Solar Revolution

Sunday, March 8

Mina was just tying her bow, when Artemis came up to her. "Mina, if you don't want to keep your friends waiting, then get a move on it." Artemis is being such a nag. He knows I want to look good for her arrival. Sheesh, I haven't seen her since that trip to Notre Dame during Spring Break when I was living in Europe. But he does have a point. I want to show to her that I've really become a better person, and being late wouldn't help. "I know Artemis. If you would stop nagging me, then I can finish with my hair and make the next bus." And with a quick hand motion, the long red and yellow bow was tied. After running her fingers in her hair once, Mina wheeled away from the vanity mirror, and was grabbing her purse as she yelled, "Let's boogie."

When Mina arrived, Amy was with a book, and Lita and Raye were chatting by the temple. Amy was the only one oblivious to Mina's arrival. Raye was immediately on her case yelling, "Mina, you're almost as bad as Serena! You are so inconsiderate! We've been waiting here so that way we could meet your friend..." Fortunately, Lita smoothly cut in "So tell us about your friend again. Leslie, right?" Anything to get the peace back around her. Once again, Raye is going overboard with her rage. I'm not looking forward to how she'll yell at Serena.

Mina sighed with relief and gave a grateful look to Lita. "It's Celeste. And she is one of the most amazing people I've ever known. And I've rarely ever seen her hold a grudge. She is very perceptive, but subtle about revealing her knowledge. And did I mention she travels the world?" Raye interjected "About fifty million times!" Mina started laughing at herself. She wanted them all to be biased in Celeste's favor when they finally met. She was secretly afraid that they might be jealous of Celeste. Celeste got to go around the world, meet new people, and get pretty cool clothes. But that was just the exterior to who Celeste is. Celeste is brilliant, creative, forgiving and patient. And knowing Serena and Raye, they will be jealous, which means they'll be rude. Hopefully she has a boyfriend, or else Serena will get possessive over Darien, again. Suddenly something interrupted Mina's line of thought. Serena's arrival. Luna was berating Serena. "We would have gotten here sooner, except this lazy slob" and Luna flicked her eyes in Serena's direction, "wouldn't get up. It finally took the threat of using her as a scratching post to get her going." "Noon on a Sunday is way too early. When else am I expected to catch up on my week's worth of sleep?" Serena moaned. Mina retorted "During Algebra. All those numbers and letters together gets way too confusing. Back to my number one jet setting pal. She is this amazing writer. Her ideas are radical, but she always respects others' opinions. She follows the saying 'Tease others the way you want to be teased.'" Amy reflexively corrected, "It's 'treat others' not 'tease others.'"

Suddenly there was a whoosh in the air as something landed on Serena's head. At first everyone glanced at Raye, thinking it was one of her ravens. But who's heard of a white raven? Just as Serena was inhaling enough air to get into a tantrum, a voice said, "If Mina was talking about me, I'd say she was right the first time." Then a girl who was about 5'2" appeared on the walkway captured all of their attention. She had pale blonde hair that went just past her shoulders, except for the front chunks. These where black with hints of other colors, and plaited on each side that converged in the back to form one long braid that softly brushed against her ankle. Her hair was parted down the center, and had bangs that curled towards the center of her forehead, where there were no bangs that went straight down. She had these big, round bright blue eyes that seemed to see everything, that matched the cloud designed spaghetti strap shirt she was wearing. And to top it off, she wore a white mini skirt and blue platform shoes.

Then she gave this odd whistle, and the white raven turned out to be her dove. "Phoebe, you're not suppose to nest in people's hair," and 'Phoebe' landed on a low hanging branch that was about eye level. Then the girl looked at the scouts and said, "I'm sure Mina's told you enough about me to surmise that I'm Celeste." Only then did the girls awake from their trance. Mina and Celeste ran up to each other and gave a quick hug. Mina was acting so excited, but Celeste remained calm, despite obviously being glad to see her dear friend. "Now that your friends know me, let me guess who is who."

Celeste started pacing back and forth, but she kept grinning, showing that she was doing it for show. She walked up to Amy, who had put her book down the second Celeste arrived and said in a very false French accent, "Bonjour. Zhe book before you and zhe short hair zell me zhat you are Amy." Then Celeste dropped the accent and said, "Heard you speak French well." Amy smiled modestly, "I wouldn't say I'm great at French, but I know a few phrases." With that, Amy resumed her reading and Celeste went up to Raye, "So you're the group psychic, Raye. Do you do fortune telling and charms, or is it preminiscences and telepathy?" Raye had to choose her words wisely, so as not to reveal her alter ego nor alienate this stranger. "A little of both. But I specialize in fire readings. And you, are you a fortune teller?" "If I was, I'm sure Mina would have blabbed. With how much Mina told me about you gals, I wouldn't be surprised if you all know what my favorite movie is, but not know what color my hair is. Always forgetting the details. But actually, recently I've been looking into Astrology and Tarot cards. I find it fascinating how ancient cultures used similar methods to the ones practiced nowadays. Those ravens yours?" Raye nodded. "I need to remember to ask you about bird care later. My familiar, Phoebe, can be quite a handful. But I wouldn't trade her for the world." Phoebe started preening herself after that was said. Soon Lita and Celeste were face to face.

Celeste noticed Lita was wearing a green dress and commented, "You must either be the Jolly Green Giant or… Lita." Lita decided to take the kind teasing with a laugh. She doesn't know that I don't like being teased about my height. Celeste looked like she was going to say more, but stopped. Celeste then pivoted so that she was face to face with Serena. "So this is the meatball head. It's nice to finally meet you Serenity." With that last word, all the girls took a sharp intake of breath. Serena and Mina did their nervous laughs, Raye started coughing, and Lita's smile was frozen in shock. It was actually Amy who spoke, (after dropping her book in the mud from hastily standing up) in a hysteric voice. "Whatever made you think that her name is Serenity? It is Serena. Serena. Quite different, as you can see. It is Serena, not ever Serenity."

Celeste kept her face a mask of tranquility though her confusion leaked a bit, but internally she couldn't help wonder Why? It isn't often I make a mistake such as a wrong name. And I memorized all of Mina's letters that gave a hint of her friends. I even made sure to note the connotations and phrasing, so as to know what wasn't being said. And why would they get so tense at my mentioning a name like Serenity. It isn't really a name even, just a word that many find to be as calming as its meaning. Oh well, it's up to me to return this newly created tension. She gave one final look at their faces, to note what she saw in them. "I'm ever so sorry. What could have possessed me to think that your name was anything but Serena? Forgive me."

Celeste saw then that their faces and postures relaxed, so she went on, "How about I treat all of you to lunch. That way we can get to know each other in a calmer atmosphere. Not that this temple isn't calm mind you," she added when Raye was about to get defensive, "but to tell you the truth, I'm famished. So who's in?" Serena had forgotten all of the previous event and looked like she had been promised a miracle. "Free food? I'm so in! Come on," and with that Serena was marching down to the bus stop. Mina and Luna were right behind her, berating her for rushing off (Luna in actuality hissing in Serena's ear). "I heard of this new coffee shop that is suppose to have great food and atmosphere. Want to check it out?" Lita asked. "Sure. And maybe it will be a good place to hang out and work on homework, like the one I loved in New York," Celeste replied. And Raye whispered to Celeste as she pushed Amy out of her renewed book induced trance, "You'll regret this. Serena's stomach is a bottomless pit and she doesn't have the consideration to realize you'll spend all of your allowance. Hope your willing to dive into your bank account." "We'll see," and then the rest of the girls ran to just barely make the bus.

In a not so distant place, the Evolites were on their ship, gathering to a formal Summoning of their 'leader'. All Evolites were members of one of the 10 active Clans, and all were present. Swarm, Hoof, Scale, Pisces, Serpent, Nest, Den, Whisker, Cave, Lair; these were the 10 Evolite Clans. Everyone started to give in to his or her instincts in remembrance of what was the subject of the last formal Summoning. Some cringed, others salivated, and there were those few that were aroused at the memories. It was back when the Clan of the Ape had turned renegade. The following battle stuck in everyone's minds. No one could imagine why an entire Clan turned mutiny. And it was different killing another Evolite, over the lowborn creatures they were used to. The blood, the gore, the corpses were too similar to their own; none of it stopped reminding them that to become a traitor to Fauna was to become a traitor to the entire society. And all the Clans would never give up on their chase. Never. Perfection was what was expected of themselves. And failing and giving up were things so against their culture, that those who failed were look down upon as Peons. Those who were lucky became Petty Minions, but not often.

Annie (6^th Captain of the Swarm; a.k.a. Ant) was looking around at her peers, her eyes resting on Vickie (5^th General of the Den; a.k.a. Vixen). I envy Vickie. She has that voluptuous build, and that crafty confidence. Plus, all the male Generals and Captains want her, even those of the Lair. And she has them whenever it suits her. Imagine, members of the Den and Lair in so much as a temporary liaison. The Apes might as well still be here. That's probably how she got to where she is. But, if I wasn't my small, meek, hideous self, and I had the chance to be her, I'd at least be nicer, instead of acting like the cur she is. Annie then noticed that all of the Colonels were calm and not so much as bickering. That calmed Annie for a mere moment. So it couldn't be another persecution, unless one of the lower Clan members. This made her tense again. After all, Annie was only a step or two above being a petty minion. Only the Monarch Butterfly's interference had kept her here this long. But even with her Clan Colonel's pity and belief in some nonexistent potential, Buzz (5^th Captain of the Swarm; a.k.a. Mosquito) and Karl (1^st General of the Swarm; a.k.a. Scarab) would like to see her scorched all too much. And M Butterfly doesn't care about anyone that much, especially when it threatens any comfort.

Just as Annie was about to hyperventilate, Fauna walked in. The crowd instantly became silent. Fauna was a woman who appeared twenty and had tawny hair that was in a crew cut. She was wearing black leather pants, and a red leather halter-top with fur lining. And with her pair of black snakeskin boots and a necklace with various animal teeth, she radiated her predatory nature. In the center of the necklace was a curious bead that had the ensigma of a claw in iron and orange dyed abalone. On her hand was an obsidian ring, carved with spirals and all sorts of various symbols. No one wanted to get in her way. Lastly, where her belly button should have been, there was a black tattoo that resembled a paw print. Fauna leisurely sat in her throne and as she lounged there enjoying the silence and tension, a Peon slipped on her crown and robe. Everyone held their breath, not daring to be conspicuous in such a hazardous moment. Just as everyone couldn't hold their breath any longer, she smirked and started to speak.

"I trust that all the Colonels, Generals, and Captains are here from each Clan. That is of course, with the exception of the Clan of the Ape." Fauna smirk grew darker as most of her servants tensed at that caustic comment. Not this time my cattle. No, no one has gotten radical ideas such as freedom and rights. Their very existence is a privilege I've been kind enough to grant. This time there are no renegades, or curious monkeys who don't realize the consequences of mutiny within my society. These primitive beings are fortunate. My news is benevolent, for once.

"I'm glad all of you have responded to the Summoning. I have good news. We have reached the ninth planet from the yellow star. Soon we shall reach the third in a matter of days. And I've felt that morale has been so low these past couple of months, I've decided to play a game." Everyone who had relaxed became rigid once more. Within the ship, Fauna's love for games of chance was notorious. Those who were arrogant often said that she was even a gambling addict, a cheating one to be precise. Those beings were often the first to be persecuted. And it was apparent that this was one of her games that played with the Evolites' lives. Fauna reached out her hand, and suddenly two die appeared. She cupped them and shook them as she spoke. "As you know, the third planet has great potential. So many beings with Bright Futures. Particularly the Homo sapiens, or as they favor calling themselves, humans. Well, we traveled across the galaxies in search of capturing or draining the futures of all creatures on any given planet. And I've decided a fair way of deciding which Clan will go to drain the planet first." She paused to hold out her hands, and then continued, "There are eleven possible totals with the roll of the dice. Each Clan is assigned a number. And with the… absence of the Ape Clan, I shall assign myself a number. If I were you, I'd cross my fingers," claws in most of your cases.

That last remark was more of an order than a bit of advice, so it was momentarily obvious that even the Colonels had crossed their 'fingers'. Some of the Peons made a drum roll at Fauna's signal. And as the die let loose of her hands, the deafening silence returned. 4 and 4. No one was relaxed, because none but Fauna knew which numbers were assigned to which Clan. Fauna kept her pose on the throne and let her eyes wander to the die. "Eight. I guess that means that the Swarm is to stay in here, while the rest of you exit." She then waved her hand, and only the Swarm remained. The other Clans were probably sent to their sleeping quarters.

Annie was rigid. She would have liked any other Clan but hers to be picked. Sure the rewards would be great, not that she'd get her hands on any, but the punishment for failure would be severe. She heard of a Queen that not long ago in this area froze one of her generals for repeatedly failing to defeat their enemy. That would be worse than death. Annie shivered just at the thought. I'm too meek to be given any mission. But knowing M Butterfly, I'll be given just as much of a chance to 'prove' myself as all of the other Captains. M Butterfly was standing serenely, waiting for orders.

"Monarch Butterfly, I have to fill you in on the basic plan. As you know, we need futures. You may divide up the work however you want, as long as you don't touch the filthy earth soil. For, you are one of my elite Colonels, and there would be dire affects if anything happened to you. But I've had my inventor sororities come with these little devices." Fauna then tapped the side of her throne, where a little compartment opened. In it were watchamacallits and thingamajiggers and doodads and bobiyinkers, with many other odds and ends. She pulled out a scroll of what seemed to be papyrus (or some other archaic paper), a transparent dome that covered what appeared to be a flat telephone, a type of spray bottle (the lower Swarm members winced at this), and an armband that had spikes that pointed inward. Fauna laid theses on her lap, then resumed her lecture. "Butterfly, you are to wear this armband. It is to prevent you from leaving the ship and getting in on the action yourself. It secretes an addictive drug when the signal in my watch tells it to. By going off of the ship, the signal is too weak and the band will release a lethal venom that goes directly in the blood stream. So put it on now."

The Monarch Butterfly did as was told, and slid the armband up to the shoulder. Once there, the spikes clasped down on the arm, causing blood to ooze out. Buzz (5^th Captain of the Swarm; a.k.a. Mosquito) started to drool, and it took a glare from the surrounding Generals to make him clean up his act. Fauna crooned "Good underling. Now this parchment," indicating the scroll, "tells you who is a likely being for having a Bright Future. And this phuter spray causes a frequency and climate that allows the greatest device to work.

The 'Bright Fate Dimmer.' I'm well aware that it looks like a smashed telephone with a bubble over it, but looks aren't everything. The phuter spray makes someone's future become an aura, or glowing cloud, that surrounds his or her body. Then, dial in the person's identity and say the destiny that you glimpsed through the glowing aura. Then add in the alternate fate you've come up with and the Bright Fate Dimmer sucks up the cloud like a vacuum cleaner. It then disapparates into whomever takes the mission. The beauty of this is that either we get the future and whatever pitiful being possessed the future will die within six hours. Or by some means the future escapes our grasp, it is tainted. The being will never fulfill its purpose, but will instead turn to the darker paths we've designated. And the tainted future like a plague will corrupt other futures and their destined. It is the perfect plan.

So go, the Clan of the Swarm, and don't disappoint me. Oh yes, in order for the device to work, the being's guard must be down. Otherwise the full Future won't be obtained. Understand. And Butterfly, I'm in need of certain, services from you. I need to… speak a few more words with you. The rest of you should go to the War room. You're dismissed," and with that the entire Swarm (except the Monarch Butterfly) appeared in the War room.

Start playing song: "It Was You" performed by Ashley Ballard with So Plush.

"I told you so. Amy, didn't I say that she'd regret it?" Raye asked for Amy's approval. And Raye had been right. Serena ended up eating a medium pizza all by herself, and Celeste ended up emptying her wallet. But somehow Celeste didn't mind. Raye ended up taking an immediate liking to Celeste, as did all of the girls. She has an even sunnier disposition than Mina, if that is possible. But she isn't a klutz. Thank goodness. If there happens to be so much as one more klutz to hang out with, I'll be put in an asylum. Nope, not one klutzy bone in her. She has a grace about her. And look how charismatic that dove she has with her. One would think it was trained at a circus. Raye grimaced at her line of thoughts. I've had enough to do with the circus to last a lifetime. Fighting both the Amazon Quartet and Trio took a lot out of my interest in show business.The laughter that followed Lita's funny story broke Raye's internal reflection.

Lita suggested, "How about going to the park? It is such a beautiful day." Amy responded, "That is a wonderful idea. I really could use some stretching outdoors to give me a break from studying for midterms." Serena exclaimed, "If Amy agrees, then it's got to be magnanimous!" "Unanimous," both Amy and Celeste said at the same time. They looked at each other and started laughing. Finally Celeste calmed down and said, "Going to the park sounds great, but I've got prior arrangements," and glanced at her watch. Mina smiled mischievously, while asking, "What kind of arrangements? They wouldn't be date type arrangements, now would they?" All the other girls snapped their attention fully on Celeste. Any ordinary person would have blushed and gotten nervous. But Celeste wasn't merely ordinary, she was extraordinary. She responded innocently, "I've got to stop off at Dad's studio to drop off Phoebe and take a shower. Then meet up with someone. For, does going to movie and dinner with Arthur Larks count as a date?"

All the girls got excited and came down heavily with queries. How old is Arthur? How long have you known each other? Is this your first date with him? What movie? Celeste responded bluntly, but still managed to be evasive. She was having fun with all the attention on her, just for being herself. Not because of wanting a connection with her father. But Celeste wondered if Mina told them that her father was Julius Lazarus Aglaia, the famous photographer and camera director. Celeste hoped not, because that would mean that Mina's friends were being sincere. But if they did, then she would keep them from meeting her father at all costs. I don't want to be used again. Half the guys I've dated wanted me to set up a photo shooting with Dad. Mina, she is the one true friend I have. Even if I'd decided to live with Mom, people would try to manipulate me into giving them a shot at fame and fortune. The constant betrayal has poisoned my heart. I now never trust anyone who knows who I am. I pray Mina, and maybe her friends, can get me to trust people with my identity once more. Otherwise, my heart is doomed. My passion has been killed due to all my pain. Everyone thinks I'm so calm, but in fact I don't care enough to get nervous or excited.

Amy relieved her thoughts by asking, "Your dad has a studio? What's his occupation?" Mina gave a look of support to Celeste. Her eyes said: I haven't told them, but you can trust them when you're ready. Celeste decided to find out now about who they truly were. "My father is Julius Aglaia. He's a photographer and camera director." Mina was smiling at Celeste, which reinforced Celeste's impression that she approved. Raye stood up in shock, "Not Julius Lazarus Aglaia, the world renown photographer and camera director. I heard that he was visiting town." At Celeste's hesitant nod Raye then turned to Mina and exclaimed, "Mina! Why didn't you tell us?" Before Raye could go into full fledged hysterics, Celeste cut in, "Cause I didn't want her to tell you." Her tone then became pained and angry, "All my life, people would only try to be my friends so that way I could get them connected with my father, and if not with him, it'd be with my mother. When I convinced my parents to let me try a public school over more home schooling, I ended up at Mina's school. I didn't have any friends, cause all they wanted to know was 'how does it feel to know famous models?' or 'are you planning on going into the fashion industry?' or less personal questions."

Here her tone softened, but still sounded hurt. "I was in 6^th grade, but was only eleven, but Mina was in my class and was twelve. I knew all along Mina wanted to become a superstar. I would see how hard she worked at volleyball and singing. She always was pleasant to me, and never once tried to weasel in an audition with Dad. So I was inclined to like her. But I still had no friends. Truth be told, I envied her. She was happy, had friends, was secure in her social standing, and knew what she wanted in life." Celeste paused as she started stroking Phoebe. "It was Phoebe that actually brought us together. One day I was walking home from school, when I saw a dove with a feather on its head that stuck up. The dove unfortunately had a broken wing and her legs were scratched up. I saw a white cat approach and I tried to shoo it away, with little success. Soon, Mina walked up and picked up the cat. Mina, I think you should tell the story from here on."

Mina nodded and continued, "The cat was Artemis. And he was snooping where he shouldn't have been. When I picked him up, I saw Celeste on her knees beside a wrecked up dove. I always liked doves, so I asked her if she was going to do anything for it. She replied, 'I would only hurt it worse. But my Mom could help it. She's sort of a vet. But I would have to carry it, and I don't dare get contaminated with potential diseases.' So I tried to think of a way I could help. Then it came to me that I had my PE clothes in my bag to wash. I had a spare at home, so I told her she could wrap it in them while we took it to her mom. She looked so grateful, and I finally dismissed those rumors that said that she was arrogant and withdrawn. So she wrapped up the dove carefully and we both ran to her mom, Artemis trailing behind us. We ended up in a studio, and asked her if this was the right place. Then she solemnly reminded me who her parents were. So of course her mom being an animal trainer and vet for her dad's photo shoots would explain everything. Mrs. Aglaia stopped what she was doing and quickly took care of the dove.

During that time, Celeste and I had formed a bond. I was one of the select few that had seen the amazing girl that you have gotten to know. After Phoebe was fixed up, Celeste asked me to sleepover. And that forever sealed our bond. We both helped each other grow in a sense. I helped her to show her sunny disposition more often, which soon led to her finding dates on a regular basis. And she lent her expertise in helping me to develop my talents and making me somewhat more mature."

Amy replied, "Celeste, I think you failed in the maturing Mina department." Which caused Mina to stick her tongue out. Everyone was intrigued, but no one pressed Celeste to acquaint them with her father. And Celeste was relieved. Mina was right. I really can trust them. She has good taste in friends, except myself. I should have known to trust Mina. And I doubt they made the connection that I became friends with her after Artemis arrived. But I can't let them know that. That would ruin what trust they have in me so far.

Stop playing song

Annie was relieved. This seemed to be an easy mission. With other planets, it was much more difficult. Many of the creatures had developed methods to prevent their futures from leaving their bodies. This caused the population of Evolites to go down to an all time low, a quarter of what it had been when they had been scattered, unorganized, and primitive; on the planet Bona Dea. To Annie, that seemed so long ago. No one ever talked about "the dark days." Annie had the feeling that most blocked those days out of their minds, or couldn't remember. But Annie remembered them perfectly. Then one day Fauna brought civilization and unity to the inhabitants. She helped them to grow. For she taught them the ways of her people, gave them new purpose and ways of experiencing pleasure. And alliances between the newly formed Clans developed. All they had to pay in return was devout loyalty. No matter what. But Annie truly wished that M Butterfly was here. No one new what gender M Butterfly was, for M's voice wasn't particularly deep nor high, didn't wear clothes that revealed certain appendages, and didn't behave particularly masculine nor feminine. Only M Butterfly and Fauna knew. But Annie always felt safer, despite the beating in her heart, when the Monarch Butterfly was near. Just as Annie was sitting to daydream, M Butterfly appeared in the room without doors. Only Fauna and the Colonels could lock and unlock these types of rooms. The Monarch Butterfly looked tired and sweaty, but was ready to work.