THE OUTLAW

Chapter 3: "The Fateful Step"

By Bill K.

While her stunned sisters watched her, unable to say a word, Jun-Jun shuffled over to a chair and sagged into it. After a moment, she looked up when she realized there were presences near her. Sure enough, Cere-Cere, Ves-Ves and Palla-Palla stood over her. They were curious, yes, but they were also concerned about her and that made her once more bless the day she'd met them in the orphanage in Sao Paolo.

"Jun-Jun," Palla-Palla began timidly, "Palla-Palla thought you said you were in love."

"I think I am," Jun-Jun replied, whispering as if a bomb would go off.

"Then why are you so scared?"

She glanced at Palla-Palla. The poor girl just couldn't understand. Cere and Ves sensed her turmoil and the reason why, even if they didn't know specifics. But Palla-Palla only saw the world in the eight primary colors, not two-hundred and fifty-six. Mercifully Cere-Cere interceded.

"What kind of a guy is he, Jun?" Cere-Cere asked.

"Gorgeous," Jun sighed, "and he knows it. And he's a thrill-seeker. You know what we did when we flew off in his air-car?"

"After you buzzed everyone on the beach?" Ves-Ves inquired.

"Yeah," Jun-Jun smiled self-consciously. "We went speeding through the air traffic patterns, weaving in and out of flight traffic. He had to have been doing twice the limit. We outdistanced two of the king's observation drones and nearly caused a midair crash over the western residential district."

She glanced at her sisters. They were all staring at her, stunned - - even Ves-Ves.

"And you want to know the weird thing? I don't think my heart has ever beaten that fast! Not even when we're on missions with the Princess. That's why I think I'm in love. I've never been this excited - - by anything!"

"Jun, you're not going to see him again, are you?" Cere-Cere asked. "He sounds like trouble!"

"No, I'm not going to see him again," Jun-Jun replied, the melancholy clear in her voice. "That probably wouldn't be a smart thing." She gave them a grin that seemed like a wince. "After all, I'm the smart one, remember. I'm the one who's supposed to be the good example for you three."

She could see the sympathy for her in their faces. It was comforting on one level, but at the same time it made her feel uncomfortable.

"Anyway, I doubt Quad even remembers what I look like," Jun continued, disappointed. "I'm probably just one more - - fawning - - girl to him."

"Quad?" Ves-Ves posed.

"That's his name - - Quadrel." Jun-Jun snorted. "I'm probably better off, huh? Guys like him are - - are nothing but trouble."

Cere-Cere nodded, but Jun-Jun didn't notice. She did notice when Palla-Palla touched her arm.

"Palla-Palla is sorry that Mister Quadrel Sir wasn't nice to you," the girl said, her arms timidly behind her and her balls swinging slightly from her head. Jun-Jun reached out and hugged her.

"It happens, Palla-Palla," Jun-Jun whispered. "It happens"

Haruka entered the quarters she shared with Michiru and Hotaru, flushed from exertion. She had just finished running in the new simulated track produced by the Tokyo University Science and Technology Department. The university, recognized the world over as one of the planet's three great academic institutions - - thanks to the generosity of the royal family and the work in the 28th century by then university president Ami Mizuno to expand and toughen academic standards for faculty and students - - was a haven for the young and inventive and often produced new technology to enhance both life in general and life on a more personal basis. At Ami's suggestion, Haruka had tried out their latest breakthrough.

"You look like you had a workout," Michiru smiled as she went to greet her mate. The green-haired musician perched on tiptoes and gave her love a kiss. It was short-lived. "Haruka, you're all sweaty! Didn't they have showers at the university?"

"I decided to wait and shower up here," Haruka replied, stripping off her warm-up jacket to reveal the tank top below. Then she leered at Michiru. "I figured you might want to share it with me."

"Not this time," smirked Michiru coquettishly. "You don't know how to keep your hands to yourself."

"That's never been a problem before," Haruka continued to leer.

"We have company," Michiru informed her.

"Oh," scowled Haruka. "I suppose it's 'that boy' again?"

"No," Michiru smiled, wrinkling her nose at Haruka. "It's the Princess this time." Michiru walked back into the kitchen to check on her cooking meal. "So what was this 'virtual track' specifically?"

"It was weird," Haruka replied, sitting at the bar overlooking the kitchen. "The whole thing was in a room no bigger than this kitchen. They rigged up a sort of treadmill for you to run on, then projected a 3-D image of a regular oval cinder track. You run on the treadmill and I guess some computer adjusts the scenery to make it look like you're running on a real outdoor track."

"Fascinating," Michiru commented. "That would certainly come in handy. Given the premium on land use in so many countries around the world, particularly here in Japan, a 'virtual track' would be a very economical method of providing athletic venues. I would think you could apply the same technology to just about any sport." She gazed up into Haruka's eyes. "So did you like it enough to want one for our quarters?"

"Not really," Haruka shrugged. Brushing her sandy blonde hair out of her eyes, she said, "I could tell I was running on a treadmill. The holographic technology didn't really fool me. Call me old-fashioned, but I know what it's like to really run on a real track. And I missed hearing the wind speak to me as I ran. Maybe folks today don't know what they're missing, but I do."

"Old-fashioned," Michiru teased and received a sharp kiss on the lips from Haruka.

"So why's the Princess here?" Haruka asked. "Are they in there gossiping about teenage stuff or is Hotaru nursing her through the latest crisis to end all crises?"

"Usa seemed a little distressed," Michiru informed her. "I'm only guessing, but I think she had another spat with her parents."

Haruka chuckled. "It's amazing how that kid can bring out the tiger in Serenity."

"And Endymion," added Michiru. Then she grew a wicked grin. "Of course YOU wouldn't know anything about being an over-protective father."

"I don't see how threatening to castrate that boy if he so much as touches my little Firefly is being over-protective," Haruka volleyed back. Michiru shook her head.

If only she knew for sure that Haruka was teasing.

Inside Hotaru's room, she and Usa were talking about a myriad of subjects - - everything, it seemed, except the Princess's escapade at the beach that day and the reaction her parents had to it. Hotaru was dying to know what had happened, but didn't ask. Usa would tell her when she was ready.

"Hotaru," Usa said out of the blue and by the subtle shift in mood Hotaru could tell she was ready, "do you think I, well, shouldn't have worn that suit to the beach today?"

"Well," Hotaru began, memories of the suit making her uncomfortable, "I certainly wouldn't have worn it. But then I would never get up on a stage and sing to people, either." She tried to read her friend's thoughts as she answered. "How did your parents take it?"

"Well Mom practically accused me of being a pleasure complex worker," the pink princess grumbled. "Pop acted really weird, though. I could tell he was mad, but - - it was more. I don't know what it is, but I've never seen him like that."

"Maybe you hurt him somehow," Hotaru offered.

"Hotaru, it's just a swimsuit!"

"But Usa, it was so revealing!"

"OK, I left one of my breasts uncovered. So what?"

"Obviously he doesn't see it that way. I don't know why. You'd probably have to ask him."

"I think I'd rather jump into a volcano," Usa grumbled. "Hotaru, was I wrong to do it? Tell me truthfully."

Hotaru looked down. "I don't know. You're very pretty, Usa. I can't blame you for wanting to show that off. But if doing that hurts someone you love, maybe it is wrong." Hotaru sighed in frustration. "I don't know, Usa. I'm only sixteen. There's a lot of questions I don't have answers to."

"It's OK," Usa smiled warmly, grasping her friend's hand. "Thanks for listening, huh. You don't know how much that means to me." Usa got up with a frustrated sigh of her own. "Well, I have to get back."

"Did you want to stay for dinner? Michiru-mama won't mind."

"I'd love to, but I can't. Mom 'grounded' me and she actually sounded like she meant it. I don't think she's going to wuss out on this one."

At her quarters, Usa paused at the door. This was going to be a tense night. For a moment she thought about turning around and running off to Elysian. Helios would understand. But her resolve intensified instead. Running away was a sign of the old, childish her. If she ran,
it would be proving that her parents were right not to trust her judgment, that she wasn't mature. No, this time she would face them, no matter how ugly it might get.

"I'm going to my room," Usa announced as she entered the royal chambers.

"Very well," Serenity replied cooly. Boy, this was serious. Her mother always caved in before. "And I don't want you traveling to Elysian in your sleep, either. You're still grounded."

"Whatever," grumbled the princess. Her door hissed closed behind her.

In her dreams, Usa found herself in a primitive setting. It took her a moment to recognize the place. It was the Tsukino kitchen in the twentieth century. Usa stopped and ran her hand over the formica countertop, the cream colored wood cabinets, the stainless steel sink, all things alien to someone from the thirtieth century - - someone anyway who didn't have cherished memories of them and the woman associated with them. Taking a moment, Usa bathed in the glow of memories of her Ikuko-mama and the love and kindness she gave to a lonely little girl a long way from home.

"Maiden," she heard Helios whisper and whirled to face him. Hungrily the teen jumped to him and hugged him, her embrace returned. Impetuously they kissed, joyous at first but as it continued it grew hungrier and more impassioned. Finally, reluctantly, they parted.

"I wish we were kissing for real," Usa sighed. "Um, I don't think I'm supposed to be seeing you."

"I am aware of the queen's edict," Helios assured her, then smiled slyly. "She forbade you traveling to Elysian. She said nothing about us meeting on neutral ground."

Usa giggled, then kissed him again. His body felt so good against hers and once more the yearning began. But this time it was muted.

"Again you are troubled, Maiden," Helios said when their lips parted. "May I assist you?"

"What do you mean 'again'?" Usa pouted. Helios pecked her on the lips.

And the whole story flooded out. When she was done, Helios cradled her head securely against his smooth chest.

"Was I wrong?" she squeaked.

"It is difficult for me to answer this, Maiden," he replied. "I know both the animal mind and the human. My Pegasus side cares little that I wear nothing and doesn't see the reason for clothes. Yet I have a human side as well and it understands the mores of society. If this were Elysian, no one would look down upon you if you discarded your clothes. But it is not Elysian."

Usa snuggled closer to Helios, trying to drown her melancholy with his presence.

"It is hard, too, to answer without knowing your heart in this matter," he continued. "If you did this in rebellion against social rules and beliefs that you find antiquated and needlessly restrictive, there is nothing to condemn you for." He stroked her hair as she pressed to him. "But know this, my Maiden - - rebellion has its price and if you are not prepared to pay it, perhaps you should not attempt it."

Troubled, Usa continued to press to her love's chest and listen to his heart beat.

"Know also, my Maiden, that no matter what may transpire from this incident, my love for you will remain unchanged."

"Thank you," Usa whispered. She kissed his breastbone and he caressed along her arm.

"Would I have liked you in this costume?" Helios asked after a time.

"I hope so. Next time I'm in Elysion, I'll wear it just for you."

The princess felt Helios kiss the top of her head. If only she'd never wake up.

Breakfast in the dining hall was a strange affair. Usa sat at one end of the table, brooding about her dispute with her parents. Cere-Cere sat in the middle, mooning over Gallan. Hotaru sat across from them both, silently sympathetic to both their problems, for she too had disputes with her parents and she too missed her own Yutaka. Jun-Jun was at the other end, depressed and silent. Everyone by now had heard about her encounter with the alluring bad boy. Ves-Ves glanced from one sister to the other and grew more depressed by the minute. Even Palla-Palla could sense the mood of the group and she devoured her frosted cereal more slowly than usual.

"You guys are pathetic," grumbled Ves-Ves. "You wouldn't catch me depressed over a guy."

"That's only because no guy would be caught dead with you," sniped Cere-Cere.

Palla-Palla giggled in between bites.

"And you," Ves said to Jun-Jun. "You're better off without this guy. He sounds like a selfish loser!"

"I know," Jun whispered. She seemed to be consciously trying to distance herself from the rest of the group.

"It'll be OK, Jun-Jun," Hotaru offered.

Cere-Cere heaved a dramatic sigh.

"I don't know how you two do it," she said to Hotaru and the princess. "I get so depressed every time I'm away from Gallan. Don't you hate being apart from Yutaka?"

"Sure I do," Hotaru shrugged. "But there are other people that I like being with, too. I just make do with them. I love Yutaka, but he isn't the only thing that defines my life."

"Yeah," nodded Usa. "It's even harder for me, because Helios is in Elysian and I only get to see him in person a couple of times a year. But I've got other people I like, too, and being with them helps me not think of how much I hate being away from him."

"Yeah, it's a little thing called 'perspective', Drama Queen," sneered Ves-Ves.

"You can't even spell 'perspective'!" huffed Cere-Cere.

"P-E-R . . ." Ves began, then halted - - then reddened. "Who cares how it's spelled!"

Palla-Palla giggled again.

"Shut up, Stupid," muttered Ves-Ves.

"Well, we better be getting to class," Hotaru suggested.

"Uhhh, do we have to?" groaned Cere-Cere. "Today's Biology."

"Biology's fun," Hotaru maintained.

"Remembering all of those classes and sub-classes and sub-sub-classes," Cere-Cere frowned. "Yuck."

"We did it in Botany class. You didn't complain then."

"Botany's different," Cere-Cere maintained.

"Palla-Palla gets to make shapes into pretty pictures today," Palla-Palla announced. "She can't wait."

"See? Why can't I get her lesson plan?" Cere-Cere asked.

"Because Palla-Palla is special," the girl beamed. "Miss Makoto-Ma'am told Palla-Palla so."

"Come on," Ves-Ves said, getting up from her chair. "They'll probably dock us for being late. I'd really like to avoid shrine maiden duty for at least a week or two - - especially the way Hino-sensei feels about me."

"Makoto-san's teaching today, isn't she?" Usa asked. "She's pretty light on the discipline."

"Sensei Kino-sama and biology?" chuckled Ves-Ves. "That ought to be good for a few laughs. She's as bad with Latin as I am."

"At least it isn't Sensei Aino-sama," Cere-Cere smirked. "She'd probably get to organic reproduction and start telling dirty jokes."

Hotaru blushed at the thought while the others gathered their bags. The group moved off almost as one.

"Hey Jun," Ves-Ves said, looking back at her sister loitering by the table. "You coming?"

"I'll catch up to you," Jun-Jun replied. "I have to go back and, um, get something."

Ves-Ves nodded and headed out with the group. Jun-Jun watched them leave, then turned and headed for the main door out of the palace. It had been a harrowing morning. Deception was difficult enough, but when one of your sisters could read minds, it was unremitting tension. Throughout the morning Jun-Jun was dreading Palla-Palla's concentration slipping for just a moment and the truth coming out.

For Jun-Jun wasn't going to school. She was going to be with Quadrel - - if he'd have her. She knew it was a gamble. She knew she risked getting hurt. She knew she risked the scorn of Quadrel and his pack, and the disappointment of her sisters, peers and mentors.

But all of that paled before the thought of never being in his magnetic presence ever again. She'd tossed and turned all night despairing at her decision to never see him again. When she'd risen that morning, Jun-Jun knew that she couldn't carry out the promise.

She had to see him again.

Continued in Chapter 4