The Solar Knight Chapter One: Six Months Later "Solan hold still!" the muffled voice drifted down from above the mountain of pillows Solan Grange was currently buried under. "If ya quit moving, I'll be able to get these handcuffs off faster. If ya move, your skin will get caught in the lock, and you'll feel it for the next week!" "Stupid Bradley twins," Solan grumbled, "how was I supposed to know that playing cops and robbers meant actual handcuffs?" Chuckle from above, "What, you think the kids of a cop are gonna use toys when the real thing is lying around all over the place?" Solan half turned under the pillows, "What are you talking about? Neither one of the Bradley's is a police officer!" "So what is all this stuff.... You know what? Never mind, I don't want to know." Two hard tugs, and Solan was free, rubbing his wrists, he burst from the mountain of pillows like a man from his early grave. Jeremy, Solan's best friend, laughed uproariously, "How does Kristen talk you in to baby-sitting those monsters every few weeks? Man, I thought you would have wised up by now and figured out she's just using you so she can go out on dates with other guys." Solan grabbed Jeremy's arm; "She is not using me. She just...needed help, that's all." Jeremy's eyes twinkled, "What ever you say man, what ever you say." He smirked at the frustrated expression plastered across Solan's face. "Man," Solan groaned, fluffing his fingers through his white hair, momentarily obscuring his large violet eyes. "I am so tired. I've been having these wacky dreams lately." He leaned back on his elbows, sprawling comfortably across the floor. "Plus, I've been covering for half of the people at the studio, and Kristen's occasional baby-sitting jobs." Jeremy shook his bright red head with disgust, "Dude, I'm telling you, she's using you. Just give up on her, and find yourself a chick with more than two brain cells to rub together." Violet eyes darkening, Solan gazed out the window. Snowflakes lazily floated down from the ebony sky. "I don't know. Jeremy, Kristen isn't the smartest girl, I know that, I accept that. But...I don't know, it's like I'm looking for someone like her. She's like a ray of sunlight on a cloudy day. She's kind, she's generous, I wish I could express how important those qualities are to me. I look at her from a distance and she looks like a bright flame against the darkness. Even her hair shimmers with this golden light. I mean, how often do you see natural red hair and amber eyes these days?" Snorting softly, Jeremy shook his head. "Dude, you are delusional. Kristen was like that when we were kids; she used to be all those wonderful things. Come on Solan, think about it. Seriously, I mean it, think about it. Kristen hasn't been nice to either one of us since last summer, unless she wants something. She quit being nice to me altogether when she realized I wasn't going to play her little games with her anymore. And as soon as she realizes you won't, then she'll start being snotty to you too. She's a conniving little witch, a major snob of the worst order. She's using you so she can date Dan 'The Man" Hammond. I mean, look at tonight! Those kids know who to listen to. They listen to her, not to you." "Hello? Solan? We're home!" A cheerful voice called from the front of the house. "Solan? Kids?" Solan staggered to his feet, and began throwing the couch pillows one by one, on to the couch. "In here Mrs. Bradley." A tall thin woman bustled through the entrance to the living room. "Oh, there you are! Hello Jeremy, how is your mother?" Jeremy smiled sheepishly and ran his hand quickly through his thick red hair. "She's fine, Mrs. Bradley. School's been kinda tough on her, but she's adjusting fairly well." Patting her neat honey blond hair, Mrs. Bradley nodded, as she rummaged through her purse. "Glen? Glen, honey, do you have the checkbook?" Pausing in her quick search, she glanced up, her large blue eyes serious for a moment. "Well, your mother is a good woman, Jeremy. I can't think of another women in the neighborhood who would raise six kids on her own and still have time to fit night school in with recitals and such. She's bettering your life by returning to school, working two jobs like that will just make her sick." Jeremy blushed softly; he didn't always appreciate the stress his mother went through daily. "I know ma'am, we're all very proud of her." "GLEN!" Mrs. Bradley suddenly yelled. Solan winced, when Jeremy had arrived, he had quickly assessed the situation and put the children to bed before he had freed Solan, but it would be a miracle if they stayed there and asleep with all the screaming across the house. "Yes dear?" a cool voice questioned from the kitchen doorway. Mrs. Bradley held up her open purse. "Dear heart," she cooed, "I can't find the checkbook for the life of me. Do you have it?" Glen Bradley shook his head; his slightly pudgy frame propped up against the doorframe with a fifth of scotch in his hand. "No, Helen, I don't have the checkbook. I think I might have left it on my desk at work." Solan winced, that could only mean one thing. Mrs. Bradley tensed, her thin shoulders straightening under her navy blue sweater. "You WHAT?! Glen! How many times have I told you to remember the checkbook? Do you remember the fiasco we had to endure last time you thoughtlessly left it at the office? I swear, Glen, I'm raising three children, not two!" Turning to Solan and Jeremy, she forced a polite smile. "I'm sorry boys. It's just been an impossibly long day, and since the children have been sick, all we wanted was one night out...Solan, would you mind terribly if we simply paid you double next time? I promise, this is the last time." Jeremy smirked as Solan closed his eyes in exasperation. Forcing a smile of his own Solan shook his shaggy white head and took the hand Mrs. Bradley offered. "No problem Mrs. Bradley. I'll just pick it up next time." Gulping down the last of his drink, Mr. Bradley started across the room. His toe clinked on something metal peeping out from under the couch. "What's this?" Reaching down, he gripped one edge of the heavy metal handcuffs. Heat sweeping across his face, Solan felt his body turn a lovely shade of crimson. "Well, Mr. Bradley, sir, the kids wanted to play cops and robbers. I was the bad guy, and they did originally have me tied up with a bit of an old sheet. While Kevin was blindfolding me, they slipped this on instead, and covered me with pillows." Jeremy broke in; "I was coming by to drop off the history notes I borrowed today from Solan, when I found him like that. I put the kids to bed, and we fought him free. Solan's lucky he has small wrists." Flushing brightly, Mrs. Bradley quickly snatched the handcuffs from her husband. "Glen, I really think you ought to go in there and give those two a good talking to. I'll show the boys out." Gathering up their coats and mittens, Jeremy and Solan silently dressed for the chill night air, as Mrs. Bradley turned off the kitchen lights. Bundled up completely, they quietly opened the door. "Good night ma'am," they murmured to the flustered woman. "Good night boys. Walk home safely," came the cheerful reply. "See you next Saturday, Solan." The door shut behind them with a final snap, and the two began their slow walk across the treacherous icy sidewalk. "You agreed to baby sit next weekend?" Jeremy scoffed. "Dude, do you have a death wish or something?" Sighing, Solan shook his head, "Shut up Jeremy. This time it isn't for Kristen. I actually need the money. They're cutting my time at the studio because I covered for everyone this week." "Man, that sucks," Jeremy groaned. "Oh well, if all else fails you can move in with me and my family. I'm sure Mom won't mind one more mouth to feed." Solan punched Jeremy lightly on the arm, "Funny smart-ass. I don't think so. Making it on my own is hard enough, without the stress of being a bother one someone else's family." They walked in silence for a few more blocks. Solan let his mind wander to the strange dreams he'd been having recently... "Solan!" called a lovely voice from a distance. "Solan, I'm over here! Hurry, Solan, we'll miss the ball. The Knights are back, we made it, and we saved them. Hurry, Solan, hurry!" Solan quickly turned. He was in a garden; flowers bloomed all around his lanky form. A weight swirled around his shoulders, reaching up; his fingers brushed a large pin. The sense of urgency faded as he ran the tips of his fingers over a gold and red sun shaped clasp. Golden material swept the ground around him, billowing lightly in the breeze from the dream. "Auriel!" he yelled, his violet eyes sweeping the garden, "Where are you? I can't see you! Auriel!" A musical voice called from behind him, "Over here! Solan, turn around." Solan gradually turned, the golden sweep of his cape rustling against his tuxedo pants. The night teased him, a slow fog rose between the slender figure and himself, obscuring his view of her face and body. "Come on!" she laughed, her thin frame melted in to the mist, he heard the soft slap of rapidly retreating feet. "No! Wait, wait, Auriel!" he called desperately, reaching out one hand. His body was frozen to the spot he stood; his legs wouldn't budge an inch... "SOLAN!" Jerking to the present, Solan turned to face an amused Jeremy. "Dude, where were you, on cloud nine?" Shaking his head free of the dream images, Solan half grinned at his smirking friend. "Nah, just thinking about my dream last night." Whistling softly under his breath, Jeremy laughed. "Man, your dream babe must have been some hottie for you to miss your stop like that." Solan's head snapped up. They were in front of Jeremy's house, seven blocks from his own apartment. "Damn! I missed my stop!" Punching Solan lightly on the arm, Jeremy choked back another laugh. "That's what I just told you, nimrod. I thought maybe you were just gonna walk me halfway to be nice, but you're so quiet, I forgot you were even beside me. You'd better head back, before it starts to snow any harder. That is, unless you wanna sleep over, but I don't suggest it. Karen's still giving you puppy eyes." Thinking of Jeremy's nine-year-old baby sister, Solan cringed. "No thanks. I appreciate it though." "No problemo," Jeremy countered. "What are best friends for, if not to offer a cold floor, and massively lumpy oatmeal prepared by your truly in the morning, huh?" He watched Solan make his careful way back down the sidewalk. An urge seized him, and he quickly called out, "Solan?" Stopping his cautious backtrack, Solan turned. "Yeah, Jeremy?" Swallowing nervously, Jeremy instantly regretted his abrupt decision. "Um, that dream you had?" Nodding patiently, Solan studied his friend, "Yes?" Fidgeting, Jeremy's shadow shimmered in the dim porch light. "That dream? Was there a girl in it?" Solan nodded, intrigued. "Yeah, Jeremy. There was a girl in a garden. Why?" Opening his mouth to speak, Jeremy was cut off by a loud crash inside. A long shrieking wail erupted from upstairs. "Damn! I gotta go, man. We'll talk about this later, okay?" "Okay. Sleep well, dude," Solan called. Casting one last look at the dim house as Jeremy quickly unlocked the front door and went inside, Solan wondered what it would be like to have a family. He had grown up in an orphanage, never knowing who his true family was, spending his entire life wondering, searching for a place to call home. The girl from his dream danced through his thoughts once more, her dim figure and slender form and enticing mystery, one he was certain he would eventually solve. She seems so familiar, like I've known her my whole life. Auriel? Who could she be? I've never met anyone with a name even close to that before. Why was she calling me? I know it's just a dream, but still, there was something about her that tells me she is real and I have to find her. Maybe she knows who my family is. Did Jeremy dream about her too? Solan passed the dim park on the way to his apartment, his mind on matters other than earthly, but some sixth sense told him to slow. Something about the park was too dim, too quiet, even for an eleven p.m. stroll down memory lane on a snowy night a week before Christmas. Why aren't the streetlights on? Shouldn't there be a few on at least for those late night joggers? They've never been off before. His thoughts were cut short by a sudden shrill scream from deep within the park. Throwing all caution to the wind, Solan reacted on his instinct. Throwing his backpack slung over his shoulder to the snowy ground, he raced towards the scream, pumping his legs as quickly as he could. * * * * * * * * * * "Serena, do you think I should get the blue tie or the green one for Ken?" Lita turned to her friend, two similar ties clasped in each hand. Pausing for a moment in her perusal of the cologne, Serena glanced over, nervously tugging on one of her long blond pigtails. "They look the same to me, Lita. But I do think the green one would go better with his eyes. What do you think Raye?" Raye stepped closer to Lita, her long dark braid sweeping forward as she leaned closer to get a good look at the separate ties. Shrugging, she tossed her braid over her shoulder, "I agree with Serena. The green one would definitely go with his eyes better than the blue. Where's Ami?" Lita neatly replaced the blue tie on a nearby rack. "She's in Books by the Ton, of course. She ordered a special book for Greg for the holidays and they finally got it in." "That's cool. What kind of book is it? Another 'Build Your Own Computer' manual?" Carefully picking up a small jeweled bottle, Serena unscrewed the top and inhaled deeply. "Oh, wow. Darien's going to love this scent. 'Moondust', how...ironic." She gestured to a harried looking saleswoman. "Excuse me, ma'am, could you wrap this up for me?" As she handed the bottle to the saleswomen, Serena leaned too far forward. The thin bottle slipped in her hand and only a lucky snatch by the clerk saved the expensive cologne from drenching the plush carpet of the chic boutique. Raye shook her head. Serena had greatly improved since their beginning days as Sailor Scouts, but she would always be an utter clutz. "Meatball-head, be careful! I don't think you can afford two bottles of that stuff." Flushing bright pink with embarrassment, Serena bit her lip to keep from retorting to Raye's calculated barb. Calming herself internally, she forced a polite smile. "Raye? I thought I have repeatedly asked you to please not call me that. You do remember, correct?" She smiled and nodded to the plump saleswomen, pulling out her checkbook and began filling out a check. Hiding her small smug grin, Lita silently applauded Serena's control. The years had been tough on their leader, nothing had come easy, or without a serious price. All the trials and tribulations of being Sailor Moon had greatly matured Serena. Four years earlier, she would have been whining and crying, complaining of the unfairness of it all, but now she was well on her way to becoming the queen they all knew she would one day transform in to. "Come on, Raye. Leave Serena alone," interrupted Ami as she staggered up, carrying four large bulky bags. "Besides, we're late for a Scout meeting. I just passed Auriel and Aurora in the unique games store. They're gonna meet us at Lita's in twenty minutes." Taking her receipt from the clerk, Serena turned and tucked her small purchase in to her bulky thrift-clothing bag. "Sounds good Ami. Let's go as soon as Lita's finished." "Hey! Serena! Ami, Lita!" The girls glanced up as a small attractive girl quickly approached them. "Molly!" Serena gasped, dropping her large bag on the ground, opening her arms for a hug. "I haven't seen you in ages! I didn't know you were in town! How's America?" The lovely redhead threw herself in to Serena's arms, burying her nose deep in to Serena's pink sweater clad shoulder she shook with laughter and happy tears. "I stopped by your house! Your folks told me that you were here buying a Christmas present for Darien! I had to stop by, say hi, and give you the good news!" As she drew away, Serena's eyes widened. "I think the good news can give itself, Moll-hon. When are you due?" Rubbing her belly, Molly blushed. "It was a little bit of an accident. Melvin and I were planning to wait until we were completely settled in for a few years to start our family, but since we got married right after graduation, and we moved to America right away...well," she flushed deeply, "things happen." Picking a stray green thread off her thick sweater, Lita leaned forward and placed a warm hand on Molly's shoulder. "Congratulations, Molly. Do you know what the baby's going to be yet?" Shaking her head, Molly grinned widely. "No, Melvin and I decided to be surprised. If it's a boy, we're going to name him William after my father. But if it's a girl," she lightly pulled on Serena's right pigtail, "we're going to name her Serena, after the wonderful friend who schemed, planned, and eventually got us together." Molly tenderly patted her bulging waist with her dainty left hand. Her large two-carrot diamond sparkled in the dim lights of the store. "Do you remember Serena? Tuxedo Melvin?" Molly giggled softly, her sweet eyes caressing her dear friend's face. "You and Melvin were my world after Maxwell, I mean Nephrite..." Molly faded, her large eyes saddening, "...well, like I said earlier, things happen. I had such a crush on him, but I was a child really. He cared for me, but he never loved me. I know that now. His heart belonged to another, it probably always did." "Molly!" called a deep voice. "There you are, honey. I've been scouring the mall for you." A tall dark haired young man approached them, his dark eyes and thin frame moving fluidly towards them. "Hello, Serena." Smiling sweetly, Serena leaned forward and hugged the new arrival. "Hello Melvin. You look well. I can see America changed you." Flushing, Melvin ran one large hand through his newly styled hair. "Yeah, it did. I never realized how important appearance is to that culture. I have to give speeches, and look super professional, so my boss suggested I get smaller glasses, and told me to start working out. I know I don't look like Tuxedo Mask, but hey, anything's better than how I used to look." Reaching for his hand, Molly twined her fingers with his. "I love you no matter what you look like, Melvin." He smiled gently at his wife, and wrapped his arms softly around her. Drawing her close, he kissed her forehead lightly. "I love you too, Moll." Pulling away, he turned to the girls. "Anyway, I need to get Molly home. You all are invited to dinner at the hotel tomorrow night, my treat. Serena, bring your fiancé. You too, ladies." They started to walk away, when Melvin suddenly stopped. "Oh! Serena!" "Yes Melvin?" Serena asked, gathering her bags. He tossed her an envelope. "There are the directions. Don't forget to bring that other girl, Mina. Molly and I want to see everyone before we leave, because we won't be back for several years. Bye!" "Bye." Turning to her friends, her large blue eyes wider than usual, Serena chewed lightly on her lower lip. "Lita, that reminds me. Is Mina going to be at the Scout meeting?" Gathering up her purchases, Lita hoisted her bulky purse over left shoulder and shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm not sure. She should, but it depends on her filming schedule. The Sailor V movies are really popular, now more than ever, so it's getting harder and harder for her to grab a few moments to spare." Helping Ami with a few of her bags, Raye sighed quietly. "Guys, I'm really worried about her. Ever since Adam died, she hasn't been the same. It's been six months, shouldn't she be getting better?" Shouldering her own bags, Ami sadly shook her head. "Raye, it will take years for Mina to get over Adam's death. His first day as a Knight and he dies protecting her. She feels responsible, like she could have done something." A single tear slipped down Serena's cheek. "She feels responsible," she paused, slowly meeting each separate pair of eyes, "because of the curse. She feels that if she hadn't gotten involved with Adam, he wouldn't have died." The group slowly moved towards the exit doors as the mall began darkening and closing down. "I don't understand," murmured Raye halfheartedly. "It wasn't her fault. It was his job as a Knight to protect her, and, if necessary, die honorably doing his duty. Greg told Adam what would happen if he came that day. He knew about that night long before he decided to come to the temple. It was his choice, his destiny. If Adam knew that before he made that decision, why can't Mina understand?" "He died protecting her from the titan," interjected Ami quietly, "she feels that if he hadn't fought, he would have survived. He was her soul mate, Raye. If Chad died protecting you, you would be inconsolable, and you know it. Look at Darien and Serena, look at all the times he's died or nearly died, in protecting her. Yet he still does it everyday. Do you remember how heartbroken she was when Darien was brainwashed by Beryl? Mina feels the same way, heartbroken and alone. A piece of her soul is dead, never to return. She needs more time to grieve." Straightening, Serena raised her chin defiantly. "I don't care! We're going to make her come to the Scout meeting whether she wants to or not! She needs to spend some time with her friends for once, at least so she understands she's not alone. We let her be after Adam died, we gave her the peace she desired. The entire team quieted down and rested. We all grieved for Adam, Greg and Mina most of all. We shouldn't have done that! We should have helped one another, depended on one another. Ever since we graduated, none of us have spent any decent quality time together!" Lita turned to face Serena, her long chestnut ponytail swinging with the momentum of her motion. "Serena..." "NO!" Serena interrupted forcibly, "NO! Ami's studying in Germany most of the year, you are busy with the Culinary Academy, Mina has her movies, plus Raye and Chad are locked up in those mountains with Grandpa. Then there's Ken and Greg, they're busy getting their computer business off the ground, Darien is starting his internship, the Outers are on international tour, and Pluto is stuck in the Time Gate. Aurora and Apollo are with Raye and Chad, and Auriel is so busy writing and tutoring, she doesn't have any time for anyone but her students." Ami set her bags on the ground and shrugged in to her heavy jacket. "Serena, we all know you're lonely, but..." Shaking her head, Serena stopped Ami with a wave of her hand. "It's not just that I'm lonely. It's not just Mina being upset over the loss of Adam. We all have difficulties, I know that, I accept that. With everyone living their lives, I have to stay here and protect Tokyo from further attacks. So far the only things I'm protecting Tokyo from are burglars. The Scouts haven't done anything as a team for six months!" Cinching the last button on her jacket, Raye picked up her own bags. "Serena, if you'd like, Chad and I can probably make enough time to go on patrol with you." Sighing, Serena shook her head. "No, Raye, you don't get it. It's like the Scouts have disappeared! Everyone else is living their lives, going to college, and starting their business'. I...well, look at me. I am the perfect example of what has happened to our team. I'm not going to school; I'm not working for anything. I go to work everyday at the restaurant, but I still live at home, and the only thing I'm doing with my life is counting time until Darien can get five seconds together for himself to sit down and pick a date for the wedding with me. There's nothing going on, we can't survive without adversity." Moving behind Serena, Lita wrapped her arms tightly around her distraught friend. "Serena, we all know and appreciate exactly how important you are to us. The Scouts will always be a team, with or without enemies of Earth. But because you're willing to stay behind, the rest of us can go ahead and begin our lives, we know that. You and Darien were always meant to be, Rini is evidence enough of that. You have a future; you are going to be the leader of Crystal Tokyo." Lita paused, and tightened her hug. "Until then, until more problems arise, the only thing I can think of is maybe you might want to take some law classes so you know what's fair and what's illegal. You're already the best leader for the Scouts, but maybe you should go ahead and prepare yourself to be a good leader for the world." Raye snorted lightly under her breath. "Law classes? Serena? Come on! Meatball...uh, Serena could barely get through junior high, much less high school. College would kill her!" "Cut it out, Raye," came a low quiet voice as they prepared to exit the mall. Ami turned, her smile widening at the sight of the newcomers. "Auriel! Aurora! I thought you were going to meet us at Lita's?" Aurora stepped forward and lightly hugged Ami. "We were, but we caught sight of you on our way out and decided to catch up. Besides, neither one of us likes to walk through that park by ourselves. We may be 'special' but both of us are still too new to it all to take attacks with the blasé attitude the rest of you have." She pulled away, pulling her long lavender hair back in a thick lustrous ponytail. "So," Auriel stated, lightly gripping Serena's shoulder. She tossed her newly styled spiky auburn hair out of her amber eyes, "You're thinking about college Serena?" Fidgeting uncomfortably, Serena quickly pushed open the glass doors and exited the mall. "I don't know, Auriel. I'm not like you and Ami. You all remember how it was in junior high. Raye's right, I'm not the smartest person." Raye's harsh voice cut through the uneasy silence. "Shut up, Serena. You should know by now that I only say stuff like that to get on your nerves. You're smart if you just put your mind to things and quit being ditzy. You are nowhere near as bad as you were in junior high. You've really matured since then, you did pretty well in high school, remember? If you decide to go to college, you'll do fine." Serena raised her eyebrows at the sudden defense of her intelligence by Raye of all people. "Do you really think so?" she whispered, as they trudged along. Raye wrapped on arm around Serena's shoulders. "Yes, Meatball-head, I do. I don't know if law would be a good place to start, but a home-ec class wouldn't kill you." Raye smirked, "You don't want to kill Darien with your awful cooking after all, do you?" Narrowing her eyes, Serena felt the anger flash with in her, before dimly realizing the obvious taunt. Cracking a smile, she laughed. "You're right Raye. It wouldn't do to have the Queen of Crystal Tokyo carting her husband off to the hospital everyday due to food poisoning!" They small group neared the park. Suddenly a scream ripped through air, disturbing their laughing camaraderie. "Some one help us! Please, HELP!" Glancing at one another, the girls quickly nodded. Dropping their bags beside Aurora, each girl quickly pulled out their transformation pens, savoring the familiar feel of the cool metal in their hands. Ami raised her pen high above her head, "Mercury Star Power!" Icy waves rushed through her limbs, fog clouded her eyes, and she felt the goosebumps coat her body as the frigid wind whipped by her head, raising her short dark hair momentarily. She closed her eyes as the sound of rushing water filled her ears, but in the distance she heard Lita's transformation cry. "Jupiter Star Power!" Familiar static snapped through her arms, crackled through her legs, arching along her torso. The comforting high voltage raised the small hairs at the nape of her neck, raising her long chestnut ponytail, spinning for a moment around her suspended form, before bursting in quick sonic booms around her arched form. Lita grinned savagely, power snapped at the tips of each finger, and nearby, she felt the intense heat of Raye transforming. As Ami began her transformation, Raye gripped her transformation pen tightly. "Mars Star Power!" A sudden burst of wind lifted her long dark hair, spinning around her body tightly. The wind changed, the rings of air altered in to rings of fire, flashing along her pale flesh in a burst of intense heat. The fire coursed through her blood, warming it with the dramatic eruption of a spinning inferno. Savoring the liquid power exploding from her stomach, Raye turned to watch Serena and Auriel finish their transformations. Serena and Auriel nodded quickly at one another. Serena held her locket high as Auriel threw up her right arm, tightly gripping her transformation pen. "Moon Crystal Power!" Arching her back, Serena smiled quietly as the familiar strength shot through her limbs, ribbons flowing quickly around her body. Silver energy streamed through her arms, throbbing with power at her fingertips. "Solar Star Power!" Auriel grimaced as comets orbited her body, scouring her skin with all the intense strength of an exploding star. Golden heat erupted along her nerves, powering up, the living warmth of uncountable stars pulsed between her cupped hands. Transformations complete, the five Scouts rushed off, leaving the peaceful Goddess of the Sun to intercept anyone approaching the sounds of the battle so no one would get injured in the possible fray. * * * * * * * * * * * Tentacles flashing, the large beast wrapped one slimy limb around Solan's neck, lifting him far off the ground below. The young women he had rushed in to save screamed from her prone position pinned roughly against a nearby rock. Struggling with all his might, Solan felt a strange resonant energy course through his system. Words sprang to his lips; he wanted to yell for someone, something. There's something I should be doing, something I should be saying! I know this, I've seen this in my dreams, I need to...I need to...I have to do something. I can't do it now, trapped like this, I'm choking, I'm dying. I'm supposed to call out...what? What in the world could I say that would get this thing off me, and make it leave that girl alone? "Hold it right there!" an angry voice commanded from beneath Solan's dangling form. The outburst of frightening, familiar energy increased, doubling as he was lifted higher and higher from the earth below. "I am Sailor Moon, Champion of Love and Justice!" the same voice declared. Who cares?! Solan though desperately. Just get that thing and get me down before I choke to death. Another voice joined the first, "And I am Sailor Mars, enemy of all evil!" The world began spinning and flashing colored lights spotted quickly before his eyes. Hurry, Sailor whatever! Get me down! A third voice rang out, somehow timid and strong at the same time. "I am Sailor Mercury, defender of all that's good!" Cold snow worked it's way down the back of Solan's shirt, reviving him momentarily, long enough for him to hear two more voices chime in their entrance speeches. "I am Sailor Jupiter, eternal protector of the weak!" Finally, the last girl called out her opening line. Something in the tenor of her voice reminded Solan of his dream, the girl in the mist, fading quickly away. He reached for her as she spoke, and his fingers gripped the slimy arm of the creature slowly choking him to death. "I am the one and only Solar Sailor. I stand for fate and destiny, and I can see your destiny is forever locked with mine! Solar..." Digging his fingers tightly in to the oozing flesh of the hideous creature, Solan willed his dream to return with all it's strength. He felt his body go light, energy pouring from his heart in to his hand, erupting in a flash of intense heat where his nails had ripped holes in the monster's tough hide. "...Flare..." the familiar voice called out. Its strength gave Solan a moment of hope; he wrapped his other hand around the tentacle tightening around his neck. Using the energy he just discovered, he forced the thing to loosen its grip long enough for Solan to work his neck free, and drop to the ground. Running, he tackled the other tentacle pinning the young girl to the rock. Another blast of energy poured out from his palm and moments later the girl was free. Solan wrapped his arms around her waist and rolled out of the line of fire. "...Obscure!" the voice finished. A bolt of white heat shot past Solan's head, slicing the monster in two. Its death scream resonated the quiet park, making even the trees quiver with its voracity. Breathing hard, Solan checked the young girl's pulse to make sure she would be all right. His entire body shook with the force of the receding energy, trembling, he sat back. Raising his eyes, he watched passively as five of the most truly beautiful girls he had ever seen approached him in short skirts in the middle of winter. "Are you okay?" asked the one garbed in blue. She kneeled down to his level, and took his hand. Solan met her eyes, as she turned his palm over and stared at the small sun tattooed on the inner wrist of his right hand. She raised her eyebrows and whispered quietly, "You did generate those extra energy outbursts didn't you?" He swallowed, then closed his eyes. "I had to," he murmured, "You and your friends were too busy playing happy heroes, coming to the rescue to notice I was choking and the girl was being drained." He heard her low chuckle, "Yeah, we do overdo it sometimes. But usually it doesn't take that long. Did you even realize you were giving out that energy?" Footsteps neared him; Solan slowly opened his eyes to watch long legs encased in thigh high golden boots and a shimmering short golden skirt near him. Raising his ripped up hand to his battered head, Solan winced. "I was remembering a dream I had last night. A girl...like the one who attacked that thing...she was calling to me. I called her name, 'Auriel'," a low gasp interrupted his thoughts, but Solan clamped down on the memory, and continued. "A fog rose...hearing that girl's voice woke me up I think. She sounds so much like the girl in my..." The world spun circles around him, and moments later, Solan Grange, a normal nineteen-year-old college student passed out at the feet of destiny, his soul mate from the Silver Millennium, Auriel, the Solar Sailor.