Three Dates...and a New Youma
"So, this is earth." Higashi stood on top of a high building, his cape swirling in the wind as he looked down on the streets of Tokyo. He humphed. "Not much to it. I don't see any reason for any person to fight for it," he scoffed, placing a booted foot on the ledge and leaning down a little.
"Hey! You there! What are you doing up here? This place is under construction!" Higashi slowly turned his head, dark eyes flashing. A man stood there, the hardhat identifying him as a worker. "Are you deaf or something? Get off of this building!"
A slight smile crossed the general's face as he straightened and turned. In half a heartbeat, he had closed the distance between them, and in another, he had the man by the throat and was holding him over the edge of the building. Terrified, he let out a yell for help.
"NEVER tell me what to do, human." He let go and, as the man screamed on his way down, turned and walked away.
***
"Ooooh! Let me try some, Usagi!" Quick as a whip, Jirian reached around the girl, snagging one of the rice balls for herself and popping it in her mouth.
"Buy your own!" the Japanese woman protested, holding them out of reach, but Peiti had already snagged one. "HEY!"
"Those are good!" Peiti said, munching on hers and smiling impishly.
"Now I only have two left!"
"I'll buy you some more," Jirian promised, breaking a little off one of the remaining snacks to give Puck, who was currently riding comfortably in her coat pocket.
The day, though bright, was windy and slightly chilly, and the three girls were on their way to a movie. Usagi, who had already seen it once, assured them that they would love it.
"You know, Jirian, I don't think the owners of the theater will like you bringing a monkey-mouse in," Peiti said, tucking some of her hair into her hat.
"It's not my fault he was sleeping in my pocket," the blonde said, taking out the animal. He let out an angry chitter, leaping out of her gloved hand and into her coat. Jirian yelled, trying to get him out as the other two howled in laughter. She finally succeed in getting him out and proceeded to scold him.
"You alright, Jiru? That was quite a dance you were doing." The three girls looked up and saw Seiya standing there, smiling. Color crept into Jirian's cheeks.
"I'm fine."
"That's good." His gaze turned to Usagi and his smile grew. "Hello, Usagi."
"Hi. . ."
"Look, Jiru! A coffee stand! Let's get some!" Peiti grabbed the other woman's arm, dragging her across the street, leaving Usagi and Seiya alone.
"Get back here!" she yelled, turning red. She started after them, but Seiya laid a hand on her arm, halting her.
"Wait a sec, Usagi. I want to talk to you." She blushed a little darker, turning back.
"Um. . .okay. . ."
"If you aren't doing anything later, I was wondering if you wanted to catch a movie or something."
"I'm going to a movie right now, so—"
"Dinner then. And maybe a little dancing."
"I really don't think—"
"Come on, Usagi. It's just dinner. What could it hurt?" He stared down at her with intense blue eyes, his face serious. Usagi gulped.
"W-well, I-I need to think about it. . ."
"Alright." He took out a card, pressing it into her palm. "Call me when you've decided and we'll set a date." He threw her a wink and a peace sign as he walked away.
"Did he just ask you out?!!" Jirian latched onto her arm, her eyes round and a big grin on her face.
"Yeah, come on, Usagi, give us a little info here," Peiti added, latching onto her other arm. "Did he or didn't he?"
"He did. . ." The Americans squealed, bouncing a little.
"What did you say? Did you say yes?! Tell me you said yes!"
"I-I told him I'd think about it. . ." Jirian and Peiti exchanged glances.
"Usagi!" Peiti frowned. "Just say yes, what can it hurt?"
"We-ell..."
"Yeah, Usagi. He really likes you—or so we've heard. Just give him a chance."
"I'll call him later tonight. I'll decide after the movie." The two Americans nodded.
"Good. Now let's get going."
*~*~*
"Wow, Usagi. That was a great movie!" Jirian grinned at the girl.
"Yeah. It was even better than the first time." Peiti opened her mouth to say something but shut it, grinning.
"What?" Jirian looked to where her friend pointed and turned red.
"Jirian! Usagi! Peiti!" Yaten came up, smiling. "Fancy seeing you here."
"Hi, Yaten!" Usagi smiled.
"Hello, Yaten." Peiti nudged Usagi and said, "Hey, we'll be right back..." and they proceeded to run off.
"They sure are in a hurry to go somewhere."
"Yes, they certainly are."
"Actually, I'm kind of glad they left. I wanted to ask you something."
"Oh?" Jirian arched an eyebrow. "And that would be?"
"Would you like to go on a date with me?" Even though she had been expecting it—sort of—she still reddened a little. She started to say 'YES!!!' but remember the bet at the last second.
"Hmm...could I think about it and let you know in a few days?"
"That works for me. Here's my number." He handed her a card like the one Seiya had given Usagi.
"I'll be sure to call soon." He nodded and left, flashing a peace sign. His farewell seemed familiar somehow...
"So...Did you two make plans for a romantic candlelit dinner?" Jirian glared at her friends.
"No more than YOU did, Usagi." The Japanese woman turned very red.
"Gee...now I'm starting to feel left out." Peiti mock-pouted and Jirian laughed.
"Good, you always had guys hanging off you at home." Peiti stuck her tongue out at her friend.
"Come on, you two. Mama promised us pizza after the movie."
"Please tell me it's cheese," Jirian begged. Usagi laughed and nodded.
"Yes, Mama promised it would be cheese."
"YAY!" The girls skipped down the street towards the Tsukino home, oblivious to the dark shadow of someone watching them.
"How very interesting," Higashi murmured to himself, tapping his bottom lip. "They're humans, yet they have a strange aura surrounding them. Well, we'll just have to give them a little test, won't we?" Extracting a crystal from his pocket, he held it to the light, a small smile hovering around his mouth. "I will not fail you, my lord. . ."
~*~*~
Jirian flopped down on her bed with a sigh, dropping a pillow over her face. Peiti, who was getting ready for bed, glanced over at her.
"What's up?"
"Hmm? Oh, nothing. Just debating, that's all."
"About?" The girl shrugged, turning over on her belly and resting her chin in her palms.
"I'm trying to decide if I really want to go out on a date with Yaten."
"Are you serious? I thought you liked him!"
"I do!" The blonde gave her head a little shake. "But it's just. . .oh, I don't know what it is. I just have this strange, strange feeling. I've had it ever since that last fight with Nishi and Magasasu."
"What kind of feeling is it?"
"It's like. . .it's like I know them both from somewhere." Peiti stared at her friend.
"You know, Jiru," Puck said, jumping up in front of her, "you could be remembering something from your past life."
"What?! Are you saying I knew those two in my former life?!"
"It's quite possible."
"Oh, how very nice. Did you here that, Peiti? I'm connected to the bad guys. Just what I need." Peiti laughed a little, sitting on her bed, facing the other girl.
"If it makes you feel any better, something about them feels familiar to me too. It's not a strong feeling or anything, but it's there." Jirian nodded, sitting up and stretching. She started to say something, but Usagi popped her head in just then, grinning.
"Oh, Peiti. . ."
"Yeah?"
"There's a phone call for you. . ." She held out the phone for her, throwing Jirian a wink. Puzzled, Peiti took it.
"Hello?"
"Peiti, it's me." Sesshou!!!!
"O-oh. H-hi, Sesshou." She glared at Usagi, her face pink.
"Hi. I don't know if you're busy or anything, but there is this great band playing at the theater next week and I was just wondering if you wanted to go with me."
"Um...I'll have to think about it. But it's a definite maybe."
"Great! Why don't you give me a call when you decide."
"Sure." She took his number quickly after searching around for a pen. Jirian finally gave her one from her private hoard. "I'll call you then."
"Stellar. Bye." They hung up and Peiti turned to see Jirian and Usagi grinning.
"Not a word, you two." The other two girls just looked at each other and burst out laughing. Jirian caught the pillow that was chucked at her. Usagi caught hers as well...in the face.
"HEY!" Jirian's grin grew wider.
"Peiti and Sesshou, sittin' in a tree...K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes--!"
"Shove it, Jiru." Peiti turned up her nose and faced the wall, pulling out the newest Inu Yasha manga.
"Hey! Where did you get that?! I thought you said it didn't come out until next week!!"
"I lied."
"You're going to let me read it, RIGHT?"
"Only if you stop teasing me."
"But--!" Peiti gave her a look. "FINE."
Usagi was laughing during the entire exchange. "You two are so funny!" In unison, two pillows clobbered the laughing blonde.
"Girls, don't you think you should be getting to bed?" Usagi's mother called up the stairs.
"HAI!" The girls told each other goodnight and Usagi left. Jirian got in bed and Peiti turned out the light before getting into her own.
"Night, Elara. Night, Jirian."
"Night."
*~*~*
Peiti yawned as she walked to school with Jirian and Usagi. Puck was riding on Jirian's shoulder and Elara and Luna were sitting like wise on their owners. "Stay up late, Peiti?"
"Nah, I slept, but it was really bad. I kept waking up." Jirian giggled brightly.
"Dreaming of Sesshou were we?"
"NO!"
"Did someone say my name?" The girls jumped and whirled to see the three Lights behind them along with Sesshou, who was smiling slightly. Peiti turned a bright red color, hiding quickly behind her friends. "Something wrong?"
"Oh, not at all, Sesshou," Jirian said smoothly, giggling a little. "Just a little girl-talk, that's all."
"Hear that, guys? They're talking about us behind our backs," Seiya said, winking openly at Usagi. Now it was the Japanese girl's turn to blush.
"Only good things, I hope," Yaten added.
"When you three are finished, I believe we have school?" Taiki said, pushing his brothers and cousin forward. "Talk to you girls later!" he called back, giving them his own wink and peace sign.
"Why do they all do that?" Jirian wondered aloud, watching them go.
"Do what?"
"Flash peace signs when they leave. It looks very familiar to me."
"Yeah, same here," Peiti said, exchanging looks with the girl.
"Oh no!" Usagi screeched, looking at her watch. "We're late!!"
~*~*~
"My, my, what strange creatures these are," Higashi laughed to himself, watching the three running girls from the window ledge of a high building. "I think this is going to be more fun than I first thought. Now all I need is a good target to infect." He cast his eyes over the street until he spotted a girl of about ten years old. "Perfect."
Higashi took the jewel from his pocket and held it at an arm's length. It began to glow and grow hot. He dropped it and it immediately flew to the girl, attaching itself to the back of her neck. She smacked at it, thinking it was no more than a horsefly, and kept walking.
"Perfect," he murmured, jumping down to follow. "By sundown, they'll have their test."
*~*~*
"I swear, those teachers only have tests so they can laugh at the students! I didn't know half of what was on there!" Peiti and Jirian laughed. They had thought the test was easy.
"It wasn't that hard, Usagi. You just need to try harder." The blonde seemed to droop.
"I DO try. It's just too hard!"
"Well, while Jirian and I are at our practices, you can study!" Their friend grumbled as she walked away. The two Americans just laughed again and continued on to their practices.
"So, Peiti, have you answered Sesshou yet?" Jirian's friend blushed and shook her head.
"No. Have you answered Yaten?"
"Nope. I'm really tempted not to give Seiya his three days though. I really like Yaten."
"Ditto. Towards my hunk, of course." She winked.
"Oh, of course," Jiru agreed, laughing. The friends laughed as the continued down the street. Their laughter was cut short, however, when they felt a certain wrongness.
"Well, so much for THIS enjoyable day," Peiti said.
"A scout's work is never done," Jirian replied grimly, removing her silver henshin wand from a hidden pocket. "Let's do this thing."
"Right."
~*~*~
"Ug! What the hell is that?!" Sailor Oberon cried as they skidded to a stop. A monster covered in a mossy green substance was standing in the center of the street. It was about seven feet tall and very slimy-looking.
"I don't know but it sure doesn't look friendly," Callisto said as it turned its yellow gaze towards them.
"Let's hang the corny catch phrases and show this thing what we do to creatures that terrorize mortals! OBERON HAIL SHOWER!" Hail the size of golf balls were hurled at the creature. But, before they even got close, a strong wind, mixed with a stinging rain, arose, shooting it back at the two scouts. They let out little yells, jumping to opposite sides to avoid getting hit.
"Callisto Rainbow Beam Spray!" Callisto yelled when she recovered. But, again, the attack was thrown back at them.
"What the heck!" Oberon said, getting to her feet. "How does it do that?!"
"I'd like you to introduce you to your newest opponent, Sailor Brats. This is Monsuunkikou. Charming, isn't she?" A man suddenly alighted beside the youma, a cruel smile on his handsome features. He was dressed completely in black and was on the short side.
"Who are YOU?" Callisto demanded.
"That doesn't matter right now." He jumped into the air and hovered there. "If I were you two, I'd worry more about defeating Monsuukikou. I'll guarantee you that she'll be much more of a challenge for you than any of Nishi's youmas." The man laughed a little then looked down at the ugly monster. "Well?! What are you waiting for?! Kill them!"
The monster nodded and sent more of the acid rain at them. Callisto cried out as a bit caught her on the arm. Her eyes narrowed and she looked over at Oberon. "Double team it!"
"Right!"
"CALLISTO LIGHTNING AND THUNDER CALL!"
"OBERON DIAMOND HAIL!" The combined efforts from their attacks wounded the youma, but not enough. Now it was big, powerful, ugly, AND angry.
"Now what?" Callisto stared at the youma.
"Oberon, distract it, and I'll try to find its weak spot!" She nodded and raised her hands.
"OBERON WIND CYCLONE!" Oberon led the youma on a chase, keeping it from concentrating on Callisto. The senshi smiled grimly when she saw a spot on its neck where the green mossy stuff appeared to have been chipped away.
"CALLISTO EMERALD FURY!" The emerald green globe shot straight at the bare spot.
"NO!" The general flew forward but it was too late.
The concentrated attack hit its mark dead on and the youma let out a bellow of pain, falling forward. As it did, its appearance faded and by the time it landed, it had become a ten-year-old girl. A crystal rolled away from her still form, its black depths becoming a smoky grey color.
"Damn you!" the general snarled, landing on the ground once more.
"How dare you use children as puppets! OBERON DIAMOND HAIL!" The man grunted, leaping easily out of the way, scooping up the crystal as he did so.
"I may not have gotten you this time, but I will!" A humid, hot blast of wind rolled over them, accompanied by a stinging rain, a combination that caused the scouts to fling their arms in front of their faces. When they lowered them, the general was gone.
"He was certainly pleasant, wasn't he?" Oberon said dryly, dehenshining. Callisto followed suit, letting out a little snort.
"Oh yes. He was just SO nice." She knelt to check on the little girl and nodded to Jirian to signal she was all right.
"He mentioned that Nishi guy so they must be tied together somehow."
"Yeah, and he used those crystals to control the people just like Nishi."
"We'd better get back and tell our animals about this. And maybe they've finally uncovered something in their research." Peiti nodded and the two walked away.
*~*~*
"You failed, Higashi." Magasasu said in his deep voice, taking the crystal from the general.
"But for a purpose, my lord. I've figured out who the two scouts are." The larger man raised an eyebrow.
"Indeed?"
"Yes, my lord. The blond one, Sailor Oberon, is an American by the name of Jirian."
"And the other?"
"Also an American. Peiti." Magasasu stood and turned to look out one of the black windows, his hands clasped behind his back.
"How very interesting," he murmured. He was silent for a long while and when he turned, his face was very serious.
"Obviously these scouts are very powerful together if they are able to defeat our youmas. I want you to split them up. Perhaps we'll be able to beat them if they are alone."
"Yes, my lord. Do you still want the brunette alive?"
"Yes. She could prove useful. I don't care about the blonde; kill her if you wish. But don't let any harm come to the other. Do I make myself clear?"
"Oh yes, my lord. Crystal."
"So, this is earth." Higashi stood on top of a high building, his cape swirling in the wind as he looked down on the streets of Tokyo. He humphed. "Not much to it. I don't see any reason for any person to fight for it," he scoffed, placing a booted foot on the ledge and leaning down a little.
"Hey! You there! What are you doing up here? This place is under construction!" Higashi slowly turned his head, dark eyes flashing. A man stood there, the hardhat identifying him as a worker. "Are you deaf or something? Get off of this building!"
A slight smile crossed the general's face as he straightened and turned. In half a heartbeat, he had closed the distance between them, and in another, he had the man by the throat and was holding him over the edge of the building. Terrified, he let out a yell for help.
"NEVER tell me what to do, human." He let go and, as the man screamed on his way down, turned and walked away.
***
"Ooooh! Let me try some, Usagi!" Quick as a whip, Jirian reached around the girl, snagging one of the rice balls for herself and popping it in her mouth.
"Buy your own!" the Japanese woman protested, holding them out of reach, but Peiti had already snagged one. "HEY!"
"Those are good!" Peiti said, munching on hers and smiling impishly.
"Now I only have two left!"
"I'll buy you some more," Jirian promised, breaking a little off one of the remaining snacks to give Puck, who was currently riding comfortably in her coat pocket.
The day, though bright, was windy and slightly chilly, and the three girls were on their way to a movie. Usagi, who had already seen it once, assured them that they would love it.
"You know, Jirian, I don't think the owners of the theater will like you bringing a monkey-mouse in," Peiti said, tucking some of her hair into her hat.
"It's not my fault he was sleeping in my pocket," the blonde said, taking out the animal. He let out an angry chitter, leaping out of her gloved hand and into her coat. Jirian yelled, trying to get him out as the other two howled in laughter. She finally succeed in getting him out and proceeded to scold him.
"You alright, Jiru? That was quite a dance you were doing." The three girls looked up and saw Seiya standing there, smiling. Color crept into Jirian's cheeks.
"I'm fine."
"That's good." His gaze turned to Usagi and his smile grew. "Hello, Usagi."
"Hi. . ."
"Look, Jiru! A coffee stand! Let's get some!" Peiti grabbed the other woman's arm, dragging her across the street, leaving Usagi and Seiya alone.
"Get back here!" she yelled, turning red. She started after them, but Seiya laid a hand on her arm, halting her.
"Wait a sec, Usagi. I want to talk to you." She blushed a little darker, turning back.
"Um. . .okay. . ."
"If you aren't doing anything later, I was wondering if you wanted to catch a movie or something."
"I'm going to a movie right now, so—"
"Dinner then. And maybe a little dancing."
"I really don't think—"
"Come on, Usagi. It's just dinner. What could it hurt?" He stared down at her with intense blue eyes, his face serious. Usagi gulped.
"W-well, I-I need to think about it. . ."
"Alright." He took out a card, pressing it into her palm. "Call me when you've decided and we'll set a date." He threw her a wink and a peace sign as he walked away.
"Did he just ask you out?!!" Jirian latched onto her arm, her eyes round and a big grin on her face.
"Yeah, come on, Usagi, give us a little info here," Peiti added, latching onto her other arm. "Did he or didn't he?"
"He did. . ." The Americans squealed, bouncing a little.
"What did you say? Did you say yes?! Tell me you said yes!"
"I-I told him I'd think about it. . ." Jirian and Peiti exchanged glances.
"Usagi!" Peiti frowned. "Just say yes, what can it hurt?"
"We-ell..."
"Yeah, Usagi. He really likes you—or so we've heard. Just give him a chance."
"I'll call him later tonight. I'll decide after the movie." The two Americans nodded.
"Good. Now let's get going."
*~*~*
"Wow, Usagi. That was a great movie!" Jirian grinned at the girl.
"Yeah. It was even better than the first time." Peiti opened her mouth to say something but shut it, grinning.
"What?" Jirian looked to where her friend pointed and turned red.
"Jirian! Usagi! Peiti!" Yaten came up, smiling. "Fancy seeing you here."
"Hi, Yaten!" Usagi smiled.
"Hello, Yaten." Peiti nudged Usagi and said, "Hey, we'll be right back..." and they proceeded to run off.
"They sure are in a hurry to go somewhere."
"Yes, they certainly are."
"Actually, I'm kind of glad they left. I wanted to ask you something."
"Oh?" Jirian arched an eyebrow. "And that would be?"
"Would you like to go on a date with me?" Even though she had been expecting it—sort of—she still reddened a little. She started to say 'YES!!!' but remember the bet at the last second.
"Hmm...could I think about it and let you know in a few days?"
"That works for me. Here's my number." He handed her a card like the one Seiya had given Usagi.
"I'll be sure to call soon." He nodded and left, flashing a peace sign. His farewell seemed familiar somehow...
"So...Did you two make plans for a romantic candlelit dinner?" Jirian glared at her friends.
"No more than YOU did, Usagi." The Japanese woman turned very red.
"Gee...now I'm starting to feel left out." Peiti mock-pouted and Jirian laughed.
"Good, you always had guys hanging off you at home." Peiti stuck her tongue out at her friend.
"Come on, you two. Mama promised us pizza after the movie."
"Please tell me it's cheese," Jirian begged. Usagi laughed and nodded.
"Yes, Mama promised it would be cheese."
"YAY!" The girls skipped down the street towards the Tsukino home, oblivious to the dark shadow of someone watching them.
"How very interesting," Higashi murmured to himself, tapping his bottom lip. "They're humans, yet they have a strange aura surrounding them. Well, we'll just have to give them a little test, won't we?" Extracting a crystal from his pocket, he held it to the light, a small smile hovering around his mouth. "I will not fail you, my lord. . ."
~*~*~
Jirian flopped down on her bed with a sigh, dropping a pillow over her face. Peiti, who was getting ready for bed, glanced over at her.
"What's up?"
"Hmm? Oh, nothing. Just debating, that's all."
"About?" The girl shrugged, turning over on her belly and resting her chin in her palms.
"I'm trying to decide if I really want to go out on a date with Yaten."
"Are you serious? I thought you liked him!"
"I do!" The blonde gave her head a little shake. "But it's just. . .oh, I don't know what it is. I just have this strange, strange feeling. I've had it ever since that last fight with Nishi and Magasasu."
"What kind of feeling is it?"
"It's like. . .it's like I know them both from somewhere." Peiti stared at her friend.
"You know, Jiru," Puck said, jumping up in front of her, "you could be remembering something from your past life."
"What?! Are you saying I knew those two in my former life?!"
"It's quite possible."
"Oh, how very nice. Did you here that, Peiti? I'm connected to the bad guys. Just what I need." Peiti laughed a little, sitting on her bed, facing the other girl.
"If it makes you feel any better, something about them feels familiar to me too. It's not a strong feeling or anything, but it's there." Jirian nodded, sitting up and stretching. She started to say something, but Usagi popped her head in just then, grinning.
"Oh, Peiti. . ."
"Yeah?"
"There's a phone call for you. . ." She held out the phone for her, throwing Jirian a wink. Puzzled, Peiti took it.
"Hello?"
"Peiti, it's me." Sesshou!!!!
"O-oh. H-hi, Sesshou." She glared at Usagi, her face pink.
"Hi. I don't know if you're busy or anything, but there is this great band playing at the theater next week and I was just wondering if you wanted to go with me."
"Um...I'll have to think about it. But it's a definite maybe."
"Great! Why don't you give me a call when you decide."
"Sure." She took his number quickly after searching around for a pen. Jirian finally gave her one from her private hoard. "I'll call you then."
"Stellar. Bye." They hung up and Peiti turned to see Jirian and Usagi grinning.
"Not a word, you two." The other two girls just looked at each other and burst out laughing. Jirian caught the pillow that was chucked at her. Usagi caught hers as well...in the face.
"HEY!" Jirian's grin grew wider.
"Peiti and Sesshou, sittin' in a tree...K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes--!"
"Shove it, Jiru." Peiti turned up her nose and faced the wall, pulling out the newest Inu Yasha manga.
"Hey! Where did you get that?! I thought you said it didn't come out until next week!!"
"I lied."
"You're going to let me read it, RIGHT?"
"Only if you stop teasing me."
"But--!" Peiti gave her a look. "FINE."
Usagi was laughing during the entire exchange. "You two are so funny!" In unison, two pillows clobbered the laughing blonde.
"Girls, don't you think you should be getting to bed?" Usagi's mother called up the stairs.
"HAI!" The girls told each other goodnight and Usagi left. Jirian got in bed and Peiti turned out the light before getting into her own.
"Night, Elara. Night, Jirian."
"Night."
*~*~*
Peiti yawned as she walked to school with Jirian and Usagi. Puck was riding on Jirian's shoulder and Elara and Luna were sitting like wise on their owners. "Stay up late, Peiti?"
"Nah, I slept, but it was really bad. I kept waking up." Jirian giggled brightly.
"Dreaming of Sesshou were we?"
"NO!"
"Did someone say my name?" The girls jumped and whirled to see the three Lights behind them along with Sesshou, who was smiling slightly. Peiti turned a bright red color, hiding quickly behind her friends. "Something wrong?"
"Oh, not at all, Sesshou," Jirian said smoothly, giggling a little. "Just a little girl-talk, that's all."
"Hear that, guys? They're talking about us behind our backs," Seiya said, winking openly at Usagi. Now it was the Japanese girl's turn to blush.
"Only good things, I hope," Yaten added.
"When you three are finished, I believe we have school?" Taiki said, pushing his brothers and cousin forward. "Talk to you girls later!" he called back, giving them his own wink and peace sign.
"Why do they all do that?" Jirian wondered aloud, watching them go.
"Do what?"
"Flash peace signs when they leave. It looks very familiar to me."
"Yeah, same here," Peiti said, exchanging looks with the girl.
"Oh no!" Usagi screeched, looking at her watch. "We're late!!"
~*~*~
"My, my, what strange creatures these are," Higashi laughed to himself, watching the three running girls from the window ledge of a high building. "I think this is going to be more fun than I first thought. Now all I need is a good target to infect." He cast his eyes over the street until he spotted a girl of about ten years old. "Perfect."
Higashi took the jewel from his pocket and held it at an arm's length. It began to glow and grow hot. He dropped it and it immediately flew to the girl, attaching itself to the back of her neck. She smacked at it, thinking it was no more than a horsefly, and kept walking.
"Perfect," he murmured, jumping down to follow. "By sundown, they'll have their test."
*~*~*
"I swear, those teachers only have tests so they can laugh at the students! I didn't know half of what was on there!" Peiti and Jirian laughed. They had thought the test was easy.
"It wasn't that hard, Usagi. You just need to try harder." The blonde seemed to droop.
"I DO try. It's just too hard!"
"Well, while Jirian and I are at our practices, you can study!" Their friend grumbled as she walked away. The two Americans just laughed again and continued on to their practices.
"So, Peiti, have you answered Sesshou yet?" Jirian's friend blushed and shook her head.
"No. Have you answered Yaten?"
"Nope. I'm really tempted not to give Seiya his three days though. I really like Yaten."
"Ditto. Towards my hunk, of course." She winked.
"Oh, of course," Jiru agreed, laughing. The friends laughed as the continued down the street. Their laughter was cut short, however, when they felt a certain wrongness.
"Well, so much for THIS enjoyable day," Peiti said.
"A scout's work is never done," Jirian replied grimly, removing her silver henshin wand from a hidden pocket. "Let's do this thing."
"Right."
~*~*~
"Ug! What the hell is that?!" Sailor Oberon cried as they skidded to a stop. A monster covered in a mossy green substance was standing in the center of the street. It was about seven feet tall and very slimy-looking.
"I don't know but it sure doesn't look friendly," Callisto said as it turned its yellow gaze towards them.
"Let's hang the corny catch phrases and show this thing what we do to creatures that terrorize mortals! OBERON HAIL SHOWER!" Hail the size of golf balls were hurled at the creature. But, before they even got close, a strong wind, mixed with a stinging rain, arose, shooting it back at the two scouts. They let out little yells, jumping to opposite sides to avoid getting hit.
"Callisto Rainbow Beam Spray!" Callisto yelled when she recovered. But, again, the attack was thrown back at them.
"What the heck!" Oberon said, getting to her feet. "How does it do that?!"
"I'd like you to introduce you to your newest opponent, Sailor Brats. This is Monsuunkikou. Charming, isn't she?" A man suddenly alighted beside the youma, a cruel smile on his handsome features. He was dressed completely in black and was on the short side.
"Who are YOU?" Callisto demanded.
"That doesn't matter right now." He jumped into the air and hovered there. "If I were you two, I'd worry more about defeating Monsuukikou. I'll guarantee you that she'll be much more of a challenge for you than any of Nishi's youmas." The man laughed a little then looked down at the ugly monster. "Well?! What are you waiting for?! Kill them!"
The monster nodded and sent more of the acid rain at them. Callisto cried out as a bit caught her on the arm. Her eyes narrowed and she looked over at Oberon. "Double team it!"
"Right!"
"CALLISTO LIGHTNING AND THUNDER CALL!"
"OBERON DIAMOND HAIL!" The combined efforts from their attacks wounded the youma, but not enough. Now it was big, powerful, ugly, AND angry.
"Now what?" Callisto stared at the youma.
"Oberon, distract it, and I'll try to find its weak spot!" She nodded and raised her hands.
"OBERON WIND CYCLONE!" Oberon led the youma on a chase, keeping it from concentrating on Callisto. The senshi smiled grimly when she saw a spot on its neck where the green mossy stuff appeared to have been chipped away.
"CALLISTO EMERALD FURY!" The emerald green globe shot straight at the bare spot.
"NO!" The general flew forward but it was too late.
The concentrated attack hit its mark dead on and the youma let out a bellow of pain, falling forward. As it did, its appearance faded and by the time it landed, it had become a ten-year-old girl. A crystal rolled away from her still form, its black depths becoming a smoky grey color.
"Damn you!" the general snarled, landing on the ground once more.
"How dare you use children as puppets! OBERON DIAMOND HAIL!" The man grunted, leaping easily out of the way, scooping up the crystal as he did so.
"I may not have gotten you this time, but I will!" A humid, hot blast of wind rolled over them, accompanied by a stinging rain, a combination that caused the scouts to fling their arms in front of their faces. When they lowered them, the general was gone.
"He was certainly pleasant, wasn't he?" Oberon said dryly, dehenshining. Callisto followed suit, letting out a little snort.
"Oh yes. He was just SO nice." She knelt to check on the little girl and nodded to Jirian to signal she was all right.
"He mentioned that Nishi guy so they must be tied together somehow."
"Yeah, and he used those crystals to control the people just like Nishi."
"We'd better get back and tell our animals about this. And maybe they've finally uncovered something in their research." Peiti nodded and the two walked away.
*~*~*
"You failed, Higashi." Magasasu said in his deep voice, taking the crystal from the general.
"But for a purpose, my lord. I've figured out who the two scouts are." The larger man raised an eyebrow.
"Indeed?"
"Yes, my lord. The blond one, Sailor Oberon, is an American by the name of Jirian."
"And the other?"
"Also an American. Peiti." Magasasu stood and turned to look out one of the black windows, his hands clasped behind his back.
"How very interesting," he murmured. He was silent for a long while and when he turned, his face was very serious.
"Obviously these scouts are very powerful together if they are able to defeat our youmas. I want you to split them up. Perhaps we'll be able to beat them if they are alone."
"Yes, my lord. Do you still want the brunette alive?"
"Yes. She could prove useful. I don't care about the blonde; kill her if you wish. But don't let any harm come to the other. Do I make myself clear?"
"Oh yes, my lord. Crystal."