A/N: Okay, here's the second chapter. Again. Pleeease read and review!!! Btw, thanx to Rod G. and Black-as-Knight14 for reviewing.
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Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
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By the time the four Jewel Riders had reached their designated meeting spot, tempers had cooled somewhat. Drake, realizing that visible attraction toward Tamara might not be the most helpful for the situation, left her side and casually made his way over to the Imperial Princess's side. She seemed content making small talk with him, and even made an off comment to Tamara just as they were walking into the pavilion area. Fallon stayed by herself in the back, knowing that any more helpful advice of hers might backfire and serve only to complicate the problem even more. Instead, she brushed her shoulder length hair out of her eyes and looked through the masses of people for her Companion.
Finally, she saw him. "Moondance!" she exclaimed half to her herself, and quickened her pace toward the awaiting unicorn. The others finally caught sight of their Companions as well, and followed Fallon's example, eager to reach them as quickly as possible.
After a small amount of pushing through the crowds, the four Jewel Riders reached their partners's sides. After silently greeting them, the teens turned to each other once more. "Why are we here?" Tamara inquired. "What could have been so urgent that we had to meet at once?"
Her Companion was about to answer, but was cut short by a passing Imperial official who stopped and bowed to them. "Good afternoon, Jewel Riders. I assume that you all are prepared for the ceremony today. It is expected to start in a matter of minutes."
The eight friends glanced uneasily at each other, not quite sure how to respond. Finally, Gwen reacted. "Pardon my asking, but what ceremony is this? There are none scheduled until the passing of Cyronile, and that isn't for another two months. Surely we would have been informed of any new holiday or celebration that came to be."
The official looked uncertainly at the princess for a moment, and the let out a good-natured chuckle. "Her Majesty is truly kind-hearted, giving us Imperial workers a good laugh just when we need one. I thank you kindly, and wish you luck in this afternoon's big induction. The Cadets will have a hard time living up to the standard that you eight have set."
Bowing once more, the Imperial official left to stand his post, leaving the eight Jewel Riders as confused as ever. Drake had once more drifted over to where Tamara was standing, his time of peace-making with Gwen over. He whispered something into her ear, earning a soft giggle from her. She playfully punched his shoulder, to which he faked immense pain and agony. Gwen and Fallon couldn't help but smile; seeing Drake "hurt" was something rare indeed.
He wasn't very tall for his age, but his solid, muscular frame made him appear bigger than he really was. He had light skin, like everyone in The Imperial City, but it was well-tanned from the many hours that he spent outside. His short, spiked auburn hair complemented his tan skin perfectly, and his kind yet mischievous eyes were of the same shade. He had a handsome face, but was far from being the Adonis of The Imperial City. He was destined to go on to become Gwen's husband, the King of The Imperial City, after their terms as Jewel Riders have expired. Needless to say, he was less than excited about this arrangement. It's not that he didn't like Gwen; it's just that he likes Tamara more. To him, Gwen was more like a friend and work partner.
Suddenly, Sunstar exclaimed, The Cadets!
The remaining seven Jewel Riders stared at the mare. She was Gwen's Companion, bonded to her as all Companions are, with human and animal each possessing one half of a magical jewel that connected their thoughts and emotions. She herself was bonded to the Imperial Princess with the Sunstone, a perfectly clear, yellow stone. It matched perfectly with the shade of gold that was Gwen's hair and Sunstar's flowing mane and tail. The mare herself was the last of the winged unicorns, with a pearly white body, and wings that started out white and faded into pink at the tips. Her horn and hooves consisted of a yellow crystal like that of the Sunstone.
"What are you talking about, Sunstar?" Gwen asked her. "We don't deal with the Cadets until they begin their final training."
No! the mare insisted. Look over there. They're there.
The seven others looked, and, sure enough, the four Cadet Jewel Riders were standing by the entrance to the inside of the pavilion, looking frightened and nervous.
The induction! Moondance suddenly exclaimed. The induction for the Cadets is today! That's why we're here!
One by one, seven pairs of eyes opened wide. They had all completely forgotten! Today was the day that the nine year-old trainee Jewel Riders would become official Cadets, and the Jewel Riders had to be there to swear them in. No one had reminded the eight of this event, so they hadn't remembered.
Then, they saw the Queen's procession come around the bend and toward the pavilion. "Oh no!" exclaimed Gwen. "Everyone, transform! Now!"
Even though tensions were high, everyone listened. The eight of them formed the Transformation Circle, and Gwen and Sunstar stepped into the middle. "Gwenevere, Sunstar, Transform!" Their jewels detached themselves from their holders to rise above their heads and come together as the one original Sunstone. Then, it shattered into two beams of blindingly bright yellow light, one engulfing each of them. After a few moments, the light dissolved, leaving the girl and her Companion in their Jewel Rider armor. Gwen's armor was pink, and covered her face, lower arms and legs, and the front and back of her torso. Sunstar's attire consisted of a pink saddle with flecks of gold in it, and bottomless golden saddlebags that always had whatever was needed. Having finished their transformation, they stepped back into the circle.
"Fallon, Moondance, Transform!" In the middle of circle as well, the two's jewels joined as Gwen and Sunstar's had, forming the Moonstone, and split in the same fashion. When the purple light dissolved, the girl and her unicorn were also in their armor. Fallon's armor was made in the same fashion as Gwen's, only it was purple. Moondance, however, had a very unique set of armor. It consisted of a long, flowing turquoise saddle pad with purple streaks, a purple saddle with silver binding and flecks, and a purple face mask with silver binding.
"Tamara, Pearl, Transform!" Having finished their transformation, Fallon and Moondance had rejoined the circle, and Tamara and Pearl had come into the center. Their jewels combined into the Heartstone, and shattered with a pink light. When it dissolved, Tamara had armor that was a mint green color, similar in design to those of Gwen and Fallon. Her Companion, Pearl, had an iridescent pink saddle and face ornament. They stepped out of the center, making way for Drake and Thunderbolt to come in.
"Drake, Thunderbolt, Transform!" When the forest green light that was produced by the shattering of their combined Foreststone faded, they too were transformed. Drake's armor consisted of a breastplate, two protective arm plates, and a helmet. Thunderbolt's only change was a rugged-looking metal mask.
Finally, all four Jewel Rider pairs had transformed. When they came out of the transformation trance, they could hear the cheering of the people of The Imperial City who were gathered in the pavilion. They had seen the spectacular lights, and knew that their beloved Jewel Riders were soon to be seen.
An official came and directed them to their places in the procession into the pavilion. Gwen and Sunstar and Drake and Thunderbolt led the procession side by side, followed by Fallon and Moondance, and finally Tamara and Pearl. The Queen and her Companion immediately followed the Jewel Riders, riding beside the King and his.
As they got in order, Fallon turned in the saddle and saw the four Cadets standing behind Tamara. They would proceed to enter after the ceremony had been started. As she looked the four of them over, one in particular caught her eye. She got a feeling just by looking at her, but she had to put it aside until later, for the gates to the pavilion were opening. The ceremony was about to begin.
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Okay, there it is. Please please please review!!!