The Adventures of the SOL

 Hotaru Hrang heard the attack before she saw it.  She made a sharp half turn and jumped over the huge orb of light.  She ran forward and knocked over the huge demon that had fired it.  She had turned herself into a large tiger and was fighting fiercely.  As soon as she had knocked over the demon Serena held up her scepter and blasted it in the face.

 The demon gave a loud growl and turned into a pile of dust.

 "Yay, 'Taru!" Amy called.

 Hotaru grinned as she turned back into a human girl and smiled.  "Thank you, thank you."  She walked proudly to where the rest of her friends were standing.

 "That was an excellent save!" Mina complimented her, "I thought you had really gotten it but your reflexes are better than I thought."

 "Yeah, you sure showed him," Rais socked her on the shoulder.

 "Yes, yes," Hotaru waved them away as though it was nothing, "No one can take on the mighty shapeshifter."  Hotaru walked with her chest puffed out towards the castle.  Everyone looked at each other and shrugged.  They followed her towards the castle.

 "Um, you know 'Taru," Rei began, "Those who accept defeat graciously are humble, those who accept winning graciously are true sportsmen."

 "Yeah, yeah," Hotaru cast her a moment's glare, "So what about that tackle?  One of my best, don't you think?  Of course Serena helped a little."

 Charlie stepped over to stand beside Rei.  They looked at each other with looks that both said the same thing.

 "Let her have her moment," Charlie said.

 "Doesn't she know that modesty is the best policy?" Rei frowned.

 "Actually I think its honesty is the best policy," Charlie smiled, "If you think about it modesty and honesty are opposites."

 "Well, either way, the girls shouldn't brag on her so much, it's going right to her head," Rei said, pointing to her own, "Hotaru can be a nice girl but not the kind who should know that."  Just then Serena fell in step next to Rei with a sigh.  She held her scepter in both hands.  Rei took a cautious step back from it.  It was apt to explode on her sometimes.

 "What’s wrong?" Rei asked Serena who gave a petite sigh again.

 "Hotaru did real good, huh?" she asked in a small voice.  Rei smirked.  Serena could get attention when she craved it.

 "Yeah, I thought you were pretty awesome back there too though," Charlie told her, trying to sound encouraging.

 "Really?" Serena asked and both Charlie and Rei nodded.  Serena smiled and walked a little ahead of them.

 "She saves the day a lot because she is one of our strongest fighters," Rei went on, "But… Well, I don't mind that she brags but she's taking all the credit whether she means to or not and I don't need her to be cocky."

 "Let it go, Rei," Charlie smirked, "One of these days you'll realize that you can't save everybody.  Let some people figure out things for themselves."

 "Yeah Rei, or should I say Princess Nosey?" Lita smiled down at her from a tree branch.  Rei glared up and shot an attack at the branch she was on, causing her to have to jump to the next one.

 "Eavesdropper!" Rei scowled.

 "I didn't drop a single eave.  If I had it would have fallen right on you're head," Lita giggled and jumped the branches, headed for the castle.

 "And you call me nosey!" Rei called after her.

 "No, I call you Rei," she called back.

 "Humph," Rei said and crossed her arms, looking extremely annoyed, "You know, these girls need to learn that a Princess is to be respected."

 "Uh huh," Charlie nodded.

 "I mean, they never listen to me," Rei went on.

 "Uh huh," Charlie said.

 "Even some of the best, like Mina, never listen to me," Rei said giving him a sideways glance, "Do they?"

 "Uh huh."

 "They think that if they say uh huh after everything I say that I believe that they're listening," Rei continued.

 "Uh huh," Charlie nodded.

 Rei squinted at him and shoved him off the path.  Charlie stumbled but caught his balance on a tree.  With a small laugh he called from behind her, "I'm sorry, did you say something?"

 "Rei," Mina called from behind her and she sighed and waited, "This unexpected battle has put us behind schedule."

 "Mina, where exactly are you keeping that clip board?" Rei asked as Mina skimmed over the lists attached to her orange clipboard.

 "Nevermind that," Mina scolded, "We can't let attacks like this pull us behind schedule.  Now, if you don't mind..."  From in front of them Hotaru's proud grin faded as everyone's minds turned to other things besides her triumph in battle.

 "So," she said to Amy who was walking next to her, "What'd you think of today's battle?"  Hotaru smiled proudly again.

 "Um, it was a battle alright," Amy said and smiled slyly in her direction.  Amy knew what it was she was after.

 "Gee, that was informative," Hotaru poked her a little bit, "No I mean the way I dodged that orb and flew over to him."

 "I believe it was Rais who told you that the attack was behind you," Amy said raising an eyebrow,"So I don't think it's much of a dodge..."

 "Yeah, but I heard it even before he said anything," Hotaru passed it off, "I mean after all, I have lightning reflexes."

 "You know 'Taru, giving credit to others isn't a sin," Amy smiled a little, "I think it's actually considered a good deed."

 "Hmm," Hotaru stared, "I'll chuck that away, thanks Amy."  With that she moved ahead, looking annoyed now that everyone was forgetting the battle.

 "Anytime, 'Taru," Amy called.

 As they approached the castle Lita ran next to Hotaru.  "Rei's talking about you," she snitched.  Hotaru raised an eyebrow.

 "Oh really?" Hotaru asked, striking a dramatic pose, "Wondering if she should knight me?  Make me captain of the guard?"

 "Not exactly," Lita said.

 "Then what?" Hotaru asked a little surprised.

 "I dunno," Lita said ominously.

 "Lita, you can’t start to tell me something then hold back," Hotaru growled, pointing a finger into her face, "That's breaking some sort of rule I'm sure."

 "Wanna bet?"

 "If you don't tell me…"

 "Oh, a threat?" Lita asked smiling, "I was going to tell you but now I don't think I will."  With that she walked into the castle.

 "Nosey Amazon!" Hotaru yelled.

 "Pompous shapeshifter," came the reply and Hotaru ran after Lita.

 "No name calling!" Mina called as she walked in after them.  She was marking things down on her clipboard carefully.

 "Yes, person," Amy said from behind her.

 "I have a name," Mina reminded her.

 "You said no name calling," Amy shrugged, receiving a dirty look from Mina, who flipped her hair at her and went back to work.

 "That Charlie, not listening to me," Rei fumed as she walked in talking to Rais.

 "Uh huh," he replied.

 "I mean, I'm a Princess, I'm supposed to be heard."

 "Uh huh."

 "Are you listening?"

 "Uh huh."

 "Rais!"

 "So Charlie," Serena was saying, moving closer to him, "Since I did such a wonderful job maybe you should take me to dinner."

 "No," Charlie replied.

 "Aw Charlie..."

 "Disgusting creatures."

 "Yes, I agree, My Lady," Creton nodded.

 "Why haven’t they been taken care of?" came the angry reply.  Creton winced as the light grew brighter and turned to a reddish tint.

 "They will be My Lady, but you underestimate their power…"

 "Maybe I underestimated yours," she growled, "I can take away the power that I have given you Creton.  If I didn't need your knowledge of the enemy I would not keep you around, but unfortunately my best overlords are dead.  You and Set are all I have left to bring me my power.  Do not fail me."

 "Yes, My Lady," Creton nodded.

 The light disappeared leaving Creton standing alone in the throne room of Evilopolis.  He placed a hand forward in thought.

 "Still brooding?" he heard and turned to the door.

 "Set," Creton smiled viciously, "What a pleasant surprise."

 "I'm sure," Set replied, "No answer to the destruction of the chosen ones?"

 "Any advances in gaining the child?" Creton asked in turn and Set simply smiled.  "What do you want, Set?"

 "Nothing, just wanted to see my fellow overlord," Set replied, "Is that so hard to believe, Creton?"

 "I find it just so," Creton replied darkly, "Since I doubt you are the type who drops by to say hi without getting something in return."

 "You make it sound as if you are any better," Set looked him in the eyes and Creton was surprised to be reminded that no one had done that in a long time. "I happen to know otherwise.  Research was conducted, nemesis to Lawrence the Good."

 "So you know of that, who does not?" Creton asked indifferently, "If you have nothing else then I suggest you leave."

 "I shall return," Set said as he faded into the shadows and was gone.

 Hotaru's nickname 'Taru had been being used much more lately.  It was for the simple fact that Koty, who couldn't say Hotaru, called her nothing else.

 "Okay, Ho-Ta-Roo," Hotaru told him slowly.  Rei said to correct him in his language politely; it would be the only way to learn.  He was only five, after all.

 "Ah-Taru," Koty tried.  He was sitting on her knee and began to bounce up and down in frustration. "I can't say it 'Taru."
 "Sure you can," Hotaru encouraged him, "Ho."

 ''Oh," Koty said.

 "Say ha," Hotaru tried and Koty did it, "Now try saying hee."  He did it again, smiling to himself.  "Now say ho."

 "Ha-oh," Koty tried which for some odd reason sent Hotaru to laughing.  Koty smiled but didn't understand why she was laughing.

 "Nice try," Hotaru said, ruffling his hair, still laughing, "We'll try again later.  What do you wanna do?"  They were sitting in the lounge on the large couch.  No one else was around to help Hotaru teach Koty to pronounce her name now, but maybe later they would come up with something to help him.

 "Go Karts," Koty told her.

 "We've talked about this," Hotaru said sternly, "Didn't Rei said that you had to be about an inch taller than you to ride those Go Karts?"

 "But I wanna ride," Koty said, begging and whining at the same time.

 "Fraid not, Little Man."

 "Aww, come on, 'Taru!"

 "You've been hanging around Serena haven't you?" Hotaru asked, smiling fondly at him, "Your whining skills have increased ten fold."

 "Please?" Koty said and gave her a very watery-eyed look.  Hotaru stared him down, showing him that it wasn't working.

 "I have a little sister," Hotaru pointed out, "And trust me, she invented that look.  It won't work against me, I am immune."

 "Darn," Koty snapped his fingers, which didn't make a sound.  Hotaru looked over her shoulder at the clock on the fireplace mantel.  It read 7:30.  "It's almost time for your bedtime anyway.  And tonight's my go-to-sleep-early night."

 "You don't go to sleep early on any night," Koty accused.

 "Well, yes, I do it once a year and today is that day this year, okay?" Hotaru picked him up, "Come on."  She got him ready for bed and tucked him in just a little before eight.  She flipped the sign on the doorknob outside of his bedroom to show he was asleep and no one had to put him to bed.  It was a system they had worked out.  There were just too many people taking care of him to not have at least a small one.

 Hotaru went back downstairs and headed for the library after stopping at her own room to grab a book she had taken from it.  The librarian would be off duty by now but she was allowed to come and go as she pleased.  She went in and found Amy already there, digging through the books.

 "Hey Amy," Hotaru said and walked over next to her, placing her old book on the desk, "Looking for anything particular?"

 "Hey, 'Taru," Amy said, "And not really, just looking.  Rei's got a good collection.  I'm just looking through. What about you, what are you looking for?"

"Oh, was giving one back, looking for another," Hotaru said dismissively, then added, "Preferably one that is about a beautiful shapeshifter who saves the day all the time."

 Amy gave her a sideways glance.  "Um, you know, you don't save the day everytime," Amy pointed out, "I mean, sure, you did like a few times, but so has Rei, and so have I."

 "But no one else really does, do they?" Hotaru smiled.

 "Well, no, but let's not hold it against them," Amy said with an ironic smile on her face, "And it seems like Mina has at least once.  Rais has a couple of times before.  All I'm saying is, great, you've saved the day.  So what?  It's something you're suppose to do not a way to show off."

 "If you say so," Hotaru said with an eyebrow raised.

 Amy shook her head.  "Pride is a sin they say, Taru, and trust me, keep this up and you'll find out for yourself."

 "What?" Hotaru asked as Amy walked past with a book in her arms, "Figure out what?  Amy?"  She turned and Amy had already walked out the door.  "What's her problem?  You'd think something crawled up her butt and died."

 She then too left the library but didn't see Amy.  Hotaru didn't like it when someone started to tell her things and didn't finish.  She went to her bedroom and decided she would go to bed.  She fell asleep with a book on her chest.

 "I hear that she's a spoiled brat."

 "Yes, but she is a very powerful sorceress.  Second only to the Priestess Istris and Sharondia.  And the Queen of course."

 "But she's lived a sheltered life knowing nothing but what she desires."

 "The prince may have otherwise to say about that if she is to be recruited into the sacred warriors.  Or Sharondia, I doubt a woman like Sharondia would put up with that sort of thing."

 "Who are they talking about?" Hotaru murmured as she watched two men talk inside of a strange sparkling white throne room.

 "You'll want to be careful about talking about Princess Arista, she can get a little vengeful if I heard the rumors right."

 "Sometimes, gentlemen, rumors are simply as their stated, rumors," Hotaru heard and turned towards the empty thrones to see a dark and tall girl a little older than herself.  She wore a long white gown and was very pretty.  Her hair was a brownish black and braided in a million braids with little golden beads dotting it.

 "Forgive us, your highness," one of them nodded and bowed down to her.  She rolled her eyes and sat in one of the thrones.

 "Don't bother," the girl, who was Princess Arista, waved him off, "What is it you wanted?  I am a busy girl after all."

 "We have come to ask your assistance in the battle of light and dark," one of them said, "The prince and Sharondia were very insistent on having you."

 "Sharondia?" Arista asked, looking only a little interested, "The great warrior?  Do tell.  And what concern do I have in this battle?"

 They stared at her disbelieving for a moment and the other replied, "We all are involved one way or another in the battle of light and dark."

 "Not me," Arista leaned back with a broad smile, "I'm much to busy at it is.  Tell Sharondia that if she wants me she'll have to come and get me by herself."

 "Why would you…?"

"Silence," the Princess said, holding up a finger, "Tell her."

 "What a little snob," Hotaru sniffed, "I hope you can hear me you little snob!  You're being a little wench!  I hope something really nasty happens to you!"  Suddenly the room seemed to be melting.  When Hotaru could see properly again she saw that the room that had been pure white and sparkling was now in ruin.  The tapestries torn, the walls scorched, the only sign of life was Arista sitting on her throne with her knees pulled to her chest.  She had a far away look on her face.

 "Um, I didn't really mean it," Hotaru said quietly.

 "Your highness," they both heard and started.  A man in a hood stood behind Arista.  Arista let out a scream and began to attack the stranger.  He caught her wrists.  "Please, I have been sent by the prince to assist you in escape."

 "Leave me," Arista tore away from him, "Everyone here is dead.  I will be soon, also."

 "Then you shall have to pardon me," the man replied, "For I was given my orders."  He then promptly picked up the girl who gave out a squawk of indignation.

 "Put me down!  I'll stay here," she cried, "Understand me?  I want to stay here with my people!  Release me!"  Hotaru realized that she must have been weak because she did not struggle very hard.

 "Your people are dead, there is no reason for you to sacrifice yourself without a cause," he said and carried her out.  As he reached the door he put her down and took a step back.

 "Where do they all come from?" Arista asked and Hotaru ran over to see what they were looking at.  The man drew a sword.  In front of them stood two or three dark creatures who had no true shape.  They were all corners and edges with glowing eyes.  Their red stares penetrated the darkness.

 "Step back," the man said.

 He had his sword pointed at them and Arista took a step backwards.  The man began to swipe at the beasts.

 "Let us pass!" he yelled at them but instead they launched forward.  He swung at the first and cut it in half.   The second jumped and was speared.  Then a third launched itself from the darkness and went straight for Arista.

 Arista let out a cry and so did Hotaru.  She ran to shove Arista out of the way but suddenly everything went white.

 "Dangit Hotaru, wake up!"

 Hotaru sat up gasping for air.  "It was… a dream…"

 "Yeah and it was keeping me awake," Rais stood over her with his hands on his hips and a tired expression on his face.

 "Well, thank you Mr. Sensitivity," Hotaru snapped, "Don't you know you aren't suppose to be in another girls room?  Besides, Rei might be jealous."

 "What's that suppose to mean?" Rais asked, blushing in the dark, "And besides, I wouldn't have if you didn't talk so loudly in your sleep.  Besides, if it was a dream it sounded like one you needed to be woken up from it anyway."

 Hotaru let out a little puff of air and lay back down.  "Get out."

 "Yeah," Rais rolled his eyes, "You're welcome.  Ever since that tackle you think you're a princess or something…"

 Hotaru blinked.  "What did you say?"

 "Um, nothing, talking to myself," he muttered.  She sat up and looked at him.  He wished he hadn't said it.  Hotaru could get pretty nasty sometimes.

 "Have I really?" she asked.

 "A little, yes," he replied, pausing at the door, "I mean, good save, but it wasn't that great, and its not like you're invincible."

 "Oh, what do you know?" Hotaru said and pulled the covers over her head.  Rais sighed and went back to his own room.

 "Hotaru's had her dream," Omi said as soon as he walked in the door.

 "Really?" Donavan asked looking up from something he was reading.  "That leaves who?  That scrawny kid?"

 "His name is Rais and yes, that leaves he and Rei," Omi replied, "Though I somehow think Rei's had hers."

 "Since when are you on a first name basis with them?" Ran asked, looking a little amused.  He was lounging on a chair.

 Omi just shrugged.

 "You're getting too close to them," Donavan told him, "There's a good chance they could die as soon as they all have their dreams."

 "I doubt that," Ran cut in, "I've seen them fight.  Especially Rei, I mean, whoa.  But yes, it will be dangerous, Gov'ner, I wouldn't get too close."

 "And you call what you and Serena are not close?" Omi snapped causing Ran's face to turn bright red.

 "How would you know what Serena and I are?" Ran snapped back, "It's not like you were there when... You didn't?!"

 "Wouldn't you like to know?" Omi said and smiled smugly.

 "Little spy!" Ran snapped.

 "Shut up Ran, everyone knows," Donavan told him.

 "Everyone?" Ran asked his ears dropping a little.

 "I'm pretty sure everyone.  Charlie definitely knows," Omi nodded, "Got competition there Ran?  He's got a mysterious part to him doesn't he?  Makes him more appealing to the girls as I understand it."

 "Shut up Omi!" Ran yelled.

 "Cool it, hot head!" Donavan growled in irritation, "I'm trying to read."  He took a moment to glare at both of them.

 Ran and Omi looked at each other and shrugged.  "Walk with me," Ran nodded to Omi.  Omi raised and eyebrow and started to follow.  "Hot head, who's the real hot head around here?" Ran asked, annoyed.

 "On what subject?" Omi asked, smiling again, "Cause I mean he's bad, but I think if you mention Serena…"

 "Enough!" Ran shouted, "Anyway, something rather strange I've noticed is that lately the shapeshifter…"

 "Hotaru."

 "Whatever!  She's taking on the Arista attitude, you know?  She's cocky," Ran shrugged, "But she was never like this before.  Well not this bad anyway.  Do you think they're starting to act exactly like the people they dream of?"

 "Well, they all have something major in common with them, but are they becoming them?" Omi thought for a moment, "It's possible that it's having temporary side effects, but I don't think they can become them."

 "Maybe so," Ran nodded, "I mean, it's just so unusual for the… Hotaru to just go from mild bragging to all out arrogance."

 "Arrogance could be used to describe Arista," Omi nodded, "Well, until the effects of the dream fades we should keep a good eye on her.  Arrogant warriors die faster, or so I've heard."

 "Good idea," Ran smiled, "What would those Dolls do without me?"

 "Well everyone but Serena…Ahh!" Omi jumped as Ran lunged for him.  With a laugh he ran into the forest.

 "Come back here you little spy!" Ran yelled and went bounding after him.

Set stared as he gazed at an image of Koty.  Let Creton attempt to destroy the chosen ones.  Children were far easier to capture. He didn't know that he wanted to kill anyway.

 Set was prepared to make his first move.  The visit to Creton was to ensure that Creton would not attack when Set did.  Set was ready to take full credit for any damage he did to the chosen ones and Creton might have gotten in his way.

 Creton chose the subtle and mysterious.  Set found the hard to detect highly ineffective.  No, he would choose something better.

 "Hammer," he called and a large figure stepped up behind him.  Set didn't even turn around, "Go to Lizerton and find me the child.  Destroy anyone who tries to get in your way."

 The large figure smiled and disappeared.  Now all Set had to do was wait.  He sighed and sat back to do just that.

Hotaru knew something was wrong when she heard several screams in the market place.  She reacted instinctively and ran for the sound.  When she arrived she was a little surprised to see a very large demon walking through the market place towards Lizerton castle.

 "What?" Hotaru had to ask herself.  Was this the work of Creton?  They had never been so directly attacked.  Creton's methods were sneaky and hard to find.  This was just so abrupt it was shocking.  Hotaru frowned.  And she was alone.  Something told her she should run back to the castle and tell everyone else, but her pride was telling her she could do it alone.  She preferred to do things by herself anyway.

 "Hold it right there!" Hotaru said, running up behind the demon.

 The demon stopped and turned around slowly.  Hotaru knew he was big and very buff but he certainly didn't seem very bright.  He was maybe a good ten feet tall and maybe just as wide.  He had bat like wings like most of the demons, but they were so small compared to the rest of him they didn't do him a bit of good.

 "Where do you think you're going?" she asked, "I am a protector of Lizerton, did you know that?  Who do you think you're messing with here?"

 He cocked his head in confusion.

 "So I suggest you stop where you are and fight with me now and avoid a worse beating if you keep going," Hotaru nodded with a smile.  Her confidence wavered a little as he walked over to her.  Every step he took shook the ground and he stood a good five feet taller than Hotaru.

 He paused right in front of her and bent down to look at her face.  She frowned and was about to say something when he let out a huge roar.  She felt as though someone were firing several guns around her ears and the wind from his hot breath caused her hair to fly back.  When he stopped she stared.

 "That," she said, "is so gross!  Jeez, I think I have a thin film of spit on my face.  Do you realize how disgusting that is?"

 He stared again, not quite sure why that didn't work.  He then looked around to see several people watching in a circle around them.  Confused and a little bored he began to walk away.

 "Don't turn your back on me you over-grown gargoyle!" Hotaru called and he turned around, "You are exceptionally rude did you know that?  Think you can just stomp into our town and… Hey what are you doing!?"

 He lost his patience and decided that Hotaru wanted to fight so he picked her up by the back of her shirt.  He threw her and she skidded into a small tent knocking it down.  She blinked and sat up.  "That wasn't suppose to happen."  She looked up and saw an oversized hand coming towards her.  She started to stand up but it wrapped itself around her.  She gasped as she was lifted into the air.  The demon looked at her face to face.

 "You're so going to get it," Hotaru said in irritation.

 She started to change shape but she stopped abruptly.  He held her tightly and any form she assumed would only make her situation worse.  Anything bigger than she was would crush her, anything smaller would only make it so she couldn't go human again.

 The demon, satisfied that she had been had began to walk with her in his hand.

 "Put me down!" she protested, "When I get out of this you are so going to wish you had never been born."
He ignored her and made his way to the castle.  She grew angry and bit his hand.  He stared and gave her a squeeze.  She couldn't breath for a second and gasped.  When he lightened his grip she had to take a deep breath.  They approached the castle when suddenly Hotaru heard two voices and looked up.

 "Whoa, he's huge!" Hotaru heard and saw Ran.  Next to him was Omi.

 "Hey, are you alright?" Omi called to Hotaru.

 "Fine, just get me out of here so I can total this idiot!" she growled.

 "No problem," Ran said.  He got down and jumped.  Had he been human it would have been impossible but now he was able to jump onto the demon's shoulder.  The demon grunted and looked around.  Ran got to one ear and fired a small blast at it.  The demon growled and started to swat at Ran but the Felinus Sapien jumped aside and landed on the grass next to him.

 The demon swatted at Ran again but Ran was able to dodge easily.  Ran was just too fast for him.  Ran fired a blast and it was so close to Hotaru she could feel the energy tickle her face.

 "Watch it!" she cried.

 "Be careful Ran," Omi cried, "she is right there!"

 Ran sighed and began playing cat and mouse with the demon.  He was trying to find a weak point that he could get to but without hurting Hotaru.  The demon was becoming more and more angry with him and was turning full circles.  Omi watched apprehensively. Being human he didn't have anything near the agility that Ran possessed and could do nothing more than watch.

 Ran went across his shoulders and then ducked under the demon's legs.  The demon let out a roar and reached out for Ran who was unable to get out of the way.  He flew back and collided with the castle wall.

 Omi gasped and pulled out his cross bow aiming for the creature's head.  The Demon held Hotaru up as a shield and Omi hesitated.  He paid the price when the demon slammed a fatal blow over Omi who barely had time to move.

 "What is going on out here?" they all heard and turned to see Rei standing at the doorway of the castle.  She blinked at the site of the fight.  "Hotaru how did this happen?"

 "Rei, this isn't the time," Hotaru yelled at her, "I'll tell you all about it if you GET ME OUTTA HERE!"

 "Did I tell you about trying to fight alone?" Rei continued.

 "Rei!" Hotaru said sharply and Rei nodded to attention.

 "Oh yes, right," she smiled, looking up at the demon, "I'll warn you once.  Put her down before I have to do something mean."  The demon stared.  "You asked for it," Rei said and using some magic she lifted off and came down with a foot towards his face.  At the last minute he held Hotaru in front of the attack and Rei took an awkward moment to magically stop herself.  The result was that the spell failed and she dropped like a rock.

 "OW!" she growled, rubbing her tail bone, "That was so un-called for!"

 "You didn't expect him to be polite did you?" Omi said and helped her up. Rei gave him a brief distrusting glance but it was gone just as quickly.

 "Hotaru, change shape!" Rei growled.

 "I can't!" Hotaru growled back sounding just as feral.

 "What are we suppose to do?" Ran limped over to them.

 "He can't use her against all of us at the same time," Rei told them, "I say we spilt up and try to distract him from the other.  When we see the chance to attack we take it."

 "Good idea," Ran said and sprang into action.  The demon looked around himself trying to decide who he should deal with first but they had all gone in three different directions.  In the chaos it was Omi who ended up behind him.  He raised the cross bow and aimed for the base of the demon's neck, but just then he was attacking Rei, who gave the demon a mental shove backwards.  The ground shook causing Omi to fall backward and fire.  The arrow hit the demon in his back.

 The demon gave a roar and fell backwards, tossing Hotaru into the air.  She let out a scream as she flew several feet away.

 She closed her eyes as she neared the ground but was surprised when she fell into someone's arms.  She opened her eyes just in time to see a surprised Donavan Crossfire catch her and fall back.  She blinked at him and he blinked back.

 Meanwhile the demon was falling backwards and right on top of Omi.  Omi's eyes widened and in a last attempt at survival he covered his head.

 Nothing happened.

 "Go!" he heard and saw Rei holding her hands forward and supporting the demon with her powers.  He scrambled out of the way and Rei let go of the demon.  He hit the ground causing it to shake.  Just then all of the other SOL members came out of the castle.

 Hotaru and Donavan ran up to them and they watched the demon.

 The demon sat up slowly and looked around himself stupidly.  They all waited for him without a word to one another.  He sat up and everyone, without thinking, attacked all at once.  The demon was overwhelmed and flipped back shaking the ground so hard that everyone fell over.  They watched as the demon gave his last breath and piled into a large mound of ash, then looked at each other surprised.

 "That was close," Rei sighed, "Hotaru, what were you thinking!  I've told you not to go off on your own when it comes to these things."

 "Calm down Rei," Charlie said.

 "Calm down?!" Rei asked, "There was a giant demon at my front door and you want me to calm down?"
"Hmm, you've done better than expected," they heard and everyone turned to the dark haired man hovering above them, "I guess Creton does have problems with you."

 "Another one of Creton's demons?" Amy asked.

 "Ha!" Set laughed, "No, I am his better.  But we both work for the same person.  But our missions are a little different."

 "Work for someone?" Rais seemed confused, "Creton of Darkness works for no one."

 "You didn't know?" Set asked, raising an eyebrow, "I envy you for not having the displeasure of making her acquaintance.  You're chosen and you don't even know it."  Here he turned to Ran, Omi and Donavan.  "You know, though, don't you?  Of course, the prophets."

 They were silent.

 "Either way, it's all over now, I've come to do what my demon could not," Set told them, "So I suggest you move."

 "Move?" Rei asked, "You aren't here to kill us?"

 "You?  Oh no, I could care less about you, though it would please My lady.  I'm here for the child, killing you is just a perk."

 "Think again!" Hotaru snapped, "I've been manhandled enough!"  She began to change into a large dragon. Set made no move to stop her.

 "Agreed!" Amy said and held up two different stones.  A tall and thin purple dragon and a short red dragon both appeared.

 "Is this it?" Set asked.

 They all stared at each other.  Three dragons should have been more than enough.  Amy didn't think she could control anymore than that.  Amy called for the dragons to go forward and Hotaru joined them.  Set sighed, shaking his head, and threw his arms out, an invisible attack shooting the whole range.  All of the creatures gave a growl of pain.  The red dragon, Cocoa, recovered faster and lunged.  Set simply transported aside and Cocoa fell on impact.

 "I think we'll all have to give them what we got," Rei said and looked over at Mina.  Mina was staring at Set.

 "I've seen that man before," Mina said.

 "I know you have," Rei replied and Mina stared at her.

 Mina nodded and called forth TK.  TK ran into the fight.  Set had passed the dragon and was a little surprised to see the panther running at him.  TK fired some sort of blast from the jewel on his forehead and Set flew backwards.  He sat up and smirked.  The panther jumped again and Set held up a hand and attacked.  TK's jump landed him against the castle wall.

 Set plowed through the rest and flew right for the door to the castle.  Suddenly Rei tackled him from the side and they rolled down the hill.  Rei gave a growl as she tried to overpower him but he knocked her back and she flew backwards.

 He tried to make his way back to the castle.

 "He's just too strong!" Rais called.

 They all gathered at the front of the door blocking Set's passage.  Just then Charlie fired a blast at Set and he was surprised into stopping.  Charlie made a signal with his hands and fired a gray blast towards him.  Set was surprised as he started to fade.  It was a transport spell.

 "I'll be back," he snarled and disappeared.

 "Who was that?' Lita panted.

 "I'm not sure," Rei said, rubbing a hurt shoulder, "I'd say trouble.  I think he's even stronger than Creton."

 "That isn't possible is it?" Lita asked.

 "More possible than you would think," Rei said and cast a glance at Ran, Omi and Donavan, "I think there is something going on here that we should know about.  He said you three know, so what is it you know?"  They all grew nervous at Rei's confrontation.

"Until the cycle has taken its course, you may not understand what we have to tell you," Ran shook his head, looking truly sorry, "For now all we can do is lend a hand."

 "We don't need your hand," Serena said softly, "We need to know what's going on."

 Ran softened at Serena's words but kept his oath of silence, refusing to answer Rei's questions.  Although the SOL stared at them expectantly, they all, even Donavan, stood staring at the ground shame faced and unable to tell them the truth that they were slowly discovering for themselves.

 "In due time Princess," Donavan said making his voice strong, "You don't have much longer to wait and when the time comes I'll explain everything."

 "So what do you guys have to do with any of this anyway?" Hotaru jumped in but was shot down by a piercing glare from Rei, who was pretty mad at her.

 "We are the prophets," Omi said.

 "Some prophets," Amy mused.

 "You don't understand," Ran said helplessly, "We know what we are talking about.  You don't.  We cannot tell you."

 "We don't understand because you are holding back the information that helps us to understand," Charlie retorted.  Ran's face hardened at Charlie and the two locked themselves into a staring match.  Rei sighed and gave Charlie a glance.  He looked at her and turned away from Ran.

 "I expect answers soon," Rei said, "We have a right to know.  For now, though, I will let you continue on whatever cycle you're talking about and receive the answers later."

 "You know, just because you're a princess doesn't mean that we have to serve to your every whim," Donavan scowled, the added hatefully, "Your majesty."

 Rei started to walk forward but Rais quickly grabbed her, holding her back.  She took his meaning and without a word she turned and marched into her castle.  Everyone followed her and the three prophets left to their own home.

 Meanwhile Rei had other matters to attend to.  As soon as they had returned to the safety of the castle Rei faced Hotaru, not saying anything, but staring at her with her arms crossed and tapping her foot.  Hotaru didn't see any support from anyone else that was staring at her much the same way.

 "What?" she asked quietly.

 "If you don't know I'll have to hurt you," Rei told her quite simply and she winced.

 "Okay fine, I'm sorry for fighting by myself," she muttered, "Jeez, you'd think I wasn't suppose to be protecting Lizerton."

 "That isn't the point," Lita put in just as Rei was about to talk, "You not only risked your own life but the lives of those around you."

 "Thank you Lita," Rei frowned.

 "Oh, sorry," Lita blushed.

 "No, Lita's right," Amy started in, "What made you think you could take on a thing like that by yourself?  I mean he was huge!"

 "I dunno, I just did," Hotaru shrugged.

 "That isn't like you 'Taru," Serena said.

 She shrugged again and Rei sighed.  "Okay, fine, I'll let it go but try not to let it happen again," she smirked and her eye twinkled, "I am the princess not you."

 "Excuse me?" Hotaru asked.

 Rei walked off with a secret smile on her face.  Amy watched her with a frown on her own face and sighed.  "She knows what's going on a lot more than she lets on.  She rags on you for fighting alone but she still won't give us vital information when we need it."

 "Nobody's perfect," Mina sighed, "Especially Princess Rei."

 Hotaru just stared.  For the first time she had thought of it.  She had been acting like Arista.  Of course.  Rei was the princess, not her.  She understood.

 "She may be holding information," Hotaru smirked and turned to her room, "Or she may be giving it at the exact right pace."

 Everyone else watched her with confused looks but shrugged it off.  They all separated to tend to their own business as Hotaru made her way smugly to her room, her hands stuck casually in her pockets.

Chapter 22