Hi everyone!

I am sooooooooo sorry for the wait. I have no excuses but please forgive me anyway.

I have most of the fic worked out its just a matter of putting it into words.

Kuyaga: thanks for you reviews and idea, I didn't even know Uranus had a moon called Miranda. I don't think I can use it for this fic but it has given me a great idea for a sequel. Miranda's my favourite character ; P

Disclaimer: Me… no… own.

This chapter doesn't have the scouts in it but they'll be back next time, promise!

* * * * * * * *

Chapter 4: Plotting

"Something is definitely wrong."

The black-clad figure watched Darien on the veiwscreen with a look of bemusement on her face.

"Very perceptive cousin," she smirked, "Now can you figure out what?"

She ran a hand through black hair before flicking off the viewscreen.

"Earth!" A voice snarled behind her.

"What?" She turned and glared at the small fiery headed man.

"Air wants to see you." He grumbled.

"Fine, I'll go see her in a minute." She said, "Oh, and Fire?"

"Yes?"

"Tell Water I want to talk to him later."

"I am not playing messenger boy again!"

"You'll do what you're told!"

"Fine!"

* * * * * * * *

"Well?" Earth asked the tall white-haired woman.

"The attack didn't go exactly as planned."

"Oh?" Earth raised an eyebrow dangerously.

"I'm afraid both youma were destroyed ma'am." She shifted uncomfortably.

"We expected that," Earth's eyes narrowed, "But I somehow doubt you called me here just to tell me that."

"No ma'am."

"Well go on spit it out! You need to learn to give a full report Air!"

Air bit her lip and took a deep breath.

"Theyoumaweredestroyedbytheuniversals." She blurted, cringing.

Earth's face remained ominously impassive for a moment, then twisted into an expression of absolute fury.

"How?" Her voice was menacingly low and restrained.

"I don't know ma'am, they just appeared out of nowhere!"

Earth exploded.

"Those stupid useless kids come in and spoil my plans, destroy my youma and basically mess up my life! Why is it always me? Why, why? Need to focus! Must kill kids! Must kill! Kill!" Her eyes glazed over.

"Snap out of it Earth!" Air yelled in her ear.

"Owwwwww! Do you have to yell?" Earth said, Scouts forgotten as she held her head.

Air rolled her eyes, "I wish you'd stop doing that. Your mood swings are difficult to handle."

"Shut up," Earth replied half-heartedly, "You're just as bad. Grovelling at my feet one second and yelling in my ear the next! You're as changeable as the wind."

"Umm, hello! Think of the name here!"

"Whatever."

There was a long silence in which Earth brooded.

"So what do you propose we do?" She bit sarcastically.

"Talk to Fire or Water," Air replied matter-of-factly, "They're the tacticians. I'm just the hired muscle."

Earth smirked, "Oh is that what you are. I thought you were the hood ornament."

"Oh very funny."

"I'll let you know when we come up with something." Earth said, all business again.

"Right." Air replied.

"Oh, and Air?"

"Yes?"

"Show some respect!"

* * * * * * * *

"You wanted to see me?"

Earth looked up to see a tall man with long blue-green hair standing before her.

"Yes," she said, one eyebrow raised, "It's a wonder you got the message the way Fire carried on about it."

"Quite." He replied mildly.

"You heard about what happened?" It was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes, and before you say anything I told you they would turn up. Those four seem to have an inbuilt radar for dark-activity." He said defensively.

"Alright Water, you win. I'll admit you did warn me, but now what do we do about it?" Earth asked.

"Simple," Water answered, "We find them, and we crush them."

"A brilliant plan," Earth said admiringly, "I like it but there is one slight flaw. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO IT?"

"Someday you are going to have a heart-attack you know."

"Yeah and you're going to have a live skunk inserted in your ear. Get on with it."

"Fine. We have an advantage here in that we have faced them before. Fire and I have been looking through our records for anything useful. With all we've got on them they shouldn't be to hard to locate. Then we find their weaknesses and pick them off one by one. After that the planetary scouts will be a breeze. Meanwhile we keep sending youma to distract them and so they don't get suspicious."

"Very nice. Seems I underestimated you. Carry on with what you're doing and inform me of any findings. I'll go and tell Air to create some 'distractions'."

"Of course my lady." He turned and left.

"Your little planet will be mine cousin. What a pity you won't live to see it."

* * * * * * * *

Again, sorry about the wait everyone. I hope I can get the next chapter out soon.

Please R+R and keep giving me ideas. I need suggestions for the universals weaknesses.

Thanks everyone!