The Adventures of the SOL

 Joe was a traveling hand for hire.  He had lost his parents at a young age and it was the only thing he could do for living.  He didn't really have a home or anything to go back to when he was having a bad time or anyone to talk to when it came to that.

 He sighed and kicked at the grass.

 He was somewhere between the towns of Maria and Riddle.  He had been all around the continent from the deserts of Cristo to the mountains of Sirocco and still this had to be the crummiest day of his life.

 It started with a little camp thief.  Some kid thought he was being funny by trying to steal Joe's scarce belongings in the middle of the night and had gotten away with some of his food and a book.  That made Joe particularly mad because he didn't get to read a new book very often and would probably never see that particular one again.  He'd managed to get over that.  Worse things had happened.

 Then when he got into Maria he was expecting ready work but there was hardly anyone in the town.  Maria was the town of Prophets and anyone who was left was raving on about 'the Dark Queen' and 'the defeat of the Chosen Ones.'  Whatever happened Joe couldn't make any sense of what it was so didn't bother.  Without a job though there was no money and no money meant no food.

 If that didn't make matters worse there were these strange beasts, all black with glowing eyes.  He had met them right outside of Maria.  There were four of them and they were easy to defeat, but one had got a lucky shot across his leg.  So with little supplies and no reading material, not to mention a hurt leg and bruised pride, he had left Maria hoping for work in Riddle.  Joe knew he was feeling sorry for himself without much conviction but he needed something to complain about.  Things had been worse.  No, he supposed what really bothered him was the dreading feeling that something bad was happening ever since he'd met up with those weird beasts.  He found a small lake and splashed water on his face.  No, this day couldn't get any worse.

 It was about that time that his day got a whole lot worse.  The last thing he ever expected was a girl falling from the sky.
 He heard her before he saw her, just the sound and presence of a person falling right above him.  He looked up and saw her and hardly had a split second before he had to step back and catch her.  The force at which he caught her knocked him to the ground.

 He blinked a couple of times, feeling dazed and confused.  Did a girl just now really and truly fall from the sky?  Didn't someone once say that women don't just come out of anywhere?  He shook his head and looked at the girl in his arms.  She was unconscious and her hair was blondish brown, almost striped.  It was pulled into two pigtails on either side of her head.

 So now he was sitting by a lake with few supplies, no reading material, a hurt leg, a bruised pride and an unconscious girl.

 "Why me?" he muttered and nearly considered leaving her there.  Let someone who had enough money to feed themselves take care of her.  He sighed.  He couldn't do that, what if he had fallen from the sky?  He wouldn't want to just be left sitting there.  He laid her on the ground and pulled a bowl from his bag to dip it in the water.  He went back to her and poured some down her throat hoping to revive her.

 She coughed and sputtered for a moment but sat up.

 She looked around herself and her eyes fell on Joe.  She blinked and looked around herself, standing up.  She was well dressed, maybe royalty.

 "Who are you?" she asked him.

 "Joe, traveling hand and a mage," Joe replied, "who are you?"

 "Serena," she said, "the scout."  She looked around again.  "Where am I exactly?"

 "Next to some no name lake between Maria and Riddle in a little place I like to call The Middle of Nowhere," he said, "Population two, you and I."

 "Maria?" she asked, "That's really close to Atchoo."

 "Yes it is," Joe nodded, "I just came from Maria though.  We won't find much help there.  Now my turn.  What are you doing here?"

 "I'm not quite sure," she said, looking around.

 "Well, how did you get here?" Joe asked, "Or better yet why did you fall from the sky and nearly land on my head?"

 "I'm sorry," Serena gave a polite bow, "It was sort of an accident."

 "Tell me about it." Joe sighed, and stood up, "Where will you be going now that you know where you are but not why?"

 "Um, where are you going?"

 "Riddle," Joe said, "I was hoping for some work.  Now if you're all set…"

 "I'm going with you then," Serena said, then heaved a sigh, "I must be heading that way anyway.  I have to get to Evilopolis."

 Joe raised an eyebrow.  "Why would you…?" he shook his head, "No wait, on second thought don't tell me.  The less I know about you the better off I am."

 "What do you mean?" Serena asked.

 "I have a small addiction," Joe admitted, "When I hear things about great adventures I tend to embark on them.  I can't help it."

 "This is probably the only exception," Serena told him, quite seriously, "No one would want to embark on this mission."  Joe frowned.  Now he really wanted to know what adventure she was on.

 "Well, we should go to Riddle," Joe said, still flustered.

 "Yeah and get some food," Serena said, "I'm starving."

 "Don't play these games!" Joe started in suddenly, pointing at her, "You want me to know what your adventure is so I can run off with you to destroy the bad guy or save the girl and then I'll end up like I do everytime this happens, no food, no money, and no job."

 Serena blinked.  "Well if you want to know I could…"

 "No I do not want to know!" he said, covering his ears, "Don't tell me."  A pause.  "Okay fine tell me… No wait don't!  If I hear I'll get myself in trouble like I always do…"

 "Well make up your mind," Serena said impatiently, "I do have to hurry you know, the fate of Dania is the only thing at stake here."

 "Okay fine," Joe said in defeat, "Tell me."

 "No, you don't wanna know," Serena said turning the other way.

 "Yes I do now tell me," Joe said.

 "You said no," she reminded him, "If you have an addiction this is a good place to start in breaking the habit.  I won't tell you."

 "Tell me!" he said.

 "No!" she replied.

 "Yes!"

 "No!"

 "I don't care it's probably about saving some helpless girl from the clutches of some dark sinister villain," Joe muttered, "It always is."

 "Princess Rei would not like you calling her helpless!" Serena snapped without thinking about what she was saying.

 "Princess Rei?" Joe asked, "As in of Lizerton?  Daughter of Lawrence the Good and powerful psychic?  That Princess Rei?"

 "What do you care?" Serena asked, turning her back on him..

 "Enough games," Joe said seriously, "I think you should really tell me what's going on here."  Serena hesitated.  "Please?"

 "Fine," she said and told him of the Princess's capture.  When she finished Joe was sitting with his legs crossed and his hands on his knees looking deep in thought.  Suddenly he let out a loud groan and leaned forward, his head nearly touching his ankles.

 Serena jumped.  "What's the matter with you?"

 "I'm going with you," he said his voice muffled by his feet.

 "What?" she asked.

 He lifted his head.  "I'm going with you," he said.

 "Really?" Serena asked, "All the way to Evilopolis?  Are you sure, because I mean, this is dangerous, and, yeah…"

 "As if I could stay away," Joe said and hung his head, "Oh well."

 "So we'll stop in Riddle?" Serena asked, then smiled happily, standing up, "Good we can get food."

"Only if you have money," Joe said and began walking, "To be frank I haven't got a smiss on me and you don't look like you do."

 "No, but I have other ways," Serena smiled.

 "Something you know that I don't?" Joe asked, casting her a glance.

 "Somewhere I went that you didn't," Serena said, "The notorious Scout School.  I went there for my first years."

 "Really?  And how does the fact that the town we're going to is housing your old almamater going to help?" Joe asked in return.

 "Well, let's just say that they're very generous to their old students," Serena replied and smiled, "Once a student, always a student."

 "What a weird chick," Joe said and followed her to Riddle.

"It's so beautiful," Serena said, having to wipe away a tear.  She stared up the tall fence of her school and walked up to the gate.  A couple of students stopped her.

 "State your name and purpose," one said.

 "My name is Serena and my purpose is to serve justice, peace, and prosperity!" she said, saluting with her first two fingers spread across her forehead.

 "You may enter," one replied.  Serena walked in but Joe was stopped at the gate.

 "State your name and purpose," the same girl said.

 "You don't honestly expect me to do that do you?" Joe asked, "Come on Serena help me out here.  I'm so not doing whatever it is you just did."

 "It's called the Scout Salute and it grants you access to the school," Serena replied, rolling her eyes, "Just do it."

 Joe sighed.  "Name's Joe I stand for justice and whatnot," he said, then placed his first two fingers across his forehead, "Peace out."

 "I guess that'll work," the other guard said and they let him through.

 "So what are you expecting here?" Joe asked her feeling out of place in the school filled with girls wearing red beads in their hair and guy wearing red beads on their wrists.

 "Food and hospitality," Serena said, "Girls like me don’t settle for less."

 "I didn't figure they did," Joe nodded, looking her over, "I hope you're right or we might not make it to Evilopolis from starvation."

 "Trust me," Serena said and made her way to a small building made from bamboo and small pieces of wood.  She thrust open the sliding doors.

 "Who is it?" the woman behind the desk asked, looking up.

 "Good day, Master," Serena said and bowed very low.

 "Serena Hall?" the woman asked, "It is you!"  She stood up and Serena hugged her.  They both laughed and said their hellos.  "And whose this?" the woman asked of Joe.

 "If I have to do that Scout Salute again…" he began, trying to back away.

 "This is Joe," Serena waved to him, "A friend of mine.  We ran into a little bit of trouble and were hoping for the hospitality that this great school offers."

 "Certainly," the woman nodded, beckoning them to follow her, "Come, we'll eat and you can tell me of your trouble Serena."

 "Who is she?" Joe asked Serena as they were led to the woman's living quarters.  The whole house was made of bamboo and lightly colored wood.

 "My old teacher," Serena said, "Master Delilah."

 "Ah," Joe nodded, "How'd you know she'd feed us?" He looked around himself at the walls decorated with various items and codes for scout living.

 "She's my teacher and my friend," Serena said, "Why wouldn’t she?  I would have done the same for her."

 "I don't know anyone like that," Joe shrugged, "I just work for whoever and buy my own food.  I don't have time to make a friend like that."

 "Don't you have any friends?" Serena asked.

 "No, I suppose I don't," Joe smiled and she stared, "Um, why, what's the problem?  Am I suppose to?"  He looked confused.

 "Everybody is," Serena said, her eyes feeling with tears from the thought, "Friends are important, they're what keep us going.  A life without friends is like… Well like dying I suppose, it's no way to live that's for sure."  She looked at the ground.  "I wish my friends were here."

 "I guess," Joe said.  He didn't seem to really understand.

 "Maybe you'll see," Serena said.

 "Here," Master waved to a table, "I'll go ask the cook to bring us an early dinner.  Have a seat and I shall join you momentarily."

 Serena took a seat and Joe sat across from her.  The room had a low table and instead of chairs there were cushions on the ground.  "Wow, nice digs," Joe said looking around, "I wish I had a place like this."

 "You should see the main dining hall of Lizerton Castle," Serena said and sighed, "I may not be seeing that for a long time though.  So where do you live?"

 "A hand for hire doesn't live anywhere," Joe pointed out.

 "What about your parents?" Serena asked.

 "Can't remember," Joe replied.

 "Then who raised you?" Serena asked.

 "Me," he shrugged, "I can take care of myself, it's no big deal.  I mean, some people have it worse than I do."

 "I'm not so sure," she said, "Even the poorest souls have experienced a sense of belonging and friendship.  You're deprived and you don't even know it."

 Joe just shrugged.  "I won't lie, I don't know what you're talking about," he frowned, then stared at two sticks sitting next to him, "I just get by, that's good enough for me."

 "Maybe it shouldn't be," came the soft voice of Master Delilah, "I think that's what she's trying to say."  She smiled.  "Dinner is on its way."  She stood in the doorway smiling.  She was tall, willowy and pretty.  She had a dark green hair color and a set of red beads like the ones in Serena's hair were wrapped around two pieces in front.

 "Have you been listening the whole time?" Joe asked raising an eyebrow.

 "No, just caught the end," Master asked, walking over to the table and standing next to Serena, "Why, does it bother you?"

 "I just think it's rather nosey of you," Joe said frankly.

 "Serena's very correct," Master nodded, "You are so deprived of human compassion that you don't know how to properly act towards someone who gives you food and shelter."

 "I just don't understand," Joe shrugged, "She was just some student that you once had, why would you give her food and shelter in the first place?  Serve yourself."

 "First of all," Master smiled over at Serena, "She wasn't just a student she was the best magician my class had ever seen, and I give her food and shelter because I cannot give her more."  Joe just shrugged.  "I think you will understand in time," Master said, "Serena will ensure that.  What brings you this way, Serena?"

 Serena nodded.  "Grave things are happening in the Nymph Forest area, Master," Serena nodded, "I fear the worst."

 "Go on," Master said and sat down to stir some tea.  Serena told her the story and Joe heard it a second time.

 "This is very bad," Master said, blowing softly on her tea, "We have feared such an uprising for a long time.  Perhaps now that you tell me this I should tell you that I have heard stories that a young woman appeared out of nowhere somewhere else in town.  She might be one of your numbers."

 "Do you know what she looks like?" Serena asked, very serious.

 "I do not," Master shook her head.

 "I will go check," Serena said standing up.

 "Please, sit, eat first," Master insisted, "She is in good hands, Master Eller-sensei has taken her in until she awakens."  Serena nodded and sat down.  Just then a person carrying a trayful of food came out and Master smiled.  The food was laid before them and Joe and Serena ate quickly and a lot.  Master simply sat and sipped her tea, never so much as taking any of the food for herself.  She waited patiently for the two to finish, both equally starved.

 Finally Serena could eat no more nor could Joe.  The food was taken away and they were left with Master.  Serena stood back up.  "I will go check to see if one of my friends has arrived in Riddle," Serena bowed to Master.

 "Wait for me," Joe said.

 "Wait," Master told Joe, "I request that you stay and talk with me, only for awhile."  He looked at her and frowned.

 "Um, I…"

 "In exchange for the food I have given you?" she suggested.

 "Okay, that sounds more than fair," he shrugged and sat down.  Serena ran off to find this person and Joe sat in front of Master.  Silence reigned in the room and Joe found himself uncomfortable with Master's eyes staring at him in a concentrated glance.  He shifted around and waited for her to say something, wondering if maybe he should say something instead.

 "How old are you?" she asked then, sipping her tea.

 "Eighteen I think," he said, "I could not say for sure."

 "Hmm," was all she said to this, "And you have never had a permanent home or family?  Or even friends?"

 "Not that I know of," Joe said getting impatient, "Look, I'm sorry if I don't get what you're trying to tell me but it doesn't really matter, I'm just…"

 "Lonely?" she asked.

 He paused a long time before saying, "No, I just can't be bothered by…"

 "Your answer is no and yet you hesitate," Master smiled gently.  Despite her assumptions, Joe could see she was very wise, "I begin to wonder if maybe your subconscious is trying to tell your heart something?"

 "Well if it is it should speak up," Joe replied curtly, "Why are you so worried about me?  You don't even know me."

 Master gave small shrug.  "I thought you might at least understand the concept of compassion, you have shown it yourself in reviving Serena."

 "I guess," Joe said again still not quite sure what she was talking about.  But still Master was a patient woman.

 "Maybe you aren't used to being shown compassion but you can express it," Master explained, "I've never quite seen something like you before.  I think Serena has a lot she can teach you.  I suggest that you listen."

 "Okay," Joe said slowly.

 "You may go.  Down the hallway and to the right there is a bedroom.  Feel free to rest there if it's fitting for you," Master said.

 "Um, okay," Joe said and walked away, muttering, "I'm not one of her students, that was a little odd..."  Master laughed softly after he had left, hearing every word, and sipped the last of her tea.

Serena wondered through the town trying to remember where Master Eller made his home in the town of Riddle.  If she remembered right it was very close to the school.  She saw a bright yellow house with green trim and remembered why it used to be so easy to find back in her school says.

 She walked up and knocked on the door.  A young face answered and she recognized it as Master Eller's.  She remembered he had barely begun to teach at the scout school when she was there.  Now he had a few years under his belt.

 "Master," she bowed.

 "Well if it isn't Serena," Eller said adjusting the glasses on his face, "The best fighter but he worst mathematician this school's ever seen."

 Serena scratched the back of her head sheepishly.  "Yeah that's me," she said and he invited her in.  Unfortunately, Master Eller taught book subjects, like math and science.  Mostly, though, he taught the history and components of magic.  Master Delilah taught them how  use it.

 "What brings you to my home?" he asked as Serena looked around.

 "A girl was said to have appeared out of nowhere," Serena explained, "Master Delilah told me.  She said that she was staying here."

 "The girl?" Eller asked, "Yes she is, but why does it concern you, child?"  As he talked he led her to the back rooms.

 "I think she might be a friend of mine," Serena said, looking around anxiously as she led him down the hallway.  He said nothing but opened the door and allowed Serena in.  Serena gasped.

 "Mina!' she said and ran to the girl's bedside.

 "So you do know her," Eller said, "I was beginning to wonder if she would be claimed by anyone.  It was rather strange that she should just fall from nowhere."

 "Is she okay?" Serena asked.

 "Yes, she's fine," Eller replied, "I expect her to awaken any moment now.  Of course I believe you, my little magician, could speed up the process a little couldn't you?"

 Serena nodded and held out a hand, her scepter appearing.  Eller stared at it in surprise.  "Okay," Serena said, "Here we go...  I haven't done this one in awhile..."  She aimed the scepter at Mina and a small flitter of energy went towards her.

 Mina sat up suddenly.

 "Yay!" Serena cried, setting the scepter aside and jumped forward, hugging Mina.

 "What's going on?" Mina croaked, "Serena I can't breathe.  Where am I?"  Serena let go and Mina began to look around herself.

 "My house," Eller said hastily.  He was looking at Serena's scepter.  "Serena, this scepter isn't standard edition, where on Dania did you find such a wonderful weapon?"

 "Rei bought it for me," Serena sighed.

 Mina looked down.  "Oh yeah," she said, just remembering the battle.  They both sighed together and Mina stood up.

 "Rei?  What an unusual name.  You couldn't mean the Princess Rei could you?" Eller asked, "Do you have dealings with what is going on?"

 "What do you know about what's going on?" Mina asked.

 Eller smiled.  "He's a psychic like Rei," Serena said for him, "And a pretty good one if you ask me.  But what do you know about what's been going on?"

 "Just small visions and hunches, nothing too intimate," Eller said, smiling, "I never saw that you were involved, all I know of is the Princess and the King of Darkness.  A strange combination. Who would have thought that Rei would be sought out by her father's greatest enemy?"

 "Sort of lives in the shadow of her father doesn't she?" Mina asked and looked at the ground, "You know what's happened to her then?"

 "I'm scarce on the details," Eller replied, "But if you've told Delilah then I'm certain she can repeat it to me and save you the trouble of telling a long story."

 "Thank you Master Eller," Serena bowed.

 "So you two know each other?" Mina asked.

 "Mina we're in Riddle," Serena told her, "Eller used to be my teacher.  Lucky you landed here and we talked to Master or we would have never found you."

 "Had to land somewhere I suppose," Mina stood up, "What about the others where are they?" Serena shrugged and shook her head sadly.

 "Oh you two, you're making me curious to know your story," Eller scolded, "Go on, out of my house before I start asking too many questions."

 Serena laughed.  "Goodbye, thank you Master Eller."

 "Quite alright child," Eller smiled as he led them to the door, "Take care you two."  They waved as they made their way back to the scout school.  Mina managed to get through the front door without having to salute now that Serena had been registered as an official veteran of the school.

 "I met a guy named Joe on my way down here," Serena told her, "He told me he'd help us out.  Not really by choice, that's just the way he is."

 "What exactly do you mean by that?" Mina asked.

 "He says it's an addiction," Serena shrugged, shaking her head, "Hears about an adventure and dives head first into it apparently."

 "Wow, that's quite an addiction," Mina replied, "Where is he?" She looked around as though she expected him to come from nowhere and say hi.

 "Not sure," Serena shrugged, "Master wanted to have a talk with him and he stayed here.  We'll have to ask Master."

 "Master?" Mina asked, "Who is Master anyway?  What kind of name is Master?"

 "Everyone calls her that except the professors," Serena said, "Most of her friends even do, but I think most of her friends used to be students too.  Her real is Delilah.  I think she prefers Master though."

 "Master it is then," Mina shrugged.

 "Where's TK?" Serena asked suddenly and Mina frowned.

 "I'm not sure," Mina said, "Is it safe to call him do you think?  I've never used the necklace unless I needed his help."

 Serena let herself into Master's house.  "Try it, I'll bet he misses you."

 Mina placed her hands around the necklace and it lifted like it usually did but that was it.  "I'm not in trouble, it doesn't work," Mina shrugged.

 "Oh well, maybe later then," Serena shrugged back, and Mina thought that he statement held no reassurance for the future.

 They made their way to the back room and saw it was empty.  "I wonder where Master went?" Serena said and sighed, "Come on, maybe she's elsewhere."  They traveled back down the hallway and Serena caught a glimpse of a bedroom as they passed it by.  "Hey, it's Joe."

 "Huh?" Mina leaned back and saw a dark haired boy lying on a bed asleep.  He didn't even have the covers pulled up or anything, just sprawled out on the bed.

 "I think he's out for the day," a voice behind them said and Mina jumped at it's sudden coming.  Serena just turned around, obviously used to it.

 "There you are Master," Serena smiled, giving a small bow, "I believe Master Eller might be looking for you."

 "I'll make sure to visit him," Master smiled, "I insist that you stay here the night before you travel to Evilopolis.  I will go have conference with Master Eller now."  Mina and Serena didn't have a chance to answer, Master was on her way back out of the house.

 "I guess we should stay," Mina shrugged at Mina, "After all, she did ask us to."  She yawned.  "And I am kind of tired."

 "You've been asleep for the past few days," Serena frowned.

 "So?" Mina said, "I'm still tired."

 Mina's yawn made Serena yawn.  "Yeah I guess you're right," Serena nodded, "We should go to bed.  We'll need the energy.  I think the other bedrooms are over here."  Together they found the bedrooms and two separate beds.  They were both asleep before they knew it.

"Serena, wake up.  Come and see Serena."

 "Wha…?" she asked and opened her eyes.  Joe was standing over her and she raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong Joe?"

 "Something's wrong," Joe replied, "I don't know what it is, though.  This whole school's in a frenzy.  Come on."  Serena got up and went to the next bedroom to wake Mina.  Mina sat up in about the same manner Serena had.  Joe led them out of Master's house where it was well into the night.

 "What's happened?" Serena gasped.  A few of the houses outside of the school had roofs that were blazing.  Fire was scattered throughout the town of Riddle.

 "I think your Queen had caught up with you," Joe said grimly.  Serena didn't reply but ran towards the gates, which were sealed.

 "What's going on?" she asked a guard.

 "It's an ambush," the boy said, "Some creatures unlike anything I've ever seen attacked the town and would have gotten the school if it wasn't for Delilah-sensei.  We think almost everyone from the town is in our gates."

 "Master, where is she?"

 "Over here," they heard and Serena ran to her.  She was laid out of the ground.

 "Are you okay, Master?" Serena asked.  Master Eller was by her side and she lay on the ground clutching her arm.

 "I'll be fine," Master told her gravely, "Listen to me.  Everything relies on you and your friends.  You must escape Riddle and leave for Wet, not Evilopolis, there you're friends have already started to gather."

 "How do you know?" Mina asked.

 Eller stared at them.  "I have picked up this information.  Now go, and be careful," he said, "Life rests in your hands.  If Dania is to be saved you both will be needed."

 "But what about Master?" Serena asked.

 "I'll be okay, Serena," she smiled weakly, "Just be brave and remember what you stand for.  Show them what it means to be a scout."

 Tears filled Serena's eyes but did not spill.  "I stand for justice, peace, and prosperity," she said, "I fight for the weak and punish evil.  That's what it means to be a scout."

 "Good, now go," Master said and Serena stood up.  She nodded at Mina and Joe.  Serena walked away from the main entrance, plunging into the school grounds.

 "Where are we going?" Mina asked as they left the entrance.

 "There's a back way," Serena explained, "Only professors are suppose to know about it, but, um, I figured it out my third year here.  Come on."

 "What about those things they said were out there?" Joe asked.

 Serena whipped out her scepter.  "We'll have to take care of it."  She led them to the back of the school area and they paused.  She went to the back and triggered a small hook that caused the door to slide open.  She went through and waited for Mina and Joe to go through.  Then she twisted a separate hook that closed the door.  It had put them in a dark alleyway, small but free of the monsters.  They ran forward and Serena peeked around the corner.

 "The exit to Riddle is about three blocks that way," Serena reported, scanning around for the creatures, "I say we make a run for it."

 "What if they catch up with us?" Joe asked.

 "We fight," Serena said.

 "What if we can't?" Mina frowned.

 "Um, I didn't think about that part," Serena said, smiling back at them., "Let's just try and run for it okay?"  Serena counted to three on her fingers and they all took off, now looking back.  They heard a small noise to their right and footsteps fell in behind them.  They ran two blocks and more footsteps fell in.

 Mina took a moment to look behind and saw about eight of the soldiers coming their way.  She ran a little faster.  They finally finished the third block and were out of the town but the monsters continued to pursue.  Finally Joe stopped.

 "Stone!" he cried and fired something from his fingertips.  The attack hit all of the beasts and they froze up, turning gray.

 "Whoa!" Serena said, pausing, "I've never seen that spell before."

 "My own creation.  It doesn't always work on stronger magicians." Joe grinned, but it quickly faded.   "But it only lasts for about twenty minutes, we should go before they come to their senses."  They continued to run until they felt sure that the creatures weren't behind them.  They couldn't even see Riddle behind them anymore, and there was nothing in front.

 "The quickest route to Wet," Joe said after they had caught their breath, "Is right around the mountains of Evilopolis.  It's on the other side of Evilopolis nearby and probably a good place to regroup if that's what we're trying to do."

 "How far away?" Mina asked.

 "Maybe three days," Joe said.

 "It's already been one since we disappeared, do you think everyone else will get there before us?" Mina asked, sounding worried.

 "Only if they landed closer than we did," Serena shrugged, "Come on, we need to go.  The sooner we get there the better."  Serena was worried not only about Rei, but Charlie, Rais and Koty, who had all been left behind.

 "What about supplies?" Joe asked, "We didn't bring any food or anything with us.  I think there's a small lake but besides that I doubt we'll find water."

 "We'll have to manage," Mina shook her head helplessly, "Three days is a long time to live without food but as long as we have water we should do fine."

 "What no food?" Serena cried.  Suddenly her strong scout exterior melted away and her lower lip began to shake.

 "Calm down, Serena, we can survive three days until we get to Wet," Mina said a little nervously, "Besides we might find something on the way."

 "But but!" Serena said and began to sob, "I want food now!"

 Joe blinked.  "She usually do this?" he asked Mina.

 "All the time," she replied, "Come on Serena, the longer we stand here the longer we go without food."  Serena stopped crying and stood up.

 "Come on," Joe urged, looking over his shoulder, "We should hurry.  We might be able to make it in two days if we go fast enough."

 "You think so?" Serena sniffled.

 "Maybe," Joe shrugged, "Let's just go.  We won't know until we get there."  So they started their walk.

 Rais kept one eye on Charlie and one on the window of the dungeon.  Charlie hadn't woken up ever since he had been put in his cell earlier that day and Rais didn't know what to do for him.

 Finally Rais saw his eyes flutter open and Rais hurried to him.  "Charlie?" he asked, "Are you okay?"  He opened his eyes and turned his head to look at Rais.

 "Where am I?" he muttered.

 "In the Evilopolis dungeon," Rais said smiling halfheartedly.

 "How long have you been in here?" Charlie asked, sitting up and rubbing his head.  Rais paused and thought for a moment.

 "I think maybe three days," Rais replied, shaking his head, "I don't really know.  It's hard to keep track of the time in here."

 "What about Rei?" Charlie asked.

 Rais looked away.  "You don't know?"

 "I don't think so," Charlie looked at him.

 "After you were…" Rais hesitated, "Taken care of, the orb said she'd kill us if Rei didn't go into the center of a spell she created.  At first Rei refused but then that stupid Cron guy…"  Rais closed his eyes, "Rei was caught in the middle of that thing when she tried to save him."

 "What happened?" Charlie asked softly.

 "The orb took over Rei's body," Rais stared straight ahead, "There's some queen inside her now, in control.  Then when the Queen tried to kill everyone else Rei managed to get control and transported them away, but she didn't get to me, I was too far away.  I mean it wasn't her fault.  Instead they put me in here and it's been like that ever since."

"I feel like I've been asleep for the past three days," Charlie sounded really weak and out of it, "That's how it always was when he…"  He trailed off shaking his head.  Rais nodded.

 "So you haven't heard from everyone else?" Charlie asked.

 "No, I've been waiting but I'm not sure if their coming or not," Rais sat back against the wall, "I'm starting to wonder if they're even alive."

 "They are!" Charlie said suddenly, startling Rais, "I know those girls, a little thing like this won't stop them."

 "Now that Rei's lost what chance do they stand anyway?" Rais said hopelessly, turning his head the other way.

 "She isn't lost," Charlie told him, sounding stern, "We'll find a way to save her.  There has to be a way, no spell is perfect."

 "Yeah sure," Rais said, keeping his head turned towards the opposite wall.

 "Rais what's the matter with you?" Charlie asked.

 "Don't you see, it's over Charlie," Rais said, looking at him.  Charlie was taken back.  Rais's eyes looked so empty.  "Rei's taken over and the girls are probably dead.  There wasn't anyone stronger than Rei who could defeat that Queen anyway, and now she is the Queen."

 "As long as she can hear and see and think, there is still some hope," Charlie growled, "Rei won't give up, why are you?"  No answer from Rais.  "Answer me!"  Silence was Rais's answer.  "If you really loved her, you wouldn't…"

 "I don't, okay!" Rais said, turning on Charlie, "I don't care about her, and she may have even gotten what she deserved by all this."

 Rais didn't even have a chance, Charlie's fist went across his face before he could react.  He fell back in the corner and put a hand to his face.  He slowly sat up on his knees.  "Never ever say that!" Charlie growled, "The only think Rei ever did was care about you guys."

 Rais paused and hung his head.  Charlie paused as he saw a wet spot appear on the stone under them.  Rais was crying.  "I miss her," he whispered.

 Charlie softened.  "We'll save her," Charlie told him, "We have to try.  And I'm sure everyone is on their way over here right now."  Rais just shook his head and sank down to the ground.  He curled up in the corner and stayed there.  "Rais," Charlie snapped, "Rais!"

 Rais didn’t answer he just curled up tighter and lay there, his eyes lost and hopeless.  Charlie sighed.  Finally he said, "Even if they could get back together and come here, they couldn't win so what's the point?"

 "Why are you acting like this?" Charlie asked.

 "Because without her, I'm nothing," Rais said, "I've lost her, I might as well die."

 "Don't say that!" Charlie growled, "Don't ever say that!  What do you think Rei would do in your place?  Do you think she'd curl up in the corner?"

 "I lost her before I ever had her," Rais said, ignoring Charlie.

 "Please Rais, you have to…"

 "Just leave me alone," Rais said and rolled over to face the wall.  Charlie sighed and stared at the ground.  There was nothing he could say to revive him.  He just hoped that Rais wasn't lost.

 He just hoped Rais was wrong.

"Omi!" Mina cried in her sleep and sat up.  She panted a little bit.  She had been dreaming but she couldn’t remember what she had been dreaming about.

 "What's wrong?" Joe asked her.  He had been staying up and keeping watch.  He was poking at a fire they had made.
Mina shook her head.  "Just some bad dream I guess," she said and laid back down, staring up at the immense sky.

 "Can't remember?" he asked.

 "No," she said, "Is it morning yet?"

 "Almost," Joe replied, "We can make it to Wet by the afternoon."

 "I'm so hungry," Mina groaned.

 "Won't be long now and at least we found some water," Joe reminded her, "But what do you think we'll find in Wet?"

 "Hopefully food," they heard and realized that Serena was awake.

 "You awake too?" Joe asked, "Good, come on, we should go ahead and leave if we're all up.  The sooner we get there the sooner we'll get food."

 "If they have any," Mina put in.

 "Don't say that!" Serena pouted.

 "Come on," Joe said and they gathered up what little they had and got an early start.  The Evilopolis Mountains towered over them on the right and to their left was nothing but a long field of grass.  They marched from their camp site and around the mountain range, hoping not to be attacked.  Everything around them was silent.  They had not seen another sign of life since they had come to the Mountains.  Not a bug or a bird.  Apparently the animals were smart enough to stay away.  The sky overhead was darkened as though by an everlasting storm cloud.  They hadn’t seen the sun since they left Riddle.

 "I wonder if Master is okay?" Serena asked.

 "I'm sure she is," Mina replied, "She seemed really tough to me.  And Master Eller was with her.  You have nothing to worry about Serena."

 "What about the school?  Did they hold up alright do you think?" she kept on, "I could never forgive myself if the school was attacked and I wasn't there to save it."

 "Stop worrying," Joe said, "I'm sure they’re all fine."

 "I'm worried about Cere and Black and 'Nary," Mina sighed, "TK can take care of himself but they can't, especially 'Nary.  He's just a baby."

 "I bet that they made it out," Serena nodded at her, "I mean, nothing happened to the castle did it?  I'm sure they’re fine.  I'm worried about Koty, but I think someone from the castle might have taken him with them.  I hope they did."

 Mina just sighed.

 Joe looked from each girl.  "Calm down you two," he said, "We'll be able to beat this thing.  The first time was a fluke, I'm willing to bet, and we'll take down this Queen."

 "That Queen is my Princess!" Serena reminded him.

 "Oh yeah," Joe said, "Well, I tried."

 "Hey, is that a town?" Mina said suddenly and they squinted.  It was!  There was a small town not too far ahead.  She smiled.

 "It's Wet," Joe said, "We made it!"

 "Come on," Serena said, running forward, "I'm starving!"  They ran for the town but when they got there it seemed like it was empty.

 "I thought Master Eller said that everyone was regrouping here," Mina said, looking around.  She saw no one she knew, or anyone at all for that matter.

 "Maybe he was wrong," Joe suggested.

 "Nuh uh," Serena said, "He was always right before.  This is where we meet.  Maybe we just got here before everyone else."  They looked around for awhile searching for any sign of life.  The houses were all empty but there were some stores that had food.

 "Isn’t that stealing?" Serena asked as Mina started to gather up a few items.

 "They left it here," Mina pointed out.

 "Yeah you're right," Serena said, too hungry to argue.  They picked up various food and ate, feeling much better after doing so.

 "Food never tasted so good," Mina sighed.  Joe nodded and looked to his right.  He had to do a double take when he saw someone there.

 "Who's that?" he asked and Mina and Serena turned in that direction.  There was a red headed girl with freckles across her nose watching them.  None of them had seen her before.  She saw them looking at her and ran off.

 "Hey wait!" Mina called but she was gone.  They were up and running after her.  She led them to the center of town and they watched her run into a cellar.  Before they could even approach it two identical heads popped out.

 "What's your name!" one called.

 "And purpose!" the other said.  They were obviously twins.

 "I'm Mina and I…"

 "Mina?!" they heard and a more familiar face came out.  It was Omi's.  "It is you!" he called and came running out of the cellar.  Mina laughed and he went right up to her and gave her a hug,

 "Who is that?" Serena saw a little girl at the door watching Mina and Omi with a look of contempt.  Then Serena saw Ran and he saw her.

 "Hey, Doll!" he said with genuine surprise, "What are you doing here?"  Several people all piled out of the cellar, the only ones Mina and Serena recognizing being Omi, Ran, Donavan, Chiru, Jade, and Cloud.

 "Good we finally have some chosen ones here," Donavan said.

 "Who are all you?" Serena asked looking at everyone else.

 "Oh," Omi smiled, "This is Ellen."  The red head waved.  "And these guys over here, the ones who look alike are Garnet and Coral.  This is Lacy, Lynda and Luke."

 "Oh Luke I didn't see you there!" Mina said, smiling, "I didn't expect you to be here!  But I guess it makes sense, you are her brother."

 "Yep," Luke said, "And these are her sisters."  Lynda didn't say anything, only gave a small wave.  Lacy was glaring at Mina.

 "What's her problem?" Mina asked Serena quietly.  Just then someone else came out of the cellar.  It was TK with Koty on his back followed by Cere Black and 'Nary.

"TK!" Mina said, "Koty! Cere! Black! 'Nary!"  Serena picked up Koty and gave him a hug while Mina said hello to TK.  Sady was also there but she looked sad.

 "Must miss Amy," Serena commented, then smiled at Koty.  "You had me worried little guy.  Off on your own like that..."

 "So who is this?" Ran asked of Joe.

 "Name's Joe, what do you know?" Joe grinned but Ran didn't smile, "I um, met Serena on her way down here and agreed to help out."

 "The more the merrier," Ellen said before Ran could comment, "You should come in."

 "So Lita, Hotaru and Amy haven't showed up yet?" Mina asked.

 "Not yet," Chiru said, "But we expect them soon."

 "I hope so," Mina said, "I'm not sure we have much time."

Chapter 27