QUICK NOTES: To Lavitz44: Sean doesn't fully transform because he doesn't need to. He only whips out the best stuff in battles where it is ultimately necessary. Until then, he stays on low power, which is strong enough.

Dragoon Swordsman: That scene happened in FF8? Well, neither I nor Spike has played that game, so we didn't know. shrug

LionHeart5488: About the arrow thing…my bad :S


Chapter Nine: Far From Home

"Sean…Sean, wake up!"

Sean's eyes fluttered open. Sleep had not come easily for him this night, so he was unhappy about being awakened.

"What?" He grumbled.

"Get up!"

Sean suddenly recognized the voice. He rolled over and saw Melissa standing over him.

"Melissa? What are you doing here?"

"I think you'd better take a better look at where 'here' is."

He sat up and looked around. He wasn't in his house.

Heck, he wasn't in any human house! The structure was too odd, and yet it seemed somewhat familiar, like he'd seen it before.

"Where are we?"

"That's what we'd like to know."

"We?" Sean looked again. The other guys were on different beds all around the large room.

"The girls are all awake downstairs." Melissa explained. "We hoped you could explain it to us."

"I'm not sure." Sean admitted. He was about to get up when he caught a second glance of her. "What are you wearing?"

Melissa rolled her eyes. "Yeah, it came as a shock to me too." She had black outfit covering herself. It was unlike anything Sean had ever seen. "But I couldn't exactly walk around in what I wore when I went to bed. Still, I feel violated."

Sean looked at himself and found similar silver robes on him. They were very light. When he stood, he found he could move around in them very easily. It would make fighting easier. Black boots also covered his feet. The outfit looked very professional, a little too professional to be human-crafted. Sean checked for his Dragoon Spirit. He had it, but…

"Where's my sword?"

"I couldn't find my rapier either."

"Doesn't make sense." Sean said. "Take our weapons, but leave our spirits?"

"Maybe they didn't know what they do?" Melissa guessed.

"Maybe. Look, you go back downstairs. I'll wake the guys and we'll meet you down there."

"Alright." She turned away, and then stopped. "Sean?"

"Yeah?"

"You okay?"

Sean didn't like the question. "I'm fine. Go on."

As it turned out, each Dragoon was clothed in a garment matching the color of their Dragoon Spirit. The guys were filled with questions, but Sean didn't have many answers. The way of transportation up and down stairs was a very non-human device: A teleportation pad. It was a green circle in the corner of the room. The guys stepped on it and it teleported them to the lower level.

"Well," Brittany said, "We're not in Kansas anymore!"

"Ya think?" Robert played along.

"So does anybody have any idea where we are?" Christie asked.

"I don't know specifically, but I can tell you this city isn't human."

"Ya think?" Robert repeated, pointing out the window. Sean nodded. He'd seen it too. The small city was not towering with skyscrapers and office buildings like a human city would. It was composed of mostly relatively small places, about the size of normal houses. And they were fashioned in a way humans never could. In the distance there seemed to be a strange palace. But the thing that threw off the human-city theory was the fact that the creatures going around were not humans.

They were humanoid, but all had silver hair and silver wings of light. Some walked, but others flew. They were just going about their lives.

"What are they?" Brad asked.

"Winglies." Sean replied. "This is a wingly city."

"Seriously?" Ben asked.

"That does explain the architecture of this place."

"Winglies," Melissa considered. "But…how did we get here?"

As if on cue, the door suddenly opened. All eyes spun, ready to fight if necessary. It was a wingly woman. She seemed harmless enough.

"Ah, good." She said. "You're all awake."

Sean walked over to her. "Who are you, how did we get here, and why are we here?"

"I am Caron, we brought you here, and the third question will be answered by Miss Charle."

"Charle?" Sean repeated in disbelief. "Who?" Ben asked.

"Melbu Frahma's sister."

"Melbu Frahma?" Brad asked. "Isn't that the dictator wingly who tried to kill the Dragoons?"

"The same."

"You seem awfully calm about seeing his sister!"

"She's nothing like him." Sean explained. "She helped the Dragoons on a few occasions."

"Oh…"

"Please, come with me." Caron requested. Sean went right away. The other Dragoons looked at each other, and then followed.

The other winglies were surprised to see not only humans, but Dragoons! They all watched as the eight proceeded.

The wingly city was absolutely beautiful. Winglies had been known for their beautiful designs. The architecture was something no human could ever hope to accomplish. Caron led them through the glistening streets, across fine stone bridges over flowing, crystalline water. Lush, full trees of beautiful green leaves could be seen here and there and in greater quantities in the distance. The Dragoons were led up stairs to higher levels, leading to a grand palace of a home. They entered the building and made their way around the giant place until they finally entered two double doors, leading to a large dining area. The table was line with food and at the head, sat the many-millennia old, but still elegant, Charle Frahma.

"Welcome!" She greeted the Dragoons. "Welcome! Come, sit and eat!" She gestured towards the table. They all took their places around the table, but were hesitant. "Go on!" She encouraged. "Eat!"

"How do we know you didn't poison it or something?" Robert put in.

"You don't." Charle said, honestly. "But even if I did, Robby, Christie could heal you, couldn't she?" Rob couldn't argue with that. Besides, the food was tempting. They all began eating, all except Sean.

"What's going on, Charle?" Sean asked.

"Always so upfront." She sighed, still with a smile. "Calm down, the answers will come."

"They'll come here and now." Sean countered.

Charle chuckled. "Alright, then" She propped her elbows on the table, crossed her hands together and rested her chin on them. "What do you want to know?"

"For starters, how did we get here?"

"And what's with the outfits?" Brittany added.

"And where are our weapons?" Ben put in.

"We brought you here as you are, and those who understand humans understand that the clothes they wear at night usually aren't appropriate for daytime activities, so we dressed you in our own garments."

"And our weapons?" Sean asked.

"We've sent others to go for them, and they should be here later today, along with your clothing, but I invite you all to stay here for the day to prepare."

"Prepare for what?" Melissa asked.

Charle pushed back her food. "Honestly, I don't fully know."

"And what exactly does that mean?" Sean asked, remaining calm.

"We don't have any solid details other than this one fact: Something is coming." The Dragoons looked at each other.

"Yes." Sean said. "I've felt it."

"Then you have an idea of why we call you here. We are not sure what it is, but I feel that it is greater than the winglies."

"Do you have any idea what it might be?" Christie asked.

"No, but I do know where it's coming from: The Death City, Mayfil."

Sean's eyes narrowed. "Figures."

"What's Mayfil?" Mike asked.

"Hell on Earth, some call it. It was once a city where the winglies were able to send souls to the Infernal World."

"They…could do that?" Brittany asked, eyes wide.

"No longer." Charle assured. "Well…"

"Well, what?" Brad asked.

"Here's the situation: Mayfil was destroyed centuries ago, and thus, its power was shut down. But now, the city is alive again. It's not sending souls away like the winglies of old made it do, but the same evil is floating around." Charle shook her head. "Only a creature of great evil could awaken such darkness."

Sean thought about it. "How long ago did the city regain its power?"

"We did not feel it until around fifteen years ago, but it's been alive for some time since."

He thought some more.

"Once the city is brought to life, could it still be operated even without its igniter?"

"I believe so. Why? Do you have an idea of what happened?"

Sean nodded. "Zachwell."

A chill seemed to sweep the room with that name.

"I'm a little afraid to ask," Brittany admitted, "But who or what is Zachwell?"

"A demon among demons." Charle muttered darkly. "An infinitely foul creature. He is said to be the most vile and horrid thing to ever walk this earth."

"What about Melbu Frahma?" Melissa asked.

"Melbu was powerful," Charle said. "But Zachwell's soul-if you can call it that-is infinitely darker. He was said to be gone when the Dragoons defeated him centuries ago. But, Sean, you say he is alive?"

"He is, but not a threat to us."

"How do you know?"

Sean hesitated and leaned his chin on his hands. "He killed someone dear to me."

"Anna." Melissa said. "He's the demon, wasn't he?"

Sean nodded.

"Anna?" Charle asked.

"My step-mother. She was a wingly."

Charle's eyebrows rose. "Indeed? Amazing!"

"She used her powers to lock Zachwell away in a world of light; he can't hurt us anymore." The Dragoons were silent, remembering the feud they'd experienced between Sean and his father. "Anyway," Sean continued, "I figured Zachwell could start it and someone else continuing it."

"It would work." Charle agreed. "But we still must find out who it is."

"And whoever it is, it's very powerful, correct?" Ben asked.

"Correct."

"So what do we do?" Mike asked.

"Simple." Sean said. "We go to Mayfil and defeat the evil before it gets out."

"Simple indeed." Brittany rolled her eyes.

"But we shouldn't go until we have our weapons back." Sean said.

"So, what, we stick around here for a day?"

"Yeah."

"One question:" Mike brought up. "Our parents aren't exactly going to be cool with us disappearing suddenly."

"Don't worry." Charle assured. "We've sent decoys to play in your place until you return."

"Wow, you really though this out." Robert said with a monotone voice. "But, uh, what if we die?"

"You won't."

"So confident." He noted. "Such reassurance."

"Alright." Charle said. "Any more questions?"

The Dragoons looked at each other.

"No? Alright, then. Let's eat."

BOOM! The doors burst open and a familiar man strode into the room.

"Just what in the world is going on here!"

Charle looked at him. "Who might you be?" She asked politely.

"Hank McMann." He pointed to Sean. "His father."

A wingly came in behind him, out of breath. "He…he already knew." The wingly panted. "He demanded…I take him…to his son."

"Got that right." Hank said. He looked at Sean. "Hiding more from me?"

"I woke up here." Sean returned. "I didn't know this place existed until twenty minutes ago."

Hank looked at the wingly decoy, who nodded. He calmed a little. "Does anybody wanna tell me just where this place is and what we're all doing here?"

"I summoned your son and his friends." Charle explained. "I need them to defeat and uncertain evil dwelling in a dark city run by the demons."

Hank cocked his head a little.

"We're going to save the world." Brad explained.

"Ah…and, uh, how are you going to do that?"

"Dragoon Spirits." Melissa said.

"So…you guys are just gonna…throw yourselves into some unknown danger?"

"Yep." Rob said.

"But…how…and why?"

"We haven't worked out how," Sean said, "but as to why, we do this because we're the only ones who can."

Hank considered this. "And what are the odds you'll come back alive?"

Sean shook his head. "I don't know. But Charle and I suspect that whatever it is out there is very powerful."

Hank didn't like it.

"You can't stop me." Sean said, defiantly.

"I know." His father replied. "So I'm not even going to try." He turned and walked away, running his hand through his hair, frustrated.


After breakfast, Sean told the Dragoons they were going to train. As they left, Caron stopped Sean.

"You said Anna was your step-mother?"

"She was." Sean said.

"Incredible coincidence. She was a dear friend of mine. But…she's dead?"

"Killed by Zachwell's hands."

She looked remorseful, then chuckled. "It figures it would take such a powerful demon to defeat her."

Sean nodded. "She gave him a hard time."

"Anna was out and about one day when she found that Dragoon Spirit you are wearing. She said she wanted to go out into the world and find its owner. It seemed she found a family as well."

Sean didn't know what to say.

"Well, I'm sorry for your loss." Caron said.

"It's alright. I'm over it."

She nodded. "Alright then. Farewell."

Sean returned the gesture and she left.

"You're over it?" Sean turned and saw his father. "You sure?"

Sean thought for a little while. "I don't know." They were silent.

"Sean, listen." Hank said. "What I said last night…I didn't-"

"You were right, dad. You were right. I did take your son from you. I transformed him into this hard, defensive, fighting machine he is today. I'm not the son you knew."

Hank shook his head and put his hands on Sean's shoulders. "No matter what transformation you undergo, no matter how many secrets you withhold from me, you will ALWAYS be my son."

Sean looked at the ground.

"And up goes the shield." Hank sighed. "What's the deal? Can't you just tell me?" Sean thought long and hard, and then he did. He told his father everything. Sean hadn't confessed anything to his father since he could remember. It was a strange feeling. The words just flowed.

Hank and Sean were both silent for the longest time. Finally, Hank had to chuckle.

"You laugh?" Sean noticed, a bit hurt.

"Sorry, it's just…I get it now. I used to stare at you and just wonder what was going on in your head. Now, I know. Even if I can't fix it, I'm alright as long as I at least know the reason as to why you are."

Sean shrugged.

"Hey, Sean!" Melissa called. "We found a good place to train! C'mon!"

Hank looked at her and then at Sean. "Maybe she can help you."

Sean looked at her. "Maybe."


The Dragoons spent the day training as Dragoons, learning new techniques and uses for their abilities. In the mid-afternoon, the Dragoons received their weapons and a change of clothes, but they decided to stay in the wingly outfits until tomorrow. Hank was amazed at the kids' fighting abilities.

During the evening meal, they were dining with Charle again. Suddenly, the doors opened and a younger-looking wingly stepped in.

"Good evening, Ma'am." He said.

"Why have you left your post?" Charle asked. She turned to the Dragoons. "Michael, he was your decoy."

"I left as a result of circumstances beyond my or anyone's control." He looked at the Dragoons. "Michael, Melissa, may I speak to you two privately?"

The siblings looked at each other, then got up and followed the wingly.

"As I was saying," Charle continued, "We can teleport you all tomorrow with our long-rang transporter. It will take a good accumulation of powers, so many winglies will be focusing to transport all eight of you."

"And what about me?" Hank asked.

"We'll recover and transport you home."

"You didn't think you were coming, did you, Dad?" Sean asked him.

"Well, no, but I want to know what's going on. Any way I can still see what's going on?"

"I'm afraid not." Charle said. "You'll just have to trust that Sean will return."

"And by the way, Dad." Sean said. "You can't tell anyone about our Dragoon powers."

"I guessed, but why not?"

"The world isn't ready, plain and simple."

Hank shrugged. "Whatever."

"Feel free to wander about the city," Charle said. "You'll be sleeping in the same place tonight. Hank, we've created an extra bed for you."

"Thanks."

They soon finished eating and walked about the city for the rest of the night. The sun set quickly as the group split up and went all over.

Brad had been wandering around the city, just admiring the place when he found someone.

"Hey, Mike!" He said. Mike was sitting on one of the small bridges, just staring at the water below. He looked up at Brad, then back down. Brad sensed distress. "What's up?" No reply. He thought about it. "What did the decoy tell you?" Mike looked away. Brad sat down next to him. "Wasn't good news, was it?"

Mike shook his head.

"Wanna talk about it?"

He was hesitant, but he finally spoke. "My dad's dead."

Brad was taken back. He didn't know what to say other than, "How?"

"Got drunk again, then decided to go for a drive with his buddies. They went off the road and down a hill. Then, the car hit a tree. No one survived."

"I see…" Again, Brad was at a loss of words.

"That…idiot! What was he thinking!" His voice choked.

Brad looked down. There was a long silence. "So what now?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean what now? Where do you go?"

"According to the decoy, I have to go to my mom's now."

"Well…that's not so bad. I mean, you get to stay with Melissa."

Mike shook his head. "My mom and I aren't exactly on the best terms."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm still angry at her."

"Why?"

"She was the one to really break things up. Apparently, she couldn't stand living with an incompetent, ignorant man any longer. Bull. I later learned that a short while after the divorce, she was seen with another man already."

"Ouch."

"I never told dad. It would kill him." He hesitated at those words. "Not only that, but she was so fed up with my father that she refused visitation rights. I thought I'd never see Melissa again."

"But you did."

"Yeah, I did…anyhow, every time I happened to see my mom, she'd seem happy enough to see me, but I was never happy to see her. I much preferred my dad to her…of course, now I have no choice."

Brad looked at the water for a moment. He saw a couple ripples hit the water on Mike's reflection. Slowly, Brad reached his hand up and put it on Mike's shoulder.

"I wish there was something I could do to help."

Mike shook his head. "Just listening is enough." He shook his head and stood. "Can't let it get to me. We gotta fight tomorrow, you know?"

"Well, yeah, but, you know, it's natural to be distressed over a family death. In fact, if you aren't sad, well, you've got problems, usually."

Mike chuckled and wiped his face. "Thanks, Brad."

"Anytime, buddy." He shook his hand, and then gave him a hug.


Robert came into the home where the Dragoons were staying with a cloth bag in his hands. Brittany and Christie were sitting on their beds, talking.

"Hey." Rob said.

"Don't you mean, Lllaadiiees?" Brittany asked.

He gave her a look. "I haven't said that in weeks."

"…hey, you haven't…whatever. What's in the bag?"

"Charle let me stock up on healing items and stuff for free. I got a buncha stuff for the fight."

"How responsible and thoughtful of you." Christie noted. "What's going on?"

"What?"

"You're thinking of other people. Who are you trying to impress, the winglies?"

"No," He raised a brow. "I'm not trying to impress anyone. I just thought ahead, that's all."

Brittany looked out the window. "Holy cow, did a pig just fly by?"

Robert rolled his eyes. "Lay off."

Then, Melissa came in.

"Hey, Melissa!" Brittany said. "Pigs are flying!"

"What? Robert did something thoughtful?"

"What!" Robert exclaimed. The girls laughed.

"So, Melissa, what did the wingly tell you and Mike?" Christie asked.

Melissa's face grew remorse. "Our father's dead." Silence.

"Oh, Melissa, I'm so sorry." Christie stood and hugged her. Brittany joined in and they stayed like this for a second.

"Oh, wait, we shouldn't have a three-woman embrace." Brittany said. "Robert might attack us." The girls laughed again.

"Okay, that's it!" Robert said, throwing his arms in the air. "Look, I was a jerk back then, okay? I admit it and I'm sorry. I'm sorry being a selfish pinhead, I'm sorry for the cut-downs I gave you all, and I'm sorry for the derogatory comments on your bodies."

"Numerous as they were." Melissa said.

"I'm sorry. You're all very beautiful girls and don't deserve the crud I give you, now will you please stop judging me?"

"Wow." Brittany said. "He apologized."

"I'm out." He headed for the door as they laughed.

"Rob, wait." She stopped him. "We're sorry, it's just you DID give us a lot of crud."

"Yeah, I did. Again, sorry."

"But you're right. I've noticed you haven't made a sick comment in a while, or anything like that. You've really changed for the better."

"I figured I want you kicking the enemy's butt, not mine." He chuckled, the girls did to.

"But hey, you complimented us." Christie said. "That's new."

"I did?"

"You said we were beautiful."

"Oh…huh, barely noticed that…well, you are."

"Aww." Melissa joked. She walked over and hugged him. Robert hugged back awkwardly. "Yep, he's changed."

"Hmm?"

"You didn't try to grab my butt."

"Oh. Well, hey, that was a compliment too, you know, when I did do that. Meant you were hot."

"So were all your comments pathetic attempts to hit on me?"

"Yeah." Robert scratched the back of his head. "I, uh…kinda had a crush on you."

"You did?"

"Yep."

"Well…if you'd have just asked, I might have said yes."

"You would've?"

"Uh-huh…do you still have a crush on me?"

He thought about it. "Nah, not really, no offense. I'm not too hot for a girl who can kick my butt." They laughed. "Besides, you're kinda going for Sean, aren't you?"

She shrugged. "Kinda."

"Mm…well, good luck with that. If anyone can break that iron shell of his, I'm sure you can."

"Thanks. And you're cute." She kissed his cheek.

"Compliment and ask." Robert said, leaving. "Compliment and ask."

The girls chuckled.

"I'm gonna go find Sean." Melissa said. She left.

Brittany was getting bored and interested.

"Say, Christie. Wanna go boy-hunting?"

"Boy-hunting?"

"Yeah, we gals get to have our fun too, you know."

"Boy-hunting is not a game I play."

"Ah, c'mon! Don't tell me you're not interested in what Ben's doing!"

"Ben? Why?"

Brittany crossed her arms. "Yeah, right. You're interested in him."

Christie looked down, blushing. "Sorta."

"Then let's go see what he's up to!" She started leaving. Christie grabbed her shoulder.

"Wait! I don't know."

"What's the holdup?"

"Well…I don't even really know how he feels about me."

Brittany gave her a look. She was about to tell her about how Ben was head-over-heels for her, but then stopped, smiling.

"Well, there's only one way to find out!"


"Ben! Ol' buddy, ol' pal!" Brittany exclaimed.

Ben spun around. "Someone's perky."

"I'm always perky."

"Indeed you are." He rolled his eyes. "What's up?"

"Nothing, just hanging out with a friend." She strolled up next to him. "Whatcha thinkin' about?"

"Tomorrow, mostly. Kinda frightening."

"Mm. Maybe I can take your mind off the situation."

"I'd like that. What've you got?"

"Let's go find Christie. I'm sure you'd like to see her."

"Uh…Christie?"

"Yeah! We all know you're bonkers for her, right?" She emphasized the "right" so Christie, who was in hiding, could hear.

"Uh, well…well, yeah, but…"

"But what? C'mon, Ben! You've admired her from afar long enough. Why don't you just ask her out?" She was serious now.

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"It's not that simple."

Brittany thought. "What, you worried about her dying right after you finally ask her out?"

"Well, yeah, but…" His voice trailed.

"What is it, Ben?"

"I…I don't know..."

Brittany sighed. "Ben, you're totally nuts about Christie. I know it's a big dream of yours to be with her. But odds are it's not going to happen unless you tell her yourself. Let her know how you really feel. I know she'll go out with you. What's holding you back?"

"It's just that…"

"I'm your friend, Ben. You can tell me."

He sighed. "Alright. It's like this. You're right. I've admired her from afar for a long time. I love everything about her. I mean, she's beautiful…"

"Care to elaborate?" Brittany said with a smirk, trying to get more info for Christie.

"Curious, are we?"

"Sure."

"Well…" he was blushing now. "I love her hair. The color is a perfect, shimmering brown and I love how she wears it, kinda short, a few strands hanging over her face. Her eyes are so cool, staring down into your soul, but not seeming intrusive at all. Her eyes are a calm caress of kindness whenever she looks at me. She's physically fit, a great athletic body, stunning long legs. Her skin is so smooth and soft it's almost like touching a feather. Her smile always causes mine to show up. Her lips radiate a constant glow that can pierce any darkness." Ben sighed. "She's the most beautiful girl in the world."

Brittany was stunned by Ben's description. "Wow." She whispered. "That's really good."

Ben went on. "But it's not just about the looks, of course. Christie is a living light. Her personality alone heals any sickness of the mind. She's the most kindhearted person I know, willing and able to help anyone and everyone she can. She wants other to be happy before she is. She has conflicts with no one at all, never daring to seriously hurt anyone or anything. I know she would rather sacrifice herself than see her friends harmed; she would gladly give her life for anyone. She's never downhearted either. She always has that bright, positive attitude that can lift anyone off the ground and encourage them to continue their journey. Just being around her is a joy to anybody." He smiled. "She's perfect…I love her."

Again, Brittany was stunned. He really loved her.

"But that's the problem." Ben continued. "She is perfect in every way…at least that's how I picture her. I picture her standing there with a smile on her face and the world is aglow because of her, shining bright and full of life." His smile faded. "But when I try to put myself in the picture, next to her…the picture…seems to dim. It's like her radiance is hindered by something…by me. I always see myself sort of in her way, unintentionally. My presence weakens the picture…weakens her. I take away from it."

Brittany shook her head. "Ben, that's ridiculous. You don't take away from Christie."

"Not yet." He said. "But I dare not try." He turned and walked away, leaving Brittany in disbelief. She turned and walked to Christie, who was sitting down, also shocked.

"He elevates me to a level I do not deserve." Christie whispered.

"Well…he did describe you pretty accurately."

"But he gives himself no credit." A tear was starting to make its way down her cheek.

"You should talk to him."

Christie shook her head. "He will hide the facts of his feelings. He will not tell me the truth."

"You don't need him to tell you." Brittany pointed out. "You already know."


"Hiya." Melissa greeted Hank upon passing him. "Do you know where Sean went?"

"Nope, sorry. Odds are he went off somewhere to be alone."

"Always so solitary."

"Yeah."

Melissa wondered. "How long has he been like this?"

Hank snorted. "I hardly remember him otherwise. After Anna died, he was real sad, of course, but that then turned into solid remorse. Then he just kind of put up a barrier around himself and wouldn't come out. He grew more and more distant, not wanting to do the things he used to. He isolated himself from me and everyone else. He seldom talked, much less laughed. I thought I'd lost him." He looked at her. "How did you meet him?"

"Helped me take care of a couple of thugs. Not that I couldn't have handled them on my own. He told me he knew the secret to my necklace, so he brought me to the others, showing us all our powers. From then on, he was our instructor, up until school started."

"Strict?"

"Not necessarily. He was very calm and grim. You did things and you did them right, or else you did them again, that simple. He really taught us well, I think; he was a good teacher, but when practice ended, he shut himself up from the world. The rest of us would always have fun and talk, but he'd remain silent and stern. At times, it seemed like he was trying to avoid conversation."

"Been there. The kid seems to go out of his way to avoid people."

"I know. I just wish I could understand it."

Hank nodded. "Why don't you ask him?"

"Like he'd tell me."

"He told me."

"What? He did?"

"He did."

"Well, what did he say?"

Hank shook his head. "I don't think I should tell you. You should ask him yourself."

Melissa sighed. "Well, you're his father, of course he might tell you, but me?"

"He'll talk."

"How do you know?"

"Because I know my son. He wants you to help him. He just doesn't know how to say it."


After talking to Ben, Brittany began thinking about Brad again. All that talk trying to convince Ben to admit his feelings to Christie wondered if she should do the same to Brad. A wingly told her that was atop the roof of their "hotel," as it were. She climbed the stairs and saw him lying on his back, staring up at the sky. He was a handsome one, no doubt. She smiled upon seeing him, but he hadn't yet seen her, which gave her a playful idea.

She slid up behind him and put her hands over his eyes. "Guess who!"

He smiled and felt her hands. "Let's see. Feminine voice, soft hands, playful attitude, hello Brittany."

She laughed and lay down next to him. "Whatcha doing?"

"Just admiring the sky." She looked up with him. It was an unusually beautiful night. Well, in Ulara, it was always like this, but in the human worlds, it was a rarity. The stars were unbelievably numerous, even the smallest were able to be seen. The moon was full and glowing. The night sky was a sea of beauty.

"It's very pretty." She said.

"It is." Brad agreed. "You don't get to see this kind of stuff back home."

"I guess this is one of the perks of being a Dragoon, seeing places and things like this."

"Yeah." Brad thought. "Do you regret becoming a Dragoon?"

"Mm, not really. I feel good that we're doing something worthwhile."

"I know. Up until I met Sean, I felt like my life was just sort of wasting away. Now I feel I have a purpose in this world."

"I see. We Dragoons lead interesting lives."

"Do we ever."

Brittany was quiet for a minute. "Plus, I've made a bunch of new friends."

Brad gave a smile. "Yeah, me too."

"They're a cool bunch. I mean, Sean's all uptight, but he'll get over it. Ben's cool, Mike's great, Robert's learning. And then there's this Brad guy. I don't know about him."

Brad laughed. "Yeah, same with those, but I got a couple more. These three hot chicks. Melissa's the real kick-butt type. Christie is the kind-hearted one. And then, there's this Brittany girl."

"Mm-hm?" Brittany smirked. "What about her? She a sexy knock-out?"

"Oh, yeah, a real looker. She's a little wild, but she's a lot of fun."

They both chuckled, and then were quiet again.

"Look at the moon." Brad said. She did. "Over 800 years ago, there was another one, only much larger. The Moon That Never Sets."

"Part of the Virage Embryo."

"I know. I love that story."

"You were always fascinated by the supernatural."

"It always helped me escape my dull reality."

"You can't say that anymore, can you? Your life is just a little more exciting now, isn't it?"

"Yeah, just a little." He chuckled. "But things like this are still amazing. I can hardly believe it's all true, even though I'm living it now."

Another silence. "You worried about tomorrow?" Brittany finally asked.

"Terrified."

"Not even gonna be all macho about it?"

"Why lie? I'm scared to death. But you know what? I think we have a chance."

"So do I." She looked up. "Shooting Star!"

"I see it!"

"Make a wish!"

"What?"

"Just do it."

He shrugged and thought. "Alright. Did it."

"Me too."

"What did you wish for?"

"Can't tell. It won't come true."

Brad rolled his eyes. "Well I wished we all come back safe tomorrow."

"Hey! Now it won't come true!"

"Sure it will." Brad replied. "We'll all make it happen."

Brittany nodded. "Indeed we will." And they got back to star gazing.


Christie found Ben coming out of a building, just looking around the city.

"Hi there." She said. Ben's eyes shot open.

"Oh! Hi." She walked over to him.

"What's up?"

"Ah, nothing. Just, you know, looking around."

"Having fun?"

"Of course."

"Good." They were quiet. Finally, Ben spoke.

"Hey, Christie, uh…do you, uh…do you wanna, um…would you…do you think you…want to…" He gestured with his hands.

"Go for a walk?" She finished.

"Y-yeah! Yeah. Do you?"

"Of course." She responded.

"Cool, great." I am such a loser. He thought.

He's cute when he tries. Christie said to herself.

They began walking.

"Beautiful place." Christie said.

"Yeah." Ben responded, while looking at her. "Real beautiful."

"It's too bad we don't see more of these kinds of places anymore."

"I know. How can such beauty be forgotten? Ought to be a crime."

"Very nice."

"Hmm?"

"It's hard these days to find a man who appreciates beauty."

Do I ever appreciate it. Ben thought. "Um, thanks, I guess."

"It's a good thing. A lotta girls admire that." She tried hinting.

"You kidding?" He chuckled. "It's hard to find a girl who's not a total whore these days."

Christie shrugged. "Yeah, I guess."

"I-I'm not indicating that you're one." Ben quickly corrected.

She nodded. "I know, Ben."

They stopped on a bridge and Ben leaned on the edge.

"The water is so pure." Ben said.

"Isn't it?" Christie leaned next to him, close. "You can see all the way to the bottom."

"That's a funny fish."

"Where?" She pressed closer against him to see.

"It's, uh…right there." He pointed.

"Mm."

Ben was definitely noticing her closeness now. He liked it, but…what was she getting at? Did she really…?

"Ahem, all the, uh, sparkles in the water. It's almost like it's…made of crystals."

"Yeah." Christie agreed. "Real beautiful." Her hand slipped under his arm and touched his fingers. Ben froze. She slid her fingers in further and ended up holding his hand. Ben looked at her and Christie looked up at him, the crystalline water reflecting onto her smooth face. Her eyes shimmered like never before.

"Christie…" Ben whispered, his head leaning close to hers.

"Yes?" She beckoned, also moving in.

Her hair brushed his face. As they felt each other's breathing. Their lips brushed.

Ben suddenly pulled back, releasing her hand and looked back at the water.

Christie looked down. "Ben…don't you like me?"

Ben looked up at her. "Brittany tell you?"

"I heard everything, Ben."

His eyes perked.

"I heard your description of how you felt for me, and your inaccurate description of yourself."

Ben looked back at the water. "Is it so inaccurate?"

"Of course it is!"

"I don't think so."

"Why not?"

"I don't know. Every time I picture myself with you…it's like I take away from you." He lowered his head, so she couldn't see his face.

Christie gazed at him. "Ben, it's just the opposite. You add to my life every day."

He looked up at her. "What do you mean?"

"Ben, you're a great person to be with. You have your own sort of glow yourself, you know."

He shook his head. "No, I don't."

"Yes, you do, Ben! I love being around you!"

Ben was shocked. "You do?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I?"

"I…well, I…"

"You're a great person to be with. You were the first guy I really met who wasn't a jerk. I've admired you ever since."

He blushed a little, looking down. Christie moved up against him again.

"That admiration grew into something else."

"Are…are you saying…?"

"I really like you, Ben. I want to go out with you. I want to be closer to you. I want to stand by you for as long as I can."

Ben didn't know what to say. "I…I…um…I…do you…um, would you like to…th-that is, uh…do you wanna…uh…"

"To-"

"I'll get it! Do you…would you…do…I, uh…you…agh!" He punched himself. "Do you wanna go get something to eat? Ow."

She chuckled. "Was that your way of asking me out?"

"I guess."

"Well, there aren't many places still open, probably, but yes, I'll go with you."

"Okay. Good."

"And FYI, you don't need to hit yourself every time you wanna talk to me."

"Yes I do." He assured. "I'll never be able to say anything otherwise."

She laughed.


Sean was atop the highest roof of Charle's palace, gazing up at the moon. Tomorrow all their training would be tested. Tomorrow, his own strength would be tested. Tomorrow…so much was tomorrow. So much was on his mind.

"You can win a few staring contests," Sean turned. It was Melissa. "but I think the moon will still beat you."

He gave a small smile, the same little grin she had always seen him give; the most he'd dare show.

"What are you doing up here?" Melissa asked him.

"I wanted to be alone."

"Oh," She said. "I'm sorry. I'll go."

"No, wait. I didn't mean it like that."

She turned back around. "You're usually found alone."

"It's how I am."

"Why?" Melissa asked. "Why is that?"

Sean looked back over the city.

"Why do you shut yourself up all the time? Why do you isolate yourself from everyone else? Why do you turn everyone away or turn away from everyone? Why do you strive to be alone!"

"Because it hurts less this way!" Sean said more forcefully than he'd intended.

Melissa was stunned that he'd actually spoken to her on the matter.

"What do you mean?"

Sean turned from her again, not wanting to look at her as he spilled his story, the same one he'd told his father, with some changes.

"I never knew my mother. She died before I even knew she existed. Because I never knew her, that wasn't a problem for me, too much. I mean, I later wondered about her, but nothing intense. It was an issue for Dad, though. He was real sad, from what I hear. But when I was five, he realized he could be the best father in the world to me, but I'd still need that motherly touch. For my sake, and his own, he began dating again, but, of course, there aren't too many girls who want to date a man with a kid."

"That does tend to scare us." Melissa chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. She failed.

"But then he met Anna. He met her at a baseball game. She said she never understood the sport."

"Well, she was a wingly."

"But Dad didn't know. So, he tried explaining. She soon understood how to play, but her main point was that she didn't understand why they played. I mean, they get paid millions a minute while government officials get paid much less for doing much more important things. That one took a while for dad to explain. He finally just said 'Baseball players get paid more because everyone enjoys entertainment. But who likes politics?'."

Melissa laughed. "It's the truth!"

Sean nodded with a smile. "Anna laughed too…just like you did, in fact. She thought dad was funny, so she kept talking with him. One thing led to another and they got pretty close. They began dating and one day he brought her over for dinner. I liked her and she liked me. But more importantly," He held up the Dragoon Spirit. "The Divine Dragon liked me. Anna could hardly believe her luck. While dad was cooking, Anna stayed and talked to me. She put a spell on me, making me think like an adult."

"I remember." Melissa said. "It helped me understand some things about you. I always thought your brain was just a size bigger."

"Something like that." He said. "Anyway, she told me everything and we started our training." He stopped for a second. "You know, I later felt bad because I thought Anna only continued dating Dad because of me. But she reminded me that she'd decided to date him before even knowing I existed. I asked her why she'd dated him. After all, she should've continued searching the world for the Divine Dragoon. She said, 'I know I should've, but I couldn't help myself. He was just too cute!'."

Melissa laughed again. "Things can happen like that. And it's a good thing she did stop."

"I know. Well, she and Dad grew closer and closer until they finally married." For the first time, Melissa saw a little sparkle in Sean's eyes. "I was so happy that day. Whom I thought was the best woman in the world was finally going to be with us forever." A smile began sliding onto his face. "I loved Anna. She was a wonderful person to be around and a lot of fun. I considered her the mother I never had. Once I accidentally slipped up and called her 'Mom'. She was shocked, but honored, as well as touched.

"When it came to training, she wasn't too harsh, but she did make sure I learned. I could only learn magic for a while. She always talked about how she hated lying to my Dad, especially after they were married. I knew she loved him. She'd always thought that she'd marry a wingly, but was surprised how fast my father changed all that. While most women were turned off by the fact that he had a kid, she was impressed that he could carry me on for five years and started dating again mostly for my benefit. Dad told me he hadn't really been ready to date again until he met Anna."

Sean's smile had extended far past anything Melissa had ever seen. She dared not interrupt.

"Those two years with Anna…they were the best years of my life. I hoped they'd never end."

Finally, Sean's smile faded.

"But then…" He trailed off.

"Zachwell?" Melissa finished.

Sean nodded, and then shook his head.. "How did he know? How could he know? If I knew that answer, maybe I could have some peace." He took a deep breath. "Zachwell, he…"

"Sean, you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

"No." Sean said. "I need to."

Melissa nodded.

"I remember that day I hit a record distance with my cannon. The Divine Dragon was slowly, but surely breaking me in. I didn't hurt much to perform attacks anymore, unless I strained too hard. Anna finally let me have a break. We sat on a rock to catch a breather. We trained in a place a lot like our clearing, but without a lake." Sean's tone became grave.

"Then he came. I remember the feeling. It was like a cold wind blew through the entire forest. But it wasn't an ordinary wind. It pierced the flesh and chilled the bones and froze your very spirit. Fear began to fall over me, but Anna comforted me. The wind blew harder and became an audible voice. It laughed at us and said we were fools. He said Anna should have never brought me into this.

"Anna demanded Zachwell show himself, so he did. He threatened to kill us both, but Anna pulled out the Dragon Buster and fought him. The sword gave her an edge, but not enough power to conquer the dark lord. I tried helping, but my attacks only irritated him. He blasted me back and I could no longer help her.

"After a while, I thought Anna had a chance, but then Zachwell pulled off a demonoid stunt. With his own blood, he unleashed a monster which poisoned Anna severely. Zachwell saw his victory at hand, but she surprised him. She sprung an attack and sealed him in the world of light, for him to suffer forever and ever." Sean's face grew pained.

"She could've used that magic to heal herself, but…the strain of attacking only hurt her more. I ran to her and wished to God that I could help her. She told me she couldn't help me anymore; that the Dragon would train me from there on out. Then she gave me one last request: Find them. Find the Dragoons. Then she died."

"And you did." Melissa reassured. "You found us."

"I did." He said. "I did." He looked down. "Anna was the closest a person had ever been to me other than my Dad. She was like…no, she really was my mother. When she died, it…it hurt so much. I never wanted to feel that pain again. But I couldn't prevent anyone from dying, I learned that from Zachwell. So I put up a wall. I refused to let anyone go near me again, as not to feel the pain when they should die. It worked. I lost touch with the world. I lost my feelings. I became numb, unable to feel anything at all. I forgot how to laugh, for got how to cry, forgot happiness. I became a grim fighter, who knew nothing but battle."

Melissa couldn't argue with that one.

"I don't want to be a grim fighter anymore." Sean said. "I want to remember laughter, I want to remember happiness…I even want to remember how to cry. I want to remember…emotion."

"You're already on your way." Melissa said. "You feel regret, remorse, and sadness. You feel a longing."

"But at the same time," Sean said. "I don't want to feel pain like that again."

"Sean, odds are you can't have both. You're going to feel pain, it's part of life. But you know the difference now?"

He shook his head.

"Now you have friends to help you get through the pain."

Sean's body seemed to twitch, bound-up emotion ready to burst.

"Melissa, I…I…"

"Yes?"

"Last night, after you all left, I…I found how he knew. Anna left a hologram telling him everything. She…she left me one too."

"Have you seen it?"

"No. I was afraid it would hurt too much. But…I…I want to see it. But then again, I…I don't want to see it alone. I…I don't think I could handle it."

Melissa nodded. "I'll watch it with you when we get back home."

"No." Sean said. "It's here. The wingly who took me sensed its power and brought it to be examined. It's…he put it by my bed."

"Alright, then." Melissa said. "Let's see it." She slid her arm into his. "Come on."

"Thank you," He whispered.

Melissa gave a small smile. The lost child inside Sean was finally coming out.


Melissa led the nervous leader back to their temporary home and they sat down on his bed. Sean pulled it out from under the bed and looked at it for a long time.

"Go ahead." Melissa encouraged.

Sean nodded and pushed the button, then put it on the ground. The device came to life, glowing and swirling, projecting an image of Anna.

"I don't think she looks like me." Melissa said.

"It's the eyes." Sean reminded her.

"Hey, kiddo." Anna said in the hologram, somehow looking straight at Sean. "If you're seeing this, I'm gone already. I hope you actually get this hologram. I made it as a sort of 'just-in-case' item. On the battlefield, I may not get to properly say goodbye, you know? So I decided to do it here."

Sean gripped the bed sheets tightly.

"If I don't get to tell you, you need to find the other Dragoons, all of them. Yours is the most powerful, but you'll need the entire group to be unstoppable. Find them. I know I can no longer train you, but you must continue. Hey, Divine Dragon! He's yours now. Teach him well."

The Divine Dragoon Spirit glowed in response.

"Don't worry about telling your father about all this. His hologram will tell him everything. He will be angry and confused, no doubt. Let him be. He will understand soon." She sighed. "I hope my dying does not affect him too badly. And I hope the same for you too, Sean. I know you and I were close too." She chuckled. "Remember when you accidentally called me 'Mom'? I almost cried because of how you thought of me. And I, too, thought of you as my own son."

Sean's jaw clenched tightly, about to snap in two. His facial muscles strained to their limits.

"These were great times for me, Sean. I hoped they were for you too. But do not let my death burden you. Go on with your life. Be happy. Live like a child should. Have your own life." She smiled. "Live well, my son. Your mother is with you. I love you. Goodbye." The hologram turned off.

Melissa looked over at Sean, who was gripping the bed sheets so tight that veins were bulging in his arms. She put her hand on his arm, lovingly. With the touch, Sean finally cracked.

He put his hands in his face and wept bitterly. Melissa put one hand on his arm and the other on his opposite shoulder and leaned her head on his side, slightly crying with him.

After a while, Sean asked through the tears, "Why?" He sobbed. "Why do you stay? After how I treated you all? You tried to be my friends and I pushed you away as hard as I could. Why do you stay? You, Melissa…I know how you felt about me, so I tried pushing you harder. After all I put you through, why do you stay!"

"You're right." Melissa said. "You did treat me terribly. I should have left."

"So why did you stay?" He asked again.

Melissa shook her head. "I couldn't help myself." She smiled. "You were just too cute."

Sean let out a mix between a sob…and a laugh, the first laugh she'd heard from him.

Melissa held him there for a little while longer, letting him release his emotion, doing her best to comfort him. Soon enough, he calmed down and took several breaths, then lifted his head up and wiped his face and hands.

"Yeesh." He said, sheepishly. "How embarrassing."

"Appropriate is correct word."

He smiled, a real smile. "Thank you, Melissa."

"What are friends for?" Melissa smiled.

"I just can't believe you really stuck by…you're a true friend, all of you are."

"You did so much for us we wanted to do something for you, too."

"And I'd like to thank you." Sean said. "For all you've done for me."

"You're very welcome."

"No, I mean…" Sean's voice trailed.

"You mean…?"

"Um…you'll have to excuse me. I've never done this, so I'm probably not too good."

"Never done what?"

"This." He moved in and kissed her. Melissa was sent to heaven instantly. She kissed him back for as long as she could before having to breathe again.

"Wow." She said. "For someone who's never done it before, you're really good!"

Sean smiled. "If I do something, I try to do it right."

"You know, I once heard that you're never perfect at something until you can do it five times straight without error, and if you screw up just once, you have to start all over."

"Deal." Sean said, moving in again. But before they could kiss again, the teleporter flashed and the guys came in.

"What powers did Batman even have?" Mike was arguing. "None! Without that tool belt of his, he's nothing!"

"What were Batman's weaknesses?" Robert countered. "None! Superman? A green rock!"

"Kryptonite! But at least a bullet couldn't kill him."

"Don't you know anything! Bullets couldn't touch Batman!"

Ben came up and put an arm on either of them. "I say 'screw you both'. Spiderman kicks serious butt."

Melissa looked at Sean. "Guys really argue about that kind of stuff?"

Sean shrugged. "Apparently."

"I'll go downstairs." She said. "See you tomorrow."

As she passed, Robert had to ask. "So what were you two doing?"

Sean kicked back. "Something you'll never have the liberty of doing."

"Oh, getting personal?" Robert asked.

"Yes we were." Sean smartly replied.

"Don't you need gonads for that?" Robert smiled.

"Yes you do. And once you get some, girls will crawl on you."

"OH!" Ben said. "BURN!"

"Holy cow." Robert said, amazed. "Did I just get burned by Sean!"

"I think so." Brad said. He looked at Sean. "Since when do you burn people?"

Sean shrugged. "Since a minute ago."

"What's that?" Ben asked, pointing to the hologram disk.

"Hologram Anna gave left for me that I just found last night. Melissa and I watched it."

"What was on it?" Mike asked.

"It was just a formal goodbye and all."

Robert nodded, more serious now. "Still miss her?"

"A little, but I think I'm finally over it."

"Alright. We were kinda worried about you."

"Yeah?" Sean asked.

"Sure, you put up a wall around yourself." Ben said. "That ain't healthy."

"I suppose. Melissa kind broke the shell."

Robert got back on track. "And you broke her-"

"Rob!" The guys said.

He laughed. "I'm kidding! I'm kidding! That's really cool, man."

"Thanks."

"Girls have ways of doing that." Ben said with a smile.

"What did you do?" Mike asked, noting Ben's smile.

"Got official with Christie."

"It's about freakin' time!" Robert exclaimed. "How'd it happen?"

"My own business." Ben said. Then, he waited. "Rob, haven't you anything to say?"

"Nah, I wore myself out on Sean."

They laughed.

"YOU wore out so easily?"

"Yeah, according to the girls, I seem to have lost my touch."

"To an extent." Sean said.

"Of course! You can take the jungle out of the tiger, but you…wait, something's not right there."

They all laughed.

"Whatever," Robert said, "I'm still me. You can't change it." They all agreed. "So what about you, Sparks?"

"What about me?" Brad asked.

"You hit it off with Brittany?"

"What? No!"

"Why not?"

"Cuz I can't!"

"Again, why not?"

"Cuz…I'm too nervous!"

"Oh, come on!"

"Hey, forgive me for not being as 'aggressive' as you."

"Forgiven. Nobody is."

Mike spoke up. "Just tell her how you feel, man."

"And if she doesn't like me?"

"Then I can hit on her." He smiled.

The teleporter activated and Hank popped up. "Hey." He said. "What're you kids talking about?"

"How our lives suddenly revolve around women." Robert said.

Hank laughed. "Get used to it, kids. That's what it's going to be like for the rest of your lives."

"Oh, God, tell me you're kidding." Robert groaned.

"I'm afraid not." Hank sat down. "You spend the rest of your lives trying to please them. You'll get shot down a lot, probably more than you deserve, and pretty soon you'll grow to despise all women for up to two years until your buddies take you to a club and to-ahem-'re-interest' you, which is a cliché for, as they said at that club, 'get your freak on', and you'll fool around for a while until you finally find Miss Right, but at first she won't think you're Mr. Right, so she'll probably break up with you, so you sell your soul to impress her, and somehow, she falls in love with you and at long last wants to marry you."

Sean stared at him. "Is that what you did with mom?"

"No, her sister."

The guys burst out laughing.

"Your mom just got jealous and stole me away." He laughed. "No, I'm kidding. She didn't steal me. I actually ran to her."

"To escape her sis, right?" Ben asked.

"Yeah!"

They all laughed again.

"You know," Brad pointed out, "It's hard to believe we can all laugh like this when we're probably gonna die tomorrow."

"What, you think the end of the world can crush our spirits?" Rob snorted. "Ain't no way, man!"

"And after the fun we've all had tonight," Sean said, "I highly doubt any of us is gonna let somebody else die."

Robert added, "Not without kicking their butts for ruining the fun." They laughed once more and would continue laughing long into the night.


Melissa met up with Christie and Brittany downstairs.

"Did you know guys really argue whether Superman or Batman is cooler?" She asked.

"I don't get it." Christie shook her head.

"Neither do I." Brittany said. "Spiderman tops both of them."

Melissa and Christie stared at her. Brittany just shrugged.

"You wanna understand guys, you have to enter their world."

They laughed. "Speaking of guys," Melissa said. "What happened with you and Brad?"

Brittany sighed. "Nothing. I chickened out."

"Chickened out? You?"

"I know! All my cockiness goes to waste!" She flopped down on her bed.

"Just tell him how you feel." Christie said.

"I gave signals." She said, pathetically.

"Are you kidding?" Melissa snorted. "Guys aren't intelligent enough to understand any signal that doesn't involve sex unless they made it up."

"True." Brittany admitted. "How do you get a guy to notice you while keeping your shirt on?"

"Nothing you're willing to do." Christie said.

"Well, maybe nothing you're willing to do." Brittany laughed. "Ah, I've lost my touch."

"Ah, don't say that." Christie said. "You've just got your mind set on someone. You always feel like a failure until something happens and something will happen."

"I hope so. I'm tired of window shopping for this guy." They all chuckled. "But what about you and Ben, did everything go okay with you two?"

"Yeah. I convinced him he didn't weaken me in anyway and that in fact, he strengthened me. We had fun."

"Yeah?" Brittany asked. "What did you do?"

"Found a place that was open and ate a little. We talked for a while about lots of stuff."

"Judging by the size of that smile, you really enjoyed it."

"Yeah." She blushed. "Ben's a really great guy and I'm glad we're together finally."

"Aw…" Melissa teased.

"Oh, shut up." Christie laughed. "And how goes your love life?"

"Oh, great!" She flopped onto her back. "I finally broke the shell!"

Brittany sat up straight. "Seriously?"

"Yes! I got him to spill his story, and then I worked from there." She was grinning from ear to ear. "I saw him smile for the first time, oh, he has a great smile." They laughed, and then she got serious. "Anna left him this hologram that basically just shattered him. He finally broke down and cried right there."

"Sean?!" The girls exclaimed.

"Yeah, it surprised me too, but it was good for him, finally being able to release all the pent-up emotion."

"So what happened afterwards?" Brittany asked.

Melissa's intense smile return to her face. "He kissed me."

"He kissed you or you kissed him?" Brittany checked.

"He kissed me!"

"Whoa! Really?"

"Yes! I could hardly believe it myself!"

"Incredible!" Christie said.

"So," Curious little Brittany inquired, "How was he?"

"Best ever for me." Melissa said with a nod. Her smile looked like it would break off the sides of her face. "God, he is so hot!"

They laughed again.

"Yeesh, since when do our lives revolve around guys?" Christie asked.

Brittany raised her hand. "Mine always did." They chuckled. "But it has gotten a little crazier."

"Ever since Sean moved to town, everything has, hasn't it?" Christie asked. "Who'd have thought that one new kid could change us so much?"

"Or that we could change him so much." Melissa added.

"But after tonight?" Brittany concluded, "It's all worth it. I mean, we have the hottest and coolest guys at our disposal…"

"What a great term, 'disposal'." Melissa said.

"And," Britt continued, "We get all these awesome powers, including flight, we're meeting winglies, whom we thought were extinct, and we get to save the world!"

"Yeah." The other girls agreed.

"Plus the Dragoon outfits are really hot." They laughed. "Hey! Christie! Did you see how big Ben's eyes got when he saw your armor?"

She blushed.

"I'm serious! What, you haven't noticed?"

Christie's face grew redder. "I guess…"

"You guess?"

She hesitated. "Alright, I spent many a night transforming in front of the mirror, surprised at how good I looked."

"There, see? Don't be ashamed, you're hot!"

"That's really strange coming from another girl."

"You know you like it." They laughed again.

The end of the world could be coming at any second, but the minds and spirits of these teenagers could not be strayed. They would talk, they would laugh, and they would keep each other in high spirits. They were all friends. It's what they did. Nothing could change that.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I like the way we beefed up the Ulara scene. The Dragoons' spirits are very high and soon, they will launch their attack on this unseen foe. Who is it? Find out in the next chapter. What did you guys think of this one?