Disclaimer:
Welcome! It's the Flamesniper at it again. You know, the Huge fan
of Sailor Mars, who's not written a story about her yet. But that's not
important. What is important is in the next paragraph...
I don't own Sailor Moon. Naoko Takeuchi does. Cloverleaf I guess
owns the North American video rights to them, alas they have yet to resume
the series (At least they aren't DiC though). The point I'm trying to get
to is that I'm not making a dime or dollar of any kind off this work. I'm
writing this just for fun and for the enterainment of you, the reader.
Oh and before the story starts there's just one more little thing to
add to this intro (which is already three paragraphs long). I use the North
American names with the exceptions being Hotaru (Whom is Hotaru no matter
what language you speak) and Setsuna (Trista just DOES NOT fit her and never
will.) ^_^ Now, on with the show.
Introduction:
He was running again. Even though it was a dream he could feel his
muscles aching as he made his way up the flights of stairs. Why did they
have to make this tower so tall? his mind hissed as he heard the door start
to give. Below him the tower guards prepared for the fight. All of that
wasn't important. SHE was.
The princess, his princess, was in danger and his leader had sent him.
He had to get to her, there was to be no failure. The doors gave way
downstair and the sound of steel on steel filled the air. The sounds were
new to the dream, he knew. He reached the room, he'd been there a thousand
times since he was old enough to remember dreams. Everything was coming into
focus more and more. There she was as always watching the Earth as it rose.
She had her back to him but he knew she would turn around soon. She did and
there with her wonderous violet eyes and raven dark hair, stood Princess
Hotaru.
Once again James woke with her name on his lips. "What is this dream?
Why does it haunt me? And what do you, my beautiful Hotaru, have to do with
it?" He asked the painting of her as it hung serenely waiting for it's trip
to the Museum the next morning.
Hotaru's Date pt7
by
Lance the flamesniper
It was a typical day at the Cherry Hill Temple, Raye's Grandfather had
taken Chad to refresh his training by the bay of Tokyo, a lesson that most
likely would end up leaving Chad looking like a drowned river rat. That left
Raye and her guests plenty of time to talk.
"Sorry I'm late guys!" Mina panted.
"So what's new? You're ALWAYS late," Teased Lita.
The two had grown up into exceptionally beautiful young women, as had
all the scouts. Mina, was now a model and actress, though only on the local
level. Lita however, had become a master Chef, but also taught self defense
courses at various clubs. Amy had decided to take her medical training at the
University of Tokyo instead of the way too far away Germany. Serena had
surprised all of them though. She'd become a animator and had become
incredibly successful.
"What was it you called the meeting foooor?" Wailed Serena. "I was just
getting ready to go to the art show with Darien."
"Well if you must know, meatball brain," Raye began. "I was doing a fire
reading for someone yesterday and saw a new threat."
"A new threat?" Lita asked as her expression turned serious.
"Yes something evil, but I don't think he's behind it." Raye answered.
"There was a strange feeling about him though..."
"Really?" Amy asked. "Why?"
"Well for one thing he had this strange aura about him. It reminded me a
little of Hotaru..." Raye replied.
"We should keep an eye out for anything suspicious then. If there's a new
threat it'll strike soon." Mina assessed incitefully.
"Mmmhmm!" The others agreed as the meeting broke up.
******
"Careful with that!" James shouted as the last, and to him most precious,
of his paintings for the show was being carried into the museum. "I don't paint
these things so people can drop and destroy them!"
"Sorry!" the young worker yelled back.
James just sighed and returned to his inspection of the paintings. Most of
them were just Moonscapes, as was his wont to paint. Then there were the other
paintings....
James turned and looked at the image of an aqua haired woman in a simple
dress with her companion, a sandy haired person who at first glance looked like
a man but on closer examination wasn't. The two looked as if they'd been caught
mid-step with the Earth in plain sight. There was one next to it, a palace in the
background with a meatball haired girl and her dark haired prince in the foreground.
All of them images from a myriad of dreams that he'd had. As he looked at them he
idly wondered what they meant if they meant anything. Then, his mind went back to
his most frequent dream and it's star.
"Hotaru," he whispered. Instantly his mind went back to her. The way her eyes
sparkled with mischief. The way her hair shined when the light hit it. He sighed as
he realized how easily he got lost in her eyes. Just then he heard a voice.
"What is it?"
"Uh sir, I was just wondering if the paintings were set up to your liking?" The
same young worker from before asked.
"Oh. Yes, they are. thank you," James said dismissively. He couldn't wait until
tonight. Something told him it would be... interesting.
*****
For Amara the day was not going well. It seemed to her that she'd somehow become
outnumbered. No matter how much she argued that James might be a Youma, Setsuna,
Michelle and especially Hotaru seemed to not care.
"I'm telling you I think he's Dangerous!" Amara stated as she watched Michelle try
on another dress.
"Nonsense! He's such a sweet gentleman, besides I have this feeling that he isn't
the cause of the trouble Setsuna sensed. What do you think Love should I go with the
Turquois dress or should I wear the Aqua one?"
"The Turquois one. How can you be sure he's not though?"
"I can't. I just hope I'm right for Hotaru's sake."
*****
Hotaru put on her violet vest and her short black skirt. It was the perfect
combination. Of course her 'Father' was likely to have heart failure when she saw it.
Hopefully, Hotaru thought, so would James. Deep down Hotaru knew that her 'father'
was just being protective, but then again thanks to Amara she was also a blackbelt and
Sailor Saturn on top of that. Being reborn definitely seemed to have done wonders for
her.
"Princess," Came Amara's voice.
"Yes 'father'?" Hotaru asked as she turned. A slight smile appeared on her lips
as she watched Amara look her over.
"You... aren't going out like that are you?" Amara asked as she noted how short
the skirt was, not to meantion that she was wearing a vest without a shirt.
"Yes." She replied.
I'm going to kill him. Amara thought. "Uhm princess, does that seem a little...
revealing?"
Hotaru giggled. "I hope so. I really like him 'Father'. There's something about
him that makes me feel... complete."
"I see. It's time to go," Amara said as she turned to leave. Once again she
wondered how she got outnumbered.
"Has James arrived yet?"
"No, but knowing him, he'll be here shortly."
*****
Setsuna sighed as she applied her makeup. She didn't use much , thanks in a
large part to being timeless and a very good workout. She sat back as she looked at
herself in the mirror as her mind tried to place where in the past she'd seen James.
After several minutes, she gave up. She'd been trying to figure out this particular
promblem since she met him, though having been around for six thousand years, did
make things difficult. Even more puzzling was how much he reminded her of Hotaru
and the strange amulet with the symbol for Saturn on it. It was a very strange problem
but all she'd need to do is find a few more peices and it would all make sense, or at
least she hoped it would.
*****
Right on schedule the black corvette came into the driveway of Manor by the sea.
It seemed that James was nothing if not punctual. He was clad in a black suit with a
violet colored rose tucked in his lapel and a bouquet of red roses in hand. He knocked
at the door only to have Amara answer.
"Oh. It's you. please wait in the parlor until Hotaru's ready," Amara growled as
she guided James into the room. She then left to finish getting ready.
James idly looked about the room it was large with a very well painted "Family"
portrait of Hotaru, Amara, Michelle and Setsuna. There were also pictures of Hotaru in
various stages of aging. By the Timeless one of legend, she's been cute all her life!
James thought. Then his eyes fell upon the piano. Taking a seat at the keys and sitting
the roses beside him, he began to play....
*****
Setsuna was walking alongside of Michelle down the stairs. they'd finished dressing
first though Hotaru was likely to be ready shortly. They'd reached the bottom of the stairs
just as the notes of the piano reached their ears.
"Oh, Amara must have gotten done dressing and taken the back steps," Michelle stated
as the music, a waltz if she was hearing correctly, continued. "But somehow I don't think
Amara would play for our guest if he begged."
The two followed the Music with it's strange lilting notes to the parlor. Setsuna's
mind tried to recall the name of this waltz. She'd heard it before, but couldn't quite place
it. "If it's Amara playing she must be feeling inspired."
The two stopped in surprise as they entered the room and found James playing the waltz
with not a sheet of music to go by. And sitting silently behind him, with the bouquet he'd
brought for her, sat Hotaru. just then the waltz ended with a series of soft chords and his
impromptu audience began applauding.
"Huh?" James gasped as if he'd been in a trance. "When'd you all get here?"
"Just a few moments ago," Hotaru said as James looked in her direction. She smiled as
her date looked her way. From his expression she knew he liked what she was wearing. She
raised the roses "Were these for me?"
James nodded, dumdstuck by the beautiful lass before him.
"You play very well," Michelle said.
"I dabble," He replied modestly.
"Was that peice something you wrote?" Setsuna asked, already guessing at the answer.
"No, it's a peice that is very old. I only wish I could write music like this,"
James stated as Amara entered the room dressed in a men's suit.
"Are we ready to leave yet?"
****
Two cars, a black corvette and a red Ferrari arrived about the same time at the
museum, though the Ferrari almost missed the museum since it was going at least twice
the speed limit allowed by law. Hotaru and Setsuna had decided to ride with James,
Hotaru since he was her date and Setsuna due mostly to her desire to arrive there
alive. For her part Michelle rode with Amara since she was her date and about the only
person who could keep Amara on good behavior.
"Here you go ladies," James replied as he held the door for his two passengers.
"Thank you James," Hotaru said singsongily.
"Thank you," Setsuna said.
About a five minutes later James stood next to Hotaru as he waited for the show
to begin. As it happened a large crowd of people had come to see and hopefully buy his
work. Unfortunately most of them seemed to be half asleep from the Art director's
boring voice. Hotaru included. Something had to be done.
"Excuse me Director, may I have the mic for a second?" James interjected.
"Certainly."
"Welcome everyone! My name is James Everwolfe, the artist who's work is on
display. I'm not much on words so I'll be brief. I paint in hopes of showing beauty,
not reality, so I ask you all to forget reality and for one night Dance in my garden of
dreams," James said as he handed the now turned off mic back to the director to a flurry
of applause.
"Very nicely handled," Michelle whispered as James escorted Hotaru into the
labyrinth of his paintings.
"Thank you," Came his response as Hotaru walked with him, her head rested
contentedly on his shoulder.
****
Serena sighed as she looked at the moonscape before her, Moonlight on Seatle it was
called. While she admired the beauty of the image, Darien seemed more intent on rambling
about Technical things such as line and form. Just then through the crowd Serena saw
something that caught her attention, Two people with raven dark hair admiring a portrait
of Hotaru Tomoe. Serena carefully walked over to see the portait. Before she got to the
painting however a familiar voice caught her ears.
"And you painted this just from memory?" The voice asked.
Serena's blue eyes widened. That's Hotaru's voice.
"Yes, my darling. I started on it the day after our first date. A tribute to the
most beautiful girl in the universe."
"Awww, that's so sweet," Serena cooed.
When the two turned around Serena noticed that the boy with Hotaru had violet eyes
just like his date. she also noticed the slight gasp he made as he looked at her.
It's the meatball haired girl from my paintings he thought as Hotaru ran through the
introductions.
"Serena! What a wonderful surprise!" Hotaru said as she and her longtime friend
hugged. "Serena I'd like you to meet James Everwolfe."
"Charmed," James said as he shook Serena's hand. "I hope you've enjoyed the paintings
so far?"
"Yes, you have a definite eye for beauty," Serena said as Darien finally caught up to
her.
"Have you seen my fantasy Art yet?" James asked apprehensively as he noted this Darien
person as being from his painting too.
"No, Darien's been too busy boring me with technical things about your paintings."
"I see," James stated. "Well I'll leave you and Hotaru to talk. I have to make my
rounds. You know how these art shows go. You have to talk to everyone."
****
Setsuna blinked. Then, looked again as her face continued to turn a bright crimson.
Yes, she was seeing right the first time. This was indeed a painting of her in a
compromising position with her lost love Lance.
"Can a person actually bend like that? " Michelle asked as she looked at the
picture.
"I guess so," Amara added as she tilted her head to the side as she looked at the
image.
"So, who's the guy?" Michelle asked.
"If you must know," Setsuna huffed. "He was a warrior from Mars."
"I see," Amara said. "Did he have a name?"
"Lance, the Flamesniper,*" Setsuna added as she remembered him.
"Judging by the color of your cheeks his title could have been 'the firestarter',"
Amara teased.
Setsuna, said nothing, though she did blush three shades redder.
Michelle looked at her friend. "From the look of you that hit a little closer to
the mark than we'd think."
"He was my first love, my only one," Sesuna said sadly. "And I miss him terribly."
****
The evening had gone without a hitch and all but James, Hotaru and her "family" had
left. If any of Them had thought that what was about to happen could, most likely they'd
have left with haste. suddenly. the heavy iron doors to the display room, now empty of all
but two or three paintings And five people slammed shut and locked as Canvesse appeared.
With lightning quickness it pulled what looked like a wall scroll from her bag and trapped
Michelle in it.
"Now you're Crystal Dream shall be mine!" The youma laughed.
One thought went through four minds all at once. I've got to transform and save her
but if I do, I'll have to explain things.
*The Lance the Flamesniper meantioned in this story is NOT the author, he's a character I
made up a long time ago. Just thought I'd cover that.
Welcome! It's the Flamesniper at it again. You know, the Huge fan
of Sailor Mars, who's not written a story about her yet. But that's not
important. What is important is in the next paragraph...
I don't own Sailor Moon. Naoko Takeuchi does. Cloverleaf I guess
owns the North American video rights to them, alas they have yet to resume
the series (At least they aren't DiC though). The point I'm trying to get
to is that I'm not making a dime or dollar of any kind off this work. I'm
writing this just for fun and for the enterainment of you, the reader.
Oh and before the story starts there's just one more little thing to
add to this intro (which is already three paragraphs long). I use the North
American names with the exceptions being Hotaru (Whom is Hotaru no matter
what language you speak) and Setsuna (Trista just DOES NOT fit her and never
will.) ^_^ Now, on with the show.
Introduction:
He was running again. Even though it was a dream he could feel his
muscles aching as he made his way up the flights of stairs. Why did they
have to make this tower so tall? his mind hissed as he heard the door start
to give. Below him the tower guards prepared for the fight. All of that
wasn't important. SHE was.
The princess, his princess, was in danger and his leader had sent him.
He had to get to her, there was to be no failure. The doors gave way
downstair and the sound of steel on steel filled the air. The sounds were
new to the dream, he knew. He reached the room, he'd been there a thousand
times since he was old enough to remember dreams. Everything was coming into
focus more and more. There she was as always watching the Earth as it rose.
She had her back to him but he knew she would turn around soon. She did and
there with her wonderous violet eyes and raven dark hair, stood Princess
Hotaru.
Once again James woke with her name on his lips. "What is this dream?
Why does it haunt me? And what do you, my beautiful Hotaru, have to do with
it?" He asked the painting of her as it hung serenely waiting for it's trip
to the Museum the next morning.
Hotaru's Date pt7
by
Lance the flamesniper
It was a typical day at the Cherry Hill Temple, Raye's Grandfather had
taken Chad to refresh his training by the bay of Tokyo, a lesson that most
likely would end up leaving Chad looking like a drowned river rat. That left
Raye and her guests plenty of time to talk.
"Sorry I'm late guys!" Mina panted.
"So what's new? You're ALWAYS late," Teased Lita.
The two had grown up into exceptionally beautiful young women, as had
all the scouts. Mina, was now a model and actress, though only on the local
level. Lita however, had become a master Chef, but also taught self defense
courses at various clubs. Amy had decided to take her medical training at the
University of Tokyo instead of the way too far away Germany. Serena had
surprised all of them though. She'd become a animator and had become
incredibly successful.
"What was it you called the meeting foooor?" Wailed Serena. "I was just
getting ready to go to the art show with Darien."
"Well if you must know, meatball brain," Raye began. "I was doing a fire
reading for someone yesterday and saw a new threat."
"A new threat?" Lita asked as her expression turned serious.
"Yes something evil, but I don't think he's behind it." Raye answered.
"There was a strange feeling about him though..."
"Really?" Amy asked. "Why?"
"Well for one thing he had this strange aura about him. It reminded me a
little of Hotaru..." Raye replied.
"We should keep an eye out for anything suspicious then. If there's a new
threat it'll strike soon." Mina assessed incitefully.
"Mmmhmm!" The others agreed as the meeting broke up.
******
"Careful with that!" James shouted as the last, and to him most precious,
of his paintings for the show was being carried into the museum. "I don't paint
these things so people can drop and destroy them!"
"Sorry!" the young worker yelled back.
James just sighed and returned to his inspection of the paintings. Most of
them were just Moonscapes, as was his wont to paint. Then there were the other
paintings....
James turned and looked at the image of an aqua haired woman in a simple
dress with her companion, a sandy haired person who at first glance looked like
a man but on closer examination wasn't. The two looked as if they'd been caught
mid-step with the Earth in plain sight. There was one next to it, a palace in the
background with a meatball haired girl and her dark haired prince in the foreground.
All of them images from a myriad of dreams that he'd had. As he looked at them he
idly wondered what they meant if they meant anything. Then, his mind went back to
his most frequent dream and it's star.
"Hotaru," he whispered. Instantly his mind went back to her. The way her eyes
sparkled with mischief. The way her hair shined when the light hit it. He sighed as
he realized how easily he got lost in her eyes. Just then he heard a voice.
"What is it?"
"Uh sir, I was just wondering if the paintings were set up to your liking?" The
same young worker from before asked.
"Oh. Yes, they are. thank you," James said dismissively. He couldn't wait until
tonight. Something told him it would be... interesting.
*****
For Amara the day was not going well. It seemed to her that she'd somehow become
outnumbered. No matter how much she argued that James might be a Youma, Setsuna,
Michelle and especially Hotaru seemed to not care.
"I'm telling you I think he's Dangerous!" Amara stated as she watched Michelle try
on another dress.
"Nonsense! He's such a sweet gentleman, besides I have this feeling that he isn't
the cause of the trouble Setsuna sensed. What do you think Love should I go with the
Turquois dress or should I wear the Aqua one?"
"The Turquois one. How can you be sure he's not though?"
"I can't. I just hope I'm right for Hotaru's sake."
*****
Hotaru put on her violet vest and her short black skirt. It was the perfect
combination. Of course her 'Father' was likely to have heart failure when she saw it.
Hopefully, Hotaru thought, so would James. Deep down Hotaru knew that her 'father'
was just being protective, but then again thanks to Amara she was also a blackbelt and
Sailor Saturn on top of that. Being reborn definitely seemed to have done wonders for
her.
"Princess," Came Amara's voice.
"Yes 'father'?" Hotaru asked as she turned. A slight smile appeared on her lips
as she watched Amara look her over.
"You... aren't going out like that are you?" Amara asked as she noted how short
the skirt was, not to meantion that she was wearing a vest without a shirt.
"Yes." She replied.
I'm going to kill him. Amara thought. "Uhm princess, does that seem a little...
revealing?"
Hotaru giggled. "I hope so. I really like him 'Father'. There's something about
him that makes me feel... complete."
"I see. It's time to go," Amara said as she turned to leave. Once again she
wondered how she got outnumbered.
"Has James arrived yet?"
"No, but knowing him, he'll be here shortly."
*****
Setsuna sighed as she applied her makeup. She didn't use much , thanks in a
large part to being timeless and a very good workout. She sat back as she looked at
herself in the mirror as her mind tried to place where in the past she'd seen James.
After several minutes, she gave up. She'd been trying to figure out this particular
promblem since she met him, though having been around for six thousand years, did
make things difficult. Even more puzzling was how much he reminded her of Hotaru
and the strange amulet with the symbol for Saturn on it. It was a very strange problem
but all she'd need to do is find a few more peices and it would all make sense, or at
least she hoped it would.
*****
Right on schedule the black corvette came into the driveway of Manor by the sea.
It seemed that James was nothing if not punctual. He was clad in a black suit with a
violet colored rose tucked in his lapel and a bouquet of red roses in hand. He knocked
at the door only to have Amara answer.
"Oh. It's you. please wait in the parlor until Hotaru's ready," Amara growled as
she guided James into the room. She then left to finish getting ready.
James idly looked about the room it was large with a very well painted "Family"
portrait of Hotaru, Amara, Michelle and Setsuna. There were also pictures of Hotaru in
various stages of aging. By the Timeless one of legend, she's been cute all her life!
James thought. Then his eyes fell upon the piano. Taking a seat at the keys and sitting
the roses beside him, he began to play....
*****
Setsuna was walking alongside of Michelle down the stairs. they'd finished dressing
first though Hotaru was likely to be ready shortly. They'd reached the bottom of the stairs
just as the notes of the piano reached their ears.
"Oh, Amara must have gotten done dressing and taken the back steps," Michelle stated
as the music, a waltz if she was hearing correctly, continued. "But somehow I don't think
Amara would play for our guest if he begged."
The two followed the Music with it's strange lilting notes to the parlor. Setsuna's
mind tried to recall the name of this waltz. She'd heard it before, but couldn't quite place
it. "If it's Amara playing she must be feeling inspired."
The two stopped in surprise as they entered the room and found James playing the waltz
with not a sheet of music to go by. And sitting silently behind him, with the bouquet he'd
brought for her, sat Hotaru. just then the waltz ended with a series of soft chords and his
impromptu audience began applauding.
"Huh?" James gasped as if he'd been in a trance. "When'd you all get here?"
"Just a few moments ago," Hotaru said as James looked in her direction. She smiled as
her date looked her way. From his expression she knew he liked what she was wearing. She
raised the roses "Were these for me?"
James nodded, dumdstuck by the beautiful lass before him.
"You play very well," Michelle said.
"I dabble," He replied modestly.
"Was that peice something you wrote?" Setsuna asked, already guessing at the answer.
"No, it's a peice that is very old. I only wish I could write music like this,"
James stated as Amara entered the room dressed in a men's suit.
"Are we ready to leave yet?"
****
Two cars, a black corvette and a red Ferrari arrived about the same time at the
museum, though the Ferrari almost missed the museum since it was going at least twice
the speed limit allowed by law. Hotaru and Setsuna had decided to ride with James,
Hotaru since he was her date and Setsuna due mostly to her desire to arrive there
alive. For her part Michelle rode with Amara since she was her date and about the only
person who could keep Amara on good behavior.
"Here you go ladies," James replied as he held the door for his two passengers.
"Thank you James," Hotaru said singsongily.
"Thank you," Setsuna said.
About a five minutes later James stood next to Hotaru as he waited for the show
to begin. As it happened a large crowd of people had come to see and hopefully buy his
work. Unfortunately most of them seemed to be half asleep from the Art director's
boring voice. Hotaru included. Something had to be done.
"Excuse me Director, may I have the mic for a second?" James interjected.
"Certainly."
"Welcome everyone! My name is James Everwolfe, the artist who's work is on
display. I'm not much on words so I'll be brief. I paint in hopes of showing beauty,
not reality, so I ask you all to forget reality and for one night Dance in my garden of
dreams," James said as he handed the now turned off mic back to the director to a flurry
of applause.
"Very nicely handled," Michelle whispered as James escorted Hotaru into the
labyrinth of his paintings.
"Thank you," Came his response as Hotaru walked with him, her head rested
contentedly on his shoulder.
****
Serena sighed as she looked at the moonscape before her, Moonlight on Seatle it was
called. While she admired the beauty of the image, Darien seemed more intent on rambling
about Technical things such as line and form. Just then through the crowd Serena saw
something that caught her attention, Two people with raven dark hair admiring a portrait
of Hotaru Tomoe. Serena carefully walked over to see the portait. Before she got to the
painting however a familiar voice caught her ears.
"And you painted this just from memory?" The voice asked.
Serena's blue eyes widened. That's Hotaru's voice.
"Yes, my darling. I started on it the day after our first date. A tribute to the
most beautiful girl in the universe."
"Awww, that's so sweet," Serena cooed.
When the two turned around Serena noticed that the boy with Hotaru had violet eyes
just like his date. she also noticed the slight gasp he made as he looked at her.
It's the meatball haired girl from my paintings he thought as Hotaru ran through the
introductions.
"Serena! What a wonderful surprise!" Hotaru said as she and her longtime friend
hugged. "Serena I'd like you to meet James Everwolfe."
"Charmed," James said as he shook Serena's hand. "I hope you've enjoyed the paintings
so far?"
"Yes, you have a definite eye for beauty," Serena said as Darien finally caught up to
her.
"Have you seen my fantasy Art yet?" James asked apprehensively as he noted this Darien
person as being from his painting too.
"No, Darien's been too busy boring me with technical things about your paintings."
"I see," James stated. "Well I'll leave you and Hotaru to talk. I have to make my
rounds. You know how these art shows go. You have to talk to everyone."
****
Setsuna blinked. Then, looked again as her face continued to turn a bright crimson.
Yes, she was seeing right the first time. This was indeed a painting of her in a
compromising position with her lost love Lance.
"Can a person actually bend like that? " Michelle asked as she looked at the
picture.
"I guess so," Amara added as she tilted her head to the side as she looked at the
image.
"So, who's the guy?" Michelle asked.
"If you must know," Setsuna huffed. "He was a warrior from Mars."
"I see," Amara said. "Did he have a name?"
"Lance, the Flamesniper,*" Setsuna added as she remembered him.
"Judging by the color of your cheeks his title could have been 'the firestarter',"
Amara teased.
Setsuna, said nothing, though she did blush three shades redder.
Michelle looked at her friend. "From the look of you that hit a little closer to
the mark than we'd think."
"He was my first love, my only one," Sesuna said sadly. "And I miss him terribly."
****
The evening had gone without a hitch and all but James, Hotaru and her "family" had
left. If any of Them had thought that what was about to happen could, most likely they'd
have left with haste. suddenly. the heavy iron doors to the display room, now empty of all
but two or three paintings And five people slammed shut and locked as Canvesse appeared.
With lightning quickness it pulled what looked like a wall scroll from her bag and trapped
Michelle in it.
"Now you're Crystal Dream shall be mine!" The youma laughed.
One thought went through four minds all at once. I've got to transform and save her
but if I do, I'll have to explain things.
*The Lance the Flamesniper meantioned in this story is NOT the author, he's a character I
made up a long time ago. Just thought I'd cover that.