Sailor Journeys: Secrets of an Unknown Past

by Commander Galos

This story is based on the first 23 chapters of Yohann DeSabrais' 'Cycles of Life'.

17. Chapter 17

SAILOR JOURNEYS: SECRETS OF AN UNKNOWN PAST


Chapter 17: Countdown to Oblivion


Personal Log of Lieutenant Yohann Starr.
Entry 1.

- Well, it has started. I'm not satisfied with the decision I took, but no
matter how many times I try to find a new approach, I can't find another
way out of this situation. I'm not so sure anymore of what is right and
what is wrong... it has become so confusing. That all this is my fault, I
have no doubt about it. However, escaping like a vulgar crook, without
talking to anyone... I'm not proud of it. No doubt, by now they should have
seen the message I left, and realized that they have been left behind.
Funny... I'm more worried for their reaction than what I'm about to do. Or
perhaps it's not that funny...

- One thing I can truly bet about here... they'll try to follow me. But I
made sure they don't have a clue of my whereabouts. Poor Alex... she must
have felt terrible. But bringing her with me could have been counter-
productive to my objectives.

- The girls... they deserve a time to recuperate and think of their future. A
future I intend to safeguard... no matter the cost. I can't allow anyone
else to risk their lives for something that should have been done only by
myself. This is an Agency matter, and I don't care what the Commander said
in that recording. I have to do this alone.

- Alone... what a frightening word. Especially now that I met her... the real
reason behind my actions. How I long to be back at her side, to hear her
voice, to see her face, to...

- No. I can't think that right now. I must concentrate... focus on what I'm
about to face. The modifications I made to my armor, along with the
weaponry I brought with me from the base must be enough to help me. I must
go on...

- I must go...


* * * *

"Why did he go?" asked Robin. The next day, everybody agreed that it was best
to continue with their normal lives, all the while Sonya, Alex and the
Guardian kept working on learning where in the world was Yohann. Right now,
Usagi and Robin were having their lunch break.

"I wish I could tell you his reasons, Robin." Said Usagi, "but I'm afraid I
can only try to guess them."

"What I can't understand, is why he decided to turn this into a solo mission.
I mean, this is not like him to run into danger so recklessly."

"You were the one that always complained about him thinking all the time about
his job, remember?" said Usagi, trying to tease her friend.

"Don't remind me... you can't imagine how much I regret having been right."
Robin's shoulders slumped, and after sighing, she added. "Still, that doesn't
explain why he had to go and left m... I mean, us behind."

"On the contrary... that's the only thing I'm sure that explains his actions."

"What do you mean?"

"Robin, remember: Yohann heard our conversation, and obviously, he heard what
Ami, Hogosuro and Sonya said about Cauldron. Also, remember what he said on
that recording. He doesn't want to risk Cauldron gaining more power. Not to
mention, that he don't want to see any more casualties among our ranks."

"I guess I understand... but still..."

"Wait, I haven't finished yet! Also, he's doing this for you." Finished Usagi,
smiling tenderly at her friend.

"Now I lost you! What do you mean with 'he's doing this for you'? I don't get
it."

"Robin, do you really want me to explain it to you? Ok, here it goes. First,
he almost went crazy when you were abducted by Cauldron. Do you know that he
almost went to face Cauldron alone just to rescue you?"

"No... he... he never told me that." Said Robin, genuinely surprised at such
revelation.

"Well, it's true. He went almost suicidal when our families got kidnapped. If
we weren't with him at the time, I don't doubt he would have killed himself to
save them. Remember that he almost did it when he shielded you against that
blast."

"That was so awful... I thought I had lost him that day..."

"The point here is, Robin... We have to have faith on him. He'll be back, I'm
sure of it. He has a very good reason to do it." Usagi then embraced Robin,
showing her support.

Robin returned the embrace, smiling faintly. "Thank you, Usagi. I needed
that." They remained in that position for a few more moments, until the bell
rang indicating that classes were about to continue.


* * * *

Ami, Minako and Makoto were at Crown, drinking some refreshments. They
couldn't concentrate too well on their classes. Even Ami couldn't find the
class interesting.

"Who does he think we are? Delicate flowers of the prairie?" muttered Makoto,
toying with her spoon. "As if we can't defend ourselves!"

"Calm down, Makoto. I'm pretty sure he didn't meant that." Said Ami.

"Right! Besides, why did he take all that trouble to train with us if he
didn't want to work with us as a team? No, he has another reason." Said
Minako.

"Give you three chances to guess the name of that reason." Quipped Makoto.

"No need. We already know." Said Minako, smiling.

"No, I'm not sure that's all." Said Ami, lowering her gaze. "His reasons must
be deeper than that. I've been watching him since that first breakdown he had,
and noticed something. He takes whatever happens to any of us very personally,
and seeing any one of us troubled or pained affects him deeply."

"Reminds me of Usagi in that respect." Commented Minako.

"In a way, you're right." Continued Ami. "In that respect, he's a little
overprotective."

"So, you say that's why he didn't want to take us now? Because he wants to
protect us?" asked Makoto.

"That is precisely what I think. But I have the feeling that there is
something else. And I don't have a clue of what it could be." Finished Ami.

"Oh, if someone is able to find out, I'm sure it's you! Come on, cheer up!"
quipped Minako, at the same time she embraced Ami.

Makoto smiled at her two friends, but internally she frowned. She understood
perfectly what Ami had said, and just like her, she didn't like that missing
piece of the puzzle.

In that moment, Motoki approached them, his eternal smile shown full-blast.
"Hey! Mind if I sit with you? My feet are killing me."

"No, go ahead!" said Makoto, moving a little to allow him to sit next to her.
"So, anything new?"

"Not much." Sighed Motoki. "Besides the new arcade games that arrived, nothing
truly interesting around here." And as an afterthought, he added. "But I can't
say the same for Rika."

"I'm curious. How is she? Still studying hard?" asked Minako, suddenly
interested in Motoki's girlfriend.

"Oh, yes! She's as brilliant as she is beautiful. Just what she told me on
the phone this morning is what made me cringe for her." Said Motoki, sighing.

"Why was that?" asked Ami. "Did something happened to her?"

"No, thank goodness! It seems that a trip planned for her class to visit an
archeological site in Africa was cancelled. Something about a terrorist act
that leveled the place, or something." Was Motoki's answer.

The reaction of the three girls was instantaneous. Ami covered her mouth with
her hand, while Minako and Makoto looked at each other, all of them thinking
the same thing. But it was Makoto the one that made the obvious question.

"An... archeological site? Was it very old?"

"I guess so. Rika told me that they were supposed to check if something about
some very old legends of the place were true. Something about the place where
'the ancient gods had come to earth to impart their knowledge and wisdom'. I
didn't ask her more... she seemed pretty upset about the trip being
cancelled." Said Motoki.

"She... didn't mention the name of the place... did she?" asked Ami, looking
intently at Motoki.

Motoki frowned, trying to remember. "She said a name I didn't get quite
well... sounded like... Tosoli... Taseli..."

"Tassilli..." muttered Ami.

"Yes, that's it! That's the name she mentioned! How did you know?" asked
Motoki.

"Oh, look at the time!" said Minako, looking at her watch. "Sorry, but we have
to go to Rei's place for a study session." She then looked at her friends.
"Isn't that right?"

"What?... oh, oh, yes! I almost forgot!" said Makoto. "And you know how Rei
is when someone gets late!"

"That's right. It's enough with Usagi getting late." Added Ami. "Sorry,
Motoki. Perhaps we can talk some other day."

"That's all right, don't worry." Said Motoki, standing up. "And tell Usagi to
come here more often... sales have dropped since she haven't been around."

"Ok, we'll tell her." Said Makoto, laughing at the comment. "See you!"

After paying their tab, they hurried to a nearby alley. There, Minako opened
her communicator and pressed the 'all call' button. "Everybody, listen up. We
may have a clue of Yohann's whereabouts."

"Are you sure?" asked Rei.

"That is what we want to check out. Meet us back at the base as soon as you
can." Said Minako.

"We can't be there." Said Haruka. "Michiru has a concert, and I'm going to
take her. However, keep us posted on what you find."

"Understood. The rest, meet us back at the base as soon as you can. Minako
out." With that, the three girls went to the base, a sense of dread gripping
their hearts.

* * * *

Personal Log of Lieutenant Yohann Starr.
Entry 2.

- The first attack was a success. Fortunately for me, there was nothing but
old security systems still operating, and were easily disposed. Too bad I
didn't bring the Leviathan with me, since there were a few prototypes there
that could have been interesting to retrieve. I guess the guys back at Moon
Rider will have to be content with the scans I took.

- I have a huge debt with Alex. The modifications that she suggested for my
armor worked like a charm. It will take a little while for me to get used
to them, but I have enough time to work on that. But there's something that
worries me...

- I expected to see Cauldron and Co. around. But there was no trace of his
presence. I expected him to follow his original plans, just as he had done
during our previous encounters. Not seeing him here worries me. I wonder
what he's planning to do...

* * * *

"Here are the keys, Sir." Said the saleswoman. "You made an excellent
purchase."

"Thank you." Said the client. "It was a pleasure to make business with you."

"The pleasure was all mine, believe me. I'll send the rest of the documents
to your new address as soon as they're ready."

"I'll be waiting for them. Now, if you excuse me..." With those words, the
client left the office.

"Congratulations. You filled your quota for today." Said another salesman to
his partner. "And what house did you sell this time?"

"You're not going to believe it." Said the woman. "But that man insisted on
one specific house. The old Tomoe mansion, no less!"

"You're right, I don't believe it! Since those horrible murders took place,
nobody wanted that place. And that person wanted it??"

"Not only wanted... he didn't even say a thing about the price! He accepted
it right away." Said the woman. "I bet you that if I had asked double for it,
he might have paid it without hesitation."

"Speaking of payments, did you check that the check wasn't bogus?"

"Hey, what kind of person do you think I am? Of course I did! And it passed
with flying colors! I'm going to receive a good commission with this sale!"

The man approached idly at her desk, and looked at the name on the check.
"Well, it seems that your customer represents a new company with lots of
capital to invest in real estates."

The woman nodded, and began to organize the file. She then wrote a name on
the folder in order to put it in the archive: "C&M Enterprises"

* * * *

"What is so important that you wanted to discuss it with us?" asked the
Guardian. All the ones that could come to the impromptu meeting were gathered
at the War Room.

"We just came from Crown," started Makoto, "And by sheer chance, we got hold
of a very interesting bit of information."

"That's right." Added Ami. "You remember Rika, Motoki's girlfriend?"

"I never met her, sorry." Said Laurella.

"Same here." Added Robin.

"Let me tell you something about her." Began Minako. "She's studying in
England, majoring in Archeology. It seems that her group was planning a trip
to research a very old digging site."

"But the trip was cancelled, because, and I quote Motoki's words: 'something
about a terrorist act that leveled the place, or something.' Now, tell me if
that doesn't sound familiar to you, guys." Finished Makoto.

"Oh, my God..." said Mamoru. "You're not thinking..."

"I think we all think the same." Interrupted Usagi, suddenly preoccupied.
"Yohann and Cauldron nuked the place."

"And what place was that??" asked Robin, equally preoccupied.

"A place in Africa, near the caves in Tassilli." Said Ami. "According to the
local history, that place was visited in the ancient past by gods, that
imparted their wisdom to the local tribes."

"Let me check a thing. I'll be back in a moment." Said Alex, and went to the
base's mainframe. A minute later, she returned. "I guess you have something
there. In a series of caves there, are the pictograms of strange figures,
some of them suspiciously looking like people wearing helmets... or more
accurately, space suits. And those figures are old... really old!"

"How bad was the damage, Alex? Can you give us more information?" asked Sonya.

"I just hacked into one of the spy satellites that, officially, doesn't
exist." Answered Alex. "Fortunately, it was passing near the place, so I'll
be able to link a direct video feed right here. Ah, just in time! Here it is.
I'll put it in the projector."

The image appeared in front of everyone, and they didn't like what was
displayed. In the middle of a semi-deserted area, was the unmistakable
pattern of a series of blasts, along with a severe cave-in. Military units
already surrounded the area. Nobody said a word at the scene.

Suddenly, Rei broke the silence. "It's horrible... the amount of damage is
terrible..."

"No doubt that a terrible battle took place there." Said the Guardian.

"But there's something strange about it..." murmured Sonya.

"What do you mean with 'strange'?" asked Rei. "It's clear to me that Yohann
and Cauldron fought there."

"I doubt it. Here, let me show you." Said Sonya. She froze the image, and
centered it on one of the blasts. "Look. The blast pattern doesn't indicate
that it was made on the outside. And for what you already told me of
Cauldron's 'modus operandi', he likes to attack with all his weaponry on the
outside. No, this only indicates that those blasts were made from the inside
out, not the other way."

"But that doesn't change the fact that a battle took place." Said Shingo. He
then looked at Robin. "Even more, we may have to face the fact that... that
maybe Yohann is..."

"No, don't say it!" interrupted Robin. "I won't believe it until I have
positive proof of it!"

"I say the same." Added Usagi. "I know how you feel, Robin. I thought the
same a lot of times." She then looked at Mamoru, remembering all the times
she thought he was lost to her.

"In that case, let me point another thing." Said Sonya. She then displayed a
general view of the place. "If there was a battle as you imagine it was, then
the damage must have concentrated in a small area. However, if you look
closely at this..."

"I see it." Said Minako. "The destruction is too even!"

"Exactly." Continued Sonya. "No, ladies and gentlemen. All these images
indicate that, this attack was a search and destroy operation, not the
scenery of a battle."

"YES!" said Alex. "One point to my pork chops! He beat Cauldron to the site!"

"It's too soon to celebrate." Said the Guardian. "There is also one thing we
have to consider here."

"And... what is it?" asked Robin, afraid of the answer.

"That perhaps... the Lieutenant didn't make it out of the place." Concluded
the Guardian. "There is too much structural damage in there."

"I don't think so, Hogosuro. He's too smart and resourceful to end up being
trapped by something like that." Said Robin, her voice full with conviction.

"Hold it, gang." Interrupted Alex. "I just intercepted a coded message from
an scientific observation post in the Antarctic. And... it's very interesting!
Something about an Unidentified Flying Object in the area, and a huge
explosion that disrupted their equipment."

"Can you confirm the information, Alex?" asked Shingo.

"Not for the moment, sorry." Answered Alex. "I'll have to keep track on their
communications, but it's safe to assume that this was my sweetie's handiwork."

"How can you be so sure?" asked Makoto, puzzled.

"Think, guys! Does the word 'Lemuria' rings a bell?" retorted Alex.

"You're right!" said Mamoru. "According to legend, Lemuria was a continent
that supposedly rivaled Atlantis' power. Incredibly advanced, but destroyed
during a big war against Atlantis. That happened before the beginning of the
Silver Millenium, according to what I know."

"So, it's safe to assume that the remains of one of the bases was there, and
Yohann destroyed it." Said Ami. "One thing we have to admit... he works fast.
Hardly a day has passed, and he already closed two bases."

"Yeah! That's my pork chops, alright!" said Alex, proud in her voice. "Leave
it to him to make a job well done!"

"I'm not so sure, Alex..." muttered Laurella. "Something's not right... it's
too easy."

"I agree with you." Said the Guardian. "Alex, can you confirm the quantity of
UFOs sighted? Were there more than one?"

"According to the report, only one was sighted." Said Alex.

"Perhaps Yohann beat Cauldron to that site too." Ventured Robin.

"I don't know..." muttered the Guardian. "I don't know..."

* * * *

"I don't know why you want this place." Said MerLynn. "Look at it! Completely
useless, if you want my opinion."

"Aaaah, but you're wrong, my friend." Said Cauldron. "It is more valuable
than you can think."

They were inside the old Tomoe Mansion, inspecting the place. The salesman
had been correct: since the infamous 'Tomoe Massacre' the house had been
completely empty. Not even the homeless wanted to get near the place.

"This place has a very useful secret, MerLynn." Continued Cauldron. "Not to
mention that it is conveniently located. We can keep an eye on the activities
of our enemies."

"So... the operating base of them is nearby, eh? I admire your cunning,
Cauldron." Cackled MerLynn.

"Thank you. Remember: keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." He
then extended his cybernetic arm in front of him, and slowly turned around.
He then pointed towards the end of the corridor. "Over there. Let's go."

They walked to the end of it, reaching a solid wall. Around it, were still
visible the marks that signaled the position of the bodies that were
discovered after the attack made by the Knightmare against the Witches 5.

"Oooh, we missed the party..." said MerLynn.

"Yes... but we may still can find the presents." Commented Cauldron. He then
pointed his arm towards the wall. "This is the place. I can detect a spatial
anomaly here. MerLynn, would you do me the honors?"

"With pleasure." MerLynn took Heresy from his robes, and made a slice on the
wall. But instead of breaking it, some sort of portal began to appear.
Cauldron inserted his arm on the breach, and opened it wide. Soon, a wide
corridor appeared in front of them, barely illuminated and with a cold mist
covering the floor.

"Let's go." Said Cauldron. Both began to walk again, and soon reached what
they were looking for: the abandoned laboratory of the deceased Dr. Tomoe.
"Aah. Just what we need. Everything looks in working order."

"In that case, what are we waiting for?" asked MerLynn, smiling.

With that, both began to examine all the equipment and notes still in the
place, preparing for the next step on their plan.

* * * *

Five days later...

Personal Log of Lieutenant Yohann Starr.
Entry 19.

- I've finally closed another base. This is base number 14, according to the
log. Or is it 15? I don't know anymore. The only thing I know is that I have
to continue. I can't stop now. The end is so close... but do I have the
strength to do it? Can I make it?

- There's a saying that goes: "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger", or
something like that. I can vouch that it's not always true... I can feel my
strength dwindling after each successful raid. My mind is constantly fogged,
and thinking straight is becoming more and more difficult. If it wasn't for
this log... I guess I could have gone insane a long time ago.

- How I crave to return home... to be back. But... is there truly a place for
me here? Do I really belong to this planet? Can I truly be accepted... after
what I've done? After what the Agency has brought here... can I be forgiven?
Is there a true meaning for what I'm doing?

- I guess... that I don't have a home I can return to. Only a place for
works... just another assignment. It's so cold... so impersonal. A place...
so full of grief... brought by me. All because of my own weakness, my own
cowardice...

- I once had a beautiful dream... I dreamt that I had a home. That I had a
lot of good friends... and one special lady waiting for me... But I woke
up, and faced reality. I thought I had finally found all that... and I
threw it away. I ruined it all.

- Now, that is all I have... just a dream.


* * * *

With the exception of the Outer Senshi, all the rest had spent all the time
they could going back to the base once in a while, hopping that the residents
of the place could get a clue of where they could find either Yohann or
Cauldron. The former because they wanted to help him; the later because they
wanted to get rid of him once and for all.

The only thing they were sure was that Yohann had been very busy during the
last days. After Antarctica, he had visited a lot of other places all over
the word in no apparent order. From the South Pole to China, to Australia, to
Middle Asia, to Europe, and so on. There had been a lot of media coverage
because of the strikes, and more than one group of wackos had claimed
responsibility for them. Only the girls knew the truth.

This day, Robin had gone to the base, hoping that something new could give
her the clue she so much wanted.


Sonya was the one who opened the door, and greeted her. "Oh, Robin! Hello!
Please, come in. What can I offer to you?"

"No, nothing for me. Thank you, Sonya. I... just came to..."

"I'm afraid we haven't got more luck than before, dear." Said Sonya, guessing
what Robin was about to ask. "Yohann truly outdid himself this time."

"I know..." sighed Robin. "Why does he have to be so competent with all he
does?"

"Now, now. Don't tell me you don't like that of him." Said Sonya, smiling at
Robin.

"Well... yes... I guess so..." admitted Robin. Shacking her head, she decided
to change subjects. "Sonya, do you think I can use the studio? I need to
finish an assignment, and I wondered..."

"You don't have to ask, dear." Said Sonya. "This place is open for you all.
Use it all you want."

"Thank you, Sonya. It won't take long." After that, Robin headed towards the
studio, and after activating the computer, she began to work. An hour later,
she had finished, but didn't want to leave the place. She didn't want to admit
it in the open, but she felt comfortable in the studio. When she closed her
eyes, Robin could sense Yohann's presence, and remembered the short time they
spent together.

Suddenly, the desk's speakers crackled, interrupting Robin's meditation. "Hey,
Robin! What's up? Daydreaming again?" asked Alex.

"You could say that." Said Robin, a little miffed because of the intrusion.
"So... any luck breaking the ship's codes?"

"You had to ask..." muttered Alex. "Not much, I'm afraid. At least, not more
than trying to outwit that killer program. Both are too well protected."

Robin sighed, and said no more. She then began to gather her things, and
decided to take a nap before going back with Michiru and Haruka. But when she
stood up, her shirt got caught on one of the desk's drawers, and with her
momentum, the drawer opened.

"Oh, no... I hope I didn't tear it. It's my favorite shirt!" muttered Robin.
After unhooking her shirt, and checking that it was undamaged, she was about
to close the drawer when she noticed a piece of paper with something written
on it.

Robin bit her lip, fighting the urge to read it... but her curiosity won the
fight. She took it out, and put it on the desk.

"Robin... don't you know that it's bad manners to read other people's things?"
asked Alex. "Do you think my sweetie would like to learn about it?"

Robin raised her gaze from the paper, and looked at the screen. "You want to
read it with me?" she asked, her voice sugary.

"I thought you'd never ask! Put it on the screen!" said Alex. A moment later,
they were reading the contents of the paper.

A minute later, Robin broke the silence, her voice full of emotion. "Alex...
when did Yohann write this?"

"I... I don't know..." said Alex, equally perturbed. "But... according to my
readings, he must have written this the day he... he left us here." She spent
a few seconds in silence, and then she added. "Oh, Robin... I never knew..."

"Neither do I... he never said a thing..." muttered Robin. Suddenly, she
stood up, and walked to the door. "Alex... I'll be back soon. I want you to
keep trying to open the Leviathan's hatch." Her voice left no doubt about
what she felt at the moment: She was furious!

"Robin... what are you planning to do?" asked Alex, suddenly alarmed.

"I'm going to get some answers... and I won't return until I get them!" said
Robin, and without getting her books, she left the studio.

Alex sighed, and before leaving, she read the paper one more time:


"Dreaming...

I was dreaming...
Perhaps it may have been
But a long forgotten memory...

A dream...
A memory...

Things remembered
When one is asleep...
Things forgotten
When one is awake...

Where the deepest layers
Of memories
Become the outmost layers
Of one's dreams...

Which are reality?
Which are illusions?
One cannot tell until
One awakes...

Or perhaps they are,
At the same time, both
Truth and fiction...

A vast nebulous...
With no boundaries...

An emptiness equivalent
To my own existence...

I dreamt such a dream...

A long...
Never-ending,
Dream...

In that dream,
I was called 'Yohann'...

I was an explorer...

I had become a resourceful explorer
And was working with a group of great heroines,
And fallen in love with one of them...
A beautiful young woman called Robin...

'Robin'...

It was a time when I
Loved to hear her name.
A time when we had met
Up with the another...
A time when nothing
Mattered between us...

It was better that way...
Just two people,
Together...

It was better to have
Left it that way...

I lied...
To her...
To myself...

I just couldn't stand
Seeing her suffering because of me
And what I've done to her.
I just feared to
Finish what I had to do.
I wanted to keep fighting
By her side, forever...

So I wanted to buy time...
She'd probably despise me for that...

No,
She'd probably just
Give me her usual smile.
She's that kind of woman...

Dreams...

A life of a man named
Yohann...
And the lives of the people
That called him friend...

All but dreams...

Now that I am awake,
Those countless numbers of
Long, heartrending dreams
Are almost impossible to
Remember at all...

In those dreams,
I loved one woman...
No matter the day,
No matter the place...
That did not change...

That dream changed me...
That dream was the catalyst
For me to resolve what my
Purpose was...

I think I know now...
What I have to do...

That long, long memory
Of a dream...
Perhaps it was the memory of my soul..."


Alex decided to file what she just read in a personal file, and went to do
what Robin asked her. 'Oh, Yohann... why did you never tell me a thing?'

* * * *

"Robin, you can't go! And that's final!" said Haruka, in an attempt to stop
whatever the young Senshi of Saturn planned to do.

"She's right, you know?" said Michiru. "Besides, where are you planning to go?
Nobody has a clue of where to start looking."

"I know, Michiru." Said Robin, while she continued preparing her backpack.
"But, if my memory serves me well, you too didn't have a clue when you
started looking for the Deathbusters, right?"

'Good form. Nice style... I'll give her an 8.' Thought Setsuna, who was
watching the verbal exchange from the living room.

"Granted. But still, that doesn't mean you have to go on you own!" retorted
Haruka. "We have had a lot of close calls, we don't need you to go on a
kamikaze mission just to get your love life straight!" Too late, she realized
what she had said, and flinched under Michiru's stern gaze, and Robin's pained
one.

Robin clinched her fists, but decided to say nothing. Instead, she shouldered
her backpack, and went to the door. Before exiting, she turned around, and
said. "You didn't say a thing, Setsuna. Anything you want to tell me?"

"Just two things... take care, Robin. And good luck." Was all Setsuna told
her.

Robin smiled at her, and left the place, more reassured of her own decision.
Setsuna gave herself the luxury to smile faintly.

"That's it?" asked Haruka, stunned. "You're not going to stop her? Aren't you
going to say anything else?"

"No... not for the moment." Said Setsuna, taking another sip of her tea. She
closed her eyes, and wondered how much Robin had changed since Yohann's
arrival. 'Besides, nothing I could say would make her change her mind, so why
bother?' she thought.

* * * *

Alex had been trying everything she knew to get rid of the security lock that
grounded the Leviathan, but so far, no results. I she had had hands, no doubt
she would be pounding the ship mercilessly out of pure frustration. Alex was
out of new ideas, when Robin entered the Hangar.

"Don't ask anything." Said Alex, "because I haven't been able to open it."

"I can see that." Said Robin. "Tell me, Alex... does all the self-repair
mechanisms on the ship work?"

"Yes, of course! And better than before, I must add!" answered Alex, proudly.
"But... why do you ask?"

Robin didn't answer immediately. Instead, she walked to the cargo bay doors
behind the ship, and...

"SATURN SOUL POWER, TRANSFORM!"

Once transformed, and with her Techno-armor engaged, Saturn looked grimly at
the closed doors, and concentrating, she started with her normal attack.
"SATURN WINGS OF FURY!"

"Saturn!!!" exclaimed Alex, alarmed. "What do you think are you doing?? Stop!!
Have you gone crazy!?!?!"

Saturn didn't listened to her. Instead, she pressed her attack to the limit.
After a minute of continuous barrage, she stopped. But wasn't too surprised
to see that all she did was a couple of small holes on the doors and burn
slightly the paintjob. Even more, in front of her, the holes began to repair
themselves, and the surface began to quiver. In a minute, no evidence of her
attack was visible.

"Well, I hope you're satisfied!" said Alex, peeved. "What do you expected to
achieve? Blow the whole ship sky high?"

"Not exactly." Muttered Robin. Undaunted, she crossed her arms in front of
her, and again, proceeded to attack the ship. "SATURN DEATHSPHERES!"

The five spheres of her techno-armor zeroed on one specific point, and in
unison, began to strike at it. Saturn kept her concentration, not even daring
to even blink. In that moment, the Guardian and Sonya entered the Hangar.

Without waiting for the elevator to reach the bottom, the Guardian opened the
doors, and jumped the remaining distance. He began to run towards Saturn in
order to stop her, when Alex' voice stopped him.

"Wait, Hogosuro! I think I know what she wants to do. Instead, bring a
portable transceiver from the storage room, and connect it to the wall
console. Hurry!"

The Guardian blinked, however he did what Alex told him. He was exiting the
storage room with the requested item when Sonya approached the console. "Alex,
what's going on?"

"Saturn is going to enter the ship." Said Alex. "I'll take the chance and
send a magnetic burst through the opening to scramble the onboard computer.
That will dislodge the lock it has... I hope."

IN that moment, the Guardian dropped the transceiver on a trolley and began
to connect it. He had hardly finished when they heard Saturn's exclamation.
"YES!" He and Sonya turned around, and saw that Saturn had effectively made
a hole in the cargo bay doors, but barely big enough for her to go through.
They also noticed that the hole was starting to close.

"What are you waiting you two??" said Alex. "Saturn, jump! Hogosuro, move
this thing and aim!"

Simultaneously, Saturn jumped through the closing gap, while the Guardian
placed the transceiver in front of it. Once in position, Alex sent a powerful
electromagnetic pulse, in hopes that it would be enough. She was still
transmitting when the hole finally closed, the ship regaining its normal look.

"You think you made it, Alex?" asked Sonya, still dazed at what happened.

"I... I don't know..." said Alex. "I'm not sure it worked at all..."

The three of them waited for a few minutes, the tension building with each
passed one. Sonya was the first to break it. "It looks like it didn't work,
Alex. Now, how are we going to get Saturn out of there?"

In that moment, the entrance hatch opened, and Saturn peeked through it.
"Aaah... excuse me... would anyone be kind enough to give me my backpack?
I... dropped it."

Sonya and the Guardian facevaulted, all the while Alex' speech program got
scrambled. A moment later, Alex finally was able to regain her composure.
"Saturn!! What the...?"

"Oh, sorry for the delay." Said Saturn. "But I had to reboot the whole system
inside. No wonder you couldn't open the ship, Alex. It was turned off!"

Sonya put her hand in front of her mouth in an attempt to hide her smirk,
while the Guardian only raised an eyebrow. Alex was more expressive, saying
things that made Saturn blush fiercely (and are better not to print here.)
Once calmed, Alex added. "Of all the rotten, misguiding, devious..."

"Ok, ok Alex. I understand." Said Saturn. "Now that all is solved, I have to
go now." She then retrieved her backpack. She was about to enter the
Leviathan again when Sonya stopped her.

"Saturn, wait! Where are you going?"

"I'm going to get Yohann back, either he likes it or not! And to get things
straight with him." Said Saturn, her voice cold.

"Are you sure this is wise?" asked the Guardian.

"I don't know. But one thing I'm sure is this: I'm not coming back until I
get what I want. Now, if you excuse me..."

"But what about your father? Did you tell him about your plans?" inquired
Alex.

"I left him a message at the hospital. Besides, he won't miss me that much.
Is there anything else you want to ask? It's getting late." Saturn turned
around when she was about to close the hatch.

"Only a couple of things." Said Alex. "Keep the communications open, we don't
want to risk losing you too. And... good luck."

"Will do." Said Saturn, smiling. She then addressed Sonya and the Guardian.
"Keep an eye on the shop while I'm gone. I hope this won't take long. See you
soon!" With that, she entered the ship.

Sonya and the Guardian entered the cargo elevator, and while going up, they
watched the landing platform going up as well.

"Do you think she'll make it?" wondered Sonya.

"One thing is certain: if someone has a chance to find the Lieutenant, it's
her. She has the determination to accomplish whatever she wants to do." Was
the Guardian's answer.

"That's right. I just hope she can do it in time. I have this strange feeling
that we're up to some serious trouble this time." Said Sonya.



"Looks like our little spy made its job." Said Cauldron. Turning from the
desk he was using, he addressed MerLynn. "Is everything set?"

"I just finished the detailing." Said the maddened wizard. "you'll be pleased
with the results, my friend."

"Excellent. Now, what do you say if we pay our neighbors a visit?" gloated
Cauldron. Both beings laughed at the thought.

* * * *

Somewhere over the Brazilian rainforests, three hours later...

"Anything yet, Robin?" asked Alex through the radio.

"No, nothing. I thought that I could intercept him if I flew over here." Was
Robin's answer. "Are you sure those strange sightings you collected all over
the Net were right?" She had flown the Leviathan roughly over the places
Yohann had visited earlier, and after sending the data to Alex, they decided
on an interception course.

"Hey, you have to remember one thing. That every wacko that believes in
'flying saucers' always says that every strange phenomenon they see is one of
them! It was hard enough to check each one of them, and extract the real
facts." retorted Alex.

"sigh Yes, you're right. Sorry about that... it's just that..."

"Don't say a thing, Robin. I understand perfectly. Now, just keep your eyes
open, and the sensors at full power. You may be lucky, and find him there."

"Ok, I will. Thank you, Alex. Leviathan out." After closing the communications
and readjusting the ship's sensors, Robin went to the replicator to get
something to drink. After lunch, she hadn't eaten a thing, but strangely, she
wasn't hungry. She was leaning on one of the walls, trying to figure out what
to do next, when a chime was heard. Robin hurried towards the pilot seat, and
activated the main screen.

Robin couldn't contain a gasp when the words "*Unidentified Flying Object
Detected*" appeared on the screen. Immediately, she disengaged the autopilot,
and steered the Leviathan in the direction the sensors indicated. But her joy
didn't last long...

She finally got sight of the Stratos, but before she could hail it, the
sensors began beeping again. She ordered the computer a visual reckon of the
new contact, and when the data was displayed, she felt her blood going cold.

On the screen, appeared the obscure silhouette of the Darkstarr! But instead
of heading towards Robin, the dark ship headed towards the Stratos! Robin
pushed the Leviathan's engines to the limit, but she had the sinking feeling
that she wouldn't make it on time...

The Stratos began to accelerate in order to get away from the Darkstarr, but
the later accelerated as well, matching the speed of the smaller ship. And
before the Stratos could maneuver, the Darkstarr opened fire on it!

Robin felt a scream struggling in her closed throat, and as if it were a slow
motion movie, she watched as the Stratos' force field collapsed, while an
well-aimed shot from the Darkstarr blew the engine. She stared horrorized as
the burning wreck that once was the Stratos plummeted to earth.

Robin heard someone screaming incoherently, and wasn't too surprised to find
that it was her. She activated all the weapons, and was about to initiate a
counterstrike when the Darkstarr cloaked, disappearing from her visual range,
and before she could rearrange the sensor's settings, the attacking ship left
the area.

Immediately forgetting about the Darkstarr's whereabouts, Robin directed the
Leviathan towards the crash site. When she arrived, her heart skipped a
heartbeat. There were no clearings near it; even more, the computer indicated
that a downpour was imminent. She debated about what to do for a few seconds.

'Oh, to hell with cautions!' Thought Robin, and activated the gattling lasers.
Upon selection of an adequate place, she opened fire, opening a clearing big
enough for the Leviathan to land. She literally let the ship drop, almost not
caring if the landing struts were deployed or not.

Once landed, she rushed to the exit, not before grabbing a fire extinguisher.
After a few moments running, she reached the downed Stratos, and began to
extinguish the fire, opening a path towards the front of the car. Once there,
she struggled with the door, all the while she expressed a lot of unlady like
words. When she finally opened it, the rain started.

Robin looked, dismayed, at the chaos that was the interior. The whole cabin
was full of crud... effectively sealing everything within it. Robin didn't
lose more time, and immediately began to attack the substance.

"Yohann! Yohann!! Can you hear me?? YOHAAAN!!" Robin began to extract handfuls
of the substance. Fortunately, it was fragile. After what she felt like an
eternity, she stumbled with something... an arm encased in an armor. Robin
redoubled her efforts, and soon, she extracted Yohann from the wreckage. Once
out, she began to carry him towards the Leviathan; a task difficult for her,
since he was unconscious.

She was almost to the limit of her strength when they reached the Leviathan,
and barley managed to put Yohann in the medical pod. She was still gasping
when Yohann opened his eyes, and tried to focus on the figure that was next
to him.

Robin was about to turn on the medical unit when she sensed his gaze, and
slowly, turned her head around, only to look at his bitter expression. She
was about to say something, when Yohann opened his mouth, and whispered two
words.

"A dream..." After that, Yohann slipped into the comfortable blackness of
unconsciousness.

Robin remained frozen for a few seconds, not knowing what to make out of his
words. Shaking her head, she regained her senses, and powered down his armor.
After that, she activated the medical pod. She steeled herself in order to
stand the first readings from the unit, but still she felt sick when the
report finally appeared on the small screen.

Yohann was dehydrated, and presented the first stages of bad nutrition. He
had lost 4 pounds since he left the base, and the first blood test showed
small traces of some kind of poison. To finish, his body was badly lacerated,
his wounds barely treated.

Robin felt conflicting emotions running through her. One part wanted to open
the pod, and embrace him. Another wanted to plain hit him until he was
nothing more than a pudding. Instead, she settled with embracing herself
tightly, crying bitter tears.

After remaining in that position for a few minutes, Robin walked slowly to
the control cabin; before she left the cargo bay, she turned around, and
looked one more time at the sealed pod. She took her time to reach the cabin,
and when she finally arrived, she felt like having walked forever. Robin took
her place at the pilot seat, and began the take-off sequence.

She was about to set curse back home, when she remembered the words Yohann
left in his message:

"... If this happen, destroy all the data inside the computers, and if
possible, the base as well. No trace of my presence has to remain."

Robin sighed heavily, but knew what had to be done. She locked one of the
plasma cannons on the wrecked Stratos, and after hesitating a second, she
opened fire. It only took one shot to turn the Stratos into a column of smoke,
quickly dissolving under the heavy rain.

Her duty fulfilled, Robin set the course, and opened a channel with Gaia.

"Leviathan to Earth Base Gaia. Come in please."

"Gaia here." answered Alex. "Any luck? Did you find him?"

Robin bit her lower lip, trying to decide what to answer. Finally, she
settled for the whole truth. "Yes, Alex. I found him. He's in the ship with
me."

"GREAT!! Can you put him on the microphone? I want to talk with him."

"I... I can't do it, Alex. I had to put him on the medical pod back at the
cargo bay. Oh, Alex! He's in bad shape! I don't know if he can make it! He...
he..." Her voice cracked at this point, and unable to resist anymore, Robin
began to cry again.

The radio remained silent, Alex respecting Robin's feelings. When the sobbing
receded, Alex spoke again. "Robin... he'll make it. I'm sure of it! We have
to have faith."

"Alex... he... he was attacked by Cauldron! That miserable literally blew him
out of the sky! When I finally landed, the car was a complete loss! He was
unconscious when I took him out of the wreck. His injuries are horrible!"

"Robin! Snap out of it! Right now, he needs your strength, not your pity!"
retorted Alex. "Come on, the best you can do now is stay by his side, and
offer him your support. Program the ship on autopilot, and go to his side.
I'm sure he'll be pleased to see you next to him."

Robin dried her tears, and regained some of her composure. She took deep
breaths to calm herself, being successful right before she hyperventilated.
"All... alright, will do. Thank you Alex."

"Hey, don't mention it! After all, you're closer to him than myself... so,
we'll have to work with what we have at hand, although it's not the best..."

Robin couldn't help but to giggle at the comment. Internally, she knew that
the Artificial Intelligence felt something for Yohann, and this was her way
to cope with the situation. "You're very kind, Alex. Is anyone else at the
base right now?"

"Well, Sonya went to visit Rei at the temple. She mentioned something about
asking Rei for some charms. So, it's only Hogosuro and myself. Oh, yes!
Laurella, Makoto and Shingo came. Boy, are they going to be happy to learn
that you finally caught him!"

"I'm sure of it, Alex." Robin then began to prepare all for the autopilot.
"Course set. Activating autopilot... now! ETA: 2 hours."

"Perfect! I'll have everything ready here by then. I can hardly wait to..."
Suddenly, an alarm was heard over the radio. "WHAT THE...!?!?"

"Alex? What's going on there? Speak to me!"

"We're under attack! Unidentified forces are invading the base! Activating
surveillance cameras!" After a brief pause, Robin heard Alex gasp. "It can't
be!! It's Cauldron and MerLynn! They're here! They..." Suddenly, a loud
explosion was heard over the speakers, and after that... nothing.

Robin began to fiddle desperately at the controls, trying to re-establish
contact, but she couldn't find nothing but static. By the end, she overrode
the autopilot, and plotted a high-speed sub-orbital course. However, she had
the terrible feeling that she would be too late...

* * * *

Two hours earlier...

Sonya left Setsuna's room, wearing one of the business suits the Senshi of
Time normally used. She didn't like too much how it fitted her, but since
Setsuna gave her permission to wear them during her absence, Sonya decided to
make use of it.

"Alex? Are you there?" asked Sonya, activating one of the wall panels next to
her.

"Yes, Sonya. Do you need something?" One of the surveillance cameras rotated,
and focussed on Sonya. "Woah! Girl, you look good! Come on, don't tell me you
are going men hunting? I thought you were above those urges!"

"Don't you wish, Alex..." sighed Sonya. "No, I'm going to visit Rei. I just
wanted you to know."

"You're going to see the firebug? Why?" inquired Alex.

"I'm just curious. I always thought that the concept of spiritual charms
weren't more than mystic mumbo-jumbo. But since I entered the Agency, and
after seeing what happens around here... well, let's just say that my
curiosity is piqued. Anyway, see you later!"

When she was about to open the street gate, Sonya noticed the group that
arrived at the same time. She smiled, and greeted them. "Hello, guys! What
brings you here?"

"Oh, nothing much." Said Shingo. "Just wanted to know how was everything
going around here."

"Not to mention that we wanted to know if something new happened recently."
Added Laurella.

"Besides Robin taking the Leviathan in a search operation... no, nothing new,
really." Said Sonya, non-chalantly.

"You have to be kidding! She took the ship??" asked Makoto, surprised. "But I
thought that the ship was grounded!"

Sonya was about to say something else, but reconsidered. She then looked at
her watch. "Oh, dear! Look at the time! Sorry for leaving you hanging like
this, but I have to go now. If you want to know more about what happened, ask
Alex or Hogosuro. See you later!" Waving her hand, she hurried to the bus
stop, leaving the trio with a lot of questions.

They didn't remain without their answers for long. After saluting the
Guardian and Alex, both began to tell the trio the latest happenings. They
weren't too happy to learn that the Leviathan was turned off, and that nobody
ever suspected it made things a little tense. However, everybody decided to
let things run its course, and wait for results.

While Laurella and Shingo decided to take a quick splash at the pool, Makoto
went to the Gymnasium, and blew off some steam. Alex returned to the Computers
room, and checked the communications between the base and the Leviathan. That
left the Guardian to check the premises, a task he did efficiently, but quite
frankly, bored him to hell. Half an hour later, he had finished checking
everything in the surface. And lacking something better to do decided to take
a look at the Gymnasium.

The door opened silently, allowing the Guardian to enter unnoticed. And what
he saw impressed him.

Makoto had changed her clothes with a white gi, and was in the middle of a
kata. The Guardian stood unmoving at the door, not daring to interrupt her.
He remained watching her, and while the cybernetic part of him began to
analyze her movements, the human side of him admired her form and style by
face value. Without moving, he admired her grace and sheer power displayed in
the kata.

If she noticed the Guardian's presence or not, Makoto didn't show, instead
focussing on her kata. Once done, she waked to one of the exercise machines
(the kind called Nautilus), and began a new series of exercises, always
giving the max. By the time she finished her routine, her gi was literally
drenched, making it clinch to her perfect body.

If he could have had the adequate equipment, the Guardian would have gulped
at the sight. However, all he could do at the moment was to look at Makoto,
his face not betraying the emotions he thought had been forgotten so long
ago...

"Well, are you going to stay all day drooling over me, or are you going to
say anything?" Makoto's question immediately took him out of his reverie, and
focussed on her. Makoto was looking at him, her face a featureless mask, but
with a certain impish glow in her eyes.

"Excuse me... but I have to remind you. I can't 'drool', as you so
colloquially put it. I'm a machine, remember?" was the Guardian's answer.
'Man, can't you think of something better??' admonished himself.

"Yeah, whatever." Said Makoto. "So... enjoyed the show?"

"I'll say it again... you are a great warrior, Makoto. You have lots of
untapped potential." And as an afterthought, he added. "And yes... yes, I
enjoyed the show." Makoto blushed faintly at his words, not knowing what else
to say. The Guardian, however, noticed it, but decided not to comment about
it. Instead, he said. "You seemed pretty focussed there. Something's
bothering you, right?"

Makoto's face darkened at the question, but didn't lose control. "Yes... you
can say that... I can't still believe that those two went out without telling
us! I mean, we're supposed to be a team, right? Then, why they left us
behind??" Before the Guardian could answer her, she lifted a finger, pointing
it at him, and began to advance, all the while she continued talking. "And one
more thing! You are supposed to be the Security Officer of this place! Why
did you let them go away?? Ooooh, sure! You may quote phrases that 'it's the
best thing for all of us', or 'it's too dangerous for you'. That's nonsense,
do you hear?? We've been facing threats even worse than that psychotic excuse
for a calculator before you showed up!! What do you have to say to that?? Do
you think we're some helpless, delicate girls that need your protection??
Well, think again buster, because WE ARE NOT!!"

By that time, Makoto had cornered the Guardian against one wall, and was
pointedly pocking him with her finger at his massive chest. It was sort of
comical: There he was, an android with enough brute force to turn a tank into
a crumpled can, with enough power and experience to outwit any enemy he could
face... being cornered and lectured by one of the most beautiful ladies he
ever faced in his long existence, and not knowing how to react!

"Well, what do you have to say?" finished Makoto, looking straight at his
eyes.

The Guardian just opened his mouth, but not a word came out. He was too
stunned to say anything.

"Just as I thought... your own guilt left you speechless, eh?" added Makoto.
"Ok, I forgive you. But that doesn't mean you'll get away that easy! Since
we're already here, what about sparring with me? You owe me one more class,
remember? Now, come on. I'll be waiting for you in the ring. And don't make
me come and get you!" She turned around, and walked towards the ring, leaving
behind one stunned Guardian.

Finally regaining control over his functions, the Guardian looked at her, and
shacking his head, began to follow her, all the while thinking. 'What the
hell happened??'


At the same time, Shingo and Laurella had gotten the whole story from Alex.
But instead of 'blowing off some steam' like Makoto, they decided to focus on
something else. After calling their respective homes to let them know where
they were, the first thing they did was to finish their homework.

Once done, they decided to go and try the pool for a change. Since spring was
around the corner, the temperature was starting to rise, and they thought it
was a nice day to go for a swim. They enjoyed a good hour playing and diving
from the platform. Later, after taking a quick shower, they decided to use
the Jacuzzi.

"Mmmm... I should get one of these things at my place." Murmured Laurella,
relaxing in the warm and bubbly water.

"Well... that would give me a good excuse to go to your place." Said Shingo,
leaning next to her.

"You know that you don't need any excuses." Said Laurella, giving him a
sultry look

"That... I know." Said Shingo, leaning closer. Without letting her say another
word, he kissed her with all his love and passion. They kept the moment as
long as they could, but nature took hold (i.e. they began to need oxygen).

Laurella swooned for a moment, trying to get her bearings back. After a long
sigh, she was able to speak again. "wow..."

Shingo just contented himself with holding the young Senshi in a tender
embrace, counting his blessings for being again reunited with his love after
all those centuries. A few minutes later, he spoke. "I wonder how they are
doing.?"

"Mmm?" muttered Laurella, still 'high' after that kiss.

"Yohann and Robin." Continued Shingo. "I mean... Yohann's reasons, I can
understand to some extent. I guess I'd do the same if I were in his shoes."
He planted a light kiss on Laurella's forehead, making her smile tenderly at
him. "However... Robin... well, I don't know what to think of it."

Laurella hit Shingo playfully in the arm, making him squawk. "And you say you
are an open-minded kind of guy. How can you ask something like that?" When
she saw Shingo's expression, she sighed. "I should have known...Very well,
pay attention. We all know that those two are madly in love, right?"

Shingo nodded in agreement.

"Good. Now, take the next into consideration: He is from another planet, and
if my instincts are correct, he'll be forced to leave her behind after his
mission is over. Technuma is a little apprehensive about their relationship,
meaning he's not very happy with Robin being in love with him. Yohann has
seen her suffer at the hands of Cauldron, the same as the rest of us. He felt
personally responsible for your parent's kidnapping and maiming."

"Geez, that should have put a lot of pressure on their relationship." Said
Shingo.

"You're starting to get the picture. Now, after Yohann left so... abruptly,
Alex told me something pretty disturbing. But I want you to promise me that
you won't mention any of this to Robin!"

"Ok, I promise. What is it?"

"Alex was eavesdropping on Yohann and Technuma the night before he left."
Laurella took a deep breath to calm herself. "Well... in short... Technuma
told Yohann to stop seeing Robin, and leave her alone."

"You have to be kidding..." muttered Shingo, shocked.

"I wish... but I swear it's true. For Yohann, his recent actions were just an
excuse to get away and think about what he could do next. For Robin, his
little escapade was nothing more than running away from her, and obviously,
she wants some answers."

"Man... this reminds me about our relationship back in the Moon Kingdom."
Said Shingo.

"Somehow, you're right." Said Laurella. "I hope everything works out between
them. I'd hate to see them going through what we went."

"Yes... me too." Said Shingo, too softly for Laurella to hear him. They
remained at the Jacuzzi a little more, before getting out and going into the
base.


"huff, huff, huff... I don't know why you have to wear all that padding,
Hogosuro. It just makes difficult for me to give you a good beating!" said
Makoto. She and the Guardian had been sparring for a good hour, and Makoto
had 'taken out the kiddies gloves', and went after him with all her might.

The Guardian, strangely, had been wearing a special padded suit. The end
result is that he looked like a gigantic version of a carnival balloon. "I'm
using this just for your protection, Makoto. I don't want to see you hurt."

"You sounded just like Yohann, you know? Don't you remember what I told you
before?" groaned Makoto.

"Yes... but you seem to have forgotten that, under this pseudo-flesh, is a
metallic frame. You could break your hands or feet with a good punch at me."
Answered the Guardian matter-of-factly.

"Nonsense! Now, get out of that thing, and let me beat the living daylights
out of you!" The Guardian sighed, but did what she asked. He ended up dressed
only with a pair of spandex shorts, the rest of his body uncovered. Makoto
grinned at the sight. "That's better. You should use that kind of clothes
more often... you really are a sight for sore eyes."

"Thank you. So do you." Said the Guardian before he could stop it. Makoto
blushed at the compliment. The Guardian 'cleared' his throat, and said.
"Sorry... I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable."

"No, no... it's ok." Said Makoto. And grinning again, she added. "Well, let's
see if you can put your actions where you put your mouth, you big lummox!"
She then assumed her fighting stance.

"Your wish is my command." Said the Guardian, assuming his own stance. "But
don't say I didn't warn you."

"Less talk... more fight!" Makoto then launched herself one more time at him,
landing a rather vicious punch right in the middle of his massive chest,
using her right hand.

At the moment her fist connected, a rather loud 'CLANG' echoed in the
Gymnasium.

They remained frozen for a few seconds, letting the situation fully register
in their minds. The Guardian was the first one to react. He only said. "Oh,
my..."

Makoto grabbed her injured hand with her left, and without warning, began to
jump up and down all over the place, all the while cursing like there was no
tomorrow, the Guardian following her all the time. When he finally caught
with her, Makoto turned around and began to berate him. "Why didn't you warn
me about this?? What are you trying to do, kill me??"

"I told you... but you didn't listen to me, remember?" rebuked the Guardian.
"Now, stand still. Let me check." He then took her hand as gently as he could,
and focussed his eyes. Using his sensors, he got a quick scan. "No broken
bones, fortunately. Only a couple of bones out of place, easily fixed."

Makoto's eyes grew impossibly wide at his words, but before she could say a
thing or move her hand, the Guardian placed a couple of fingers on the back
of her hand, and pressured gently. She screamed at the sudden pain, and tried
to remove her hand from his grasp. The Guardian, however, refused to let her
go. Instead, he placed her injured hand between his, and closing his eyes,
concentrated. Immediately, Makoto's hand was enveloped in the reddish hue of
his healing ray.

Immediately, the pain subdued. Makoto sighed in relief, and waited for the
Guardian to stop. She was about to say something, when a realization came to
her. The scene of the fight replayed in her mind, and then she noticed it. The
Guardian could have easily dodged her punch, but he didn't. He let her hit
him on purpose! Again, she was in the verge to tell him something, but when
she saw how gently he was holding her hand, she couldn't force herself to
scold him.

"Well, all done." Said the Guardian, shacking Makoto out of her thoughts.
"Sorry about that. It wasn't my intention to hurt you. I deeply apologize."
He then lowered his gaze, not daring to look at her. 'Oh, boy... I hope she's
not too mad at me.' He thought.

Makoto blinked, not knowing what to say. She then lowered her gaze too, and
said. "No... It was my fault. You warned me, but I didn't want to listen to
you. It's just that... it's so easy to forget that you are an android... To
me, you are a man."

The Guardian didn't move, deeply touched by Makoto's words. Both remained
silent for a minute. Makoto was the first one to break the silence.

"Well... thank you for the exercise. I hope we can do it again soon." She
then turned around, and winced a little. "Oww... I'm going to be sore. I
guess I overdid myself."

The Guardian moved swiftly in front of her, and began to stare at her,
looking at her body from head to toe very slowly. Makoto remained still,
feeling at the same time uncomfortable and pleased. Without her being able to
control it, she flushed.

"Mmmm... yes, you certainly overdid yourself." Said the Guardian, looking at
her straight in the eyes. "My sensors indicate that you strained yourself to
the limit. You should be more careful; after all, you have a perfect body."

"Aaahhh... Thank you." Muttered Makoto. "I guess... I'll take a hot bath
before resting."

"That won't be enough, I'm afraid." Said the Guardian. "You need... something
more."

"What... what do you mean... something... more?" sputtered Makoto, completely
confused.

The Guardian looked at her reactions, and decided that this was the perfect
opportunity to get back a little revenge for what she told him earlier.
"Well... in that case, let me offer you my services in that respect. I am
fully programmed for such a function, and with the right... equipment. If you
know what I mean." He then leaned next to her, and murmured something in her
ear.

Makoto blinked, what the Guardian told her finally registering in her mind.
Her eyes went impossibly wide. This time, she blushed deeply. "Oh... oh!!
Yes... I... I guess you're right." Putting a hand behind her neck, she
laughed nervously. "Now that you mention it, I haven't got a good one in
years! Do you know where I can get it?" she said, joking.

"As a matter of fact...yes, I know. If you want me to, I can do it. I have a
complete program, with all kind of subroutines, and I assure you, I'm a
professional."

Makoto blinked again, this time wondering what to say. But when she saw the
pleading look in his eyes, she finally gave up. "All right. I accept your
offer. But let me warn you... if you don't make a good job, I'll make you
suffer for it, understood?"

The Guardian gave her a hurt look, but still remained calm. "I'll do my best
to satisfy all your wishes, Makoto. I give you my word. Now, I suggest you go
to your room and take a hot bath. I'll be with you in a few minutes. I have
to gather a few things." Without waiting for her answer, he turned around
and exited the Gymnasium.

Makoto remained alone for a minute before walking to the exit. 'Well, this is
surely going to be interesting.' She thought before leaving the place.



Shingo and Laurella were heading towards her room, when they heard some
strange noises echoing through the corridor.

"What was that?" wondered Shingo, looking behind him.

"Probably Alex, trying to pull a prank on us." Said Laurella. "Don't pay any
attention to her."

"If you say so." Shingo was about to continue his way when another strange
sound echoed. "That's not Alex..."

"You're right. Be quiet, and follow me." Whispered Laurella. With Shingo in
tow, they proceeded to pinpoint the origin of the strange noises. It didn't
took long for them to find the source...

"Hey, isn't this...?" started Shingo.

"... Makoto's room." Finished Laurella. "Now, shhh! Let me listen!"

It didn't take too long for them to learn that there were two persons in the
room. One, Makoto, the other...

"Hogosuro!?!?" said Shingo, almost choking at the word in his urgency to keep
quiet. Trying to keep a low profile, he leaned even more against the door,
almost knocking Laurella off her position. They expected to hear anything,
but never...

"Mmmm... Oooh, Hogosuro..." muttered Makoto. "Yesssss... keep going..."

"I never imagined in my whole life, that I'd end up doing this with you,
Makoto..." said the Guardian.

"Neither... ooooh, yes... did I... Yes, right there... don't stop!"

"Am I fulfilling your expectations?"

"To the fullest... Harder... yesssss... Like that... You're wonderful!"

"Thanks... now, brace yourself... because here I go!"

"I'm ready... just... be gentle... AAAAAHHHH!!!"

In that instant, Shingo and Laurella jumped away from the door, sweat
covering their foreheads. They were breathing shallowly, almost gasping.

"I..." started Laurella, gulping. "I... guess we should leave them alone..."

"Y.. yes... yes, you're right." Agreed Shingo. "I'm a little thirsty... want
to join me?"

"Oh, yes.. yes, I'm thirsty too... I'm really thirsty!" said Laurella,
smiling nervously.

"Want some iced tea?"

"Oh, yes. Definitely iced tea! The more iced, the better!" Laurella then
literally dragged Shingo away, both were blushing furiously.


Inside Makoto's room...

"Sorry, Makoto. I hope I didn't hurt you." Said the Guardian.

"Just for a moment. But it was worth it." Answered Makoto. She had her eyes
closed, a beatific smile adorning her lovely face. "When you said you had a
complete program, you weren't kidding."

"I never do in this respects. Now, can I continue?"

"Oh, yes. Definitely." After an impressive sigh, she added. "I have to
admit... this has to be the best full body massage I've received in years."

"I'm here to please. Fortunately, this was the only disc you had off
alignment. I'm sorry if I caused you any pain."

"Forget it... Mmmm... Now, can you continue, please? This feels too good to
stop." Purred Makoto.

The Guardian smiled, and after rubbing more oil on his hands, he continued
his work...

* * * *

Half an hour later, Shingo and Laurella joined the Guardian and Makoto in the
War Room. The first couple was still drinking their tea, each glass filled
with ungodly amounts of ice. When the other couple entered the place, they
couldn't help but to smile at them.

"Enjoyed your workout?" asked Shingo, smiling.

"Ooh, yes! The best one I've had in years." Said Makoto, stretching a little.
"You should join us some day."

"You won't regret it, I can assure you that." Added the Guardian.

Laurella and Shingo blinked at their invitation, blushing slightly. Laurella's
empathic senses picked up a huge amount of sensations coming from Makoto, the
most predominant one a sense of... fulfillment. That made her blush even
deeper.

"Aaaah... I think I'll pass. Thank you anyway." Said Shingo, smiling nervously.

Before anything else happened, a chime was heard over the speakers. The
Guardian moved to one of the consoles, and checked the display. "Looks like
someone arrived. Were you expecting someone else to come by?"

"Not that I know." Said Laurella.

"Same here. I thought the rest were going to be at the mall." Added Makoto.

"Mmm... probably it's Technuma. He might have forgotten something."
Contributed Shingo.

"Probably." Said the Guardian. "Anyway, I'll go and meet our visitors. You
can remain here." He then left the room.

"So... what are you drinking? Looks nice." Asked Makoto, eyeing the glasses.

"iced tea. Want some?" offered Shingo.

"Not now, thanks. I'm feeling too good right now. But thanks, anyway."
Answered Makoto, smiling.

"Err... Makoto... is there something you may want to... share with us?"
inquired Laurella.

"Yeah... you know. You can count on us for everything." Added Shingo.

"Excuse me?" asked Makoto, puzzled.

But before any more questions were asked, an explosion was heard outside. The
trio froze, stunned. The first one to react was Makoto; without saying a
word, she rushed out of the room. A second later, Shingo and Laurella
followed her. They had reached the middle of the central hub, when they heard
a second explosion, even louder than the first one coming down the corridor.
And to their absolute surprise, they witnessed how the Guardian went flying
their way, landing right in front of them.

"Hogosuro!!" shouted Makoto. "What happened?? Are you all right??"

'Oh, he's fine... but that little detail can be easily fixed." Said a voice
they never expected to hear again in that place.

"And the same can be said about you, kiddies! Now... stay still, while we
dispose of you!" added another hated voice.

Stunned, the group looked at the corridor, and saw...

"Cauldron..." growled Makoto.

"MerLynn!" said Laurella.

"Oh, don't bother to offer us anything... we won't stay here long." Said
Cauldron, smiling evilly at them.

"And neither do you!" cackled MerLynn.

The evil duo looked at each other briefly, and nodding, they aimed their
respective weapons at the defenseless trio, and combining their attacks, sent
a concentrated burst of black energy at their victims...



TO BE CONTINUED...