Email: Smerc8@aol.com rated: PG-13 The Guardians by Guardian Mercury PartIV- Tension Brad and Raye are the first one's awake the next morning. raye puts some coffee on and Brad gets the muffins out of the fridge. Raye gives him some coffee and they both sit down at the table. "Morning Raye." "Oh, morning Brad." "I got up at 6:30 Raye. I had a hard time falling asleep." "What's bothering you, I might be able a help." "Well, I don't know Raye. All the guys, Jason, Shawn, Pat and Dave are kinda breaking apart, as friends. It especially seems like their teaming up against me for some reason." "How do you figure that?" "Well, Shawn doesn't talk to me as much as before. Last night at the dance was the first time Jason talked to me in two weeks." "That's strange. I wish I could tell you what the problem is." "Yeah, it's lik a time bomb about to go off." Raye takes a sip of her coffee and thinks for a minute. She can't think of anything to say that could help Brad's problem. "Have you guys gotten into any arguements lately?" "Umm, none I can think of. We got in a big one when we first got our powers. We've had little scurmishes between two of us every so often, other than that nothing." "Well, the only thing I can say is I can do a fire reading, then we'll know what's going on." "That may be a good idea." Raye takes a hold of Brad's hand and pats it on top. She looks at him and smiles. "Do worry, we'll get to the bottom of this." "Morning you two, I'm not interupting am I?" Brad and raye look over and see Lita walking into the kitchen. Shw walks in and smiles at the two of them, waiting for an answer. "Well?" "No Lita, just comforting a friend. How'd you sleep?" "Fine thanks Raye. So, what do you two want to eat this morning?" "How about waffles, with bacon and hash browns, Brad?" "That sounds good Raye." Lita opens the fridge to look at the food inside. There isn't a lot of milk or bacon left. Lita pops her head up from the fridge and turns to Brad, who's getting himself and Raye another cup of coffee. "Hey Brad, there's barely any milk left and about 12 pieces of bacon in here. We need to go shopping." "Pat does that so tell him when he gets up." "Did somebody call?" Everyone starts waking and gets dressed. After Pat gets dressed, he asked Lita what they need and takes off for the supermarket. When he gets back, him and Lita start cooking breakfast while Brad is in the living room looking at the sports page. Jason and Serena are watching tv while Mina and Dave are talking about something. "Guys to the right, girls to the left." "Boy, what time did we end up dropping out last night?" "I think 4:00 Dave, or 3:00 at the earliest." "Wow." "Well, I'll be back anyone else need anything at the store?" "Yeah Pat, we're runing low on cereal. Grab a few boxes." "Gotcha Shawn." "Anyone got the sport page?" "Right here Brad. Hey Jason, Tenchi Muyo's on." "Cool, I haven't seen this in a long time." Pat retuens and him and Lita cook breakfast. Everyone sits down at the table to eat. Mina takes a sip of her orange juice and sets her glass down. "So, how is eeveryone this morning?" "Fine Mina, considering I got only two and a half hours of sleep." "Why so little Brad? "I don't know Amy, couldn't sleep I guess." "Serena, don't eat so fast. You look like you're having a race with Jason." "Yeah but I'm so hungry." Everyone starts laughing and finishes eating. The girls all leave to go home and change while the guys clean up the house. They finish up and Pat heads to the bedroom and sits at his desk. he gathers a bunch of things and inventories them. "Okay, lets see if I have everything right. I got the plans, the measurements on the loading dock, a few purchase orders and that should do it." Pat grabs his jacket and turns to leave. Brad calls him from the kitchen and asks where he's headed. "Hey Pat, where you headed?" "Over to Lita's to work on the cookie shop. I'll check in in one hour." "Got it, have fun." Pat leaves and as he's on his way, a tree falls no more than five feet in front of him. It had been torn right out of the grounf. He looks around quickly to try to find out what caused it. "What in the-. Oh great, 10 this time, this whole damn city is going to be destroyed." Pat pushes the "all call" button on his comunicator. Immediatly everyone responds. "Serena here, what's up Pat?" "Thiss is Dave, lets hear it." "We got a 10 youma attack in downtown at the corner of First Street and Tokyo Tower Ave. Lot's of people, casualties and deaths possible." "On our way." All the communicators shut off and Pat looks for a place to hide. He raises his ring then inserts it into the wristband, thus transforming. "Jupiter, Guardian, Power!" Guardian Jupiter comes out of the alley and scans what's going on with his eyes. He then makes a decision and goes into action. "Well, no time to wait, Jupiter Thunnderbolt!" Guardian Jupiter raises his right hand and a lightning bolt forms in his hand. He throws it at one of the youmas and strikes it in the chest. It drops the bench it had in it's hands. Another youma looks over to where the lightning bolt came from. "Hiyaa!" "Who threw that!" "I am the warrior with power over thunder and lightning. You have destroyed the city and that can't be tolerated. I will punish you on behalf of Jupiter. I'm, Guardian Jupiter!" "Don't forget us!" Guardian Jupiter looks to his left and sees the Sailor Scouts and Guardian Scouts standing there. "And who are you?" "I am Sailor Moon, the Champion of Justice! On behalf of the moon, I will punish you!" All the Scouts and Guadians split up and prepare for the attack. Some one the youma arrack while the others continue destroying the city. "Mars, Celestial, Fire Suround!" "Venus, Energy Ball, Blast!" Sailor mars quickly turns around and notices the youma that's been slamed up against the wall of a building. She turns to Guardian Venus. "Wha-, what the- "Hey looked like you could use a hand ther Sailor Mars." "Thanks, I owe you one." T he two of them take off to see if they can help any of the others. Sailor Jupiter looks out the corner of her eye and sees one of the youma attacking two people over by a nearby building.. "Who is that over there? Oh no, Molly, Melvin; they'll be killed." She starts running over toward the building then realizes that she won't make it. She looks over there and notices a tree branch hanging directly over the youma's head. "Not, gonna, make it! Hmm, I got it, Jupiter, Thunderclap Zap!" Sailor Mercury is having a hard time with the youma she's fighting. She's finally able to get an advantage then, it's sudenly destroyed. "I don't get this, nothing is working. I'll try one more time, Shine Aqua Illusion!" "Venus, Crescent Beam, Smash!" "Huh, what happened? Oh thanks Venus?" "Anytime Mercury." Sailor Moon and Guardian Moon are fighting the strongest of the youmas. It attacks Sailor Moon and Guardian Moon throws himself into the energy beam, getting hit directly. "Ahh!" "Guardian Moon, you okay?" "I really hate this job." Guardian Moon slowly gets to his feet and stares at the creature. He attacks it, which it does no good. The youma attacks them again and guardian moon crosses his arms and a shield appears, with crescent moons on it. "You'll pay for that, Moon Guardian Beam!" "What was that?" "New trick I guess, I didn't even know I could do that." "Look out!" "Crescent Moon Shield! Get down!" The two of them duck behind the shield and it starts absorbing energy. After two or three minutes, the shield starts to weaken. Guardian Moon starts to weaken again because the shield is actualy apart of him. "Guardian Moon, are you okay." "The shield's beginning to weaken Sailor Moon. You have to destroy that thing now." "But what if-" "Now Serena!" Sailor Moon gets out her Moon Scepter and gets ready to attack. "Moon, Scepter, Ellumination!" The youma is destroyed and Guardian moon collapses to his knees. The shield "contracts" and returns to his back. He catches his breath and looks at Sailor Moon. "No, no offense Sailor Moon but, you have to learn to be faster with that thing." Sailor Moon kneels down to see if he's ohay. She asks him about the shield he has and what it is. The rest of the youmas are droping fairly quickly. "You sure you're okay?" "Yeah, I'm fine. "What's the deal with that shield." "Well, its like you and your crystal i guess you could say. When I use it, my energy is drained." "Same as me and my crystal." "Yup." After all the youma are destroyed, the Scouts and Guardians regroup and detransform. They survey the area and see building had been wrecked, windows smashed and cars dented. "Boy, looks like we did a number on trhis place." "You're not kidding Raye. The city is going to definatly be on our backs now." "Yeah your right Dave. The doctor's say we have 24 dead and 40 injured." "I guess that's good for an area like this." Everyone goes to get ice cream and relax. As they're walking to the shop. Amy is punching infomation into her computer with Brad reading off numbers to her. "Guys, I think I got it!" "Got what Amy?" "I think I know where Gendo's base is." "Well, out with it Amy." "It's located at the Sunset Tower.""Hey, that's where we fought Zoicite and I found out I was Moon Princess." "Yup." They all arrive and enjoy their ice cream. They're all pretty beat from the fight. "Wow, I'm exhausted. That damn youma took a lot out of me." "I said I was sorry Jason." "Don't worry about it Serena. I'll be fine." "Hey Mina, do you know what time it is." Mina looks at her watch and tels Brad the time. he gets up and kisses Amy lightly on the forehead. "It's 2:30 Brad, why?" "I have to go to Raye's. Chad wants help with somethhing." "What time you gonna be home?" "About 6:00 Amy. I'll call you later." Raye and Brad arrive at Raye's temple and go inside. They enter the room with the fire and raye kneels before it. "Oh Great Fire, please show me what is the cause of Brad's worries." An image of a rope with Brad and the guys pulling it in five different directions appears. An image of the girls also appears in the middle. Raye then turns around to face Brad. "Well, what did it say?" "It was vauge. You're right though, there is tension between you and your friends. It's caused by one or all of us." "Oh boy. Thanks Raye." "I wish I could help out more." "Don't worry about it Raye, thanks." Brad arrives at home and heads inside. He takes his shoes off and goes into the kitchen. Lita is in there looking in the fridge for something to drink. "Hey Lita, who else is here? "Oh, hi Brad. When did you get back? "Just now, where is everyone?" "Pat and Amy are in the bedroom." Brad looks at Lita and can tell that she's worried about something. He doesn't know exactly what but, he can tell she's concerned about something.Pat soon walks into the kitchen with some paper and pencils. "What's up Lita, you look worried?" "Huh, nothing." "No come on, tell me what you're worried about?" "She's worried about you." "What do you mean Pat?" "Well, after you left with Raye, Shawn lost it, I mean he flipped." "He called you everything but white and descent Brad. Amy almost unloaded on him, I never saw her so mad." "Wow, I wonder why he'd do that." "I don't know, but just watch your back." "Okay, thanks. I'll go get Amy." Brad goes into the bedroom and sees Amy playing a game on his computer. He goes over and looks over her shoulder. Amy jumps then gets up and gives Brad a kiss. The two of them head out to the kitchen. "Hey, having fun?" "Huh, oh Brad you scared me. I'm so glad your okay. "I heard about the ice cream parlor incident. can't believe you did that." "Well, someone had to stick up for you honey." "Come on, Pat and Lita are waiting for us in the kitchen." The two of them come out of the room and go into the kitchen. they sit down and Pat has the plans for the shop out waiting for Brad and Amy." "Okay Pat, lets see what you got." "Alright Brad, we have the plans for the shop and these are the plans for the loading dock. Amy, here's the money that we have to start with and how much I can get our first order of supplies will be." "Let me take a look Pat. Hmm, you know Lita, if we move this display case thing over here, we can set up a taster section." "That's a good idea Brad, if we have a taster section, it could help sales." "You're right Amy. I'm sure Pat can whip up something with that." Amy looks down at the figures Pat had just handed her. She turns to Lita and points out what she expects they should pull in during the first six months. "So in the first six months, you could make about $2,500 or more. then with expenses, you'll take home about $1,600 or a little more." "Wow Amy, did you hear that Pat?" "Yeah, I can live with that." "Hey, we can get going on the loading dock this weekend Pat, if you want." "That sounds good. I think we can get it done in one, maybe two days." "Yeah, what materials do we have to work with?" "They're at the shop, I'll show you later." Lita and Amy leave later and soon Shawn arrives at home. He goes into the bathroom and slams the door, which gets everyone's attention. Brad is looking at a sports magazine and looks up at David, who's watching tv. "Boy, wonder what got into him." "You got me. hey Shawn, what's up?" "Nothing, leave me alone." "Whoa, someone had a bad day. What are you so mad at?" "You should know Brad." Brad hears this and freezes. he suddenly remembers what Pat and Lita told him earlier. (Shawn totaly lost it after you and Raye left). he sets the magazine down and sits there. "Shawn, what are you getting at?" "Think you dumb-ass, about the ice cream parlor!" "What about it?" "You and Raye left without saying where you were going." "So, what are you getting at?" Shawn walks right up to Brad and throws a punch at him, which is blocked. Brad then throws Shawn on the couch. "Listen I don't know what has crrawled up your ass but if you have a problem with me, you come to me. Now until you calm down and your ready to explain this, don't move, got it!" "You're taking Raye from me." Brad freezes. He turns around and looks down at Shawn on the couch. He picks him up and starts yelling at him. "You want to repeat that?" "I said, you're stealing Raye from me." "Listen, I have already gotten this shit from David and who knows about Jason. Is pat the only friend left that I have in this house!?" "Probably." "Get out of my face before something happens." "Fine, good night." Thursday arrives and everthing at school goes fairly smoothly. During gym class, Serena, Sarah and Brad are quietly talking about the play. "So what time is dress rehersal again? "It's at 4:30 Serena." "Thanks Sarah, you're quiet Brad, what's up?" "Nothing really Serena, just thinking. You got your lines ready?" ":Pretty much, I still have a little problem with my song though." "Well you'll do fine Serena. Don't worry about it." "Thanks Sarah. We'll have to see what happens I guess. "Hey did you get the earth science homework assignment. I was half listening." "It's right here Brad, pages 255-275 with a quiz on Tuesday." "Thanks Serena, looks like Jeff found the volleyball net." "He's almost as bad as Melvin." "Nobody's that bad Sarah." The three of them start laughing and then head to the locker rooms to change. The dress rehersal soon arrives and Serena and Sarah walk into the auditorium. Miss H., who was directing the play, is on stage. "Come on you two, we're almost ready." "Okay Miss H., sorry we were late." After 15 minutes pass, the rrehersal starts. Miss H. sits down where the audience would be to watch. "When ever you guys are ready." The dress rehersal begins and is going smoothly. Serena's song goes fairly well, with only a few mess ups. After the run through, Miss H. stands and starts to point things out. "Okay everyone, that was pretty good. Serena, your song just needs a tiny bit of work. Sarah, Ashley your characters personalities are perfect. Now Brad, your character he has to be more, convincing. Finally, You and Serena, you two are supposed to be in love., the kisses need more, intensity." "Ah yeah, sure." Serena and Brad are caught completly off gard by Miss H.'s last comment. They look at each other with a look of "oh great". They run through the play once more and make a few minor adjustments.. finally everyone leaves and Serena and Brad walk home together. "Well, do you think the play will be good?" "Sure Serena. I think we're ready." "You know, I've been thinking about what Miss H. told us." "Yeah me too Serena. I'm not exactly sure how to play this." "Well, if you're worried about jealousy, you don't have to worry about Amy." Friday arrives and so does the play. Everyone is so excited and nervous. Serena is shaking like mad while brad is trying to calm her down. jen comes over to her and Brad to help calm her down. "Hey Serena don't worry, you'll do fine." "You think so Brad?" "Yeah, you've practiced so hard on this, just imagine your somewhere nice while your on stage." "You'll knock 'em dead." "I hope so Jen." Miss H. gathers everyone around her for a last second talk. She specifically speaks to Serena and Brad." "We need really big performances out of you two okay." "Got it Miss H. Me and Serena are ready." The play begins and it gets to half way through Act II, it's Serena's rimr for her song. You can tell she's a bit nervous and takes a deep breath and begins singing. lost with out a dream wondering where to turn not knowing where to go hiding away from the world seeing you cross the room starring at me coming up to me talking with me about the slightest things before you came along life was just a shattered thought nothing happy to live for suicide on the line then you came to me I'll love you forever and ever changing life for me happiness will live forever After Serena finishes her song, the play continues and everyone does a great job. At the act, everyone applaudes and the curtain comes down. "Hey, I didn't know she could sing?" "No I didn't Mina. That song of her's was great." "You're not kidding Amy. What do you think Dave?""I agree Pat. "So that explains why she was never home on Wednesdays." The final acomes to an end and Serena and Brad say their final lines and kiss. After a minute, the lights go off on the stage and the curtain comes down. During the entire play Jason has sat there with no emotion on his face. He's been watching Brad the entire time. "I love you." "Don't worry, I'll never leave you again." "That was a great play huh guys." "Sure was Mina. Lets go greet them. Jason, you coming?" (He's dead. I'll kill him!) Jason slowly gets up and follows everybody out of the auditorium. Instead of going down to meet Serena and Brad, he goes right outside, and waits. "Boy, what's up with him Shawn?" "I have no idea Lita. I don't think it's anything to worry about." "Serena, Brad. you two were great! "Thanks Mina. Serena was the really good one though. "Oh knock it off Brad." "Where did you learn to sing like that?" "I've always known Raye. I just needed a few lessons." "Come on everyone, let's get some food." Everyone walks out of the school talking and laughing. Brad is the last to walk out and is blindsided by something, or someone. The group turns around and Brad shakes his head to clear it and they see Jason, standing over Brad. he gets up to his feet and gets his balance. "Ow, what the hell did you do that for!" "Jason, why did you do that?" "You should know Brad, trying to steal Serena from me." "What the hell, are you talking about?" "I'll show you!" Jason starts throwing punches at Brad's head and ribs. Jason starts slowly backing up, holding his hands out in front of him. "Jason, can't we talk about this?" "Shut up and fight me! "Jason, stop it! He's my friend, what are you talking about." Lita takes a hold of Serena's shoulder from behind and stops her from running over to Jason. "Don't Serena, let them sort it out." "But one or both of them will get hurt." "No they won't, they're both eqally matched.." Jason is still trying to land punches and manages to land a few good ones. Brad falls to the ground and looks up at Jason. "Why Jason?" "It's like I said, you tried taking Serena from me." "Where did you get that stupid idea." "Jason stop it. he didn't try anything." Jason can't hear Serena yelling at him. Brad is now trying to block and dodge Jason's punches. He is able to pin jason against the school wall by his wrists. "I am not your enemy!" "Liar! I'm gonna kill you!" "Listen to me, it was a stupid play. The kiss was an act." "I get free you're a dead man!" "Forgive me Jason." Brad punches Jason in the stomach knocking the wind out of him. He turns to Lita and motions for her to come over. "Hey Lita, give me a hand getting him in the car." "Alright, up you go Jason." After they get Jason home and on the couch, Amy gets some warm water and puts a damp cloth on his forehead. "Hey, remind me to tell him to lose some weight." "Sure Lita." Everyone starts laughing at what Lita and Shawn had said. Brad and Serena are outside on the porch talking. "What are we gonna do Serena. When he wakes up we'll just be in the same mess." "I know what you mean Brad. I guess you were right though about the kiss and thatt. I mean I was happy that I got the part but, I didn't think this would happen." "Yeah, I'll always have Jason on my back now. I mean, you're a good friend and very attractive but why would I try to steal you from Jason; especially when I have Amy." "I don't know." Brad looks to his left and says somethng. He asks Serena a question and she agrees. "I don't know, I have this place in the mountains, about 25 miles from here. I haven't been there in a while, interested?" "Sure. Maybe both of us should disappear for a while." The next day Brad gets up at 6:00 and packs a suitcase quietly. He goes downstairs and writes a letter for the others to read when they wake up. Everyone, This letter is to inform you that I'm taking a vacation. I'll be back in about 2 weeks. I'm leaving Pat in command until I return. Brad Serena packs and is writing a letter for Luna to read to the girls. She then goes outside and waits for Brad to pick her up. Luna Please inform everyone that i'm taking a short break. You guys can manage with out me for a while. Mina is in comand until I get back Serena