Sailor Moon X: Lunar Eclipse
a Sailor Moon/X-Men crossover
Chapter 5: Mental Chess Games
4-15-2017
By Grey-X
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is the creation and property of Naoko Takeuchi and Toei Animation. X-Men is the creation and property of Stan Lee, Marvel Comics and Disney.
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The last few days had gone by relatively peacefully. No further Eclipse attacks, and the rest of the Senshi had either begun developing that chemical weapon or digging for any useful information. Unfortunately, Makoto had no role to play in either effort, and the waiting was becoming torturous. That was part of the reason she was personally delivering this next batch of chemicals.
Oh sure, she could do some more kung fu training to pass the time. But a fat lot of good getting physical did with Eclipse. Makoto had only got her hands on her thanks to a lucky break. In any other circumstance, that oil slick would stop her cold. And if Ami's concoction worked the way everyone hoped, there would be no need to bring the lightning down.
Feeling useless was bad enough, but bearing witness to the festering fear brought on by Eclipse's attack made the waiting even worse. No one was sure what Eclipse's motive was, or even WHO she really was. Even if the Sailor Senshi knew the whole story, it wasn't like they had a way to broadcast such information.
And would the people of Japan believe them? People these days seemed ready to assume the worst about mutants in general. Something exacerbated by reports of the mutant terrorist known as Magneto being responsible for the theft of a cargo ship in the seas directly south of Japan.
Magneto… Makoto had heard that name. This one mutant sure made other people fearful, but the mention of super-powered villains didn't exactly make Sailor Jupiter quake in her boots.
So it came as a surprise to Makoto when anxiety welled up within her when she saw that big blue fuzzy… thing saunter up to Ami and Berthier's table. Makoto had already reached it when he called out to them. Ami was already on her feet, probably thinking the same thing Makoto was.
So Eclipse isn't alone. The Dark Kingdom still has youma, and they've zeroed in on us! Through gritted teeth, Makoto hissed to Ami, "Ami, I'll hold him off here while you go and transform…" But Ami didn't move, as if she were rooted to the spot. What the hell… She can't be THAT terrified of this fuzzball!
But when Makoto looked over to Ami, the answer started to become clear. That look on Ami's face, Makoto knew it well. Well, sort of. It was strikingly similar to how people described the look on Makoto's face whenever she saw a guy that reminded her of the upperclassman that dumped her.
With a suddenness that took Berthier and Makoto aback, Ami bridged the few meters that separated her from that… fuzzy guy, spluttering something in English. Makoto wasn't entirely sure, but judging from the look on that blue guy's face, Ami was spouting utter gibberish as she took one of his huge hands in hers. Out of all the people Makoto knew, Ami was perhaps the best with English. But she was so enamored with this fuzzball, something must've short-circuited in her brain, bringing her expertise down to Makoto's pitiful levels.
The blue fuzzy guy smiled warmly, however, placing his free hand on Ami's. "I am touched that you wanted to welcome me in my native language, my dear, but it's quite unnecessary. I'm perfectly comfortable speaking in Japanese," he said. And he wasn't kidding. Though he definitely sounded like he came from America, he spoke Japanese as if he was born and raised here.
Ami could only nod, still exuding giddiness that would make Usagi look lethargic in comparison. "Berthier, Makoto, this is… Dr. Henry McCoy. He's… one of the world's leading authorities on biochemistry! I've devoured every one of his books and papers. He's… a genius, plain and simple!"
It slowly dawned on Makoto. This… Dr. McCoy was no youma working for Eclipse, but simply another mutant. One that happened to share Ami's IQ level and hair color at that. But even as Makoto felt her anxiety melt away, Makoto couldn't help but wonder if there was more to McCoy's mutation than being big and blue.
And she felt some anxiety creep back after seeing how other people at chess tables were giving the American biochemist furtive looks. Thankfully, it seemed McCoy was well-known not just among brainiacs like Ami, so his presence would at least be tolerated.
"Ah yes, I've… heard of our big, blue, brilliant biochemist here," said Berthier sweetly. "You'd have to be living under a rock not to." That old desire to pound Berthier senseless was coming back for Makoto.
"Likewise for Ami Mizuno here," said McCoy. Ami blushed, flabbergasted that McCoy knew her name. "I converse frequently with many of the top professors from universities back home. Let me tell you a significant number would KILL for an opportunity to recruit one of Japan's brightest rising stars for overseas study." Makoto didn't think it was possible, but Ami blushed an even deeper shade of crimson. Turning his attention to Ami herself, McCoy said, "So imagine my surprise when I saw you here. I came into this Chess Tower, hoping to pass some time during my foray in the Land of the Rising Sun. Oh, it would make so many back home envious, an opportunity to see firsthand how Ami Mizuno's mind works! So, could I trouble you for an extra game, my dear?"
Ami nodded excitedly, too giddy for words. Berthier looked over them as they arranged the chessboard. "It's like a match made in heaven, right down to hair color," she said sweetly. Ami and McCoy just glared at her, which did nothing to dent Berthier's friendly veneer.
Makoto watched as the game began, Ami simply moving one of her white pawns up two spaces. "So, why did you fly all the way to Japan, especially at a… Forgive my bluntness, but at such a sensitive time for mutants? You mentioned recruiters from American universities. Is that your reason?"
McCoy chuckled a little. "In a manner of speaking, perhaps, that's one reason I'm here. Not that I'm tenured at any Ivy League school that could interest you, Ms. Mizuno. It's more of a… low-key institution."
Having long since realized this McCoy was no threat, Makoto lost interest in their conversation. The whole point of coming in here was to hand-deliver these chemicals to Ami. If this Dr. Henry McCoy was just as smart as Ami, she'd be here for quite some time. And it's not like she was in the mood to play chess herself.
That didn't stop someone from suggesting it. "I see I'm not the only one who tagged along with a blue-haired, super-genius friend, and now has absolutely nothing to do," came a girl's voice, directly behind Makoto.
Makoto's eyes widened, wondering how someone could've snuck up without her noticing. Turning around, she saw what looked like another American, wearing a simple, white boatneck shirt and tight blue jeans. A few centimeters shorter than her, but sported a similar shade of auburn hair, though her eyes were brown instead of green. It was even done of in a ponytail similar to hers. She looked to be perhaps two or three years older than her, but having a few years on her didn't account for this aura of… intensity and maturity that the girl exuded.
"Uh, you could say that," Makoto said sheepishly.
"Well then, while we wait for our respective friends to finish discussing every recent paper dealing with genetics, how about we pass the time with a game ourselves?" the girl suggested with a coy smile.
Sighing and shrugging her shoulders, Makoto said, "Might as well, it's not like I have anything else to do here. Not that I'm very good at chess anyway."
"I don't play all that much either," the girl admitted as she took a seat. "Anyway, I didn't catch your name," she added as she began arranging the chessboard, the dark pieces on her side.
"Er, it's Makoto Kino," she answered anxiously. Why was she still so anxious? The super-intelligent, super-strong mutant was at the other table, and he wasn't the least bit hostile. How could this girl be the bigger danger?
"Kitty Pryde," said the girl, offering her hand across the table. Makoto shook it, and the two sat down. Since Makoto had the white pieces, she knew the first move was hers. She moved a pawn up two spaces, then said, "You know, both you and Dr. McCoy… It's amazing how well the two of you speak Japanese. I keep hearing how Americans usually don't speak a second language all that well, but it's like you two grew up here."
Kitty giggled a little as she moved one of her pawns. "I sound American to you? Good to know. I spent… quite some time in the United Kingdom, and sometimes I wonder if a bit too much rubbed off on me."
Sort of like Minako, Makoto thought. pondering her next move. No, I'm looking too much into things…
"As for my fluency in Japanese, let's just say I had an… unorthodox tutoring regimen," Kitty went on. "It's part of the reason I volunteered to travel with Dr. McCoy on his little business trip."
Makoto finally decided to go big early and move one of her knights. "So you're a student of his?" asked Makoto.
"In a manner of speaking, I suppose," said Kitty, moving another pawn. "Hank's not the one who tutored me in Japanese in case you're wondering, but… I do look up to him. Which is why I intend to watch his back while he's here. All this anti-mutant sentiment burbling to the surface…"
Makoto had reached for another of her pawns, but stopped upon hearing those words. Makoto wasn't sure why they cut so deep. It wasn't like Americans had any room to criticize the Japanese, not with the hostility mutants already faced on the other side of the Pacific.
Looking up into Kitty's eyes, though, Makoto got a sense of why she felt such unease. It was the VEHEMENCE in those words. Those eyes told Makoto this American girl had the means to make anyone who dared raise a finger against Dr. McCoy pay dearly, just like how Makoto had thumped plenty of would-be bullies who had threatened Usagi and Ami. How? Was she a mutant herself? If so, what was her power?
Taking a deep breath, Makoto moved her pawn. The next few moves between them passed in silence. Though Makoto managed to take one of Kitty's pawns and bishops, Kitty had captured three of her pawns and the knight she had moved early, and was poised to take more. Kitty was far smarter than she had let on.
"Anyway, back to the subject of mutants. I hear Magneto made a move disturbingly close to Japan," Kitty said suddenly as Makoto contemplated her next move. "Do you think the Sailor Senshi know, and will get involved?"
"I… guess so," Makoto muttered, trying to tune Kitty out. This Magneto guy was of no concern at the moment, unless he uprooted Tokyo Tower or something. Eclipse was the only mutant the Sailor Senshi were focused on.
As if Kitty had just read her mind, she went on. "And speaking of the Sailor Senshi, I heard they tried to stop an attack by this other mutant people are calling Eclipse. Do you think they're still on the hunt?"
Makoto couldn't help but look up, eyes widening. Kitty was smirking at her, fumbling with Makoto's captured bishop. It was becoming abundantly clear that Kitty had suckered her into a chess match she was ill-suited for. Now it also felt like Kitty was pumping her for information that hit WAY too close to home.
"I-I-I… How would I know? The Sailor Senshi… No one really knows who they are or where they came from. I guess they have their own reasons for doing things. If they want to hunt down Eclipse, it's their business." Sighing, Makoto finally decided to move her rook up a few spaces.
Only for Kitty to instantly snatch it up with her own bishop. Makoto silently cursed herself for missing that. As bad as she was at chess, there was no excuse for that boneheaded move! Then again, Kitty was doing a marvelous job of getting inside her head, waging a battle on two fronts. This was why Makoto preferred a straight-up fight with fist and foot. But now, she had been lured into a two-pronged attack she was ill-suited to fend off.
"I suppose the Sailor Senshi would want Eclipse corralled, given the hysteria she's fueling," Kitty went on. "As guardians of love and justice, don't you think the Sailor Senshi would want to make sure this climate of fear doesn't get any worse?"
There was no explaining it away now. Kitty somehow KNEW who she and Ami really were, or at least suspected. As sweat began to bead on her forehead, Makoto looked over to the other table. Ami would be no help. She still looked positively giddy to be playing chess with one of her heroes, and thus would be giving up information freely, without realizing it! Then there was the added injury of seeing Ami hardly had any of her pieces captured.
Makoto looked back to Kitty, smiling as she patiently awaited Makoto's answer and her next move. Usually when Makoto felt this helpless, it was because someone like Kunzite or Nehelenia had all the Sailor Senshi dead-to-rights. But now, she was boxed into a corner by someone who, even if she had superpowers, had no need to use them.
It looked like what Ami had mentioned about Rei and Michiru's suspicions was dead-on. Mutants from another part of the world were coming for Eclipse. Coming? No, they were already here, zeroing in on the only ones who might get to Eclipse first.
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In the days that followed her disastrous attempt to locate Eclipse, Rei hadn't quite worked up the courage to try again. The others hadn't exactly pressured Rei to make another attempt, insisting that Haruka and Minako digging around would soon get them answers. Still, Rei found it galling, her one means to contribute to the hunt now too dangerous to use.
No, not exactly dangerous. It was just that Rei was too scared. THAT was the galling part. Despite all the would-be apocalyptic harbingers that the Sailor Senshi had taken down over the years, the thought of encountering this one telepath again chilled Rei to the bone. Not just any telepath, according to Mamoru. He and Michiru suspected it could be a mutant telepath, who tended to have frighteningly vast power.
Perhaps THAT was what was most galling about her fear. When the Sailor Senshi first gathered after Eclipse's attack, Rei scoffed at those who had faced her, thinking their accounts of her powers were exaggerated. Now Rei had firsthand experience of how terrifying being on the receiving end of mutant powers could be, and she couldn't shake that fear.
Did that… make Rei no better than all the people losing their heads after Eclipse's attack, and then Magneto's in the seas to the south? It was bad enough after the former made the news, but when crewmembers on that cargo ship made it back ashore, it catalyzed that infectious fear of mutants even more. And here was Sailor Mars herself, a supposed guardian of love and justice, unable to shake what happened with her own encounter with a mutant.
And so, with the sun directly overhead, Rei sat on the wooden steps right in front of the shrine. Ami was off doing her weekly chess match with Berthier. Michiru was paying a visit to an art museum that curated a good deal of her paintings, in the hopes of swiping a few more chemicals that couldn't be bought in a store, and Mamoru couldn't risk swiping from his university. Mamoru himself was still here at the shrine. At least one of the three had to stay behind while certain concoctions were catalyzing, and he would be busy sifting through books to make sure the final product was up to snuff. That effectively left Rei quite alone.
At the moment, that suited Rei just fine. At least she could catch up on reading some manga without Usagi butting in and asking to borrow them before she was done.
Usagi borrowing books… She STILL couldn't imagine Usagi willingly trying to read a super-thick book meant for graduate students, but Ami, Michiru and Mamoru insisted they weren't pulling her leg. Rei would've still liked to have known why Usagi was so obsessed with mutants, but whatever. At least she was confident that her wager for the betting pool would net her quite a bit of yen.
So while Usagi was making what brain cells she had go into overdrive, Rei flipped through a manga that would probably give her even more headaches than Ami's book would give Usagi. It was American manga. Hard enough having to read from left to right, but then there was the fact that it was in English. A pain in the ass, but Rei needing something to distract her. So after finding yet another unfamiliar word in the next panel, Rei grabbed her dictionary and flipped through it.
"C-C-Clobbering?" Rei muttered, looking back at the panel with the big guy covered in orange rocks, pounding some guy in armor and a green cloak. "It's clobberin' time? Well, I guess as far as catchphrases go, that's less of a mouthful than, 'In the name of Mars, I chastise you!'"
As she turned the page, doing her best to read more without resorting to the dictionary, Rei wrinkled her nose. It was still spring, but the air was certainly dry today. So without really thinking, she began scraping away just under her nostrils. But then, she became painfully aware of what she was doing when…
"Oh that's certainly behavior becoming of a shrine maiden," someone right in front of the shrine said, catching Rei by surprise. Rei's eyes widened, both from shock and from that shock making her fingernail drag across her nose's septum.
Covering her face in her hands as she waited for the stinging to die down, trying her damnest not to sneeze, Rei looked over her fingertips at her unwelcome guest. He was… interesting to say the least. He had Caucasian features, possibly from America, but his Japanese was perfect, as if he had grown up immersed in the culture.
He also wasn't very tall. If he was any taller than her, it would be by mere centimeters. He also had a scruffy look to him. Not just the mutton chops and the black hair that seemed pulled back to make him resemble an owl, but the clothes in general. The faded jeans, the motorcycle jacket that looked like it had been through some rough times, the cigar in his mouth… There was an aura of fierceness to him, almost of savagery.
Yet when the man smiled at him, something told Rei the warmth was genuine. "Then again, who am I to judge, bringing this up to a shrine?" he added mirthfully. He took his cigar and stuffed it into a tube for later.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I wasn't expecting guests at the shrine at this hour," Rei said quickly. She tossed aside her manga and stood bolt-erect, trying to regain what dignity she could. Though in the back of her mind, she wondered how this guy could've gotten so close without her sensing him. Was she that distracted? "I-I-Is there something you need?"
"Hmmm, nothing in particular," he said, looking over to a cherry blossom tree. Rei also noticed he was sniffing the air rather pointedly. "I've never exactly been accused of being a… spiritual person. But it's been some time since I've been to Japan, seen a shrine like this. There's always a sense of quiet to them, of peace. Something I can use once in a while." The genuine warmth was still there, but Rei could sense the twinge of sorrow behind those words.
"So, you HAVE been to Japan a lot before," said Rei. "I was wondering about that. You speak Japanese better than any American I've ever met."
The man simply chuckled a little. "The name's Logan, and yeah, I get that a lot. But I'm actually Canadian, not American."
That inner sorrow was still bleeding through. The last time someone in Japan told him that, it must have been a painful time. Or maybe it came from someone important to him, someone who was… Deciding to change the subject, Rei quickly said. "Well, my name's Rei, Rei Hino. Logan, if there's anything I can do for you while you're visiting our shrine…"
Logan smiled again, but this time, a bit of guile was mixed in with the warmth. Something told Rei she now had to be on her guard. "Actually, there is something I'd like to ask about. Something you can do."
"Well then, name it," said Rei.
"I may not look it right now, but I'm here in Japan on business," said Logan. Rei suppressed a snort. It was true, Logan certainly didn't look like any Westerner here on serious business. "I got an old buddy who runs a school, a school I still hang around."
"So you're… a teacher?" asked Rei.
"Sort of," said Logan. "I usually step up when a substitute is needed somewhere on campus."
"A substitute teacher, then," said Rei. "What do you teach?"
"First and foremost, I teach kids how to survive," Logan replied. There was a dangerous edge to his voice now. Logan didn't elaborate further on what he meant by 'survive', and something told Rei it would be a mistake to press him on that. "And we're always looking for new students. Not just back in America, but all over the world."
"Oh, so you do LIVE in America. I got that part right, at least," said Rei. She was trying to keep up the appearance of small talk, but faint alarm bells in Rei's mind were ringing. "What… kind of school is it?"
"A private outfit. Called the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. Me and the headmaster, Charlie, we go way back," Logan went on. "I'm here with one of his first students who's gonna attend some conference of whatever. So I figured it's a good a time as any for a recruitment drive, given how familiar I am with Japan."
"And you've come to a Shinto shrine to do it?" Rei asked, trying to not sound demanding. "I… don't see how I can help. It isn't exactly a busy time of year for us."
"Because people come to your shrine for guidance, I'll bet," said Logan. "Especially young people, who can feel confused and isolated. Especially if there's something about them that makes them feel… different. If you know what I mean." Those warning bells, buzzing like a mosquito before, were now a blaring klaxon rattling Rei's skull. "I bet people talk to you, are willing to trust you."
Rei let out a nervous laugh. "Well, I'm not too sure about that. I got this reputation of being a weirdo myself. Not too many complete strangers would be willing to open up to me, I'm afraid." There was a good deal of truth in that. Rei's instincts told her that was vital. Something told her that Logan was nobody's fool, and could easily spot an outright lie.
There was that pointed sniffing from Logan again, and then he said, "Still, there must be some who'll be looking for ANYONE they can confide in. If you know anyone like that already, or if any kids in need come by in the next few days while I'm in Japan, make a mental note for me, will ya? I'll… be seeing you again, Rei. Meanwhile, I got some other places to hit."
He flashed that oddly genuine smile again, then turned to begin his trek down the stone steps, leaving Rei alone and confused. But oh yes, right then she was taking mental notes…
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It had been bad enough a few days ago, seeing that whole mess with a young mutant girl being hauled off, with so many idiots CHEERING ON the police. But as Chibiusa scanned the headline of the newspaper she had just taken out of the mailbox, she felt ill all over again. This was the second day in a row Magneto's attack made the front page, and this would fan the flames of hysteria even more.
Just the fact that Magneto was hitting so close to home chilled Chibiusa to the bone. There was good reason for normal people to be scared of THIS mutant. Chibiusa remembered Erik Magnus Lehnsherr from her history lessons. In terms of raw power, Magneto was in Nehelenia's weight class, at least.
But as she skimmed the article, practically sensing the hate the inflammatory writing would catalyze, a more horrifying thing occurred to Chibiusa. Her history lessons told of Magneto favoring direct approaches, such as overtaking an entire missile base. But from the present time she was in, that was already many years ago. Had Magneto adjusted his tactics by now? Did he WANT to purposely instigate anti-mutant sentiment, as part of a larger geopolitical scheme?
Chibiusa felt she should talk to some of the other Senshi about this, but most were busy with their Eclipse problem. Unless Rei had worked up enough nerve to try locating Eclipse again, only the cats, Makoto and Usagi were available. Chibiusa reflexively scoffed at the notion of choosing the last one. De facto leader of the Sailor Senshi she may be, but discussing complex psychological warfare would be beyond her ditzy future mother.
Then again, maybe not, Chibiusa considered as she strolled back into the house. She's been cramming more reading into these last few days than I remember seeing her do for that last batch of entrance exams! And according to Kenji-papa, it's mostly about the X-Men!
Magneto's old enemies, the X-Men… Another thing Chibiusa remembered from her lessons. In direct contrast to how Magneto preached about mutant dominance, the X-Men tried to be the light of hope where mutants were involved. For whatever reason, they had given Usagi a ray of hope when it came to… whatever was on her mind. Chibiusa scowled, remembering Usagi was clearly keeping secrets from the other Senshi. Given how she had kept Pegasus's secret for so long, however, she couldn't judge.
Given all the things preoccupying Chibiusa, she almost didn't hear Shingo talking on the phone with someone. "So, you'll be free later this afternoon? Fine Mamoru, I'll let my sister know," he said before hanging up.
"What was that about?" Chibiusa asked.
"Just Usagi's boyfriend wanting me to remind her about meeting him in the park today," said Shingo. "Any idea where she is?"
"Last I checked, she was still here, reading all that stuff Kenji-papa gave her," said Chibiusa. "Plus that other book of Ami's."
Shingo colored a little at the mention of Ami, but soon a scowl crossed his face. "My idiot sister, reading of her own volition," he spat, right before laughing. "There's got to be another angle to this."
Despite her exasperation with Usagi lately, Chibiusa strangely felt the need to stick up for her. "Oh come on, Shingo. I think she's really serious about… whatever's gotten into her."
"Oh please, Chibiusa," Shingo scoffed. "This is Usagi we're talking about. Even if she genuinely wants to learn something, she'll find a way to make herself look even dumber."
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Usagi had already devoured every article her father saved dealing with mutants and the X-Men, in between attempts to make sense of that ridiculously thick book of Ami's. Thanks to that, she was at least familiar with the misunderstood mutant superheroes, and knew a little more about the genetics behind their superpowers. It was also encouraging, knowing the Sailor Senshi were definitely not the only superhero team out there. The Senshi had their own battles to face, and so did the X-Men. So even without the need to help Naru spurring her on, Usagi found it exciting, learning more about these X-Men.
But now, there was no choice but to go back to that book, which Usagi had dreaded. She had knocked out maybe a third of it in between reading magazine articles, at best, but Usagi pressed on, convinced more answers awaited within. Or at least, a better understanding of what Naru faced.
And so, Usagi sat, face scrunched up as she concentrated with book in hand. Most of the words were still a blur, all this stuff clearly beyond her. Yet she would not let this book get the better of her. If it had caught Ami's eye, it had to have some answers. So she kept scowling, gritting her teeth as the words on the page blurred, almost mocking her, until…
Usagi sighed in relief as she heard a soft thud beneath her. She was still wearing her bunny pajamas even as noon came about. It was quite a lazy day, given she had no real part to play in taking down Eclipse, except for aiming the Ginzuishou at her once she was brought to heel. Lazy enough of a day, then, for Usagi to spend time reading Ami's book while on the toilet. "There, now that that's taken care of, time to finally figure out just what the heck 'epigenetics' means…"
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Many had criticized Haruka over the years for being a 'glass half-empty' person, especially the Inner Senshi. At the moment, Haruka was starting to see why. Her digging around to elucidate just what was going on with Eclipse and Tokyo's underworld did yield some results in the last few days. Most disconcerting is that Eclipse had been active for some time, with the Sailor Senshi just getting wind of the bloodthirsty mutant.
Yet Haruka hadn't found anything more concrete than that. What was Eclipse after? Was she some sort of vigilante, wanting to clean up the streets of Tokyo?
If so, she was doing a terrible job. Taking out entrenched yakuza would require the surgical precision of a scalpel, not whacking away with a hatchet. If anything, Eclipse just made things MORE discordant. Leaving power vacuums for other groups to fill, inevitably leading to increased tensions. Soon, there would be clashes among rival yakuza groups as they tried to cope with the chaos…
But perhaps THAT was part of Eclipse's plan. Purposely make it so conflict between rival gangs would spill out. Perhaps it was to help ensure rival yakuza groups would war with each other, to let Eclipse or someone else step in later and assume control. Or it was some other convoluted chess game Haruka couldn't quite understand yet.
So many angles to view it from, so little solid information to go on. It slowly dawned on Haruka that this sort of detective work just wasn't her thing. Later, she'd have to pull Michiru away from that little chemical lab and discuss it with her. She was the artist, the creative one. Perhaps Michiru could spot whatever she was overlooking.
Yes, Haruka would do that tonight. Besides, Michiru was spending more than enough time with Ami and Mamoru already. She had a few more old friends she could talk to before meeting up with Michiru tonight. There was still the matter of what was so important about that warehouse along the river that was most certainly a yakuza front. In the meantime, Haruka desperately needed something to clear her head. Something that would also make her forget her frustration.
And nothing could accomplish both quite like besting Minako at an arcade racing game yet again.
"Damn damn damn damn DAMN!" Minako cried out. She repeatedly bashed her head against her steering wheel. "So close this time… So close so close so CLOSE!" Artemis was perched on the back of her chair, and couldn't help but facepaw.
Haruka bottled in her laughter, but couldn't suppress a big, satisfied grin. "Indeed. You're ALMOST fast enough to keep up now. Too bad your method of collecting intel isn't nearly as fast…" Haruka jeered.
Minako had hit up her old Interpol contacts days ago. She was still waiting for them to dig up anything pertinent about the warehouse, or recent yakuza activity in general.
"Give Katarina time," Minako snarled, turning to glare at Haruka. "She and the others… They'll get the information we need. Not like your street racing buddies knew off the top of their heads what the yakuza were up to along the river."
"Not so loud," both Haruka and Artemis growled through gritted teeth.
"Oh yeah, like some freaky mutant is going to be listening in here in the arcade," Minako spat back. Then she held up another token, eyes full of fire and determination. "Alright Haruka, this is it. One last game!" Minako declared.
"And once our racing queen has her way again, may I have the pleasure of the next?" came an unfamiliar voice all of a sudden. One with a peculiar accent.
Haruka, Minako and Artemis turned to see a rather tall, brown-haired man standing right beside Haruka's seat, smiling at all of them. He definitely wasn't from Japan, having Caucasian features. Perhaps he hailed from America, though it was hard to tell from his weird accent. Haruka couldn't tell much from his garb, either. Just a pinkish-red T-shirt and jeans, with a big, brown longcoat draped over all that. He wore his hair a little long. It traveled down to the base of his neck, plus he had a bit of stubble all around his face.
All in all, Haruka supposed this man would come off as charming for some. Hmmm, I'm guessing I would find this guy incredibly attractive if I was straight, Haruka thought to herself.
For confirmation, Haruka looked back to Minako. Sure enough, Minako was totally enraptured, goggling at the stranger with pulsing hearts in her eyes. Knew it… Haruka thought with a groan.
"C'mon Remy, do we really have time for this?" someone else suddenly asked. This guy was definitely American from the sound of his voice. He was a little shorter than the first man, and sported short hair a few shades darker than Haruka's blond hair. His dress was also a lot plainer than the other guy's rogueish appearance, with jeans and a button-up shirt.
"Since when're you such a stickler, Bobby boy?" said the one called Remy, turning that smile on his friend. "We be here in the Land of the Rising Sun on business, Bobby, but that don't mean we can't take any…detours, oh no. I think we can take some time out for a little… fun."
Haruka simply listened to the two of them, still trying to place Remy's accent. It sounded sort of French. But what struck Haruka as far more peculiar was how they spoke Japanese. Not anything odd in their accents. On one hand, they spoke the language more or less perfectly, except for a bit of weirdness in Remy's grammar here and there. Yet there was still something… off when they spoke. Haruka couldn't quite place a finger on it. These two didn't exactly look the stuffy, scholarly type. Yet there was also something a tad robotic in their voices while otherwise speaking Japanese as if they had grown up in the island nation.
"Well, you got me there," Bobby replied. Then he looked past Remy to Haruka, who more or less just glared back. There was the light of recognition in his eyes, and it made Haruka a bit uneasy. "And I'm pretty sure I recognize your face from somewhere."
"As you should, Bobby," said Remy warmly. "I do believe this is Haruka Tenoh, one of Japan's up-and-coming racing queens."
"Hmph. Well, once upon a time, that might've been my ambition," Haruka scoffed, trying to sound nonchalant. But in truth, there was still a certain charm to Remy that was disarming. And Haruka hated how someone could do that so easily.
"Aw, don't tell me someone as talented as you has given up on such grand dreams," said Remy. "I mean, me and Bobby… Some say we be chasing an impossible dream too, tilting at windmills, but we don't ever give up on it."
"Well, you two do whatever's best for you," said Haruka. "As much as I enjoy the thrill of racing, there have been more pressing things to keep me occupied as of late."
"Same here, same here. Me and Bobby be here in your lovely country on business, remember?" Again, that disarming smile of his. "But still, that don't mean we lose sight of our dreams, what's really important to us at the end of the day. And obviously, your love of racing, that ain't goin' away. So back to my original request, Ms. Tenoh… A quick game, you and me. And we make it interesting."
Haruka raised an eyebrow. "Interesting? How?"
"Oh… I be thinking a friendly little wager," Remy replied airily.
No way. This fool doesn't think he should bet serious money, not if he knows who I am, Haruka thought incredulously. Out loud, she said, "And just HOW MUCH are you willing to wager?"
"Oh, I wouldn't be placing a wager. A… friend of mine would," said Remy. Then he took out an American hundred dollar bill and held it out. "Tell me, I'm a bit rusty with my conversion tables… My good buddy Benji, how much be his net worth in yen?"
Haruka couldn't help but stare wide-eyed in disbelief. Somewhere in the back of her mind, the sound of a ringing cash register reverberated. Nearly… Eleven… Thousand… YEN!? Oh, this fool is just ASKING for me to lighten his wallet! With a vehement shove, Haruka knocked Minako, who had still been staring googly-eyed at Remy, out of her chair. Artemis just shook his head before jumping down onto her. "Be my guest. You, my dear Frenchman, are on."
"Much obliged, Ms. Tenoh, but I be Cajun, actually," said Remy as he jumped over the chair and slid into it. Was he always such a showoff?
Let him be a showy bastard, Haruka thought. Just makes it easier for me to be a few thousand yen richer. Besides, from the looks of it, Michiru blew her bet for the pool, so I have to make up the difference somehow…
His friend Bobby, however, didn't seem to understand the hopeless situation Remy had gleefully traipsed into. "Oh, this should be good," he deadpanned.
"Yeah, good for my finances," Haruka spat with a grin as she put in some tokens. And she was immediately off. No handicapping herself with this arrogant fool, not with a few thousand yen on the line.
An arcade F1 racer couldn't quite give the thrill of the real thing, the sheer sensation of speed she so craved, but it was still a fun distraction. Add showing up some poor dope from the United States and pocketing a few thousand yen in the bargain? Her frustration over the snail-like pace of the Senshi's investigation was fast evaporating. So Haruka concentrated on banking and powersliding around the curves, keeping up a steady speed. Don't be a showoff like this… Cajun. And soon enough…
Haruka's eyes widened in shock when she noticed the nose of Remy's racer creeping up behind her. It can't be… He's caught up so soon!? Haruka thought incredulously. We're not even a lap in! Risking a glimpse sideways, Haruka saw how deftly Remy was handling the wheel. The speed with which he could work with his hands, his dexterity… Haruka had never seen anything quite like it.
And he kept staring at his screen with a razor-sharp focus while STILL wearing that insufferable smile on his face! Scowling, Haruka turned back just in time to round another curve. But she had been too late to do a perfect powerslide, and Remy actually pulled ahead!
"Well well well, looks like it be my lucky day," Remy quipped as he pulled ahead further past Haruka's car.
"Oh no, you think it'll be THAT easy, Cajun!?" Haruka roared as she pressed down on the accelerator harder. "This is about skill, not luck!" As quick as Remy was with his hands, she had far more experience with actual racing. Right?
Minako voiced her doubts about that. "Oooooh, maybe Haruka's met her match, Artemis!" she squealed. Artemis just groaned.
"Whatever the outcome, THIS'LL be an interesting story to tell Anna-Marie, I'm sure of it," grumbled Bobby.
Haruka forced down her humiliation and concentrated with all her might. She would NOT lose in front of Minako to some… Cajun. But Remy handled the corners just as deftly as she could, perhaps more so. And he seemed to instinctively know when to floor it, leaving Haruka with few opportunities to catch up. Occasionally, though, the gap in their driving experience showed and Haruka could exploit it, pulling ahead a little.
Yet she was never able to widen the gap. Many times, Remy pulled back ahead. After the first lap, the race stayed practically neck-and-neck. Haruka grit her teeth as she focused, not bothering to glance over to see what she was certain was that rogueish smile. A smile Haruka was determined to wipe off the Cajun's face.
Haruka pressed the pedal down harder, determined to pull a safe distance ahead. A bit of a risk, but Remy was way better than she had guessed. Indeed, it was starting to pay off. She was several car-lengths ahead, but there was a curve coming up. Once again, Remy outmaneuvered her when rounding the corner, and pulled ahead slightly. The finish line was only a few hundred meters away now, and this was the last lap.
In desperation, Haruka floored it. But Remy did the same, and there wasn't enough time to bridge the gap. It was by mere milliseconds, but someone finally managed to best her at this arcade machine.
For a moment, Haruka, Minako and Artemis just stared slack-jawed, dumbstruck by the upset. Remy, meanwhile, just smiled again as he leaned back in his chair with his hands behind his head, putting his feet up on the steering wheel. "Well, gotta admit I'm a bit surprised too. I kinda prefer choppers to race cars, myself."
Minako shook off her stupor, sensing an opportunity to needle Haruka even more. "Maybe you two should have a motorcycle race for real as a rematch, then. I'm sure Michiru wouldn't mind," she said with a nasty grin.
"Yeah, fine, whatever," grumbled Haruka in defeat as she reached for her pocket. "In the meantime, Remy, I'll just write a check…"
Haruka froze solid when Remy reached over and grabbed her shoulders. "Forget the money, my dear Ms. Tenoh. This will do fine as payment," he said smoothly.
And then, Remy softly pecked Haruka on the cheek before climbing out of the arcade chair. Haruka could practically feel Minako and Artemis's dumbfounded gazes upon her, mouths hanging open again.
"Come on, Bobby boy. Back to work for us." Haruka didn't even turn to watch the two men leave, still frozen in place. This Cajun… just beat her in a race and had the audacity to steal a kiss?
Something that Minako was clearly going to milk for all it was worth. She leaned over the seat vacated by Remy, holding a hand over her mouth as she giggled. "Oooooh, the noble, indomitable Haruka Tenoh not only lost a race, but let a GUY sneak in a kiss? Oooh hoo hoo hoo, I wonder what Michiru would have to say about this?"
Haruka rolled her eyes. "What will it take to make sure she doesn't hear?" she demanded.
"Hmmm, all this talk about choppers… Maybe I'd like to take that dirtbike of yours and race that Cajun on it." Minako suggested airily.
"No. Way," Haruka said sternly.
Minako said nothing, at least not directly to her. Instead, she hit a button on her communicator watch. "Hey Rei, you won't believe what just happened at…"
Haruka shrieked, her hair standing on end. Minako wasn't fooling around. Swiftly lunging over to grab Minako's wrist, she quickly said, "Fine fine fine, you win. You get to borrow the dirtbike…"
"Whoopee!" Minako squealed in delight. She started skipping away, Artemis still clutched to her chest. Leaving a disgruntled Haruka to just lean forward, planting her head against the steering wheel. Not enough progress in digging up intel on Eclipse, losing an arcade race with MINAKO of all people to witness it, a GUY kissing her and her dirtbike liable to be a smoldering wreck by week's end. Could the day get any worse?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Minako kept skipping along the sidewalk, humming to herself. "Dirtbike racing, dirtbike racing…" Meanwhile, Artemis was hardly as enthusiastic. There was the mental image of Minako's brains being splattered across the landscape, for one thing. Also, was there any time for piddling around with a dirtbike, when Eclipse could strike again at any moment?
"Minako, maybe you should put off the dirtbike joyride until after we capture Eclipse?" Artemis suggested delicately. "There's no telling when she'll resurface…"
"Oh, you worry too much, Artemis," Minako said. "And hey, if we run into her while joyriding, well… Some hard rubber smashing Eclipse's face at 90 kph may do the trick if Ami's concoction can't!"
And so, Minako kept skipping along as if she hadn't a care in the world, leaving Artemis feeling quite envious. At the moment, it looked like Luna was actually looking after the more responsible Sailor Senshi. After all, Usagi was voluntarily READING about mutants for whatever reason. Usagi. Reading. Two words that didn't belong in the same sentence, yet it was happening. While Minako was blackmailing a fellow Senshi to get access to something that could leave her a quadriplegic.
Artemis shook his head as Minako skipped off ahead, not even noticing he was lagging behind. When any Senshi was taking the Dark Kingdom less seriously than Usagi, there was a problem.
As Artemis was lost in his thoughts, not even noticing Minako had rounded a corner and disappeared from view, something jarred the cat out of his pensive state. The voices of those same two men from before… They were coming from an alley Artemis had just stopped in front of. Those two were speaking to each other in English now, which was hardly a surprise. And when Artemis heard one of them mutter the word 'mutants', his ears pricked right up.
His curiosity piqued, Artemis carefully walked down into the alley. Soon, he could see Remy and Bobby facing each other, and Artemis swiftly ducked behind a box full of beer bottles. Talk of mutants were on everyone's lips now. But his time with Minako while she was Sailor V had instilled certain instincts in him, and they had just kicked in big time.
"You really couldn't think of a better excuse to get close enough to those two, could you Remy?" chided Bobby. "You do realize Rogue will pound you into hamburger if she finds out, right?"
"Oh, you worry too much Bobby," Remy replied smoothly, echoing Minako's current state of mind. "Nothing will come of it. Especially not with someone like Haruka Tenoh."
"What d'you mean by that?" demanded Bobby.
Artemis peeked out from behind the box to see Remy staring at Bobby with disbelief. "Bobby, how could you, of all people, not tell?"
"Tell what?" asked Bobby, sounding as clueless as Usagi usually did.
Remy shook his head. "Never mind then, Bobby. It's not important. What's important is we hung around Haruka and the other girl long enough for our portable Cerebro processor to do its thing."
"So what's the verdict?" Bobby asked.
Artemis watched anxiously as Remy pulled something out of his coat pocket and examined it. "Two big fat duds," replied Remy. "Those two ladies, whatever they are, they're no mutants."
So there IS something out there that can zero in on mutants, Artemis thought. But why would such a device be confused by a Sailor Senshi? Never mind. If I can get this Cerebro thing away from this Cajun…
"So we struck out again. Just like Logan and Kitty did," spat Bobby. "This is getting ridiculous. We thought Cerebro would be more reliable once we got across the Pacific, but the professor's been having no better luck finding this one mutant here than back in Westchester. And all the people he COULD pinpoint that looked powerful enough have been false positives so far. How the hell are we hitting so many dead ends?"
"With the sheer number of mutants-that-ain't-really-mutants we've been sent to track down, Bobby, there's only one possible answer. One that Kitty's certain of, too," said Remy. "We be stumbling across Japan's fabled Sailor Senshi by complete accident. Something about their power, it's confusing Cerebro's circuits big-time."
Artemis could feel the fur along his spine standing on end. The mutants Rei and Michiru were certain were coming… They were already here! So far, they were having no better luck tracking down Eclipse than the Sailor Senshi were. Yet that was hardly comforting when it looked like they were uncovering all of their identities.
"Maybe that'll still be a help," said Bobby. "I don't think the Sailor Senshi want this mutant running around any more than we do. And it would pay to have someone besides Logan who's familiar with the lay of the land. If we can convince them to help us…"
"If only it were that easy," scoffed Remy. "We can't even get folks like the Avengers and the Fantastic Four to go along with us half the time. I don't think these Sailor Senshi will be none too kind about more mutants steppin' on their turf. Especially foreign mutants."
"And we couldn't reach Shiro to get him to vouch for us if things got ugly, because of course we couldn't," Bobby muttered in agreement. "Still, from what the others reported, Remy, there's a little hope. When Kitty pressed this one girl at that chess place, she seemed to fold and get nervous. As if they're not quite sure about what to do."
"They're doin' somethin' all the same," said Remy. "Logan went to that Shinto shrine. Said it smells like a chemical lab over there."
The fur along Artemis's spine now felt like it was electrified. They tracked one of the Senshi all the way to the Hikawa Shrine? They knew about their meeting place?
Bobby let out a defeated sigh. "I guess you're right. Hank said that the other girl at the chess place was supposed to beJapan'sblue-haired super-genius." Artemis grit his teeth. These two, the group they belonged to… They indeed were tracking down the Sailor Senshi with frightening precision, all by complete accident. "Coming up with some chemical weapon to tackle a mutant like this Eclipse? That is so something Hank would do."
"Then we need to move fast, Bobby," said Remy. "Track down this girl before we have no choice but to fight these guardians of love and justice, no?"
"Can't we trip them up instead?" Bobby suggested. "I mean, if they're banking on this chemical they're brewing… You're a thief, Remy. Can't you just sneak in and trash their shrine-lab or something?"
"I'm flattered you think so highly of my thievin' skills, Bobby, but I'd need to case this shrine first," explained Remy. "Even if I didn't have to worry about super-powered girls thrown into the mix, my instincts tell me we don't have the time for a heist."
"And it would be the best way to guarantee the turf war we're desperate to avoid," Bobby said in agreement. "After Magneto being so very unhelpful yet again, the last thing Japan needs is front-row seats to hot Senshi-on-mutant action, that's for sure."
"Then let's go report to Ororo and the professor, see if they got any other ideas," said Remy.
Artemis ducked back behind his box upon seeing the two men turn to leave the alley. He glared at their backs as he watched them go. Thankfully, whatever mutant powers those men had, it didn't let them sense an eavesdropper. Artemis briefly considered following them, but decided it wasn't worth pushing his luck.
Besides, it was far more important to brief the other Senshi on what he just overheard. And there would need to be a round-the-clock watch on the Hikawa Shrine, in case that thief DID decide to pay them a visit. So Artemis ran as fast as his legs could carry him back to Minako's house. The situation had just become much more complicated.
And despite how these two mutants sounded wary of a conflict with the Sailor Senshi, Artemis's instincts told him that they wouldn't hesitate if a confrontation was the only way to reach Eclipse first. The Sailor Senshi would have to be ready.