Windwalker Chronicles: Book 4 – The Gathering Storm

	On Earth, in the city with the glittering and grand name of Crystal Tokyo, there is one structure that 
dominates the skyline. That structure is the Crystal Palace, the administrative, political, and social heart 
of the city-state. At any one time, there are upwards of ten thousand people who work in some capacity in and 
around the palace. 

	However, the number of people who actually live in the Palace are only about two thousand. Besides the 
Royal Court, most of the others who lived inside the walls of the Palace were senior members of the city’s 
administration, the security force that guarded the complex, and the servants who kept things running smoothly.

	But the man sitting in the Palace Garden enjoying the afternoon sun didn’t fit into any of those groups. 
Officially, he was a ‘Guest of the Royal Court’, but his actual status was more nebulous then that. If he was 
asked to describe himself, he would respond with ‘A victim of Murphy’s vast conspiracy.’ 

	Unlike most who lived in the Palace, he couldn’t go outside into the city itself. He wasn’t a prisoner, 
but there were people out to kill him, people who had already tried twice and failed. He wasn’t a security risk, 
but there were always a few Palace guardsmen within earshot. Besides a few conversations with assorted members 
of the Royal Court and his doctors, he had spent most of the last two weeks alone, with the exception of Raiden.

	His name was Alan Thomas, a man a thousand years out of time due to a quirk of fate. He was a computer 
programmer by training, but here he was a wizard – a special kind of wizard, one that hadn’t been publicly 
acknowledged to exist in over fourteen thousand years. Once more, he was bonded to the spirit of his ancestor, 
a master wizard who had lead one of the magical orders at the end of the Silver Millennium, two souls sharing 
the same body.

	He didn’t show any outward evidence of being anything but ordinary. He was of average height, with plain 
features and dark hair. His green eyes were the only thing that seemed remarkable, though the white scar that 
followed the outside of the right eye socket before ending several millimeters below his eye gave him a slightly 
harder look. He was dressed in a loose white shirt and blue jeans, with calf-high boots. The severe burns he’d 
suffered in a duel with a would-be assassin were healed, but the mental scars were taking longer.

	 He sat under a tree, talking to a grey tigerstripe cat sitting in his lap. What was really unusual was 
the cat was answering back.

	“I don’t know,” Alan said to the cat. “Why are we bothering Setsuna on this?”

	“Because she one of the best people to spring this on,” replied Raiden, looking up at Alan. The yellow 
crescent marked him as a moon cat, long-lived advisors to the royal court. “She can give you an objective 
opinion on this crazy idea.”

	“I feel kind of stupid using the gem to summon her like she’s a servant,” said Alan, holding up a small 
gem. “She is the Guardian of Time.”

	“I am also your friend,” said a female voice from Alan’s right. Alan glanced over at Setsuna Meiou, Senshi 
of Pluto, Guardian of Time, and the elder stateswoman of the group of defenders know as the Sailor Senshi. She 
was dressed in a pair of slacks and a blue blouse that made her look like a grad student. 

	Alan waved to the grass next to him. “Grab some ground.”

	She did so, with a grace that would make a ballet dancer look clumsy. “How are you feeling?”

	“I’m alive,” Alan replied. “Doctor Wolfe let me out of her care, but not before she let me know that if I 
see her for anything more serious then a hangnail in the next six months, she’s going to lock me up in a rubber 
room and throw away the key. She’s complaining that treating me is cutting into her golf game.”

	“Well, you are a high maintenance type of patient.”

	“Don’t blame me for those madmen. They’re the reason I end up in Doctor Wolfe’s care.”

	“She must like you,” said Setsuna with a wink. “She only threatens those she likes with the padded cell.”

	“What about those people she doesn’t like?”

	“You don’t want to know,” said Setsuna and Raiden at the same time.

	“I feel so much better now,” Alan replied sarcastically.

	“You seem all right physically,” Setsuna said seriously. “How are you feeling mentally?”

	Alan was silent, looking away from the Senshi of Time. “Sometimes, I can still feel the fire on my skin,” 
he said softly. “Other times, when I close my eyes, I can still see him throwing those fire attacks at me.”

	“You were burned pretty badly. Death by Fire is one of the strongest human fears.”

	“I know. They never did tell me how bad I was burned. I was out of it for most of the time I was in the 
hospital. Did you know it took twice as long for them to heal my burns then it normally does? They had to weave 
air mana into the spells before they would take hold.”

	“Doctor Wolfe didn’t mention that in her report.”

	“I only find out about it from overhearing a couple of medical types who thought I was still unconscious 
discussing my case. Doctor Wolfe has it straightened out now, but I think she wants those six months to prepare 
in case I end up in her care again.” Alan stopped for a moment, then said, “Do you know what I was thinking at 
the end of that battle? When I used the ‘tempest ram’ spell?”

	“No.”

	“All I wanted to do was take that bastard with me.” Alan’s voice became hard, anger seeping into his voice. 
“I wanted him to know that he wasn’t going to live long enough to enjoy his victory.”

	“He didn’t,” Setsuna said in a gentle voice.

	“Rei told me. Do you know something? I can’t feel any sympathy or sorrow for him. He’s dead, and I’m alive, 
and I can’t feel anything but satisfaction about that outcome.” He looked at Setsuna. “That scares me, more than 
fire, more than death. I saw what might happen to me one day. What’s to stop me from being just like him?”

	"The fact you ask that question is a good starting place,” Setsuna replied. “As long as you keep asking 
that question, don’t worry about it.”

	Alan nodded. “Thanks for the advice on that, but I really need some advice on something else.” 

	“Something important, I take it?”

	Alan nodded. Raiden sighed. “Maybe you can talk sense into both of them,” he said leaping off Alan’s lap 
and onto Setsuna’s. “Either one is stubborn by himself, but together . . . ” He shook his head.  

	“Can I speak to both you and Uncle Alisin?” Setsuna asked.

	Alan removed another gem from a shirt pocket and place it in his forehead. “I think I’m going to ask Pyrite 
to see if he can come up with another solution instead of this.”

	*Moment,* said an older, more mature voice.

	“Uncle Alisin,” replied Setsuna warmly. “What are you two up to?”

	“I’ll let Grandfather explain,” said Alan.

	*Do you recall that Alan and I promised Queen Serenity that we would not broach the subject of reforming
the Orders unless something happens that we felt would be a boon or a hindrance to that task?*

	“I heard. You want to start the process now.”

	*Yes. The duel showed both of us that Elemental magic isn’t dead, it is being hidden from the world by 
those who would twist it to suit their own needs. I cannot allow that to continue.*

	“I agree,” said Alan. “If we start the process, we might force these guys to challenge us openly.”

	“I see.” Setsuna looked thoughtful. “Have you spoken to the Queen on this matter yet?”

	“No. We thought we should get some advice before we sprang it on her.”

	“Whom have you talk to concerning this idea?”

	*Only the four of us,* said Alisin. *We also plan to speak to both Guardian Pyrite and Lady Mars on –*

	“Do we have to bring Rei in on this?” Alan asked.

	“You don’t want Rei to know?” asked Setsuna.

	“I don’t want to bother her with this. It’s not her concern.”

	*I think it is her concern, as this decision could affect Security.*

	“I don’t see how.”

	“Uncle Alisin is right,” said Setsuna. “Taking a step like this will affect security of this city. Where
are you planning to set the new Orders up? Here, in the palace, or in the city? Remember, you’re still under 
her protection. That means she’s going to have to screen any applicants, and be responsible for, at least at 
the beginning, for their security.”

	“But --“ 

	”The sooner you can include Rei in on these plans, the easier it will be for her to include it in her 
security plans.”

	Alan sighed. “I suppose I should go see her.”

	“Do I have to remind you to be on your best behavior?”

	“No, you don’t. Rei and I have called a truce. We promised to stop arguing, and I’m not sure –“

	”If you approach Rei before you speak to the Queen, you will find her more receptive to the idea. Rei 
doesn’t like surprises.”

	“No, she doesn’t.” Raiden agreed. “If you’re going to go through with this, at least get her input at the 
planning stage.”

	Alan threw his hands up. “All right, I go see her!”

	*What do you think about this idea, Moment?* asked Alisin. *Is this the time to revive the Orders?*

	“In light of what has happened,” The Senshi of Time said seriously, “You may not have a choice.”

	“I can’t stay here and do nothing forever,” said Alan. “Hiding is not going to make those guys go away.”

	“No, it isn’t. But have you given much thought about how you’re going to do this? You’re starting from 
scratch.”

	“Not yet. Right now, Me and Grandfather are just floating the idea to see what reaction we get. When we 
get the green light, then we can start thinking about the nut and bolts of the operation.”

	Setsuna shook her head. “If you’re going to propose doing this, you should have a plan beforehand. I 
suggest you two get Pyrite to help you. He’s had experience in building magic-based organizations from the 
ground up.”

	*A sound idea.*

	Alan sighed. “All right. This is getting more complex by the minute.”

	“Did you expect to wave a hand and have the Orders appear as if by magic?” Raiden asked.

	“No. But I’ve never done something like this before.” The moon cat sighed and lowered his head in frustration.

	Setsuna gave Alan a long-suffering look. “I suggest that you two meet with Pyrite and Rei, put together 
a workable plan, then present it to the Queen for her approval,” she said in a mild tone. “That is going to be 
the only way to do this. Making it up as you go along is not the way to do it.”

	Alan leaned back against the tree and sighed. “This is harder then I thought it would be.”

	“Anything worth doing is never easy. You should know that.”

	“I’m not that much of a planner.”

	“That’s why you need Pyrite and Rei to help.”

	*I agree with Moment.*
	
	Alan glanced over at Setsuna. “Do you want in on the planning too?”

	The Senshi of Time shook her head. “I cannot spare the attention, or, if you pardon the pun, the time. 
But the five of you should be sufficient.”

	“Five?” Raiden asked.

	“You were expecting to be left out?” 

	“Not really, but it is nice to be noticed at times.”

	Setsuna raised an eyebrow as she reached over and scratched Raiden’s head. “You’re lees like to blow up,” 
she said. “A cool head might be needed, because I doubt this is going to be some easily done. I’ll intrust you
with the task of keeping them honest.”

	“Does this mean I get to represent you at these meetings?”

	“In a manner of speaking.”

	“Oh, good.”

	Alan shook his head at the interplay between the two. “You still angling for the position of being Pluto’s 
cat?” he asked Raiden.

	The cat opened one eye to look at him. “Maybe,” he said as he enjoyed Setsuna’s scratching. “But the one
I really want is Mercury and the Great Library, assuming there’s a great library left to explore.”

	“I wonder how Ami’s doing,” said Alan, a trace of sadness in his voice. “Setsuna, have you heard anything?”

	“Not officially,” said the Senshi of Time. “But I think there’s something going on with the Mercury expedition 
that might affect what you’re trying to do here.”

	“An insight into the future?” asked Alan. 

	“Only in that my future self looked very smug about something the last time I talked to her about it. I 
have no idea what’s going on.”

	“Some Guardian of Time. I thought you knew what was going to happen.”

	“Being a Guardian of Time means that I have to guard Time against everyone, even myself.”

	Alan leaned his head against the tree and looked at Setsuna. “Has anyone told you that you are one spooky 
lady?”

	“Not in the last ten minutes.” Setsuna stopped scratching Raiden’s head and stood up. “I have to get back. 
Go see Pyrite and I pass the word along to Rei that you want to talk to her about a security matter this afternoon. 
Is that soon enough?”

	*Satisfactory,* replied Alisin. *Thank you for your time and advice, Moment.*

	“Anytime, Uncle. Goodbye Alan, Raiden.” She turned and walked away.

	“Good bye, Setsuna.” Alan waited until the Senshi of Time disappeared before he closed his eyes. {Okay, 
Grandfather,} he said mentally, {let’s work put some basic ideas together before we talk to Pyrite. How were 
the Orders set up?}

	*Well....*

	They spent the rest of the morning hashing togther some ideas.


Part 1 - "Bits and Pieces"





From the personal journal of Dr. Ami Mizuno--Bradington, Mercury Expedition:


     We have been on Mercury for only five days, but to some of us, it feels like it 
has been a lifetime. It is only now that I've had the time to think and write down these 
thoughts, to try and make sense of our discoveries and the staggering implications that 
they imply, not only to our future, but to our understanding of our distant past.

     Mercury is still populated.

     Not only populated, but the people are from the last days of the Silver Millennium, 
frozen in time by some sort of machine that put them into cryogenic suspension for over 
fourteen thousand years. Our arrival here and resulting actions, have released them. And 
we now find ourselves with a new set of mission objectives.
                                                       
     We had expected to find a dead world, not one frozen in time. To them, only an instant 
has passed, but everything else outside this small planet has changed. After their initial 
surprise, everyone wanted to know everything that had happened after Beryl launched her 
attack on the Moon Kingdom.

     So, instead of an exploration and archaeological expedition that we were equipped 
and staffed for, we suddenly have become a diplomatic mission, something we were not prepared 
for. But Ferrite and the senior members of the revived Mercurian government have hammered 
out a scheme, putting a system in place that would allow both sides to exchange information 
in a timely and consistent manner.

     The result was that Ferrite, because his language and his intact memories of the Silver 
Millennium, handles the senior members of the government, while I was given the responsibility 
of dealing with the leadership of the Science Council and other important groups. Myuki was 
given the responsibility working with the Great Library's sizable staff. Most of the other 
groups were divided up among the exploration team, leaving Tom to deal with the security people. 
I'm wondering if maybe he hadn't gotten the best deal of all.

     The biggest stumbling block had been the lack of a common language, but a day and a half 
search of the Great Library came up with plans for a device that could translate one language 
to another and back again. It took another half a day for them to build enough of the devices 
to make them useful, but there were plenty of volunteers willing to help. I expect as we continue 
talking to each other, the need for these devices will become less.

     Right now, I'm sitting in an office in the Royal Palace, with a pair of assistants at 
my beck and call, and a long list of people to talk to. As of now, I am done for the day, 
which I am glad. The senior members of the science guilds are intelligent men and women of 
logic, but the staggering amount of time and changes to what they once knew was like waving 
a bone in front of a starving dog. Like kids in a candy store, they wanted to know everything 
that had happened to the universe since they had been frozen. I've managed to answer most of 
their questions, and they went away satisfied for now, but I had no doubt that they will be 
back with more questions tomorrow.

     I wish all my problems were as easy to solve.

     I find myself as a stranger in what is suppose to be my home planet. But it isn't. This 
is the home of Princess Cognisance, not Ami Mizuno--Bradington. Earth is my home, and it will 
always be so. My role is at Serenity's side, not here.

     But every Mercurian still sees me as Princess Cognisance, heir to the throne, daughter 
of The Grand Council Leader Assuage and Queen Sagacity. That includes both the Council Leader 
and Queen themselves. To them, I am still their daughter, their child, even though I am not. 
They don't seem to, or want to, understand that I am not that same girl they raised -- my 
memories of the Silver Millennium are fragmentary at best, and while I share many of the same 
skills and personality traits of my former self, I am not her. I don't think they've accepted 
that yet, and it may taken them a long time for them to do so.

     I think the shock of Myuki's presence has confused things even more in their eyes. My 
descendant, as one who is the Younger Mercury, is suppose to be in training as a Senshi. But 
she already has the skills and knowledge of an Elder Senshi, and were it not for my presence, 
she would be treated as an Elder. Also, the fact she is not acting like a Mercurian Princess 
is perplexing to them. Myuki is many things, but she isn't the shy retiring type that many 
would expect.

     But not all the surprises are on the Mercuric side. Princess Europa Macleod of Jupiter, 
is here.

     She is the sister of Juno Macleod, who was reincarnated as Makoto, and sister to the 
adopted Orion Macleod, reincarnated as Tom. We were shocked when this girl appeared out of 
nowhere, and upon seeing Tom, threw herself into his arms with a shout of "Brother!" After 
we recovered from the surprise, it took us over an hour to patiently explain to her that we 
weren't exactly the same people she had known fourteen thousands ago.

     She didn't take it well. She ran off crying, and she has stayed away from the members 
of the expedition, including Ferrite, who does remember her. We have caught glimpses of her, 
but she's always managed to slip away before we could talk to her. With our schedule, we can't 
get away long enough to search for her. I can see it's hurting Tom deeply, even though he 
doesn't remember her all that well.

     I also feel sorry for her. She has no one she can turn to, no one she can confide in. 
This isn't her home, and she has no friends here. I have asked Phoebe to find her and talk 
to her, to which Phoebe has agreed to do. In any case, what Europa needs now is someone to 
talk to, and Phoebe could be that someone. 

     Phoebe herself has taken our sudden arrival with some degree of surprise, but seems to 
have accepted it more readily then most of the others. She's been dividing her time between 
Myuki and myself, in part in order to get to know us, and in part to avoid Puck, who apparently 
has been trying to make up for lost time. I'm hoping she can convince Europa to talk to us 
again.

     But right now, all I want is a bath and an evening alone with Tom. The bath shouldn't 
be too hard to have, but something tells me that it's going to be a while before I get that 
evening alone with Tom....






     Ami Mizuno--Bradington, Elder Senshi Mercury, the reincarnated Princess Cognizance of Mercury, estimable 
medical doctor, and wife to StarHunter Prime looked up as the door to her office opened again. Instead of one 
of her Mercurian assistants, her husband slipped into the room.

     "How's it going?" Tom asked, walking over to the desk and giving her a quick kiss on the lips.

     "Tiring," she replied glumly, "Not to mention I feel like I'm in prison. I haven't had to answer so many 
difficult questions since college."

     Tom slipped behind Ami's chair and placed his hands on her shoulders. Slowly, he started massaging her neck 
and shoulders. She leaned back and closed her eyes. "How was your day?" she asked.

     "Not too bad," he replied.

     "That's good," Ami practically purred as her husband shifted his hands so they were massaging the muscles 
near her neck. "How about the security people?"

     "The security people were very cooperative, especially since they were told I'm married to you. Otherwise, 
I think they would have given me a polite brush-off as StarHunter Prime."

     "It seems StarHunters were only tolerated on Mercury, as I have been told several times in the past two days."

     Tom leaned forward and whispered in Ami's ear, "And what is the Princess Cognisance's opinion on StarHunters?"

     Ami sighed. "That's another thing I can't get use to. Only Alisin has ever called me Cognisance before I 
got here. Now, everyone except you and the other members of the expedition call me by that name. I keep thinking 
they're talking to someone else."

     Tom began kneading her shoulder and neck muscles again "You are Cognisance to them."

     Ami leaned slight forward to allow her husband freer access to the tight muscles. "But I'm not the same 
person they knew. I don't remember much about my Silver Millennium persona. I have a different set of life 
experiences from Cognisance. I am now Ami Mizuno--Bradington."

     "But your core sprit is Cognisance," Tom replied, "just as my core sprit is Orion. You aren't exactly the 
same person as Cognisance, but in every important way, you are the Princess of Mercury they know and love."

     "I know. But it doesn't make it any easier."

     "You're right, but cheer up, the end of the day is near."

     "So you're done for the day?" Ami asked hopefully.

     "I am, but you have one more appointment."

     Ami groaned. "Can't you tell them to come back tomorrow?"

     Tom leaned down so he could whisper in her ear. "I think you would want to talk to these people. Myuki wanted 
to tell you herself, but she's up to her eyes in her own work. So, when she ran into me in the hall, she passed 
along the message that there's a group of people we're overlooking here, and you might want to talk to them your-
self."

     She looked up at him, her expression one of slight confusion. "And why would I want to talk to this overlooked 
group?"

     "Because you're the closest thing this team has to an expert in Elemental Magic."

     "I'm what?"

     "Remember Alan and Alisin?" Tom prompted.

     Ami's disappointment and confusion evaporated. "There's Elemental wizards here?" she asked. "But how? I 
thought all of the Orders were destroyed on Earth."

     Tom smiled. "I think I'd better let them explain." After one last knead of Ami's shoulders, he walked over 
to the office door and opened it. "Lady Mercury will see you now."

     A group of four people entered the office. Two were men, two were women, all four dressed in different 
color robes. As a group, all four bowed towards Ami, then one of the women stepped forward. "Knowledge and 
Peace to you, Lady Mercury," she said.

     Ami's eyes flickered towards the translation device and frowned when she noticed that it wasn't turned on. 
She looked back at the speaker. "Greetings . . . " she trailed off, uncertain how to address her guests.

     The woman, wearing a green robe nodded slowly. "I am Brimlad, Mistress of Water. By my right as rank, I am 
to act as spokesperson." She was a plain faced woman with an air of tranquility, like a calm lake. "I am hoping 
you can assist us."

     "Mistress Brimlad." Ami motioned towards the pair of chairs arranged in front of her desk. "Please, have a 
seat and I see if I can help you."

     Tom brought over two more chairs to allow all the visitors to sit. Once all four were comfortble, Ami said 
to Brimlad, "You are the first person I have met on Mercury that hasn't started off by addressing me as Princess 
Cognizance."

     The water wizard shrugged. "We had the advantage of listening to those who came before us. We know much 
about you, including how you wish to be addressed. That is why we have come to you."

     "If I can help, I will."

     Brimlad nodded. "We have heard there has been great changes to the civilization in the millennia that we 
have been . . . asleep. Among those changes has been a great shift in the use and form of magic. If what we have 
heard is true, then there are things that need to be discussed."

     "I see," Ami replied. "Can I assume that the others here represent the other three Elemental Orders?"

     "They are, Lady Mercury." Brimlad replied.  "If I may introduce them?"

     "Please do."

     "The man next to me is Aghamore, Disciple of Earth." Aghamore was tall, with broad shoulders and rough 
features. His hair was short and his was a few shades darker then the brown of his robe, and the impression he 
gave Ami was a person at ease.

     Brimlad motioned towards the woman dressed in a blue robe next to Aghamore. "This is Tadewi, Sister of Air." 
The Air Wizard was the exact opposite of the Earth Wizard. She was short, slim, with dark hair and dark eyes. 
Her eyes were constantly in motion, settling on an object long enough to memorize it, then moved on to the next 
object. Her eyes settled on Ami, gave her a brief nod, then went back to watching everything else around her.

     "And finally, Brant, Brother of Fire." He was the middle ground between the other two. He was as tall as 
Aghamore, but he was slim almost to the point of being gaunt. His hair and beard were short and reddish-brown, 
while his complexion was ruddy from exposure to heat.

     "How many of  you are there?" asked Ami.

     "There is myself, a pair of Brothers, and about a dozen Adepts and Initiates representing the Water Order. 
Aghamore and Tadewi each have an adept with them, while I'm afraid Brant is the Fire Order's lone representative 
on Mercury. There are half a dozen researchers from all four Orders here, but they are not really under our 
supervision."

     Ami leaned back in her chair, trying hard to contain her excitement. "How can I help you?"

     "We find ourselves in a difficult situation. First, can you confirm that there is no Elemental Orders?"

     "I can," said Ami slowly. "Until very recently, we had no idea that the Orders had ever existed."

     "I see," replied Brimlad.

     "You say until recently," said Aghamore. His voice was deep and rumbling, like it was coming from a mine 
shaft. "Something happened to alter your knowledge."

     "Yes," Ami replied. She looked at Tadewi. "A short time before this exploration mission left Earth, a man 
by the name of Alan Thomas was..." Ami thought for a second. "...conveyed from the past to Crystal Tokyo by the 
use of magic. We found out that he is not only the direct decedent of Alisin Windwalker, but Alisin Windwalker's 
sprit is somehow bonded to Alan's body and is able to communicate with us."

     There was a range of reactions among the Elementalists. Brimlad raised an eyebrow, while Aghamore looked 
curious. Brant's expression was hard to read.

     Tadewi's expression was one of hope mixed with uncertainty and amazement. "Master Alisin is alive?" she 
whispered. "Could I-I contact him?" 

     Ami glanced over at Tom. He shrugged. Ami returned her gaze to Tadewi. "I will ask Guardian Ferrite," she 
replied. "Because of certain factors, we must arrange a session ahead of time. Considering your situation, I 
will strongly recommend that all of you be allowed to speak to Master Alisin."

     Brimlad nodded, then looked over to Tadewi. "But I think we should allow those of the Air Order the 
opportunity to speak to Master Alisin first. He is the head of their Order, and he will need to know he isn't 
alone."

     "I will ask. But, could I ask you some questions? I'm unclear about some matters."

     "Of course Lady Mercury. If we can answer your questions, we will."

     "How can you speak our language?"

     Brimlad smiled. "One of the few non-elemental spells we use. In the past, the Orders have been used as go-
betweens, negotiators, and diplomats. Sometimes, it was more expedient to use the spell then to try and learn 
a new language in a hurry. While that wasn't true in the last years of the Silver Millennium, we still conform 
to traditional ways."

     "Why are you here on Mercury?"

     Brimlad leaned back into her chair and steepled her fingertips. "Your memories as Princess Cognizance must 
be fragmentary," she said matter-of-factly. "Or else you would remember that we of the Water Order chose Mercury 
as their new home when the Orders left the Earth."

     "All four Orders didn't chose Mercury as their new home?" Ami felt like an idiot for asking the question,
but she wanted to keep Brimlad talking about the Orders.

     "Of course not." said Aghamore. "One of the reasons we left Earth was because of friction between the Orders. 
Each Order chose an inner planet as their new home. The Fire Order chose Mars for obvious reasons."

     "The Great Fire," Ami replied.

     Aghamore nodded. "My own Order chose Venus, while Tadewi's decided on Earth's Moon to be their new home."

     "So why are there representatives from the other Orders here?" Tom asked.

     "That is easy enough to explain," Brimlad replied. "There was an incident here on Mercury a number of years 
ago in our relative timeline. Queen Sagacity and a number of scientists were trapped in a solar observatory when 
the tunnel leading to it collapsed. There was very little air inside the observatory, and it would have taken too 
long to clear the tunnel. In order to save them, Guardian Ferrite and Princess Cognisance, who had just received 
the mantle of Younger Mercury, traveled across the surface of Mercury's sun side to reach the solar observatory 
with an air stone." 

     Ami looked astonished. Maybe she should talk to Ferrite and confirm the story. "I see."

     "Had there been an Earth Wizard on Mercury during the crisis," Brimlad continued, "there would have been 
no need for such heroics, as they could have cleared the tunnel long before the air would have run out."

     "Why wasn't there any Earth Wizards on Mercury at that time?" Tom asked.

     "I'm afraid we allowed petty politics to blind us to common sense," said Aghamore. "Mistrust among the Orders 
has always been one of our greatest weaknesses. We did not allow members of other Orders to permanently reside on 
the worlds we called home."

     "Hence," Brimlad continued, "the closest Earth Wizard was on Venus, too far away to be helpful. Shortly 
after that incident, it was decided that each Order would send one representative to the other three's citadels. 
These representatives were to act as ambassadors for their Orders to both Elemental and the planets' government. 
And should such a case arise that needed their particular skills . . . " She let it trail off. "Forgive me, Lady 
Mercury. I see I am again doing what I have always been accused of, namely droning on."

     "I'm all right," replied Ami.

     Brimlad smiled easily, showing something beside her business-like attitude. "I have been accused many times 
of droning on too long." She stood, followed by the others. "I realize your day has been long and you wish to 
reconnect with your husband before dinner. I will arrange for another appointment at a more appropriate time."

     "Could you come by our apartment after dinner tonight?" Ami asked. "I would like to carry on this conversation."

     "I cannot, Lady Mercury. I must attend to the needs of my students tonight. I fear the shock of what has 
happened will take a long time to set in, and they must be my first concern. However, if any of the others wish 
to take you up on your kind offer, I will not complain."

     "I cannot," said Aghamore. "Queen Sagacity has asked me to examine some of the tunnels for any signs of 
weakness. I fear it will be a time-consuming task."

     Brant said nothing, but his expression was unfriendly. 

     Tadewi looked from one face to another before she said, "If it isn't a problem, I would like to take you 
up on your kind offer, Lady Mercury."

     Ami smiled. "My husband and I would be pleased to have you."

     "Would it be permitted for me to bring along Molan, my aide? I think he would contribute to our conversation."

     "He would be welcomed also."

     Brimlad bowed. "We thank you for your time, Lady Mercury. I will see to arranging another appointment to 
confer more on these matters."

     "I would welcome another meeting." Ami stood up slowly and bowed towards the four. "I thank you for your 
time and I hope we can assist you."

     Tom led the four out of the office. After a minute, he came back into the room. "What do you think?" he 
asked, closing and locking the door behind him.

     Ami sat down again. "First, I think we should talk to Ferrite."

     "You know he won't like it." He walked over to the desk and perched on one corner. "The Orders weren't high 
on his list of people to see. Myuki ran into Aghamore over at Ferrite's office. He'd been waiting two days for 
an appointment."

     "And you thought I could help."

     "I knew you were more willing to listen. So I invited all of them to come and speak to you."

     "I'm glad you did. When is the next communications window with Earth?"

     "About three hours."

     "I want to send a message to Serenity, informing her of this."

     Tom raised an eyebrow. "Are you going to tell Alan?"

     Ami shook her head. "Not directly. Since we haven't publicly announced what we've found here yet, I don't 
want to let it leak out. But I will ask Serenity to tell him, at her discretion."

     Tom stood. "How long is it going to take you to put a message together?"

     "About an hour to compose and code it."

     "Dinner is scheduled to start in two-and-a-half-hours from now."

     Ami sighed. "Another state dinner?"

     "I'm afraid so." he reached out and took her hand. "You look tense."

     "I feel tense."

     "I think we can spare half an hour for a hot relaxing bath." He was smiling now, a warm smile that still 
had the ability to make her heart flutter. He pulled her to her feet and placed his arms around her waist. 
"You're too tense for anything else."

     "You're not planning to take advantage of this, are you?" she asked in mock seriousness.

     "Me?" asked Tom innocently, then leaned down and kissed her.

     Ami forgot about a lot of things for a while....





     Bordil Edansen was one of the largest media magnates on the planet. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with 
dark brown hair flecked with gray. He could be called ruggedly handsome, but there was something hard in his 
obsidian eyes that hinted at cruelness. His suit was dark gray, tailored for his frame, that would put back 
most people two month's salary. He carried a thin, flat briefcase, a rarity in these days of electronic storage 
and retrieval, but there were some things he wasn't going to trust to any computers at any time.              

     He strode up the front steps of the mansion, ignoring the overcast skies and the soft moan of the wind. He 
was on an island off the east coast of Canada, on a stretch of cliffs overlooking the cold gray waters of the 
Atlantic Ocean. The mansion, a massive construction of block and steel that had more then a passing resemblance 
to a fortress, had been in his 'family's' possession for generations. He had taken great care to conceal the 
actual ownership of this, and other homes he owned. Not for any mundane reasons, like avoiding taxes or publicity, 
but to protect himself from people who wanted to kill him and the current residents of the house.

     As Edansen reached the front door of the mansion, it opened. Without altering his step, he entered the house. 
As the door closed behind him, his eyes swept the large entry hall, ignoring the oil paintings, marble statues and 
antique furniture in favor of making sure the guards were alert and ready.

     There were four of them in the hall. All four wore suits and ties, but the submachine guns each man had 
slung over their shoulders indicated their real status and positions in the house. The one who had open the door, 
a thin man with a blond-gray crewcut who went by the name Van der Berg, said, "Welcome, sir."

     "Where is she?" Edansen asked bruskly.

     Van der Berg didn't bat an eye at his employer's demeanor. "The library, Sir. She is alone."

     "Any problems?"

     "None sir."

     "Good." Edansen walked towards a tall pair of doors to the right of the entry hall. He opened them and 
walked in.

     The library was large, almost as large as the entry hall, with a high ceiling. Three walls held floor-to-
ceiling bookcases that left only enough room for the two sets of doors leading to the entry hall (the ones 
Edansen was currently using) and the dining room (to Edansen's left as he entered). The fourth wall had two 
tall narrow windows, with bookcases lining the space between them. Several tables and twice as may chairs 
were scattered around the room, as was a pair of sofas.

     The woman was sitting on one of the sofas. She looked up from her book as Edansen entered. "Yes?"

     "I have some more information on the events that occurred in Crystal Tokyo two weeks ago."

     "Indeed," she said cooly. She was shorter then Edansen, but not excessively so, with long red hair and 
beautiful features. Her green eyes gazed at him. "Sit, Beorn." He did so, taking a chair near her sofa. A 
flash of irritation crossed her face, but it disappeared quickly.

     The media magnate placed his briefcase on his lap and opened it. "The first thing we have is a name for 
our Windwalker, and -"

     "You know better then to call him a Windwalker!" the woman said sharply. "Only the head of the Air Order 
can be called Windwalker, and we have no evidence this man is anything close to that level!"

     "Yes, Mistress Cearo." The man known to the world as Bordil Edansen, but was really Beorn, Master of Fire, 
bowed his head. He noticed the woman flinch at the title he had given her, and he smiled slightly. The smile 
was gone by the time he straightened. "A slip of the tongue. It will not happen again."

     The woman recovered quickly. "Continue."

     Beorn pulled out a folder and opened it. "The man's name is Alan Cornwell Thomas. We cannot find anything 
more about his background then that he suddenly appeared in Crystal Tokyo about six months ago."

     "Nothing?" The woman straightened up, her book forgotten. "No birth records, no school history, or anything 
like that?"

     "Nothing. Our agents have searched the records as far back as the Black Moon War, but we cannot find a trace 
of Thomas before his appearance."

     "Then go back further."

     "He's not that old."

     "And how old are the Senshi?" asked Cearo sharply. "They are over a thousand years old, yet they don't look 
it." Something flashed in her eyes. "Unless Thomas isn't his real name."

     "That's possible, but why?" Beorn asked.

     "Do we have knowledge of the numbers and locations of the Senshi's offspring?"

     "Not at our fingertips, but that shouldn't be too hard to put together. You think this Thomas might be one 
of the Senshi's children?"

     "It's possible, but somehow unlikely. There would be more benefit for him to be linked to ruling elite then 
as a nobody." The redhead thought for a minute. "He might be a renegade from the Brotherhood who's taking asylum 
in Crystal Tokyo."

     "That would explain the attack against him," Beorn replied. "But the Brotherhood wouldn't bother with the 
formality of a Duel. They would have just assassinated him."

     "Do we have an agent inside the Brotherhood who could find out?"

     "No. We've never had an agent rise that high."

     Cearo nodded slowly. "At least, the Brotherhood has never been able to do the same thing to us." She shifted 
slightly on the sofa, then continued. "You mention some sort of disturbance before the duel."

     "There were several fires reported on the University campus right before the duel started. I still have my 
people still checking into that."

     "Have them follow up the offspring and renegade angles. The sooner we can prove or disprove those theories, 
the sooner we can take action."

     "I'll have our people check into those possibilities as soon as I can."

     "Good. What else have you learned about this Thomas?"

     "That the duel with the Brotherhood member Tolucan wasn't his first fight since he's been in Crystal Tokyo. 
Recall the terrorist attack on a shrine about three months back? The Nemesians?"

     Cearo snorted in disgust. "I remember. The fools didn't last long, despite their efforts."

     Beorn glanced through the contents of the folder. "According to what our people uncovered, Thomas fought 
a Nemesian Wizard specializing in ice magic during the attack, and beat him severe enough to hospitalize the 
wizard for two months. Thomas was also injured, but not as seriously. There was also an incident at the city's 
main hospital sometime earlier, but we cannot get any details on that."

     "Is he still living inside the Palace?"

     "He is. He was living for a short period of time on the Campus of Crystal Tokyo University before the duel 
with Tolucan."

     "Oh?" Cearo looked interested. "What was he doing there? Teaching?"

     "He was enrolled as a student."

     "As a student?" Cearo stood slowly, her face a frown. "Can your people find out what classes he was taking?"

     "I think so. The university's computer system should be easier to crack then the Palace's."

     "Then have it done. There might be a clue to Thomas' origin there."

     "Another idea?" asked Beorn, a look of suspicion on his face.

     "A possibility, though a remote one."

     "Do you want to tell me about it?"

     Cearo shook her head. "Not until I have more to go on." She walked over to one of the windows and looked 
out over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. "I feel something's missing, that we're overlooking something about 
this man."

     Beorn stood and moved towards her. She turned and stared at him, anger in her eyes. "I want anything you 
can find on this Alan Thomas," she said, her voice controlled despite the anger in her eyes. "And I want it as 
soon as possible."

     Beorn reached out to her. "But -" 

     "Go now," she said, her voice tight as her anger began to leaking into it. "Before I do something you might 
regret."

     He withdrew his hand, stepped back, bowed, and said, "Yes Mistress Cearo." She winced and Beorn luxuriated 
in his petty victory. "I will see you again next week. Good day."

     Cearo turned and looked out the window. Beorn waited a few seconds for her to say something, then when it 
became clear that she wasn't going to say anything else, he turned and walked out of the library.

     Van der Berg was waiting for his boss. "Any change in our orders?"

     Beorn gave him a harsh stare. He thought for a second, deciding if it was worth the effort to annoy Cearo. 
"No," he said finally. "No new orders."

     "Yes Sir."

     Beorn, known to the world as Bordil Edansen, left the mansion without saying a word. He had things to do, 
some of which involved other matters that Cearo didn't need to know about....





     Pyrite's laboratory on the campus of CTU was a cross between a high-tech physics lab and an alchemist's 
workshop. A physicist might recognize about a third of the equipment, an alchemist another third, but the 
remaining third would have baffled both professionals. Pyrite, of course, knew what the equipment was, but he 
was about the only one that did.
                                                            
     Right now, he was examining the remains of what had been a crystal. The crystal was a jagged mass, a faded 
red in color, and had been exposed to both great heat and explosive force sometime in the past. It sat inside a 
force field, spinning slowly as a battery of instruments measured every possible reading. Pyrite himself was 
sitting on a stool, peering at the reading displayed on a trio of monitors.

     Just then, a soft female voice said, "Guardian Pyrite, then is a vid-call for you."

     "Who is it Majel?" Pyrite asked, not looking up from the monitors.

     "Mr. Michael Maxwell, from California."

     "Oh?" Pyrite looked up. "What does Mike want to talk to me about?"

     "Insufficient data."

     Pyrite sighed. Majel was an experimental AI he'd developed in an effort to duplicate Sally's sentience, 
but the results hadn't been anywhere near as promising. About the best he could do was come up with an AI very 
similar to the computers from the Star Trek series -- an excellent AI, but no self-awareness. In tribute, he 
gave the AI the voice and name of the actress who had supplied the voice of the computer for the Star Trek 
series. He'd used her as an office assistant, handling reports, recording information, retrieving data, and 
answering the phone when Nanko, his secretary, was away from her desk.

     "All right," Pyrite said. "Put him through." He turned to look at the vidphone screen. 

     After several seconds, Michael Robert Maxwell, Spellweaver, Anticook extraordinary, part-time anarchist, 
and all-around nice guy appeared on the screen. He was taller then Pyrite, but unlike the Guardian, Maxwell 
was on the edge between wiry and gaunt. His dark, brown-gold complexion and rugged features defied simple 
classification as to his native land, a task made harder by his large, clean-shaven chin, moderately wide 
narrow-lipped mouth, and turned-up nose. His eyes were a bright, almost neon-green in color, with a hint of an 
Asian fold around the corners. His hair was short and unruly, black in color, making him look like a college 
student. He was lounging in a high back chair, feet up on the desk looking at Pyrite.

     "What's up?" Pyrite asked.

     "Not much," the wizard replied, with a shrug. He was dressed as he usually was -- sneakers, faded jeans, 
and a T-shirt, this one white with a picture of Jimi Hendrix in several pulsating colors. From the angle, Pyrite 
couldn't see much of the room Maxwell was in, but he saw enough to recognize it as the Spellweaver's study. "How's 
the weather there?"

     "Not bad. How's things on your end?"

     "I need a vacation. It took me years to set up a society that's open and allows people to do basic whatever 
they want to do, and what happens? When there's a major problem, they come to me to solve it for them!"

     "You're a natural problem solver."

     "I don't want the job!"

     "It's your fault for being so good at it." 

     Mike's expression took on a serious cast. "I wish we could talk some more about my problems, but I'd better 
get down to the reason why I called."

     "Oh?"

     "Yes," Mike replied. "What do you know about Elemental magic?"

     Pyrite nodded. "You didn't call just to bring that up, did you?"

     "Nope." The T-shirt Maxwell was wearing now had a picture of a moon, with the words 'MYSTERY SCIENCE 
THEATER 3000 -- THE MOVIE' in red letters over it.

     Pyrite thought for a second. "Are you alone?"

     "Yes. And before you ask, this line is secured." Mike looked puzzled. "What's going on there? I've been 
getting some strange reports out of Crystal Tokyo that's aren't making a lot of sense. Fights involving fire 
and air spells, terrorist attacks, and some wild talk about secret societies. After this last report I read, 
I decided to call you directly and ask you what's going on there."

     "How did you know -"

     "Just because I've had a few disagreements with Serenity over policies doesn't mean I've cut off all contact 
with Crystal Tokyo. You're not the only person in the city I talk to. Whenever something happens in the city my 
friends should know about, they pass along word to me. The ones I've been getting lately have been stranger then 
usual."

     "All right. I was thinking about calling you anyway. I could use some fresh insight on what's going on."

     "So, what's up?"

     "Let me ask you a question. What do you know about Elemental Wizards?"

     Mike's face lit up in understanding. "I think I can see where this is going."

     "So what do you know?"

     "Jerran mentioned them in the Ton-lo Codex. The Elementalists are the oldest schools of magic, based on a 
Sidhe form of magic. A bit on the arrogant side from the impression I got from Jerran's writing, but they were 
almost as good as they thought they were. He's not sure what actually happened to them during and after the Fall, 
but the Mazael family has clashed with their descendants over the centuries."

     "Oh?" Pyrite became alert. "What can you tell me about these descendants?"

     "Well," Mike replied, his expression taking on a distant look. "Sometime in the distant past, these people 
mixed necromancy with their elemental magic, trying to overcome the lack of useable mana. I'll have to go over 
the family journals for all the details, but they weren't that effective with the mix of mana types, at least 
not enough to stop the WarWolf. They've been around the edges of society for thousands of years, but there were 
never many of them. I had one or two run-ins with them in the past, but I haven't seen or heard anything about 
them in maybe a thousand years."

     Pyrite nodded. "Could you please look up all the information you have on them?"

     "Sure. What's the sudden interest in the Elemental magic?"

     Pyrite took a deep breath. "About six months ago, a man by the name of Alan Thomas was accidently transported 
from the twentieth century to this time."

     "I thought Setsuna didn't allow stuff like that to happen," said Mike, frowning. His T-shirt now had the 
words, 'Wile E. Coyote -- Supergenius,' with the picture of a long-eared, shifty-looking cartoon character.

     "Well, it did and she did." Pyrite took a second to sip some tea from a cup on the lab bench. "Due to several 
circumstances, we were forced to keep him here rather then return him to his own time. We soon discovered that 
Alan has a natural ability to use air mana to generate air-based spells."

     Mike raised an eyebrow. "How? Elemental magic has been deader then Beryl's dreams of conquest since the 
Silver Millennium fell." He shrugged. "I far as I know, there has been no real Elemental wizards since the Fall."

     "Alan's a special case, in more ways then one. For one thing, any spells he uses are created exclusively 
from air mana."

     "Exclusively? Sounds like the exact opposite of a Spellweaver." 

     Pyrite nodded. "For another," he continued, "Alan can unconsciously store and tap air mana from an internal 
reservoir. Last, he has a number of ready-made spell matrices he can summon at will."

     "Sounds like an Air Elementalist." Mike leaned closer to the screen. "That's interesting."

     "There's more. Alan has a link to the Silver Millennium."

     "What sort of link? Alan's a reincarnated soul?"

     "Not exactly. He's bonded with the spirit of his ancestor, Alisin Windwalker, the last head of the Air 
Order from the Silver Millennium."

     Mike looked surprised. "You have another survivor of the Silver Millennium in the city?"

     "Sort of. Alisin's sprit is somehow bonded to the body of Alan, his direct decedent. He can communicate 
through Alan and assume control Alan's body, but he has no magic of his own. It seems Alan's ability to store 
air mana and preformed spell matrices are blocking Alisin's abilities to use his own spells."

     "Another survivor? Why didn't you call me sooner?" Mike asked, looking hurt.

     Pyrite took another deep breath. "At first, it was just trying to find what we had. But there have been a 
couple of attempts to kill Alan since he arrived."

     "Assassination attempts? You're sure?" Now his T-shirt read 'MY FRIENDS CONQUERED THE KLINGON EMPIRE, AND 
ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT', followed by the same phrase, written in Klingonese.

     "Very. Do you remember the attack by the Nemesians in the Yuuchiro Kumada Memorial Park about three months 
ago?"

     "I remember seeing that there were a lot of bruised, battered, and burned terrorists afterwards. I'm glad 
to see Rei's still on the ball."

     "We now think that was a cover in order to kill Alan. The only thing that saved him was the sudden emergence 
of several of his inborn spell matrices just as he needs them. The second attempt happened a little more then 
two weeks ago, and involved someone summoning a Fire Elemental to attack Alan while he was on the campus of CTU."

     Mike looked stunned. "What? A fire elemental? As from the Elemental Plane of Fire?"

     Pyrite nodded. "Rei managed to destroy it before it could get Alan, then we tracked down the summoner. But 
when we had the man cornered, he challenged Alan to a duel, using the threat of a bomb hidden somewhere in the 
city to force the issue. Alan won the duel, but he was severely burned."

     Mike grimaced. "Has Alan recovered?"

     "He's recovered physically. I'm not certain he's recovered yet from the attack mentally. This wizard nearly 
killed him."

     "I don't blame him," Mike replied. "Fear of death by fire has always been buried in the back of the human 
psyche. But I'm more concerned with the implications of these attacks on Alan. Unless your friend has his own 
improbability field that's attuned to wacked out magic users, this doesn't sound random."

     "This fire wizard eliminated any possibility of that. He was definitely gunning for Alan."

     "What happened to the fire wizard?"

     "Alan severely injured him with a last-ditch attack. This fire wizard tried to activate the bomb, but he 
was killed when the trigger he used exploded. We found no trace of the bomb he threatened to use anywhere in 
the city. Most likely, it never existed."

     Mike looked thoughtful. "You're sure you found the guy who summoned the fire elemental?"

     "Positive. I found him at the portal site. He managed to eluded me, and I was forced to close the portal."

     "He left the portal open? Was he insane?"

     "According to Alisin, leaving the portal open allowed the caster to control the Elemental. Otherwise, it 
would have turned on him."

     The Spellweaver nodded. "You're right," he said grimly. "Summoning a elemental from its plane is very 
difficult to do. Unlike demons, you can't bargain with them or use them for anything else but as a weapon of 
mass destruction. Only someone with great skill, or a death wish would want to summon one."

     "That's what Alisin said. You sound like you've have experience with this type of summonings."

     "Theoretical only," Mike replied. "I've learned not to open portals unless I am absolutely sure I can 
control whatever comes through, and I'm not sure I could control an elemental without a lot of prep work and a 
huge amount of luck. How well trained was this summoner?"

     "I didn't see the fight, but Azurite and Rei both agree that this fire wizard was highly skilled and Alan 
was lucky to survive, let alone win. Whoever he was, he wasn't using necromancy to fuel his spells, but fire 
mana."

     "With the mana wells open, there was no need for the necromancy." Mike leaned back in his chair. "So, some-
one trained him," he muttered. "Someone out there has been doing a hell of job hiding elemental magic from the 
world."

      "That fits what we know so far. We think there's at least two groups that use elemental magic out there, 
groups we didn't know existed until now."

     Mike looked unconvinced. "You're trying to tell me there's a couple of secret societies are using a form 
of  magic that's been lost for over ten thousand years?"

     "It seems like it, even if that sounds a bit..."

     "Crazy? Strange? Or how about bizarre?" After a second or two, Mike threw his hands up in the air in mock 
disgust. "Forget I asked," he said. "If it's crazy, strange or bizarre, it'll happen in Crystal Tokyo." He leaned 
forward again. "What do you have on these groups?"

     Pyrite began ticking off points. "We know that they call themselves the Brotherhood and the Council."

     "That's original," Mike commented.

     "We think they are fighting each other. We do know they have a connection of some sort with the Silver 
Millennium-era elemental orders, and Alan is a target."

     Mike leaned back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head. "Now the question arises as to why 
Alan is a target?"

     "We think they see him as a threat to their way of magic. Either both sides think Alan's working for the 
other, or they're out to make sure he doesn't start training people in Elemental magic."

     "Well, off the top of my head, I suspect the later." Mike leaned forward. "Alan's appearance must have 
panicked these groups. They're reacting out of fear."

     The Guardian nodded. "That makes sense."

     "I also think that these groups must be watching the field, looking for anyone who's making progress in 
this field and stopping them before they get too far."

     Pyrite frowned. "I didn't realize there was anyone serious pursuing elemental magic research these days."

     Mike snorted. "If magic was considered to have a 'quack' field these days, most serious researchers would 
consider Elemental magic to be it. There have been a number of studies over the years. The serious one say it's 
impossible to recreate this form of magic, while the wackos have been peddling it as the next best thing in magic 
since the mama wells were unsealed. I have heard of a few studies in this field that ended in disaster, but now 
I'm wondering if those 'accidents' weren't the work of these groups."

     "You think elemental magic is possible."

     "I know it's possible. This Alan guy proves it." Mike leaned forward. "I'm afraid that looking into why 
Elemental magic hasn't made a comeback hasn't been on my to-do list. But what you've told me here has convinced 
me that I should take a closer look at this."

     "Be careful. I don't think these people want you poking around in their business."

     "You know I can take care of myself, but thanks for the warning. Can you give me anything on the Elementalist 
that attacked Alan?"

     "Not much. According to Alisin, this man used the exact phasing of an Elementalist duel challenge, in Avalonian. 
Rei said she thought it was Avalonian, but she isn't sure."

     Mike leaned back in his chair and looked at Pyrite with a disgusted expression. "This is just getting better 
and better. You definitely should have called me. Anything on the body?"

     "We can't even come up with a solid ID yet."

     Mike looked thoughtful. "I might have something that will help you establish the ID." He took a deep breath. 
"On second thoughts, it looks like I can't do anything else from here. There's a lot of stuff jumping on this 
and it's all on your end. I'm coming out there."

     "When will you get here?"

     "Give me a couple of days to arrange several projects so they can go on without me for a while and start 
the ball rolling on the investigation of this cabal of Elementalists....is the weekend fine for you?"

     "I'll look for you then."

     Mike's T-shirt now had a picture of Bruce Lee in a martial arts stance with the words, 'THE DRAGON LIVES!' 
under it. "Great. I also want to bring out a couple of people with me who will be interested in talking to 
Alan."

     "Who?" Pyrite asked.

     "I know of a small group of magic users who have been trying to revive elemental magic for the last ten 
years, and have had zero luck in doing it."

     "I wasn't aware of any such group."
 
     Mike shrugged. "These people shun the limelight, and with good reason. They don't want to pained as cranks 
or con artists. I have some contacts with them, and they seem sincere. I think both Alan and they can benefit 
from meeting each other. Make it the first step in getting this branch of magic back on track." He glanced at 
his watch. "I'd better get going. I've got a bunch of things to do before I can get out there, and not all of 
them are going to be easy to take care of. See you this weekend."

     "See you then."

     Mike broke the connection, leaving Pyrite staring at a blank screen. He switched off the vidphone and 
thought for a minute. "Majel?"

     "Yes, Guardian Pyrite?"

     "I want you to search the following data bases: Internal Security, University Student, and Pyrite. Keywords 
are: Alan Thomas, Alisin, Elementalist, Windwalker, Elemental Mana. All records found are to be copied and placed 
into a directory called TEMPEST on Server Vulcan, and classified as Alpha level security."

     "Understood, Guardian Pyrite," Majel replied. "Search of University Student Database active. Search of Pyrite 
Database active. Search of Internal Security Database requires security authorization and verification to be 
activated."

     "Security authorization, Pyrite Seven Alpha. Security verification: 'For the world is hollow and I have 
touched the sky.'"

     "Authorization and Verification approved. Search of Internal Security Database active. Estimated time to 
completion, thirty-two minutes."

     "Thank you." Pyrite turned and stared at the crystal spinning slowly in the force field. "Now, what is 
your secret?" he muttered. 





     After Dinner and before their meeting with Tadewi and Molan, Ami and Tom had a couple of other guests 
arrive.

     The first was Myuki Tomi, Younger Mercury. "Hello," she said cheerfully was she was shown into the room 
that was used as the couple as a living room by a Mercurian servant.

     "What are you doing here?" Ami asked. She was reclined on a couch, glad to be out of that stiff formal 
dinner dress and back in the quarters they had been assigned in the Royal Palace. The Elder Senshi was now 
wearing blue jeans, a sweatshirt with "CTU Fighting Cabbots" printed on the front, and sneakers.

     "You didn't think I was going to miss a chance to talk to Elementalist wizards, did you?" replied Ami's 
descendent with a smile. She was a lot like Ami herself, short, slim, with black hair with light blue tint in 
a pony tail. Her dark grey eyes were alight with humor. "Besides, if I don't take a night off from the Great 
Library, the librarians are liable to start a riot. They are really concerned that I'm going to mess up their 
filing system in some way, whatever 
system that is."

     "How did you find out I was going to have a meeting tonight?"

     "Aghamore sent me word. I guess he did it as a way to say 'thank you' for telling Tom about them."

     Tom walked into the room. Like his wife, he had changed out of the formal clothes he'd warn for dinner for 
more comfortable attires. He wore cargo pants, a plain grey sweatshirt, and boots. "Hey Myuki," he said cheerfully. 
"How was your diner? We didn't see you there."

     "I forgot about it," the Younger Mercury admitted. She was wearing a blue jumpsuit with her name emblazoned 
over the right breast. "I was up to my eyebrows in work in a quiet corner of the Library, and didn't realize I'd 
missed it until twenty minutes ago."

     "You shouldn't skip meals like that," Ami said, using the same tone her mother had always used, "especially 
important ones. Do you want anything to eat now?"

     "I'll get something later," Myuki replied. "Besides, the Great Library is worth skipping a few meals for."

     "At least that's the story you going to tell everyone," said Tom with a smile.

     Myuki shrugged. "The Mercurians don't know how to acknowledge me. Do they still treat me as the Younger 
Mercury, even though I have more experience then most Elder Mercurys? It's not only embarrassing, but annoying. 
Until they figure it out, I'm going to spend most of my time in the Great Library. At least, they treat me as 
a visiting scholar and not as a Senshi of undetermined status."

     "Oh no, you don't," Ami replied. "If we're having dinner with the High Council on a regular basis, so are 
you."

     Myuki shook her head. "Not until Council Leader Assure and the rest of them decide."

     "Well, I think it's because you're not exactly what he and the others were expecting to see as a Younger 
Mercury. He's not treating us the same way."

     "That's because he sees you, the person he knew as his daughter Cognisance."

     "But I'm not his daughter," said Ami. "Well, not the same one he knew."

     "Intellectually, he understands that Serenity sent your souls forward in time to be reborn, and that you 
are not the same person as his daughter. But it isn't his intellect in charge when it comes to thinking about 
you, but his parental emotions. You're still his daughter, the passing fourteen millennia and reincarnation as 
Ami Mizou hasn't change that."

     "Queen Sagacity seems to be more accepting of what's happened."

     Myuki flopped into a chair. "Queen Sagacity's a bit more willing to listen. According to Phoebe, she knew 
the Silver Millennium's Serenity better then most Mercurians, and she knows the power of the Ginzuishou. It also 
helps that you're a medical doctor -- if nothing else, you two can talk as healers."

     A tap at the door interrupted the conversation. Ami called out, "Yes?"

     The servant came into the room. "Forgive the interruption, Princess Cognisance, but the royal advisor, 
Phoebe, and Princess Europa of Jupiter are here to see you."

     "Have them come in," said Ami.

     The servant bowed and went out again. In a handful of seconds, he showed the Princess of Jupiter and the 
royal advisor of Mercury's royal family Europa came into the room stiffly, Phoebe cradled in her arms like a 
security blanket. Europa looked a lot like the modern-day reincarnation of her sister Juno, only not as tall, 
with shorter hair and green eyes. She looked tired and her expression was one of fear and grief. On the other 
hand, Phoebe managed to look lazy, but her narrowed eyes were sweeping the room like a search beam. 

     "Please, have a seat," said Ami.

     "Thank you Princess Cognisance," said Europa stiffly. She took a seat, Phoebe still firmly in her arms. "I 
am honored you would make time to see me."

     Phoebe rolled her eyes. "Will you relax?" she hissed. "They won't bite!"

     "Phoebe's right," said Tom. "We're not here to hurt you."

     Europa shrunk in her chair. "But you don't remember me," she said softly. "No one remembers me."

     Tom walked over to her and knelt next to Europa's chair. He reached out to her, but she shrank away. Phoebe 
sighed. "He's still your brother."

     "No, he isn't!" Europa replied hotly.

     "Yes, am I," said Tom softly. He reached out and took her hand. "I would have come back for you, but I-"

     "Died," interrupted Europa faintly.

     "Yes, I did," Tom replied. "So did Cognisance and everyone else who was on the Moon Kingdom at that time. 
But Queen Serenity gave us a second chance to make things right, and we're on our way to doing that. Coming here 
was the first step."

     "But mother, pappa, and the rest of the family? Did they get a second chance?"

     Tom shook his head. "Only Juno."

     Europa's chin trembled, and tears began to roll down her cheeks. "Then I really am all alone," she said 
slowly.

     Tom removed Phoebe from the young Jupiter Princess' arm and placed the moon cat on the ground. Immediately, 
Phoebe ran over to Ami and leapt into the Elder Senshi's lap. Tom stood, pulling Europa to her feet.

     "I am Orion," he said to her, brushing the hair away from her face with his free hand and looking into her 
eyes. "Maybe I'm not exactly the same man as I was then, but I am still your brother and still love you as my 
sister. My memories of the Silver Millennium are fragmentary, but when I saw you, a few memories came back to 
me. I tried to tell you that I did remember you, but you've been avoiding me since then. I do remember you, and 
I am glad I've found you again." With that, he enfolded her in his arms and hugged her.

     Europa resisted for a moment, then she relaxed and melted into the embrace. The tears began to flow freely 
and she buried her face into her 'brother's' shoulder. For several minutes, there were no sounds in the room 
except for soft crying.

     "Hey," said Tom gently. "It's all right. I'm not going anywhere."

     Ami stood, cradling Phoebe in her arms. She went over to Myuki and dropped the moon cat into the Younger 
Mercury's lap, then went over to the hugging pair.

     Europa lifted her head and looked at her. Tom released his embrace and stepped back. Ami reached out and 
hugged the princess of Jupiter. "You're not alone anymore," the blue-haired Senshi said. "You're a part of our 
family now."

     "Cognisance," Europa sobbed.

     "I guess that I am Cognisance, but I am also Ami Mizou-Bradington, your sister in law. Your sister has been 
a close friend of mine for over a thousand years, and I want to be your friend as well as a relative."

     "But you don't remember me."

     "Not completely, but I won't let that stop me."

     "I won't let that stop me either," said Tom. "Ami's right. You're part of our family now." He looked back 
at Myuki. "All of us."

     The younger Senshi sighed and stood up, cradling Phoebe in her arms. "Hi, Aunt Europa," she said.

     Europa blinked. "Aunt?"

     "Europa," said Ami, releasing her embrace and stepping back. "This is Myuki Tomi, Younger Mercury, and my 
decedent. Myuki, this is Europa Macleod, Princess of Jupiter and my sister in law."

     Europa blinked again. "Aunt?"

     "Well," Myuki said with a smile, "Technically, you're my great something or other Aunt, but I think 'Aunt 
Europa' is good enough."

     "Don't embarrass her," Tom said severely, looking back at the Younger Mercury.

     "No, she isn't," Europa said. She reached out to younger Senshi. "Hello, Myuki."

     Myuki placed Phoebe into Ami's arms and stepped over to Europa and hugged her. "Welcome to the family, 
Auntie."

     "'Europa' is good enough." She looked at her brother. "Does Juno know about me yet?"

     Tom shook his head. "Nearly no one on Earth knows what we've found here, but I'm sure we can send a message 
to let her know."

     Europa released her embrace of Myuki. "Thank you," she said softly, "for making me feel wanted."

     "Where are you staying?' Ami asked.

     "I have a small suite of rooms in another wing of the palace. Why?"

     "Well, you could move in here with us," replied Ami with a smile. "After all you're family."

     "But I couldn't impo-"

     "Nonsense 'Auntie'," said Myuki, grinning. "There's only the three of us and there's half a dozen bedrooms 
that are not being used. I'm sure Tom and Ami here want to catch up on old times with you. With the exception 
of Ferrite, Pluto, and that elemental wizard spirit hanging out with that Thomas guy, there hasn't been a lot 
of people who have first-hand memories of the Silver Millennium. Now we have an entire planet of them, but you're 
the only one who knows 'Grandpa' here." She tapped Tom on the shoulder. "And if these two don't want to rehash 
the past, I definitely want to know all the juicy details about their lives in the Silver Millennium."

     "Myuki," said Ami in a tone of warning.

     Younger Mercury turned to look at Elder Mercury and gave her a smirk. "I asked the question because I know 
you wouldn't, 'Grandma'."

     Ami sighed. "Don't badger your aunt, that's-"

     "Your job?" Myuki replied, grinning.

     The Elder Mercury shook her head., muttering something about 'Freezone'. 

     "When do you want me to move in?" Europa asked quickly.

     "How about tonight?" Tom asked. "At the very least, you can stay the night and move in permanently 
tomorrow."

     "That sounds good. I'll have to get some things from my rooms, but that shouldn't take too long."

     "Good. It's settled. You stay with us, starting tonight."

     "I'll send Gorm with her," said Ami. "He can carry anything she can't."

     "I don't need any " Europa started protesting, but Myuki cut her off.

     "We're not really into servants, even back on Earth. If we want something, we usually go get it ourselves. 
Most of the ones we've been assigned here spend their time twiddling their thumbs. Believe me, Gorm will be 
more then happy to go with you."

     "If you insist."

     "We do," said Tom firmly.

     "I'll go get him," Myuki said. She left the room.

     Europa looked at Phoebe. "Do you want to come along?' she asked the Moon cat.

     The blue-haired cat yawned. "It's about time someone remembered me," she said.

     "Sorry," the Princess of Jupiter said.

     "That's all right. It is not every day that someone finds a family they thought was lost. But I think I'll 
stay here for a while, assuming Puck doesn't come around."

     "You're hiding from Puck?" Ami asked. "He came all this way to find you."

     Phoebe rolled her eyes. "A little bit of Puck goes a long way. In my case, I've had enough of him to last me 
for a couple of years. Did he really insist on coming along? Wasn't there anyone else? Luna, Artemis, Apollo, 
or even Ares?"

     "Not really," Ami admitted. "Puck had the inside track, and he make the most of it."

     "Oh, joy. I was hoping he'd moved on and maybe gotten into Luna's fur."

     "Not if Artemis had anything to say about it."

     The moon cat's eyes narrowed. "You mean 'miss stiff upper lip' and mister 'five minutes is long enough for 
a relationship' finally got together?"

     "Yes. They've been together for almost a thousand years, and have two kittens."

     "Some cats have all the luck. I think I'll stay here a while."

     Myuki walked back into the room. "Grom's ready to go," she announced. "I also told the servants to open up 
one of the bedrooms for Europa's use. They should have it ready be the time she gets back."

     "I better get going then," Europa said. "I should be back in an hour." She strode out of the room, followed 
by Myuki.

     "I'm glad you managed to straighten Europa out," said Phoebe. "The poor kid's been crying herself to sleep 
since she first met you."

     "Our first meeting didn't go well," Tom admitted.

     "I gathered that. She needed someone to lean on, and you two are it. She should be all right now."

     "I'm glad."

     "I think we're going to have to discuss whether or not she comes back with us," said Ami.

     "She's coming," said Tom firmly. "I'm not going to leave my sister here, alone."

     "Good," said Phoebe. "She's not suited to the pace of life here on Mercury."

     Myuki walked back into the room and flopped down in a chair. "I can't wait to see Aunt Makoto's face when 
she sees Europa," she said, with a grin.

     "That's assuming she remembers her," said Ami.

     "She will." Myuki's face became serious. "Speaking of which, what's going to happen when word gets out that 
we've got the entire population of  Mercury here, alive and intact?"

     "I don't know," Tom replied. "It's difficult enough getting the Mercurians use to the idea that the Silver 
Millennium is distant history. When word gets out, there's going to be a wave of people from Earth who are going 
to try and cut exclusive deals with them."

     "That could be dangerous," said Phoebe. "It's going to take years to integrate the population. And they're 
going to be vulnerable until then."

     Myuki nodded. "The Mercurians aren't stupid, just naive about the current situation. We let anyone come 
here, and the entire planet will be looted quicker then an unlocked bank after hours."

     "Ferrite's well aware of that," Ami said, sitting down again, Phoebe still in her arms.

     "And what's he doing about it?"

     Before that subject could be discussed any farther, there was a knock on the door. "Enter," Tom said.

     A short thin man with a noticeable limp walked into the room.  "Princess Cognisance," he said to Ami as he 
bowed deeply. "The Air Elementalist and her aide have arrived."

     "Please show them in, Mian," Ami replied.

     The Mercurian servant left and returned, showing Tadewi and another man who Ami took to be Molan into the 
room. The senior member of the Air Order bowed towards Ami and Tom  "Knowledge and Peace to you, Lady Mercury, 
Lord Orion."

      "Knowledge and Peace to you, Sister Tadewi," Ami replied formally. "May I introduce Myuki Tomi, Younger 
Mercury?"

     Tadewi bowed to Myuki. "Knowledge and Peace to you, Senshi Mercury. It is an honor to meet you."

     Myuki bowed back. "It is an honor to meet you, Sister Tadewi."

     Tadewi straightened. "Allow me to introduce my aide, Molan, Adept of Air." Molan, a youthful man with a 
shock of brown hair bowed deeply to Ami, Tom and Myuki.

     "Please, have a seat," said Ami. "Would you like some tea?"

     "If it not too much trouble."

     Ami looked at the servant still standing by the door. "Mian, Tea for everyone please."

     After the servant left, and everyone had taken their seats, Tadewi said, "I thank you for this opportunity 
for this conversation, Lady Mercury."
     
     "You don't need to be formal," the Elder Mercury replied. "Please call me Ami."

     The Sister of Air frowned. "Forgive me for asking," she said, "I fear I am confused on this matter. Mistress 
Brimlad did say there was some sort of reincarnation spell imposed upon you?"

     "Yes," Ami replied. "Queen Serenity used the Ginzuishou to send a large number of souls forward in time to 
be reborn. The Princess Serena and the Younger Senshi were among those she sent forward. I was myself born slightly 
over a thousand years ago, as Ami Mizuno. My memories of the Silver Millennium are hazy at best."

     "So, you consider yourself as Ami Mizuno rather than as Princess Cognisance."

     "Yes."

     "I see. I thank you for clearing that up. Is that man who calls himself Ferrite truly the Guardian, Ferrite? 
He does not appear to be the man I have met before."

     "Guardian Ferrite was subject to a different reincarnation spell then the rest of us."

     "Forgive us for these simple questions," Molan said smoothly. "We are rather confused with the events that 
have occurred since the fall of the Moon Kingdom and the sudden failing of the Wonders. And I'm afraid that we 
were lost in the commotion of your arrival."

     "We can understand that," Tom said.

     "What happen to the Elemental Orders when the Moon Kingdom fell?" Tadewi asked. "There was suppose to be a 
conference on Earth, but we did not hear from them before Beryl attacked the Moon Kingdom and we chose stasis over 
bowing to Beryl's rule."

     Ami took a deep breath. "Beryl managed to corrupt a large number of the Elementalists in the years leading up 
to the Fall," she said softly. "The meeting on Avalon turned into a battle between Beryl's minions and the rest of 
the wizards. According to Master Alisin, the battle destroyed the Orders as an effective force."

     Molan sighed. "That explains much," he said softly. "The blood, pain and the broken trust."

     "Explains what?" Myuki asked.

     "There was a....situation in the Fire Order in the years before the Fall," Tadewi said. "It came close to 
destroying Brant's Order, and came close to finishing Elemental magic as an organized school of wizardry."

     At the blank looks on their host's faces, Molan laid a hand on Tadewi's arm. "I fear they are not aware of 
that part of our history." he said mildly. 

     "Maybe you should explain what happened in more detail," said Tom. "Our history of the Silver Millennium 
is far from thorough." 

     Ami nodded. "We would benefit from understanding exactly what you are talking about."

     Molan looked at her. "Lady Mercury, what did Master Alisin tell you about the time before the Fall?"

     "To be honest, he told me very little."

     "Brant will not like it," Tadewi replied, looking troubled.

     "Then he can explain the events from his prospective another time,"Molan replied. "We can try and stick 
to the broad facts for now."

     Should Brant be here for this?" Ami asked.

     The senior Air Elementalist shook her head slowly. "I must ask your forgiveness Lady Mercury," she said to 
Ami. "Even after thirteen thousand years, some things have not changed between the Elemental Orders."

     "Alisin did mention that there was tension between the Orders," said Ami.

     "Master Alisin was being diplomatic," replied Molan. "Relations between the Orders in the last years leading 
up to Beryl's rebellion were strained for the most part."

     "In brief," Tadewi said, "Several years before the Fall, the head of Brant's Order, Kendra Flameweaver, was 
poisoned. She was dying and believed that someone inside the Fire Order was responsible, so she sent for the head 
of the other three Orders. She asked them to investigate her poisoning, and if need be, choose her successor."

     Ami raised an eyebrow. "That was not normal, was it?"

     "It was not. Before this event, each Orders had always handled their own internal matters. The calling in of 
outsiders, even fellow Elementalists, was met with great resistance. But Kendra felt that leaving the investigation 
in the hands of her possible murderers would not serve justice. Upon the advice of the Hierophant, Kendra asked the 
other three heads to investigate. "

     "Of course, the Inner Council was in an uproar over the FlameWeaver's actions." Molan continued, "but Kendra's 
words carried great weight both inside and outside the Fire Order. She overrode all objections inside the Order 
and the other leaders agreed to her request."

     "Master Alisin was recalled from Pluto, where he had been negotiating several trade agreements between Pluto 
and the Moon Kingdom," Molan said. "And, along with the other leaders, began the investigation on Mars a week 
before Kendra died."

     Just then, Mian came into the room with a tray. The conversation stopped while the servant served the tea 
with swiftness and gracefulness. After Mian left, there was silence as the entire group enjoyed a few sips of 
tea.

     Finally, Tadewi placed the teacup in her lap. "The tea is most excellent, Lady Mercury."

     "Thank you. Would you care for some of the cake?"

     "No, thank you." The senior Air Elementalist took a deep breath. "To continue, the investigation quickly 
uncovered evidence that there was something wrong inside the Fire Order. Several of the Order were members of 
the Cult of Metallia."

     "That must have caused pandemonium," said Myuki.

     "It did," Molan replied. "The investigation caused the murders to hire a small group of assassins to kill 
the three leaders and the Hierophant. But the plot was uncovered and the entire group of assassins was caught 
or killed. Under interrogation, the prisoners told the Hierophant enough to implicate a man by the name of 
Beorn."

     "Who was this Beorn?" Myuki asked.

     "He was an aide to Cearo, a member of the Fire Order's Inner Council. She was thought to be next in line 
to become FlameWeaver after Kendra." 

     "Was this Cearo involved in the assassination attempt?" Tom asked.

     "The evidence says she was," Molan replied. "The trail of evidence was clear to those of us who investigated."

     "You were part of the investigation?" Tom asked.

     "We both were," Tadewi replied. "We were assigned to Mercury in part to protect us from a possible reprisal." 
She sighed.  "I still find it hard to believe that Cearo was involved in Kendra's murder. It was well known that 
their relationship was like mother and daughter."

     "What about the evidence in Cearo's quarters?" Molan asked. "Or her friendship with the Duchess Sphene?"

     "Who's Duchess Sphene?" Ami asked.

     "She was the Arcadian ambassador to the Moon Kingdom about twenty years before the Fall," Tadewi replied, 
"and, unknown to all, a spy for the growing Cult of Metallia."

     "It is believed that it was Sphene was the one that corrupted Cearo," added Molan.

      Tadewi leaned forward, poured herself another cup of tea then leaned back into her chair. "Whatever the 
reason for the betrayal, both Cearo and Beorn managed to escape from Mars and reach the protection of Beryl on 
Earth."

     "And there was a backlash because of Cearo and Beorn?" Myuki asked.

     Tadewi's aide nodded. "Their disappearance fueled witch-hunts on a massive scale, and the Fire Order suffered 
wave after wave of accusations, scandals and disgrace. In a matter of two years, they were little more then a 
shell of their former selves."

     "But the effects of the Fire Order's troubles had a ripple effect on all of us," said Tadewi. "Both because 
of the scandal that had rocked the Fire Order and the subsequent turmoil as each Order sought cultists within their 
ranks, many of the noble families withdrew their patronage while others demanded their children be released from 
their apprenticeships and still other novices themselves abandoned a calling that was becoming increasingly 
unattractive. As a result the decline in the Orders' influence grew still more rapid and some feared the Orders 
might well collapse completely within a few years should nothing be done."

     "That makes sense," said Ami softly. "That's how she did it."

     "What, Lady Mercury?" Molan asked.

     "Master Alisin said that the Orders had been corrupted," the Elder Senshi said. "Beryl probably used this 
fear and dissatisfaction among the Elementalists to recruit some of them, maybe by promising to champion and 
protect their form of magic should they help her."

     "I would not trust that woman as far as I could throw this planet," said Molan, letting some anger creep 
into his voice.

     "She, of course, had no intention of keeping her promise," Ami continued. "And she probably infused those 
who sided with her with enough of Metallia's demon power both to warp their perceptions to her desires and to 
hold them, should any be strong enough to resist the corruption of her mistress."

     "How was Beryl unmasked?" Myuki asked. "Did Alisin have anything to do with it? He did hate her."

     "True," replied Tadewi, "Shortly after Cearo and Beorn escaped to Earth, Beryl attended a birthday celebration 
for Endymion, evidently with the purpose of seducing the Prince. The celebration was attended by almost every 
ruler in the Solar System. Because of Master Alisin's feelings about Beryl were well known, he remained on the 
Moon to preserve the peace."

     "There was never any direct evidence that Beryl was behind the death of Master Alisin's wife," Molan said.

     "We're well aware of Alisin's antagonism towards Beryl," said Ami, repressing a shudder at the memories of 
the Windwalker's battle with Hematite. "And why."

     Tadewi nodded. "Despite Master Alisin not being there, Beryl's attempt to seduce the Prince was foiled by 
Guardian Ferrite, who publicly exposed her as a demon worshiper. She was forced to flee, and she and most of 
her followers hid in the Arcadian forests."

     "Where she laid the groundwork for her final assault," said Molan.

     Tom nodded. "We know the rest of the story where it involves the Orders."

     "How did Master Alisin survive?" Tadewi asked.

     "You would have to ask Senshi Pluto for the details," Myuki replied. "Unlike the other elder Senshi, she 
has remained as she was. It was she who help Master Alisin survive in sprit, if not in body."

     "That," said Tadewi, "does not surprise me. Next to Senshi Saturn, Senshi Pluto was always the most distant 
of the Senshi. Master Alisin was one of the very few who was not in awe of her. Respectful, yes, as he would be 
to any Senshi. But he always saw her as his favorite niece, and she saw him as an uncle around whom she could be 
Moment."

     Molan tilted his head slightly and looked at Ami. "Lady Mercury," he said. "You said that Master Alisin is 
soul bonded to his descendant. Can this descendant use air magic?"

     "He can," Ami replied. "But he is a special case."

     "In what way?" Tadewi asked.

     "He has a series of preformed matrices at his command."

     The senior air wizard's eyebrows went up. "He has the Talent?"

     "That is what Master Alisin calls it."

     "How many of these matrices does he have?"

     "According to my reports, two dozen."

     Molan dropped his empty teacup in shock. Tadewi looked stunned. "Is something wrong?" Ami asked quickly.

     "Two dozen?" Molan asked woodenly.

     "Are you sure?" Tadewi asked Ami.

     "According to the reports I've received, yes."

     "But you don't know this yourself."

     "No, but the man who is working with Alan and Master Alisin is a very experienced wizard."

     Myuki chimed in, "Guardian Pyrite was very instrumental in the revival of Magic on Earth. He isn't someone 
prone to exaggerations."

     "But two dozen?" Molan said again. "That cannot be right. I-"

     "Enough," said Tadewi softly. "Unless we find evidence that this Guardian Pyrite is wrong, we must accept 
his word on this."

     "But this cannot be right!" Molan protested.

     "This many matrices in a person are usual?" Tom asked.

     Tadewi looked at him. "Very few who enter the Orders had even one matrix engraved on their souls. To have 
two or three was even more rare. But that many . . . " Her expression was unreadable.

     "What Sister Tadewi is trying to say," said Molan quickly, "is that having as many matrices as this man is 
supposed to have is beyond our scope of knowledge."

     "There's something else," said Myuki slowly, looking from one Elementalists to the other. "You're in shock 
over something more."

     Tadewi nodded. "To understand our shock, you must understand what having an engraved matrix means to an 
Elementalist. First though, may I have some more tea?"

     Another round of tea was served. Tadewi leaned back in her chair, took a sip of tea and continued. "How
 much do you know about our early history?"

     "Not very much," Ami replied. "Elementalist magic is originally from faerie magic, right?"

     Tadewi nodded. "When the human race was enslaved by the Faerie, they were treated no better as beasts of 
burden. There were several attempts to rebel, but the Faerie used their magic to put them down. Our ancestors 
realized that while they could outfight the Faerie and their allies in a purely physical fight, as long as the 
Faerie had magic, they would always be superior."

     "They had to learn magic in order to have any chance of defeating the Faerie," said Myuki. 

     "Yes," replied Tadewi, "and the only magic around to learn at that time was faerie magic." She stopped to 
take a sip of tea. "Actually, Faerie magic was based on six elements -- Air, Fire, Water, Earth, Metal, and Wood. 
The last two were the least used by the Faerie, and it was decided by our ancestors to concentrate on the first 
four elements, as they had the most accessible knowledge."

     "But it wasn't easy," Molan continued. "It took years to steal the knowledge. The Faerie were too arrogant 
to realize what was happening, so our ancestors managed to steal much of the knowledge they needed without their 
masters being aware of it."

     "But there was a problem," Tadewi said. "The Faerie, with exceeding longer life expectancy then humans, a 
different genetic background, and the centuries of knowledge, were able to switch between the different forms 
of Elemental Magic easily."

     "But humans can't?" Tom asked.

     "It would take a human more than a lifetime to learn enough from all four elements to be as well rounded 
as a faerie," said Molan. He looked down at the teacup he had reclaimed from the floor before the latest round 
of tea. "And even then, they couldn't beat a faerie wizard in a one on one battle."

     "Our ancestors realized that they couldn't match a single faerie's ability to use all four of the Elements," 
said Tadewi. "So, they divided the students into four groups and began training each group in one form of Elemental 
magic."

     Ami nodded. "So they sacrificed giving each student broad knowledge of all forms of Elemental magic in order 
to focus each students' strength and knowledge in one element."

     "Exactly. There were a few were trained in two elements, but these few were not as successful as those who 
practiced only one form of Elemental magic."

     "That's why there were four Orders," said Myuki, "instead of a single group."

     "Yes." Tadewi took a sip of tea. "Most of our ways come from that period of our history. For example, during 
this training, four Humans proved themselves to be superior to their fellow students. Each became the strongest 
in their form of Elemental magic, as well as becoming leaders of the others in their groups. When it came time 
to stage the revolt, these four were chosen to lead their fellow students. To reflect their new status, as well 
as hide their identity against magical reprisal, these four took new names. The names they took related to the 
form of Elemental magic they used. For the Air Wizards, the leader became known as Windwalker. For the Fire 
Wizards, their leader chose the name Flameweaver. Waverider was the name chosen by the leader of the Water mages. 
And the leader of those who practiced the Earth form of magic chose the name Earthbreaker. In their honor, those 
who led each order after them took the title as part of their own name. Only one person of each Order can have 
this title at any time."

     While His superior took another mouthful of tea, Molan continued. "Once they had enough strength, the humans 
launched their revolt. Outnumbering the Faerie Folk and their allies by a ten to one margin, the Humans managed 
to finally drive the Faerie off the Earth."

     Tadewi sighed. "We also have the Faerie to thank for the blight of Necromancy. When the humans began to drive 
the Faerie back, the Faerie began to become desperate. They began calling on the darker forms of magic, up to and 
including Necromancy. This involved the sacrificing of lives, mostly human, as they were the best source of living 
Mana. This misuse of magic affected the Human deeply. The banning of all forms of Necromancy is one of the few 
things all legal forms of magic ever agree on."

     "What does this all have to do with the Talent?" Myuki asked.

     "Over time," Molan replied, "we discovered that people became attuned to their element. But a very few were 
found to especially attuned in a way we didn't understand at the time. After careful research, we found that these 
people had spell matrices engraved on their souls."

     "We believe this is the result of marriages between members of each Orders," said Tadewi, "combined with 
succeeding generations of exposure to our form of magic. We have never proven it, though."

     "How common are these matrices among you?" Ami asked.

     "I have one engraved spell matrix," said Tadewi. "Molan does not have any."

     Molan leaned forward in his chair. "To have an engraved matrix means that you are naturally attuned to the 
element. The more spell matrices you have, the more attuned you are to that element. The more attuned to the 
element, the stronger you can be in using that element."

     "But your surprise indicates that two dozen matrices on one soul is very unusual," said Ami.

     "Unusual? Try unheard of. The three most powerful Elemental wizards that ever lived each had no more then 
seven."

     There was silence for a moment, then Myuki asked, "What's the downside of having all these matrices?"

     Molan looked at her. "The first thing we teach our students was to become attuned to their element's mana 
before they could start casting spells," he said patiently. "A person who has no spell matrices can become 
attuned to any element. I, with no spell matrices, could have gone into any of the Orders and learn to use 
that element's mana with no problems. On the other hand, Sister Tadewi's single air spell matrix, while making 
her advancement in the Air Order easier, would hold her back from normal advancement in the other three Orders. 
The more matrices a person has, the more attuned the person is to that form of mana and the less able they are 
to use any other form of mana."

     "That fits with what we know about Alan," said Ami. "He is attuned to air mana to the point that it is the 
overwhelming mana source for any spell he tried to cast."

     The junior Elementalist directed his attention at her. "Exactly. It also makes it impossible to teach the 
use of spells until the exact spell matrix is discovered."

     "Because the engraved matrices override any other spell that is similar to it that the student tries to use. 
Master Alisin did not take that possibility into account until after Alan discovered several spells almost by 
accident."

     Molan nodded. "That is another problem with the spell matrices. Unlike creating a spell matrix out of mana, 
engraved matrices need not be triggered by conscious effort. Saying or thinking the trigger words might activate 
that spell matrix. Once created, mana will be drawn into the matrix naturally. Unless the caster dispels the 
matrix quickly, the spell will be activated. If that was to happen, innocent people could get hurt."

     "How many of the spell matrices has Alan discovered the purpose of?" Tadewi asked.

     "To the best of my knowledge, eight," Ami replied. "Mostly offensive and defensive type of spells."

     "That is not uncommon with those with such matrices," Molan replied. "Does he have the ability to store air 
mana for use in spells?"

     "We strongly believe that is the case."

     "If the number of engraved matrices is as you have said, then Alan should be able to cast several spells in 
quick succession."

     "He has done that on several occasions."

     Molan nodded again. "The down side of that much stored mana makes any other mana around him useless for spell 
creating. There are a few non elemental spells we teach to new students, such as the language translation spell. 
It sounds like this Alan could not use those spells."

     "On the other hand," said Tadewi, "once Alan has discovered all his spell matrices, he has the potential to 
be the strongest Elemental Wizard in our history. From what you have told us, his affinity for air mana, combined 
with his engraved  matrices, would make him a legend."

     "I wouldn't tell Alan that," said Tom with a small smile.

     "Oh? Is he egoistical?"

     "Quite the opposite," Ami replied. "He would tell you that being a legend was the last thing he'd want to 
be."

     Tadewi nodded. "A modest man. He has a great destiny before him."

     "Not if he can help it," Ami murmured, "he'll be kicking and screaming all the way."

     Tadewi blinked at Ami's words, low though they were. Tom came to his wife's rescue. "Alan comes from a 
period of time where magic wasn't available," he said smoothly. "He's still coming to grips with his heritage."

     "I see," the wizard replied, though her face showed she didn't quite believe it.

     "There is one other thing I want to ask you about," Ami said. "It involves something called a elemental 
duel."

     Both Elementalists stiffened. "That is not something we like to discuss," Molan said. "It is one of the few 
things we are not proud of."

     "You seem sensitive about your history," Myuki said

     Tadewi looked at her. Her voice had a softness to it that hadn't been heard before. "You have to understand 
that the Orders have been a part of human history from the time of the Faerie rebellion, through the Golden Imperium, 
the Matellia War, the Slavers and their overthrow, and through the Silver Millennium. As with all things, we had 
good times and bad, wise leaders and foolish ones, smart decisions and unwise ones. And sometimes, strange decisions 
that have nothing more then the weight of history behind it."

     "The dueling protocols being one of them?"

     "Yes. Sometime in the past, relationships between the Orders were very strained, and there were confrontations 
between members," said Tadewi, "and sometimes the words became challenges to fights of magic. To keep the warring 
parties from random destruction and killing innocent people in these battle of magic, the Orders instituted what 
was suppose to be a temporary series of protocols that had to be followed before a duel could take place."

     "Like a verbal challenge?"

     "Yes. It had to be delivered with a certain cadence and the wording had to be exact, or else it could be 
declined by the one challenged."

     "Just out of curiosity," Myuki asked, "what is the wording of the challenge?"

     Tadewi closed her eyes. "By the Air of Moon, and the Water of Mercury," she intoned, "By the Fire of Mars 
and the Soil of Venus, I challenge thee to a battle of Elements, I oppose thee in a clash of might and power, 
I duel thee in a contest of will and strength, I contest thee to the death."

     "To the death?" Tom asked.

     Molan nodded. "It was another way to limit the duels. The dispute had to be something beyond a mere 
disagreement over words or opinion. But, like many things, what was suppose to be temporary became ingrained 
and soon became as if it was law."

     "Why didn't the Orders just outlaw such duels?" Myuki asked, leaning forward in her chair.

     "Because it would have not stopped them," Tadewi replied. "So, the head of the Orders decided to regulate 
them to the point of making it difficult, but not impossible, to call a duel. In the last hundred years before 
Beryl's rebellion, there were only three duels held, all three in the fist half of that time period." 

     She sighed. "I have never been a proponent of the dueling system, and I know Master Alisin had no love for 
it. Relationships between the Order were at least civil during that last years, until the poisoning of Kendra 
Flameweaver and the subsequent problems."

     "Why did you ask about the duel protocols?" Molan asked.

     "It was something Master Alisin mentioned in passing," Myuki replied quickly. "We thought that under the 
circumstances, it was better to know how much of a problem they could be."

     "It will be no problem," Tadewi said. "Those of us stationed here get along with each other very well." 
She stood, Molan following her lead and stood also. "I thank you for your time tonight, Lady Mercury, StarHunter 
Prime, Senshi Mercury. We have both much to think on for now. I still desire to talk to Master Alisin at the 
earliest time. I need his....guidance."

     "As soon as it can be arrange, you will be able to speak to him."

     Tadewi bowed. "I will be eager for that. I am also eager to speak to you again. We have much to learn 
before we can decide on our future. I hope you will be willing to again meet with some of us soon?"

     Ami stood and returned the bow. "You are right about each of us having much to think, Sister Tadewi. I 
would be honored to meet with you or any of the others, as long as my schedule permits it."

     "We can not ask for anything more. A pleasant evening to you all."

     Tom stood. "If you will allow me, I will escort yourself and Adept Molan to the door."

     "We would welcome you company."

     Tom left with the three magic-users and returned after several minutes. Ami and Myuki had refreshed their 
teacups and were now sitting, enjoying the silence.

     Tom closed the door behind him. "Well?"

     Myuki shrugged. "Not the most sociable pair I've run into here," she said

     "They seemed reluctant to talk about themselves," agreed Ami. "I was running out of things to ask about to 
keep them talking."

     "We weren't exactly forthcoming ourselves," Tom replied, walking over to the couch where his wife sat.

     "Because we didn't tell them about Alan being attacked by a fire Elementalist?" Myuki asked.

     "That, and the Brotherhood and Council Pyrite mentioned in his reports."

     "Our picture of the Elemental Orders is still cloudy," Ami said, pausing to take a sip of her tea. She 
leaned back and stared up at the ceiling. "And finding some of the Orders still alive is making a complex 
situation even more complicated."

     "How is Alan going to react?" asked Tom, filling his teacup and looking at the other two. "Better yet, how 
is Alisin going to react when he finds out there are survivors here?"

     "You mean," said Ami, "Will he ask Queen Serenity permission to reestablished the Orders now, instead of 
waiting?"

     "Among other things." Tom sat next to Ami and she snuggled up next to him. "This whole trip has been one 
set of surprises after another," he said. He placed his arm around Ami's shoulders. She relaxed against him 
with a deep sigh.

     "We can't keep the attacks on Alan and Alisin from them forever," Myuki said.

     "I know," Ami replied, "but we have to get a handle on the situation before it gets out of control."

     Myuki smiled slightly. "From what you've told me about Alan and Alisin, the situation may already be out 
of hand." She drained the last of her tea and set the cup down. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to be at the 
Great Library nice and early to scare the day shift. Also, 'Auntie' Europa is going to be here shortly, so I'd 
better make sure she gets settled in all right."

     "I can do that --" Tom began, but Myuki shook her head.

     "Stay here, 'Grandpa'," she said with a wink. "Enjoy the peace and quiet   You'll never know when you'll 
have another chance. I'll tell the servants to leave you alone until you're ready. Good night!" She turned and 
walked out of the room.

     After the door closed, Tom looked down at Ami. "Are you sure she's related to us?" he asked.

     Ami looked up at him. "Yes. She has my eyes and your quirky sense of humor."

     "I suppose so, but   Hey! I do not have a quirky sense of humor!"

     Ami leaned forward just enough to put her teacup on the table in front of her, and wrapped her arms around 
Tom and said, "Shut up, hold me, and let's enjoy the peace and quiet."





     Queen Serenity didn't usually use the tea room late in the evening, but it was about the only place in the 
Palace she was certain that she wouldn't be overheard.

     There were five people in the room, six if you included Sally, the room's resident AI, who had been created 
as an anti-eavesdropping system but had grown into something much more then a simple program.

     The five biological people in the room were Serenity, Endymion, Setsuna, Rei and Pyrite. At the Queen's 
request, they had come silently and separately, not saying a word until Sally confirmed that there were no 
active listening devices anywhere in the room. As they waited, they each sipped from a teacup and nibbled on 
small pastries. When they did say something, it was low and short.

     After about ten minutes, Sally, in the form of a golden eyed, blue-haired girl, appeared next to Serenity's 
chair. "All clear, Your Majesty," she said. "There are no listening devices anywhere in the room."

     "Good," Serenity said softly. "Please make sure it stays that way."

     Sally grinned. "Okay, Your highness," she whispered back before fading away.

     "All right, your Majesty," Rei said in a low voice. "What's going on?"

     The blond-haired queen leaned forward in her chair. "Ami sent another message," she said.

     Rei frowned. The messages that both Ami and Ferrite had been sending to Serenity were being kept private 
for the time being. As far as the rest of the Earth was concerned, Mercury was devoid of life and had been for 
millennia. Outside of the Senshi and a few trusted members of the Royal Court, no one knew that the entire 
population of Mercury was alive and well, if someone stunned by the amount of time that had passed.

     "So?" the dark haired girl asked. "What's so different about this one that has us meeting here at this time 
of night?"

     "This has to do with Alan, doesn't it?" Setsuna asked. She was sitting across from Serenity, with Rei on 
her left and Pyrite to her right. Endymion sat to the left of his wife.

     "Yes," Endymion replied. "How did you guess that?"

     "Because the three people that are the most strongly connected to him are here." She leaned forward. "Ami's 
found something unexpected, hasn't she?"

     The Queen of Crystal Tokyo sipped a mouthful of tea, swallowed it, then nodded. "It seems there's still a 
small group of Silver Millennium Elemental wizards on Mercury."

     Pyrite leaned forward, his expression one of intense interest. "Did she give you any details?"

     "Only that each Order has at least one member there."

     Rei's face darkened as she looked at Setsuna. "Did you know about this?" she asked.

     "I suspected once I heard the population had survived," the Senshi of Time answered as she leaned back into 
her chair. "But I did not know it for a fact. Most of the Orders were in Avalon when the battle occurred. I had 
no way of knowing who stayed or how many."

     "Now, that's interesting," said Pyrite.

     "What?" Endymion.

     "I was talking to Mike Maxwell this afternoon," the Guardian replied. "We discussed the subject of Elemental 
magic, and he's coming into town this weekend with a couple of people who have a strong interest in Elemental 
magic."

     Serenity looked at him. "Oh?"

     "Also, according to Mike, Elemental Magic in the rest of the world is considered nothing more then a exercise 
in fakery, and those who truly try to rediscover the form either are branded as frauds, or end up having fatal 
accidents."

     "I haven't heard about that," Serenity replied.

     "Neither had I," Pyrite replied. "But other then making sure Magic research wasn't going into dangerous 
areas, I haven't paid much attention to most of the research outside of Crystal Tokyo. There's too much to keep 
up on fully."

     "What's going on around here?" Rei asked, sounding irritated. "Six months ago, we didn't know elemental 
magic ever existed. Now, we've got them crawling out of the woodwork."

     "As I recall," said Setsuna, "you were the one who was complaining that it was too quiet in the city these 
days."

     "Well, I must have been out of my mind."

     "We can discuss that subject later," Serenity said with a smile, which earned her a sharp look from the 
Senshi of Fire. The queen stuck out her tongue out at her old friend for a moment before becoming serious again. 
"The question is, do we tell Alan and Alisin about the Elementalists on Mercury?"

     "We do," Setsuna said firmly.

     "Why?" Rei asked.

     "Because Alan and Alisin are working on plans to revive the Orders now instead of waiting."

     Serenity raised an eyebrow. "I thought they were going to wait," she said. "Why now?"

     "The attack by the Fire wizard convinced them  not to sit around and patiently wait for the next assassination 
attempt. If someone wants them dead because they know Elemental magic, they hope that spreading the knowledge 
will make killing them less important."

     "That's stupid," said Rei, her expression losing some of its hardness.

     "They don't think so."

     "Can't you talk them out of it?" Serenity asked.

     Setsuna shook her head. "Even if I wanted to, I could not," she replied. "They have made up their minds 
separately and together. Both are stubborn by themselves. Together, they will not change their minds."

     "But it will take years to train an elemental wizard, right?" Endymion asked.

     "I think we can boil it down to a four-year program," Pyrite replied. "At least for Air magic. With what 
Master Alisin has told me, I think I can structure the first two years in a couple of weeks. Another month, 
and I can have a polished curriculum for your Majesty's approval."

     "What about the other Elements?" Endymion asked.

     "That's not going to be as easy. I could set up the basic courses, but without the working closely with 
wizards of those elements, it would take a minimum of three to five years to get the other three up to speed."

     "Well, we now have those wizards," said Rei. "All we have to do is ask Ferrite to bring them back with 
him."

     Serenity shook her head. "I doubt that will be possible," she said. "From what Ami said in her message, 
Ferrite isn't a big supporter of the Orders."

     "So?" asked Rei. "Couldn't you ask?" 

     "We could, and we will," replied Serenity. "But I doubt he'll agree."

     "Isn't there any way to influence him?"

     "The entire expedition is financed by Irons Corporation," said Endymion. "With the exceptions of Ami, Myuki, 
and Tom, everyone else is an employee of Ferrite's. We can ask, but he doesn't have to listen."

     "There are also other factors to consider in leaving the Elementalists where they are on Mercury," said 
Setsuna.

     "Such as?' Rei asked.

     "Culture shock for one thing. It would be better to gradually introduce them, and the rest of Mercury's 
population, to both our technology and our civilization. There's no telling what would happen if they were 
exposed to every aspect of our culture at once."

     Serenity nodded. "We must tread very carefully. We have already given them a great  shock. Let's try to 
minimize any more shocks."

     "There is also another reason for the Elementalists to stay on Mercury," said Setsuna.

     "You mean the assassins after Alan," said Rei.

     The Senshi of Time nodded slowly. "On Mercury, they will be beyond the reach of both the Brotherhood and 
the Council."

     "So you're saying that it would be better that they stay on Mercury?" asked Endymion.

     "For the time being."

     "Isn't that going to make it harder for Alan and Alisin to go ahead and reform the Orders?"

     "Guardian Pyrite," said Serenity, "if given the opportunity to speak to these, could you bring the other 
three elements up to the same level as Air in your proposal?"

     "I don't see why not," Pyrite replied, raising an eyebrow in recognition of Serenity's idea. "Master Alisin 
and I have discussed extensively the basic underlying principles common to using all forms of elemental magic. 
All I would need to discuss with the Elementalists on Mercury would be the things unique to each element."

     "Good," Serenity replied.

     "You want to allow Alan and Alisin to go ahead," said Rei slowly.

     "I do not see how I can not," the Queen replied, "especially in light of this news from Mercury. Under the 
circumstances, it will be better to help Alan and Master Alisin from the beginning."

     "What about security?" Rei asked. "All this Brotherhood or Council have to do is slip an assassin into the 
class!"

     "They have taken that into account," Setsuna replied. She paused to take a sip of tea. "They plan to speak 
to you about security in the next couple of days." She looked at Pyrite. "I know they'll be talking to you too."

     Pyrite nodded. "They made an appointment to see me tomorrow."

     Rei sighed and slumped back into her chair. "Those two are going to take years off my life," she muttered.

     "I thought Alan and you had come to an agreement not to be nasty to each other," said Serenity.

     "We have, but Alan somehow manages to attract trouble like a magnet attracts iron filings. The two worse 
incidents that have occurred in this city since the end of the Black Moon War have been centered on trying to 
kill him."

     "Alan is the catalysis for a series of events," Setsuna said. "Events that will resonate throughout the 
world of magic."

     Rei glowered at her. "Is there anyone on this planet that is as annoyingly cryptic as you are?"

     Setsuna returned Rei's glare with a look of amusement. "Actually, there is someone."

     "Who?"

     "My future self. Sometimes, she even annoys me."

     Rei grimaced. "I had that one coming," she said.

     "What about the situation on Mercury?" Serenity asked. "Do we tell Alan and Master Alisin?"

     "We do," said Setsuna.

     "Yes," said Pyrite. "The sooner they know about the survivors, the easier it will be to include them in the 
planning."

     "I don't know yet," Rei replied, her expression serious. "We're still in the dark about too many things. I 
recommend that Ami and Tom investigate these survivors some more before we tell Master Alisin and Alan."

     Endymion shook his head. "I disagree with Rei. I think we should tell Alan and Alisin about the survivors 
on Mercury as soon as possible."

     "I concur with the majority," said Serenity. "But I agree with Rei that Ami and Tom should scrutinize these 
people a bit more. However,  I think allowing Alisin to speak to these people will do more good then evil. There-
fore, I will ask Ami to arrange a time for Master Alisin and Alan to speak to the Elementalists on Mercury. I 
will also ask her to learn as much as she can about these people and keep us informed. Any comments?"

     There was none. Serenity nodded. "I'll send Ami word of our decision in the next communication window. As 
for Alan and Master Alisin, I will inform them tomorrow about Mercury."

     "I think we should tread cautiously on this matter," said Rei. "We still know nothing about the people 
after Alan, and until we do, he's still in danger."

     "Agreed," said Serenity. "Are their any new leads?"

     "None. It is as if these people never existed. We still have no identification on the Fire Wizard, and even 
less on any accomplices."

     "Mike said he had something that might help us in identifying our suspect," Pyrite said. "That's another 
reason why he's coming here."

     Rei downed half the contents of her teacup, and grimaced as she realized the liquid was only lukewarm. 
"Well, maybe Mike will give us something. Right now we're dead in the water. All we can do is keep Alan here 
and make sure they can't get in."

     "Alan is liable to start chafing under being restricted to the Palace," Serenity said.

     "Unless he wants to end up dead, he's going to have to live with that. I don't have the manpower to supply 
him with a protection team every time he wants to go somewhere. While I'm not happy to say this, Alan is low 
on the security watch list, and I refuse to alter it. It's possible, however unlikely, that the attacks on Alan 
are designed to draw protection away from some more important target."

     "Like me," said Serenity.

     "Yes." Rei glared at her queen. "And don't you dare order me to take any measures to lessen the security 
around you or Endymion."

     Serenity sighed. "I won't."

     "I think we're looking at this the wrong way," Setsuna said. She looked at the Senshi of Fire. "You believe 
that Alan can't protect himself, right?"

     "Against wizards, I'm not so worried about Alan protecting himself," Rei said. "Besides, I can have a security 
team on top of the fight within ten seconds of the first spells being cast. But Alan's magic does not make him 
immune from bullets or any other physical attacks. If it came down to a non-magical fight, Alan is in serious 
trouble."

     "So why don't we give him the chance to gain some fighting skills?"

     "Do what? Enroll him in the StarHunter Academy?"

     Setsuna smiled. "Nothing so radical as that. But I do know someone who would be perfect for the task of 
teaching Alan some combat skills. You know him too, Rei."

     "Sebastian Po?"

     "Yes. He has a small dojo not far from the Palace. I think he can be convinced to take Alan on as a student."

     Rei nodded. "He would see it as a challenge."

     "Who is this Sebastian Po?" Pyrite asked.

     "He's a retired StarHunter," Serenity replied. "He's a seven-time Crystal Tokyo champion in both forms and 
sparing, all after he retired. He teaches a small group of students and he's one of the most sought after instructors 
in the world. Tom still uses him for the occasional seminar."

     Pyrite arched an eyebrow. "And you think he would be willing to teach Alan?"

     "I don't see why not. He's familiar with both magic and fighting, and he loves teaching. Rei's right in that 
he see it as a challenge."

     Rei stood. "I'll talk to him tomorrow and see if he's willing. Is there anything else? I have some things 
I need to do before I turn in for the evening."

     "No, I think we covered the important matter." Serenity waved towards the floor in a gesture of invitation. 
"You're welcome to stay of course."

     "I think Rei's right," said Setsuna, standing up. "I think it's time for all of us to retire for the evening."

     "Oh well," Serenity replied. "I guess you're right. Sally?"

     Sally appeared next to Serenity's chair. "Yes, your Majesty?"

     "We're getting ready to leave. Do you need anything for Thursday?"

     "Nope," the AI chirped.

     "Have you decided on where we're going to have our picnic?"

     "Yep, but I'm going to keep it as a surprise."

     "Okay. Around twelve then?"

     "Yep!" With that, Sally vanished. 

     Rei looked at her liege. "Something I should know about?' she asked.

     "We're using the holodeck for a picnic on Thursday," said Serenity. "Sally wants to show me how much she's 
progressed using the projectors to create a solid form for herself."

     "Oh."

     After saying their good-byes, the two Senshi left the tea room. As they walked down the corridor, heading 
to their own quarters, Rei said, "Setsuna?"

     "Yes?" the taller woman replied.

     "I never did thank you for that day of shopping two weeks back, did I?"

     "No."

     "Well, thank you."

     "You're welcome." After several paces, Setsuna asked, "Do you want me to talk to Sebastian tomorrow?"

     Rei shook her head. "No, I'll do it."

     "Are you sure?"

     "Yes!"

     "All right."
     
     They walked in silence for a moment. Finally, Rei said. "Can we trust these Elementalists on Mercury?"

     "I see no reason why we should not trust them."

     "That's helpful," Rei said acidly.

     Setsuna shrugged. "Are they a direct threat to this city? No. Are they a threat to Ami and Tom? I don't 
think so. Ami and Tom can hold their own against almost anything a  master-level Elementalist could throw at 
them."

     "I'm not talking about a frontal assault on the exploration team by an angry Elementalist," Rei replied. 
"What I'm worried about is the possibility of there being Cult of Metellia members among the Mercurian population, 
and that includes the Elementalists."

     "The cult of Metellia is as dead as the evil itself. Any cult member left on Mercury, Elementalists or 
not, will be adrift, with no chance of organizing or reestablishing the Cult for a long time. We have plenty 
of time to discover them before they can be a threat. Do not worry about it."

      Rei sighed. "It's just something else I will have to take into account sometime in the future."

     "Ami and Tom know what they're doing," Setsuna said. "Let them do it. Alan and Uncle Alisin's new project 
is going to give you enough problems without you importing security concerns from another planet."

     "I hope Alan and Alisin realize exactly what they're getting into. We're talking about through background 
checks, aura scanning, and any other screening tests that are necessary."

     "That's why Uncle Alisin and I convinced Alan to include you in the planning stage."

     The Senshi of Fire raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't Alan want to come to me about this? He should have known 
anything like this would have come through my office at some stage."

     The Senshi of Time shook her head slightly. "He didn't want to bother you about it."

     Rei gave her sister Senshi a look of surprise. "I can't believe he's still that naive!"

     "He is."

     "I would have thought nearly being killed twice would have cured him of that."

     "Well," Setsuna replied, "I should have said that, on some subjects, he's still naive." Rei gave her a sharp 
look, but Setsuna didn't elaborate on her statement. Before Rei could ask the older Senshi to explain what she 
meant, they stopped at an intersection.

     "Are you going to turn in for the night?" Setsuna asked.

     Rei shook her head. "I have some things to do at the office first."

     Setsuna gave her a disapproving look. "I thought we discussed this before."

     "I'm just finishing up some reports," Rei replied. "If these plan of those two are as grandiose as I suspect, 
I'll need to watch it very closely, at least in the beginning. That means finishing up as much of everything 
that I can beforehand."

     "Very well, but remember that Internal Security isn't going to fall apart if you're not watching every 
part of it every moment."

     "I know that, and I'm planning to shift some responsibility to people I can trust, but don't expect large 
changes overnight."

     "I won't, but remember this." Setsuna smiled, making Rei feel slightly nervous. "If I think you're pushing 
yourself too hard, I will step in again, and this time it will be TWO days of shopping. Good evening." The Elder 
Senshi turned and walked away.

     Rei watched her for a moment before she turned and started walking towards her office. "And to think I was 
complaining that it was too quiet in the city these days," she muttered. "I must be out of my mind....."





     Night had fallen over the city of Crystal Tokyo, turning the skyline into a glittering landscape of light 
that made it look like fine jewels on a velvet background. But the man who stared out of the city's skyline from 
the darkened office wasn't really interested in the beauty. 

     To those few who knew him, he was the head of a small import/export company that did business all over the 
world. Any through investigation would turn up a well-run clean company with no hint of scandal or criminal 
activity anywhere. But there was criminal activity going on, though it wasn't the type normally seen.

     To the rest of the Brotherhood of Shadows, he was known as Rho. A member of the Inner Conclave, his 
responsibility was to monitor the events that occurred in Crystal Tokyo. His network of spies was small and 
most were not aware that they worked for the Brotherhood. A series of cut-outs, dead letter drops, and other 
security measures prevented Crystal Tokyo Internal Security from tracing a connection to the business, should 
one of the agents give themselves away.

     Until six months ago, the post had been a quiet one, despite its importance. Any suspicious activity would 
alert the harridan Senshi Mars and the rest of her department to the network's presence. Better to move slowly 
and careful then to do anything rash or noticeable. 

     Then, the appearance of the Windwalker had shattered everything.

     Pressured by the man known as Alpha, leader of the Brotherhood and the strongest of the Elemental Wizards, 
Rho had been forced to commission two high profile attacks on the Windwalker, with disastrous results. The first 
attack, by a group of Nemesian mercenaries, had resulted in a brief battle that had failed to kill the target, 
and resulted in the capture of all the attackers. Nothing from that attack could be traced back to either Rho 
or the Brotherhood, but it was still a serious setback.

     The second attack was even worse. One of the Brotherhood's best agents had summoned a Fire Elemental to kill 
the Windwalker. But the wizard had managed to lure it to where the harpy Senshi Mars could destroy the creature. 
And to add to the debacle, the agent had challenged the Windwalker to an Elemental duel. An Elemental Duel! What 
was Tolucan thinking?

     At least the crystal had worked and prevented Tolucan from revealing anything about the Brotherhood. Rho 
didn't like the need for such measures, but the Brotherhood's security came before the life of any agent, including 
his own.

     He heard the door to his office open behind him, and in the reflection of the window, he saw Theta walk into 
the room. Theta, like Rho, was a member of the Inner Conclave and second in command of the Crystal Tokyo network 
and senior field agent. Despite the letter Theta coming before the letter Rho in the Greek alphabet, Rho was senior 
to Theta. Once a member became part of the Inner Conclave, they were given a Greek letter, which they retained for 
as long as they were alive. Only Alpha was senior to Rho, and Omega was outside all but Alpha's command. 

     They were a contrast between the two members of the Brotherhood. Rho was a large and heavy man, while Theta 
was small and thin. Theta was an Earth wizard, while Rho's element was fire. Rho was a cautious, careful man, traits 
that made him perfect for operating in Crystal Tokyo, while Theta was more aggressive and strident. Despite their 
differences, they work together most of the time.

     But the appearance of the Windwalker had changed even that. Theta have gone over his head to Alpha himself, 
asking for permission to kill this unknown Elementalist. Alpha had agreed, even going so far as to order several 
Brotherhood agents to 'test' the Windwalker. The first test, Tolucan's Fire Elemental summoning, had been a failure. 
Now it was time to start the second test in motion.

     "Aedre is here," Theta said.

     "It's about time," Rho grumbled. "Show her in."

     Theta turned to the open doorway. "Come in," he said.

      Aedre walked into the room. She was tall, thin, with elfin-like features. Her hair was long and wavy, blue-
green in color, with matching eyes. There was a coolness in her movement as she walked into the room that let 
everyone know she was all business. Her clothing was fashionable, yet subdued. Her expression matched her usual 
demeanor, cool and calculating, like a smooth lake.

     She was one of the four, now three agents, assigned to 'test' the Windwalker. Since Tolucan's failure and 
spectacular, though brutal, death, Aedre had kept very much to herself. She had forgone almost all communications 
with Rho, Theta, Sarlic, and Morie, the last two being the other two agents assigned to the task. Aedre's element 
was water, and she strove to be like her element in manner and actions.

     "So good to see you Sister Aedre," Rho said. He turned away from the window to look at her. Theta close 
the office door and stood next to it.

     "Did you send for me?" she asked, her voice low and cool.

     "I did." Rho waved to a chair in from of the desk. "Sit."

     "I prefer to stand."

     "Very well." Rho sat. "Are you ready to face the Windwalker?"

     "I am. But I am not going into the Palace after him."

     "We can't wait for him to come out."

     Aedre folded her arms. "So you want me to infiltrate arguably the most heavily guarded complex on this planet, 
find the Windwalker, kill him, then evade a dozen Senshi and Guardians, not to mention several hundred security 
troopers? That doesn't include the problem with a ready supply of water mana. You are talking about a suicide 
mission. Not even Alpha expects that." 

     "Mind your place," said Theta.

     "No," Rho replied. "Let her speak. You have some questions about your mission, Aedre?"

     "A few," the water wizard admitted. "Tolucan may have been a slob and a slimeball, but he wasn't a slouch 
when it came to welding fire mana. The fact that this Windwalker managed to kill him raises concerns that I 
want to address."

     "We told you we weren't sure of his power level," Rho said mildly.

     "Well, I think whatever you thought he was capable of, increase it by at least fifty per cent." Aedre took 
a deep breath. "I also have questions about Tolucan's actions after the fire elemental was destroyed."

     "We think the feedback from his link to the fire elemental affected his mind."

     "Maybe, but I'm not so sure that's the answer."

     "What do you mean?" Theta asked sharply.

     Aedre turned her head to look at Theta. "Tolucan was a coward," she said, no hint of emotion in her tone. 
"Fighting an Elemental Duel would have been the last thing on his mind."

     "Are you saying that we did something to Tolucan?" Rho asked.

     Aedre looked at him. "The Windwalker didn't create the column of fire when Tolucan died."

     "Senshi Mars was there," Theta said. "Maybe she's responsible."

     This time, the water wizard didn't bother to look at her nominal superior. "This entire situation stinks. 
The target is unapproachable and I'm not sure I can trust either one of you."

     Theta's voice was cold. "That's close to disloyalty."

     "Loyalty runs both ways. Tolucan was left hanging without a back-up plan or support."

     "He knew the risks."

     "He wasn't expendable."

     "Enough." Rho's voice was low and hard, cutting through the other's war of words like a knife blade. "This 
is not the time for pointless bickering. We must find a way to get to the Windwalker."

     "As long as he stays in the Palace, he is safe from us," Aedre replied. "We cannot get into the Palace."

     "So we must find a way to get him out of the Palace."

     "And how do we do that?"

     Rho leaned back in his chair, his figure a darker shadow against the city's skyline. "I don't know," he 
said.

     "The longer we wait, the more he can teach," Theta said.

     "I am fully aware of that. But if we continue attacking without success, we run the risk of revealing the 
Brotherhood to the world."

     "What about the Council?" Aedre asked. "If this Windwalker is one of them, surely they have their own people 
watching for another attack on him." She stood. "Unless we have more information, to launch any type of an attack 
on the Windwalker would be stupid."

     "If this was under normal circumstances, I would agree with you." The head of the Crystal Tokyo arm of the 
Brotherhood shifted in his chair. "But Alpha is adamant. The Windwalker must be killed, and as soon as possible."

     "If he's so determined to kill him, let him do it himself, or better yet, send Omega."

     There was silence as her words hung in the air. "If that is an attempt at humor," Rho said, his voice cold, 
"it wasn't funny."

     "I wasn't trying to be funny," Aedre replied, her voice matching Rho's. "Unless Alpha is willing to risk 
more then a single agent, the chances are that we will lose."

     "We only have to be lucky once," said Theta.

     Aedre laughed, a cold hollow sound. "I don't suppose that it has occurred to either of you that a hired 
sniper could do the job instead of sending an agent."

     "It was considered," Rho said. He didn't say that every single professional assassin approached by the 
Brotherhood had declined once they discovered the target was located in Crystal Tokyo. The city's Internal 
Security was very efficient, and had no love for assassins.

     "Until we come up with a workable plan, I am not going to risk myself." 

     "Do not tell us what you will or will not do!" said Theta sharply. "You will obey orders!"
 
     "Not if the orders are suicidal," replied the Sister of Water. "I am willing to risk capture or death, but 
only if I know I have a good shot of killing my target." She turned and started to walk out of the room.
 
     "Where are you going?" Theta demanded.
     
     "I am going to find a nice quiet body of water and practice until someone comes up with a workable plan." 
She walked out of the office.
   
     "That's inso-"

     "Let her go."

     Theta turned to stare at Rho. "What?"

     "I said, let her go." Rho leaned forward in his chair. "She is right. We need a workable plan before we 
can do anything else."

     "But we need her here!"

     "To do what? Until we have something more then a vague scheme, having her wait around is not only useless, 
but possible dangerous. The less time she spends in the city before the attack, the less chance she will be 
discovered by Mars' security people."     

     "But the Windwalker could come out at any time, and-"

     "We cannot go off half cocked," said Rho firmly. "We don't know if and when the Windwalker came out. And 
if he does, it might be a trap by Mars to draw us out into the open. No we must plan a time and place of our 
own choosing if we are to have any success."

     Theta nodded. "I understand your caution and I will abide by your decision. I do not like it, but I will 
start looking at putting a plan together."

     "Make sure it is a full plan," said Rho. "That includes escape routes and diversions. Real escape routes 
and diversions. Aedre is too smart to be fooled by a vague plan. I want her to have every legitimate chance to 
get away after she has done the job."

     "What about the fail-safe? She won't trust any object we give her."

     "I want two fail-safes this time, different from Tolucan's. I doubt either Aedre or Crystal Tokyo Security 
will be deceived again by a bomb threat."

     "Very well. Is there a time limit to put this plan into motion?"

     "Not a hard one, but as soon as possible."

     Theta bowed. "I'll get on it right away." He turned and left the darkened office, leaving Rho alone with 
his thoughts.






     Cearo's living quarters were twenty meters below the foundation of the mansion. Access was either by a 
concealed elevator leading up to the mansion, or a secret tunnel running from a water-filled cave below the 
cliff the mansion stood on. Carved out of the living rock two hundred years before, the caves had served as 
Cearo's home for the last three decades.
 
     This was where Cearo spent most of her time. Almost no one was allowed down here -- not the guards, 
students, and especially not Beorn. This was her own fortress, her refuge for the world of  madness she found 
herself in. It was the only place she felt completely safe for any sort of an attack. She controlled all 
access to these chambers, by having the power control for the elevator down here with her, and she was the one 
that set up the traps in the tunnel. Beorn conceded these things to her as a matter of course. She wouldn't 
want it any other way.

     But the chambers also were her prison.

     Not that the rooms were crude or Spartan. On the contrary, they were richly furnished and comfortable. 
There was plenty of magically preserved food, an extensive library, and a large collection of entertainment 
crystals. Most of the time she spent down here was devoted to studying, reading, sleeping, or preparing and 
eating simple meals. In short, she wanted for nothing.

     Except for someone to share it with.

     She had grown use to the loneliness, seeing it as part of her penance, but she had never learned to like 
it. As the head of the Council, she was the number one target for the Brotherhood in a shadow war that had gone 
on for centuries. As a security measure, she had very little personal contact with the other members. Beorn was 
the person she met with most, as he ran the day to day operations of the Council, but it would be a cold day 
on the sunward side of Mercury before she would feel anything else but contempt for him. That meant she spent 
most of her time alone.

     It was past midnight when the visitors came. Cearo was in the library, reading, when the clear tone of a 
bell rang four times, echoing slightly through the chambers. She looked up, a small smile working its way into 
her expression. Putting the book aside, she stood and strode into the small kitchen. She filled a kettle with 
water and placed it on a heating element. Satisfied the water would boil, she left the kitchen and strode down 
a dead-end hallway, empty of any furnishings except for a full-length mirror at the end of the hall. 

     At the end of the hall, she touched an area on the wall near the mirror. The area under her fingertips 
glowed a soft red, then faded back to its original stone gray color. The mirror, a full two meters tall and 
half that in width, rippled then vanished, replaced by a dark void.

     Two figures stepped out of the void. The first was a woman, slightly shorter then Cearo, with shoulder-
length, wheat colored hair, high cheekbones, small nose, delicate chin and large emerald eyes. Her figure was 
trim and athletic, only partially hidden by the black bodysuit and cloak she wore.

     The second was a man, dressed like the woman, but that's where the similarities ended. He was a full head 
taller then either woman and had the muscular build of a weightlifter. He had a square jaw, a roman nose, clear 
gray eyes and closely-cropped brown hair.

     They both bowed to Cearo. "We have come as you asked, Mistress Cearo," the woman said softly.

     "Thank you," Cearo replied.

     "No," the big man rumbled. "Thank you, Mistress. It has been too long since we have visit with you."

     Cearo touched the area of the wall again, and the void vanished, replaced by the reflection of the three 
of them. "I have water on for tea," she said.

     "I will take care of the tea," the man said. "You and Erwina should make yourself comfortable."

     "All right, Parle," Cearo replied. "We'll be in the library."

     Parle bowed again. "I will be with you shortly, Mistress."

     They split up, Parle going to the kitchen, while Cearo and Erwina went to the library. After the two of 
them were seated, Cearo asked, "Did you have any problems getting through the tunnel?"

     "No Mistress," Edwina replied. "The amulets worked as always."

     "Good. I was worried that I hadn't exactly attuned the new traps to the amulets."

     Erwina nodded. "Well, do not fear on that account. The amulets had no problems." she frowned. "Has Beorn 
tried to breech the tunnel's security?"

     "Not that I know of," Cearo replied, "But I am not taking any chances."

     "I see. How are you feeling?"

     The red-haired woman sighed. "I exist, and that is enough."

     This time, Erwina shook her head. "No Mistress, that is not enough. You need to get out of this prison."

     "I cannot."

     "Cannot, or will not?"

     Cearo gave her guest a hard stare. "The Brotherhood is still hunting me."

     "As we of the Council hunt Alpha and the rest of his Brotherhood."

     "No one knows what Alpha looks like."

     "And how many people know what you look like?"

     Cearo held up a hand. "Enough. Revisiting old arguments is not why I asked you to come. I need your 
help."

     Erwina narrowed her eyes. "You want us to do something that you want to keep from Beorn."

     "Yes."

     "We will do it."

     "You don't know what I want."

     "It does not matter," said Parle, walking into the room with a tray. "If you command, we will follow."

     "I will not command you on this," Cearo said.

     "Cearo," said Erwina gently, "we are more then your students. We are your friends. We know what you want 
us to do is important. The fact that you wish to keep it from Beorn indicates that it something that dare not 
entrust to him."

     Parle placed the tray down on a low table in the center of the conversation area. "My wife is right, 
Mistress," he said. "We have much to thank you for. To do as you ask is little return for your great assistance."

     "Even if I ask you to go to Crystal Tokyo?"

     "Even if you asked us to go to Crystal Tokyo."

     "Why would you want to send us there?" Erwina asked.

     Cearo waited until Parle had served the tea and found a chair for himself before she answered Erwina's 
question. "An air Elementalist has appeared in Crystal Tokyo within the last six months."

     "So one of the Brotherhood scum has finally turned on his masters?" Parle asked calmly.

     The Mistress of Fire shook her head. "I don't think this man is a Brotherhood renegade."

     Erwina frowned. "Are you sure?"

     "Yes. For one thing, he's under Queen Serenity's protection." 

     "Does this mean that Serenity knows about us and the Brotherhood?"

     "I don't know. We do know he calls himself Alan Thomas and he suddenly appeared with in the last half year. 
There have been a couple of attempt to kill him, one which can be directly linked to the Brotherhood."

     "In what way?" Parle asked, the teacup looking small in his hands.

     "Tolucan was behind one of the attempts," Cearo replied. "He summoned a Fire Elemental, but it failed to 
kill Thomas."

     "He's one of the Brotherhood's more promising Fire Wizards," said Erwina. "One of our top targets, especially 
after what he did in Warsaw two years ago. What happened after the summoning failed?"

     "Thomas killed him in an elemental duel."

     Both Erwina and Parle looked stunned. "An elemental duel?" asked Parle.

     Cearo nodded slowly. "I don't know how or why, but the two of them fought an elemental duel. Crystal Tokyo's 
internal security is tight, but we do know that Tolucan was killed either directly or indirectly by Thomas."

     "Thomas must be a strong wizard," Erwina said, looking into her teacup. "Tolucan was a slob and worse, but 
he wasn't a slouch in his magic."

     "My wife is right," said Parle. "We have clashed several times over the years with Tolucan. He wasn't someone 
to treat lightly."

     "That is why I want both of you to go to Crystal Tokyo," Cearo said. She leaned forward. "I want information 
on this Thomas, information that I can rely on."

     "You don't trust Beorn on this, do you?" Erwina asked bluntly.

     "I do not trust Beorn because I know he cannot be trusted. He allows personal ambition to effect his judge-
ment at times."

     "Very well," replied the blonde. "What do you want us to do after we finish our mission? Kill this Alan 
Thomas?"

     "No." Cearo gazed at both of them. "All I want you to do is to find out everything you can about this Thomas."

     "Can we use our assets in Crystal Tokyo?" Parle asked.

     "No. That would get back to Beorn. I do not want to take the chance of him discovering your presence in 
the city."

     The big man frowned. "That will limit what we can do."

     "I have something that will help." Cearo placed her teacup on the table, stood and went over to a small 
box sitting on a table behind her chair. She placed her right hand on top of the box. "Do you remember a student 
by the name of Adri?"

     "Yes," said Edwina. "An earth wizard, though not much of one."

     "He is one of the lowest ranking Earth Wizards," said Parle. "The last I had heard, he'd been sent back to 
India as an Observer."

     "I could never be an Observer," said Edwina with a frown. "To stay in an area and just watch out for the 
Brotherhood or potential recruits? I'd die of boredom within a year!"

     Cearo smiled. "Do not belittle those who are Observers. They serve the Council as well as those like you 
or me, and their role is just as important, if not as 'glamorous'. Besides, Adri is a better wizard then you 
give him credit for. He was willing to sacrifice his possibility of advancement inside the Council in order to 
help me when I asked him. He did not pass the final tests on purpose."

     Both husband and wife gave her a blank look. "We didn't realize," said Erwina.

     "Good. I'm glad I still have some secrets." Cearo's hand on top of the box glowed. "Do you remember what 
Adri's family business was?"

     "No, Mistress."

     With a click, the box opened. "His family has been in the mage-tech business for a couple of centuries. 
His factories make some items the Council uses, but he also makes some items at my personal request. He delivered 
these last week." Cearo reached into the box and removed a small sphere. She walked over to Erwina and gave 
the sphere to her.

     Erwina took the sphere and looked at it. It was small enough to fit into the palm of her hand, and the 
only opening in the seamless metallic-gray skin was a lens the size of her thumbnail. "A spyglobe?"

     Cearo nodded. "But not any spyglobe." She walked back to the box and removed a circlet from the box. "This 
is the control band. Watch." she placed the circlet on her head and adjusted it. Parle and Erwina could see that 
two gold circles attached to the circlet were now covering her temples. A small gem in the center of the band 
flashed one, and Cearo closed her eyes.

     The spyglobe in Erwina's hand rippled, then vanished. Despite that, she could still feel the globe in her 
hand. "It's invisible! A cloaking field on something this small?"

     The leader of the Council smiled. "Each spyglobe has its own cloaking field that is thirty percent better 
then any previous field, at a fraction of the power requirement. Adri also said that the spyglobe gives off 
very little heat, making it difficult to detect in infer-red scans. Now for the next demonstration."

     Erwina felt the spyglobe leave her hand. She thought she could hear a slight hum, but she wasn't sure where 
it was coming from. "Impressive," she said. She reached out, her hand passing through air. "Is it still there?" 

     Parle was scanning the library. "I cannot detect any sign of it," he said. The air in half a dozen centimeters 
in front of Parle's face rippled and the spyglobe appeared. The large man raised an eyebrow. "I must agree with 
my wife. This is most impressive."

     The spyglobe floated back to Cearo, landing in her outstretched hand. She then opened her eyes and placed 
the spyglobe back into the box. She then removed the circlet and replaced it into the box. She closed the box, 
then looked at her guests. "There are six of the spyglobes in this box, along with two control bands, recharging 
station, and instructions. Adri told me the Spyglobes are untraceable, so do not be worried if you lose some. 
They should allow you to get inside the Palace without exposing yourself any more then necessary."

     "We are not fragile, Mistress," said Parle. "We are willing to risk ourselves at your command."

     Cearo shook her head. "I prefer to be careful and not lose either one of you."

     Erwina frowned again. "You're not telling us everything, are you?"

     Cearo walked over to a corner of the room. She reached out and ran a finger along the spines of the books 
on the shelves. "I'm tired," she said. "This war has leeched the life from me. I am a teacher, a scholar, not 
a general. This," she said, waving her hand around the library, "Is what I should be doing with my life, not 
fighting this war."

     "We didn't start this war, Mistress," Parle said. "The Brotherhood did."

     The redheaded woman turned and looked at her guests. "Yes. They started it, but what have we done? We have 
been fighting for centuries, with no end in sight. We kill one of the Brotherhood here, they kill one of our 
people there, and we each kill those who are neither one because they might claim our form of magic for their 
own. For what reason?"

     "You know the Brotherhood must be destroyed," Erwina said, standing up and walking over to Cearo. "Alpha 
would use Elemental magic to further his own aims unless we stop him. There is no one else who can."

     "The Senshi could," said Parle, "If they knew of the situation."


     "Absolutely not!" said Cearo sharply. "I do not trust Queen Serenity any more then I trust Alpha."

     "Why is that Mistress?" Parle asked, standing slowly. "If we were to have their help, we could destroy 
the Brotherhood quickly."

     "The reasons are my own. They are too long and too complex to go into here. I will say that if we were to 
enter into an alliance with Crystal Tokyo, I believe that The Council would not last long after the Brotherhood 
is destroyed."

     "You think Serenity would destroy the Council? There is nothing to indicate she would go to such an extreme."

     "I cannot take that chance. I have seen what happens when a queen pretends to be an ally of the Elemental 
wizards. The last one to do so destroyed us through our own dreams and fears. I will not allow it to happen 
again."

     "We will respect your wishes, Mistress," said Erwina, "and not speak of it again. But if you do not want 
Thomas killed, do you want us to contact him?"

     Cearo shook her head. "No. If I think we should make contact, it will be at a later date. As for now, I 
just want you to find out as much as you can. Only then can I make a decision about him."

     "Very well. We will leave for Crystal Tokyo in a couple of days."

     "All I can ask is for you to be careful."

     "Do not worry about us," said Parle. "There are worse places then a Crystal Tokyo prison cell."

     "Do not even joke about that," Erwina said, looking unhappy.

     "Enough of that," Cearo said. She glanced at the clock. "It is late. The guest room is ready for your use. 
We can discuss this matter more tomorrow, then you can leave this time tonight."

     "We will be glad to accept your hospitality, Mistress," said Parle. "Our trip here was demanding."

     "Do you wish to eat before you retire?"

     "We are fine," said Erwina, "but my husband is right. The journey here was tiring and we can both use a 
good night's sleep."

     Cearo gave each of them a small smile. "Very well. I must spend most of my morning up in the mansion, taking 
care of Council business, but after that, my time is free. It will be nice to talk to someone without trying to 
guess what motives they are hiding. I will show you to your rooms."





	

	
Book 3 - Winds of Madness
	
Book 5 - Family Ties (Tenative title)
	
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