Judy found herself walking out of the Castle, and into the Royal gardens. She wanted to leave flowers where Ron had fallen. As she entered the grounds, she hoped for tranquility in coming to grips with the past week. But all she found were scores of other women such as her; mothers, wives, and girlfriends, all trying to understand the reason for the awful events, and each having to settle for a flower.

Evening fell on an overcast and breezy castle grounds. The King had called the assembly. He had yet to address the issue of the election, though the major news sources had assumed it would be cancelled.

The remains of the Castle Watchmen, 18 of the 19, had gathered in the changing of the guard fashion. About a hundred reservists had also been called up, as the Kingdom struggled to preserve order. In the midst of this, Lori and Judy were standing, not with the stunned citizens of Tourenbourg, but with the Royal members. Because there was a cold breeze coming off the ocean, further cooled by an afternoon rain, both wore dark brown ponchos that Lori had discovered them in her room. They were hooded, made of a cashmere like material. They added to their somber mood.

Candles were passed around and lit, as the Castle bells rang for each member of the Watch lost. It went on intolerably, as the mourning for the Kingdom began. Judy grabbed Lori's hand, as the bells neared it end. Then, a singer performed a sorrowful song in Tourenbourgish. Judy couldn't understand a word, and yet knew it dealt with a woman who lost her loved one. Later, she would learn that the song was from the Great War. It would represent everything she felt.

The King finally came up to a microphone, and address his people. The girls could not understand a word, being spoken in Tourenbourgish. But the audience gasped at one point. Lori looked around, grabbing a youthful woman nearby.

"What did he say?" she asked in English.

"The elections are on at all cost. That we cannot let the will of outsiders determine that fate of our Kingdom!" the brunette answered. She looked at Lori. "Thank you for saving the King, ElectraWoman." The blond nodded.

Sixty thousand were gathered in the castle grounds, as they began to sing what Lori and Judy would come to learn as the National Anthem of Tourenbourg. As that ended, the lights in the grounds were lowered. The castle was bathed in darkness, as high above, the sole light was seen atop the West Watchtower, where less than 24 hours before ElectraWoman and DynaGirl had recovered with the Minister. They would later discover that it was Lieutenant Helgrin, who had survived, playing on a Mediterranean bagpipes, a solemn song of fidelity and devotion of the guard.

The lights slowly rose, as the large gathering silently moved. But the King stood alone. He looked to his side, only to discover his most trusted minister was not there. He then motioned to Lori and Judy, who came over to him without saying a word. Then he grabbed Lori's hand, and led her into the castle, as Judy followed.

Atop the stairs, the girls and the King departed. Judy led the way, as Lori paused and turned, looking at the King who stood still, gazing at her. The blond contemplated the choice for the moment. She gave him a warm body hug and a kiss, then followed Judy.

The protege awoke to brilliant sunlight, as she found herself alone in Lori's bed. Still spooked by the ghost of Red Luthor, Judy opted for the large king-sized bed. She was startled to see a portly man on the balcony. She grabbed a bathrobe and went on out. The rain from Sunday had past, as the Kingdom spread before them in the glory of the morning sun. From below the balcony, the Castle greens extended down into the city. The ocean sparkled from the sun, rising behind the castle.

"Professor Hefflin, what's going on?"

"Good morning Judy. Juice?"

She gulped down the glass. Frank continued. "Lori got up early. She went to cover the election."

"But our identities are out."

"Only hers so far. And her sense of professionalism. But she didn't want you awakened. Always looking out for you."

She grabbed a croissant and a jar of Nutella. She proceed to empty half the jar on the pastry.

Frank continued with a rather serious expression. "I bought the European editions of the US papers. The Times, USAToday, The Post. But I must warn you, some of it's not pretty. It seems the US, well, the world, spent yesterday figuring out what went on and if it was actually important. And you and Lori are the gossip-du-jour."

"What the hell? Her youthful partner, DynaGirl, appears to be a Trailor Park urchin that Lori Evans rescued from the streets? I bet I scored higher on my SAT's than this asshole journalist!" In her disgust, she saw a fly on the table, and smashed it. Frank nervously watched her.

"The US papers can't even figure out why our countries have an important relationship. Fox News thinks that you and Lori were messing with the government, trying to manipulate the King."

"Frank, why haven't we been fired yet?"

The professor held up a Telegram addressed to Lori from NewsInc, the company that owned newsmakers. Judy stopped chewing.

"Unfortunately, we'll have to wait for Lori. There's also another one for her. It's from...."

"Jersey John!" The youth grabbed it out of Frank's hand and ripped it open.

"Judy! Don't! It's not right," he said to no avail. "So, what does it say?"

"Lori, I heard some scary things on the news. You are in my prayers. I feel awful that I never followed through on our relationship. But if what the sources say about King Buchanan is true, you have my sincerest wishes for happiness. Love, John."

He paused, still nervous, and then started. "Judy, I was reviewing the records on the electracomps from yesterday...."

"And?"

"I noticed that Lori used only one electracomp when you were brain-scanned into good again."

"So?"

"She was suppose to use two. It certainly shows your strong will." The young lady sat back, grabbing the Nutella, and sunk a butter knife into it, licking the hazelnut cream off.

Frank rose up. "Four or five lumps?"

"Five." He prepared coffee for her.

"Judy, I also found something curious. Your electracomp recorded you moving out from behind Lori when you confronted Ali and the Princess. And well before she cued you." Judy brought her legs up on the chair, still eating the Nutella. "She had told you hide behind her, in fear they would hypnotize you into evil again." Judy gazed out into the distance. "It appears that you intended to revert back to your evil counterpart." He handed her the coffee.

"I had a score to settle, and I knew I couldn't accomplish it as myself."

"You almost killed Lori! Twice! Was that worth the cost?"

"She can take care of herself."

"And what if you hadn't been able to defeat them in a minute? Yes. You were that fast. She would have froze to death." She didn't respond at first. But she said something stupid as she licked the knife with her tongue.

"Lori may be strong, but she lacks the conviction to win at all costs." He towered over her.

"That conviction almost got her killed, Judy. By you! The first time Ali turned you evil, Lori couldn't bring herself to harm you. Even when she could have. I saw her try to reason with you. You almost ElectraBeamed her into oblivion. That's the kind of compassion you just criticized. The kind of character that trained you into a spectacular heroine. The kind of heart this job needs. I provide the power, the outreach provides the ethical decision making. But you didn't." Again, a tense silence.

Frank sat down. "Judy, your electracomp is offline until further notice." The brunette's eyes opened in shock. "I cannot permit someone who will use crimescope irresponsibly to have access to it." She wiped a tear.

"So Lori will be on her own?"

"Judy, haven't you been paying attention?"

"I thought that she was just being a soap opera queen." Frank paused, and got up.

"Judy, our lives are in the midst of change. She has some choices to make right now. And she will need all the support you can give her. But for now, enjoy the beautiful morning."

"Why?"

"The winds of change are already blowing on this kingdom. For today, democracy is being born. And it is a marvelous day. I'll be back in twenty minutes. Be ready to go into the city." And he left her.

The young woman put on low ride jeans and a tank top. Walking with Frank made them an odd looking couple, sort of like an uncle and his bohemian niece. They went along the main street with the shops. Most were closed, as they searched for a polling place. Frank pulled out a map all wrinkled, as Judy turned it right side up, but still not finding their spot. They finally followed some of the local citizens.

Soon they noticed a commotion, as members of the police gathered outside a government office. People were gathered around a Bentley, which Judy instantly recognized. She saw Alex come out of the building. The crowd stayed calm. But then the door opened, and instantly they started into a commotion. Two hundred Tourenbourgers crowded to catch a view, jumping up and down, as Judy could see the policemen trying to hold them back.

"It's Lori!" Frank muttered, as the two jogged toward the crowd. She was being mobbed.

"What's going on?" Judy questioned, as they got near.

Suddenly, Alex saw them. He motioned them into the Bentley. As they ran to get in, he shouted, "Hey everybody, it's DynaGirl!"

Lori tried to wave, but she was pressed into poor Hefflin, who was in the middle. Meanwhile, Judy was smashed against her window.

"What are we dong here?" she asked.

"Well, I was voting, and now we're touring the other voting sites." The car pulled away as people followed.

"And I'm covering this as best I can," Lori continued.

"Uh, Lori, that might not be wise," Judy said, trying to look over beyond Hefflin's girth. "You got a telegram from NewsInc."

They continued on visiting the polling sites, as the driver phoned for another car. Yet Lori's stomach was gnawed at the news. When she did return to the room, Judy sat down silently on the bed, holding onto a pillow, as Lori opened the telegram. She watched her mentor's eyes glaze over, as her face turned red. She ripped up the note, and then grabbed the other telegram. She sat down with Judy.

"Looks like it's time for you to cover stories on your own," she said, finding the nerve to look at her partner. "I've been fired."

"You mean we've been fired," Judy continued.

"Not yet, anyways." Lori looked at her other note. "Why is this opened?"

"It came that way." The blond read it, as she smiled, holding it against her heart. But then she saw the newspapers. Slowly she read through every paper, and every article. Judy hugged the pillow tight, waiting for a reaction. Once in a while, the blond let out a sigh, or a grunt. Finally, she dropped the papers, curled up into a ball on the sofa.

"How can I ever return to American?" she cried, as a tears fell down her cheeks. Both descended into a funk.

Two hours later, security approached the door. Judy got up, and let in the King. Lori was still curled in a ball. Her hair was a mess.

He looked on the floor at the disguarded papers. "Does the news have you down?" Lori just stared back at him. "Well, that's why I only read the Tourenbourg papers. And the Wall Street Journal. Certainly not the Post." That failed to get a laugh.

Suddenly Lori rose. "Oh, Alex, I don't know what I'm going to do. I can't go back to that! But I don't belong in this place. I'm not of royal blood. You know that." She wandered over to the balcony. Judy watched Alex, who appeared to be grinning.

"I just want to stay with you. I wouldn't care if you kept me in a run down flat and treated me as your whore. At least we'ld be together." She stopped and turned, but looked at the floor, shocked at what she had said. He walked over to her, concerned by her desperation. She didn't want to look up. Alex took his hand and touched her chin lifting it.

Her big green eyes were watering, as a tear ran down her chin. He gently kissed her. "Oh, Alex..." She ran both her hands through his beard, and kissed him back. "My Alex......." she finally looked him in the eye. "My King," she sighed. Three weeks later Judy would tell Lori that she would never get a daytime emmy nomination with that kind of overacting. The King stepped back, calmly and centered. "Ladies, please accompany me."

He led them across the floor towards his suites. They thought nothing of it until they entered Ron's office. Judy immediately felt a chill go up her spine. But the King stood back.

The two Americans looked stunned as they viewed the hangings, diagrams, clippings and notes. The King let it sink in for a minute. Then he began.

"Ron had arranged for the Carpathian delegation on my behalf. But he never approved. He read me too well." He walked over to the diagrams. "He researched the history of our matriarchs, and came up with this conclusion. Our Queens do not have to be from a royal line, if they fit the description stated in our ancient prophecies. We have been awaiting the return of an earthly warrior-matriarch. The conditions state that she and her charge will save the King twice, securing his house from harm."

He pointed at diagrams that Ron had drew. "He went as far as to sketch designs for coronation gowns and head pieces, again based on Ancient sources." He held out his hand to Lori, who looked deep into his eyes. "It is my wish to install both of you as members of the royalty of Tourenbourg. Do you share this wish?"

Lori looked back at her charge who nodded yes. She spoke "yes" eagerly. The King turned around, grabbing the scotch glass that was full on the desk. Ron's last drink.

"Ladies, a toast to you, all you have done for my Kingdom. May we earnestly try to pay back to you what never can be." He sipped it, and handed it to Lori, who also sipped it. She gave it to Judy, who studied it, sniffed it, and proceeded to drink the entire glass. She then rubbed her lips upon the glasses edges.

As they left the room, she grabbed a cigar, half finished, in his ash tray. She went back to their balcony and smoked it, slowly.

They joined the King and his remaining cabinet, along with the Castle Watch survivors, as the election returns came in that evening. Late that night, they retired to their rooms. Only Lori followed the King to his suite. Judy instantly grabbed Hefflin.

"Frank.....change rooms!"

"What?"

"Take mine! I'll take Lori's!"

"But I have one."

"Frank! I need company! Please!" He obliged her. As she entered Lori's room, all of her belongings were gone.

Out of time and space, Judy drifted. She had lost all orientation, and appeared to be passed out. But then amidst heavy breathing, she moved.

"I 'm cold," she whispered. She felt a warmth envelope her.

She had never felt so exposed, so open to another. She opened her eyes to find....a dim space. Indeed, Lori had placed her arm around her.

They sat in the choir of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin, beside the King. In their dreary black the funeral service was concluding. They had been at many funerals over the past few weeks, but for the first time, Judy could recognize words. It was the music. Blessed our the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labours: even so saith the spirit.

The cavernous catherdral, the dim lightly, the echo of the music added to a disorientation and outerbody experience. The King was on the other side of Lori, apparently unaware what was happening. Judy looked ahead at the casket.

Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine "The corruptable body. Like grass," the blond said. Judy descended back into a haze. "He didn't deserve this."

"Who does?" a voice came from the other side of Judy. "Remember the spirit. The soul." In a daze Judy turned around, seeing the Minister's face. It vanished as she snapped back into reality.

"Lori.....I'm halucinating," Judy said stunned. She turned to see tears flowing down Lori's face.

"So am I," shudered the blond.

Lori and Judy retreated from the service to the gardens aside the Cathedral, and sat in silence. The King ventured their way after the recessional.

"Lori, Judy, are you alright?" he said calmly. They nodded.

"The limo is waiting to take us to the cemetary."

The blond looked at him, upset and shaken. "Alex, we had a rough service."

"We all did."

"No. We really had a difficult time."

"Funerals for the past two weeks. And two weeks more. It does take a toll."

Judy looked up at him. "Are you really going to attend every one?"

"Well, I mean to. It's what a leader does. Look at Giuliani in New York. And we have far less." He sat and took out a whiskey flask and took a shot. After a minute, he continued.

"Did you have a vision?"

Judy turned to face him. "Yes."

He paused for a moment, trying to carefully choose his words. "That's the nature of this cathedral. It can be very mystical." He shuffled his feet, still uncertain how to say it.

"Judy, look up behind you. A perfect view of the castle," he began. "Directly over here, the Artemis temple. Your heroine archetype," he smiled at Lori. "Here they meet with the people of our kingdom to connect to the other kingdom." They still were lost. He looked down, almost frustrated, but continued like he was observing rather than scolding.

"You Americans......If a tour company promotes a small town in Arizona for it's mystical qualities, it's vortex, you believe it. But if any one mentions those qualities at a place of worship........" he looked at them. "Our Cathedral is over 600 years old. And its sight was chosen with great care. Your experience is not unusual. Especially for royalty." They still looked at him with blank stares.

"You two still don't get it. You think a series of arbitrary events led you here. By chance I go to school with Lori, Lori suffers the slings and arrow of outrageous fortune, meets Frank, mentors Judy, and still by chance end up here." He looked up at the sky gritting his teeth.

"Not one subject in this kingdom thinks you two being here right now is by chance. We believe you were guided here. We believe that your two lives are fulfilling something predestined. Something wonderful." Lori sat up wide eyed, suddenly getting his message.

"Judy, you can invent a device that shields you and defies gravity and everything else. But good people are still going to die untimely deaths they don't deserve. And science can do nothing to help make that easier.

"As for your vision, the two of you spent the last five years running around with capes pretending that you yourselves were something special. Perhaps you don't really believe that. Well, many are called, but few are chosen." They sat in the garden in silence, until Alex decided to talk again.

"I've had several visions. I drift into an altered state, and then a mental image.....but as if it's real."

"Ron spoke to me in their," Judy said. The King smiled back.

"He did to me as well."

"What did he say?"

"Don' t lose her," he responded looking deep into Lori's eyes. She smiled back.

"So you found her an apartment?" Judy responded as they chuckled. He took out the flask of JD and took another shot.

"And you?" he said, handing it to the princess to be.

"Something like Lori was trying to tell me recently." She nodded, then swigged without a cough.

"Look at where we are. And who you are. Treasure it." He responded as Lori grabbed the flask. "How about you my love?"

"I'm not sure. But I think you got my father's blessing. Lucky for you!" Again they laughed. She shoved a piece of gum into his mouth, then he quietly left as the ladies got up.

As the girls watched the King wearily walk down the garden path, Lori spoke out softly, "That's the first time he has mentioned Ron without crying."

Judy grimaced, looking up at Lori. "All I know is, it was my first time, and his last time." By chance, they both said, "What a way to go go." They looked at each other, and shook their heads.

They began a slow walk back to the limo. Judy was looking around, a little less intimadated now by the situation. She spoke as a casual observation. "Hey, Lori, look! The symbol underneath this statue looks like our pendants. See," she grabbed hers. "Mine features part of the curving. Yours features that crosslike scroll..."

"You mean the Celtic cross."

"Yes. If you combined them, it gets you most of that."

Lori looked at the shrine of the kingdom's patron saint, her mouth wide open. "Holy Mother of..."

"You mean electramother. Holy is what that geeky Robin says."

"Judy, leave me alone for a moment." The brunette carefully looked over her friend and backed off.

Lori eyed the double arched flying buttresses that towered five hundred feet above her. She made her way to the shrine, as she collapsed in supplication.

"What the hell is going on with her?" Judy asked Alex, who was watching beside the limo.

He smiled with outpouring joy. "She gets it."

Chapter 14