Aquatic Nightmare: Centauri Makes a Big Splash

There was nothing like relaxing by the pool after school on a Friday after school. It helped Laurine think. Even the scent of chlorine helped clear Laurine’s mind. She was able to think about what had happened this past week. The Dark Kingdom had attacked on Monday and on Thursday. Yesterday she found her star pendant and was able to use it to charge up her ax, which proved to quite effective against those monsters from the Dark Kingdom.

That wasn’t the only revelation Laurine had received yesterday. She had discovered the gargoyles were in fact real. They turned into stone during the day, and they lived at the castle at the top of the Aerie tower. The leader of the gargoyles was told about the Galactic Ladies awakening and Mr. David Xanatos was also expecting them, and Brooklyn and his family knew who she and Riley were and they were not told of what was to come.

They did work well together. They were able to take down a giant monster, or Youma, as Celeste called them. Together they would make a great team to fighting against the monsters of the Dark Kingdom and the commanding officers.

The idea of battling against the officers made her think of Azurite. What was his main goal? He works for the Dark Kingdom that was what she knew, but didn’t know why or the exact details. He was the one who created that beautiful song. He made it for someone he loved, but he couldn’t quite remember whom she was. He didn’t want her to get hurt. He saved her, but why. Did he have a crush on her?

“Whoa don’t go there,” Laurine grabbed her head.

“Don’t go where?” Gina asked. She had just climbed out of the pool and was drying herself off.

“Oh nothing,” Laurine shook her head. Why would she think of Azurite like that? Granted he was cute, but he was the enemy.

"I wonder when they are going to start heating up the water," Leslie said as she climbed out of the pool.

"Why is it getting too cold for you?" Gina asked.

"No I was just curious,” Leslie said.

“Laurine are you going back into the water soon?” Gina asked. “You barely swam at all today.”

“This isn’t a beach,” Leslie added. “Won’t be able to catch any sun in here, although that is not good for your skin.”

“I’ll go swimming soon,” Laurine said. She kept her eyes on the water as Donna continued to swim her laps. “I just have a lot on my mind right now.”

“Like what?”

“Maybe them?” Leslie pointed toward the other side of the pool where three guys that looked old enough to be in college were sitting. They all had good physiques and were also very handsome.

“I’d be distracted to,” Gina said and gave her hair a playful toss.

“Not quite,” Laurine tried not to chuckle. She glanced around the pool and up at the nearest lifeguard chair where their friend Sadie Von Starkfelsen was seated. She had to ask her if she could be interviewed for her extra credit assignment, or actually pretend to interview her while Celeste reads her to see if she is the third lady. She had already asked a few others on her list if they also want to be interviewed.

“Uh oh,” Gina’s eyes had doubled in size.

"What?" Leslie asked.

"Check out Ricardo,” Gina pointed.

Ricardo carefully tiptoed up to another guy from behind. Without a sound he pulled up the other guy's trunks into a wedgie and jumped into the pool before the guy could turn around.

"What the hell?!" the guy exclaimed as grabbed onto his butt.

“That was pretty slick,” Leslie blinked.

“I would have said stealthy,” Laurine said.

"Ricardo Cabellero I saw that," Sadie shouted from her chair. “You know the rules about horseplay.”

“What is going on?” Donna asked. She had finished her laps and was at the pool ladder.

Ricardo swam up to Sadie and looked innocent. “I wasn’t playing with horses.”

"Don't give me that look," Sadie said. “And don’t try to play innocent with me. No horsing around and there will be no wedgies on my watch.”

“He gave someone a wedgie?” Donna asked as she sat down next to them.

Gina nodded. “I guess he wasn’t so stealthy after all.”

“You tell him Sadie,” Leslie cheered.

“Yeah, you give him hell," Laurine added.

Sadie turned toward them and smiled, before she returned her focus back to the pool.

“So what did I exactly miss?” Donna asked.

“Ricardo snuck up to some guy, gave him a wedgie and jumped into the pool,” Gina explained.

“That boy is going to get himself killed,” Donna shook her head. It looked like she was right. The boy Ricardo had given a wedgie to had jumped into the pool and was swimming after him.

“Somebody better let Sadie know,” Leslie said.

“Don’t need to,” Donna pointed a Sadie. Their friend was already yelling at the other swimmer through her megaphone.

“Well seeing how that is nice and settled,” Laurine stood up. “Who is ready for a small game of Marco Polo?”

That was refreshing, after the small game Laurine asked Sadie for the interview and her friend agreed. They agreed to do at Sunday after Sadie got of work. Laurine would have done it that day, but Celeste wasn’t with her and she told Sadie she forgot her notepad with the questions.

“So what are everyone else’s plans?” Laurine asked after they had changed clothes and left the building.

“I think the mall is still open for a few more hours,” Gina said. “We can take a cab or the bus.”

“I would suggest the bus,” Sadie had caught up with them. “It’s cheaper.”

"Your shift is over?" Laurine asked

"Yeah and picked up my check," Sadie said. "Or rather my check stub since I have direct deposit.”

"We better jog on over to the stop then," Gina said.

"I wish I could go," Donna said. "But I promised my mother I’d help with dinner."

"Maybe next time?" Leslie asked.

Donna shrugged. “Maybe.”

“I’ll call you later,” Laurine promised.

This was also what she needed. After various fights against monsters, meeting some new nocturnal heroes and between schoolwork, actual work, and chores Laurine needed some time to herself and with her friends. The pool was refreshing, but she also needed some time to go running through the mall.

They stopped by the perfume counters at the department stores and sniffed the various testers.

“Why do the celebrity fragrances always smell funny?” Gina asked after she sniffed a fragrance named after a model.

“I have no idea,” Laurine shrugged and took a small whiff of a fragrance by Calvin Klein.

“Liz Taylor’s is always good,” Leslie said.

“I think we played with our olfactory bulbs enough,” Sadie said as she set down another bottle. “I’m kind of hungry.”

“My mother will get upset if I spoil my dinner,” Gina said.

Laurine felt her stomach gurgle. “Mine would also and she is making a beef wellington tonight.”

“I have an idea,” Leslie said.

She led them to the food court where they walked around and nibbled on a few free samples. Their last stop in the area was the Smoothie King where they all got delicious fruit smoothies in the smallest size they had.

As they walked past the Gap, Laurine noticed there were sweaters on the display mannequins and one caught her eye. It was fuchsia in color with silver diamond pattern on the front.

“Laurine?” Gina turned to her

Laurine ignored her and continued to stare at the sweater while she slurped on her smoothie.

"Are you going to buy that sweater?" Sadie asked.

"Yeah I love the colors,” Laurine replied. She went inside the store asked the sales girl if they had the same sweater in her size. They did and after she tried it on she bought it.

The next place they went to was the art supply store where Leslie got herself some new brushes, and then at the music store where Gina picked up a new CD. They followed Sadie into the sports memorabilia store, thinking that she wanted to get something basketball related.

"Ooh a new Miami Dolphin's t-shirt," Sadie squealed. She stood in front of an aqua colored short-sleeved shirt with the Dolphin’s mascot on it.

"Don't you already have several?" Gina asked her.

"I don't have this one," Sadie replied and took it up to the cashier.

“I think there is a new store next to the Godiva,” Leslie said. “I don’t know what the sell yet.”

As they neared the new store Laurine detected various scents. There was the aroma of chocolate from Godiva fowled by various aromas. There was sandalwood, various fruits and flowers. The other fragrances had to be coming in from the new store and the place was called Eternal Flame.

“A candle store,” Leslie said with a smile. “Lets check it out.”

“Okay,” Gina nodded. “But I think this should do it for the night.”

“Yeah,” Laurine checked her watch. It was forty-five minutes till nine. “The mall will be closing soon.”

The candle store had various kinds of candles in different sizes, colors, shapes and fragrances, and also candle categories such as holders, lighters and even bowls to hold water for the floating candles which Laurine thought were adorable.

Leslie bought a three-candle candy set with the candles that smelled like chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon. Gina purchased fat cylinder shaped candle in three colors with the fragrances of fresh rain, water lilies and the sea. Laurine found a freesia-scented candle in the shape of an angelfish and Sadie bought a rainbow colored candle in the shape of a dolphin.

“That was fun,” Gina said as they left the mall.

“Agreed,” Sadie said. “I might come back next week. Cornelia Brighton’s latest novel will be in paperback.”

“I could pick up some new manga,” Laurine said as she stretched. “Still up for that interview on Sunday, Sadie?”

“You don’t need to ask,” Sadie smiled. “You don’t mind doing it at the Y?”

“No problem,” Laurine smiled. “See ya and call you all later.”

One of Chrystia’s favorite pieces of furniture in her room is her vanity table. It was made out of fine oak, the surface of the table was made out of fine oak and the rim of the oval shaped mirror was made out of fine jewels. She also had her own special chair for it. It was also made out of oak with a velvet cushion the color of amethyst and filled with goose down.

Chrystia sat in her chair and stared at her reflection as she ran a sparkling hairbrush through her hair. She planned on meeting with Feldspar and to go for a walk, although all they could do on such walks was walk around their castle and the remains of their kingdom. They would not dare to venture outside into the land of ice and snow. Someday that will change and she and Feldspar will be able to go on walks on forest paths, through beautiful gardens and along sandy beaches. They will also be married and no one will stand in their way.

She set aside her brush and opened the drawer that contained her hair accessories. She was deciding between a pearl and diamond comb or her usual tiara when a pair of gloved hands closed over her eyes.

"What is this?" Chrystia asked in mock surprise. She knew who it really was by feeling his gloves and the scent of his aftershave.

"Shh its me," Feldspar answered and removed his hands.

"Oh Feldspar what a nice surprise. Chrystia looked up at him and stared into his eyes.

"I wanted to see you before I left for tonight."

“What?” Chrystia blinked. “I thought we are going for a walk." She grabbed on to him. “Lord Borice is asking you to harvest more energy. Isn’t he?” There were times she disliked their leader, even if he had been so good to them when their own people tried to keep them apart.

“Yes he has,” Feldspar sighed. “I have found the place.” He handed her a pamphlet.

“What is this?” Chrystia stared at it. There were pictures of children and teenagers playing sports on it. “The YMCA?”

“Remember how you harnessed energy from humans playing and watching sports?” Feldspar asked. “Various sporting activities are found here.”

“Oh,” Chrystia continued to read. She checked the times when they were open during the week. “But it looks like they are closed now.”

“I have told Borice this, but he wants me to give the area a look over,” Feldspar said. “A good amount of surveillance.”

“And it couldn’t wait until tomorrow?” Chrystia asked.

“I am sorry,” he said before he kissed her cheek. “Hopefully we will able to do this tomorrow night.”

Chrystia leaned back into her chair and sighed. She had to think positive about it. The more energy he gathers the closer the are to succeeding and then they will be able to go on as many walks as they want.

“Siblings,” Laurine grumbled as she headed to her room. She had recently gotten off of work and wanted to freshen up, but Tracy decided to hog the bathroom and that led to a screaming match between them, which shifted over to a screaming match between Tracy and Dylan when Dylan joked about Tracy having diarrhea.

“Bad day?” Celeste asked.

“Only when I got home,” Laurine opened her closet. “I had pretty good evening at work, except for a few mouthy thirteen year olds who tried to sneak in, but I managed to stop them.

“Good for you,” Celeste smiled. “You seem to have a productive day so far.”

“Yeah, we can cross off three other names.” Laurine spent most of the daylight speaking with the girls she wanted to interview. She even wrote down several questions that would look legit and wrote down their answers.

“I have a couple more to ask tomorrow,” Laurine said as she removed her vest. “One during lunch on Monday.” She placed her vest on a hanger.

“Hopefully we will find her soon,” Celeste said.

“I’m making my goal to find her before Halloween,” Laurine said. Her eyes widened. “Oh crap. I haven’t started my costume yet.”

“Don’t tell me you are going to start now,” Celeste said and wiggled her nose.

“Working on it will help me relax,” Laurine said and slid some clothes down the wrack. "Hmmm lets see." Laurine rummaged through her closet. She found an old grey jogging outfit she doesn’t wear anymore. "Perfect."

“There are other things you can be doing right now,” Celeste said and made her way over to Laurine’s backpack. “You could be studying.” She unzipped it and pulled out a book. “Don’t you have a test on Monday?”

“Tuesday,” Laurine corrected and pulled out the jogging outfit “Beside’s it’s for English class and I’m doing pretty well in that class. "Now where did I put those feathers?" She pulled out the bins from under her bed.

Celeste sighed and hopped out of the room, probably to go into her living room hutch for a few minutes.

She bent some wire to the right shape and began wrapping it in cotton and sealed it with glue. She wrapped the cotton and wire construct in white cloth and sealed the edges with glue. The next step would be to add more cloth, plus feathers and then attach that to the hooded sweatshirt.

While it dried she rummaged through her closet once again in search of an old dress she had worn only a few times.

A tap at the window made her jump out.

“Celeste did you get outside?” She asked and looked out the window and nearly screamed when she saw two gargoyles on the fire escape. “Dummy,” she scolded her self as she went to open the window. “They are the good guys.”

“Hi Laurine,” the younger of the two gargoyles said. He was the beaked son of Brooklyn.

“Hi Nashville,” Laurine was glad she had remembered their names. “And Lexington.” She greeted the other gargoyle that was with the child. Lexington wasn’t much taller than Nashville and had wings like a flying squirrel.

“Hello,” Lexington said. “Angela is also here.” He pointed to Angela who was standing on the escape beneath them.

“Hello Angela,” Laurine greeted. “Sorry about the reaction. I’m just not used to you guys yet.”

“No need to apologize,” Angela said. “It takes time for some people.”

"So what brings you guys here?" She asked. This was one way to get used to them.

"Not much,” Lexington answered. “ Not too many criminals out there."

“Nashville really wanted to see you again,” Angela said. “And Riley.”

“I got to see Riley last night,” Nashville smiled. “She was home alone and we watched a movie.”

“You all got to spend some time with Riley?” Laurine raised an eyebrow. That was odd. Riley didn’t tell her anything.

"I also wanted to thank you for saving me a couple nights ago," Lexington rubbed the top of his head.

“It’s what we do,” Laurine shrugged. “Great to see you are feeling better.”

“Everyone who was drained was better after a good day’s of rest,” Angela explained. “Stone sleep heals us.”

“My father calls it the concrete cure all,” Nashville said. His smile faded when he glanced at Lexington. “You are not going to correct me?”

“Why?” Lexington blinked. “Everyone knows.”

“What?” Laurine had no idea what was going on.

“We’ll explain later,” Angela, said. “Maybe at your next Lady meeting.”

“That might be soon,” Laurine told her. “After we find the Third Lady-“

“Third Lady?” Lexington blinked.

“Celeste says there will be five of us,” Laurine said. “We have to find out who the third one is first.”

“What are you doing now?” Nashville asked.

“Just making my costume for Halloween," Laurine glanced over her shoulder at the still drying wing base.

"Cool," Nashville said.

“Are you going to the block party,” Angela asked.

“I plan on it,” Laurine said. “What about you?”

Angela shrugged. “Xanatos might through another party at the castle.”

“The block party is more fun,” Lexington frowned. “I think we better report back to the castle. Good night Laurine.”

“Good night,” Laurine said.

After the others had said good night the climbed up the fire escape to the top, spread their wings and glided off towards the direction of the castle.

"What were they doing here?" Celeste asked.

"They were just being friendly. You should try it sometime."

"Very funny,” Celeste frowned. “It is getting late. I don’t want you to stay up all night to work on this.”

"Now you sound like my parents,” Laurine yawned. She was feeling a little sleepy. She planned on working on the costume for no more than an hour before she would go to bed.

Feldspar made sure that no one was around the YMCA when he materialized inside. He was unsure of the time and when he checked the clock he saw that it was after midnight.

“I have to make sure no one suspects me of anything,” Feldspar said to himself. , “I think I shall try out your style, Azurite.” He pulled out a knife that had a spell carved into the blade and used it to slice through his clothing. The scraps of clothes fell off his body revealing the uniform of a security guard underneath.

That was the easy part, now to find a way to extract the energy from the people here. Feldspar noticed a bulletin board. He checked each of the notices that were printed up. There were new jobs available a few new rules for the karate students and the last one caught his eye. They were starting CPR classes on Sunday, perfect.

A small commotion brought his attention to the small group of teens gathered near the front. He had no idea what they were doing, but there was a good chance they were up to no good. He looked the part of a security guard, now he has to play the part.

“Ahem,” Feldspar cleared his throat after he opened the door. “May I ask what you three are doing?”

“We doing nutting,” the chubbiest of the three said. He had rammed his hands into his pockets.

“Nothing?” Feldspar raised an eyebrow. “Then why are you hanging around here?” He gabbed the arm of the shortest boy and drained some of his energy

“We said we was doing nothing,” the tallest and ugliest of the three said.

"Hey guys I don't feel so good," the short kid said and stumbled.

“Dude what’s wrong?” Tall and ugly asked.

The chubby teen turned to Feldspar. “What did you do him?”

“Nothing,” Feldspar shook his head. “Maybe it was something you all did earlier.”

“Guys I just want to go,” the short kid said.

“Man forget this guy,” Tall and Ugly said. “Let’s get him home.”

Feldspar watched as they left and chuckled.

“New CPR classes today,” Sadie read the board before she headed off to her locker to change into her lifeguard uniform. “I don’t need to renew my license for another year, but I guess I might watch.”

She had a six-hour shift and while she was on break she agreed to the interview with Laurine. She had no idea what the assignment was exactly for, but Laurine was a good friend and was willing to help.

"Sadie new whistles," Her boss said behind her. “Catch.” He tossed her a clear plastic baggie.

“Got it,” Sadie said and caught the bag. Inside was shiny blue plastic whistle on a black lanyard. “"Thanks," Sadie said. She opened up the bag and slipped the whistle on.

“Are you going to attend the CPR class today?” Her boss asked.

“I might,” Sadie shrugged. It was going to be attended to at the pool

“Allen could you come in?” Mr. Botman said.

“Yes sir,” a young man with light brown hair cut short and dressed in a white sweatshirt and pants entered the room. He had warm brown eyes and an adorable smile.

"Oh Sadie this is Allen Whittaker,” Mr. Botman said. “Allen this is Sadie Von Starkfelsen.”

"Hello," Sadie shyly said and held out her hand.

“Hi,” Allen took her hand and shook it.

“Allen is our new CPR teacher,” Mr. Botman explained.

"Not just CPR," Allen said. “I’m also here to teach about water safety, and basic first aid.”

“I’ll be sure to let my swimmers know,” Sadie said. She would defiantly have to tell Laurine. She knew her friend would love to have a lesson with an attractive man.

“Now what looks good?” Allen Whitaker said as he entered the break room and walked up to the vending machines. One of them had different flavors of sports drinks. “This looks good.” He put in some money and hit the button for a mixed berry flavor of a drink. He wants to drink something nice and healthy before he started the first class.

The door to the break room opened as Allen sat down in a chair and a security guard came in.

“What tastes good?” The security guard asked.

“Depends on your tastes,” Allen said. “There are sodas, bottled waters, fruit punch and a energy drink like this.” He held up what he was drinking.

“That does sound good,” the security guard put some money in the machine and punched in the button for his drink. “So what do you do here?”

“I’m here for a few weeks to teach CPR and first aid lessons,” Allen said and took a sip from his drink.

“So you are also new?” The security guard asked.

Allen nodded. “I guess you can say that.”

“I’m Felix Spars,” the security guard introduced himself and sat down next to him.

“Allen Whitaker,” Allen nodded.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be staying,” Felix said. “But I have a feeling we work together quite well.”

“Uh sure,” Allen didn’t know what he was talking about, but decided be friendly.

“The both of us are going to be excellent partners.” Felix said and slammed a fist against Allen’s shoulder.

“What the—ahhhhh!” Allen screamed when he felt a sharp blade enter his shoulder. It felt like the blade was shooting needles through out his body and squishing and rearranging his organs.

"Don't worry this wont take too long." Felix said between laughs.

Laurine’s eyes could no longer take it. She had been staring at her vocabulary book for a half hour, trying to remember all of the definitions for the words she had to learn.

“How is the studying?” Celeste asked.

“Pretty good,” Laurine said as she polished off the last bit of cherry pie from her plate.

“That is not a healthy breakfast,” Celeste told her.

“My mother makes cherry pie with fresh cherries,” Laurine said and drank up the last of her milk. “I think it’s healthier than some other breakfasts out there.”

“I just want to make sure you are healthy.”

“I am perfectly healthy,” Laurine closed her book. “That’s enough studying for now. “

“Are we going to interview another of your friends?” Celeste asked.

“Not quite yet,” Laurine placed the book back into her bag. She went to her aquarium and sprinkled brine shrimp eggs into the tank. “I have a few chores to do.”

Laurine went to the other two aquariums and sprinkled food for them. She then filled the watering can and walked around the apartment, giving just enough water to all of the watering plants. After she put the watering can away she placed all the dirty dishes into the dishwasher and started it.

“Nice to some people get an early start on their chores,” Laurine’s father entered the kitchen as she finished mopping the floor.

“Uh dad, the floor is wet,” Laurine said as she set the mop back into the bucket.

“Whoops,” her father quickly jumped back.

“Since I finished my chores can I go to the pool?” Laurine asked.

“Sure,” her father said. “I’ll go wait for the floor to dry.”

“Thanks dad,” Laurine said as she ran back to her room. She changed into her bathing suit a pair of shorts and sandals. She removed here textbooks from her backpack and replaced it with a towel, A note pad, her transformation pen, and Celeste.

As Laurine sought out Sadie she noticed a small crowd had gathered near one side of the pool. There was an attractive man that Laurine had never seen before and he had two plastic dummies, a box full of clear plastic breathing masks, and a metal tripod that held a dry erase board.

“I wonder what this is about?” Laurine said.

“Hi Laurine,” Sadie walked up behind her.

“What’s going on?” Laurine asked.

“CPR and first aid lessons,” Sadie explained. “We got a new instructor and he just started the first class five minutes ago.

“He certainly seems to know his stuff,” Laurine said “He’s also kind of cute.”

“He certainly is,” Sadie nodded.

“I wonder how old he is,” Laurine said and felt Celeste kick from inside the backpack.

“I’m not sure,” Sadie shrugged.

“Hopefully you two will have plenty of time to talk,” Laurine said and felt another kick from her rabbit.

“Well I guess,” Sadie blushed and scratched the top of her head. “Didn’t you say you wanted to interview me?”

“Yeah,” Laurine nodded. Maybe now Celeste will stop kicking her. “Where do you want to do this?”

“I have to be in chair,” Sadie replied and pointed to her chair. “Even though there is no one swimming in the pool. I was going to wait until break, but today has been pretty dull.”

“No problem.” Laurine followed her friend and set down her back while Sadie climbed into her chair. Laurine pulled out her notebook and transformation pen.

“I’m ready,” Sadie said.

“Okay. I have your name and I normally ask what everyone’s birthday is but I know yours. The first question is. How tall are you?”

“I’m about Five foot ten,” Sadie answered.

“Got it.” Laurine removed the brass top of the pen. She was a little surprised to find out her transformation pen was a real pen and she could write with it. Celeste had assured her that she would never run out of the sparkly silver ink. “What is your favorite color? I forgot if it’s yellow or gold.”

“It’s yellow.”

“Favorite food?”

“Cheesecake,” Sadie said as she leaned back into her chair.

“Any kind of cheesecake in particular?” Laurine asked.

“Nope, just cheesecake.”

“The following I have also answered since I know about your favorite school subject and sport. Who is your favorite team?”

“Another easy one, the Knicks.”

“Trust me they will get a teensy bit harder,” Laurine said. “What is your favorite kind of gemstone?”

“Topaz,” Sadie said. She was no longer smiling and her voice took on a serious tone.

“Favorite kind of flower?” Laurine asked.

“Marigold,” Sadie said as she climbed down from her chair.

“Is something wrong?” Laurine asked.

"Something isn't right," Sadie answered. She pointed to the first aid class. “Look at them.”

"What do you mean?" Laurine asked. She saw that the entire group was sitting down. Many of them were blinking their eyes and several were yawning.

"Don't they seem a little tired and weak?"

"Its from the resuscitation," Laurine guessed.

"No, I took the same lessons when I started here I’m going to see if he knows anything. "Sadie walked up to Allen. Laurine couldn’t hear them, the way they were moving their hands indicated that they were talking seriously. Suddenly Allen grabbed Sadie's wrist.

"Let me go. You’re squeezing too hard," Sadie cried out loud enough for Laurine to hear.

“Laurine,” Celeste whispered into her ear.

“What?” Laurine whispered back.

“Follow me,” Celeste wriggled out of Laurine’s backpack and landed on the ground. The rabbit ran toward the nearest changing room.

Laurine followed her. “I need to help my friend.”

“Your friend can help you,” Celeste said. “She is the third lady.”

“Sadie’s the Galactic Lady we have been searching for?” Laurine asked.

“Yes, now you must transform."

"Why?"

“There is something not right about that instructor,” Celeste said. “I think he might be an enemy.”

“I’ll confront the instructor,” Laurine said. “You give Sadie her transformation pen.” She replaced the cap on her pen and held it up. "Andromeda Galaxy Power Make up!"

Celeste followed Laurine back into the pool. Allen held Sadie in her arms while everyone else had collapsed.

“I don’t know who you think you are,” Lady Andromeda said as she pointed at Allen. “But I will not tolerate you harming young girls and stealing everyone’s energy.”

“You won’t tolerate it?” Allen asked as he let Sadie go. “I don’t think you have much room to make such demands.”

“I think I do,” Lady Andromeda said. “And you know why? Because I brought my two friends with me, Miss Right Hook and Miss Left Hook.”

‘That’s it keep him distracted,” Celeste thought as she slunk closer to where Sadie was.

“Don’t make me laugh,” Allen said as he mutated. His skin turned from pale peach to bluish green and covered itself in shimmering scales. His ears stretched out until they looked like fish fins. Webbing grew between his fingers and his fingernails lengthened into long claws. His feet turned into a flippers and a trident appeared in his hands.

“Not surprised,” Lady Andromeda said as she pulled out her ax. “Let’s tango.”

The monster growled and swung at Lady Andromeda with his trident. She blocked his attack with her ax.

Sadie ran towards the youma with a pool skimmer in her hands. A yellow star like symbol appeared on her forehead. She struck him on the top of the head giving Lady Andromeda enough of a distraction smack his face with the ax and sent him tumbling backwards

‘I have the right pen,’ Celeste thought and ran up to Sadie. She tapped her leg with a paw.

“Laurine’s rabbit,” Sadie recognized her. “What are you doing here?”

“She’s more than a mere rabbit,” Lady Andromeda said. “Sadie its me, Laurine.”

“You are Lady Andromeda?” Sadie gasped.

Celeste set down the pen. “You are like Lady Andromeda, Sadie. You are Lady Centauri.”

“What?” Sadie stared down at her. “Did you just talk?”

"Nevermind just take the pen ,and shout Centauri Galaxy Power Make-up."

Sadie picked up the pen "Centauri Galaxy Power Make-up!" Twirling yellow lights spun around her. Soon she was dressed similar to Andromeda with a yellow pillow collar ,skirt with streamers, armbands, headband and slipper shoes and bronze tights and star shaped barrettes. She also had yellow sleeves with a brown trim.

The youma that was Allen had recovered. He opened his mouth and a jet stream of water cam shooting at them.

Celeste bounced away before the blast could hit her and she saw the others have done the same.

"Ok fishface, you are sushi" Lady Andromeda said

“It’s very rude to spit at ladies,” Lady Centauri added. "Centauri Stalagmite Slash!" She pointed at the ground as Shards of cement rose up and pointed at Allen. The shards impaled him and pinned him to the ground

“Now for the kill shot,” Lady Andromeda said. "Andromeda Sound Wave Shatter!"

The attack didn’t kill the monster and it was struggling to breathe.

“I don’t know what to do,” Andromeda blinked. "Should I blast him again?"

"No wait." Centauri shook her head. “I feel another attack.”

“Your secondary attack,” Celeste said. “Not an attack like your stalagmites, but more of an assisting attack.

“I feel it,” Centauri closed her eyes and held out her hands. "Centauri Magic Dissipation.” yellow dust rained from Centauri’s fingers and covered the monster. The youma screamed as it changed him back into a human. A sharp blade, like a knife without a handle shot out of Allen’s shoulder.

"Well it looks like you failed my plans." A man appeared from behind. He wore a black leather jacket and kept his long red hair tied back into a ponytail. “I worked hard on creating that knife.”

"Another one?" Andromeda asked. “How many bosses are there?”

“If by bosses then you mean Generals then there are four of us,” the mysterious man said. “I am Feldspar.”

“Why do you keep attacking?” Andromeda asked. “What do you want with everyone’s energy?”

"None of your business." He disappeared.

“I guess I have to be prepared for that?” Centauri asked.

“That and more,” Celeste said. “We need to arrange a lady meeting afterschool tomorrow.”

“I have gymnastics and Sadie has basketball practice,” Andromeda said.

“Then after that,” Celeste said. “In the meantime change back and then get some medical help for these people.”

Laurine stared at her notepad. She had gone ahead and interviewed the other girls. She did have to keep up the pretense of the extra credit assignment.

“What do we do with these Lady meetings?” Sadie asked from behind.

“Celeste will talk about us fighting against the Dark Kingdom, joining up with sailors, and she will mention your weapon and star pendant.”

“I was right about there being a lot to being a Galactic Lady.”

“Yeah,” Laurine nodded. She was just glad that the third Lady was a friend of hers.