The Adventures of the SOL

 Hotaru loved nothing more than to spy on people.  It was in her nature as a shapeshifter.  She often found unnoticeable shapes and forms just so she could listen to see if she could get gossip or just to know what was going on.  Hotaru didn’t miss much.

 Hotaru also liked to play pranks.  Serena was her favorite because she was so easy to scare.  Rei was her least favorite, because she always knew when it was her.

 It was the end of winter in Lizerton and Hotaru was bored.  She had frightened Serena already, she had spied on three people that day, and she had nothing to do.  Go-karts didn’t sound fun at the moment, and she didn’t want to read, didn’t want to talk to anybody, and didn’t want to do anything.

 She found that she did want to do something.  She wanted to see Brent.  He hadn’t been around in quite some time.  She was also getting a little homesick.  She missed X-Town, and although Lizerton had been fun, it was now kind of boring.

 It was this day where she could be found sitting on the steps of the main entrance, looking more bored than anyone knew possible, even Serena and Mina.

 There was nothing to do, she supposed.

 Amy walked in having a lively one-sided conversation with Sady, and saw Hotaru on the steps.  She gave her a curious look and sat down next to her.  "Smatter?"

 "Nothing," Hotaru said, "That’s what my problem is."

 Amy blinked, and looked at Sady, who only blinked back.  "Why would that be a problem?  If you don’t have any problems, isn’t that a good thing?"

 "No," Hotaru said flatly, "If there isn’t anything wrong, then there’s nothing to do, and when there’s nothing to do, I’m bored."

 "Makes sense," Amy agreed, "But couldn’t you just figure something out?  There’s so many things to do in the castle…"

 "Done em all," Hotaru said.

 "And there’s a whole forest to explore," Amy suggested.

 "Been through," Hotaru told her.

 "A lot of people to talk to," Amy hinted.

 "Boring people, maybe," Hotaru rolled her eyes.

 "So what do you plan on doing about it?" Amy frowned.  "There has to be something to do… Wanna come to the market place with me?"

 "Nah, I don’t feel like it," Hotaru said with a sigh.  "I think I know what I need to do."

 "What’s that?" Amy asked.

 "I think I need to go home for awhile," Hotaru sighed again.

 "Home? As in X-town?" Amy frowned even more.  "Why would you?  What’s wrong with good old Lizerton?"

 "Don’t you miss your parents?" Hotaru asked.  "And I miss my boyfriend."

 "My parents were very different," Amy shook her head, "They were adventurers and never spent much time with me.  They passed away a long time ago though."

 "Well, my parents are worried sick about me and I’m going to go home for a little while," Hotaru said stubbornly and stood up.

 Amy sighed and followed Hotaru upstairs.  Hotaru was stubborn and there was very little Amy could say to change her mind.

 However, unknown to them, someone was keeping a close eye on them.  Having heard the whole conversation, they disappeared without anyone knowing they were there.

 "I grow weary of failures, Valerie," Creton told his son.  They both were in the Reptopia throne room and Valerie stood before his father, being reprimanded.

 "I understand father, but the SOL grow stronger everyday," he told him, "My powers alone are not enough.  We need more minions."

 "My minions are the only thing keeping you from being punished," he snapped, tossing his hair back irritably, "I have sent Psyche to spy on then.  Rei should not be able to detect her presence and she will gather the information your incompetence keeps you from getting on your own."

 Valerie glared at the ground, not sure what to say.  Before he could utter a word, someone opened the throne room door.

A pale woman with purple hair pulled and shaped into what looked like ram’s horns walked in.  She wore all purple to match her hair.  Even her make up was a bright shade of electric purple.  Her face was stark white.  She lifted a hand in greeting and Valerie stared at the rolling eyeball in the middle of her palm.

 "Master," she crouched, "I am here to report of the SOL."  She lifted her head and smiled.  Valerie glared at her from afar but bit his tongue.

 "What news?"

 "It appears the youngest member is restless," Psyche reported, walking closer to the throne, "The shapeshifter insists on going home.  I heard them say she is from X-Town.  I think, somehow, we can use this to our advantage."

 Creton was silent, considering what she had just told him.

 "Follow the shapeshifter when she goes home," Creton told her, "Find out where those who are close to her live.  Take them and bring them here."

 "Your wish," she bowed.

 "Father," Valerie put in, suddenly, walking in front of Psyche, "If we take her family she will come straight here with the rest of SOL.  They are too strong to fight all at once.  The risks would be too great."

 "Do you think me a fool, Valerie?" Creton asked, "She will be going alone to X-Town, none of the others need to know that her family is in danger.  And unless she wants them to die, she will not alert her comrades of her situation.

 "Then what?" Valerie asked, "We use the shapeshifter as bait?  That still brings them all to us."

 "No," Creton growled, becoming impatient, "Once we have the girl, we can send letters to Lizerton telling her friends that she is okay and still in X-Town.  They will never know she is gone.  We kill the shapeshifter and make plans to lure in the next member."

 Valerie said nothing.

 "Together they are a mighty force," Creton continued, "But divided they don't stand a chance.  We have no choice but to kill them one by one."

 "I thought you only wanted Rei."

 "This is what it takes to separate her from her bodyguards, Valerie," Creton narrowed his eyes at him, "Also, they have all defied me.  They will all die.  Now go, before I become too impatient of your endless questions."

 Valerie started to leave then paused.  "Father what about Reese?"

 "I said out."

 Psyche smirked as Valerie left and disappeared herself.  As fun as it was to watch a brown-noser like Valerie get grilled, she had a job to do.

 Besides, just thinking of all the fun things she could do with that girl's loved ones once they were captured made her shiver in delight.

 "Are you sure you wanna go?" Lita asked Hotaru as she helped pack.

 "Yes," Hotaru insisted, "I just need a break from kicking Creton butt, you know?  I’ll be back in about a week anyway."

 "But I’ll miss you," Lita said pathetically.  Hotaru looked at her and Lita made a point of sticking her lower lip out.

 "Yeah well, I need a vacation," Hotaru replied, casting Lita a look, "I'll be back in a few weeks anyway."

 "Okay," Lita sniffled.

 Hotaru closed up the bag she had been packing and looked around.  "I think that's everything," Hotaru said, "Well time to go."

 She walked out of her room and everyone was waiting for her.  She said good bye to each of them.  "Have fun on vacation," Rei smiled, "And be careful okay?"

 "Careful is my middle name," Hotaru told her haughtily, "Come on.  Would I be anything else?"

 "Yes," they all said.

 She smiled sheepishly. "Okay, but I will be this time.  See ya!" she walked down the stairs and headed out.  Everyone watched.

 "There she goes," Mina shook her head, "I wonder why it was so important for her to leave do you guys think?"

 "Just needed a break," Serena said.

 "No offense to 'Taru," Amy started, "But she probably grew up the most well off out of all of us.  She has both parents who have plenty of money.  She never really left home until she came here.  I imagine she's still young that way."

 "She's only a year younger than the rest of us," Rais reasoned.

 "Maybe one year is enough," Lita shrugged, "Come on you guys, I want someone to play me in a game of poker."

 They all left in one direction or another.

 Rei kept watching the door.  She had a weird feeling but she couldn’t figure it out.  She shrugged and went on to her own business.

 She couldn’t imagine not seeing her parents or talking to them while growing up.  She had always been close to them.  She thought about Rei’s parents who were also dead.  She felt so sorry for Rei because of this, but Rei didn’t seem to mind.  Everyone knew it had been hard on her, but if it hadn’t happened she wouldn’t be a Princess.

 She then thought about Brent.  She couldn’t wait to see her cute, sweet boyfriend again.  It was his time off, so she knew he wouldn’t be gone on a message delivery.

 She had sent a letter in advance to her parents saying she was coming home, and one to Brent.  They all three knew she was coming.  She continued over a green grassy hill.

 For a moment she paused and turned around.  She could have sworn she heard footsteps behind her but one quick scan of the meadow showed that there was no one in sight.  After a little bit she turned and started walking again.

 She was worried over nothing.  Besides, how could anything possibly go wrong now?

When Hotaru entered X-Town, it was dark.  She walked in and smiled.  It felt good to be home again.  She had never been away from it for so long.

 She started through the town, feeling pretty good about the whole thing.  She walked towards her home.  The streets were very empty due to the time, but she didn't mind.  She waltzed all the way to her house.

 She arrived on her own porch and was surprised to see Brent sleeping on a chair out front.  He was snoring softly and she smiled.

 "Brent," she whispered, "Wake up Brent."

 He gave a snort and looked at her.  "Oh, Hotaru.  It's about time.  Your parents asked me to wait for you.  They had to go to a town meeting and couldn't see you themselves."

 He stood up and all at once Hotaru hugged him.  He smiled and hugged her back.  "I've missed you."

 "Me too," she murmured.

 "How are things in Lizerton?" Brent asked, "Princess Rei is something else isn't she?  She's probably one of the best people to deliver to."

 Hotaru nodded.

 "Come on," Brent smiled, "Walk around with me for awhile.  It's a beautiful night tonight."  He took her by the hand and together they walked through the town in the moonlight.

 "How are things here?" Hotaru asked.

 "Normal," Brent shrugged.

 "Been anywhere interesting for work?" Hotaru asked him.  They made idle conversation for a long time.  Hotaru smiled, glad to be home.

 As happy as she was, she couldn't help but think something was weird.  She kept looking over her shoulder.

 "What's wrong?" Brent asked.

 "Nothing," Hotaru smiled at him, "It's just that, I have this weird feeling we're being watched, don't you?"

 Brent shook his head.  "Not really but I guess I'm so used to travelling around at night, I don't think about it much anymore."

 Hotaru nodded but decided not to explain that it wasn't just the dark that had her worried.  She was just being silly.

 Eventually they arrived back at Hotaru's doorstep.

 "I should go home, it's really late," Brent smiled.  Hotaru nodded.  He leaned down and kissed her.  "I'm glad your home."

 He watched as she walked up the porch step and to her door.  She paused and turned around, waving.

 Brent lifted a hand to wave, but suddenly he disappeared.  Hotaru blinked.  He had been gone so fast, she had to take a moment to realize what had happened.

 "Brent?"

 She stepped forward.  She managed to suppress a scream as something came right in front of her path.  She took two steps back.

 In front of her stood a cloaked woman, the hood drawn over her eyes.  She wore long gloves to her elbows and all purple.

 "Who are you?"

 The woman said nothing.  She smiled sadistically at Hotaru and waved a hand behind her.  A circle appeared from nowhere and formed an image.  That image was of someone behind a prison door.

 "Brent!"

 It seemed like Rei had just put her head to sleep when the dream jerked her awake again.  She was breathing heavily and her heart was pounding.

 "But it wasn’t the same dream," she muttered.

 She had seen a blood shot eyes with a purple iris and a boy’s figure.  She didn’t know what it meant.  She rubbed her eyes, feeling her heart get fed up with all of those confusing and meaningless dreams.

 "I wish I didn’t dream at all," she said a little bitterly and pulled the covers over her head.  She found that sleep refused to return so she got up.  She walked down to the throne room. Slowly she walked bare-footed down the stairs and walked outside.  She could feel the winter air chill her feet, and stepped back.

 "It’s cold out here," she muttered to herself.

 "Of course, it’s winter," a voice answered back.

 Rais stepped out of the castle and stood next to her.

 "I knew you were there," Rei smiled at him.

 "I’m sure," Rais nodded, but the smirk on his face said he didn’t believe her, "Another bad dream?"

 "Yeah," Rei admitted to him, "but this one was a little different.  What are you doing up this late?"

 "I usually am," Rais shrugged, "Insomnia.  I got used to being under the cover of shadows I guess."  He winked at her.

 "Where are you from anyway?" Rei asked him.

 "What do you dream about?" Rais retorted.

 They both fell silent.  Neither wanted to answer the other’s question so they didn’t.  Rei looked out towards Reptopia and got a buzzing feeling in her chest.

 "Come on," Rei said, feeling a chill run up her back, "It’s cold out here."

 They walked in and Rei welcomed the warmth of the castle, but the chill didn't seem to want to go away.

 "What have you done?" Hotaru growled.

 "I only relocated your boyfriend," Psyche smiled, "I would have done the same with your parents if they had shown up."

 "Relocated…?"

 "He’s now in a much larger homestead.  I believe you know it as the Reptopian Castle?  I’m sure it will be the Evilopolis castle soon, but until then…"

 "You’re lying," Hotaru growled, "It's an illusion."

 "Care to test that theory?" Psyche smiled.  She held a hand towards the image and suddenly Brent doubled over in pain.  Hotaru gasped.

 Hotaru let out a growl.  "Let him go!" she shouted and ran at Psyche. Psyche moved away so fast Hotaru didn't even notice until it was too late.  Hotaru fell forward in surprise and landed on the ground.

 "Are you stupid?  Do you want me to kill your boyfriend?"  Psyche smiled smugly at Hotaru, who sat on the ground, shaking with rage.

 Hotaru glared at her.  "What do you want me to do?"

 "Come to the castle, alone," Psyche said, becoming serious. "None of your friends, or you won’t have a boyfriend anymore."

 "Deal," Hotaru said, standing up.

 "See you then," Psyche said and faded away.

 Hotaru paused a moment then reached into her pocket, pulling out a small piece of paper and a pen.  She wrote a quickly scrawled note and left it on the door of her house.  It said

Something came up.  Have to go.  Love you.  Hotaru

 She then made her way out of the town.  As she went she began to shift forms from a human girl to a black horse, and shot through the night to Reptopia.

 "No fair!"

 "Fair enough French-fry!  If your reflexes were as good as your ability to eat, you would have beaten me by now!" Rei growled, "Now put the puck on the table."

 Rei and Serena were playing air hockey in the rec. room.  Serena was losing very sorely.  Rei might have normally cheated but that day it wasn’t necessary.

 "You sure you aren’t using your powers, Rei?" Rais asked, watching.  Surely someone could lose as badly as Serena was.

 "Positive," Rei said.

 "Can we trust you?" Rais asked slyly.  Suddenly, Rais felt his feet lift off the ground.  He looked down a little pop eyed.

 "What are you doing?" he asked.

 "Showing you the difference in using my powers and not," Rei said, watching him with a look of concentration on her face.  "This is how I look when I’m using my powers."  She turned him upside down and let him fall.

 "I see…" he muttered lying flat on the floor.

 "Now, put the puck on the table," Rei growled at Serena, pointing at the table.

 Serena had been staring at Rais on the floor.  "No!  You’re cheating!"  She folded her arms across her chest.

 Rei sighed and she mentally lifted the small disc into the air and let it fall back onto the table.  "I know how you feel," Rais said, leaning onto the table, talking to the puck.

 "Do you need another demonstration?" Rei snapped, but she was smiling.

 He smiled and a little red energy ball appeared on the tip of his finger.  Rei rolled her eyes and hit the puck at Serena.

 They continued to play when Lita walked in.  "Look!  We got a letter from Hotaru!" she said holding an envelope up.

 "Already?" Rei was surprised.  She hadn't been gone for more than a day.  When had she written a letter? "Let’s hear it."

 Lita opened it.  "My vacation will last a little longer than I thought.  See you guys in a couple of weeks.  Signed, ‘Taru."

 "Longer," Rei frowned, "Let me see that."

 Rei took the letter, but as soon as she touched it, she saw a vision on Creton in her mind.  She gasped and let go.  The note floated to the ground and Rei stared at it as if it were a snake ready to attack.

 "What?" Lita asked.  Rais looked at Rei worried and Mina, who had been reading in the corner, looked up.

 "I… I don’t think Hotaru wrote this," Rei said slowly.

 "The who did?" Mina asked, coming over.  She picked it up and started to read it.  She passed it to the others.

 "I don’t know.  It sounds crazy but I saw Creton in my mind as soon as I touched it," Rei explained.

 "You don’t think…?"

 "I think we better make a trip to X-Town," Rei said.

 "But you can’t just leave," Mina whipped out a clipboard with Rei's schedule from seemingly nowhere, "Besides shouldn’t some of us stay here?  In case there’s an attack on Lizerton?"

 "She’s right," Amy said, "This could be an elaborate plan to get us away from the kingdom.  Someone should stay here."

 "Right," Rei nodded.  "Lita?  You, Amy, and Mina go to X-Town, Rais, Serena, and I will stay and protect the kingdom."

 "Agreed," Amy nodded, "Come on guys."

 They all made their way outside, boarded Sady and flew off.

 "What do we do?" Rais asked Rei.

 "We stay here and look for trouble," Rei shrugged, "Somehow I think that trouble is going to find us."

* * * * *

 Hotaru ran through the Nymph Forest towards Reptopia.  She was now a panther so she could move through the forest easily.

 She came out into Reptopia.  It was the same as she had last seen it.  Empty.  The dark veil that covered it before was thicker and the castle seemed taller and more menacing then ever.

 Hotaru flew towards the castle.  She considering changing into something she could fight in, but quickly decided not to.  If she walked in ready for battle, they might kill Brent.  She couldn't let that happen.

 She changed back into human and walked up to the castle.  The doors were hanging wide open like a gaping mouth.

 She knew that this was a trap, but she had no choice.  She couldn’t leave Brent there.  There was no telling what they would do to him if she didn't show up.

 She walked down the first dark hallway, unsure of where she was supposed to be.  She paused and looked through each ominous hall, wondering which way to go.

 "Welcome to my parlor."

 Hotaru stopped.  She recognized that voice as Psyche.  She tensed up and looked around, but couldn't see her anywhere.  "Show yourself!" she yelled and listening to the dull echo of her own angry voice.

 "Now, now, control your temper," the voice floated from down the hall, "Keep walking and you’ll see me soon enough."

 Hotaru stepped forward hesitantly.  Her heart was beating in her temple, partly from anger, partly from fear.  How would she ever make it out of this alive?  Without the other SOL members there, she didn't really stand a chance, especially if Creton made an appearance.

 She remembered the way Amy had described Creton's powers.  His ability to dispel any attack that was thrown at him.  His amazing strength.  He had murdered Twiggy and she had been a great witch.

 She kept a tight watch on all sides.  She found herself in a great hallway of doors.  She paused , wondering which one.

 "Take the one at the end of the hall.  You can't miss it," Psyche's voice sounded amused and entertained.  Hotaru forgot her fears for a moment and burst into the room.

 She looked around.  The lighting was all purple.  She knew immediately she was in the right place.  She looked into the middle of the room and gasped.

 "Brent!" Hotaru called and ran forward.  He was just standing there, staring straight ahead.  Before she could get there something blocked her path.

 "Wait and have patience child," Psyche said, stepping forward.

 She stopped.  Psyche smiled, satisfied, and turned her back.  She walked to Brent and stood behind him, resting her chin against his shoulder.  He never even moved.

 "Brent!  Can you hear me?" she called.

 "No he can’t," Psyche said, stepping in front of him, "He can only hear what I order him to do."  Psyche smirked.  "I'll show you."  She slipped off one of her silk gloves and held out a palm to Hotaru.  Hotaru stood back in revulsion as the site of an eye, looking around frantically, in the middle of her hand.  "I use this to hypnotize my victims and lure them to my web."  She smiled.

 "You better let him go…."

 "Or you’ll what?"

 Hotaru had no response.  She clenched her hands into fists glaring.  She started to walk closer but Psyche held a hand forward and all at once Hotaru froze.

 "I suppose it's time to carry out the plan."

 Rei was sitting on her throne, her legs folded and her hands rested on her knees.  Serena and Rais both sat watching her.  Rei let her mind wander away from her body.  She took a deep breath and concentrated on Hotaru’s aura.  She felt forward.

 She felt herself wander deep into the Nymph Forest.  She caught a brief thought from Hotaru, then she saw no more.

 "What did you see?" Serena asked Rei.  Rei shook her head.

 "This might be bad.  She's closer than we thought, that's for sure." Rei stood up and began to walk quickly to the front doors,  "Come on."

 Hotaru couldn’t move at all.  She tried but her muscles wouldn't even flex.  Psyche laughed as Hotaru struggled to move but had no success.

 "Brilliant, Psyche."

 Hotaru could move again and she turned around.  Creton was at the doorway and the only exit.  Involuntarily, she stumbled backwards.  He was so much bigger than she was...

 "Well, shapeshifter," Creton's voice was laughing, familiar and extraordinarily clear from behind his mask, "You have meddled in affairs that are beyond you, and now you are mine."

 Hotaru stared up at the extremely tall form of Creton.  The reflection of light off of his mask was purple, as was the whole room.  She felt like she couldn't breathe but she managed to hold it all inside.  She had to stand tall.

 "What should I do with the boy?" Psyche asked, seeming pleased with herself.

 "Put him in the dungeon," Creton said dismissively, "And leave me with the shapeshifter.  I have business to settle with her."

 Hotaru felt her stomach hit the floor.

 "Yes master," Psyche said.  She looked at Brent and he disappeared.  With one last glance at Hotaru, she smiled and left.

 "So, the shapeshifter has come to pay me a visit," Creton considered Hotaru carefully.  Hotaru didn't dare attack.

 "My name is Hotaru!" she yelled without thinking.

 "Yes, I know all of your names," Creton took a step forward and Hotaru took one back, "I know where you all come from.  I know what powers you posses.  I must say, you have quite the little army, but it’s no match for me."

 "That doesn’t mean we won’t try," Hotaru replied steadily.  She was amazed at how brave she sounded.  She certainly didn't feel that brave.

"I’ll make you two offers," Creton's voice lost all of its amusement and he stared right at Hotaru, "If you don’t accept either of them then you will die.  The first is that you join my side and fight for the Evilopolis cause."

 Hotaru was silent.  Slowly she took a deep breath.  "I know that’s not happening," Hotaru smiled, "But just for the heck of it what’s the other?"

 "You give me Rei and I let you leave and never bother you again," he shrugged, "You’ll never have to hear my name.  You can be as free as a bird.  Rei is all I really wanted anyway."

 "As nice as it sounds to never have to hear your name," Hotaru began, "I would never do that to Rei.  Besides you're lying.  You want more than just Rei.  I can feel it."

 Creton chuckled lowly.  "Smart girl.  Well, you were going to die either way.  It would have been easier had you agreed, but one can't get everything they want, can they?"

 Hotaru swallowed.

 "You'll have to die.  Those were my only offers."  Creton held up a hand and aimed for Hotaru's head.  She felt frozen but there was no spell this time.  She couldn't bring herself to move.

 "Stop!"

 The place fell silent and Hotaru whirled around.  Standing at the door was Rei.  She had her arms crossed and she was glaring at Creton.

 "One of these days you'll remember I'm a psychic," Rei told Creton, "Though this one almost escaped me."

"I proofed everything," Creton growled, "How could you have known."

"The letter reeked of you.  Are you okay, Hotaru?"

 "Do I look okay?" Hotaru snapped.

 "Hey, I could always leave," Rei snapped back.  Behind her Rais and Serena stood ready to attack.

 "So now we have the psychic, the mercenary, and the scout," Creton said, "Charming.  Too bad I only need one of them."

 "Yeah well," Rei said, and prepared.

 Get ready to run, she told Hotaru mentally.

 "Get ready for the attack of your life, Creton," Rei said.  "This may very well be the last attack you ever see again."

 "I'm waiting," he smiled.

 Rei took a deep breath.  "Smokescreen!" she shouted and an orb flew towards Creton.  Instead of hitting him it burst apart and filled the room with thick blue smoke.  Hotaru took her chance and scrambled around Creton and to the door.

 "Hurry!" Rei told her and they ran from the room.

 "She what?!" Lita cried.

 She, Mina, and Amy were in Hotaru’s house talking with her parents.

 "That’s right," her mother said, "She was here but we didn’t even see her.  She just left us a note saying something had come up."

 "This sounds fishy to me," Mina said, rubbing her chin.

  They had scared all of the natives of X-Town by riding a Dragon there, and had to spend half and hour trying to find Hotaru’s house due to the fact that everyone was too afraid of them to tell them where it was.

 Now that they had finally found it they figured out that she had only spent a split second there then left.

 "Definitely fishy," Mina said.

 "Did Brent see her?" Amy asked.

 "Brent isn’t here," Hotaru’s father said, "He hasn’t been seen since yesterday.  His mother asked us if we had seen him this morning.  We figured Brent had been called onto an emergency delivery and Hotaru had gone with him."

 "What is going on around here?" Lita asked, "Come on girls.  Thanks very much for your time."

 They nodded as the girls left.

 "Let’s go back and tell Rei what we found out," Amy said.

 "Which was nothing," Lita griped.

 "But what happened to Brent?" Mina asked, "Somehow I don't buy the whole 'emergency delivery' thing.  If Hotaru had gone with him she would have written."

 "Maybe he did and Hotaru went to do something else," Lita said as they lined up over Sady.  Sady grew larger and they held on tight as they headed back to Lizerton.

 "I hope your right!" Mina called back and they left X-Town.

 When they came closer to the entrance, Rei skidded to a halt.  She paused and Hotaru almost ran into her.

 "What?"

 "A Psylocke?" Rei asked.

 Hotaru looked forward and realized Rei was staring at Psyche, who stood in front of their path gloating.   "A what?" she asked.

 "A Psylocke," Rei glared, "Similar to a psychic, except different.  They all have hypnotic powers and those eyes on their hands and normal humans are a delicacy."

 "They’re cannibals?" Serena gasped.

 "And very strong fighters," Rei warned all of them, "Be on your guard."  Rei met eyes with her and she smirked.

  "That was a nice trick you pulled on Creton, but I hope you realize that things like that won't work on me.  I hope you’re prepared.  If not then this won’t be any fun," Psyche laughed.

 Psyche ran towards Rei.  Rei was on her guard.  She cupped her hands.  "Dark Fire!" she yelled and the blast went forward.  Psyche stopped and disappeared, then reappeared in front of the energy ball.  It hit the opposite wall.

 "Not bad," Psyche smirked.  She held up a hand and a beam of purple energy flew at all of them.

 "Wait!" Serena cried and held out a hand.  Her scepter appeared and she fired a counter attack.  The two canceled each other out.

 In the midst of battle, Hotaru began to change into a wolf.  She lunged forward when it seemed like Psyche was distracted.  She jumped for the psylock's neck, but all at once she ducked.  Hotaru went right over her and skidded to a stop.

 Psyche turned on her and fired a large orb.  Hotaru emitted a loud yelp and was driven back into the far wall.

 "Hotaru!" Serena cried.

 Hotaru transformed back into herself, too hurt to maintain her wolf form.  Psyche stood over  her and held out her hand.  Brent faded into existence next to her.

 "Creton promised me I could have him once you were dead," Psyche smiled, wrapping her arms around Brent's neck. "But I think it would be more fun to make you watch."  Slowly Psyche parted her lips and bent towards Brent's neck.

 "No!" Hotaru cried, standing up. Suddenly the air around her began to vibrate and glow black.  Her eyes began to glow as well.  Slowly, she lifted a few feet off of the ground.

 "That's what happened to Lita and Amy!" Rais cried.  Rei watched carefully.  But how?  All three of them knew hardly any magic.

 The same glowing sphere that the other two had held appeared and Hotaru held it forward.

 Hotaru had a look of concentration on her face, but at the same time her expression was dull and blank.  Rei studied her carefully.  Hotaru lifted the sphere then brought it down at her side.  Suddenly the sphere burst out in a bright white light.

 Psyche gasped and took a step back.  She stepped away from Brent.  That was the moment Hotaru had needed.  The orb shot forward and swept around Psyche.  It formed a circle around her.

 "What is this?" Psyche cried.  The ring surrounded her and sent what looked like small bolts of electricity.

 Rei covered her eyes with her arm to block the bright light but continued to watch.

 Psyche let out a scream and her shape distorted.  Then all at once she seemed to be pulled apart, then disappeared for good.

 Hotaru took a few deep breaths.  The difference between the attacks Amy and Lita had used was that instead of collapsing in tiredness, Hotaru ran forward.  Rei remembered why.  Brent was now lying on the ground, unconscious.

 "Brent?" she asked.

 "He’ll be fine," Rei said, coming up behind them, "He’s just unconscious."  She put a hand on Hotaru's shoulder and she looked up at Rei.

 "Let’s get out of here," Rais looked nervous, "It’s not safe."

 "Hold on," Rei told them.  She made a triangle with her index fingers and thumbs.  The room around them blinked.  Before they knew it, they were far outside the Reptopian castle, on the Reptopian border.

 "What do we do with Brent?"  Hotaru asked.

 "Forget that, is that a dragon!?" Serena asked pointing up.

 Rei looked up.   "Yeah, I think so."

 "It’s Sady!" Rais called, "I guess they made it back."  They started waving at the dragon.  Rei sent a mental message to Amy telling her where they were.

 The Dragon turned and went towards them.  It landed and Rei jumped in the air, using her powers to carry her.  Hotaru followed, using her limited magic.  Brent was after her thanks to Rei.  Rais grabbed Serena around the waist (because she wouldn’t go herself) and jumped up also.

 "What’s going on?" Mina asked as they joined them.

 "A looong story," Serena said, "Let’s go!"

 Just in time, because as soon as Sady left the ground a horde of soldiers swarmed out.  Rei gave a relieved sigh as they lifted over the camouflage shield of Reptopia, making it look like a part of the forest.  Lucky for them, Sady had learned the difference between the shield and the real thing.

 They flew back to Lizerton, all safe and sound.

 "Are you sure you’ll be alright?" Hotaru asked.

 "Of course," Brent smiled, "Did I mention a thank you for saving me?"

 "Many times," Hotaru smiled back.

 "Well, thank you anyway," Brent pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear, "But I have to go.  My mom will have a fit if I’m gone much longer."

 "What are you going to tell her?" Hotaru asked.  They were in her room talking.  They sat on the bed together.

 "I dunno," he said, "I’m afraid to tell her the truth.  If I do she’d go nuts.  But I can’t really come up with any other explanation."

 "I see," was all Hotaru said.

 There was a moment of silence.

 "Well, I better be going," Brent told her, "I’ll see you later.  I hope you can still come home for awhile."

 "I’ll see," Hotaru said, and walked him to the door.

 They paused for a second.

 "I’m really going to miss you," Hotaru smiled sadly, "Are you sure you can’t stay?  I’ll bet Rei won’t mind."

 "No, I have work back home," Brent sighed, then added hopefully, "Though I wish you would come home with me…"

 "No," Hotaru shook her head, showing it was out of the question, "I have too much to do here.  It doesn’t seem that boring here anymore I guess.  I owe that stuffed shirt pompous jerk they call Creton that much.  He keeps things exciting."

 Brent laughed, "I’m sure he does."  He looked down for a second.  "Look, take care of yourself, okay?  If something were to happen to you…"

 "Oh, I know," Hotaru said quickly, "I will.  And you do the same.  Be on the watch.  I don’t want history to repeat itself."

 "Neither do I," Brent said earnestly.  "Well, so long…."

 "Yeah, bye," Hotaru waved.

 Brent leaned forward and gave her a kiss.

 "Move I can’t see!"

 "Get off of me, French-fry!  I’m trying to get a look!"

 Hotaru and Brent both looked at the stairs and saw three heads poked out from under the stairs.  Lita’s, Rei’s and Serena’s.

 "What are you guys doing?" Hotaru asked putting her hands on her hips and raising an eyebrow.  All at once they stumbled from out of their hiding place.

 "Nothing," Serena said quickly.

 "Just sitting down here…."

 "Talking!" Lita smiled, "I just remembered that I forgot to… to do… something.  See you guys later.  Bye Brent."

 "Yeah, I need to help her do whatever it is she's going to do," Serena said and followed.

 That left Rei.  Rei just smiled.  Hotaru didn’t think Rei was ever ashamed of anything she did.  "See ya Brent.  And Hotaru’s right.  If you ever want to stay here…"

 "That’s okay, Princess, er, Rei," he smiled.  "Well, I’m off!"  He gave Hotaru a quick peck on the cheek then walked out the door whistling.

 "Incompetent fool!"

 Valerie skidded across the floor.  He sat up slowly with a small groan, wiping blood from his chin.

 "All you had to do was send the letter, Valerie, and you managed to ruin the entire plan," Creton lifted a hand and Valerie was shoved backwards and into the far wall.  The breath was knocked from him and he fell to hands and knees, coughing.

 "You are useless."

 "Then give me another chance," Valerie managed to stand.  He stumbled a little but kept his feet. "I will make them suffer for causing you such annoyance. I can destroy Rei for you, Father, please.  I will face her as you did her father."

 "You could not begin to understand what caused the rivalry between Lawrence the Good and I," Creton told him harshly.

 "Lawrence stood in your way when you came so close to taking over.  Isn't that right?" Valerie asked.

 "Yes, but there was more than the sides we chose that made us rivals.  Perhaps it is a story I will tell you in time, but for now it is one I would rather forget."

 "No matter what the purpose, I will fight for you father," Valerie said and crouched down on one knee.

 "And perhaps even win," Creton noted.  He looked over Valerie, who was bleeding and bruised, "Perhaps even you could win.  Now leave."

 Valerie stood and closed the door behind him.  He leaned against it heavily, slipping to his knees.

 "Sir?" one of the guards asked, uncertain.

 Valerie forced himself to his feet.

 "It's nothing.  Continue your work," Valerie told him and stumbled down the hall, leaning against the wall for support.  On his way he passed Brashear.  He did not look at her face.  She paused and turned as though she wanted to say something.  Instead she just looked at the ground, where a trail of blood followed him.

 She sighed and turned her back to him, then continued down the hall.

grrr... Stupid Creton... Chapter 9