tracer scanned the station and
>found a map. "Quick, which route did they take?"
> "Which was it, Route 5?" Greg murmured, studying the
>colored vines criss-crossing the map. "There."
> "Good."
> "The next bus will be here in about 20 minutes."
> Tracer broke into a full stride. "I don't have that
>much time."
> Greg snaked through the crowd, trying to keep up. "So
>what are we going to do?"
> Tracer didn't answer and continued on. Once Greg
>cleared the mass of bodies, he could see Tracer make his way
>to a group of kids near a collection of large motorcycles.
>The boy's were about Greg's age. Emblem of flames and
>Japanese flags decorated each of the boy's oil smudged and
>worn black and white jumpsuits. The jumpsuits carpeted
>their bodies, stuffing into weathered and scraped black
>leather boots. An all too familiar feeling of anxiety
>filled Greg.
> 'It's a bosozoku gang.' Greg gulped. 'I hope he knows
>what he's doing.'
> "Heh, look it's a dirty American pig!" One of the boys
>screamed as Tracer approached.
> "Here piggy, piggy, piggy!" Another howled.
> "Americans can suck it! Suck it good!"
> "Hey, hey! whoah, whoah!" One of the boys stepped
>between Tracer and his motorcycle. "What do you want
>American?"
> "Your bike."
> The bosozoku gang member scratched the sparse hairs on
>his chin. "You're pretty stupid even for an American. Sure
>you can have my bike, but I don't think it would be very
>safe driving with two broken legs and swollen eyes."
> Tracer stared intently at the boy and then turned his
>head. "Are ya gonna give it to me or not?"
> Greg watched as the group of boys began to encircle the
>Timelord. 'What is he doing?'
> The boy scoffed. "Like you can do anything about-"
> Greg cringed as the Timelord slammed his forehead into
>the boy's face. Immediately, the young man's body went limp
>and fell to the ground, blood pouring from his crushed nose.
> The other boys converged on Tracer, but quickly stopped
>in their tracks. Greg rushed over only to stop when he
>noticed Tracer waving his gun.
> "Now listen up you little bastards," Tracer growled,
>"I'm in a hurry, and if you feel the need to have the living
>snot beaten from your body then I'll be more than happy to
>oblige."
"While normally I'd love to beat the living snot out of all of you,
I'm in a hurry."
> The bosozoku gang glanced at each other and
>collectively took a step back.
> Tracer smirked. "Good boys. Hey Greg!"
> Greg snapped to attention. "Uh, yes!"
> Tracer swung his leg over one of the bikes. "Let's
>go."
> Greg bowed quickly to the bosozoku gang and stepped
>over their dazed friend. He could hear Tracer grumbling to
>himself as his foot toyed with the pedals.
> "Um, Tracer, you know how to operate one of these
>things, right?" Greg whispered.
> "Of course, it's just like driving a hovercycle. Now
>where's the ignition switch?"
> "Um, can we hurry up because I don't like the way the
>bosozoku gang is looking at us."
> "Heh, wuss."
> Without warning, the motorcycle roared to life and shot
>off down the street. Greg hung on tight as the engine's
>vibrations rattled his teeth and the mufflers loud wails
>rang in his ears. He eased his head above Tracer's shoulder
>and noticed the wall of traffic ahead.
> The boy squeezed his eyes shut. 'I could really use a
>premonition right about now.'
> Greg felt the bike bob and weave through traffic,
>choruses of car horns following them.
> "Bite me!" Tracer cried cutting off a small red sedan.
> "I got yours right here buddy!" The Timelord hollered
>raising his fist at black sports car.
> "MOVE!" He screamed as he passed a slow van.
> After they cleared the pack, Greg let out a sigh of
>relief and felt Tracer shake.
> "Are you okay?"
> Tracer twisted his head, chuckling. "Heh. So much
>hostility. Hehehe."
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "Thank you very much for your concern," the woman bowed
>to the three girls, "but we can't accept any volunteers
>after the recent attacks."
> "I see." Serena chewed on her lip.
> Wrinkles dug into the woman's smiling face. "It's
>touching really; it's not very often young people such as
>yourselves volunteer their time to help the less fortunate.
>Please don't let these attacks discourage you from returning
>after all of this is over."
> "Don't worry, we will." Mina beamed. "Now if you'll
>excuse us, we must be going!"
> Mina took off dragging Serena and Raye around the
>corner. Once the two girls regained their footing they
>turned to Mina.
> "So much for Plan A. On to Plan B!" Mina exclaimed.
> Raye flattened her eyebrows. "Mina, we didn't even
>have a Plan A."
> "Okay, play it by ear it is!" Mina snatched a small
>stick from her bag.
> Serena grabbed Mina's arm. "Wait Mina! We can't
>transform out here, someone will see us."
> "So what do you suppose we should do, oh fearless
>leader?"
> "Hmmm, I guess we could just wait here until the
>monster shows itself-"
> Mina's head peeked out from a nearby window. "Or we
>could just sneak inside and look for him."
> "Mina!" Serena hissed.
> "What?" Mina tilted her head.
> "We shouldn't be breaking in here!" Raye bristled.
> "Then they shouldn't make their locks so easy to pick."
> The priestess rubbed her temple. "Mina."
> "What?"
> "Nevermind." Raye sighed climbing through the window.
> "Wait for me!"
> "Geez Serena." Raye offered out her hand. "Let's just
>look around and get out of here, okay?"
> As Serena tumbled through the window, she saw Mina
>wondering down the hallway. "What is it Mina?"
> "So like this place is a homeless shelter, huh?"
> "Actually it was an office building at one point before
>things got tough." Raye offered in a hushed voice glancing
>around a corner.
> "An office building huh?"
> "Yeah isn't it ironic?"
> "I think it's rather depressing." Serena trailed
>behind Raye and Mina gazing at the stale decor.
> The hallway reminded Serena more of a dark square-
>shaped tunnel than a refuge for people. Florescent lights
>fought to stay on while others appeared to have long since
>given up. Felt walls loosely attached to each other
>struggled to stretch to the ceiling. The walls formed
>crudely made 'rooms' with no doors and housed only a table
>and a well beaten futon. Noticing this, Serena became
>acutely aware of the relative peace and quiet on the floor.
> "Sooo, no one's here?"
> "Ugh! You moron! Where have you been in the last
>week?! All the homeless shelters in Tokyo have been
>attacked or destroyed. And guess where we are? A homeless
>shelter in Tokyo! Geez Serena, even the homeless are
>smarter than you."
> "Now Raye-"
> A great explosion rocked the building almost knocking
>the girls to the floor. Tiles and concrete dust rained down
>on them as another explosion ripped through the shelter.
> Raye wiped some dust from her face. "Told you so."
>
> A large grin formed on Mina's face as she grabbed her
>golden transformation stick and raised it over her head.
> "Venus Crystal Power!"
> In a burst of light, orange ribbons enveloped Mina's
>body. Quickly, the ribbons dissipated across her entire
>body revealing a white bodice framed by an orange collar and
>pleaded skirt.
> "Let's go!" The girl winked while flashing a "V" sign
>to her friends.
> "Mina wait!" Serena shouted as Mina hopped over one of
>the low walls.
> Serena and Raye blinked before another blast shook the
>building. Glancing at each other, the girls shrugged.
> "Mars Crystal Power!" Raye raised her red
>transformation stick.
> "Moon Cosmic Power!" Serena held her brooch high.
> Serena smiled to herself as she admired the pink
>ribbons snaking around her body. Twirling around her hands
>and feet, Serena watched the red ribbons fashion themselves
>into white gloves and knee high red boots. The ribbons
>continued on twisting into her blue collar and grew into a
>red bow before extending down to form into a blue skirt.
> 'I can never get over how much this tickles.'
> Peering over, Serena watched as the final fiery red
>ribbons around Raye created her red collar and skirt of her
>uniform.
> "Come on slow poke." Sailor Mars dashed off after
>Sailor Venus.
> Serena followed her over the low walls and into a
>stairwell. After hopping up several flights, Serena barely
>caught the tail end of Raye's skirt disappearing through
>fourth floor entrance.
> "Man, am I out of practice." Serena huffed to herself
>vaulting after Sailor Mars.
> A blast of hot air welcomed Serena when she ran through
>the floor entrance. Ash floated around the ceiling and the
>stale stench of smoke prevailed. Serena could hear gun
>shots from outside and rushed to Raye's side.
> Serena gasped as she followed Raye's gaze toward a
>large jagged hole. To Serena it seemed a giant had taken a
>large bite out of the side of the building. Parts of
>ceiling crumbled into opening to the floors below. Serena
>found Mina standing at the edge of the crumbling floor
>scanning the night sky.
> "Do you see anything Venus?" Serena carefully
>maneuvered over. 'I don't know how Mina can always be so
>calm in situations like this.'
> "Nothing." Sailor Venus stated.
> Another explosion shook the building followed by an
>eruption of gunfire.
> "What are the police shooting at?"
> "All of the attacks are coming from the sky." Venus
>narrowed her eyes. "It must be hidden or something."
> Sailor Mars pulled out an ofuda. "Let me handle this."
> As Mars quietly chanted, the Japanese symbols along the
>long sheet of rice paper burned with a red aura. She
>continued her chant and once the ofuda grew rigid, Mars
>threw it into the sky. The ofuda quickly collided with
>something, sparking with energy.
> "Got em!" Venus exclaimed.
> "See, this is why you need me to come along." Mars
>crossed her arms triumphantly. "If it was just the two of
>you-"
> "Um, guys." Sailor Moon watched as large blue robot
>slowly turned to face them.
> "Hey creep!" Venus hollered.
> The mechanical monstrosity hovered calmly in the air
>regarding them.
> Serena narrowed her eyes and gulped. 'Man it _has_
>been awhile.'
>
> "How dare you attack the only real homes of the poor
>and unfortunate citizens of this city!" Serena belted. "I
>am Sailor Moon and-"
>
> A sudden blast sent Serena flying through a few of the
>flimsy walls. Dazed, Sailor Moon watched as Mars and Venus
>dodged several more blasts. Eventually, Sailor Mars landed
>next to her.
So why's this guy immune to Sailor Moon's power to make people listen
to her?
>
> "Are you okay?"
>
> Serena could feel her temple throb. "I think so."
>
> "Next time be more careful, meatball-head."
>
> "Uh, yeah."
>
> Mars winked. "Alright, now, let's see what this rust
>bucket is made of."
>
> Jumping back into the fray, Serena saw Mars stretch out
>her hands.
>
> "Mars Fire Ignite!"
>
> The mechanical suit flew about barely dodging the
>streaking flame. Suddenly, Venus emerged from behind a veil
>of thick smoke, her index finger extended.
>
> "Crescent Beam Smash!"
>
> A concentrated beam of light connected with the
>midsection of the robot altering its trajectory. It flew
>into the building, sending volley after volley. Serena
>leaped, avoiding the random blasts as her friends returned
>fire. The floor filled with an exchange of beams of light,
>streaks of fire, and missiles.
>
> Then it abruptly stopped. Smells of scorched concrete
>and burning plaster mixed with the black smoke. Serena
>could hear the low roar of an engine above the snapping of
>the fire.
>
> "Where did he go?" Serena coughed.
>
> "I lost track of him in the smoke." Mars replied.
>"He's gotta be somewhere in here! I can still hear his
>engine."
>
> Unable to bear the smoke any longer Serena jumped
>towards her friends standing at the jagged opening. As she
>arrived, she could make out the blurry outline of the
>mechanical suit behind Mars and Venus.
>
> "Look out!" She screamed, grabbing her tiara. "Moon
>Tiara Magic!"
>
> Sailor Moon's spinning tiara exploded as it collided
>with the mechanical suit's volley. Both girls lowered their
>arms and watched as the charred remains of Serena's tiara
>and a burnt rose fell to the ground.
>
> "A rose?" Mars whispered.
>
> "A rose." Venus answered.
>
> "That can only mean-"
>
> "How dare you prey upon young girls!" A voice from
>above proclaimed. "I, Tuxedo Mask, can never forgive such
>travesties!"
>
> Serena's heart skipped a beat when a man in a black
>tuxedo and top hat landed next to them. Tuxedo Mask
>produced a fist full of roses from his black cape, flinging
>them at the battered blue robot. The mechanical suit shot
>skyward, but not before several roses embedded themselves
>into its armor.
>
> "Burning Mandala!" Several streaks of fire poured from
>Sailor Mar's hands.
>
> "Crescent Beam Scatter!" Beams of light raced from
>Sailor Venus' fingertips.
>
> The night sky lit up with their attacks. The blue
>robot accelerated barely outrunning the streams of light and
>fire. Serena's eyes never left the sky as the flame of the
>robot's engine faded into the darkness.
>
> "Oh thank God!" Serena breathed, nuzzling Tuxedo
>Mask's chest. "Thank God you made it back in time."
Er...what's the big? He didn't actually do anything.
>
> "Woot!" Sailor Venus celebrated. "Chalk another one
>up for the Sailor Scouts!"
>
> Sailor Mars cautiously made her way over the pile of
>rumble and unsteady flooring. "I thought you were still
>Osaka Tuxedo Mask?"
> Tuxedo Mask smiled. "Luna had convinced me that you
>guys needed my help."
> 'Note to self, buy Luna lots of catnip.' Serena mused
>as she looked up at her fiance.
> He returned her smile as more of the building wall
>crumbled behind them.
> "Um guys, I hate to ruin your moment, but I think we
>better get going before the whole place falls down on us."
>Raye tapped her foot a good distance away from the cracked
>flooring.
> Mina meanwhile peered out the hole braving the heat
>from the sparse fires around its rim. Serena followed her
>gaze out into the lawn where many flashlights franticly
>darted around the grounds.
>
> "And let's do it quietly." Mina added letting her
>Sailor Scout costume revert back to her school uniform.
>
> As the ribbons around Serena began to loosen, she could
>hear the screams of sirens approaching. Once her clothing
>materialized, she gave one last glance to the sky before
>making her way to the stairwell.
>
> "Hey Mina, do you think it was them?"
>
> Mina paused at the door. "The Timelords? I hope so."
>
> "Why's that?"
>
> "Because we've defeated way tougher monsters in the
>past than that robot."
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "We're here." Tracer growled. "You can let go now."
> Greg released his breath and whispered a silent prayer.
>After hopping off the motorcycle, Greg let his eyes adjust
>to the darkness. 'Is it night already? Did I really have
>my eyes closed for that long?'
> Several ambulances and fire trucks screamed by and
>disappeared around the corner.
> "What was that about?"
> "That."
> Down the street, Greg noticed black smoke rising into
>the darkening sky as it mixed with orange glowing embers.
> "What happened?"
> "Malance from what I can tell."
> "Who's Malance?"
> "That fag in the blue robot suit you saw in the alley."
> "Ah."
> Blitzes of blue, red, and white flashes bombarded them
>as they approached. A small curious crowd gathered around a
>barricade of police cars and officers a good distance away
>from a ruined homeless shelter. The spectators stared on as
>several powerful streams of water splashed against the side
>of the smoldering building attacking the blaze a few floors
>above.
> "Wow."
> Greg stood with the group observing the firemen and
>police rush about for moment or two when he noticed the
>Timelord walking away.
> "Where are you going Tracer?" Greg joined the
>Timelord's skyward gaze. "And what are you looking at?"
> "I'm looking for Malance."
> "You think he's still around?"
> "I have no idea." Tracer frowned. "The smoke's in the
>way. I can't even see which direction that bastard flew off
>to."
> Studying the sky, Greg tried to keep pace with Tracer.
> "I guess-OOOF!"
> Losing his balance, Greg snatched the arm of the girl
>who nearly knocked him over. The pair danced about in a
>poorly coordinated waltz before regaining their footing.
> "Ack! I am so sorry!" The girl bowed.
> Greg returned the bow. "No it's my fault, I wasn't
>looking where I was-"
> "Greg?"
> The boy slowly raised his head and recognized the
>blonde girl with long ponytails standing in front of him.
>Another blonde and a raven-haired girl peeked above her
>shoulder, curious.
> Serena knitted her brow. "Greg, we've all been worried
>sick about you. Where have you been?"
> Both Greg and Serena slowly turned to the Timelord who
>lazily brought his sights down to the group. Serena eyed
>the Timelord as he flipped his long black hair from his
>face. Greg gulped. Tracer narrowed his eyes and scowled.
> "I see." Tracer grabbed Greg.
> "No!" Serena ran after them. "I won't let you take
>him!"
> Spinning around, Tracer shoved his gun in the girl's
>face. "I don't think so."
> Greg held his breath when he noticed the other girls
>reaching into their bags. 'Tracer what are you doing!?
>They're going to kill you for sure if you keep this up.'
> Suddenly, Darien grabbed Serena and faced the Timelord,
>raising his fists.
> "There's no need to fight. Put the gun down and nobody
>gets hurt."
> "Whatever." Tracer's finger played on the trigger.
> Without warning an explosion of wind flung both parties
>back. A tall figure with a large staff emerged from the
>dying storm of sand.
> "Damn it, it's the Time Guardian." Greg heard Tracer
>growl.
> "Who-ack!" Greg coughed as Tracer launched down the
>street.
> Tracer pulled Greg through the crowd, bowling over an
>officer or two on his way to the motorcycle.
> "Damn it, damn it, damn it!" The Timelord exclaimed
>and glared at Greg. "'Never met her before in my life.'
>Bull crap!"
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "We have trouble." Erica announced as a black cloud of
>ash bloomed above the skyline.
> Michelle tossed the empty basket into the backseat.
>"Should we check it out?"
> "I'm not sure."
> Cindy watched the rising smoke anxiously. She heard
>Victoria calmly climbed into the car.
> "Aren't you going to sit down Cindy?"
> "Yeah."
> As she opened the door, a low rumble caught her
>attention.
> 'That can't be Malance.' Cindy panicked. 'No, not
>yet! He'll ruin everything!'
>
> Searching the sky, Cindy found it difficult to tell in
>which direction the noise came. Tall skyscrapers almost
>tauntingly leaned over her obscuring her view. Toying with
>her ruby bracelet, Cindy prepared herself as the rumble grew
>closer.
> Suddenly, a motorcycle zoomed by.
> "Yyyyyaaaayyy!" A boy on the back of the bike
>screamed.
Yyyyyiiiiiyyyy!
("Yay" sounds too cheerful.)
> Cindy blinked and her mouth hung open.
>
> "Follow that bike."
> Startled, Cindy jumped in her seat turning toward Pluto
>standing next to the car. She watched as Erica regarded
>Pluto's stern visage. Her eyes never strayed from the
>taller woman. They stood as still as statues making Cindy
>imagine it was a contest in which whoever cracked first
>lost.
If they do that, then the bike's long gone.
> 'No why's or what's?' She wondered. 'Does she always
>do this with Pluto?'
>
> After a few more moments Erica nodded to Michelle.
> "Alright let's go."
> All three women jumped into the car and quickly sped
>off.
>--------------------------------------------------------
> "Do you have scream while I'm driving, dammit!?"
>Tracer shouted to the boy.
> "You took off before I could get a good grip! I nearly
>fell off!" Greg shouted back.
> "You're still on the bike, so shut up!"
> Greg looked ahead. "Ack!"
> "What?!"
> "Car!"
> "Oh."
> Greg swallowed hard as the Timelord veered back onto
>the right side of the road. 'Dear God, please let me live
>through this day.'
> "Huh, I keep forgetting it's the left side of the
>road."
> Greg sighed to himself. 'If there was ever a time to
>be glad I can't see into the future, now would be about
>right.'
> All of the sudden Greg heard the loud squeal of tires
>and snapped his head around. Not far off in the distance he
>could see a red convertible speeding towards them. As it
>got closer, Greg could see a sandy-haired woman behind the
>wheel accompanied by three other female passengers.
> 'Sailor Uranus.' Greg gulped. "Ah boy."
> "What?" Tracer turned his head and noticed the car.
>"Crap!"
> Shifting gears, Greg felt the bike shoot off like a
>cannon ball from between several cars. Looking back, Greg
>could see the red convertible still gaining on them.
> 'Wow, Amy wasn't kidding when she said Erica was racing
>protege.'
a racing prodigy
> The bike swerved across the street, leaping onto the
>sidewalk. The crowd parted and dove to one side and the
>other leaving a trail of cursing and ranting people in their
>wake. Greg cringed and noticed Erica's car now driving
>beside them.
> 'Is Erica crazy, she's got Victoria in the car!? Wait,
>who's that sitting beside Sailor Pluto?'
> As the flaps of Tracer's trenchcoat fluttered in his
>face, Greg tried to get a better view of the mysterious,
>albeit terrified blonde stranger.
> 'Why does she look familiar?' Greg continued to study
>the woman. 'I've seen her somewhere, but not in person.
>Uh, crap.'
> "Grrr! Damn it!"
> "Huh?" Greg snapped his head forward.
> The light ahead had just turned red. Greg's stomach
>began to churn.
> Tracer smirked. "No cop, no stop!"
> "Wait! What about-"
> "I don't care!"
> Greg gulped. A mass of cars rushing across the
>intersection welcomed them up ahead.
> Holding on for dear life, Greg reflected fondly back on
>the best things in life.
> 'I'm sorry Amy. I was hoping to see you again, but I
>guess my time has run out.'
> "Here we go!"
> Tracer launched into the intersection. Greg shut his
>eyes as several cars and trucks crammed on their brakes.
>Screeching tires precluded to resounding crunches of metal
>and glass. Greg braced himself when the bike jerked hard in
>one direction and then another. Finally, they came to a
>stop.
> A massive wreckage of cars and trucks filled the road.
>Beyond it, Greg could see Erica's red convertible stopped a
>short distance away from the jumbled mess of metal. All of
>the women stood on their seats staring at them. Now with an
>unobstructed view, Greg finally had a chance to get a good
>look at the blonde stranger.
> 'That's the girl from the photo!'
> "So she's got the Time Guardian on her side does she?
>That little bitch." Tracer murmured revving the engine.
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "It's him." She murmured.
> Cindy gazed in disbelief at the lanky man on the bike.
>His dark eyes stared intently at her through his long greasy
>black hair. She narrowed her eyes.
> 'How is that Timelord still alive! There is no way he
>could have escaped that explosion. Damn it, damn it, damn
>it!'
> With one last sideways glance, Tracer turned the bike
>and accelerated, disappearing the night.
> "Why did you stop? We must continue our pursuit."
> Erica glared at Pluto. "I'm not going to risk Vicky's
>or Cindy's life just to catch this guy."
> "Are you willing to let Greg's kidnapper get away?"
> "It's not worth it. If we continue now, we could get
>Greg killed let alone ourselves."
> "You saw how he was driving." Michelle added. "He
>didn't care who got hurt."
> Pluto remained silent as the screams of sirens grew
>near.
> "Fine." Pluto hopped onto of the hood. "We will
>discuss at a later time."
> As Cindy watched Pluto walk away, a shiver ran up
>Cindy's spine. 'I'm not scared of you Timelord. You may
>have come for me, but I will not allow you to get in my
>way.'
>-End of Part 4-
>Notes:
>This part I'm particularly nervous about since it has a whole lot of action in it
>and I'm not terribly comfortable with the flow. But oh well, I can't sit on this thing
>forever.
>And if any of you care, the scenes with Tracer were inspired by two songs.
>Google for the mp3s if you are so inclined. Who knows, maybe it might help
>'heighten' the mood of the writing.
>"Mashin' on the Motorway" - DJ Shadow
>"The Best Things" - Filter
>Cool, that's it for me, I'm out. See ya next part!
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>Terrible Things to Waste
>Part 4: Allegiances
>-----------------------------
> A brilliance of flames danced beneath him feasting upon
>wood, metal, and clothing. Malance smiled. Vibrant orange
>and red flares bloomed in the fire rolling into black smoke
>billowing forth towards the sky. Ashes and embers rained
>down upon the metallic armor of Malance's suit.
> "This should get her attention." He murmured.
attention," he murmured.
> Another explosion erupted from within the building and
>shook its foundation. Unable to tolerate the strain any
>longer the building finally collapsed upon the ground.
>People scattered around everywhere like ants flushed out of
>its nest screaming.
Screaming people scattered everywhere like ants flushed out
of their nest.
> 'My General, this is all for you.' Malance thought.
you,' Malance thought.
>'My mind, body, and soul belongs to you. Forget the blonde,
>I am your only servant. Please enjoy what I have made for
>you.'
> The blue mechanical suit zipped around the structure.
>Malance punched his fist and watched the output display on
>the interior of his visor. The guidance system flickered
>slightly as it tried to lock on the base of the remaining
>wall.
> 'Damn cloaking device is draining my power.' Malance
>turned off his display and lowered his arm. 'I'll have to
>recharge when I return.'
> "Malance, report." A grainy voice rung in Malance's
>ear.
> "Phase Two complete, General."
> "Good."
> 'I knew I wouldn't disappoint you.' Elation filled
>Malance.
> "How may I serve you?" Malance responded coolly.
'I knew I wouldn't disappoint you.' Elation filled Malance, but
he responded with cool formality, "How may I serve?"
> "Report back. We will make our next move tomorrow
>night."
> "Yes, sir."
> Malance cut the feed. 'So calm, so calculated.
>General, you deserve so much more. You are so strong; you
>should not be bothered with rodents like that Timelord.
>I'll make sure to deal with that problem personally. But
>that can wait for later.'
> 'Soon, though,' Malance thought as charged his
>thrusters, 'the General's plan will come to fruition, and
>once we're done here; there will be no more need for that
>blonde wench.'
> Flying away, Malance spun around and punched his arm.
>A small cannon popped up from his forearm, firing a blast at
>the building. The remnants of the structure tumbled,
>leaving nothing but rumble and flames in its wake.
> 'Soon very soon. I'll have him all to myself.'
....and he'll take me in his strong manly arms and...
>------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Cindy brushed her fingertips along the smooth surface
>of the pond. The warmth of the sun helped offset the chill
>of the water. She kept her eyes closed as she lay on the
>grass, letting the gentle breeze wash over carrying the
>sounds of Victoria playing and romping about.
> 'Today's a good day.' The blonde woman thought.
>'Actually any day away from the old man is a good day so
>it's been a good few days.'
> Cindy couldn't remember ever relaxing like this since
>she joined the Society. She opened her eyes and watched the
>white puffs of clouds rolling overhead.
> 'Heh, that one looks like a horse.' She mused. 'Hmmm,
>I can't believe the last time I did this was in my mother's
>garden.'
> Cindy closed her eyes. She had almost forgotten what
>that garden looked like. Vibrancy of reds, yellows, and
>violets would explode when the flowers bloomed. A few wiry
>trees provided some shade for the garden near a small
>reflection pool at the end of a winding dirt path.
> At the edge of the path, a statue of Serenity stood on
>the watery banks. Its ivory surface would glow in the
>midday sun. Cindy remembered running out into garden as a
>child to sit there, dazzled by its glow.
>
> Cindy giggled to herself. 'Mother always scolded me
>for ditching my studies like that.'
>
> "What's so funny Traveller?"
> "Huh?!" The blonde woman shot upright. "Oh it's you
>Pluto."
you, Pluto."
> Cindy regarded the Time Guardian. "Um, you look
>different."
Confusing. Makes it seem like the blonde women and Cindy are
different people.
> The woman in the blazer and knee length business skirt
>pursed her lips.
> "Please address me as Susan when we're in public."
> "I'm, uh, sorry. I'm not accustomed to seeing you in
>anything other than that sailor suit and short skirt." The
>blonde Traveller observed, rising to her feet.
>
> Despite the blazer's soft pastel blue, Cindy felt it
>did nothing to dispel the mysterious shadow that hung around
>the woman like a fog. She imagined at any moment the Time
>Guardian would wrap herself in her long dark mane and fade
>into the shade of the surrounding trees.
>
> "I see Erica and Michelle have grown quite fond of
>you."
>
> Cindy watched the woman with wavy green hair and her
>sandy-haired partner run about the pond's shore trying to
>stay a step ahead of their small child.
>
> "Yeah. On the surface they appear rough around the
>edges, but they have a good heart. That's why I always
>admired them as a girl."
>
> "I see." Susan replied flatly. "I take it you know
>why I'm here."
>
> "The attacks on the homeless shelters." Cindy rubbed
>her elbow. "They're looking for places I can hide.
>Unfortunately, there aren't too many left."
>
> "There's one left."
> Cindy idly toyed with her ruby bracelet. "And there's
>no telling what they'll start attacking next. Hospitals,
>shops, or schools are all a possibility. These Timelords
>are tenacious and they won't stop until they find me.
>You've got to listen to me and let me help you fight them.
>Together we can destroy them."
> "I don't think so. You present far too great of a risk
>to us all and we will not engage the Timelords until we have
>found out more about them on our own."
Pluto is being pretty stupid to think that's her decision.
The Time Guardian
>stared at the blonde woman. "I will make this promise to
>you, Traveller. If any of the Scouts, especially the Queen,
>comes to harm because of the Timelords, you will be held
>responsible. I will personally ensure your reciprocation is
>swift."
> "Hey Cindy! Susan!" Michelle called. "Are you guys
>going to join our picnic or what?"
> Cindy took a few steps before pausing.
> "You have my word, Time Guardian; I will do everything
>in my power to prevent that from happening."
> "Time will tell, Traveller."
>
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "How did you convince the teacher to let us do this?"
>Mina's eyes widened.
> Serena beamed as she took a big sip from her drink. "I
>just said those poor homeless people needed help after all
>those attacks on the other shelters, and that's how I got us
>out of cleaning duties at school."
> "So, instead of scrubbing the floor, you have managed
>to put us in one of the most dangerous places in Tokyo!"
>Raye exclaimed.
> 'I wonder if Raye gets a headache whenever she twitches
>her eyebrows like that.' Serena wondered.
> "It's probably one of those demons left behind from one
>of our previous fights." Mina whispered.
> "Um, Mina what about the Timelords Cindy was talking
>about?" Serena asked.
> Serena gagged as her blonde friend tugged on the collar
>of her school uniform. "Shhh! You don't know who is
>listening."
> "Mina we're in a video arcade, I don't think anyone's
>going to be paying much attention to us." Raye replied.
>"Much a less hear us over all the beeping and the noises."
> Mina frowned. "You can never be too careful. Now, um,
>I lost my train of thought."
> "Monsters, Timelords, and Serena's great idea to get us
>all killed."
> "Oh yeah."
> "Hey now." Serena huffed. "We're scouts and it's our
>duty to prevent whoever is doing this from harming any more
>people."
> "I'd feel a lot better if Lita and Amy could join us."
> "Lita's out on a date with a guy." Mina rang in sing-
>song. "It seems Lita finally has gotten over that old
>boyfriend of hers."
> Serena lowered her eyes. "And Amy is still following
>leads on Greg's disappearance."
> Raye crossed her arms. "I'd still feel better if they
>were with us."
> "Then, Raye, you can go scrub the floor in the safety
>of the school room."
> Serena grinned mischievously; suppressing a chuckle as
>Raye's face grew red.
> "Oh fine! I'll come with you two, just to make sure
>you don't get yourselves hurt." The raven-haired girl
>growled.
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "Hey Mr. Zen-"
> "Listen kid, for the last time call me Tracer. This
>Mr. Zen jazz is beginning to get on my nerves." The taller
>man snapped.
> Greg sighed. "Okay, do you think you could pass some
>of that pocky my way?"
> "Sure."
> Greg took his time to savory the few sticks of the
>chocolate covered cookie sticks. Meals had been meager the
>last few days since they began running low on cash. As he
>ate, Greg observed the tall, lanky Timelord leaning against
>the wall and keeping a watchful eye on the girls in the
>arcade across the street.
> 'I hope this ends soon.' Greg examined his hands.
>'I'm getting tired of cleaning myself in public restrooms
>and sleeping under bridges. I don't know how he does it.'
> A river of people rushed along the sidewalk. In the
>small gaps between the jumble of arms and legs Greg could
>see cars zip by on the street. In the shadow of the
>building, he felt like he was sitting on his couch at home
>watching the bright and variant world before him.
> 'It's a busy day.' Greg curled his knees up to his
>chin. 'Perhaps if I lie still long enough I'll merge with
>the wall. It's not like any one would notice. Well, with
>the exception of Amy. At least I hope so.'
> Curious, Greg turned to the dark-haired man. "Hey
>Tracer."
> "What now?"
> "Do you have someone back home?"
> Tracer flexed his hand. "What do you mean?"
> "Don't you have family waiting for you at home? Or
>even a girlfriend of some type?"
> The man eyed the boy. "Nooo. Why do you ask?"
> "It's just that," Greg reached into one of his pockets,
>"You dropped this picture of a blonde girl when we were
>leaving the Cherry Hill Temple. And I thought maybe she was
>your girlfriend or something."
> "Gimme that." The Timelord snatched the picture. "Why
>didn't you give me this earlier?"
> "Uh, you were in a hurry and I had forgotten about in
>our rush to keep up with the girls."
> "Uh-huh."
> "So, um, who is she?"
> "No one important."
> "Why are you carrying a picture of her with you?"
> Tracer's cheeks burned red. "None of your damn
>business!"
> "Ah, okay."
> Tracer stuffed the picture in one of his pockets. "Now
>I suggest you sit there and shut up before I smack you."
> Spinning around, Tracer once again took his spot
>against the wall. Greg peered around Tracer's shoulder and
>noticed the three girls already making their way down the
>street.
> "Um, Tracer-" *SMACK!* "Owwww."
> Tracer's head bobbed and weaved about trying to locate
>the girls. Finally, Greg tugged on Tracer's trench coat and
>became immediately aquatinted with the Timelord's bloodshot
>eyes.
> "WHAT?"
> "The girls." Greg pointed down the street.
> "Crap!"
> Tracer grabbed the boy and shot off into the crowd.
>Greg struggled to get some footing as the Timelord carried
>him through the mass of people. Looking ahead, he could see
>Serena's fluttering blonde ponytails heading towards the bus
>station. The man shoved ahead through the crowd battering
>Greg with various shoulders and elbows.
>
> "Ack!" Greg tucked in his chin and raised his arms.
> The loose flaps of the trenchcoat tickled Greg's nose.
>As Greg avoided the burlap ends of the coat, he caught a
>glimpse of the Timelord's sword flaring with light amid the
>dark folds.
> 'What the? Why is his sword glowing so brightly?'
He just changed the batteries?
> "Damn it!" Tracer spat, dropping Greg.
> "What?" Greg steadied himself on his feet and watched
>a bus drive away.
> "We didn't make it." Tracer scanned the station and
>found a map. "Quick, which route did they take?"
> "Which was it, Route 5?" Greg murmured, studying the
>colored vines criss-crossing the map. "There."
> "Good."
> "The next bus will be here in about 20 minutes."
> Tracer broke into a full stride. "I don't have that
>much time."
> Greg snaked through the crowd, trying to keep up. "So
>what are we going to do?"
> Tracer didn't answer and continued on. Once Greg
>cleared the mass of bodies, he could see Tracer make his way
>to a group of kids near a collection of large motorcycles.
>The boy's were about Greg's age. Emblem of flames and
>Japanese flags decorated each of the boy's oil smudged and
>worn black and white jumpsuits. The jumpsuits carpeted
>their bodies, stuffing into weathered and scraped black
>leather boots. An all too familiar feeling of anxiety
>filled Greg.
> 'It's a bosozoku gang.' Greg gulped. 'I hope he knows
>what he's doing.'
> "Heh, look it's a dirty American pig!" One of the boys
>screamed as Tracer approached.
> "Here piggy, piggy, piggy!" Another howled.
> "Americans can suck it! Suck it good!"
> "Hey, hey! whoah, whoah!" One of the boys stepped
>between Tracer and his motorcycle. "What do you want
>American?"
> "Your bike."
> The bosozoku gang member scratched the sparse hairs on
>his chin. "You're pretty stupid even for an American. Sure
>you can have my bike, but I don't think it would be very
>safe driving with two broken legs and swollen eyes."
> Tracer stared intently at the boy and then turned his
>head. "Are ya gonna give it to me or not?"
> Greg watched as the group of boys began to encircle the
>Timelord. 'What is he doing?'
> The boy scoffed. "Like you can do anything about-"
> Greg cringed as the Timelord slammed his forehead into
>the boy's face. Immediately, the young man's body went limp
>and fell to the ground, blood pouring from his crushed nose.
> The other boys converged on Tracer, but quickly stopped
>in their tracks. Greg rushed over only to stop when he
>noticed Tracer waving his gun.
> "Now listen up you little bastards," Tracer growled,
>"I'm in a hurry, and if you feel the need to have the living
>snot beaten from your body then I'll be more than happy to
>oblige."
"While normally I'd love to beat the living snot out of all of you,
I'm in a hurry."
> The bosozoku gang glanced at each other and
>collectively took a step back.
> Tracer smirked. "Good boys. Hey Greg!"
> Greg snapped to attention. "Uh, yes!"
> Tracer swung his leg over one of the bikes. "Let's
>go."
> Greg bowed quickly to the bosozoku gang and stepped
>over their dazed friend. He could hear Tracer grumbling to
>himself as his foot toyed with the pedals.
> "Um, Tracer, you know how to operate one of these
>things, right?" Greg whispered.
> "Of course, it's just like driving a hovercycle. Now
>where's the ignition switch?"
> "Um, can we hurry up because I don't like the way the
>bosozoku gang is looking at us."
> "Heh, wuss."
> Without warning, the motorcycle roared to life and shot
>off down the street. Greg hung on tight as the engine's
>vibrations rattled his teeth and the mufflers loud wails
>rang in his ears. He eased his head above Tracer's shoulder
>and noticed the wall of traffic ahead.
> The boy squeezed his eyes shut. 'I could really use a
>premonition right about now.'
> Greg felt the bike bob and weave through traffic,
>choruses of car horns following them.
> "Bite me!" Tracer cried cutting off a small red sedan.
> "I got yours right here buddy!" The Timelord hollered
>raising his fist at black sports car.
> "MOVE!" He screamed as he passed a slow van.
> After they cleared the pack, Greg let out a sigh of
>relief and felt Tracer shake.
> "Are you okay?"
> Tracer twisted his head, chuckling. "Heh. So much
>hostility. Hehehe."
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "Thank you very much for your concern," the woman bowed
>to the three girls, "but we can't accept any volunteers
>after the recent attacks."
> "I see." Serena chewed on her lip.
> Wrinkles dug into the woman's smiling face. "It's
>touching really; it's not very often young people such as
>yourselves volunteer their time to help the less fortunate.
>Please don't let these attacks discourage you from returning
>after all of this is over."
> "Don't worry, we will." Mina beamed. "Now if you'll
>excuse us, we must be going!"
> Mina took off dragging Serena and Raye around the
>corner. Once the two girls regained their footing they
>turned to Mina.
> "So much for Plan A. On to Plan B!" Mina exclaimed.
> Raye flattened her eyebrows. "Mina, we didn't even
>have a Plan A."
> "Okay, play it by ear it is!" Mina snatched a small
>stick from her bag.
> Serena grabbed Mina's arm. "Wait Mina! We can't
>transform out here, someone will see us."
> "So what do you suppose we should do, oh fearless
>leader?"
> "Hmmm, I guess we could just wait here until the
>monster shows itself-"
> Mina's head peeked out from a nearby window. "Or we
>could just sneak inside and look for him."
> "Mina!" Serena hissed.
> "What?" Mina tilted her head.
> "We shouldn't be breaking in here!" Raye bristled.
> "Then they shouldn't make their locks so easy to pick."
> The priestess rubbed her temple. "Mina."
> "What?"
> "Nevermind." Raye sighed climbing through the window.
> "Wait for me!"
> "Geez Serena." Raye offered out her hand. "Let's just
>look around and get out of here, okay?"
> As Serena tumbled through the window, she saw Mina
>wondering down the hallway. "What is it Mina?"
> "So like this place is a homeless shelter, huh?"
> "Actually it was an office building at one point before
>things got tough." Raye offered in a hushed voice glancing
>around a corner.
> "An office building huh?"
> "Yeah isn't it ironic?"
> "I think it's rather depressing." Serena trailed
>behind Raye and Mina gazing at the stale decor.
> The hallway reminded Serena more of a dark square-
>shaped tunnel than a refuge for people. Florescent lights
>fought to stay on while others appeared to have long since
>given up. Felt walls loosely attached to each other
>struggled to stretch to the ceiling. The walls formed
>crudely made 'rooms' with no doors and housed only a table
>and a well beaten futon. Noticing this, Serena became
>acutely aware of the relative peace and quiet on the floor.
> "Sooo, no one's here?"
> "Ugh! You moron! Where have you been in the last
>week?! All the homeless shelters in Tokyo have been
>attacked or destroyed. And guess where we are? A homeless
>shelter in Tokyo! Geez Serena, even the homeless are
>smarter than you."
> "Now Raye-"
> A great explosion rocked the building almost knocking
>the girls to the floor. Tiles and concrete dust rained down
>on them as another explosion ripped through the shelter.
> Raye wiped some dust from her face. "Told you so."
>
> A large grin formed on Mina's face as she grabbed her
>golden transformation stick and raised it over her head.
> "Venus Crystal Power!"
> In a burst of light, orange ribbons enveloped Mina's
>body. Quickly, the ribbons dissipated across her entire
>body revealing a white bodice framed by an orange collar and
>pleaded skirt.
> "Let's go!" The girl winked while flashing a "V" sign
>to her friends.
> "Mina wait!" Serena shouted as Mina hopped over one of
>the low walls.
> Serena and Raye blinked before another blast shook the
>building. Glancing at each other, the girls shrugged.
> "Mars Crystal Power!" Raye raised her red
>transformation stick.
> "Moon Cosmic Power!" Serena held her brooch high.
> Serena smiled to herself as she admired the pink
>ribbons snaking around her body. Twirling around her hands
>and feet, Serena watched the red ribbons fashion themselves
>into white gloves and knee high red boots. The ribbons
>continued on twisting into her blue collar and grew into a
>red bow before extending down to form into a blue skirt.
> 'I can never get over how much this tickles.'
> Peering over, Serena watched as the final fiery red
>ribbons around Raye created her red collar and skirt of her
>uniform.
> "Come on slow poke." Sailor Mars dashed off after
>Sailor Venus.
> Serena followed her over the low walls and into a
>stairwell. After hopping up several flights, Serena barely
>caught the tail end of Raye's skirt disappearing through
>fourth floor entrance.
> "Man, am I out of practice." Serena huffed to herself
>vaulting after Sailor Mars.
> A blast of hot air welcomed Serena when she ran through
>the floor entrance. Ash floated around the ceiling and the
>stale stench of smoke prevailed. Serena could hear gun
>shots from outside and rushed to Raye's side.
> Serena gasped as she followed Raye's gaze toward a
>large jagged hole. To Serena it seemed a giant had taken a
>large bite out of the side of the building. Parts of
>ceiling crumbled into opening to the floors below. Serena
>found Mina standing at the edge of the crumbling floor
>scanning the night sky.
> "Do you see anything Venus?" Serena carefully
>maneuvered over. 'I don't know how Mina can always be so
>calm in situations like this.'
> "Nothing." Sailor Venus stated.
> Another explosion shook the building followed by an
>eruption of gunfire.
> "What are the police shooting at?"
> "All of the attacks are coming from the sky." Venus
>narrowed her eyes. "It must be hidden or something."
> Sailor Mars pulled out an ofuda. "Let me handle this."
> As Mars quietly chanted, the Japanese symbols along the
>long sheet of rice paper burned with a red aura. She
>continued her chant and once the ofuda grew rigid, Mars
>threw it into the sky. The ofuda quickly collided with
>something, sparking with energy.
> "Got em!" Venus exclaimed.
> "See, this is why you need me to come along." Mars
>crossed her arms triumphantly. "If it was just the two of
>you-"
> "Um, guys." Sailor Moon watched as large blue robot
>slowly turned to face them.
> "Hey creep!" Venus hollered.
> The mechanical monstrosity hovered calmly in the air
>regarding them.
> Serena narrowed her eyes and gulped. 'Man it _has_
>been awhile.'
>
> "How dare you attack the only real homes of the poor
>and unfortunate citizens of this city!" Serena belted. "I
>am Sailor Moon and-"
>
> A sudden blast sent Serena flying through a few of the
>flimsy walls. Dazed, Sailor Moon watched as Mars and Venus
>dodged several more blasts. Eventually, Sailor Mars landed
>next to her.
So why's this guy immune to Sailor Moon's power to make people listen
to her?
>
> "Are you okay?"
>
> Serena could feel her temple throb. "I think so."
>
> "Next time be more careful, meatball-head."
>
> "Uh, yeah."
>
> Mars winked. "Alright, now, let's see what this rust
>bucket is made of."
>
> Jumping back into the fray, Serena saw Mars stretch out
>her hands.
>
> "Mars Fire Ignite!"
>
> The mechanical suit flew about barely dodging the
>streaking flame. Suddenly, Venus emerged from behind a veil
>of thick smoke, her index finger extended.
>
> "Crescent Beam Smash!"
>
> A concentrated beam of light connected with the
>midsection of the robot altering its trajectory. It flew
>into the building, sending volley after volley. Serena
>leaped, avoiding the random blasts as her friends returned
>fire. The floor filled with an exchange of beams of light,
>streaks of fire, and missiles.
>
> Then it abruptly stopped. Smells of scorched concrete
>and burning plaster mixed with the black smoke. Serena
>could hear the low roar of an engine above the snapping of
>the fire.
>
> "Where did he go?" Serena coughed.
>
> "I lost track of him in the smoke." Mars replied.
>"He's gotta be somewhere in here! I can still hear his
>engine."
>
> Unable to bear the smoke any longer Serena jumped
>towards her friends standing at the jagged opening. As she
>arrived, she could make out the blurry outline of the
>mechanical suit behind Mars and Venus.
>
> "Look out!" She screamed, grabbing her tiara. "Moon
>Tiara Magic!"
>
> Sailor Moon's spinning tiara exploded as it collided
>with the mechanical suit's volley. Both girls lowered their
>arms and watched as the charred remains of Serena's tiara
>and a burnt rose fell to the ground.
>
> "A rose?" Mars whispered.
>
> "A rose." Venus answered.
>
> "That can only mean-"
>
> "How dare you prey upon young girls!" A voice from
>above proclaimed. "I, Tuxedo Mask, can never forgive such
>travesties!"
>
> Serena's heart skipped a beat when a man in a black
>tuxedo and top hat landed next to them. Tuxedo Mask
>produced a fist full of roses from his black cape, flinging
>them at the battered blue robot. The mechanical suit shot
>skyward, but not before several roses embedded themselves
>into its armor.
>
> "Burning Mandala!" Several streaks of fire poured from
>Sailor Mar's hands.
>
> "Crescent Beam Scatter!" Beams of light raced from
>Sailor Venus' fingertips.
>
> The night sky lit up with their attacks. The blue
>robot accelerated barely outrunning the streams of light and
>fire. Serena's eyes never left the sky as the flame of the
>robot's engine faded into the darkness.
>
> "Oh thank God!" Serena breathed, nuzzling Tuxedo
>Mask's chest. "Thank God you made it back in time."
Er...what's the big? He didn't actually do anything.
>
> "Woot!" Sailor Venus celebrated. "Chalk another one
>up for the Sailor Scouts!"
>
> Sailor Mars cautiously made her way over the pile of
>rumble and unsteady flooring. "I thought you were still
>Osaka Tuxedo Mask?"
> Tuxedo Mask smiled. "Luna had convinced me that you
>guys needed my help."
> 'Note to self, buy Luna lots of catnip.' Serena mused
>as she looked up at her fiance.
> He returned her smile as more of the building wall
>crumbled behind them.
> "Um guys, I hate to ruin your moment, but I think we
>better get going before the whole place falls down on us."
>Raye tapped her foot a good distance away from the cracked
>flooring.
> Mina meanwhile peered out the hole braving the heat
>from the sparse fires around its rim. Serena followed her
>gaze out into the lawn where many flashlights franticly
>darted around the grounds.
>
> "And let's do it quietly." Mina added letting her
>Sailor Scout costume revert back to her school uniform.
>
> As the ribbons around Serena began to loosen, she could
>hear the screams of sirens approaching. Once her clothing
>materialized, she gave one last glance to the sky before
>making her way to the stairwell.
>
> "Hey Mina, do you think it was them?"
>
> Mina paused at the door. "The Timelords? I hope so."
>
> "Why's that?"
>
> "Because we've defeated way tougher monsters in the
>past than that robot."
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "We're here." Tracer growled. "You can let go now."
> Greg released his breath and whispered a silent prayer.
>After hopping off the motorcycle, Greg let his eyes adjust
>to the darkness. 'Is it night already? Did I really have
>my eyes closed for that long?'
> Several ambulances and fire trucks screamed by and
>disappeared around the corner.
> "What was that about?"
> "That."
> Down the street, Greg noticed black smoke rising into
>the darkening sky as it mixed with orange glowing embers.
> "What happened?"
> "Malance from what I can tell."
> "Who's Malance?"
> "That fag in the blue robot suit you saw in the alley."
> "Ah."
> Blitzes of blue, red, and white flashes bombarded them
>as they approached. A small curious crowd gathered around a
>barricade of police cars and officers a good distance away
>from a ruined homeless shelter. The spectators stared on as
>several powerful streams of water splashed against the side
>of the smoldering building attacking the blaze a few floors
>above.
> "Wow."
> Greg stood with the group observing the firemen and
>police rush about for moment or two when he noticed the
>Timelord walking away.
> "Where are you going Tracer?" Greg joined the
>Timelord's skyward gaze. "And what are you looking at?"
> "I'm looking for Malance."
> "You think he's still around?"
> "I have no idea." Tracer frowned. "The smoke's in the
>way. I can't even see which direction that bastard flew off
>to."
> Studying the sky, Greg tried to keep pace with Tracer.
> "I guess-OOOF!"
> Losing his balance, Greg snatched the arm of the girl
>who nearly knocked him over. The pair danced about in a
>poorly coordinated waltz before regaining their footing.
> "Ack! I am so sorry!" The girl bowed.
> Greg returned the bow. "No it's my fault, I wasn't
>looking where I was-"
> "Greg?"
> The boy slowly raised his head and recognized the
>blonde girl with long ponytails standing in front of him.
>Another blonde and a raven-haired girl peeked above her
>shoulder, curious.
> Serena knitted her brow. "Greg, we've all been worried
>sick about you. Where have you been?"
> Both Greg and Serena slowly turned to the Timelord who
>lazily brought his sights down to the group. Serena eyed
>the Timelord as he flipped his long black hair from his
>face. Greg gulped. Tracer narrowed his eyes and scowled.
> "I see." Tracer grabbed Greg.
> "No!" Serena ran after them. "I won't let you take
>him!"
> Spinning around, Tracer shoved his gun in the girl's
>face. "I don't think so."
> Greg held his breath when he noticed the other girls
>reaching into their bags. 'Tracer what are you doing!?
>They're going to kill you for sure if you keep this up.'
> Suddenly, Darien grabbed Serena and faced the Timelord,
>raising his fists.
> "There's no need to fight. Put the gun down and nobody
>gets hurt."
> "Whatever." Tracer's finger played on the trigger.
> Without warning an explosion of wind flung both parties
>back. A tall figure with a large staff emerged from the
>dying storm of sand.
> "Damn it, it's the Time Guardian." Greg heard Tracer
>growl.
> "Who-ack!" Greg coughed as Tracer launched down the
>street.
> Tracer pulled Greg through the crowd, bowling over an
>officer or two on his way to the motorcycle.
> "Damn it, damn it, damn it!" The Timelord exclaimed
>and glared at Greg. "'Never met her before in my life.'
>Bull crap!"
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "We have trouble." Erica announced as a black cloud of
>ash bloomed above the skyline.
> Michelle tossed the empty basket into the backseat.
>"Should we check it out?"
> "I'm not sure."
> Cindy watched the rising smoke anxiously. She heard
>Victoria calmly climbed into the car.
> "Aren't you going to sit down Cindy?"
> "Yeah."
> As she opened the door, a low rumble caught her
>attention.
> 'That can't be Malance.' Cindy panicked. 'No, not
>yet! He'll ruin everything!'
>
> Searching the sky, Cindy found it difficult to tell in
>which direction the noise came. Tall skyscrapers almost
>tauntingly leaned over her obscuring her view. Toying with
>her ruby bracelet, Cindy prepared herself as the rumble grew
>closer.
> Suddenly, a motorcycle zoomed by.
> "Yyyyyaaaayyy!" A boy on the back of the bike
>screamed.
Yyyyyiiiiiyyyy!
("Yay" sounds too cheerful.)
> Cindy blinked and her mouth hung open.
>
> "Follow that bike."
> Startled, Cindy jumped in her seat turning toward Pluto
>standing next to the car. She watched as Erica regarded
>Pluto's stern visage. Her eyes never strayed from the
>taller woman. They stood as still as statues making Cindy
>imagine it was a contest in which whoever cracked first
>lost.
If they do that, then the bike's long gone.
> 'No why's or what's?' She wondered. 'Does she always
>do this with Pluto?'
>
> After a few more moments Erica nodded to Michelle.
> "Alright let's go."
> All three women jumped into the car and quickly sped
>off.
>--------------------------------------------------------
> "Do you have scream while I'm driving, dammit!?"
>Tracer shouted to the boy.
> "You took off before I could get a good grip! I nearly
>fell off!" Greg shouted back.
> "You're still on the bike, so shut up!"
> Greg looked ahead. "Ack!"
> "What?!"
> "Car!"
> "Oh."
> Greg swallowed hard as the Timelord veered back onto
>the right side of the road. 'Dear God, please let me live
>through this day.'
> "Huh, I keep forgetting it's the left side of the
>road."
> Greg sighed to himself. 'If there was ever a time to
>be glad I can't see into the future, now would be about
>right.'
> All of the sudden Greg heard the loud squeal of tires
>and snapped his head around. Not far off in the distance he
>could see a red convertible speeding towards them. As it
>got closer, Greg could see a sandy-haired woman behind the
>wheel accompanied by three other female passengers.
> 'Sailor Uranus.' Greg gulped. "Ah boy."
> "What?" Tracer turned his head and noticed the car.
>"Crap!"
> Shifting gears, Greg felt the bike shoot off like a
>cannon ball from between several cars. Looking back, Greg
>could see the red convertible still gaining on them.
> 'Wow, Amy wasn't kidding when she said Erica was racing
>protege.'
a racing prodigy
> The bike swerved across the street, leaping onto the
>sidewalk. The crowd parted and dove to one side and the
>other leaving a trail of cursing and ranting people in their
>wake. Greg cringed and noticed Erica's car now driving
>beside them.
> 'Is Erica crazy, she's got Victoria in the car!? Wait,
>who's that sitting beside Sailor Pluto?'
> As the flaps of Tracer's trenchcoat fluttered in his
>face, Greg tried to get a better view of the mysterious,
>albeit terrified blonde stranger.
> 'Why does she look familiar?' Greg continued to study
>the woman. 'I've seen her somewhere, but not in person.
>Uh, crap.'
> "Grrr! Damn it!"
> "Huh?" Greg snapped his head forward.
> The light ahead had just turned red. Greg's stomach
>began to churn.
> Tracer smirked. "No cop, no stop!"
> "Wait! What about-"
> "I don't care!"
> Greg gulped. A mass of cars rushing across the
>intersection welcomed them up ahead.
> Holding on for dear life, Greg reflected fondly back on
>the best things in life.
> 'I'm sorry Amy. I was hoping to see you again, but I
>guess my time has run out.'
> "Here we go!"
> Tracer launched into the intersection. Greg shut his
>eyes as several cars and trucks crammed on their brakes.
>Screeching tires precluded to resounding crunches of metal
>and glass. Greg braced himself when the bike jerked hard in
>one direction and then another. Finally, they came to a
>stop.
> A massive wreckage of cars and trucks filled the road.
>Beyond it, Greg could see Erica's red convertible stopped a
>short distance away from the jumbled mess of metal. All of
>the women stood on their seats staring at them. Now with an
>unobstructed view, Greg finally had a chance to get a good
>look at the blonde stranger.
> 'That's the girl from the photo!'
> "So she's got the Time Guardian on her side does she?
>That little bitch." Tracer murmured revving the engine.
>------------------------------------------------------------
> "It's him." She murmured.
> Cindy gazed in disbelief at the lanky man on the bike.
>His dark eyes stared intently at her through his long greasy
>black hair. She narrowed her eyes.
> 'How is that Timelord still alive! There is no way he
>could have escaped that explosion. Damn it, damn it, damn
>it!'
> With one last sideways glance, Tracer turned the bike
>and accelerated, disappearing the night.
> "Why did you stop? We must continue our pursuit."
> Erica glared at Pluto. "I'm not going to risk Vicky's
>or Cindy's life just to catch this guy."
> "Are you willing to let Greg's kidnapper get away?"
> "It's not worth it. If we continue now, we could get
>Greg killed let alone ourselves."
> "You saw how he was driving." Michelle added. "He
>didn't care who got hurt."
> Pluto remained silent as the screams of sirens grew
>near.
> "Fine." Pluto hopped onto of the hood. "We will
>discuss at a later time."
> As Cindy watched Pluto walk away, a shiver ran up
>Cindy's spine. 'I'm not scared of you Timelord. You may
>have come for me, but I will not allow you to get in my
>way.'
>-End of Part 4-
>Notes:
>This part I'm particularly nervous about since it has a whole lot of action in it
>and I'm not terribly comfortable with the flow. But oh well, I can't sit on this thing
>forever.
>And if any of you care, the scenes with Tracer were inspired by two songs.
>Google for the mp3s if you are so inclined. Who knows, maybe it might help
>'heighten' the mood of the writing.
>"Mashin' on the Motorway" - DJ Shadow
>"The Best Things" - Filter
>Cool, that's it for me, I'm out. See ya next part!
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