The Forgotten Guardian

[neovaihlo]

to my readers from Downfall, here is my next creation. if you haven't read downfall yet, i suggest you read it to make better sense of this story.


Chapter 1: Troubles of Night

The sun was setting behind the large buildings that surrounded the Tokyo Beta Game Arcade as the three teenage girls left, followed by two cats; one black and one white. Two of the girls had long blonde hair that reached their butts, one with it tied into two pig tails, giving the look of spaghetti and meatballs, the other with a red bow on the back of her head. The third girl had roan red (reddish brown) hair tied into a ponytail with two green beads on the elastic. The three were chatting, laughing, and just giving off the impression that they had known each other for a long time.

“So Serena,” the roan red haired one said to the pigtailed blonde, “You ever gonna get even with that Darien?” Serena nodded her head. The other blonde laughed, causing Serena to address her. “What’s so funny, Mina?” The blonde quit laughing, then looked at the other girl. “Well, I’m sure Lita here remembers your last attempt to get even with Darien.” The roan red haired girl looked thoughtful, then also erupted with laughter. “Oh yeah, the water balloons. You screwed the trap and dropped them on yourself, Serena!” The two girls laughed while Serena and the black cat walked on ahead. “Yeah, like you never made an ass of yourself before, Lita.” She said under her breath. The cat sighed, “Serena,” it said, “you need to remember that you are all team mates.” Serena looked down at the cat. “I know Luna, but I wish that they would leave my goof-ups in the past.” Serena continued ahead with Luna trailing behind. “Yeah, you would never remind someone about their mistakes over and over again.” The cat said under her breath.

Lita and Mina continued on their way to their homes, living only a block away from each other. “How do you think Serena will handle Darien this time?” Mina asked her friend. Lita stopped dead in her tracks. “Personally, I want to how we are going to deal with that.” She pointed down into an alleyway across the street where a dark outline of a creature was moving towards them. “Quick, in here.” Mina pulled Lita into the alleyway behind them and they each took out a small colored stick; Gold for Mina and Green for Lita.

The creature leapt across the street and rushed the two girls when blinding colors of gold and green engulfed them. When the light faded, the girls were now wearing sailor like outfits, each with a bow over the collarbone, mini skirt, and knee high high-heeled boots. Both girls wore elbow length gloves and a golden tiara across their forehead with a gemstone in the center. The demon readied its self to attack, and the girls took up a battle stance.

Sailor Jupiter charged electricity into the antenna that had extended from her tiara, preparing to blast the demon, better known as a Yoma, all the way to next week. “Come and get me, you ugly bastard.” She muttered as she waited. The demon lunged, and she cried “Jupiter Thunder Crash!” A sphere of lighting shot from the antenna as the Yoma accelerated, rushing under the sphere and striking Sailor Jupiter in the gut, sending her back about six feet and landing on her ass. She looked up as the demon rushed for the kill when a white blur shot into its face. The white cat had leapt at the Yoma and was now clawing at its eyes.

“Artemis!” Sailor Venus yelled as she watched her cat fight the demon. “If you are concerned, then do something already!” Artemis yelled at her as he clung onto the demons face. Sailor Venus nodded her head, then pointed her index finger at the Yoma. “Venus Crescent Beam Smash!” A golden laser-like beam shot from her fingertip and blasted the Yoma back eight feet. “You like that?” Sailor Venus shouted at the demon. It got back to its feet and rushed at her. “Guess it did.” Sailor Jupiter suggested as she charged another Thunder Crash.

Both Scouts unleashed their attacks at the same time, and the Yoma accelerated past their attacks, got behind them and struck them down. The pair grunted in pain as they hit the ground, them heard the Yoma howl. They braced for the attack…and after ten seconds they knew something was wrong. They both turned over and saw that the Yoma had had its face and neck filled with knives; switch blades, throwing, pocket, Swiss army, even a ninja kunai knife was sticking in its head. The Yoma’s body overbalanced, then crashed to the ground on its back, then turned to dust. “What the hell was that?” They turned to face the mouth of the alley.

A shadowy figure stood at the entrance of the alley. Judging from the build, and the voice, they guessed that it was a guy. In his left arm was a bag of groceries, and his right arm was held out towards at the Scouts. They tried to think of how to cover up this mess when he sighed. “Not like it matters.” He then yanked his arm back, and each knife on the ground flew back towards him. As the knives returned to their owner, Sailor Jupiter noticed that each one had a piece of fishing wire attached to the handle. The guy caught the knives, then turned and left.

Mina, Lita and Artemis left the alley after five more minutes and continued to head home. Ahead, they saw the figure turning and entering the front doors of an orphanage, its lights out for the night. “Think he lives there?” Lita asked. “Wouldn’t doubt it.” Artemis said, having better night vision had seen his clothes. “His clothes are easily too tight for him, long enough, but not wide enough. Also, they were pretty ragged.” Lita and Mina nodded, then continued on in silence.

[The Godess of Destruction]

i really like this hope to read more soon. (remember to update in my forumtoo wen you have time)

[neovaihlo]

sorry about the long delay. here is the next installment.
Chapter 2: Family Matters

Serena awoke the next morning to find that the house was empty except for Luna, who was curled up on the TV. Serena opened the fridge and started to take the milk out for her cereal when the phone rang. She picked up and pressed ‘talk’. “Hello?” she asked as she held the phone with her shoulder to her ear and continued to make her breakfast. “Serena, it’s Mom. Listen, you know how Sammy has been complaining about not having another boy in the house?” Serena rolled eyes as she continued to pour the milk into her Coco Puffs. “Yeah, how could I forget?” Her mother continued, “Well, we decided, as in your father and myself, that we would look into adopting a child.” Serena dropped the milk, cereal box, and phone with a scream of fear.

“Yeah, they are getting another runt.” Serena told her friend Amy Mizuno as they sat around Amy’s bedroom, studying for a math test (it was hard to write that evil word). Amy looked over at Serena with thoughtful eyes, then turned back t her book. “You know, they said that they were looking into adopting a child. They didn’t say that they were.” Serena felt slightly cheered up at this thought and continued to try and understand her Algebra. “And besides,” Amy added, “if they adopt an older boy, well…” she trailed off leaving Serena to throw a book at her, both of them laughing. “Amy, you’re starting to sound like Raye.” Amy brushed her blue hair out of her eyes. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Mr. And Mrs.Tsukino stepped out of their car and approached the orphanage, feeling slightly uncertain. “Hello, and welcome.” The one worker said as the couple walked through the door, “How can I be of help to you today?” Mr.Tsukino spoke, “We were thinking of adopting a boy.” The worker nodded his head, then walked over to a phone, dialed a number, spoke for a moment, then turned to the two adults. “Mrs. Moyokota will be with you in a moment.” He then left, and Serena’s parents sat down on two chairs while they waited. The room they were in wasn’t that bad: it was full of toys which several small children were playing with, two doors that led to other rooms, and a fire exit.

After about three minutes a lady with a white jacket entered through one of the doors. She looked to be about fifty years old, graying hair, glasses and a slightly curved spine. She approached the Tsukinos and shook their hands, introducing herself. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Mrs. Moyokota, I own this orphanage, and how can I help you today?” Mrs.Tsukino stood and took charge, leaving her husband slightly out of place. “We were thinking of adopting a boy, you know, maybe an older boy.” Mrs. Moyokota gave them a suspicious look, and she quickly added, “We already have two children, a 15 year old daughter and a 10 year old son.” Moyokota nodded and led them into another room. In there were several boys, each around the age of eight to seventeen. “Each of these boys are good with younger children, have never caused any trouble, and have high grades in each subject we teach here.” Mrs. Tsukino looked around, eying the younger boys with affection, while Mr.Tsukino looked nervously at he older boys, who were wrestling with each other.

“Hey! Let me go!” Everyone in the room looked over at the door as another boy was led in by the man they had seen earlier. This boy had ragged black hair that reached the small of his back, dark brown eyes, and a very tough look about him. Mrs. Moyokota sighed, “Koaru, what did you do this time?” The boy fought free of the mans grip and straightened his jacket. The man spoke for him. “He was throwing those blasted knives at the wall again! I just finished putting that new wallpaper up when WHOOSH! A fucing knife flew past my head and struck the center of a flower design!” Koaru smirked, “I meant to hit that stupid hat you were wearing, but you moved.” The man shouted in fury and left the room, cursing under his breath. “Koaru,” Mrs. Moyokota sighed, “when will you stop causing trouble? You’re sixteen, and all you ever do is cause trouble.” Koaru looked offended and shot back, “What! I do more then my share around here! I get groceries, clean up the play pit, cook supper three days a week, and do the laundry for the little brats!” Mrs.Tsukino seemed impressed at his workload, while Mr.Tsukino looked impressed at him standing up for himself. He leaned over to his wife, “Well, what do you think?” His wife nodded, “Yeah, he could look after Sammy and Serena, as well as help around the house and keep those two in line.”

Serena walked into her house, feeling like her brain was about to explode. She had studied so hard that her brain felt heavier, which was giving her a headache. She walked into the kitchen, where her mom was cooking a ham, with Sammy sitting at the table, looking very excited. Serena sat next to Sammy and looked over at her mother. “So, how did the child search go?” Her mom looked over at her, smiling, and Serena’s heart dropped. “We adopted a boy. I’m sure you will get along with him quite well.”

Sammy jumped up out of his chair. “Serena! He is so cool!” Serena figured this boy was probably Sammy’s age. She then heard footsteps and turned to look at the doorway into the living room, saw her new brother, and fell out of her chair with a loud bang. Sammy laughed at his sister, and her mother rushed over to help her up. Koaru sat down at the table across from Serena’s empty chair and relaxed into it. Serena got back onto her chair and stared at the newcomer. He defied all description of boys; to her, he looked like a bad boy with an attitude problem, but also like a gentle, kind and caring gentleman. His hair needed a wash big time, but it was almost stylish the way it hung around his face and down his back. Serena knew one thing, she was definitely going to have to hook this guy up with one of her friends…except for Raye.

[neovaihlo]

Chapter 3: The Golden Hero

The next few days…different for Serena…since she had never had to deal with an older boy in the house before. The first night that Koaru was in the house, Serena went to have a shower only to walk in on him as he got out of the shower. Let’s just say that you could have fried an egg on both their faces. The next morning Koaru woke her up early, since her parents wanted her and Sammy to partake in Koaru’s morning exercises. Serena made it halfway through the Tai Chi, but collapsed trying a crane stance. Sammy made it to the 4 ½ mile jog, and returned on Koaru’s back, exhausted and panting like a dog. Koaru, however, had done 3 miles with Sammy on his back and hadn’t even broken a sweat. That same day, Koaru waited for Serena so they could get to school. Serena finally left seven minutes before school started, so Koaru ran with her on his back, and Serena could swear that they went about 60 kph. After arriving with two minutes to spare, Serena introduced Koaru to her friends Amy, Raye, Lita and Mina. All the girls were slightly infatuated with the boy. On the way home that day, Serena dragged Koaru into a clothing department where she bought herself a few new shirts and got Koaru a hair sleeve; a long white piece of cloth that could be used to contain a large amount of hair into a long and neat ponytail. The next day Koaru figured out how to use it, and arrived at school looking…civilized. With his hair tied back out of his eyes, people could see his handsome face, brown eyes, and the girls at the school were now after him like flies on shit (pardon the expression).

“Well, he is your brother now.” Mina said as she and Serena walked over to the arcade for an hour of fun. Serena nodded her head, then dropped her jaw as she and Mina entered the arcade. The Dance Dance Revolution game had a line, and the one being challenged was Koaru. He was good, and was currently against Raye, who wasn’t doing to bad herself. “Dream A Dream,” Mina sighed, “Raye knows the moves this song like I know boys.” Serena nodded again, since Mina could tell when a good-looking guy was actually a snob, or a rough looking guy a real sweetheart. Serena walked over to her favorite RPG (role playing game) and started on her saved file. As she entered her password (Sailor Moon) she heard an uproar over at the DDR. She looked to Raye getting off and some red head taking her place against Koaru. Serena let out a low whistle and returned to her game.

An hour and a half later, Koaru, Raye, Serena, Amy and Mina left the arcade and started to Serena’s house (slumber party, Lita was to show up later). “So, Koaru…” Raye asked, hanging on Koaru’s arm as they walked, “Are you going to join the party tonight?” Koaru shook his head, and kindly detached Raye from his arm. “No, I’ll be crashing early. Got a big day tomorrow.” Amy looked up in interest. “Oh, you going to the opening of the new Science Center too?” Koaru looked back at Amy and smiled. “Yeah, are you?” Amy nodded her head. Koaru smiled, “Want to go together?” Amy blushed and looked away. “Um…sorry, but I’m already going with someone.” Koaru nodded in understanding, then opened the door for the girls.

Inside, Serena took Amy to her room, telling the others to wait in the living room. Koaru walked with them, then got into his room beside Serena’s. Inside Serena’s room, she looked at Amy with a look of disappointment. “Amy…Koaru just asked you out. Why are you going with that stalker Greg?” Amy blushed and faced Serena. “Greg isn’t a stalker-“ “He secretly snapped a picture of you eating at a food court, and who knows what he did with that picture.” Serena cut in. Then she walked over and put her arm around Amy. “Look, I’m just saying that Koaru would probably be a better choice for you, that’s all.” Amy nodded, but “Thank you Serena, but I hardly know Koaru, and I promised Greg that I would go with him over a month ago.” Serena sighed in defeat, and she and Amy walked downstairs.

“So, what are we going to do?” Lita asked as she and the others prepared to start their party. Serena grinned in an impish way. “How about,” she started, “Truth or Dare?” The others nervously glanced at each other, then agreed. “Ok, I’ll start.” Serena said, then turned to Amy. “Alright Amy, Truth or Dare?” Amy thought a moment, then exhaled, “Truth.” Serena’s grin got bigger. “Are you in any way attracted to Koaru?”

Koaru was lying on his back in bed, thinking about what to do since he wasn’t tired in the least. He then heard the girls downstairs screaming and giggling, so he figured, ‘What the hell’. He snuck downstairs and hid in the hall leading into the living room, listening. “Alright Amy, Truth or Dare?” Amy thought a moment, then exhaled, “Truth.” Koaru wondered what Serena would ask. “Are you in any way attracted to Koaru?” Koaru felt his breathe catch in his chest, and his pulse quicken. “What the…why am I getting so tense?” he thought as he crouched in the hall.

Amy felt herself turn red as she sat on her sleeping bag, all the others staring at her. “How did I not see this coming?” she thought to herself as she turned steadily redder. She drew in a breath, then stuttered, “Well…he is…um…well…” She drew another breath, “Yes, yes I like him.” Serena smiled in triumph.

Koaru sat in the hall, his heart racing, sweat dripping from his face. He tried not to think about what he had just heard, but as he tried, he started to go red. “Christ, what is wrong with me?” he thought as he got to his feet and silently rushed back to his room. He threw himself on his bed and put his hands on his face, trying to calm down. Then he felt something under his lower back. He got up and pulled the covers back, and smiled. It was the only item he owned from his parents, his crystal sword pendant. It was a silver handle with four empty spaces, which he guessed once held small gems, and the blade was a large crystal. It was the only thing that survived the fire, besides him. “How did I survive that blaze? I was only 1, and this crystal was under my mothers body.” He sighed, then flopped back down on the bed. He then closed his eyes, thought of how to deal with the info he had heard, then fell asleep.

Serena had just finished her dare (running outside in her underwear while screaming “I’m a slut!” Raye’s idea) and sat down, red a tomato and ready to get even when a scream was heard outside. “What the?” Lita said as she got to her feet and ran outside to check. The others sat around nervously, then heard Lita scream “Girls! We got trouble!” They all got to their feet and ran outside to see what the trouble was.

Out in the street was a Yoma, about six feet tall, and attacking a woman carrying a baby in her arms, the stroller on its side a few feet away. “Come on girls!” Serena shouted as she pulled out her pendant. “Moon Prism Power!” Sailor Moon attacked, leaping into the air and kicking at the demons head. The Yoma looked up, caught her foot, and threw her into a tree. “Ouch.” Sailor Moon said as she lay across a branch, with a look of pain all over her face. Raye sighed, then pulled out her wand. “Mars Power!” A flash of fire, and Sailor Mars ran forward, stopping about six feet from the Yoma, then called her fire to her hands. “Mars…Fire…Ignite!” A large fireball shot at the demon, striking it dead center, turning the creature into a screaming pillar of fire. “Gotcha, little bugger.” Mars said as she relaxed.

The demon shook itself, putting the fire out, then rushing the one responsible for its agony. It grabbed her by the throat, and threw into the same tree as the first one, knocking the first one out of the tree.

Lita and Mina both pulled out their wands, ready to attack, when Amy grabbed them by the shoulder. “Listen, I think that our best chance is to strike in a formation Delta Strike that I told you all about last week.” Lita and Mina both remained expressionless, their jaws slightly dropped. The Delta Strike had a ten-minute explanation, which no one except Amy had understood. Amy read the their expressions, then pulled her own wand out. “Alright, we rush in blindly like always.” The other two grinned, and held up their wands with Amy. “Venus Power!” “Jupiter Power!” “Mercury Power!” The three rushed the Yoma, each gathering their energy to strike. The Yoma accelerated, just like the last one, and sped past and around them. “What!” “Crap!” How?” were all the three said as the demon’s own energy caused it’s claw to take the shape of a double headed axe. It swung, the blade directed at their necks, each girl flinched, and never got hit. They opened their eyes, confused, to see the Yoma completely impaled; giant golden spears had burst through the ground and filled the demon like a pincushion. “How?” Sailor Mercury asked as she and the others moved around, watching the demon turn to dust and the spears dissipate. Sailors Moon and Mars had rejoined and were looking for the source of the rescue when a silhouette appeared in the moon light, casting a shadow over the five girls. They all turned to see a warrior standing on the roof of a house, looking quite impressive. The figure leapt down and walked to the Scouts, who all tensed up, ready for round 2.

The figure chuckled, and the Scouts figured it was a guy, judging from the voice. He wore golden colored light armor with a white robe underneath. His helmet was in the shape of a crescent moon, with a blue piece of cloth covering his mouth and forehead, revealing only his eyes. His eyes were not quite normal; they were a dark storm blue with silver pupils. He wore boots like theirs, but his were blue and white, and didn’t have high heels (thank God). On his fore arms were golden armlets, and on his hands were gold and white gauntlets. On his back was a large rod with a golden crescent moon blade on the end.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice friendly and calm. The Scouts nodded, still untrusting. He took their look the wrong way, “I…I thought you needed some help, that’s all. I hope I didn’t offend you.” The scouts snapped out of their suspicion, feeling foolish. “No, no no no no no!” Sailor Moon quickly stuttered, raising her hands in front of her. “We aren’t offended, just…” “Cautious.” Sailor Mars finished for Moon. “Why should we trust you, we have never seen you before, and we don’t even know your name.” The guy chuckled again, bowing his as he did. “Of course, that’s understandable.” He looked up at them, “I won’t tell you my actual name, but I will tell you who I am.” The Scouts nodded in agreement, waiting for the name. The guy looked straight at Sailor Moon, who slightly blushed. “I am the Moon Envoy Guardian, the protector of the Sailor Scouts. My one duty is to protect you all with my life.” The Scouts remained silent, then nodded in understanding. The Guardian nodded as well, “Well, I best be off. Take care, and stay out of trouble.” With these words, he turned and walked away, soon melting into the light of a street lamp, and vanishing. Sailor Moon exhaled then looked at the others. “We need to have a talk with Luna and Artemis.”

[neovaihlo]

Chapter 4: Love With Science

Serena and the others grabbed the two cats and sat them down in the living room the second they got back inside the house. “Ok, Luna.” Serena said, feeling slightly pissed off, “Who the hell is the Moon Envoy Guardian?” Luna and Artemis both stared at each other, sweat drops on both their heads. Artemis looked at Serena, slightly worried. “Did you say, the Moon Envoy?” Serena nodded her head, still angry about the lack of information. Luna looked at the girls, slightly worried. “You saw the Envoy?” Mina nodded her head, now looking confused. “Why,” she asked, “is he bad or something? He said that he was to protect us with his life.” Artemis raised his, silencing her. “The Envoy Guardian is supposed to protect you all, but from what we remember, he is part of the Negaverse!”

The silence was so thick in the air that you cut it with a blunt table knife. Serena was shocked, since in her opinion, Envoy just spelled ‘good guy’, not a Negaverse flunky. “So, if he is evil, why didn’t he just kill us?” Raye demanded, feeling irritated. Artemis shook his head, sighing in anxiety. “I don’t know, girls. As far as I can remember, the Envoy was once a great warrior who served Queen Serenity, the strongest warrior in the entire kingdom. But then he lost a battle to a Negaverse General, and went with him to gain more power. When he returned, he nearly killed you all.” Lita quickly leaned forward, feeling scared now. “Listen, do you remember how we beat him back then? Cause we have seen his power, and we don’t have a prayer against him as we are now.” Artemis shook his head again, now depressed. “I have no idea. My guess is, a fluke.”

Silence hung in the air as the girls looked at each other nervously, now realizing that they had looked death in the face. “So,” Amy started, causing everyone to look at her, “Either he is playing us for fools, hoping get our guard down then strike, or after he was reborn, he didn’t regain the memory of being with the Negaverse, still thinking that he is our Guardian.” Luna leapt up onto the TV, what she did every time she needed to be heard well. “We need to find out which it is. If he truly has forgotten about being with the Negaverse, then we need to get him purified before the Negaverse realizes that he is still around.” The girls nodded their heads and crawled into their sleeping bags. “After we sleep, ok Luna?” Serena said as she got comfortable. Luna sighed, “Of course, girls. Sleep well.”

The next day, Amy and Koaru got up at 8 am and set off for the Science Center’s grand opening. They met up with Greg, Amy’s date, at the entrance. “Nice to meet you Koaru.” Greg said as Amy introduced the two. Koaru nodded his head and stepped away from Amy. “I’ll see you two around, I expect you’ll want to be left with each other.” Amy blushed slightly, and Greg nodded his thanks to Koaru, who nodded back and walked off on his own. “That was nice of him.” Greg said as he and Amy walked inside together. Amy nodded her head, starting to seriously consider Serena’s words from the previous night.

Koaru walked through the lobby of the Center, turned onto an escalator, then walked over to the balcony’s railing, looking over the main floor, watching Amy and Greg walk to the first floor exhibits and attractions. “What is wrong with me?” he thought as he continued to watch the couple. “Why am I acting like a jealous ex-boyfriend? I barely know Amy, yet I feel like kicking Greg’s ass for even touching her. What The Fuk Gives?” Koaru punched his head and walked over to a ‘Test Your Sight’ exhibit, figuring that shooting some virtual ducks with a plastic gun might make him feel better…while picturing Greg’s head on each duck.

Serena and Luna walked up to the front gates of the Science Center, Serena determined to do her best to hook her friend up with her brother. “Serena, we shouldn’t interfere with those two.” Luna said, trying to talk Serena out of her crazy idea. Serena shook her head, walking straight into the lobby, trying not to feel like a geek. “Luna, you know Amy, she won’t go after Koaru without some help.” Serena said to her cat, who was now dodging the legs of many people. Serena continued as she picked up her cat and cradled her in her arms, “And Koaru, well, he isn’t exactly the brightest light bulb on the chandelier.” Luna sighed, “Seeing as he has a 98.7 average, and you only have a 59.3, you are in no place to call him dim.” Serena silenced the feline with a sharp tap on the head. Serena then looked up at the balcony just in time to see Koaru walk out of sight. “Time to do what I do best.” She smiled. “What, destruction of mental stability?” Luna said, receiving another tap on the skull.

Amy and Greg left the ‘Test Your Strength’ exhibit, ready to check the virtual reality exhibits on the second floor. “Amy, how is it that you are stronger then me?” Greg asked as they walked side by side. Amy blushed, knowing that Greg had let her beat him in the weight lifting room. “Well, I am a hard working girl.” She said with a wink and a giggle. Greg shook his head in disbelief, knowing that she knew. They got into an elevator and started their ascent to the second floor.

“Kiss hot lead, you little bastards.” Koaru said as he continued to blast the ducks out of the air from the maximum range of the shotgun. A small crowd had gathered to watch him, cheering each time he hit a duck from so far away. He finally missed, swore, and handed the gun to a kid who had been watching the longest, who smiled and ran forward. Amy and Greg also departed from the crowd, and Koaru smiled, wondering if Greg could shoot that well. Suddenly he was grabbed from behind an pulled around a corner, face to face with Serena, who was wearing a grin that made a sweat drop descend from his head.

Greg and Amy walked to the Center’s food court (sounds like a sweet place, eh?) and ordered a hamburger each and sat down at a table. Amy was about to take a bite when her watch flashed, causing her to get up and leave the table. Greg sat there, feeling awkward, then shrugged. “Women.” He sighed, returning to his burger. Amy walked to the girls washroom, and ran into Serena, who was grinning in her devilish way. “Serena, what are you doing here?” Amy regretted asking soon after.

Koaru walked around the food court, carrying his tray of noodles and a pair of chopsticks, when he spotted Amy getting up from the table she and Greg sat at, and he walked over to Greg. “May I?” he asked Greg, who shrugged his shoulders and pointed to a chair next to Amy’s, which Koaru sat in. “Where’s she off to?” Koaru asked, and Greg shrugged his shoulders again. “Nice shooting, by the way.” He said, and Koaru looked up, acting surprised. “Oh, you were there?” he asked. Greg nodded, still eating. Koaru thanked him, then split his sticks and started eating.

Amy and Serena left the washroom, which was located by the back entrance of the Center, and started over to the table. They were passing the back doors when they burst open, and six men wearing black masks and carrying guns rushed in, shooting into the air, and yelling at everyone to “Get the fuk down!” Amy and Serena both dropped onto the ground, covering their heads with their hands, their hearts racing in fear. “What do we do?” Serena whispered, tears swimming in her eyes. Amy shook her head, and looked over at the table, where Koaru and Greg had vanished. One of the crooks noticed where Amy was looking and grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up. “What you looking at, girl?” he shouted, and Amy felt tears fill her eyes due to fear. She shook her head, and the man threw her down to the ground.

Amidst all the confusion and screaming, Koaru and Greg had slipped into the guys washroom. “What’s going on?” Greg asked as Koaru looked out the door. Koaru pulled his head back in, sweating slightly. “About five more just came in through the front…that’s eleven thugs in all.” Greg whimpered and sat down, hands clenching his hair. “We’re dead, man, we’re de-“ Whack! Greg was cut off by Koaru foot connecting with his cheek. “Can it, you idiot. Look.” Koaru pulled out a fairly large wallet, filled with knives. “We have a chance to help these people, but now if you are gonna wimp out on me. Will you help me, or not?” Greg, shook for a moment, then got shakily to his feet. “Give me a knife.”

[neovaihlo]

and the last onw for now.
Chapter 5: Guns vs. Blades

Amy and Serena were lying down under the watchful eye of one of the crooks. Even though he wore a black mask, Amy knew that he had plans for her, just by the way he was acting. Soon enough, he grabbed her by the shoulder and picked her up. “Come on you, we need to talk.” Serena started to get up, but Amy shook her head. “I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Serena’s started to cry as the man led her friend into a back room.

No sooner had the man reached out to unzip Amy’s coat did she grab his fingers, twist them, and hear the sickening crack as they broke. The man howled in pain as he pulled his hand away and struck her with his other hand, knocking her to the floor. As Amy lay there, she heard the man crack his fingers back into place, then felt her skirt get yanked off. She panicked, desperate to defend herself, but as she felt his hands grab hold of her underwear, she lost it and broke down, sobbing. Then the man released his grip on her underwear, grabbed his gun, and stood up, pointing at the doorway. “Who are you?” he asked.

Koaru didn’t answer, he just threw two knives at the man, striking him in the shoulder and crotch. The man dropped the gun, howling in pain again, then collapsed as Greg smashed a folding chair over his head. Koaru bent down and retrieved Amy’s skirt, which he then handed to her as she continued to sob on the ground, still terrified. She took it, got to her feet, and with shaky hands, put it back on. Koaru had gone to the door to check if anyone was coming from the sounds of the struggle while Greg reassured Amy that she was safe. “Shit.” Koaru ran back over to the pair, sweating a bit. “Two more are coming, and these guys are packing automatics.” Greg started to panic again, and Amy took a deep breath and started to think. “Shit, man, what do we do?” Greg asked. Koaru shrugged his shoulders, then grabbed three knives. “Wait, I have a plan.” Greg and Koaru turned to look at Amy, who was wearing a nervous look. “It’s risky, but it may work.” Koaru and Greg thought a moment. “Lets hear it.”

The two men entered the back room, wondering why their buddy had made it sound like he had had a knife slammed into his dick (). They walked through the room, then heard the girl’s crying and moaning. “No, please, (sob) stop it!” The two looked at each other, grinning. The walked to the very back where they saw the girl sitting on a box, blushing like crazy. On the ground next to her was their buddy, unconscious. “What the!” they both shouted as they leveled their guns, then screamed in pain as two knives found their way into their hands, causing them to drop the weapons.

Koaru leapt over the box he was hiding behind and tackled one of the thugs while Amy ran behind a small pile of tables. Greg had found an iron pole, and he was now wielding it like a sword, attacking the other crook, who was backing away. “Who the hell are you guys?” the one asked as Koaru snapped out two switch blades. “Your worst nightmare.” He replied as he rushed, faked stabbing him, spun around, and connected a kick to the man’s upper chest, sending flying into the wall, where with a loud crack, his head smashed into the wall and he collapsed.

Greg continued to swing his pole like a sword, not knowing how he knew how to fight so well, when his opponent tripped over a small box and smacked his head on the wall. “Well…I guess that works to.” Greg said as he tossed the pole aside. Amy picked up the discarded weapons; two M16 machine guns, two pocket knives, and a DD47 automatic pistol. “Niiiiice.” Koaru said as he reclaimed his knives and picked up an M16. Amy took the pistol, and Greg took the remaining M16. Greg looked over at Amy, smiling sheepishly. “To think this started out as a date.” Amy giggled, and Koaru left the room, rolling his eyes.

“Where the hell are those three?” asked one of the remaining eight crooks as they walked through the group of hostages. “Last I saw of Lawk, he was going into the back room with a cutie.” “That lucky little…” the two continued their watch as they cursed about the friend’s…luck, not knowing that they were about get some of it.

Koaru managed to neutralize the two thugs without a shot being fired, and he was dragging their unconscious figures into the back room as Amy and Greg walked out. “Been busy?” Greg asked as Koaru passed them. Koaru just glared at him and continued into the room. Greg counted on his hand, “So, in all we have taken out five, which leaves six.” Amy noted that the emergency exit was not being guarded. “We should started getting people out of here.” She said, slowly starting her way toward some people laying on the ground. Greg remained where he was, watching Amy work her way over to the people with anxiety. Koaru came up beside him, watching as well. “We actually only have three more to worry about.” Greg’s eyes widened as he thought Koaru meant that he had taken out more. Koaru sighed, “Why do you think they came here? To scare people and try out the virtual reality simulators? This place has made over $12, 364, 049 since it opened this morning.” Greg’s jaw dropped. “How? I know that the food costs money, but everything else is free.” Koaru looked at him, feeling irritated. “The government pays this place $50 for each person to enter for the first week, that way they can have people promote it through word of mouth.” Greg thought a moment, “So, three guys are grabbing the cash, and only three are left guarding these people?” Koaru nodded, “Now, lets get these people out of here.”

Amy and Greg were herding the hostages to the back door, but no one had left yet, since Koaru had pointed out that opening the door would set off a fire alarm. They therefore waited till Koaru had taken out the last three crooks.

Koaru was trying to drag the body behind a large TV screen in front of an exhibit, but he was too slow. Another crook rounded the corner, remained shocked for a moment, then leveled his gun. Koaru threw two knives, striking the man’s hands, and he dropped the gun, yelling in agony. Koaru rushed the man as fast as he could, leapt up, kicking him in the head, and knocking him off the balcony. “Shit.” Koaru said as he ran to the railing, looking down at the man’s body on the ground. Fatalities were not supposed to happen, and Koaru hoped that the thug had survived the fall. The thunder of automatic fire snapped Koaru back into action, ducking down and locating the source of the bullets. The last man was on the other side of the second floor, peppering the walls around Koaru with bullets. He waited till he heard the clip drop, then he raised his own rifle, took aim, and shot three well aimed rounds, nailing the thug in both shoulders and ripping a hole in his rifle, rendering him unarmed.

Greg and Amy both waited in the silence following the weapons fire, then felt their hearts jump as more weapons fire thundered in the center of the building. “That is more then one rifle…” Greg slowly stated. Then they heard Koaru. “RUN! EVERYONE, GET OUT! NOW!” The people charged the back exit, bursting out, the fire alarm ringing shrilly and the buildings sprinkler system activating. Greg grabbed Amy’s hand and started to pull her towards the exit. “Amy, lets go! Come on!” Amy pulled free of his grip, taking several steps back. She shook her head slowly, “No, we can’t leave him…I won’t leave him.” She then ran to the source of the rifles fire. Greg stood there, people around him running out in a panic.

“Damn!” Koaru shouted as the two men on the third floor continued to pin him down with synchronized shooting, never letting the rain of hot lead end. Koaru waited, then heard an off beat shot, and one of the men shout, then yell as he fell off the third floor balcony. Koaru risked a look; Amy had shot one of the men, and now she was running as a trail of bullets chased her. Koaru leveled his M16 and shot three rounds, like the last guy, and took down the last crook. “Amy! I owe you one!” he shouted as he got to his feet. Amy came around the corner, smiling. Then her face was etched in fear. Koaru whipped around, raising his rifle just a little to slow. Three shots rang out, and he was knocked off the balcony. “Aw SHIIIIIIIIIIT!” he yelled as he fell to the ground, managing to turn in mid air and roughly land on his hands and knees. “Koaru!” Amy shouted as she ran to him, and Koaru looked up at the second floor, the last crook aiming at her as she ran. Koaru got to his feet, ran at Amy, leapt forwards, and landed on her as the shots rang out through the building. But Koaru didn’t feel the bullets hit him. He lay on Amy for a moment longer, then slowly he and Amy looked over at the exit. Greg’s M16 barrel was smoking, and he continued to aim at the second floor, where they heard the man collapse. Koaru sighed, then got off Amy, sat up, then passed out.