The Jewel and the Dagger: Friends Reunited

-

Princess Kyrielle approached the frozen lake with her special pink ice skates in hand. She had already switched from one of her normal long pink gowns and dresses that she usually wore when she visited the Moon Kingdom and instead wore a different dress. One that was made out of a lighter cloth that was easier to move around in yet kept her warm when she was in colder climates. It was also dyed a dark purple hue and the bottom just barely brushed past her knees. It was the dress she wore whenever she participated in any athletic events.

“Princess Kyrielle,” Princess Helen shouted out to her. “Please hurry, the ice is wonderful today.”

“I’m going as fast as I can,” Kyrielle said. She removed her elegant shoes and slipped on her ice skates.

Princess Helen laughed as she continued to skate around. She was Kyrielle’s best friend in the Sol system. She and Kyrielle have a few things in common. They both can be aggressive and are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They are also known for rushing into things before thinking them through. They both love pink. They both wore their hair in ponytails. They also both have talent relating to their feet. Kyrielle loved to run and Helen loved to ice skate. Helen was one of the best skaters in the kingdom along with Princess Serenity.

“Here I come,” Kyrielle said as she skated onto the ice. She skated around in a large circle before she skated up to Helen.

“Are you trying to perform a few tricks?” Helen asked.

“Not today,” Kyrielle said. “Have you learned any new tricks?”

“Not anything new,” Helen said. She turned around and took off. Her speed increased before she jumped in the air and spun herself around three times before she landed.

Kyrielle brought her hands together. “I will never stop being amazed at that. I still wish I could do that.”

“I will be happy to show you,” Helen said. “It would be better if there was a handsome man to catch me.”

“I know,” Kyrielle sighed. She imagined a tall and handsome man holding her in a deep embrace.

“I’m sure there are plenty on Erato,” Helen said.

Kyrielle laughed. “I’ll be sure to ask some of them to come along with me during the next time I visit here.”

-

Riley felt the gentle touch on her shoulder, rousing her from her dream of her past life. She mumbled something and rolled over to her other side.

"Riley honey wake up." Her mother’s voice broke through Riley's dream.

"What time is it?" Riley asked sleepily

"Seven Thirty,” her mother answered. “You said you wanted to wake up early today."

"Right I'm going to the mall with Merlee," She sprung out of bed. She and Merlee had agreed to go together to buy Sadie’s birthday presents.

“Merlee,” her mother repeated the name while she chewed the bottom of her lip. “I don’t believe I heard that name mentioned before. Is she a new friend of yours?”

“Yes she is,” Riley said as she opened her closet. She decided to go with a long sleeved shirt, a button down sweater, a pair of stretch pants leggings and a pair of jeans to go over it.

"You’ve been making a lot of new friends recently,” Her mother said as she headed to the bedroom door. “I hope you will bring them by sometime. I would like to meet with them.”

“Sure thing, mom,” Riley said as she laid her outfit on top of her bed. She just needed to grab a change of under garments and a new pair of thick and warm socks that went all the way up to the shins.

“Well your breakfast is on the table. Eat it up while its warm." She slipped out of Riley’s room and closed the door behind her.

Riley changed out of her pajamas and underwear and got dressed as fast as she could before she hurried out of her room and to the dining room.

There was a delicious looking breakfast omelet, waiting for her on a plate along with a fruit cup and a potato latke.

Riley slid into her chair and started to chow down on her breakfast,

"Riley where are your table manners?" Her mother asked as she brought out a cup of cocoa for Riley. "Besides you can choke."

Riley took a long sip from her cup and wiped her mouth with a napkin before saying "Your right mom I should eat more like a princess."

"I wouldn’t say a princess," her mother said. “I just want you to eat more lady like.”

Riley used her fork and knife to cut off a reasonable bite of her omelet and placed it into her mouth.

“Now that is more like it,” her mother said.

Riley chewed and swallowed. "I had this dream where I was a princess from another galaxy and I visited this beautiful kingdom on the moon." She figured it would be okay to reveal some of her past life to her mother if she phrased it like that.

"My what an amazing dream," her mother said. “Of course you will always be a princess to us.”

“Thank you mom,” Riley said before she continued to eat her breakfast.

-

Merlee stood outside of the mall bundled up in of her coats. It was the warmest one she could find. It also had deep pockets for her to put her gloved hands in while she kept pacing back and forth in front of the entrance. It was not due to lack of patience, or because she was bored. She did it because she was cold and the constant moving kept her warm. She could of gone inside to help keep warm, but she did not want Riley to think she had abandoned her.

Merlee stopped pacing when something caught her eye. Something small white and delicate was floating to the ground. She walked over to it. The first snowflake of December gently fell in front of her. She reached out with a gloved hand and caught it. The little flurry landed in the middle of her palm and melted into a crystal like droplet of water.

"Whatcha doing, Merlee?" Riley asked as she ran up to her.

"Hello Riley,” Merlee greeted. “It’s starting to snow, and I just wanted to catch the first snowflake."

“It’s snowing?” Riley asked. She looked up as the second snowflake fluttered towards the Earth and landed right on the tip of her nose. “Oh,” she wiped her nose. “I know it will sound redundant, but that is cold.”

“It doesn’t sound redundant at all,” Merlee said as she opened the door for Riley.

“Thank you,” Riley said as she entered. “We just got to figure out which stores to visit first.”

“I just want to thank you for inviting me along,” Merlee said as they approached the directory kiosk.

“Don’t need to thank me,” Riley said. “We are friends now, and friends shop for other friends while together.” She looked up and down the directory. “I don’t think she needs any shoes, and the jewelry stores that are closest are too pricy. We could start at The Gap.”

“That does sound like a good idea,” Merlee agreed. She wasn’t sure what to get Sadie. She hadn’t known the other girl for too long. All she did know what that Sadie played basketball, worked as a lifeguard, loved dolphins, liked to read mystery novels and liked puzzles.

They headed their wait towards The Gap, only stopping when they came across the North Pole setup they had built and Santa sitting in his chair with a line of children waiting to see him.

“The first time I remember waiting in line to see Santa was when I was two,” Merlee said. “I didn’t want to tell him, but the glasses he wore made his eyes looked scary and his breath smelled bad.” She paused to chuckle. “I think I was too scared to say anything except doll when he asked me what I wanted.”

“My family celebrates both Hanukah and Christmas,” Riley said. “We were always allowed to sing Christmas carols and decorate a tree, but we also strung up blue and white lights, lit the menorah and spun the dreidle. My mother told the story of the first Hanukah every year and my grandfather on my father’s side told us the story of Jesus’s birth. My father sometimes read Twas the Night Before Christmas to us before we went to bed on Christmas Eve.”

They entered The Gap and Riley began to look through the shirts.

Merlee walked over to the racks holding the raincoats. It didn’t always snow in the winter. Sometimes it came down as rain and through would be plenty of slush puddles that could splash Sadie when someone drove through them and she might be on the sidewalk. There were several in different colors and some had pictures on the back. She stopped when she found a purple and yellow coat with a picture of a dolphin leaping out of the water on it’s back.

“This is perfect,” Merlee removed the coat from the rack and put it on her. It was a little bit too big for her with the bottom of the coat ending well past her knees. Sadie was several inches taller than her and it would end up fitting her better.

“I can’t really find anything,” Riley said as she approached her.

"What do you think of this raincoat?" Merle modeled the jacket for her friend.

"Perfect," Riley told her. “That coat is just perfect.”

After Merlee purchased the coat they went into the nearest bookstore. They searched through the different mystery books, but were not sure which ones Sadie had already owned and read. Riley looked through the crossword books, but didn’t find one that stood out to her.

“How about we try over there?” Merlee said as she pointed to the toy store that was right across from the bookstore. “I’m pretty sure they will have jigsaw puzzles.”

“It’s worth a look,” Riley said as they walked over to the store.

While Riley looked at the puzzles Merlee went to see if they had any kites. They did have a few that were up in a display, including one that resembled an octopus. All of the kites were already built, only some of the box kites were ones they had to assemble and there were no make your own kite kits.

“Merlee,” Riley’s voice ran out. “I just found the perfect gift.” She was holding a board game that had a picture of a mansion and a man that looked a little like Mr. Xanatos on the cover.

“What kind of game is it?” Merlee and she read the title. “Oh it’s a mystery game.”

“Yeah, you have to figure where this rich dude hid his money,” Riley said.

After Riley paid for the game they decided to stop at Ayakashi accesories before lunch. Petz and Calaveras were taking care of the registers. They smiled as the girls walked in.

“I’m going to check out the candles,”Riley said as she walked over to the area where the candles were.

Merle walked around and came across Berthier

The silver haired woman was standing in front of a barrel. On each side were little tables containing lip-glosses and balms in many different colors.

"Hello Miss Ayakashi," Merle greeted her.

“You can call me Berthier.”

“Sorry,” Merlee smiled.

“And you don’t have to apologize for that.”

“May I ask what is going on with the barrel?” Merlee asked.

"We are selling home made lip glosses," Birdie explained. "Back in Tokyo we started to make our own glosses and lip balms. Now were selling them but all the money goes into here." She pointed at the barrel. "The money will be used to buy toys and clothes for the kids in the labyrinth."

"That is so generous," Merle said bought every kind of lip balm there is. Later this week she was going to go through her closets and dressers and take out all of the old clothes she didn’t wear anymore and donate it to the Labyrinth.

She caught up with Riley and explained what Berthier was doing and Riley bought glosses in shades of pink and purple.

"I'm hungry how bout you?" Riley asked as soon as they had left the store.

"I am quite hungry," Merlee replied.

They headed towards the food court. As they passed by an electronics store with TV’s in the window display Merlee had to stop. She felt something tingling in the back of her brain

"Are you all right?" Riley asked.

"I just had this strange feeling," Merlee said and turned to the TV screen.

The local news was on the screen. A young and short reporter with dark wavy hair was standing in front of a roller rink

“Good Afternoon. This is Chrissie Trezzor WYVRN news at noon,” the reporter said. “Teens and twenty-somethings need something to do on the weekends? You might be interested in Meteorites the new teen hot spot."

The cameras showed the twin roller inks in the darkened room.

"Like cosmic bowling this place plays the latest hits under a light show. The rental skates have glow in the dark wheels. The owners say that with this new type of look that young people will be attracted to the black light and the disco ball.” She held the mike in front of a teenagers face.

"This place rocks," he commented. He looked to be about thirteen or fourteen and his voice was in the middle of cracking.

"Its something new and I like it." Another person said. They appeared to be just a little bit older than the previous kid and had a noticeable gap between their front teeth.

"Its a good place for dates," A young woman said. “Plenty of times when it will be dark, the perfect time to kiss.”

Chrissie turned back to the camera. "You heard it here first." She smiled.

“I don’t think I like her,” Merlee said as the news took a break and a commercial for orange juice appeared on the screen.

“I don’t like her either,” Riley said. “She annoys the heck out of me, and she isn’t even on the news that much. I guess that’s a good thing.”

“Yes,” Merlee nodded. She had felt an odd sensation while Chrissie was on the screen. “I suppose so.”

-

Chrissie flashed the biggest smile she could muster while she stared at the camera. “You heard it here first.”

"Ok that’s a wrap," The news team shut off their camera equipment.

“Finally,” Chrissie said as she allowed her face to fall. That large smile she had was starting to hurt her face.

"You need anything to drink miss Trezzor?" A crewman asked

"No, I'm fine," She shook her head. “I just need to walk around a bit. I just need to get the ole blood circulating.” She actually wanted to walk towards the man she had spotted at the corner with the bright red hair and dressed in a black leather trench coat.

“Chrystia,” the man greeted when she approached him.

"Hello Feldspar," she said. She held back from jumping into his arms and kissing him right there on the spot. She still had a professional image to maintain.

"I was able to hear your newscast," he said as he looked into her eyes. “You sounded great.”

“Thank you. I always enjoy hearing compliments from my number one fan.”

“Will we be able to lure a lot of people tonight?” Feldspar asked.

Chrystia nodded. "With all the free passes and advertising we'll get the last bit of energy that Metallia needs."

"We may even lure the Galactic bitches here," Feldspar said. “Excuse my language, but after what they did to Azurite I want to make sure that not only they die, but they suffer as well.”

“I want them to die too,” Chrystia said. She will never remove the image of a weeping Sylvite out of her mind. After Borice delivered the message to them that the Galactic Ladies killed Azurite, Sylvite broke down and fell into his arms. Chrystia herself couldn’t believe Azurite was dead and Feldspar wasn’t able to speak for a few days.

"After everything he did to try and keep his princess safe," Feldspar closed his eyes. “After she knew what his true feelings were, and she did this to him.”

"Not just her," Chrystia said. “All five of them working together, they were the ones who killed him.”

"And all of them shall die," Feldspar said and clenched his hands into fists.

"Hey Chrissie!” One of the crewmembers called out. “The van is loaded."

"I have to go," She stared into his eyes and ran off towards the direction of the van. She vowed that she and Feldspar will destroy those Ladies.

-

Asten Wright stood outside the YMCA building. He promised Laurine that he would wait for her when her gymnastics class ended. He would walk her back to her apartment, except it was a bit of a long walk and he didn’t have a car to drive her home.

He also had a small gift to give her. It came in an advertisement for a roller skating rink that he found in the newspaper. It was two passes, and while two free passes sounds quite generous. He didn’t trust it, not when he knew that he had done something similar to lure victims to where he wanted to gather energy.

“Hello Asten,” Laurine said as she emerged from the building while carrying her duffel bag.

"Did you play nice with the other kids?" He teased.

"Uh Huh and how did practice go?" She asked

"It went great,” Asten said. He loved his new life. He was part of a symphony. He was living at Wyvern until he found his own place and he was able to call and speak with his parents. “There is a big holiday event is approaching. We are playing the music from the Nutcracker."

“The Nutcracker?” Laurine asked. “That sounds so beautiful and romantic and I have got to get tickets.”

“Leave it to me,” Asten said. “And leave it to me to get a taxi for the two of us.” He waited until he saw a bright yellow car, as it was about to drive past them. He held out his arm. “Taxi.” The vehicle continued on its way without stopping.

“Let me try,” Laurine offered and stepped foreword. "Yo taxi.' She then put two fingers to her mouth and whistled. A cab pulled up next to them. “Ta da.”

“Very nice,” Asten said as he opened the door for her "Teach me sometime."

“I will,” Laurine said as she climbed into the car. “I can’t believe you will be able to get me tickets.”

“Anything for my princess,” Asten said as he climbed in next to her.

"When will the concert be?" Laurine asked

"December 10^th,” Asten answered.

“That’s Sadie’s birthday.” Laurine leaned forward and told the driver she wanted to make two stops. The first would be at her apartment and the second would be at the Aerie tower.

“Well I guess you can tell what I’m going to get for Sadie then,” Asten said. “In fact I’ll get tickets for all of the Ladies.”

"You didn’t have to do that."

"Well Kayla did save my life,” he chuckled. “I'm glad all you can still see all of your friends. I wish my sister and my friends were here."

"Asten we'll convince them to leave the Dark Kingdom."

“I wonder what Borice had told them.” He had no idea how many of Metallia’s spies had come through the gate to make sure he finished the job. If it were more than one then the others would have reported that he had betrayed them. If it was just the one that Andromeda killed then he had no idea what his former king had told his sister and friends.

The Cab pulled up in front of Laurine's apartment building.

"If yous wanna walk yer goilfriend to da door go ahead. I'll wait," The cabby said.

"Thanks bud," Asten thanked him and he and Laurine stepped out.

"I received this today." He showed her one of the two free passes he had received for a free night at Meteorites. "I have a feeling the Dark Kingdom is setting a trap.

"And we'll be there,” Laurine said. “Don't worry a thing. We will convince who ever is setting this up to leave the Dark Kingdom."

“Thank you,” he said and looked deep into her light blue eyes. She had the prettiest eyes and he could not stop looking into them.

The door to the building swung open and smacked Laurine in the back. She fell foreword into Asten's arms. A fourteen-year-old girl jumped down the steps.

"Going to the corner store for some milk." The 14 year old explained. She paused in her tracks when she ran past Asten. She toward him looked him up and down. "Laurine, Who's this?" She asked in a giddy tone.

"This is my friend Asten." Laurine said

The girl glanced him over again and walked down the steps while muttering "What a hottie."

"Siblings," Laurine sighed. “That was my sister, Tracy and it looks like you passed her test."

"Oh good I just hope I pass the parent test," Azurite said. Laurine had told him about her parents and family. He knew she also had a younger brother, about a hundred fish, and that one of the guardian rabbits lived with her.

"I think they'll like you."

"See you tomorrow night." He wanted to kiss her, but not now. He wanted to make sure the time would be right.

-

"Ok so Laurine and Celeste will be arriving with Azurite?" Kayla asked. She had also came across the flier with the two free passes and so had Sadie. Kayla gave her second pass to Riley and Sadie invited Ashley to join them. They figured it was going to be a trap that was why they agreed to bring the rabbits along.

"Asten." Riley corrected. "And yes."

“Did you just call Laurine’s boyfriend Azurite?” Ashley asked.

“Azure eyes,” Kayla said. She had to watch her mouth around friends who weren’t Galactic Ladies or already in the secret. “I called him Azure Eyes.”

“He has blue eyes I take it?” Ashley asked.

“They are quite blue,” Sadie nodded.

“Yeah and I have been joking around and wondering how long until Laurine will start calling him blue eyes,” Kayla continued with her cover up. “And then I thought that blue eyes was too easy and everyone does that and Laurine being an artist would be a bit more creative than that so I said Azure instead of blue.” It was a pretty damn good cover up if she did say so herself.

“I guess that would make sense,” Ashley shrugged. “So is Cerulean Eyes older or does he just go to different high school?”

“He’s older,” Riley said.

"Merlee will also be bringing her boy fiend Kyle," Sadie said.

“Who is Merlee?” Ashley asked.

“A nice girl I met at my father’s company’s dinner,” Kayla explained. “She’s pretty smart. She studied several different languages, but I don’t know how many she speaks fluently. She likes to design and make kites and one of the most polite girls you will ever meet.”

“We went ice skating with her the other day,” Sadie said. “And Kayla’s right. She is very polite.”

“I don’t know what her boyfriend is like though,” Kayla said. “We never met him.

"Too bad we don't all have boyfriends," Riley complained.

“I have one,” Ashley said. “But he had to work tonight.”

"Don't worry we'll all get one," Kayla said. “How can anyone resist us? We are beautiful. We are smart. Some of you laugh at my jokes so I know you all have a sense of humor.” She walked into the entrance and stopped at the counter.

“Welcome to Meteorites,” the young guy behind greeted her.

"Hi I have four passes for a free night,” Kayla said as she slid the passes toward him

The guy took them. "Do any of you need skates?"

"Just them," Kayla told him.

“There is a cover charge for skate rental,” the guy said.

“No problem,” Kayla told him. They had to make money someway. “It will be my treat.”

“Usually its ten dollars a person but tonight it will be half off. I just need shoe sizes.”

“I’m an eight,” Riley said.

“Nine and a half,” Sadie said.

“Six and a half,” Ashley said.

Kayla paid him while another worker pulled out the skates. “Thanks.” She grabbed them and handed them to her friends according to their sizes.

“Let’s see if we can find a table,” Riley said.

It wasn’t too dark on the inside and Kayla could see that the black light and disco ball was placed over the roller rinks, not that anyone would notice the neon like glow now. The special lights were not being used.

“I think I see a table,” Riley said and pointed to a booth table that wasn’t too far away from the mini arcade that was set up. “I’ll stake our claim.” She ran over to it.

“She’s pretty fast,” Ashley said after Riley took off. “She’s as fast on her feet as she is as sorting out canned goods.”

“That she is,” Kayla said. Her friends from Central Park did interact with Riley’s friends from Dr. Turner and Leslie did seem to hit things off pretty well with Riley’s friend, Brian.

The three girls walked inside and sat down at the table. Riley was standing on the seats and had her arms crossed and a determined look on her face.

“You can come down now,” Sadie said to her.

“Actually I’m thinking of staying here so that Laurine and Merlee could see where we are,” Riley said. Her eyes brightened and she smiled. “I see Merlee.” She waved her hand. “Merlee over here.”

Merlee and a tall teenager with dark brown hair and glasses approached them.

"Hello everyone. This is Kyle," Merlee said as she pointed to her friend

"Hi" Kayla and the other three said in unison.

“Merlee, Kyle this is our friend from school,” Sadie said as she and Ashley stood up. “This is Ashley Kwan.”

“Hello,” Merlee greeted and took Ashley’s hand. “It is very nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet the both of you,” Ashley said as she shook both Merlee and Kyle’s hand.

“I’m glad to meet all of you,” Kyle said. “Is anyone thirsty?”

“I’m a little bit thirsty,” Kayla said.

“That bit of running and keeping watch has left me a bit parched,” Riley said.

“I think we all could go for something to drink,” Ashley said.

“I’ll go get everyone something to drink,” Kyle said.

“Ashley and I will help you,” Sadie said. “We both know what everyone likes.”

“I do want to see what they have as snacks,” Ashley said as she got out of the booth and followed Sadie and Kyle to the semi-crowded concession stand.

As soon as they left Kayla unzipped her duffel bag.

Apollo’s fuzzy head poked out. He blinked his green eyes and said "Geez those skates are killer."

"Oh poor bunny," Riley reached over to pet him before she stood up on the booth seat again.

“I had my skates wrapped in a towel so you wouldn’t get hurt,” Kayla said. “Now get under the table before someone sees you.”

"Merlee do you feel anything?" Riley asked while she kept her eyes open for Laurine and Asten.

"Just love and a weird creepy feeling." Merlee answered "Why?"

"Just that it seems you may be able to sense evil when it’s close," Kayla answered.

“You and Sailor Mars both have that ability,” Riley said before she waved her hand. “Laurine, Asten we are over here.”

"Are we late?" Laurine, and Asten have arrived.

"Nope," Kayla replied.

“Merlee’s boyfriend, Sadie, and Ashley went to get everyone drinks,” Riley said as she sat down.

“Good,” Laurine said as she opened her bag. Celeste hopped out and ran under the table to join with Apollo. “We can talk about her birthday.”

"So what is the b-day plan?" Riley asked

"Cake, Ice cream and pizza," Kayla said. “At least that’s as far as food goes. I’ll probably make some tacos and dip for the chip.

“Yum,” Riley nodded. “At least we will be eating well.”

“What about activities?” Asten asked. “Are you going to play spin the bottle or truth or dare?”

“We played spin the bottle when we were in middle school,” Kayla said

”And Truth or Dare is what we play when we have slumber parties,” Riley added.

“Music and dancing?” Asten asked.

“That always works,” Kayla nodded. She thought hard on what kind of games they would play. She knew what Sadie’s preferences were. “Hey how about we do a murder mystery game. I read about this. Everyone grabs a scrap of paper. Most of them will be blank. About three will have detective written on it and one will have murderer written across it. After we draw then everyone mingles around. Someone turns out the light and the murderer selects a victim. The victim screams and lays on the floor and everyone has to figure out who is the murderer.”

“That sounds just perfect,” Riley said. “Although maybe we should just have two detectives in the hat and Sadie can be one of them automatically since it will be her birthday.”

“Sounds good to me,” Laurine nodded. “And after the party we will all attend Azurite's concert."

"Should we have the party at the castle?" Kayla asked.

“I don’t see why not,” Riley said. “We should ask Mr. Xanatos first.”

“If only you two put this much planning in fighting the Dark Kingdom,” Apollo said.

“He has a point,” Celeste added. “We all know the enemy will make this place one of their targets.”

“Planning for a party should be important,” Kayla said. “We haven’t decided if we want to go with chocolate or carrot cake.”

“Carrot cake?” Apollo asked.

Celeste sighed. “You will not be able to distract me that easily. Although I believe you should ask Sadie what she would prefer.”

“Uh guys?” Asten asked. “They are headed this way.”

Sadie, Merlee, and Kyle came back with a few trays carrying glasses of various sodas and one cup that had steam wafting up from it. It smelled like coffee.

“Lets see,” Kyle said as he looked over the drinks. “Diet sodas for Laurine and Merlee, a regular coke for me, a lemonade for Ashley, Sprite for Kayla and Sadie, an iced tea for Riley and a cup of coffee for Asten.”

“Sorry Asten,” Sadie said. “I didn’t know what kind of soda you like and Laurine said that loved coffee.”

“That’s okay,” Asten said as he took his cup. “I do love coffee.”

“We didn’t know how you preferred it either,” Ashley said. “We brought some of those little half and half cups and sugar packs.”

“Like I said that was perfectly fine,” Asten said as he took two of the creams and one packet of sugar.

“You better be careful with that,” Laurine said in a teasing tone. “Drink too much and you will stunt your growth.”

“Very funny,” Asten said before he took a sip from his coffee.

“Maybe I should drink some then,” Sadie said. “Although I will be eighteen shortly.”

“Some people don’t stop growing until they turn twenty one,” Merlee said.

“I guess I’ll be switching to two cups a day then,” Sadie said.

Ashley leaned over to Kayla. “So were you guys talking about Sadie’s birthday?”

“Yup,” Kayla whispered back. “Do you have a pizza topping preference?”

“Any as long as it has pepperoni and no onions,” Ashley said.

"Merlee would you like to skate?" Kyle asked. “A kind of a dance skate?”

"I would love too," Merlee said. “Thank you for asking.”

“I think all are about to skate," Riley said. She removed her shoes.

“I think I may sit this one out,” Sadie said. “It has been a while since I skated.”

“It has been a while for me,” Merlee said as she removed her shoes. “But that is not a reason to not want to go skating.”

“Oh that isn’t it,” Sadie said as she held up her hands. “Someone has to watch the table.”

"Okay," Riley said as put on her skates. “I’ll go skating for a couple of songs and then take over for you.”

Kayla asked put on her bright orange roller skates with the golden wheels and yellow laces. She followed the others onto the rink.

The music was pretty decent. They played a variety of songs from popular dance songs, to hip-hop, to modern rock.

Kayla skated around in circles as she tried to look like she was keeping to the beat of the song. She opened her eyes in surprise when Riley grabbed her hand but she followed along and grabbed Ashley’s hand who in turn grabbed Laurine’s. Laurine grabbed Asten and Merlee and Kyle joined in their little chain. Soon several other teens had become a part of the chain.

When the song ended the chain broke and Riley went to take Sadie’s place. Sadie was right about not having to skate in a while, but Kayla and Ashley helped their friend stay on her toes and soon the tallest of the three remembered the basics and got her balance. The three of them rolled around in harmony and placed their hands together and skated around in a circle. They were too busy giggling to notice that Kyle and Merlee went to take a break and Riley came out to join them.

“So what did I miss?” Riley asked as she skated out.

“Nothing,” Ashley said. “We were just being silly.”

The four of them skated around until the black lights were switched out for the disco ball and the music turned to a romantic song.

“That’s my cue to leave,” Kayla said as she left the rink. She returned to their table and Merlee and Kyle got up to go skate.

“I’m parched,” Ashley said as she grabbed her soda.

“Who would have thought skating was a good form of exorcise?” Sadie asked.

“Laurine could have told us that,” Riley said.

“Why did you three leave the rink?” Kayla asked.

“I got the feeling it was couples only,” Riley said.

“I’m also feeling a little hungry,” Ashley said.

“I guess Riley and I can go get some food,” Kayla said as she replaced her skates with shoes.

“They have burgers and fries,” Ashley said.

“A burger and some fries does sound good about now,” Sadie agreed.

The four of them pooled their money together and Kayla and Riley went to the concession stand to purchase eight hamburgers and eight orders of fries. When they returned the saw the two couples approach their table.

“Oh thank you,” Kyle gasped when he saw the food. “Oh thank you very much. This is what I need right now.”

“Don’t mention it,” Riley said. “We were all hungry.”

“It is nice that you did this for us,” Merlee said. Thank you very much.”

“I’m burning,” Laurine said as she fanned herself with her hand. “I think I really got wrapped up in that.”

“I didn’t think it was possible for you to get tired from skating,” Ashley said to her. She grabbed Laurine’s and handed it to her. “I think most of the ice is melted though.”

“That’s okay,” Laurine said before she took a long slurp through her straw.

“I’m glad you really like the food,” Kayla said as Kyle took a large bite from his burger. “I should of asked if you have any dietary restrictions, or if you were a vegetarian.”

Kyle waited until he finished chewing and swallowed his bite to speak. “I eat almost everything, except for mushrooms and the only thing I’m allergic to is Tide.”

“The detergent?” Sadie asked.

“Yeah,” Kyle nodded.

“Darn,” Kayla snapped her fingers. “And I just found this great recipe for Tide in a cookbook the other day.” She waited for her friends to smile, laugh and or groan before she smiled.

“Merlee warned me about you,” Kyle pointed at her. “She said you have an odd sense of humor.”

“I didn’t say odd,” Merlee said as she blushed and held up her hands. “I think I may have said unusual.”

“It’s okay,” Kayla placed a hand on her shoulder. “I am a little bit odd.” She turned to Asten. “What about you. Are burgers and fries okay?”

“They are,” Asten said as he used one of the peppershakers to sprinkle pepper onto his fries. “I just need some ketchup.”

“Ketchup?” A staff member asked as she passed by their table. She grabbed on of the ketchup bottles from an empty table and placed it onto theirs.

“Thanks,” Asten said.

“Let us know if you need anything,” the staff member said as she continued on her way.

"Attention Skaters,” a man announced through the speakers as Kayla took a huge bite out of her hamburger. “The roller race is about to begin in five minutes."

"Roller race?" Merlee asked.

“I think it’s a race on a skates,” Kyle said. “At least that is what I am guessing it is.”

“I will repeat,” the same guy said into the speaker. “The roller racer is about to begin in five minutes. All fast skaters please enter at Roller Rink one.”

“All fast skaters?” Riley asked. There was a gleam in her eye. "We should go for it. Come on Laurine." She grabbed Laurine by the arm.

“I know you are fast,” Laurine said as she grabbed a fry. “But are you fast on skates?”

“I never turn down a chance to race,” Riley said.

“Anyone else want to join?” Kyle asked as he stood up.

“I’m not much of a racer,” Kayla said. The others agreed with her.

“We better get going,” Riley said as she put her skates back on.

“Lets see if you can keep up with us,” Laurine said as she and Kyle rolled off to the direction of Roller Rink one.

“I believe I have just been challenged,” Riley said as she rolled after them.

Kayla and the others continued to eat for a couple more minutes and the announcement cam through again, this time reminded everyone that that race would start in two minutes.

“We should go and watch them,” Sadie said. “To give them our supports.”

“Sounds good,” Kayla said as she dipped another of her fries into a pool of ketchup. “But who is going to watch the table?”

“I’ll do it,” Ashley volunteered. “I haven’t watched it yet, and I’m realty hungry.”

“I’ll promise you we will tell you what happened,” Merlee said as she, Asten and Sadie stood up.

Kayla finished chewing her fry and took another sip from her drink before she stood up. She will find a way to inform their rabbits of how the race turned out.

They ran over to the short wall that divided the rink from the carpeted area and peered over the top. Several people including Kyle, Riley and Laurine were gathered around one area of the rink, right next to the stage where a man and a woman stood next to the microphone.

“We now have thirty seconds till the race starts,” the man said. He looked like he was in his twenties with bright orange hair that was shoulder length and dressed in dark blue jeans an unbuttoned black coat and what looked like a cream colored shirt.

Standing next to him was a young woman close to his age. She had her dark brown hair set into two braids and wore a bright red shirt that was big enough to end past her hips and light blue jeans with a floral pattern printed on the sides of the legs. She had a black scarf tied around her midsection.

“He’s kind of a cute,” Kayla said. She couldn’t keep her eyes of the male announcer.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the young man said into the microphone. “The roller race is about to begin. We have all of our races. Won’t the rest of you please come here and watch the race?”

"I'm sensing something creepy about those announcers," Merlee said.

“Creepy?” Kayla asked. That only could mean one thing.

“You will race around five times,” the male announcer said. “The first person to make it around five times will be the winner and will win five free nights of skating with free skate rental.”

"Do you think they could be youmas," Sadie asked.

“Merlee did sense them,” Kayla said and turned to Azurite. “Are they?"

The female announcer grabbed the mike. "On your mark, get set, and Go!"

The skaters took off with Laurine and Riley in the lead and Kyle was close behind them.

Asten was silent as he stared at the announcers. His blue eyes became a tint darker for a few seconds and then they went back to normal.

"They are. We have to stop the race," A look of panic spread across his face.

"What’s wrong?" Kayla asked

"They're gathering the energy the racers put fourth,” He said. "Laurine's in there!"

“Riley,” Sadie gasped.

“Oh no, Kyle,” Merlee shouted. Her look of panic faded slightly. “Why would they be only stealing energy from the racers?”

“That is a good question,” Kayla said as she looked around the room. She noticed that a lot of people who were still wearing their skates were looking weak and tired. She got a better look and noticed it was only the people wearing the rental skates.

“Kayla, what is it?” Sadie asked.

“They are not stealing from just the racers,” Kayla said. “The race is just a distraction. They are stealing from everyone in rental skates. You did remove your skates?”

“We did,” Merlee nodded. “I think Ashley also removed her skates.”

“Good,” Kayla said and turned back to the race.

Laurine and two other people were still skating as fast as possible and were far ahead from the other people who were using the rental skates.

“We have to get everyone else out of here,” Asten said.

“We have to make sure Ashley is safe before we can transform,” Kayla said as she ran to their table.

“Guys?” Ashley looked scared and was already standing up. “I think something is wrong. A lot of people look ill.”

“They do,” Sadie said. “I think another one of those monster’s is about to attack.”

“I have to go get Kyle out of there,” Merlee said.

“And we have to get Laurine and Riley out,” Kayla said. “But we need someone to call the cops and get the people out of the door in a calm manner.”

“I’ll call the cops,” Asten offered.

“No,” Ashley said. “I’ll call the cops and you can help instruct the people to get out of here.”

“There are two entrances,” Asten said. “Ashley, after you call the cops I need you to go to the other entrance.”

“I’m already on it,” Ashley said as she ran to the service desk.

“You three do what you have to do,” Asten said before he ran off to the other entrance.

Kayla and ran towards the ladies room. She made sure no one was in there with her except for Sadie, Merlee, Celeste, and Apollo.

"Sun Spectrum Power Make-up!"

"Centauri Galaxy Power Make-up!"

"Nebula Galaxy Power Make-up!"

Once transformations had ended the Galactic Ladies raced towards the rinks.

“All right youma or youmas,” Lady Sun said as she stepped onto the rink. Her boots started to glow. “Again?”

“What’s going on?” Lady Centauri asked. Her and Nebula’s shoes were also glowing.

Lady Sun waited for her boots to stop glowing. Wheels had magically appeared on the bottoms of her boots.

“They seem to be quite adaptable,” Lady Nebula said.

“Yeah,” Lady Sun smiled. “Go, Go Gadget Lady Boots.”

“Now is not the time for that,” Apollo said as he ran onto the rink. “Celeste, make sure Laurine and Riley are okay.”

“I think Laurine is fine,” Sadie said as she pointed to the other side of the rink.

Laurine was dragging Kyle away from the rink. Riley was crawling after her. She had removed her skates and either Laurine or both of them have removed Kyle’s skates.

“Kyle,” Merlee whispered.

“You have to be strong for him,” Celeste said. “I’m going to help them.”

Lady Sun turned back to the direction of the announcers. “What was I saying before? Oh yeah. All right Youmas. A lot of people came her to have fun and to engage in some romantic activities. How dare you ruin their good time. I am the soldier of warmth and light: Lady Sun.”

“I am the soldier of stone and justice,” Lady Centauri said. She had her crossbow ready. “Lady Centauri.”

“Good afternoon Youmas,” Lady Nebula greeted. “I am the soldier of storms and peace: Lady Nebula.”

"So the ladies have arrived," The announcer said. His skin turned green as his legs merged together and wheel appeared between his feet, turning his bottom half into a unicycle. A bicycle helmet appeared on his head and his fingers grew into long blades

"I thought they never were going to show,” the female announcer said. Her skin turned pink and instead of elastics holding her hairstyle in place they were replaced with gem studded gold bands. A gold circlet appeared around her forehead and her clothes changed into a lavender ballet outfit. On her feet were roller skates with wheels that resembled gemstones.

"Heh," Lady Sun smirked. "Just because there are two of doesn’t mean we won’t be able to defeat you."

“Oh?” The male youma asked. “Is that so?” He rolled up towards them at a high speed.

Lady Sun skated as fast as she could to get out of the way and ended up hugging the wall. She turned around to see how the others had made.

Lady Centauri and Lady Nebula had both been able to skate out of the way, but there were three cuts in the back of Lady Centauri’s leotard and a small bleeding cut. Sun will be able to heal that easily after the battle.

“Sun watch out,” Apollo shouted.

“Huh?” Lady Sun turned and saw the female Youma was skating right for her. She tried to move but something had her skirt and her left shoulder pinned to the wall. She threw her chakram at the youma.

The youma jumped over the chakram and continued to skate towards her.

Apollo shouted and jumped on the youma’s head.

“Thank you,” Sun said as she pulled out the crystal darts that kept her skirt and sleeve pinned to the wall. She grabbed her weapon and skated away from wall and went around to see how she could help the others.

The male youma had been dodging the arrows Lady Centauri shot out at him.

“Yah,” Lady Nebula cried out as she swept one end of her staff across the ground and tripped the youma.

“Now for his girlfriend,” Sun said as the female youma managed to pull Apollo off.

“I think I can take care of it,” Lady Nebula said. “Nebula Rainstorm Shower!” Her icy rain poured down onto the rink.

“What?” The female youma asked as she slipped and stumbled across the floor. “No!” She landed face first while the wheels of her skates kept on spinning.

Lady Sun threw her chakram at the female youma.

"Nebula Rainstorm Shower!"

"Centauri Stalagmite Slash!"

The chakram now shimmering with rain and covered with many sharp shards bisected the female youma. The rest of her turned into dust.

“One down,” Lady Sun said.

“One to go,” Lady Centauri said shot an arrow at the other one.

"Sun Light disk Spin!" The glowing disks merged with the arrow to become one. It struck the youma in the chest.

“No,” the youma cried as it burned. Smoke wafted up from it’s body while it gagged for air.

“That didn’t do it?” Lady Nebula asked.

“No but this should,” Lady Andromeda shouted. She skated up to them. “Andromeda Sound Wave Shatter!”

Her attack struck the burnt youma, causing him to vibrate until there was nothing left but dust.

“How is Riley?” Centauri asked.

“And Kyle?” Merlee added.

“They are over there,” Lady Andromeda said as she pointed to the direction of the table. “Celeste is watching over them and making sure Riley rests and gets some food before she joins us.”

"Well the youmas are gone," Lady Sun said although she knew it couldn’t be over that soon.. One of three remaining generals has sent these youmas and they were going to have to face them and try to convince them to leave.

A cloud of sparkling dust appeared and Chrystia and Feldspar stepped out from it.

“Spoke too soon,” Apollo said.

"I knew you little bitches would show up," Chrystia said.

“Especially the most ungrateful and treacherous one of them all,” Feldspar said as he ran straight for Lady Andromeda with a knife in his hand.

“No,” Lady Centauri cried out and aimed her crossbow at Feldspar. A small explosion near her feet made her drop it.

Chrystia removed more gemstones from her bracelets and threw them at the Ladies. The stones exploded where they landed.

Lady Sun skated around erratically as she tried to avoid the explosions. She watched as Andromeda fought against Feldspar’s knife with her ax.

Feldspar grunted as he knocked the ax out of Andromeda’s hands and pushed her against the wall.

“Andromeda,” Lady Sun cried but Chrystia’s explosions kept her away.

“He was my best friend,” Feldspar cried out as he grabbed Andromeda’s chin.

“Comet Interstellar Explosion,” Comet’s pink fireworks struck Feldspar and sent him flying into the opposite direction.

“No Comet,” Lady Sun said as Lady Comet skated onto the floor. “You are still to weak.

“I’m pretty much refreshed,” Comet said, but she still had dark circles under her eyes.

“Not for long,” Chrystia said as she ran to Lady Comet and threw more exploding gems at her.

Music from a clarinet was played and a shield appeared in front of Lady Comet.

“Who?” Chrystia blinked.

“It can’t be,” Feldspar said. His eyes were wide. “It just can’t be.”

“It can be,” Azurite said. Asten had magically changed back into his general clothes and stood on the short wall. His clarinet was in his hands. “And it is.”

“He’s alive,” Chrystia whispered. A tear fell out of the corner of her eyes.

“Azurite?” Feldspar asked. “Is it really you?”

"It is," Azurite said and jumped down onto the rink. “What the hell were you doing to my princess Feldspar?”

“We thought you were dead,” Feldspar said. “We thought they killed you.” He was pointing to Andromeda and Comet.

“Why would I kill the man that I love?” Lady Andromeda asked as she skated over to Azurite. “A man I know who clearly loves me.”

“She saved me,” Azurite said and put his arm around Andromeda.

“One of your youmas tried to kill Azurite,” Lady Sun said. “I used my healing power on him.”

“Why?” Chrystia asked. She and Feldspar were still in shock. “Why would a youma do that?”

“Because I wouldn’t kill her,” Azurite said and pulled Andromeda closer.

“Borice lied to us?” Chrystia asked.

“You are now fighting on their side?” Feldspar asked. “You are betraying the Dark Kingdom?”

“I am,” Azurite nodded.

“He lied to us,” Chrystia repeated. She had slumped down to her knees.

"You gave up the power and victory and your promised award for her?" Feldspar asked.

"She is my promised reward," Azurite said. “And power, riches and victory mean nothing without her.”

“What about making this planet a better place for everyone?” Feldspar asked.

“He lied to us,” Chrystia said. “Borice lied to us. He never lied to us.”

“There are some bad people here,” Lady Sun said. “But there are many people working together to make this planet a better place to be.”

“So many people in this city had donated money and food to help the homeless have a wonderful Thanksgiving,” Centauri said.

“Many more are also donating toys and clothes,” Nebula added. “And more money.”

“You just can’t expect the world to change within a day,” Celeste said. “And you can’t make it perfect in one clean sweep.”

“Borice lied to us about Azurite’s death,” Chrystia said. “He may be lying to us about our perfect world.” She tried to get up and stumbled. She would have fallen if Lady Comet hadn’t helped her to her feet.

“Chrystia,” Feldspar stared at her.

“Remember how we first met, Feldspar?” Chrystia asked. “My father was a miner on Polyhymnia. He used to dig for precious stones. Sometimes he was able to keep a few of the smallest pieces. He gave them to me. I would make them into jewelry and sell them in a booth on market day.”

“My father was a blacksmith on Melpomene,” Feldspar said as he grabbed her hands. “I learned how to make swords and knives and how to fight with them. One day you and your father came on a trading ship. Some bandits tried to steal your goods but I intervened.”

“I think it was love at first site,” Chrystia said before she turned to the ladies. “We dated until our planets were at war with each other. Our parents forbade us from visiting each other, but we did. The authorities on my planet threatened to lock him up if he visited and vice versa.”

“We begged for a miracle,” Feldspar said.

“And Sylvite came. She wanted to recruit us for the Dark Kingdom army. She promised us they will help us make our planets stop fighting, as well as wealth and power and even promised us a dream wedding.”

"You don’t think Borice meant to keep his promises?" Feldspar asked.

"I doubt it," Lady Comet said

"Like I doubt that Borice loves my sister the same way she loves him," Azurite said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he would end up killing us all if he gets his way.”

"He wants our skills," Feldspar said. “We are just pawns to him?”

A ring of smoke appeared next to them. It spiraled around for a few minutes before a snake like youma slithered out.

"Lord Borice wants’ to know what’s taking so long?" The youma hissed.

"Nothing much,” Feldspar told it.

"Good then get on with it."

"Ready my love?" He said as he looked into Chrystia’s eyes

"Ready,” Chrystia said and turned toward the youma “Chaotic Hallucination!” She sent her hallucination attack against the youma.

Feldspar waved his hands around and circle of knives appeared around him. They flew toward the youma and slashed at it up until it was nothing but shreds of smoke.

Chrystia embraced Feldspar.

Azurite ran toward them and was pulled into an embrace by the two former generals.

“I know it may be hard, but you did the right thing,” Lady Sun said.

“We know,” Feldspar said softly. “I won’t be surprised if Borice told Sylvite that you killed us as well.”

“We will all show her the light,” Andromeda said.

"We are going to have to find new jobs," Feldspar said.

"I think I have an idea of what I’m going to do,” Chrystia said.

“We will help both of you,” Lady Nebula said. “As much as we can.”

“You already helped us enough,” Feldspar said and placed a hand on Azurite’s shoulder. “I am going to need a best man.”

“I’ll be more than happy to do it,” Azurite said. “I’m going to have to get you two a couple of tickets to the symphony’s performance.”

“Azurite really wants you to see him perform,” Lady Andromeda said.

"Wouldn’t miss it,” Chrystia said. “It sounds like it might even be a nice interest story for the news.” She finished with a wink.

Lady Sun smiled as she watched the two happy couples. Someday she will met the right guy. Right now she will be happy to settle for helping out in the wedding. She can bake the cake and maybe help design Chrystia’s dress.