The Adventures of the SOL

 She heard a soft rustling sound.  Her eyes opened and she looked slowly around herself.  She sat in a field of flowers.  She ran a hand over her cheek as she felt a cherry blossom graze gently past.  She breathed in and smelled the heavy scent of the flowers in the morning.  The wind was causing the cherry trees nearby to shed their petals to where she was standing in the field.  She opened a hand and caught one.

 "It’s so beautiful!"

 Her head snapped around to see who had spoken.  She saw a girl standing with a boy out in this over sized garden of flowers.  Her long blonde hair flew with the wind.  It was curled at the tips.  She wore a pastel pink dress that was long and flowed with the wind.  Her smiling blue eyes were filled with pure joy as she inhaled the sweet air.

 The boy was tall and dark.  He had sandy brownish blonde hair.  He looked familiar, but she couldn’t place his face.  He was smiling down at the girl next to him.

 "Do you think I could make a wreath from these lilies?" she asked him, "They would look so pretty for the festival and Sharondia will be there.  I could present these flowers to her."

 "I doubt if a girl like Sharondia would enjoy flowers as much as you do, Rina," he said, smiling.

 "Who doesn’t like flowers?" she asked, "I think maybe the irises, if done properly, could make a good wreath."

 "Sure, but she’s a warrior, not like you," he sat down, looking at her, "And she’s a very important person.  Important people have important business, and that business does not include visiting with you."

 "Ayino," she said sourly, "You ruin all of my fun."

 Another blast of wind flew through the garden.  She watched the two; the girl named Rina and the boy name Ayino.  Rina was bent over the flowers in front of her, trying to decide which she should make into a wreath.

 Then the sky darkened and Rina gasped, backing into Ayino.  She let of a small cry.

 "It’s time."

 Time?

 "It’s time."

 The scene seemed to melt into blackness, then a dull red color.

 "Serena, it’s time to get up.  Serena?"

 Serena gasped and sat up in bed suddenly.  She grasped her head and took a deep breath.  Was it all a dream?

 She looked next to her and saw a surprised Lita.  "Are you okay?  You look like you just got robbed or something."

 "I’m…" A dream?  But she could still smell the flowers.  "I’m fine."

 "Okay," Lita said, and looked like she wanted to say something.  Finally she just said, "Well, you slept kind of late so I thought I’d wake you up.  Breakfast is nearly over."

 "Thanks Lita," Serena smiled.   Lita smiled back and walked out of Serena’s bedroom.  She sat on her bed with the covers at her knees.  She was staring straight ahead, thinking.

 What did it mean?  She could remember almost everything about the dream, and it wasn’t what had happened in the dream, or the people in it that bothered her.  It was the everlasting feeling of déjà vu.  The feeling that she had done the exact same thing, or at least had the same dream before.    And she didn’t quite know when and where.

 Besides, she thought the dreaming thing was Rei’s gig, not hers.

 The worst thing about it was the guy, Ayino.  He looked so familiar to her, but it was like there was a piece missing, so she couldn’t get the whole answer.

 That hair, his shape, his manner, it all reminded her of someone…

 With a gasp she realized all at once who it was.  But at the same time she realized it couldn’t be.  The two of them weren’t even the same species.  And yet they looked exactly alike in almost every way.

 But there was only one name that came to mind.  Ran Whiska.  Private Eye.

 "Serena missed breakfast this morning?" Charlie asked Rais, "That’s very unusual.  Is she alright?’

 "I guess," Rais shrugged, "I mean, I knew you were gone shopping again early this morning so I thought you should know.  Lita got worried enough to go check on her and she was still asleep."

 "Where is she right now?" Charlie asked.  They were walking down the hallways of Lizerton Castle, chatting together.  Charlie carried a book in his hand that he had just bought.

 "I’m not sure," Rais replied, "I don’t think anyone is.  She just disappeared this morning.  It's very strange."

 "Disappeared in a gone way or a left without telling anyone where she was going kind of way?" Charlie asked.

 "She told Amy she was going out for awhile," Rais told him, "She never said where or why.  Amy said she suspected she was just going shopping, but she’s still not back.  Rei says not to worry, that it’s nothing bad, but I’m still a little worried."

 "I think Rei meant not to worry because she isn’t gone because of the enemy," Charlie said, "But I’d be willing to bet that she is worried that Serena is acting so unlike herself."

 "Skipping breakfast, leaving and staying gone all through lunch," Rais shook his head, "I really am worried.  If anything for the fact that she’s not eating."

 "She can afford to miss two meals," Charlie muttered a little quietly so only Rais could hear, "She eats more than anyone I know."

 "Didn’t you notice yesterday?" Rais asked, "She picked over her breakfast, ate only a little of her lunch, and while she may have been at the dinner table, she didn’t touch her dinner."

 "Do you think there’s something she’s not telling us?" Charlie asked him, a bit guilty.  It was a little embarrassing that Rais had noticed these things before he did.

 "I do," Rais nodded, "I think she’s got something on her mind."

 "Like what?" Charlie asked, "Has anything happened recently that could have her so worried?  Nothing that I can think of."

"Well, though she’s been eating up until the last two days, she hasn’t been eating as much ever since that little incident with those two strange guys, Ran and Omi," Rais pointed out, sounding proud of himself, "If I had to make a guess, she’s worried about that Ran fellow.  After all, they were friends before, weren’t they?"

 "He met her before everyone else if that’s what you’re trying to say," Charlie said, "But why would she through such a fit of depression over him?  He was going to be fine and I find it very hard to believe that something happened between now and then that would make a difference.  I mean, you’d think they were very close, if that is why she’s so worried."

 "Yeah, I guess we don’t know that for sure," Rais said, "after all, we’ve only just run across it as a problem.  Maybe I should have brought this up sooner, since I noticed."

 "I’m surprised you did notice," Charlie said, "You are very observant my young friend."

 "Uh, thanks, I think," Rais smirked.

 "Have you talked about this with Rei yet?" Charlie asked, "Maybe she could talk to Serena, figure out what’s wrong with her."

 "Rei and Serena don’t see eye to eye on almost anything," Rais told him, "They are about as opposite as water and oil.  Maybe Rei isn’t our appointed speaker."

 "Well, Rei and Serena may not get along at most times, but their bond is a lot stronger than it looks.  Rei would know how to handle a situation like this better than you think.  Though if there were something mentally wrong with her, you’d think that she would have already noticed."

 "Yeah you would," Rais frowned, looking like he was thinking, "But none of this seems very normal does it."

 "Not a bit, and if this is about that Ran fellow, I think Serena needs to consider trust a little more.  We don’t know this guy all that well," Charlie shook his head.

 "Well, something’s wrong, whatever it is," Rais said and they continued down the hall in silence.

 Serena sat at the edge of the forest with her knees pulled up to her chest and her head rested on them.  She wasn’t thinking that hard about anything, but an image kept running through her head.  It was Ran.  What was it about that cat boy that set her off?

 Was it him or that dream?  They looked so much alike, but the boy in the dream was human.  That’s the reason she hadn’t recognized him at first.  Without the ears and the slightly different eyes, she hadn’t recognized him.

 Maybe she should go to Rei.  After all, who better to see about dreams than a psychic, the kind of girl who constantly had them?  But did Serena dream about the future or the past?

 That question was one that struck her a little more than the others.  Had she dreamed about the future or the past?  It never occurred to her that her dream might be true.  Was it?  If so, what was the darkness at the end of it?

 There were so many questions and she wasn’t used to thinking this much.  In fact, she was getting a headache.

 But the same image kept on entering her brain.  It was of Ran’s face.  What did he have to do with all of this?  What did his friend Omi and him have to do with anything?  Serena now seriously doubted that Ran Whiska was a private eye.  He was too young and was dealing with forces that were too strong for him.

 Serena almost wished he was there right then so she could ask him herself.

As Rei would say sometimes, be careful what you wish for.

 "Hey, Doll."

 "Ran?" she turned around and he tipped his hat.  He may have been cocky and a little flirt, but he was polite at least.

"What are you doing out here by yourself?" he asked, "That’s not safe with Creton out and about again, y’know?’

 "Humph," she said tartly, "I can handle anything that comes my way.  There’s a reason I’m a scout at such a young age."

 "I know," he grinned, "One of the youngest to ever graduate from the prodigious scout school.  I take they didn’t have a written exam?"

 She frowned.  "Just because I may like different things from other people doesn’t mean I’m not smart," she told him, "We had to go through some difficult courses."

 "And you managed to pass because of the fighting courses, right?" he asked, knowing.  He lay down next to her on his stomach.

 She blushed.  "I passed a few of my other courses.  They were hard you know.  But they wanted me in the school because of my fighting skills, not my brain."

 "Everyone has to be good at something," Ran smiled.

 "What do you want anyway?" she frowned.

 "Well, I’m fine, thanks for asking, Doll," he said, "I mean, clinging to life after that Changer did her little number on me was nothing."

 "I can see you’re fine," Serena pointed out.

 "You think so?" he asked, "I think I’m pretty good lookin’ myself."  He tipped his hat again and winked.  She turned to him red in the face.

 "Oh!" Serena stood up, "You egotistical cat boy!"

 "You’re pretty egotistical yourself, Doll," Ran said, rolling onto his back, "I don’t think any of the others are as worried about her appearance as you."

 "Well, that… I mean, that doesn’t mean… I mean…" finally she turned around with her arms folded, "Why am I even talking to you?"

 "Because I politely inquired a conversation with you?" he asked.

 "Well, there’s nothing else to talk about," Serena turned her nose up, then paused.  "Well, except…" She paused again then continued to walk away.

 "Except?" Ran asked.

 "You wouldn’t understand, Cat Boy," Serena yelled and continued to leave.  Ran's ear gave an irritated twitch.

 "My name is Ran," he shouted after her.

 "And you think my name is Doll?" Serena turned around, her arms still folded, "Maybe if you would return the favor, I’d call you Ran."

 "Cat boy is a lot more…" he searched for a word, "vulgar than Doll."

 "And Doll is sexist and rude," Serena growled.

 "Fine, Serena," he said, "I call you Serena and you call me Ran.  We’ve reached an agreement.  Now what was the except?’

 She looked down and tried to figure out what she should do.  Should you just tell a guy you’ve dreamed of him?  Knowing Ran he’d go and have a hay day with it.  But maybe he would know what she was talking about.

 "I had a strange dream," she told him.

 The thing about Felinus Sapiens is that emotion can be read the same as it can with a cat.  Serena could see his interest was piqued when his tail started to twitch and his ears moved forward.  It was also a little weird to watch.

 "Go on," he said, sitting up and offering her a seat next to him.  She sighed and went to sit next to him.

"In the dream, there were two people," she said, "A girl and boy that I had never seen before.  They were in a field of flowers.  One of them…"

 "Looked exactly like you," they both said at the same time.  Then, also at the same time, they both asked, "What?"

 "The girl, Rina, she looked exactly like you," Ran said.

 "How did you know her name?" Serena said, "She was in my dream."

 "I had the same dream," he said, "The boy Ayino and the girl Rina.  In the flowers and Rina wants to make a wreath for another woman, Sharondia."

 "Yes," Serena nodded vigorously, "You've had the same dream?  Do you know what it means?"  She looked up at him hopefully.

 "Yes," Ran said reluctantly, "But what do you mean I was in your dream?  I wasn't in there when I had it."

 "Ayino," Serena said, "If you took away the ears and the tail, altered some things on his face…  Can’t you see?"

 "Hmmm," Ran looked at the ground thoughtfully, "You’re right.  It never occurred to me.  But like you I was watching them. I do kind of look like him.  But that's impossible.  Unless…"

 "Unless what?" she asked.

 "It’s not possible," he shook his head, "As far as I know I don’t have that big of a role in this prophecy."  As soon as he said it he looked like he hadn't wanted to.

 "What?" Serena was getting confused, "What prophecy?  What role do you have?  Tell me."  She gave him a strange look.

 Ran looked down at her a little fearfully.  What was he supposed to tell her?  "I have to go," he said, and stood up, then ran off into the forest.

 "Ran, wait!" she cried, turning around, but knew she couldn’t catch up with him.  She slammed her fist against the dirt.  She closed her eyes and felt tears start to bloom there.

 All she wanted to do was understand.  She didn't know why but for some reason, both Ran and the dream were upsetting her more than she could ever remember being.  And Ran might have known why and all he did was run away.

 "Serena?"

 She gasped and turned around.  "Charlie?"  Then she blushed, brushing tears away.  Charlie stood in front of her, hands in his pockets.

 "Why are you crying?" he asked, a little taken aback.

 She turned away with a sniff.  She didn’t want Charlie to see her cry.  He sat down next to her.  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, handing it to her and looking away like a gentlemen.

 "Something you want to talk about?" he asked her, pretending not to notice as another tear rolled down her cheek.

She took the handkerchief and wiped her eyes.  "No."

 "Are you sure?" he asked.

 Serena gripped the handkerchief tightly.  Suddenly she burst out into sobs and wrapped her arms round Charlie’s neck.  Charlie was surprised.

 "Why can’t I be like everyone else?  Why should this matter to me?  Why can’t I be like Rei or Rais or Amy?  Why do I have to care so much?"

 "Why shouldn’t you?" Charlie asked.  He could feel his shoulder dampening because of her tears, but he didn’t mind.

 "Then I wouldn’t do this to myself," she sobbed, "Then I wouldn’t worry about the who, what, when, where, and why.  Then I wouldn’t care whether or not that stupid cat boy liked me or not.  I wouldn’t care that I’m having these stupid dreams that I can’t explain."

 She continued to sob and Charlie, slowly but surely, placed a hand on the back of her head, comforting her.

 "You know, some things have happened to Rei to make her the way she is," Charlie pulled her a little closer.  Poor child. "She was forced to grow up very fast.  She lost the innocence of childhood about when she was five.  Amy too.  She was always alone when she was younger because her parents were too rich to bother with their only daughter.  And Rais lost his parents to a fire and was placed under Creton’s care until he joined with us.  What about Lita, Mina, and Hotaru?  They care.  Even Rei, Rais, and Amy care.  They just don’t show it as well as you do."

 "You too?" she asked, still leaning against him, "Do you care?"

 "Would I be here if I didn’t?" he asked.  She nodded.  She had stopped sobbing but the tears still ran silently down her cheeks.  She had her forehead pressed against Charlie's chest, feeling miserable.

 "Sometimes I think Rei wishes she could be more like you," Charlie admitted to her, "Wishes she could care more.  Not everyone can have a pure heart like yours Serena, and that includes Rei.  Her heart is tainted from death and destruction.  And she sometimes wishes it wasn’t."

 Serena didn’t say anything.  She just leaned against him and they sat there for awhile.  Finally Charlie told her that dinner was going to be on the table soon.  So they stood up and went back to the castle.

 Ran left as quickly as he could before he ended up believing that he was Ayino.  It wasn’t possible.  He ran down the path, and when he was sure she hadn’t followed him, stopped and caught his breath by a tree.

 There was no way he was Ayino.  It wasn’t possible.  He didn’t have a part in the prophecy.  Wouldn’t he be down there with them if he did?

 "I think you broke her heart."

 Ran looked up and saw Omi standing in front of him.

 "What?  Is she okay?"

 "She’s in tears, Ran."

 "Oh well," they heard, "She’ll get over it.  Ran almost gave too much away."  They looked over and saw Donavan over to the side, leaning against a tree.

 "Shut up Donavan!" Omi growled, "A girl’s heart isn’t to be played with!  Don’t you have any sympathy for the poor girl?"

 "No," Donavan snorted, "My job is to let them know of their roles in the prophecy and leave.  And I do so willingly.  But afterwards, it’s my own life I’m going to worry about."

 Omi scowled at him.  Ran just leaned against the tree.  He had known Donavan long before Omi had.  He was used to his pessimistic outlook, but he was very wrong about Serena.  And he wished he didn’t have to do that.

 "Guys, is it possible that we have a bigger role in this than we thought?" he asked them.  Omi stared at him a little wide eyed.

 "No," Donavan said immediately, "We are the messengers.  We have to convince them of the truth of the prophecy then get out."

 "How much did you guys see?" Ran asked of his conversation with Serena.

 "Just the end," Donavan yawned.

 "Everything," Omi mouthed behind Donavan's back.  Ran gave a nod. Donavan rolled his eyes.  He knew Ran and Omi went behind his back.  He wasn't stupid.

 "Come on, let’s go," Ran said, "Omi come with me, my spy work isn’t over yet and I want some company."

 "I’m going to take a nap," Donavan waved them away and walked back towards HQ.  When they were alone, Ran turned to Omi.

 "In the dreams, have you dreamed of all of them yet?" Ran asked.

 "Everyone but Mina and Rei, why?"

 "So you’ve seen the sequence with Rina and Ayino?" he asked him, grabbing his shoulders.  Omi looked down at his hands and blinked.

 "Yes, a few times actually," Omi said, "What’s this about?"

 "Do you remember what Ayino looks like?" Ran asked and Omi nodded, "Do you think he looks like me?"

 Omi stared for a minute and a realization came over his face.  "My God, he does!  I never considered it before, but now…"

 Ran let go of Omi.  "Do you think it’s just coincidence?"

 Omi wanted to say no.  They were too much alike.  He could have never placed it had it not been mentioned, but now that he saw it, he was almost sure.  Instead he said, "Probably.  We know our roles."

 "You’re right," Ran nodded.  "We do know our roles.  And Donavan is also right.  We aren’t here to entertain these girls.  We’re here to inform them."

 He walked back towards the castle.  Omi could see he didn’t believe what he had just said.  Perhaps Omi saw more than he did.  And now he was determined to find out whether it was a coincidence or not.

 That’s how he had found them.  The dreams.  The dreams that meant he was a messenger and was there to deliver the prophecy.  Or was he?  Is that all he was supposed to do?  There had to be more.  He thought so when he had first joined them and he believed it now.  Not just Ran was involved; he had a gut feeling that said he was too.  He was more than just the messenger in this little escapade.

 And now Serena had started having the dreams.  That didn’t make her the messenger.  In fact, they had already tied her completely with Rina.

 But why her?  Why was she having the dreams?  Was anyone else?

 Well, of course, Rei probably was, but psychics always dream meaningless things about the past and future.  She passed it off as another dream with no meaning.  But the none-clairvoyant members, did they have the dreams?

 He wanted to know and for Ran’s sake he was going to find out.

 "My lady, I have another plan that will..."

 "Creton, I grow weary of your plans…"

 Creton stopped talking and listened to the voice coming from the orb of light.  It hovered in front of him.

 "I have a plan of my own," it said, "Meet my warriors."  Suddenly, in the darkness of the throne room, several shapes appeared.  They stood around the edge of the throne room, lined up.  "Your warriors are not powerful enough to destroy those SOL people.  It is very important that they are destroyed, and your warriors can’t do it."

 Creton said nothing.  Instead he stared around at the creatures and people in his throne.  He could feel the power they gave off.

 "Serandon!"

 "My lady?"

 One of them stepped forward.  Creton blinked.  It was nothing but a small girl.  She had a large braid going down her back and pointed ears.  Her large green eyes showed hard evil, but she was still only a child.

 "My lady, this girl..." Creton started, very much disturbed by this choice.

 "Silence, Creton," the voice said, "This girl is no girl at all and is almost as strong as you.  She will be able to destroy those girls."

 "I will not question your judgement, my lady."

 "Good," she said, "I will leave the rest up to you, Creton."  With that the light disappeared.  Serandon smiled up at him.

 "Go find the SOL members.  Destroy them.  If possible, bring the Princess here."

 "Okay!" she smiled then disappeared.

 Creton watched her go.  The warriors of his lady still lined the walls, but he did not feel disturbed by this.  He now had better soldiers to use in his war with the Princess.  It was his lady’s wish that they die, and they would.

* * * * *

 Serena found she wasn’t hungry, but she ate a little bit of her dinner.  Everyone noticed but said nothing.  After awhile she excused herself from the table and walked out.  Everyone watched but only one of them stood up.  Rei pushed her plate away and marched out of the room.

 "What’s wrong with Serena?" Amy asked.

 "Yeah," Lita said, "I’m really worried."

 "Maybe Rei will find out," Hotaru shifted a little and continued eating.

 Rei stomped down the hall after Serena.  "Hey, wait up!" she called and Serena turned around and stopped.  "Okay, what’s wrong French-fry?"

 "What?" she asked.

 "You didn’t touch your breakfast, didn’t even bother to show up at lunch and you take two bites if your dinner and leave," she said, "I know something is up."

 "Nothing’s wrong, Rei," Serena shook her head.

 "Don’t tell me nothing when there’s something," Rei folded her arms across her chest, "You know, you get a wrinkle everytime time you lie."

 "You wouldn’t understand," Serena snapped.

 "Wouldn’t I?" Rei asked.

 "No," Serena continued to walk away.  Rei stepped in front of her.

 "Tell me," she said.

 "No," Serena said and walked around her.

 "It’s about cat boy isn’t it?" Rei said as Serena walked away.   Serena turned around and stared at Rei who was smirking at her.

 "You!" Serena cried, "You’ve been sneaking around in my dreams haven’t you!"

 "It was a pretty interesting dream," Rei smiled innocently.

 "Rei, that’s not nice!  It’s none of your business what I dream!  I can’t believe you would..." Serena started in.

 "Can it, Serena," Rei said, "It was an interesting dream.  What does it mean, or do you know?  Or is that what’s bothering you?"

 Serena was afraid she would start to cry again so she didn’t say anything.

"Serena, talk to me," Rei's voice softened, "The way to make it better is to try to fix it.  And I don’t think you can fix it alone."

 "Leave me alone!" Serena burst out and ran down the stairs.  She was out the door before Rei could say anything.

 "Serena…" Rei said and hung her head.

Serena ran out, unsure of where she was going.  After a few moments she realized that she was in the forest.  She closed her eyes and ran harder.

 Then she ran straight into something.  It was a person, she could tell because their arms instantly flew up when she ran into them.  Though they took a step back, they weren’t knocked over.

 "Whoa, Doll, where’d you come from?"

 She looked up and saw Ran.  His ears were hung a little low.  He looked at her face with worry.  "Something bugging you, Serena?"

 She started to cry again into his arms then tore away, hitting his chest weakly once and stepping back.  Tears were flying down her face.  He reached out towards her and gently took hold of her arm.  "Let me go!  Don’t touch me!"

 "Whoa!" he immediately let go of her.  She turned her back to him and stood, trying not to cry.  Ran watched for a moment.  "Don’t cry," he said suddenly, "You're breaking my heart.  I can’t to see such a pretty Doll like you cry."

 She stopped and looked at him.

 "There," he smiled, "Much better."  He took a moment to think and then said, "Can I show you something Serena?"

 "What?" she asked.

 "A place," he said, "I was going to keep it a secret, but some things are meant to be shared.  Please come?"

 She smiled a little and let him lead her.  He took her hand and immediately plunged into the forest.  It was already dark outside and the forest was spooky at night.  She found herself getting closer to Ran.  He just smiled and walked through the forest without fear.

 "Stay here," he said stopping.  He looked around for a moment then found what he was looking for.  "Okay, now come here."

 He grabbed her wrist gently and lead her over to where two trees touched, making the shape of a heart.  Serena took a sharp intake of breath when she saw what was inside that little heart.  It was a little lake.

 "Come on, want a closer look?" he asked and led her under the branches, "You can only see or get in here by those two trees.  It’s beautiful isn’t it?"

 Serena could only nod.  The lake was shimmering in the moonlight and she could see the crescent moon scattering inside the water.  The grass was tall around the lake and there was a lush green area around the edge where there were no trees.  At night it was gorgeous.  Fairies flew around the lake slowly, casting their light, taking away the fear from the darkness and turning it into something else.

 Ran walked down towards the lake.  A few of the fairies scattered, then went back to business.  He sat down at the edge and she went with him.

 "This is where I come when I think," he told her, "No one else knows about it except Omi, and it’s creator if they're still alive."

 ‘How did you find it?" Serena asked.

 "I wonder out in the forest a lot when I want to think or when I'm... you know, lonely.  One night I just stumbled across it.  I showed it to Omi but I haven't shown anyone else.  Till now I guess.  I think someone created it.  The water in that lake is deep."

"Is it swimmable?" Serena asked.

 "Only for those who are strong swimmers," Ran warned, "Like I said, it goes very deep.  If you aren’t a good swimmer, you would sink right to the bottom."

 "Oh.  I'm not a very good swimmer."

 They were silent a moment, admiring the silent beauty of the lake.  Serena stared at its rippling black waters.

 "Ran, about this prophecy…"

 "Shh," was all he said and leaned forward.  He kissed her very softly on the lips.  She closed her eyes and found she kissed him back.  When they pulled away they both stared at each other.  Serena was about to say something when they suddenly heard a loud crash.

 Both of them whirled at the break of the silence and the fairies all scattered.  Standing in the heart shaped arch was a small girl.

 "A little girl?" Serena asked.  She started to stand up and walk towards her, but Ran grabbed her wrist firmly.

 "Hold on," Ran said, "Something doesn’t feel right about her."

 "She’s a little girl," Serena said, "She’s probably just lost."  The girl just stared at them and smiled.

 "The fairies," Ran hissed, "They all left when she came.  Fairies are the only creatures that can sense good from evil."

 "Maybe they were frightened by the noise," Serena said, but now she wasn’t so sure.  She looked at the girl, who only stood smiling.  "Or maybe you’re right."

 "Who are you?" Ran asked the girl.

 "My name is Serandon, what’s yours?" she asked.

 Neither answered.  "What do you want?" Serena asked her.  She smiled even wider.  She disappeared all at once and reappeared in front of Serena.

 "You!"

 Serena let out a scream and jumped backwards.  Before she could catch her balance, she was falling backwards.  She felt cold water swallow her.  She found that the lake went straight down.  She struggled to get back to edge but Serandon fired a wind spell that shoved her in the middle of the lake.

 "Serena!" Ran cried and tried to go in after her.  He was thrown back, away from Serena.  He looked up and saw Serandon staring down at him.  He did a flip and stood up, his tail arched behind him.

 "Nuh uh uh," Serandon smiled.

 Serena tried to stay above the water but she could feel her arms weakening.

 Ran gave an uneasy look in her direction.  He started towards her again, but was tossed back by Serandon.  She was suddenly in front of him and kicked him in the chin.  As small as she was, the kick was powerful.  But how was he supposed to fight a small girl?

 "Ran!" Serena cried.

 "Serena!" he cried, then glared at Serandon.  He was suddenly up and tackled Serandon.  Then he flew towards the lake.  The small girl shot him down before he could get there.  She didn’t smile any longer.

 Ran started to stand up, but Serandon was right on top of him.

 Serena felt her arms lose their strength and slipped down.  She reached her hand out, but it too slipped under the water with her.  She fell steadily down into the lake.

 "Serena!!" Ran called.

 "I don’t think I like you," Serandon said, the smiled, "Serandon will kill you!"  She held up a hand.  A huge orb grew and Ran covered his head.

The blast hit him and drove him into the ground.  He looked up at the girl and she was making another.

 "Stop!" Ran called, "I have to get to Serena!"

 Serandon’s orb disappeared as she stared at the lake.  Ran tried to move, but he found his arms were locked into place on the ground.  He pulled harder.

 Serandon looked back at him and smiled.  "Your friend is probably already dead."

 Ran glared up at the little girl.  He fought harder to break free.  Serandon didn’t mind.  She just began to create another blast.

 Serena floated down.  All at once, her eyes shot open.  They glowed brightly.  She didn’t move, but she was suddenly going back up and out of the water.  As she broke the surface, the water rippled away from her.

 Serandon looked up and saw her.  The energy ball was forgotten for a moment as she stared.  Serena stared directly into her eyes.

 "What’s going on?" the girl asked.

 No answer.  Serena opened her arms and the water flew away from her.  A clear orb appeared between her hands.  It sparkled brightly.  The water started to rush to the sides of the lake.  Serena stared at Serandon.

 "Who are you!?" Serandon cried.

 Still Serena didn’t answer.  Instead she burst into a blinding light.  A large blast burst forth and suddenly ran could move.  He covered his head as the attack went right over him. It hit Serandon and she flew back and paused.  Her entire body had turned into a statue.  Then it crumbled down into dust and blew away.

 Ran pulled himself out of the hole and gasped.  Floating above the lake was Serena.  She gave off a brilliant light and Ran had to partially cover his eyes.

 Then the light faded and Serena’s eyes closed.  She began to fall.  Ran gasped again and ran forward.  She hit the water and he dove in after her.  The water stung his eyes but he ignored it.  He looked through the water for her but couldn't see her.  He swam deeper, shoving forward.  He kept his eyes open and saw her sinking.  He rushed to her.  He grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him.  His lungs started to burn but he ignored it.  He pulled her up out of the lake.  He tried to breathe as he dragged her over to the ledge.

 "Here, give her to me!"

 He heaved Serena up and Omi, who was standing at the edge of the lake, pulled her to shore.  Then Ran managed to heave himself over the edge and lay down, trying to catch his breath.  Omi turned Serena on her side and she coughed.  She was okay.

 "Are you okay?" Omi asked, "I couldn’t find you so I came here.  The next thing I know, Serena fell into the lake and you jumped in after her."

 Ran nodded, but was too busy trying to catch his breath.  Finally he sat up and looked over at Serena.

 "She’s fine," Omi told him, "What happened?"

 "Let’s get her back to the castle before her friends start to worry," Ran said, "Then I’ll explain it."
 He stood up and picked up Serena.  Omi followed.

 "Serena!  Serena where are you?"

 It had gotten so late that the SOL had gone to search for Serena.  Rei seemed really worried.  Charlie pressed through the forest, calling her name.

 "Serena!"

 Where was she?  He hoped nothing had happened, but what could have?  Well, there were only so many things, he supposed and hurried his search.  She was probably just upset.  After all, she had been having problems with that cat man and dreams.  Charlie knew that much at least from what she had told him when he had checked on her that day.

 "Serena!"

 He thought he heard a sound to his right and turned in that direction.  He stared into the darkness.  In his hand he created a light spell and stared deeper into the forest.

 "Serena?"

 He stepped forward, then immediately stepped back.  It was like out of nowhere, Ran stepped out, followed by Omi.

 "What--?" he said and saw Serena unconscious in Ran’s arms, "Serena?’

 Ran looked at Charlie for a moment, a little surprised.  Charlie noticed that he was soaking wet, as was Serena.  Ran turned to him.  "Here."  He held forward Serena.  Charlie gave him a suspicious glance and took her from him.

 "What happened?" Charlie asked Ran, but Ran didn’t answer.

 "Ask her when she wakes up," Ran said, "Take care of her, okay?"  He took a step back.  Omi sat silently behind him.  Then they were both walking away.  Charlie looked down at the unconscious girl in his arms.

 Charlie carried Serena out to the path.  As he stepped out he saw Rais carrying a torch.  "Charlie?  Serena?" he asked.

 "Take her," Charlie growled, "I have something I need to do."  He took the torch from Rais and turned back around.

 He gave Serena to Rais who watched him leave confused.  Rais sighed, then made his way back to the castle.

 Charlie walked down the path very quickly.  He accidentally dropped the torch, causing it to go our, but he left it there.  He made his way under tree branches and over limbs, getting farther and farther down the path.  Eventually he saw two figures walking in front of him.

 He knew exactly who it was.

 "Ran!" he yelled and made his way towards him.

 Whatever Ran had expected Charlie to do, this wasn’t it.  He stared as Charlie marched forward.  He let out a small cry as Charlie grabbed him by his tie, unsure of how he should react.

 "Listen," he said, "I’m not sure what kind of game you are playing, but don’t you dare break that girl’s heart, got me?"

 Ran stared for a moment then let out a small feline growl.  "I’m not playing a game," Ran said, "What are you talking about?"  Omi saw Ran's tail get a little larger.

 "Serena has an innocence that should stay where it is for a long time now, and if you make her lose that, I swear to God…"

 Ran grabbed Charlie’s shirt in response.

 "I’m not trying to break her heart!" Ran growled, "I know better than that!  Quit accusing me of things that...!"

 "Both of you stop!" Omi pushed them apart.  They were both taller than he was, but that didn’t bother him.  "You are allies, not enemies!  Now lay off each other."

 "I’ll treat you as an ally when I have proof that you are," Charlie told them both, "So far all I’ve seen is some cheap tricks and maybe a little bit of help from you guys."

 "Isn’t that all you need is help?" Omi asked, "Why would we help you at all if we aren’t your allies?  That’s just it, we’re trying to help you!"

 "Then stop hurting us," Charlie said, giving Ran a pointed glance, and turned around, walking away.  Ran growled and began after him, but Omi grabbed him from behind.

 "Don’t Ran!" Omi said, "That’s not going to help."

 "I’ll say.  You have a better control on your temper than I do, Ran.  Are you gonna let him talk to you like that?  Go for the nose!"

"Shut up, Donavan," Ran muttered, casting a sideways look at Donavan, who was stretched out on a tree limb.  No telling how long he had been there.

 "He did it because he’s looking out for Serena," Omi told Ran, ignoring Donavan, who sat up in his tree, watching the goings on, "If he had known what happened…"

 "Who does he think he is, her boyfriend?" Ran growled and turned around.

 "You don’t know that he’s not," Omi reminded.  Ran stopped, then kept walking, his tail flicking furiously back and forth and his ears laid straight back.  Omi sighed and followed him.  Donavan watched them both leave, then jumped off of the tree and followed.

 "Rei, I don’t trust him."

"Oh please," Rei rolled her eyes, "I know he hasn’t been completely honest with us, but I also think he’s got a secret to keep.  He hasn’t ever shown anything but kindness to us."

 "What do you call what he did to Serena?" Charlie asked her, getting angry.  She was lying on a couch in the lounge with a book across her stomach.  Charlie was standing over her as though pleading a case,

 Rei stared at him.  She'd never seen him act like this before.  "Saving her life, what do you call it Charlie?"

 "He’s tearing her apart," Charlie told her, his voice softening a little, "And he doesn’t even care."  He sat down hard on the couch.

 "Hmm," Rei smiled, "If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were jealous."  She grinned even wider as a small blush crossed his face.

 "I’m not jealous," Charlie muttered,  "I’m worried about Serena, that’s all."

 "Yes, yes," Rei nodded, "Because you’re jealous.  Look, I don’t think Ran is meaning to do anything to wrong Serena.  If he is, well, that’s how things like that work sometimes.  It’s nice of you to try and spare Serena that, but what she feels is what she feels.  By telling Ran to stay away from her you only make it worse."

  Charlie said nothing.

 "Look, Charlie," she sat down next to him, "Serena is a big girl, she can take care of herself.  I think we should be more worried about these dreams she’s having."

 "Yeah, I remembered she mentioned something about dreams," Charlie said.

 "We all have been, except you," Rei said, "I’ve had similar dreams too.  Serena is the only one who remembers having them though, except me, but I didn’t notice it at first."

 "So what makes her special?" Charlie asked.

 "We may find that out sooner than you think," Rei stood up, "There’s something between her and Ran that I haven’t figured out yet…"

 Charlie growled, stood up and walked out.  Rei laughed and called, "You know you’re jealous, Charles von Reese!"

 He tried not to listen.

Chapter 18