Solar Revolution

Friday, March 20

Celeste laughed viciously as she pummeled Jesse into the ground. They were playing Tekken 3 on playstation, and Celeste was teaching him that she could hold her own. In video games. "That was a cheap shot," Jess complained. "Oh stop making excuses. That move was perfectly legitimate, or how else could it have been executed? I didn't hack into the programming, afterall," she responded absently. Her focus and eyes were on the next round. She really didn't pay attention that Jess still grumbled.

A cute little light brunette popped up behind the couch and demanded, "Can I play?" Celeste responded to Lexie, "Sure," the same moment that Jess said, "Not now." Jess and Celeste quickly paused the game as their eyes locked. A short battle of willpower occurred. Celeste won it by cheating, smiling a peculiar smile that is hers alone. It is a smile that is both a confidence that she had won and an entreaty to let her win this time because she is such a sweet, humble person. Before Jess could try to overcome his defeat, Celeste had already handed Lexie his controller. "Jess, mind grabbing us some sodas?" Celeste sweetly asked. Jess did so, though not because he was whipped. Far from it. He just as often tried to gain the upper hand on Celeste as she did on him. But neither one was going to back down. So it definitely made an interesting relationship.

Celeste was just about to have a Tekken battle with Lexie when Lexie stated an opinion. "I don't like the two of you dating." Celeste was shocked, since she saw no reason why Lexie would react that way. She tried to ask Lexie why, but Lexie just insisted that they start playing. So Celeste decided to do something she wasn't thrilled about. She probed Lexie's mind. With a skill that was still new to her, Celeste let her telepathy brush upon Lexie's mind, while still having enough attention to continue playing the video game. Celeste was very careful as she discerned Lexie's motivation for her statement, careful not to distort or ruin the child's mind whatsoever. She fears that if Jess gets attached to me, and we break up, that Jess will be devastated and that I'll stop hanging out with her. Sweet kid. Celeste had managed during this exertion of her psychic powers to still kick Lexie's butt in Tekken. And by then, Jess had finally returned with the soft drinks.

Annie (6^th Captain of the Swarm; a.k.a. Ant) beckoned her sole personal servant, Leika. Leika solemnly handed over the note, one scribbled down by Colonel Draco of the Scale. Annie's heart was fluttering a million miles an hour as she opened up the letter. Dare I hope that he has changed his mind? Perhaps I am saved, in light of my true maidenly status being revealed. Or Fauna has decided to intervene, in spite of no such precedence. Annie unfolded the paper with unsteady hands, and held her breath as she read it. "Dearest Annie, my excitement for our upcoming engagement has wore down on my patience. Hence, instead of our rendezvous on Sunday, I have arranged for it to be tonight, Friday, at 10:00. Neither of us shall be disappointed. Expectantly, Draco."

The note fluttered innocently to the floor, oblivious to the trembling Annie or its destructive message. Annie would have passed out, had Leika not been there. "Calm my Captain. Tell Leika what bothers." Annie told her dear, faithful servant the disturbing message. Leika, the only Genoikan from the Benith'l system that still lived on the Evolite ship, did a subtle technique of her people. She had very weak magic in all three specialties of the Genoikans, but the physical magics were the only types of spells she could cast whatsoever. Magics of the heart and mind were too elusive for her to even claim knowledge of them.

Leika brushed the very tips of her fingers around Annie's throat. Annie was on the verge of hyperventilating, and Leika was going to help Annie. Leika's fingers stopped at the collar bone and put a little pressure there as she released what drops of magic she had. Leika then said a single word in her native tongue, "Shingarvaut," a word that was never spoken unless used in spell casting. It meant, when used with Leika’s tones, emphasis, and inflections: "Rest now in the physical realm, and let your body heal; rest now in the physical realm, and let your heart stop hurting so; rest now in the physical realm, and let your mind gain perspective; rest to be refreshed, rest to have the strength to go on and solve your problem." All this meaning in a single word, so complicated and precise was the Genoikan tongue. Annie instantly fell into a deep sleep, where her own body's energies would renew her strength. Leika then carried her kind master to her bed, and tucked in the endearing Annie.

Derek was nervous as he approached Fauna. Would she detect his secrets, that he knew all about her real operation? He wrung his hands, a nervous gesture he rarely indulged in. She would not be happy with what he wanted to ask. "Derek, sit down. Would you like a refreshment? Or perhaps a snack?" Fauna asked, her tone deceptively hospitable as she took a sip out of her pearl goblet. Derek reflexively reverted to a polite, formal persona. "Thank you, but no. Lady Fauna, I shall quickly get to my point so as to take no more of your precious time. I came in person to announce my absence at tomorrow night's banquet. Back home, plans have arisen, and I feared that a delivered message would inflict insult upon your lovely heart. I give you my deepest apologies for this last minute change of plans, but it is something I cannot back out of," Derek smoothly recited.

Fauna's grip inconspicuously tightened around the goblet, allowing her voice to sound unstrained as she replied. "Oh dear Derek, we shall miss your presence. But, I should have realized I've been monopolizing your time quite a bit lately. It is just that I love boasting about my wonderful Evolites and my innovative technology. I have been selfish in not acknowledging that you have other commitments. The evening will go on without you, somehow," she gushed, inflicting subtle pricks of guilt with her words. As if with afterthought, she added, "But there is nothing to keep you from enjoying the ship for a few more hours today, or is there?" Fauna wanted Derek on the ship and among the society, getting used to it. He would one day become apart of it, if she had her way.

It appeared as though Trista had a whole entourage as they approached the hospital room. The Inner scouts, Outer senshi, Celeste, Rini, and Darien had all come to pay a visit to two friends. Deena and Owen. The feline trio and Phoebe would have come as well, had pets been allowed in the hospital. Last night, after the fight, they had taken the unconscious Deena and Owen to the hospital in Darien's and Amara's cars. Both fencers had reacted badly to their Bright Futures being taken and then replaced with them not nearly as Bright. Now all the defenders of the earth made a procession bearing gifts, with Trista taking the lead. It is hard to explain why Trista had been the most adamant about visiting the duo, but it just seemed right that she had been.

They entered the hospital room, one that had only the scarcest trace of the mediciney smell associated with hospitals. Once again, it just was right that Deena and Owen shared a hospital room. Both invalids were awake, and had been softly conversing with one another. Their eyes lit up as they saw all the people who came to visit them. The visitors placed their gifts on a shelf, and Trista went on to make the introductions and greeting. "We came to see how the two of you were doing. All of us happened to walk by the fitness center when we spotted you, Deena. Darien and Raye, Lita, Rini, Amy, and Serena had taken you in Darien's car and drove off to the hospital. It then happened that the rest of us came upon Owen, and we too drove you to the hospital in Amara's car."

Mina muttered good-naturedly, "I'm surprised we made it, considering how Amara drives. We almost got into a dozen car crashes, and she had to have run through fifty red lights," she exaggerated. Amara softly punched Mina's shoulder and exclaimed, "And you could have done better? Excuse me for being a speed demon, who didn't have to let a certain big-mouthed blonde tag along." Michelle, Deena, Owen, and Celeste, laughed as Mina stuck out her tongue, a gesture which Amara returned. Raye snidely told Serena, "They look just like you do, meatball-head." Serena then demanded loudly, "You take that back Raye! I never do that." Amy queried, "Never?" Serena then clarified with, "Not anymore, at least." Rini then piped in with, "Serena, you goofball, you made that face yesterday when I got the last peanut butter cookie. Can't you ever act your age?"

All the friendly fighting made the invalids cheer up. Finally, Amy asked them, "Do you two remember what happened?" Celeste then was a hundred percent alert, for this time she had to make sure they didn't remember the truth, for their own well-being. Luna wasn't there to use the Luna Mind Meld, nor was Phoebe able to block off the pathways to those memories. Celeste had to either block off the memories, or erase them and fabricate new ones. Both option had disadvantages. Blocking memories was easier, but could also be worn down, and the person would also know that their mind was tampered with if that happened. But erasing memories and fabricating new ones could change a person's mind, a very real risk especially for one who had as little experience as Celeste did. Owen responded, "Everything is foggy. The doctors want to keep us here until the test results return, so that should probably tell us what happened." Deena eyes closed as she struggled to remember. Her voice was strained as she said, "I remember there was a fencing match against a Gabrielle. I remember I barely won, and held out my hand to help her, and... The rest is a blank. Must of passed out from exhaustion and Gabrielle went to get help." Everyone nodded, as Celeste psychically reinforced these conclusions.

As they were leaving, Celeste was thinking. Gabrielle must be Gazelle. The names certainly are similar enough, and she did have enough grace to probably be a fantastic fencer. The thing that amazes me still is that she is not evil. If she isn't, then the rest of the Evolites aren't evil either, just their mistress Fauna. That is a reasonable conclusion. But I want to test out this theory before telling the others. I'll need to confront Phoebe about an ability I remembered was rumored of astral phoenixes. But I need coordinates.

Celeste quickly requested something of Amy as the group was about to part ways. "Amy, mind lending me your computer. The very important computer. I need to figure something out, and I need a computer of high capabilities." Everyone was heading in different directions by then, so it was only Amy and Celeste in this conversation. "I guess so, but what for?" the blue-haired girl cautiously consented. Celeste's voice was a whisper as she said, "It is for senshi business. And it is something that is best left in my hands. I'll give it back to you either today or tomorrow, but this is something I don't want the others to know about. Its a theory I want tested." Amy knew in her gut that she probably wouldn't like what Celeste was going to attempt, despite not knowing what it was exactly. But she also knew that Celeste did need to do this, and that she needed secrecy to do it. So Amy handed over the Mercury computer, and quickly explained some of its functions. An observer would be perplexed, for the updated Mercury computer was translucent and hung in space (as described in chapter four). Celeste solemnly thanked her, and headed off to her home. Amy called after her, "Be careful Celeste. You're one of us, and we need all of us intact." Amy wasn't sure that she saw this, but it appeared as if Celeste had a single tear streaming down her face before she turned around and sprinted home

Celeste quickly told Jess how something had come up, and that she had to break off their date. "Celeste, I am sick of you ditching me for whatever the hell you do. I am demanding that you, as my girl, cancel whatever change of plans you made," Jess obstinately lectured. Had he known Celeste better, he would have known that this was one of the worst possible ways of saying such a rotten thing. She narrowed her eyes and glared as her lips turned into a sneer. "Wrong, Jess. I'm my own person. An individual, someone who is at least your equal, if not superior, and is not at your beck and call. But you are right, I will cancel my plans. Cancel my plans to remain your girlfriend! We are through. So go find a puppy, or some other frail creature that will listen to you, cause me, I am sick of you treating me like I am the village idiot." She then whipped around quickly, her hair lashing his face, and stomped off. Jess on the otherhand, yelled curses at her. His face was vengeful, his voice thick with hatred and betrayal as he called after her, "I'll get you! No one talks to me that way. No one."

Start playing song: “Ray of Light” performed by Madonna.

"So the rumor is true. Another reason the astral phoenixes are associated with those of the Stellar Empire is because they are born on stars. And with a child of a star, both could travel in space. So, you can meld your body with mine to have me travel in space," Celeste paraphrased to Phoebe. #Do you purposely aggravate me by not speaking telepathically to me? How many times do I have to remind you? Someone could overhear, and think you are insane. Or worse, take your words at face value,# Phoebe chided. Celeste sent a mental apology, though it wasn't as sincere as Phoebe would have liked.

Phoebe then continued, #And yes, I know what you have in mind. After you find the coordinates of the Evolite homebase, you want the two of us to travel there ourselves. I'll do it, not because I think this is the best plan, but because you would go off and find a way to do it yourself. Besides, we might find the answer to your theory as well as their weakness. But I'll tell you, you inherited more than your share of resourcefulness and stubbornness from both your parents. May the Prime Phoenix help you.# Celeste smiled as Phoebe said the name of the one being she held to be superior to herself; the Prime Phoenix, the strongest, oldest, and wisest astral phoenix ever, which is logical, considering how all other astral phoenixes spawned from it. Celeste then flattered Phoebe with #It already has, I've been given you as a friend.#

Fauna had been playing a game of chess, when one of her servants bursted into the room. The fool had the audacity to try speaking to his mistress immediately. Fortunately, Dossiel intercepted the servant and did some quick quiet questions. "Check," called Derek as he made his move. Fauna saw a way that she could win, but it would take three moves, and by then, the foolish servant might blurt out whatever news he had. So Fauna made an 'error,' and didn't bother waiting for Derek to exclaim "Check Mate" to excuse herself from the room. Dossiel remained to keep an eye on the earthling, while Fauna and the servant went to her private quarters.

Fauna wrapped a hand around the ignoramus's neck, and hissed, "This had better be important, or else I will crush your throat in my bare hands." The servant was scared, but the only thing in his favor was that he was skilled in reciting messages. "Lady, I was sent by the Crew. We've received a message in an unusual frequency, one that we've never used before. The Crew checked to see if it possibly comes from another plane, but it is definitely on this plane. And the oddest thing is that it doesn't need to be deciphered. One is able to understand it no matter what language one speaks. The Crew requests that you check this out in person, literally." Fauna tossed the moron to the ground, and returned to her parlor long enough to explain to Derek she and the Crew needed to handle something. Fauna then rushed over to the Crew cabin.

When she reached there, the five people currently on duty moved aside. "Do you have the message recorded?" she demanded. One Crew member nodded and said, "Yes, although there is no reason to have done so. Every five minutes the message is repeated. In fact, it should be due in ten seconds." All silenced as they received the message. #I have sought the Evolite ship. And the ship I have found. I request entrance, an audience with your leader, Fauna, and a truce. Only Fauna herself can respond to my demands.# Fauna's eyes went wide as she realized that this was a telepathic message. "I want a visual on that person, and don't use metal detection. I want heat sensors to seek that being, and then set the cameras on him. Or her, that sounded feminine," Fauna ordered. The Crew did so, and in under a minute, they found the being.

On the screen was a beautiful being suspended in space, emitting either an ethereal glow or a divine shine. The being was indeed female, but had the impression of wings and flight. But there were two things that shocked Fauna. One, it was those eyes that illuminated her surroundings. But secondly, Fauna recognized that figure, from the footage from yesterday. So, the Solar Sailor and I finally meet. "Do as she says," Fauna told her Crew. Her heart stopped as she heard, #Thank you!# As insensitive as Fauna was, she was very sensitive about her mind being left alone. For a quick second, Fauna fiddled with the orange abalone claw on her necklace, and the obsidian ring around her finger.

Solar entered the ship, and was immediately greeted by Fauna and her Crew. Solar immediately separated from Phoebe, who loomed over her shoulder. Fauna relaxed a bit, seeing that the eyes were now a gorgeous blue instead of an unearthly pure light. "So, we finally meet, Fauna" Solar greeted. Fauna was remarkably civil as she said, "Welcome to my humble abode, Solar Sailor. I will honor the truce for now. So tell me, what brings you so far away from your home-world?" Solar said, "I want to speak with you alone, without any of your little followers." Fauna nodded, leading Solar and Phoebe to her now unoccupied parlor. Both took seats in adjacent chairs.

"I'll be blunt. Why are you stealing Bright Futures?" The Evolite leader just sat there as she said, "I have my reasons. How did you travel here without a ship?" Solar took a deep breath, and made a suggestion, "We both have questions. I suggest we make a pact to answer honestly and that we alternate being the interrogator. What do you say?" "Sure. Answer my question first," Fauna told her. "Part of my heritage allows me to react with astral phoenixes to travel through space. Why are you stealing Bright Futures?"

"I'm not on a power high, like you probably think. I'm stealing Futures to give me the strength to resist Them. A few promising lives are nothing to the massive destruction that would happen should I return to Their hands. Bright Futures contain two key things, tremendous amounts of power and of determination. The power I use to create more Evolites, and the determination I use to resist Their summonings. How do you speak without your voice?"

"The same heritage that allows me to combine with astral phoenixes also grants me telepathy. I've been told that I have the potential to be an extremely potent force. Who's Them?"

"I'm not your greatest foe in this battle. Let me explain the hierarchy of power: Petty Minions, Captains, Generals, Colonels, me, Her, and Her Master. She wants me back, to do His bidding. Not that the Master is a man, for He is androgynous, but both our native cultures have prejudices of masculinity being superior to femininity. How come you are the only senshi who can restore Bright Futures?"

"I just happen to have the right set of traits. Where do you get the Evolites?" Fauna interrupted, "That was too evasive. I want more of an explanation." Solar responded, "Fine, as you wish. Once again, my heritage. My heritage is drastically different from the other senshi's. It is the blend of my father and mother's powers that give me this power. Mother descended from this part of the universe, but Father came from a distant empire. It is their heritage and the fact that I'm the destined guardian of Light, Growth, and Truth that allows me to do this. So, once again, I'll ask, where do you get the Evolites?"

"You think you can deal with the truth?" Fauna demanded. Solar's eyes narrowed in preparation of defiance, should Fauna decide to break their pact of answering questions. Had Fauna not started to talk again, Solar would have caused big problems. One thing that infuriates her above all else is broken promises, the ultimate form of deceit. "Fine, you are about to be in the confidence of one of my darkest secrets. What most of my Evolites believe is only true for a few of them. A handful come from the dead planet Bona Dea. It once flourished, but I destroyed most of it, hoping to make it my new home. The peculiar thing about Bona Dea is that millennia ago the animals convergently evolved until they became sapients similar to Homo Sapiens. When I was forced to leave the planet, I collected the handful of refugees and altered their minds to have amnesia about their past. For Solar, same as you have an interesting set of abilities, I'm gifted with the power to manipulate animals. Every aspect, from their body, to mind, to talents. I could, if I desired, sprout wings and a tail. So using this ability, I built an innate sense of trust and need directed towards me."

Derek was curious as to what was occupying Fauna, enough that she left only Dossiel to keep him occupied. Good thing he wasn't expected home any time soon, for there was no way he would be allowed off the ship anytime soon. A messenger came in, and muttered some instructions for Dossiel. Dossiel nodded and dismissed the messenger before facing Derek. "Fauna has arranged for you and 5^th Den General Vixen to dine privately in the botanical garden." Some deep instinct in Derek knew that this wasn't intended to give him one on one time with the seductive Vickie, but to keep him from seeing something. But he wasn't crafty enough to think of a convincing excuse to eat in the Great Hall instead of in the botanical garden. So he allowed Dossiel to lead him to the botanical garden (so he didn't accidentally wander), and kept his senses alert.

Both Solar and Phoebe were stuffed when they finished the delectable meal. They had been alert to any nuance of foul play, including poison or a blitz against them. No such thing happened, same as minimal contact existed between Solar and the Evolites. Now was the ideal moment for Solar to execute her hidden agenda: Destroy Fauna using Internal Radiance and the light from the Evolites. In the past, Solar had learned the knack of calling an attack without yelling it, though it tended to take more out of her. She did so, her experience with 3^rd Hoof Captain Gazelle (or Gabrielle) indicating that the Evolites had enough good in them to be saved from Fauna's grasp.

Start playing song: “Dreamlover” performed by Mariah Carey.

Annie was so tight-strung that she was jumping at every noise. She had dismissed Leika for the evening hours ago, not wanting her to also become a victim of Draco's lust. Hence when a soft knock came on her door, Annie jumped up and gasped for air. She had her telekinetic powers at full strength, to hold off Draco as long as possible. Then a voice carried over into her room, a soft and kind voice, nothing like the deep, rough, throaty voice of Colonel Draco. "Annie, are you in there? It's M Butterfly. I really must speak with you." Annie relaxed, though her heart still fluttered quickly, and telekinetically opened the door to her modest quarters. Her quarters only consisted of a small bedroom with a tiny closet, a vanity, and a minuscule workroom.

M walked in, and since there was only her bed to sit on, he sat next to her. "Annie, I want to apologize for my behavior over the past couple of days. I had taken the rumor that you and Warvus (7^th Captain of the Swarm; a.k.a. Beetle) were an item so seriously that I didn't take heed of word of Draco and you. Will you accept my apology and let me help you before he comes Sunday?" Annie wanted to cry right there and then, and did so. "Of course I accept your apology, and I would do anything for your help. Only..." and Annie hung her head, her ears burning and her face flustered. "Only what, dearest?" Monarch comfortingly prompted. Annie then locked eyes with him as she told him, "Only, Draco has changed his plans from Sunday at noon to tonight at 10:00, which is in ten minutes. I don't know what to do! I can't fight him, I can't call rape or bring up my maidenly status, and no one is of high enough rank who is willing to interfere. I'm scared and frustrated all at once."

Her shoulders shook as she began convulsive sobs. Monarch gently wrapped his arm around her and brought her close to him, uncaring of the tears stains on his clothes. Tears streaked down her face and soaked his shoulder, but all M did was make soft soothing murmurs. Finally when Annie was all cried out, he handed her a handkerchief to blow her nose on. He then told her, "I'm of high enough rank to stop him. While both of us are Colonels, you are under my jurisdiction being in my Clan. So in this incident, I can override anything he claims." Annie looked hopeful for a moment, and then remembered reality. "He isn't big on reason, and would bring this up before Fauna. And Fauna hates me, so she would rule in his favor out of spite," she hopelessly exclaimed. M wished he could tell her otherwise, but Fauna did hate her, especially when it came to Annie and himself being involved.

There was only two minutes before ten o'clock, and Draco's one strong suit was that he was rigorously prompt. Butterfly then thought of a solution. "Annie, I have an idea, but it is going to require you to trust me one hundred percent. Are you willing to trust me, and sacrifice dignity and honesty for your well-being?" Annie hastily nodded and told him, "I'm absolutely willing to do whatever you say."

It is definitely a good thing that Monarch Butterfly didn't take advantage of innocent young women, because Annie's comment would have left her open to that kind of assault. This is true, despite M's plan. As mentioned before, Draco is not inclined to take heed of subtlety, hence a more direct (if deceitful) plan must be taken. "Lock your door, and then strip and get under the covers. What I have in mind is have Draco get the impression that we are 'involved,' and that since you are under my Clan and with me, you are off limits." Not that I don't wish we were an item, but Annie has no reason to accept me after I believed those awful rumors. Annie nodded stiffly, and did a quick gesture to lock her door. M did the gentlemanly thing and had his back to her while she undressed. She then quickly got under the sheets.

M then also got undressed, and got under the covers as well, though he was on the opposite side of the bed. Annie was nervous, her secret beloved so close to her. I've always dreamt of him being my knight in shining armor, whisking me away from this nightmare. And now he is so close I can touch him. Creators, how I love this wonderful man. I would willingly die to only live a moment where he returned my love. But why should I expect a noble being such as M to so much as befriend a insignificant weakling such as myself. I'm always forced to depend on others to rescue me. He would want someone self-sufficient and strong and beautiful, someone like Vickie (5^th General of the Den; a.k.a. Vixen) or Gabrielle (3^rd Captain of the Hoof; a.k.a. Gazelle). Not a pasty stick-figure. M then scooted closer to her and whispered, "I apologize ahead of time for forcing you into such an uncomfortable position. Now then, he should be here at any moment, so only make soft moans of pleasure until he barges in. I'll do the talking, so you only need to appear terrified."

M wanted to tell Annie how brave she was, trusting him after her recent bad experience with men. She was so lovely, fighting back her terror to accomplish a goal. Most Evolites would never be caught in this situation, but the few others who would, they would find this kind of deceit unacceptable. Honor and chivalry, ideals for foolish romantics. Annie on the otherhand, she sees and deals with the harshness of reality, and still remains a sweet naive woman. Fate, and Fauna, seem to have picked her to be their prey. I'll fight against them, even if I never get in a closer proximity to Annie than I am now. Just saving her is worth it.

He then moved so that way there was only centimeters between them. The only way Draco would believe this would be if M took the predatory position, meaning he was on top. It took a lot of concentration to be near enough to be convincing without actually touching her; that and self control. Annie on cue started making convincing noises as Draco started trying to bang on the door. M saw her tense up, but she was determined to keep this believable.

Finally Draco broke the door and entered. The Scale Colonel's face contorted into absolute rage, especially since it wasn't apparent that M was the man on the scene. Annie was frozen silent as she fell victim to that terrifying glare. "Damn forgetful whore, you are going to pay for this. I went to great extremes to have this time to ourselves, and you bed some petty minion scum. When I get through with you, you'll..." It was then that M had his head pop out from the covers. He crawled out and stood face to face to his fellow Colonel, not letting his nudity undermine his authority.

"Draco, I could have you suffer for the insult you granted me, calling me scum, petty minion scum to be precise. I recommend you get out of here before I bring this incident before Fauna," M calmly lectured. Draco would have pounded M right there and then, had M not been at least his equal. He hissed, "I have had made plans for this rendezvous for several days. And I could call oathbreaker on Ant over there, having ruined our encounter." Draco used body language to try intimidating Butterfly. Keyword is try. But this was a time where M had no intention of backing down. "Had this been an instance over a Captain in another Clan, we would be on equal ground. Had this been over a Captain from the Scale, I would be forced to deal with your judgment. But Annie is a part of the Swarm, meaning I have reign over her destiny. And since she is in my Clan, you are in over your head. Now, if you leave right now, and never bother her again, I will not bring up this embarrassing situation ever again. Otherwise, you will have to deal with me, who happens to not only be a formidable opponent as well as a Colonel, but is Fauna's favorite." Draco scowled, and vowed that he would not forget this humiliation; he then stomped out.

Both M and Annie gave sighs of relief. M tossed Annie her clothes, and both got dressed. "I'm glad that is over. How can I ever thank you?" M just shrugged, though he was smiling brilliantly. He softly said, "I guess I should go then, now that you don't need me." Annie was strickened and begged, "Don't go! I don't want to be without you tonight!" Those words hung heavily in the air. M said, "Do you know what your asking? I would love nothing more than to be with you, but should Fauna find out... she would persecute you. I can't do that to you!" Annie cried out, "I don't care about the risk to me. All I care about is you. Don't leave me, Draco could always come back, now that he broke my door. You are the only reason I've been fighting back! Stay, I'll do anything! Anything!" M sat down once more beside her, and held her in his arms. He stayed that way the entire night, her falling asleep in his arms. Monarch on the otherhand got no sleep, he was occupied watching her finally have respite in her sleep. They still did not fully comprehend the depth of the other's feelings, but for now their friendship was confirmed. But hopefully now that they had each other (even though they were only on friendship status), they could fight against anyone or anything so long as they had each other, their love sufficing to give them strength.

Stop playing song

Solar and Phoebe were exhausted when they finally were back on earth. Both immediately detransformed. Celeste told Phoebe to just find a place nearby to spend the night, for Phoebe had taken the brunt of the backlash. Phoebe was too tired to be indignant at being told what to do. It was about ten thirty as Celeste walked back to her apartment. She was busy trying to figure out the true circumstances of the Evolites, hence she wasn't alert to the figures orderly swarming around her. And she was too tired to keep her psychic senses on guard. So she was open prey for the gang of hoodlums.

From behind, one of them put his hand over her mouth and dragged her into an alley. She hit him with her purse and then bit into his filthy hand. He hastily let go, and she took advantage of this opportunity by running. Celeste knew what they wanted (both by deduction and telepathy), they wanted to rob her and then gang rape her. An attempt was made to run back onto the road, but four other guys blocked her way. Her only option left was to make a stand, and in order to do that she had to have it so her backside wasn't vulnerable. Hence she ran until she reached the end of the alley, screaming at the top of her lungs as she ran, hoping someone might hear her.

As she expected, there was a dead end. She put her back to the wall and stood in a fighting stance, hundreds of lessons on self-defense coming back to her. Kind of off topic, Celeste has an interesting talent: she can run in high heels. And high heels were what she was wearing. Hence when the hoodlums finally caught up with her, and one of them approached her alone, with a flick of her knee she gave him a hard kick; in a place where it is especially painful for guys, and her high heel being the instrument of the contact between kick and, you know. All he did was bend over and gasp for air, his face contorted in agony. With a deft swooping motion with her leg, she kicked his legs out from under him, and the breath was knocked out of him as he landed.

That left four guys to contend with. One of them had a pair of sunglasses over his hood (all five of them had hoods covering their faces), and he stepped forward. Celeste mentally named him Shades, another one Shorty, the third B. un-F.G., the fourth Righty, and the one on the ground Klutz. Shades ran full out at her, and it was hell of fortunate that she was fast enough to evade it. He ran head first into the wall, and knocked himself out cold. Unfortunately, his fall tripped her. Shorty and B. un-F.G. walked up and pinned her legs down. She tried to gauge their eyes and break their noses with the ball of her hand, but they quickly learned to have one hold her legs and the other hold down her arms.

Righty then walked up to her, his exposed eyes shone with demonic delight. She yelled at the top of her lungs as she reinforced her message telepathically, "#Help me!#" She thought to herself, the Solar Sailor could get out of this situation, but I can't let scum like this know my alter ego. Maybe something in their thoughts can tell me something. She brushed Righty's mind and got a mental image of someone she had not expected; Jesse. As mentioned before, negative emotions such as rage and betrayal do no empower Celeste, they drain her. Righty then proceeded to prepare to rape her, and Celeste remembered something around her shoulder. She shrugged off Shorty from her arms long enough to grab her purse. She did the unexpected, she hurled it out of their vicinity. This stunned and bewildered the hoodlums long enough for her to fight back for control of her body. She lifted her leg up to knee solar plexus of Righty, and thrusted her palm to break the nose of Shorty. She managed to stand up, and proceeded to stomp B. un-F.G.'s exposed torso with the heel of her shoe.

Since all of Celeste's attackers were indisposed, this was her chance to make a run for it. Celeste tried to take this form of action, but she hadn't realized her legs were weakened more than she thought. Hence she lacked the muscle control it required to run in heels. She stumbled and hit her head. As she groggily tried to get up, Klutz was right on top of her. He shoved her against the unforgiving wall, and bashed her head a couple of times. His elbow then slammed into her throat, followed by him kicking her knees from under her. She would have slumped to the ground had Klutz not had such a heavy hold over the collar of her shirt. Her body was now too tired to respond, first having traveled through space twice, then having to fight her attackers. He was close to raping her as she mustered her psychic energies, him undoing the belt of his pants. She used her last bit of psychic energy to temporary paralyze all of her attackers, temporary disconnecting their minds' control over their bodies.

She collapsed against the wall, catching her breath. It was by pure determination that she stood up and slowly stumbled out of the alley. Coincidentally, a red car was driving by and stopped in front of her. The driver rolled down the window and called, "What happened to you?" Celeste wanted to sigh with relief, except that would be a waste of breath. She just said, "I just almost got raped. Now then Darien, since you are playing knight, and I'll let the car pass as shining armor, will you give me a lift out of here?" Darien unlocked the door and Celeste hopped in. Had she not looked so pitiful, he would have marched up to her attackers and pounded them. She related how she fought against the attackers, being too tired to bother embellishing.

"Why on earth are you at this part of town at this time of night?" Darien then admitted, "I had a date with Serena, and was in my car after I dropped her off. I then heard your trademark method of calling for help, and sped on over here. Funny thing is, that was a couple miles away. You've got an amazing range, telepathically." Celeste then added, "I also have got an amazing amount of good fortune. I mean..." Celeste stopped as she realized something. "Damn it. I'm locked out. My house key was in my purse, and my dad is out of town. Damn it. Well, I guess I shouldn't be complaining, cause I did get out of one nightmare of a situation with minimal damage. Though if I end up with a concussion, I'm so going to press charges against Jesse. He arranged this whole situation."

"Do you have a neighbor who has a copy, or a hidden spare?'" Celeste hesitantly responded, "My hidden spare is only accessible by Phoebe, and both of us are too tired to make telepathic contact. And I have no other way to find her. And... the only neighbor with a key is Lexie, Jess's younger sister, and I seriously do not want to test my self-restraint of not strangling him so soon. So, I guess I can see if Raye won't mind me spending a night at the temple." Darien made an insistent suggestion, "Midterms are coming up for all the girls, and I think worrying about you would be distracting. How about you stay at my place? I've got a nice comfy couch, which won't mind some use. So how about it?" Celeste smiled as she assented. "Sure. Just remember, we should probably call Serena right off the bat and tell her that I'm celibately spending the night at your place, otherwise she might, just possibly, blow a lid. And I think that is something neither of us want to deal with."

Draco barged in the War Room, where the rest of the Clan of the Scale awaited his instructions. It was the Scale's turn to gain prestige. Draco overturned the central bolted table, and smashed it into pieces. "That is what I shall do too any failures. I will tear out your entrails and force you to eat them raw. I will snap your spine in half, and leave you thirty seconds to crawl out of my sight before I bash in your skull. And as all of you know, Fauna's medics are skilled enough to leave you with these impairments and still sustain your life-force. The living agony I will cause will be far worse than a thousand deaths. So, any of you brave enough to try our mission?"

The Scale was full of stereotypical Evolites, meaning quite the opposite of Ant and Monarch Butterfly. Evolites tended to be obstinate, short sighted, arrogant, ruthless, and impossible to intimidate. Hence Ali (2^nd General of the Scale; a.k.a. Gator) and Riley (3^rd General of the Scale; a.k.a. Croc) immediately volunteered. They both quickly gathered their instructions and necessary tools. And then the two walked out hand in hand, hoping to quickly come up with their plan.

Thing is, Ali and Riley are an item, and always collaborate. While they are both hideous people personality-wise, they have a really cute relationship. Ali muttered in her lover's ear, "I've got the perfect plan, and it will be so fun to torment the idiotic fools who think they can stop us, let alone Fauna and the rest of the Evolites." His response was, "This is definitely going to be fun, considering your plans and how you know what I consider amusing." And so the Evolites hideous plan was falling into place.

Start playing song: “Be With You” performed by Enrique Iglesias.

***

Know how it is when you know you're in a dream, and you are watching what goes on while still being one of the characters? That was exactly how Derek felt. He was in a forest, riding a beautiful golden palomino gelding with an ivory white mane. His clothes were archaic by modern standards, but in the dream it would have been ridiculous had he worn anything else. The clasp for his cloak bore a symbol, one indicating he was of royal lineage from his father's kingdom. The forest was dark and winding, but Derek and his prize horse, Augustus (means majestic in Latin), whom descends from the Amalthean and Lunarian most prestigious bloodlines, pressed on. These little facts he just knew, logic having little to do with dreams. There was something he had to get to, even though it was in the opposite direction of civilization and the castle. Finally the forest turned into the seashore, and Derek saw her.

There was the girl of his dreams, the intriguing and mesmerizing Solar Sailor. And despite her not wearing her sailor fuku, he could still tell it was her, though from what he had heard, it is difficult to see the resemblance between the sailor senshi and their alter egos. Up on a hazardous cliff she stood, the very image of poetic romance. He tied up his beloved steed as he braved the side of the rocky cliff, no paths available that could get him there fast enough. Good thing he rock climbed as a hobby, though this time there was no safety harness nor rope to help him. It was only him versus the vertical cliff. But he had to speak to her once more, a compulsion he could not resist, nor wanted to. The foot and hand holds were difficult to reach, but he managed through perseverance. He was exhausted when he finally reached the top, and she grabbed his hand to help him up.

While catching his breath he had a chance to fully take in her new appearance. She wore a regal gown in hues of orange-red-black. The gown possessed spaghetti straps that hung from her shoulders, that then led into soft flowing sleeves made of thin black cherry veils. The gorgeous gown hugged her youthful body, but was a superfluous enhancement to her beautiful face with its breathtaking blue eyes. She had sparse jewelry, a basic gold necklace with lovely cut sardonyx, bracelets with minute garnets on each wrist, a simple gold coronet rested on her head, a pair of prism earrings, and a beautiful white gold ring on her right hand that had intricate engravings. Lastly, there was a symbol on her forehead, an overlapping star and full moon that formed a golden sun. She was more than a soldier of good, she was a princess, heir to a kingdom that held one's value as a person far more precious commodity than their monetary value.

She chuckled as she saw his clothes sweat-stained and ruined, him struggling to catch his breath. "Another silly boy expecting me to admire and devote myself to him. Why should I? You scaled this cliff to see me; are you now going to tell me I am the loveliest being in the world, more wondrous than the heavens? Or offer your 'humble' self to my services? Or are you going to use the old and insincere 'I would gladly die at this moment, having seen an angel stand on earth'?" she mockingly demanded. The setting was a time when chivalry dominated and knights rescued damsels in distress. Or at least they did so on earth. In the Moon Kingdom and all of its realm, females had gotten to be more outspoken considering how it was women that became Sailor senshi and the Lunar royal line had continued through daughters for millennia.

Hence Derek could tell instantly she was not from earth, but from one of the Kingdoms, which very few nobleman outside of his father's kingdom would acknowledge. Most nobleman were too obstinate to listen to the facts that revealed that indeed the Earth was not the center of the universe and that there were more powerful Kingdoms on neighboring planets and on the moons. And Derek had another trait rare among noblemen at that time period; he could take teasing without it being a mortal offense on his pride.

Immediately Derek chuckled and exclaimed, "Those are some good lines. I should tell my buddies some of those next time one tries hooking up with one of the cities' serving wenches. Though it is quite humorous watching them fail miserably." She laughed and exclaimed, "Glad to see that some of Earth's noblemen are capable of intelligent humor. Most either take amusement in jousts, or cock fights, or bear bating, or in excessive amorous relations. You've gotten my attention, though you've got a long way to go to receive my respect. Who are you?"

"Sir Derek, though I shall not take offense should you drop the Sir. And you, unusual Lady, I already know of you. You are the Solar Sailor, and heiress to the Sun Kingdom. What makes you visit our tiny planet in comparison, let alone the land of Elysium?" She leaned forward as if to let him be in her confidence and whispered secretively, "It's none of your concern. Now, what would make a strapping young knight such as yourself, whom is actually intelligent enough to believe in our Kingdoms, climb up the side of a cliff to see a perfectly safe damsel?" Derek shyly responded, "I've had dreams of you, and wanted to merely speak with you face to face. I've seen you in person, but had not spoken to you then; and I've spoken to you mind to mind, but not while seeing you. It is as sad and pathetic as that."

The assertive princess's face was now kind as she gently told him, "Now that is the first sincere compliment I've heard since arriving on this lovely, if primitive, world. And it is not sad nor pathetic to speak out your emotional desires. I've always found it heroically endearing and sexy, though I don't want to give you any ideas in that direction." Her face then for a mere moment had a wicked gleam of inspiration as she exclaimed, "Since I've taken a liking to you, are you willing to trust me?" He nodded, basking in the versatility of her personality and rapidly changing moods. He had no idea what that nod meant, for a large glowing bird flew surrounded her as she started to glow. Finally the bird flew straight at her heart, and the girl now had a divine light emitting from her and especially her eyes, and there was an implied sensation of wings.

She grabbed his hands, and brought him to follow her as she jumped off of the cliff. He still trusted her as they sped towards the ocean and jagged rocks. Moments before they should have died, she started flying at intense speeds, carrying him along with her. He let out a whoop of joy, this being so exhilarating. She mentally asked in a bewildered tone, for it seemed she could not vocalize in this state, #Why aren't you terrified, now nor when I had us falling off the cliff?# Derek yelled his response at the top of his lungs (the wind was making it difficult to hear), "Because it is you! You being a senshi has a tiny bit to do with it, but mostly because it is you doing all this. You wouldn't kill yourself nor anyone else, let alone someone you are beginning to take a liking to. Besides, you strike me as the most capable person I'll ever meet." She smiled sweetly as she brought their amazing flight to a halt. Solar (as he called her since he did not know her non-senshi name) gently put him down next to Augustus. She quickly kissed him on the forehead and softly said, "You're really sweet, despite being a barbaric earthling." She then soared off into the sky, Derek watching with awe as she left.

***

Derek woke up with a start, longing for his dream to have been true, though his memory of it was gradually fading. He soon only remembered scaling the cliff and the flight, and her last words to him. It was impossible to sleep again, after the disappointment of having experienced heaven to find it had never happened. Derek lied on his back as he whispered to himself, "Solar, I shall meet with you once more, and speak with you face to face for real. I shall one day have the courage to be endearingly heroic and tell you how I feel about you, thinking that you are the most amazing person who ever graced Earth. This is a vow made for both of us." How he wanted to see her again, that mischievous nymph, that elusive sprite, that divine angel.

Stop playing song

Darien knew something was wrong the same moment that Celeste screamed in pain. Her energies having been so tired meant that there was nothing to reinforce her shields. He rushed into his living room to see Celeste trying to stand up despite being in agony. All along she had been sensitive to Bright Futures being taken, probably because both her and Bright Futures are related to light. But whenever her shields weakened, she was in agony. Darien immediately made a decision for her well being. "Celeste, you are not going. After that attack against you, your body is too weak to maintain your transformation let alone attack and purify Futures," he exclaimed. Celeste responded, defiance coloring her voice, "I'm the only one who can. The only other instance where a Future was cleansed was when Phoebe was with Hotaru and Rini, and Phoebe is far more tired than myself."

She sighed as she continued, "I was holding back a secret, but I believe that the only way you'll give me a lift is if I tell you. Astral phoenixes are able to react with those who descend from the Stellar Empire, which my father did and had royal-blood to boot. When astral phoenixes and children of the stars combine, they are able to both travel in space for greater spans than an astral phoenix alone could. This afternoon Phoebe and I confronted Fauna on her Evolite ship. We learned some sick stuff, but that is not the point. The point is, I know what Fauna will do should she get her hands on a Bright Future, and that I'm the only one at this point who can save a Bright Future! So are you going to give me a ride over to the victim, or are you going to force me in my tired state to walk?"

The hooded robed enchantress Melissa flew to the balcony of the descendant of Arthur Pendragon. She stood there a moment before she beckoned him to join her there. Finally Melissa's search was over. And Merlin doubted my capability in finding him. And here he is, everything we could ever have hoped for in the one who will revive both Camelot and Avalon. But that is for later. For now he is needed elsewhere. Melissa smiled kindly at the heir, Derek.

He did not fear her nor found her to be unreal. He simply asked, "You are here because...?" Melissa called on her sorcerous powers as she responded, "I have searched for you for centuries. Now that I have found you, you must help the guardians. They are in peril, and you must aid them. I can give you the tools to do so. Are you willing to take on all the responsibilities these tools require, the hardships they'll lead you into, the strain they shall cause?" There was before Melissa one of the most honorable and chivalrous people to ever have existed. "I'm not sure I know who these guardians are, but if they are in peril I'll do what I can to save them. And if these tools will enable me to help others, that cancels out any other costs they hold." Melissa found his response endearing, and spoke to him as she continued to gather her sorcerous powers, using them to bring forth in time the tools.

Draco was furiously when he heard word of he progress of 2^nd General Gator and 3^rd General Croc. First Ant is stolen away from me, next Vickie is too busy to entertain me, and now a new sailor punk appears. And they had to destroy two of my best Evolites. The threat I gave my Clan will only be an appetizer for the treat I have in store for these wretched sailor senshi. And with this, Draco sent a fire bomb in a random corner. Good thing Draco was a Colonel, and one of Fauna's better liked Colonels at that, or else he would get far worse then a reprimand for destroying all of the Bright Fate Dimmers with that action.

Fauna sighed as she made little progress with the body of Robert. She placed what was left of him in suspended animation. Fauna for a moment fiddled with her orange abalone necklace as she thought, Perhaps the Solar senshi and her friends are strong enough to defeat Them. If so, then that means I should possibly ally myself with them, and hope they put aside our differences. And then I can go back, and get help retrieving what was taken from me so long ago. At that moment Fauna heard a mocking evil laugh, removed her hands from the necklace and clutched her obsidian ring as if her life depended on it, wanting nothing more than to be rid of it. The voice she associated with that laugh surrounded her thoughts. A moment later a malicious grin came upon Fauna's face, the voice winning over her mind.