Reloaded

by Sokai

Everyone yearns for a new life at one time or another. For one particular girl and her five, fellow friends this desire comes to full fruition, as they suddenly find themselves experiencing the adventure of a lifetime . . . or two.

4. Act 3

Reloaded

By: Sokai

Disclaimer: I, Sokai, do not claim ownership to the workings of W.I.T.C.H. -- I leave that honor up to Elisabetta Gnone. Nor do I own one of Takeuchi Naoko's most beloved manga/anime/live action series, "Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon." However, I can and DO claim to own this story and its inspired ideas FROM said series, in addition to the original song, "Starlit Destiny," which may/may not be habitually featured later within future chapters.

Note: Yay, FINALLY, this story seems to be picking up more notice and support – I THANK you for that, as each act hasn't exactly been only two pages long or something, ya know?? I completely understand how reading a rather long chapter can drain you and make you either forget most of what you'd wanted to review, and thus, prevent you from reviewing at all. But I'd really appreciate the feedback, nonetheless, if at all possible.

I'd recommend reading this chapter in sections, as it is EXTREMELY long. LoL

Enjoy!

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This chapter was created/written in May 2009.

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ℓ Act 3 ℓ

Another week had come and gone, with a brand new one already nearly finished. It was a mid Wednesday evening, with everyone within the Brown household settled within their individual, chosen areas before retiring for bed.

As per usual, both Mr. and Mrs. Brown were curled together upon the loveseat, watching their usual primetime programming scheduled for that particular weekday with much enthusiasm, while conducting relative, although still friendly debates over the various fictional characters flashing across the screen.

The way the couple continued to carry on, so peacefully and obviously in love and happy, it was at times hard to fathom, even to the family's newfound feline pet, that their only child and formerly just as carefree daughter was now enthralled within frequent battles with dangerous foes, who would wish to disrupt that very same peacefulness.

The peacefulness of all those living upon the earth, at that.

Csilla gave a small, fatigued yawn as she quietly left the family room where Elyon's parents were continually nestled together, and lazily made her way towards the girl's bedroom. Although ever vigilant for any sort of up rise within malevolent activity, as well as continuing to locate both the remaining Guardian Soldiers and their lost princess, it was nice to be able to lounge about for a change.

After all, even Csilla needed her rest, and to mayhap catch up on a few lost catnaps.

And she was absolutely certain that Elyon was most likely thinking along the same lines, as it had been yet another week or so since their last encounter with an Entity, and their newfound foe apparently behind deploying them all, Deite.

I am quite positive both he and the rest of his Entities shall return, and soon, with a fierce vengeance . . . but at least now, Elyon has help in Taranee Cook . . . Sailormars, the furry feline thought to herself in growing confidence and self reassurance, as she crept silently down the wooden hallway. I can only hope that we will be able to find the other Guardians soon. . . .

"'Starlit destinny! This time I won't be denied! Starlit destinny! Boy, one day you will be mine!'" Csilla could hear Elyon belting out in song and into the closed atmosphere of her bedroom, as the female animal softly used one of her tiny paws to push open the partially sealed door.

"Oh, yeah . . . not a care in the world, this one has," Csilla murmured softly in exasperation, pointed ears arching sharply back at the dual sounds of loud, fairly familiar music and singing. She gazed up at the unsuspected blonde's back, who continued on within singing along to one of her favorite Cornelia Hale tracks, and bounced gaily about the bedroom while facing one of her poster walls of the singer in question.

Csilla couldn't help but smile at the ongoing spectacle just then, finding that she rather preferred a more happier Elyon, than an overly worried or moody one in contrast . . . especially now that the girl's two week punishment had recently drawn to a close, and she was now allowed to resume hanging out with her friends at their usual spots like before.

Of course, it also didn't hurt for Elyon to have told her folks the lie that she had found a tutor within Taranee, or that they actually knew all about the girl's prestigious genius, as well, the blue-gray cat thought in reflection to several days ago, when the Browns' daughter had happily told them all about having met one of Vesta's Academy for Girls' top students. Now, let's see if Taranee really won't help Elyon out with her studies, after all, or else the girl will be grounded for most of the school year. . . .

Suddenly, Csilla felt herself jump in disquiet, as her thoughts had effortlessly gotten torn through by the abrupt cry emitting through the room.

"Ack!! Csilla!! You can't just sneak up on people like that -- Especially while they happen to be singing, rather candidly, at that!!" Elyon cried at her guardian, upon whirling around to unexpectedly look upon her, before immediately rushing toward her newly returned CD player to turn it off, mid-song. She then turned back around to face the now softly chuckling feline, and blushed furiously in further abashment. "Try knocking or something next time, eh?"

"O-Oh, I-I'm sorry, E-Elyon . . . but I w-wasn't aware that your blatantly loud singing wasn't an invitation for others to easily hear you," Csilla responded amidst uncontrolled giggles, before calming down and moving towards the still mortified and now grumpy teenager. She affectionately rubbed against Elyon's bare right shin and ankle and softly began to purr in apology. "Oh, come on now, Elyon -- I was only teasing. I'm actually pleased to see you in such high spirits again . . . it certainly makes you far less difficult to hang around with during the day, or sleep with during the evening, anyway. . . ."

Despite the continued jeers, however playful, at the blonde's expense, Elyon did not retaliate verbally or physically, and merely smiled softly as she bent over to scoop up the suddenly affectionate feline, her previous upset now effortlessly fading away.

She had to admit that, despite her seemingly incessant and sometimes unwanted bossy attitude, Elyon found herself growing increasingly attached to the talking animal, and it seemed to be quite mutual . . . although neither party would ever admit to it outright.

At least, for now, anyway.

Elyon carried the continually purring, enchanted cat over to the blonde's traditionally unkempt bed, and carefully plopped herself onto it.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Csilla. . . . But, you know . . . I don't really know why, but I've just been feeling really positive lately. I mean, it could probably just be because I'm finally free from my monstrously bogus punishment and have all of my electronics back inside of the room now," she began with a thoughtful smile, looking down at her guardian, whose eyes immediately closed as Elyon began to scratch underneath her furry chin. "Or . . . I dunno. I guess it's also or mainly because we've found one of my teammates . . . Taranee Cook. I haven't seen or gotten to talk to her again since our first battle together, thanks to being so busy with school and still being grounded at the time . . . but she really does seem so nice and sweet! Right, Csilla??"

Csilla slowly cracked open her green eyes upon hearing her name, and lightly nodded in agreement, as Elyon then turned her attention onto the cat's head and began stroking it slowly.

"Mmhm . . . I agree, Elyon. . . . I, myself, have not been so lucky to catch Taranee since that day, either, as she's never been alone for very long at either her school or home when I'd go visit. I'd dare say that she's a rather busy girl -- Something you could take a page from, hmm??" she replied in former relaxation, before promptly being gently thrown off of her charge's lap and onto the bed at her side.

"There goes that negativity, again. You don't know when to quit, do you?? I'll have you know that I'm plenty busy now, thanks to you and turning me into a crime fighting sideshow! And, before you'd come along, I had every intention of joining the art club at my school, as I love to draw and have been told by many people who've seen my art that I'm really good," Elyon revealed with a deep scowl, blindly gesturing towards her bookshelf in the near distance, which housed various leisurely books and schoolbooks, in addition to several old and new sketchbooks. "But, of course, you wouldn't know about that, as you're always too busy putting me down!"

Csilla lightly gasped at this, and then softly pouted in effect, before gently resting a paw upon the obviously hurt girl's thigh.

". . . . I'm sorry, Elyon -- Really. I will try not to say such things any longer, all right? I only have at all, because I wish for you to be the very best you can be, the way your parents do for you, as well," she apologized a bit awkwardly, although her emerald colored eyes shown with fierce loyalty and kindness.

Elyon, surprised by this, peered down at the female cat with slightly widened eyes.

". . . . Yeah? Because . . . because you only want me to be the 'very best' Guardian Soldier I can be for you, though, right??" she asked with skepticism laced within her soft voice, watching as Csilla swiftly shook her head.

"Not at all. I know you think that I'm purely obsessed or concerned with our mission, of finding the remaining Guardians, our missing princess, and the mystical Star of Threbe, in order properly fight and destroy the growing evil forces who have set their sights upon the earth . . . and while that is still very important a task, I do still wish for your happiness, as well, Elyon. Yours, and Taranee's," she said with a growing smile, before leaning forward to lightly lick the girl's bare arm in further apology. "After all, it isn't everyday that one is saddled with such a monumental responsibility and destiny as this -- Especially not young teenagers. I understand all too well how unfair this has been to ask this of you . . . but it was something simply unable to be avoided. . . . Still, as a small way to make up for it, I actually have a surprise for you girls, that I'd like to show you tomorrow once you've finished school. . . ."

Elyon instantly perked up, her briefly returned sourness now evaporated.

"Really?? Like what?? What is it?? Wait a sec! How can a tiny kitty plan any sort of surprise, anyway?? Unless it's more battles with those creepy Entities. . . . Never mind! Just tell me!" she pressed excitedly, picking up Csilla once more and held her above her blonde head as she gazed up at her. "But, wait. You said a surprise for me and Taranee, right?? How will she know to meet us tomorrow, when you said you haven't been able to get in touch with her much since our battle together??"

"She will, because I was luckily able to contact her earlier today while you went out for ice cream with your friend, Alchemy. I'd remembered that she would most likely be at her dance lessons -- Although they seemed as though they had been canceled -- so I'd simply waited for her there and let her know. Poor girl -- Still only just getting used to encountering a talking cat," Csilla explained with a soft exhale in reflective sympathy, before Elyon replaced her back onto the bed.

"Well, of course! One, it's just plain unnatural, and two, you said it, yourself, that neither of us have had much time to talk to her, sit her down and fully explain everything that's going on. We'd only managed to give her the highlights version after our fight together, before her ride showed up," Elyon remarked with a small nod, rolling onto her side to face the pondering feline. "But, at least we can take tomorrow as an opportunity to take care of that . . . and I can take it as an opportunity to get to know her better, and let her know how much I really appreciate and am glad she's now a part of the team. Ooh, I can't wait until tomorrow now, Csilla! I'm gonna turn in right now!"

Csilla gasped in utter surprise at this, blinking furiously with widened eyes, as she watched her usually-late-to-fall-asleep charge roll over onto her other side and covered up, before reaching out to turn off the lights and then promptly closed her eyes to sleep.

Wow . . . maybe I should plan surprises for her more often, then, she thought in bemusement, softly creeping down towards Elyon's covered feet and curled up next to them before dozing off, herself.

---

"Aww, man, I'm gonna be late -- Again!! How can that even be possible, when I'd gone to sleep far earlier than usual last night??" Elyon squealed in exasperation to herself, nearly stepping on Csilla, as the pair dashed down the otherwise empty hallway together the next morning. "I can't believe you hadn't managed to wake me up, yourself, Csilla, as you usually do! It actually could've been a big help, this time!"

Even Csilla, despite having retired at nearly the same time as her charge, had managed to awaken a tad later than usual, and so was in no position to chastise the now frantic, pigtailed girl. She had her own concerns to focus on for that day, and had to rush out of the house as swiftly as she could in order to finalize the last minute preparations of the surprise she had planned for her two, currently found Guardian Soldiers.

"Running late again, I see, young lady?? You're lucky that your father isn't home to witness this," Elyon suddenly heard her mother unexpectedly call out to her at her left, upon entering the kitchen the girl expected to be empty, as per usual around that time of the day.

Elyon nearly jumped right out of her skin, before skidding to an abrupt halt and turning to face the older woman, who sat, rather comfortably, it seemed, at the kitchen table with a steaming cup of creamed coffee placed before her.

She was still dressed within her pink, silk nightgown, with a robe draped around it, and her medium length, auburn colored hair was partially undone from the loose bun she had tied it within the previous evening before bed. In her hands was an open newspaper, which she leisurely perused through up until that moment, before slowly lowering it to gaze upon her surprised daughter more properly.

"What? Didn't expect to see your dear, ol' mother here, now did you?" Mrs. Brown queried with a small smirk, before picking up her warm cup and took a slow, but generous sip of her French vanilla flavored coffee.

Elyon promptly shook her blonde, always-messy head.

"Well, no, actually. Aren't you supposed to be at work right now, Mom? And, h-hey! If you were here the whole time, why didn't you wake me up??" she asked with a light frown, moving towards the refrigerator to get a quick glass of orange juice as her only form of breakfast that day.

Mrs. Brown merely gave a soft sigh at this, and lightly chuckled.

"And aren't you supposed to be in school right now, missy?? I did try to wake you up -- Three times, in fact, but, as usual, you didn't heed my calls. You're lucky it isn't super late right now in all honesty, or else you'd be in trouble with your teachers -- and your father, for sure," she retorted with a knowing smile, watching her daughter lightly cringe in front of the open fridge. "And as for your ever curious wonder, my child, your mother decided to take a day off from work, today, as she's been working way too hard, lately. Besides! Just look at it out there! Far too beautiful to spend cooked up inside, as always!"

Elyon couldn't help but giggle, herself, upon hearing this, turning away from the refrigerator and setting down the carton of orange juice onto the kitchen island before her.

"Talk about setting a good example for your kid, there, Mother. What, pray tell, shall it cost you to keep my mouth shut to dear ol' Dad about you playing hooky??" she playfully threatened, moving over to the cabinets to retrieve a clean glass to pour her beverage into.

"About the same that it shall cost you for me to keep my mouth closed about your waking up late again, and so close to your having newly been released from your grounding punishment, too . . . hmm, what a shame," Elyon's mother countered with a mockingly thoughtful air after setting down her coffee cup back onto the kitchen table. "And anyway, I'm a grown woman; I can and will do as I please, without anyone to answer to -- Especially not your father. Besides that, he already knows."

Elyon rolled her eyes as she poured a generous amount of orange juice into her crystal clear glass, before turning around to return the carton to the refrigerator.

"Okay, okay, truce. Anyway, if it's so beautiful outside -- Which it is and as usual, really, yes -- then why are you still in your jammies, and not out there, enjoying it?" she inquired of her mother after taking a large swig of her citrusy drink, moving around the island and towards the table where the older woman continued to sit.

"Because I'm too busy enjoying this cup of coffee of mine, while reading the newspaper, my sweet," Mrs. Brown replied with a grin, turning the page of the article she'd been gazing upon as though on cue. "In fact, I've just finished reading something I think may interest you, 'O Teenager-Who-Avoids-Any-Sort-of-Current-Events-Which-Isn't –About-Her-Beloved-Cornelia-Hale-Like-the-Plague.'"

Elyon grunted into her orange juice as her only reply, as she took another sip and continued to stand next to her mother, expectantly now. Just then Csilla, who had been temporarily forgotten by the blonde within her haste to finish getting ready for school, had suddenly reappeared, as she'd jumped expertly onto the table and sat next to Mrs. Brown's newspaper.

Rather than be upset that the family's new pet had just then helped herself by settling upon a place where they frequently rest food and eat upon, Mrs. Brown merely chuckled softly at the sight, and gently stroked the furry animal in greeting.

"O-Oh, good morning, little Csilla! Apparently you'd like to listen to the news, too??" she asked the tiny cat without expecting an answer (even though it honestly could have given one, unbeknownst to her), before picking it up from off of the table and placed her upon her lap and continued to pet it. "No table jumping for the kitty, though! Anyway, apparently the princess of Marsily, Princess Étaín, is coming here, to our very own Heatherfield, to present her royal mystical treasure to the public for the very first time! It's to be televised and everything! Isn't that exciting??"

Csilla's green eyes narrowed and her tiny ears perked up and lightly twitched upon hearing this, as she continued to sit upon Mrs. Brown's lap. Her mind already began to swirl with newfound thoughts in regard to hers and Elyon's secret mission, wondering whether or not this particular princess and her apparent treasure could be what and whom the fluffy cat had been continually searching for.

Regardless, I plan on finding out exactly that, Csilla thought in silent, determined resolve, lightly nodding to herself as she began reading the article about the Princess of Marsily for herself, while Elyon, meanwhile, abruptly scoffed.

"Wait a second. Why would this princess choose Heatherfield -- Choose Florida, of all places, to present such an apparently prestigious and prized treasure for the first time, for??" she wondered aloud, finishing the rest of her orange juice and setting down the empty glass onto the kitchen table.

Mrs. Brown lightly sighed at this, it being her own turn to roll her eyes.

"I'm beginning to wonder where our taxpaying dollars are going, if my daughter, whom I know is smart -- Albeit a tad lazy and absentminded, at best -- doesn't even know something as obvious as that," she remarked with another exhale, before reaching out for her half empty coffee cup. "I've always known that both history and geography hasn't exactly been your strong suit, just as it never had been mine, admittedly, but you could have at least paid better attention when your teachers had undoubtedly taught you children about the various countries America is allied with! And before you ask, yes, Marsily is obviously one of them, and they are with whom the U.S. does a lot of trading with -- Particularly exports of Florida's orange produce. So, it is no wonder why the Princess would have chosen this state -- Most likely at her family's coaxing, I'm sure -- as the site for the premiere unveiling of her treasure."

Elyon merely nodded slowly in growing understanding, before readjusting the book bag which had been upon her yellow tank topped back the entire time.

"Hmm. . . . So, then, why did you say this would be interesting to me, Mom?" she asked with a growing simper, especially after her mother had playfully hit her on the arm.

"Ya know, it's too bad that my daughter isn't a princess like the Queen's is, because then I wouldn't have to deal with such insubordination," Mrs. Brown remarked with a light guffaw, before finishing the rest of her coffee and stood from the table with Csilla now carefully within her arms. "I'd said that it would interest you, because it says here, that in addition to presenting her royal treasure and having it televised when the time comes, Princess Étaín is holding a grand ball in its honor and celebration. And it's all happening this weekend, at the royal embassy over on Mara-Roice Avenue!"

At this, Elyon's periwinkle colored eyes lit up and she gasped sharply, as she jumped up and down in her place.

"Oooh, no way! A ball? Like, a real life, royal ball?? And right here, in Heatherfield!! This is the biggest thing to happen to this sleepy old city since . . . well, I can't remember! Ohhh, I wish I could go somehow! Is it open to the public??" she asked her mother, who smiled warmly back at her, as she had been expecting such a reaction from her daughter upon learning of the ball.

Being her mother, Mrs. Brown was naturally privy to a lot of interests her only child held, including having always held a rather curious and inexplicable fascination, ever since she was little, with grand balls and other such venues of that nature.

"Yes, it is, honey, but only by invitation. That is, we 'common folk' can attend the Princess's ball, but unless we either somehow know her personally, are affiliated with her in some way and are sort of important, ourselves, or are with the press, I'm afraid we couldn't get in even if we'd tried bribing someone. . . ."

Elyon pouted, and exhaled heavily.

"Well . . . at least I can see what her treasure will look like on the TV, as a small consolation," she murmured, more so to herself, in reassurance, before gazing down at her wristwatch to look at the time. She gasped sharply. "Ahh!! Mom! What'd you have to go and start gabbing away with me, for?? Especially about a real life princess ball I can't even go to?? I'd better hightail it out of here right now, or else I'll definitely be late, for sure!! See you later!!"

Mrs. Brown merely chuckled after her daughter as her only reply, as she watched the dishwater blonde retreat from the kitchen and scurry out the nearby front door. Just then, Csilla softly mewed up at the older woman, before lightly beginning to wriggle around within her protective arms.

"Huh? Oh, would you like to be put down, Csilla? Probably to follow after Elyon again, hmm? I swear, you've been attached to that girl's hip ever since she'd adopted you -- How adorable," the auburn haired, married woman commented to the grayish blue, squirming cat, before bending over to release it from her arms. "There you go, now. Have fun, now, pretty kitty! I'm off to take a shower!"

Mrs. Brown gave a quick pat and a wave goodbye to the fluffy animal, and briefly watched it scamper away and towards the open kitchen window to leave, as predicted, before she, herself, turned and left the kitchen to head into her master bedroom in order to begin her day.

---

"You do realize that I am not at all pleased with your most recent failure, yes, Deite? Seems to be becoming a most recent and unfortunately common trait of yours, wouldn't you say?"

Deite immediately cringed at the sound of his master's ever calm, yet icy tone, after he'd appeared before the older man at his beckoning. The redhead crouched, obedient and respectful, as always, before his master within his dark and dank throne room, and silently cursed himself repeatedly for his secondary failure, once again perpetrated by the ever irritating Sailormeridian.

Damn her straight to hell . . . her, and that little bitch who'd somehow burned me . . . Taranee, he thought bitterly, his gloved hands clenched tightly in mounting ire, as he kept his head bowed in ongoing, personal shame, in addition to respect towards his fair haired master. I will get my revenge on them both . . . I don't care what I have to do to have it!

". . . . and I have a right mind to simply do away with you, once and for all," Deite could hear his ruler continue on within his lilting, yet fierce and reprimanding threats, breaking through his troubled thoughts in the process.

And just in time, too, it seemed, causing the crimson haired young man to promptly rise to his feet and begin pleading for his life.

"N-No! T-That is, please, my master! Please allow me the proper chance to prove my worth to you! I know I will definitely find the Star of Threbe for you, yet!" Deite spoke hurriedly in nervousness, while his mind rapidly began thinking of ways to save his life. And then, he'd suddenly recalled something he'd recently come across prior to transporting himself to the older man's domain. "I-In fact, I've just come across something which I believe may interest you tremendously, master! Y-Yes! It seems that apparently some princess possesses a rather mystical treasure . . . one that she plans on unveiling to the masses within the coming days! P-Perhaps it could be the Star of Threbe we are searching for?"

Deite watched within relief as the fair haired man partially silhouetted before him gave a slight nod, light blue eyes now twinkling within intrigue while he continued to stand at his usual spot in front of one of the throne room's stained glass windows.

"Hmm . . . a princess and her mystical treasure, eh? . . . . Sounds promising," the soft blonde haired, vile man murmured in reflection, while steadily peering out of his window and into the vast darkness that his barren and broken, yet still very proud kingdom laid out before him. "Very well, then. Go forth, Deite, and seek out this so called 'mystical treasure' for me at once. Oh, and do try not to fumble it up, as always, yes?"

Deite vigorously nodded in compliance, relieved to have been awarded another chance to redeem himself.

"O-Of course, master! As you wish!" he replied in continued loyalty to the older, ruthless man, before vanishing from sight within his usual, maroon colored and mist-like light.

"Hmm . . . it is so hard to find good help these days. . . . No matter. I shall acquire the Star of Threbe, yet, and restore the Great Ally in order to fulfill my rightful destiny. . . . And no one, not even this Sailormeridian character, shall stop me," the tall, pale and long haired male said to himself hollowly, narrowing his unmoving eyes in determination, as he was now once again left alone with his never ending thoughts and plans for a better future . . . one filled with the dominion of his unopposed reign.

---

"Ah, yes! School's out for the day, and I can finally head over to the 'Musical Star Café' where Csilla said for me and Taranee to meet her! Oooh, I can't wait to find out what the surprise is!" Elyon gushed to herself within excited whispers, as she hurriedly raced out of her high school's front entrance and towards the sidewalk.

"Hey, Ellie! Where's the fire??" Elyon suddenly heard Martin's undeniably familiar (and admittedly, sometimes bothersome) voice calling out to her from behind, causing her to stop abruptly within her tracks.

The young intellectual wore a broad, almost knowing smile across his traditionally pale face (despite the nearly constant sun exposure that their particular state awarded its citizens) as his friend turned around to properly face him, which admittedly caused Elyon to grow immediately suspicious in the process.

"Oh . . . hey, Martin. I've actually somewhere to be right now. Shouldn't you be off to your chess club meeting back inside, as well??" the dishwater blonde queried with a soft sigh, feeling a bit impatient to find out whatever it was her longtime friend and neighbor wanted. She didn't mean to feel that way, in all honesty; she simply wanted to hurry and find out whatever Csilla's planned surprise was even more, that's all.

Martin chuckled lightly at this and nodded.

"Mmhm! We're having it outside though, since it's an exceptionally nice day out today, ya know?? And as vice president, I really should hurry and head on back. But, I saw you in passing just now, and wanted to find out if you'd learned about Alchemy's once in a lifetime news!" he replied with an even larger grin, if that were at all possible, nearly bouncing within his place as slightly uncharacteristic giddiness began to overtake him.

Elyon raised an eyebrow at the sight, before reaching out to gently pat her friend upon his shoulders.

"There, there, now . . . relax, Mr. Spaz! Wouldn't want to get another nosebleed like last time, would you?? Now, what's this all about Alkie and her supposed 'once in a lifetime news??' And how come you know about it before I do?? Some best friend she is!" she lightly fumed, beginning to pout as feelings of neglectfulness had overridden the previous bouts of anxiousness she'd been experiencing moments before.

"That's because I'd only just found out, myself, last period, and Marty, here, saw me at my locker, squealing about it after class. And apparently, he couldn't wait to tell everyone we know about it, before I even got a chance to -- You'd think it was happening to him, instead," both neighbors suddenly heard the girl in question remark from behind Martin, with an exasperated sigh as she approached.

Elyon lightly giggled at this, instantly feeling better again, while Martin lightly blushed in abashment before turning to face a smirking Alchemy, who now stood before the pair.

"E-Er . . . heh, heh! Sorry, Allie. It's just that stuff like this doesn't happen all the time, and to know someone it's actually happened to, I guess, by extension, it sorta feels like it's now happening to me," Martin apologized with a sheepish simper, rubbing the back of his soft blonde colored head, and watching the russet haired girl roll her eyes.

Elyon rushed forward to her best friend and began lightly tugging at the sleeve of her purple colored t-shirt in mounting anxiousness.

"Okay, okay! All's forgiven and we love each other, again! Now, spill! What's going on, already??" she asked excitedly, soft blue eyes twinkling in intrigue.

It was Alchemy's turn to giggle then, as she then let out a fierce squeal before jumping up and down in her place, taking Elyon with her.

"Oooh, Elle! You will not believe the text message I'd just gotten from my dad!! Okay! So, I'm sitting in History, listening to Collins drone on and on about wars and stuff, right?? Then, I feel my cellphone vibrating, so I totally pull it out of my pocket to answer it -- Yeah, yeah, even though we're not supposed to even have them on during class, let alone playing around with them, I know; who cares?" she began in one breath, finally taking a brief moment to exhale and resume telling her already titillating tale. "Anyway! I see it's from my dad, and I'm thinking, 'Okay. That's kinda weird, since, neither he nor Mom usually sends me messages during school hours. But, maybe he just wants to ask me to go pick up something at the supermarket on my way home, or whatever.' So, I open it up, and what do I say written there, but this! 'Sweetie, Your dad has just been invited to the Princess of Marsily's grand ball this Saturday night, and is allowed to bring the rest of his family! You and your mother better start shopping for the most beautiful gowns you already lovely ladies can find! Love, Daddy.' Can you believe it??"

Elyon slowly returned her friend's cellphone after having been handed it to read the open text message in question, and grinned excitedly back at her, and then at the ever animated Martin before speaking.

"Nooo, way!! I can't believe it!! My mom was just telling me about the Princess's ball and the royal treasure she plans to reveal to the public that night! Aww, now I really wish I could somehow be able to go, as well!" she momentarily pouted in disappointment, before resuming the jumping up and down fest the two friends had been conducting prior to looking at the text message.

"Yeah, you and everyone else in the city, probably, Ellie," Martin chimed in with a defeated sigh of his own as he finally began to calm down some, although the smile upon his face still remained, "but, unless you happen to be a world famous celebrity, a fellow royal like the Princess, or some form of media nut who's there to cover the unveiling of her prized treasure, then I'm afraid you're out of luck. . . . Well, unless you also happen to be an extremely popular and increasingly well known jeweler, who just also happened to send a super expensive and one of a kind diamond necklace to the Princess as a gift for Saturday night, then that would help, too, I suppose. . . ."

Alchemy groaned in faint vexation at this, and promptly stopped within her ongoing celebrating with Elyon in order to lightly punch Martin upon the arm.

"Hey! It wasn't like that, like my dad bribed her, or something, jerko! It's like you just said: My dad's jewelry business is really taking off, more and more as each day passes, and people from practically all over the world want to buy some of his jewelry because of it -- Including the Royal Family of Marsily!" she remarked in defense, watching in satisfaction as her childhood friend began to rub his now slightly sore arm. "The Queen had recently requested a piece from my dad last summer, in fact: a custom made chocolate diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings set. And I guess, since she had done so and seemed to really enjoy it, as a returned thanks, my dad had sent a matching set to the Princess as a gift. . . . I suppose they'd remembered his generosity and good business that they'd decided to invite him to Princess Étaín's ball in further gratitude. . . . And, now I get to go, too, so in your face, Marty!"

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry! Yeesh! It's always resorting to violence with you girls whenever I'm around you!" Martin commented within an exasperated huff, no longer caressing his lightly bruised appendage, however still keeping his hand over it in further comfort. "Just remember to take lots of pictures for us, if you can, all right??"

"Yeah, Alkie!! If I can't go, at least seeing personal pictures of the ball and the Princess will be the next best thing! And then, coupling that with watching her present her mystical treasure on TV, and it'll be like I were actually there, myself!" Elyon swooned in reflection, lightly daydreaming about what the ballroom might look like during that evening.

Alchemy nodded in understanding, before wrapping an arm around the dishwater blonde and, surprisingly, Martin, as well.

"Sure, thing! Trust me, if I could, I'd invite both you and Marty, here, despite his distasteful comments," she said with another smirk, pulling both of her childhood friends closer to her as she spoke. "But, I wonder what the treasure will be, anyhow?"

"Probably just some dusty, old brooch or something, handed down for billions of years, from generation to generation until it'd reached Princess Étaín," Martin casually ventured a guess, before idly readjusting his silver framed eyeglasses upon his face. "Either way, it's gonna be great just to see her super hot face, up close and personal -- Well, sort of, anyway. . . ."

Martin immediately began to blush furiously in embarrassment upon realizing his words, in addition to catching his two girlfriends staring at him in surprise, before they'd both promptly began to giggle.

"Aww, does the wittle Marty-Poo have a crushie on the Princess?? Then, I'll be sure to try to get her autograph and picture, just for you, so you can hang it on your bedroom wall alongside your posters of amoebas, and other 'sciencey' stuff you got in there," Alchemy gaily teased, playfully pinching the boy's reddening cheeks before he lightly pushed her away. "Anyway, Elle, now that you're no longer on punishment, we should totally go to M.S.C. to celebrate, and to catch up, as well!"

"Er . . . a-actually, I kinda sorta already have plans to go there, Alchemy . . . with Taranee, and --" Elyon began amidst chuckling at the friendly display, before both friends instantly stopped what they were doing upon hearing this.

"Whoa! Back up! Did you say you have plans to hang out with Taranee?? As in, Taranee Cook, the super duper, walking computer? She's like, practically a legend in this city -- Especially for fellow, although, by comparison, far less intellectuals, as myself! But, I've always heard that she's quite the loner; how'd you end up managing to convince her to go out with you, Elyon??" Martin curiously inquired with a slightly astonished expression upon his face. "And since you have, would you mind letting her know that I'm a big fan and am aspiring to be just as smart as she is?? . . . . Man, is she ever the looker, herself. . . ."

Elyon blinked in overwhelming perplexity, her face growing hot at suddenly being put on the spot, at the same time that Martin's had done the same, however in regards to having yet again revealed another one of his apparent crushes.

"E-Er, well . . . I-I guess I can let her know . . . eventually, anyway, Martin. As for how I'd gotten her to come out with me, well. . . ." she trailed off for a moment, not really sure how to answer that, as she hadn't honestly done a thing. It had all been Csilla's doing, and Elyon wasn't entirely positive that the reserved intellect would even appear later on . . . although, it was her great hope that she would. "She and I had met last week, when I'd gone over to her school to get a tutor, and . . . well, I guess you can just say that we sort of . . . hit it off ever since."

That wasn't a complete lie.

The two had met during the previous week, and really did slightly hit it off, thereafter . . . however, merely as fellow Guardian Soldiers, rather than actual friends . . . for now, at least, hopefully.

But Elyon wasn't even really sure if she and Taranee were on good terms as Guardian comrades quite yet, as they'd only fought together once so far, and hadn't been able to really speak with one another since.

Hopefully, I can fix that, once I get over to the café to see her, though, the dishwater blonde thought in optimism, watching as Martin slowly nodded in understanding and looking impressed, while Alchemy, surprisingly, suddenly appeared rather pensive.

". . . . Alkie?? You okay, there?? You don't look so happy, anymore," she asked in concern, resting a hand upon the other girl's shoulder.

Alchemy nearly jumped in surprise, managing to just barely recover without being noticed, before promptly nodding in response.

"Huh? O-Oh, yeah, sure. I was just . . . kinda surprised to learn that you've become such fast friends with Taranee in only a week's time. . . . I'm also kind of surprised that you were able to at all, I mean . . . you know, because of her apparent distance towards other people, and everything. . . ." she said with a faint smile in reassurance, although her voice was now curiously detached, slightly.

Nonetheless, Elyon hadn't seemed to notice, as she merely shook her head in disagreement and returned the simper, although one far more generous by comparison.

"Actually, she's really just shy, is all. . . . I'm sure it doesn't help much, with all those stupid rumors about her supposedly being so cold and cruel circulating around, either," she defended of her hopeful new friend, letting go of Alchemy's shoulder to readjust the book bag upon her back. "But, she's really pretty kind, brave and helpful -- Y-You know, because she's saving my butt now, being 'brave' enough to be my new math tutor, and all! Heh, heh. . . ."

Phew. That was close. Otherwise, I would've had to explain that I really meant that Taranee was brave and helpful as a fellow Guardian Soldier, Elyon silently reflected as an afterthought, although once more feeling bad for continually keeping a secret from her best friend . . . even if it was most likely for the better that she do so.

"I'm just taking Taranee out right now as a way to show my appreciation, that's all. But, I'd better jet, or else I'll be late!" the blonde added with a grin, looking from Martin to Alchemy, before waving at them in goodbye.

"Make sure you say hi for me, too, Elle!" the sole man of the trio called out after his retreating friend with an eager smile upon his face, causing Alchemy to roll her eyes once more at her friend while next to him.

An idea then came to her.

"Oh! H-Hey, wait up, Elyon! I'll go with you!" the pixie hair cut teenager said after catching up to the departing pigtailed girl, leaving Martin behind. "That way, I can get to know her, myself, as well! And then, maybe afterwards, you and I can head over to the mall to help me pick out the gown I'll wear for the ball on Saturday!"

Elyon tensed up at this, although thankfully not so visibly, it seemed, as Alchemy did not make any sort of comment to the act. She slowly turned around and smiled nervously at the slightly taller girl before her.

"W-What?? No, no, that's all right, Alkie! I-I mean, like I said, Taranee's a pretty shy girl, you know? And it was pretty hard getting her to agree to come out with just me, as it is," she hastily lied, her stomach becoming knotted up with guilt. "B-But, maybe next time you can meet her, whenever she may want to hang out again! As for helping you out with your shopping, I'll totally be there! I'll give you a call after I'm done hanging with Taranee, okay? See ya!"

And with that, Elyon made a swift retreat, before her friend could neither respond nor object to her newfound plans. She felt tremendously awful for having done such a thing, and really did want Alchemy to get to know the awesomely talented Vesta's Academy for Girls student at the same time that she, herself, was beginning to.

However, given that Elyon's talking cat had been the one arranging the little get together in the first place, it sort of felt as though it were Guardian Soldier related, despite not being honestly sure what the feline's surprise could possibly be.

No worries, Alkie; I'll make it up to you later, when we go to the mall together, and I buy you a few neat accessories to go with whatever gown you'll pick, Elyon silently resolved with a small nod to herself, as she rounded a corner and became out of sight for the friend whom she was well aware was still watching her go.

Alchemy, meanwhile, began to feel mixed feelings, all of which were sadly negative and rather bothersome, as she just then watched her pigtailed friend vanish from her field of vision. Her previously good mood continued to rapidly evaporate, as it was effortlessly replaced by worried thoughts and emotions.

Ever since we'd come back from that three-day weekend for Columbus Day, it's sort of felt as though Ellie's . . . changed, somehow. . . . And now that she's finally not grounded any longer, I was hoping we could catch up and hang out again . . . but now. . . . the rust haired girl thought deplorably to herself, unable to finish her mental note, as she now gazed at nothing in particular and her unraveling concerns continued to mount. . . .

---

"Oh! There you are, Elyon! It's certainly about time!" Csilla lightly scolded the pigtailed girl, as the tiny feline watched her approach. "Taranee and I have been waiting for what's felt like ages! Wouldn't you say so, Taranee??"

Elyon, in between her sharp gasps for breath after all the running she had done, in order to make it to the Musical Star Café appointment with her two companions on time, managed to smile warmly at the French braided girl standing awkwardly before her and next to the talking, blue-gray cat.

She watched in slight amusement as Taranee began to blush upon being put on the spot in that way, and softly cleared her throat before responding.

". . . . O-Oh, well . . . I don't really think we were waiting too long for you, Miss Brown," she said quietly with a faint, crooked smile, nervously reaching up to readjust her dark and slim-framed eyeglasses.

Elyon couldn't help but promptly giggle at this after having managed to properly catch her breath, and stepped toward the taller girl.

"'Miss Brown??' Are you serious, Taranee?? Calling me that just makes me sound like some old woman or something -- Not to mention it doesn't really feel like we're friends if you do," she remarked with a growing smile after her brief laughter had ceased, and rested a hand upon the school uniformed shoulder of the now furiously blushing Taranee. "Just call me 'Elyon,' just like I call you 'Taranee,' okay?? There's no need for formalities, especially now that we're teammates."

". . . . Sorry . . . it's just that my parents have always raised my older brother and I to be respectful with everyone, regardless of age, and especially if we do not know them too well," the new Guardian Soldier of Fiery Passion and Wisdom gently explained with another dark rouge gracing her otherwise flawless and mocha hued countenance.

Elyon released Taranee's arm and waved her hand within the air in slight dismissal.

"Nah, no way! We're teenagers, Taranee! We're supposed to be informal and call each other all sorts of crazy nicknames! Besides which, like I'd just said, you and I are friends now, so there's no need," she said in rebuttal, grinning happily at the other girl, before bending over to pick up Csilla and pet her in greeting. "I'm really glad you'd decided to answer Csilla's request to come here today, too -- I was admittedly a bit worried that you wouldn't. . . . But, now we can get to know each other a whole lot better! And see, look! I just learned that you have an older brother -- We're already making progress! Heh, heh . . . . That's so cool, though, really. . . . I'm an only child, you see, and admittedly have kinda always wanted to have a brother more than a sister, myself. . . ."

Csilla groaned heavily within her charge's arms suddenly, and shook her head in exasperation.

"Good grief! You're going to talk the poor girl's ear off and scare her away, before I've even gotten a chance to show you your dual surprises! Now, let's hurry on inside, already!" she spoke with a light sigh, before gently smiling up at both girls with distinct excitement shining forth from her emerald colored eyes.

Elyon rolled her soft blue eyes at this before nodding, and began to grin again, herself, as she once again recalled the reason why all of them were there to begin with.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Csilla. Don't listen to her, Taranee! You and I have gotta stick together against the vile forces, which happens to be Csilla's incessant nagging!" she giggled gaily, before leading the way towards the front entrance of the Musical Star Café. She then abruptly stopped, as she gazed down at the furry feline currently pouting within her arms. "Oh, hey. Wait, a second. How can you come inside with us, Csilla?? You're a cat -- No animals allowed inside. . . ."

Despite the apparent truth within the blonde's words, Csilla nonetheless began to smile knowingly.

". . . . Let's just say that this cat has a few tricks up her sleeves. Now, trust me, and let's head on in, girls," she replied calmly, before her blonde charge then resumed her walking without any further objection.

Taranee paused for a moment, beginning to think to herself as she gradually became preoccupied with other matters.

She and I . . . have to stick together? Does . . . she really think of me as her friend, now, and really does wish to get to know me? Or . . . is it only because we're now both . . . Guardian Soldiers?? she mulled over silently with a small pout and furrowed brow in worry, completely unsure of the correct answer. I really do hope we can be friends, though. . . .

With a small exhale, Taranee walked inside after the girl in question and her pet, while doing her best to push away her concerned and second guessing woes, if only for the time being.

A tall young man, with light blue eyes, softly tanned skin, and long, sunlit colored hair pulled back into a draping ponytail suddenly greeted Elyon as the two girls approached just then, causing Taranee to nearly jump in surprise in the process.

She hadn't ever bothered to come into this establishment prior to now, primarily due to always feeling out of place nearly everywhere she'd go due to her unfortunately preceding reputation, and so having even more attention being drawn to her company and herself was only making her growing anxiety worse.

Especially once the unknown man then smiled warmly at her, in turn, before veering his attention back onto the now curiously beaming and slightly blushing Elyon.

"Hey, there, Elyon! Nice to finally see your always cheerful face back in here! It just hasn't been the same these last two weeks -- Alchemy told me in passing how you'd apparently gotten in trouble with your folks over your grades," the ponytailed, apparent café employee spoke kindly, as he continued to stand behind the customer counter, and with a brown apron wrapped around his vaguely muscular body. "If I had more time, then maybe I could've tutored you some time. But, I'm still sure it was just an off day for you, like I'd said. Anyway! Who's your friend?"

Elyon giggled bashfully, her blush growing a tad strong as she then responded.

"I-It's all right, Cedric -- I'd hate to take away any of your precious time away from you, what with you having more important things to deal with, after all. But, thanks!" she said with a wide grin and stars within her eyes, before turning her attention onto Taranee and rested a hand upon her shoulder. "Besides! I'm kinda hoping that my new friend here might be so kind enough as to help me with my studies in the near future! Cedric, this is the über-fantastical genius and all around talented girl, Taranee Cook! Taranee, this is my good friend, Cedric Wright. He practically knows me like the back of his hand, primarily due to the fact that I'm always coming in here like, all the time."

"Yeah, mainly to listen to all of Cornelia Hale's music over and over, while eating up all our goodies -- And that's why she and her other friend, Alchemy, are one of our best customers," the man now known as Cedric lightly teased with a wink towards the continually giggling dishwater blonde, before extending out his hand towards a now very sheepish looking Taranee. "It's very nice to meet you, Taranee. Actually, I think I've heard about you. You're quite the 'celebrity' around these parts; it must be an honor."

Taranee nodded slowly, uncertain of what to say to that for a few moments, before then settling upon her usual response to such a quite habitual statement.

". . . . Y-Yes, of course. It . . . truly is, Mr. Wright, thank you; it's nice to make your acquaintance, as well," she replied a tad hollowly, although gave a genuine, albeit shy smile, nonetheless, as she took Cedric's hand and shook it.

Cedric smiled back at the raven haired girl and gave a nod of his own in understanding, while Elyon suddenly gave an exasperated groan before grinning.

"Maaan, Cedric, too, Taranee? First me, with calling me 'Miss Brown,' and now him, with 'Mr. Wright??' Boy, have I got a lot to 'deprogram' within you," she remarked playfully, smiling broadly at a profusely blushing Taranee, while Cedric lightly chuckled in vague confusion.

Just then, Csilla, who'd seemed to be temporarily forgotten, suddenly mewed softly, although loud enough to garner the trio's attention.

Both Elyon and Taranee gazed upon her expectantly, while Cedric curiously appeared undaunted by her presence.

Clearing his throat, Cedric bestowed onto both girls another warm smile, before mysteriously nodding his head to his right and towards a pair of golden colored elevators in the slight distance.

"Well, don't let me keep you girls! I'm pretty sure you have your passports with you, so just go on ahead over to the elevators to enter the V.I.P. lounge and pet area! See you later, 'Pretty Kitty' -- You're lucky to have been adopted by such a great gal as Elyon," he said in compliment and a gentle pat of Csilla's fluffy, bluish gray tinted head, before giving a quick wave to the both, now quite perplexed girls and returned to tending to his occupational duties.

". . . . Wow . . . now, that . . . that was pretty weird," Elyon murmured to her companions, after watching Cedric retreat to the other side of the counter to provide service to a small group of random customers who'd just then entered the relatively active café.

Taranee slowly nodded in agreement, raising a slim eyebrow in affect.

"Yeah. . . . Csilla, what exactly is going on?" she softly whispered in question to the knowing feline still wrapped securely within Elyon's arms, before gazing up at the blonde questionably.

"You'll see, girls. Now, let's go and do what the young man had said and head over to those elevators, shall we?" Csilla whispered back with a cautious darting of her green eyes to and fro as she did so, at the same time the two Guardian Soldiers merely nodded in compliance and at last headed over to the awaiting two elevators in the distance.

Pressing the button to open the elevator doors, and walking inside of its unoccupied space after it'd promptly opened for the trio, Elyon finally spoke.

"Ya know, I've must have come here about a gazillion times since it's opened, and I've never once bothered to use these elevators, let alone had known about its apparent 'V.I.P. lounge and pet area,'" she remarked in mixed confusion and awe, peering down at the circular, numbered buttons upon the elevator's operating panel. "Anyhow, there's a first floor button, which . . . I guess is this floor, here. And then a second floor button, as well. I wonder where it leads to. . . ."

". . . . Maybe there is another level for the customers to sit, eat and relax, or read the various magazines and books if they're not busy listening to the music down here? I . . . do know of several other café book or music stores which offer the same sort of furthered luxuries, anyway. And maybe that's where this V.I.P. area your friend was talking about is, as well," Taranee quietly offered from beside the pigtailed girl, who smiled at her in acknowledgment, causing her cheeks to grow hot by that particular action, as per usual, it seemed like. She then gently cocked her raven colored head to the side in growing curiosity, as she'd caught sight of the peculiar, slightly pulsating green colored and star shaped button placed directly below the first floor's button. ". . . . Although, something inside of me is . . . sort of telling me that we should probably press this one, instead. . . ."

And before anything further could have been said, Taranee unexpectedly moved forward and promptly pressed a slender finger against the glowing button, and watched as the doors to the elevator at last closed and sealed the group inside.

"W-What'd you do that for, Taranee?? You don't even know where it'll lead us to -- Especially when I hadn't even noticed it seconds before, myself," Elyon commented with a small gasp of surprise, before gazing properly upon the mysterious button. "Something tells me, though, that that button is not normal. . . ."

Csilla smiled broadly and calmly with a knowing air, before gently pushing against her charge's chest, and jumped down onto the lightly vibrating floor as it continued to descend to its unknown destination . . . at least, unknown to all but she.

"I'm not surprised you hadn't, Elyon, what with your sometimes short attention span," she lightly teased with a wink, before turning around to face the closed doors, just as the elevator had then stopped. "And as for the button . . . let's just say that no one else who may use this elevator in the future after us will ever notice it, as well, as it shall only appear -- And then, disappear, once not in use -- for the Guardian Soldiers. . . ."

Both Elyon and Taranee raised their eyebrows at this.

"Oh, yeah? But, how come, Csilla? That is, what does it lead to?" the reserved intellect queried as she looked down at the fluffy feline, just as the elevator doors slowly slid opened.

Elyon gasped sharply, lightly tapping upon the slightly taller girl's shoulder with one hand, while extending the index finger of her other directly before her.

"T-That's what, Taranee. . . . Look!" she nearly squealed, before immediately rushing on ahead of her two comrades.

Csilla merely chuckled softly in expectancy and detected pride, as she too then left the elevator and leaving the now flabbergasted Taranee in her wake.

". . . . No, way," the brown eyed girl whispered to herself within extreme awe, before slowly retreating from the formerly full elevator, and mindlessly followed after her two companions.

Before her lay one of the most extravagant and luxurious rooms both she and Elyon had ever seen. Black, square and marble tiles covered the floor, where mysterious, and almost mystical-like symbols of various shapes that at least Elyon alone, perhaps did not recognize.

Beyond the star shaped, light blue sigil which seemed identical to the pendant she wore around her neck, in addition to Taranee's deep red symbol of the planet Mars, the dishwater blonde was at an honest loss. Every other, specific symbol each had its own color hue adorning it, as well, the girls could see, consisting of soft green, amber, a light cyan, and maize.

Several pieces of white colored and rather comfortable looking furniture decorated the spacious room, including individual round, as well as square shaped ottomans of either black or white strategically placed throughout the area, and two twin, rather elongated sofas surrounding a sleek and black colored square coffee table. Two other tables identical in appearance were placed within the room, with one near one of the white colored walls and diagonally behind its companion and the two sofas, and where a few more ottomans cradled it in company. The other was placed, and just barely seen, slightly behind the wall of the now closed elevator, where a few more ottoman chairs joined it.

A large and rather expensive looking flat screen television with surrounding speakers were mounted upon the wall to the left of the twin sofas; a circular shaped, large faced and white colored laptop rested upon a small black work desk directly underneath the television, and were both placed within the rectangular shaped and uniquely carved out part of the same wall.

Around the corner, back towards the elevator and the nearby, seemingly stray table, as both Guardian Soldiers could see once they'd each ventured within that direction, was what appeared to be yet another entertainment area of sorts. Two black colored music listening stations, much like the several erected within the upper levels of the café for its customers, was placed up against the far wall in the distance; and two reading article racks which housed innumerable amounts of various and colorful looking magazines and books were propped up on both sides of the musical devices.

And last, although certainly not least, directly across from the music listening area, and on the other side of the vast, private room, was a rather attractive kitchen bar. Outfitted to match the overall room's continued color scheme of either black or white, in it were several dark colored cabinets, white countertop and stools, sink, microwave, and a miniature, although just as convenient refrigerator.

Indeed, this lavish, almost enchanted sort of room certainly was a V.I.P. lounge area.

". . . . Well, girls?? What do you think??" Csilla asked with admitted eagerness and bubbling pride, her slender tail swishing back and forth with growing intrigue as she gazed at the two wandering teenagers from where she now sat, upon the slimming coffee table in between the two sofas.

"It's . . . it's spectacular, Csilla, honestly! But . . . did you really do all this? How??" Taranee responded in an overabundance of breathless awe, as her twinkling brown eyes continued to survey the luxurious room, at her current place in front of the circular shaped laptop.

Csilla chuckled softly, averting her emerald colored eyes away from the raven haired girl in momentary modesty, before grinning broadly back at her.

"Why, with a little help from my own innate powers, although only slight and far more 'inferior,' as it were, to both yours and Elyon's by comparison, and admittedly so," she began openly, her tail continuing to lazily sway back and forth at her side. "It's what helps me inevitably sense and then locate each of you Guardian Soldiers, you see; it is also how I was able to more or less entrance Elyon's friend up there, Cedric, into being more than copasetic with my coming into the café to begin with. I've found that those living within this city all seem rather fond of their own pets, so it's of no surprise, I suppose, that none of the customers currently upstairs had even flinched at the sight of me, either.

Anyhow, I had admittedly been working on this place since I had first found Elyon, and had just only completed its design two days ago. I'd wanted all of us -- You girls, and the rest of your fellow Guardian Soldiers once we've found them, that is -- to be able to have a steady location, in which we could all meet regularly and discuss our mission freely.

And so, I'd thought that I would choose a place that Elyon, at least, frequents often, and then 'deck it out,' as it were, just as an added incentive for her to actually attend future meetings. And I've also made sure to ensure this place stays secret and inaccessible to anyone else, by making it so that that particular star shaped button you both had seen in the elevator and had led us here, only appears to a Guardian Soldier, and then promptly vanishes once it's fulfilled its purpose for that time.

So . . . feel free to think of this place as our new headquarters or little safe haven, even, without any fear of it being intruded upon by unwanted guests."

Taranee merely nodded in understanding upon finished listening to Csilla's complete explanation of the charmed room, and softly smiled in growing respect for the seemingly helpless feline. Elyon, meanwhile, had heard only perhaps part of what her guardian had to say, as she was now far too enthralled with the newly discovered personal music listening station in the far corner.

"Oooh, no way!! Now, I don't even have to stay upstairs, and wait forever sometimes, to sit and listen to new and old music from Cornelia Hale! I can just do it down here! You totally rock, Csilla! You've even got her latest album listed in here, in addition to all of her previous hits! Ahh!!" the dishwater blonde squealed fiercely in delight, as she swiftly plopped down onto the black colored stool placed before one of the two musical devices, and placed the large headphones over her contrastingly small ears. She was about to select a particular track, when she suddenly gasped the moment something else had caught her repeatedly changing attention. "Oh! That's the latest issue of 'Teen Scream Magazine!!' With Cornelia also featured on the cover! I'd been dying to buy this as soon as I saw the commercial for it last week, but since I'd been grounded and now so busy with Guardian stuff, I haven't had the time!! Ohh, Csilla, I freaking love you!!"

Despite the girl's increasingly loud vocal tones as her unbridled jubilation continued to soar, Csilla nonetheless found it rather inviting to witness, and joined in within the merriment with a few giggles of her own. She may have only known the pigtailed girl for just a short while, now; however, Csilla was pleased to see that she already knew the majority of Elyon's current interests within her young life thus far.

The bluish gray cat was about to respond, when Taranee suddenly, as well as most curiously began a swift pace towards the very elated Elyon, who now sat upon the tiled floor, and flipped through the orange faced magazine in question.

She gently picked up another copy of the reading material from off of the magazine and book rack, and began flipping through the pages, herself, although within a more strategic manner than the shorter girl seated before her.

"Yeah, I love this particular issue. It shows all sorts of really glamorous shots of Cornelia's new summer home in Florence, Italy, and she really gets pretty candid within this particular interview -- It's a really good read," Taranee said without thinking, her usual guard completely evaporated (if only for that particular moment, at least), as she continued turning the multiple pages of the magazine until at last arriving onto the idol singer's interview in question.

Elyon slowly looked up from her own copy then, and both she and Csilla gazed upon the still unsuspecting intellect with surprised and widened eyes. Upon realizing the room had curiously gone abruptly silent thereafter, Taranee at last looked up from the magazine page and promptly blushed in profuse embarrassment, once her brown eyes locked with the other girl's taken aback soft blue.

". . . . O-Oh, sorry . . . I suppose I shouldn't have revealed anything to you, since you had yet to read that far, or at all, actually," she apologized with a sheepish simper, quickly closing and replacing the 'Teen Scream Magazine' back onto the rack.

Elyon vigorously shook her blonde head back and forth at this, forgetting about her own magazine copy, as she swiftly rose to her feet with a broad grin.

"No, no! It's not that, Taranee! It's just . . . I know I don't know you well yet, but . . . you don't really strike me as the kind of girl to, well, be into this sort of stuff. But, I can't believe you're apparently a fellow Cornelia Hale fan like me!" she said happily, giggling softly at the other girl's flushed cheeks.

Taranee awkwardly smiled back and slowly nodded in admittance, reaching up to readjust her slim eyeglasses before responding.

"W-Well . . . it's no big deal, really. Sometimes, I find listening to her music helps me study a bit more successfully than the classical music I also enjoy," she began to explain, lightly rubbing her left arm in comfort. "And so, I . . . also happen to own every album she's ever made so far, in addition to some of her clothing and all of the magazines she's been featured in. . . . I've actually . . . never told anyone that before -- Well, none outside of my immediate family, that is. . . ."

Elyon's blue eyes twinkled in furthered delight at this, and promptly clasped the both of Taranee's hands within her own and gently squeezed them.

"'No big deal??' This is a huge deal, Taranee! You and I just found out that we have something super great in common -- Ya know, besides fighting evil together and stuff, anyway. Now, we can gossip together about the latest Cornelia news!" she said with another giggle, lightly jumping up and down in her place, as Csilla quietly approached with a smile of her own upon her fluffy face. "Plus! You just told me something that apparently no one else of non-familial relation actually knows about you! That shows me that maybe you're not so super shy and reserved around me anymore, and are starting to view me as an honest friend! That makes me happy!"

Taranee blinked furiously upon hearing this, her heart fluttering in grand astonishment and furthered abashment, as her mind began to mull over and realize the significance of the girl's words.

Is it . . . true? Is she truly a real friend I can completely trust? she silently asked herself in reflection, lightly tilting her dark colored head to the side in affect. I mean, I did just willingly tell her something secret and personal about myself without even thinking about it. . . . Maybe . . . maybe I really don't have to worry about whether or not she likes me for me, or only because I'm smart and a fellow Guardian Soldier, now. . . .

Clearing her throat slowly, Taranee then nodded faintly in mild agreement towards Elyon, before replying.

". . . . Yeah. I guess you're right about that, Miss Brown," she said with a growing, more relaxed and genuine smile beginning to flash upon her flawless countenance. Her simper vanished, however, once she saw Elyon's own falter curiously, before releasing her hands.

"Aww, gee . . . again with the 'Miss Brown??' Taranee, you've gotta quit it with that, honestly, here, because it's really starting to bum me out -- Especially now, and after it seemed like you were growing more comfortable with me," she commented with a tiny sigh of disappointment, although her eyes still shone with optimism. "Ah, well. Rome wasn't built in a day, after all -- Baby steps, I guess."

Taranee's stomach immediately felt sick with worry and returned confliction after hearing this, however forced a returned smile of her own and lightly nodded. She wasn't sure what to think, now, and just seconds after finally feeling a bit more comfortable and confident within her budding relationship with the generally bubbly blonde before her.

Did she really have nothing to be concerned about, or didn't she?

It was becoming all too perplexing for even someone of her vast intelligence to comprehend.

Before Taranee could think, or perhaps even respond upon it further, Csilla suddenly cleared her own throat, before jumping onto the nearby coffee table behind the two girls.

". . . . Not to be rude, but we still have quite a few important issues to discuss today, before it grows too late, after all," the female feline stated softly, green eyes reflecting dual sympathy and understanding to the previous and awkwardly completed topic. "Now, then . . . first, I would like to give to the both of you yet another gift of sorts, before we dive in, all right?"

Without another word, Csilla closed her eyes and began to concentrate, causing the seven-pointed and emerald hued star birthmark upon her forehead to shine once more. Both girls watched with mounting curiosity, as the previous discussion between them gradually became forgotten . . . although, not truly quick enough, for Taranee, at least, as she discreetly began to inch away from Elyon and reopen the distance between them.

Elyon, however, hadn't seemed to take notice of this, as she merely continued to stare at her newly owned "pet" expectantly, before moving closer toward her. The moment she had, two slightly miniscule orbs, one red and one a light blue, magically appeared between the two of them, and hovered within the air for a moment or two. Then, within a sudden flash of white, both vanished to reveal what looked like two different colored palm pilots of sorts resting upon the coffee table, and before the tiny cat's equally small paws.

Once Csilla's forehead ceased within its glowing, she then opened her eyes and smiled softly down upon the two materialized items, before looking up at her two soldiers. Before she could speak, however, Elyon had beaten her to it, already descending upon the periwinkle colored device in particular.

"Ohhh, get out! iPhones?? You're giving me and Taranee iPhones now too, Csilla?? I swear this feels like my birthday already, or something!! And this is exactly like the one I wanted to eventually get, and had been secretly saving up enough money for, since my folks kept saying how these kinds of phones are 'far too high tech and expensive for a sometimes easily distracted girl as yourself to have!' Yeah? Well, not anymore, Mom and Dad!" she gushed with renewed happiness, as she examined the technologically sophisticated and currently turned off cellphone within her hands.

She delicately turned it over to see a lone, silver tinted and outlined star within the center of the multitasking phone's back, and immediately recognized it to be identical to the pendant currently around her neck.

This one must be for me, then, the blonde thought in reflection, before turning the iPhone back over and turned it on. As though having read her thoughts (which Elyon would not doubt the animal capable of doing by this point), Csilla nodded briefly, before stating, "The one you hold within your hands is for you, Elyon, while this one here is for you, Taranee. Although having been modeled after those iPhone devices everyone everywhere is practically gaga over, true, I have affectionately dubbed them 'gPhones,' instead, which is short for 'Guardian Phones.'

These will act as your official communicators between one another and myself, so that we will always be able to stay in contact if ever a situation should occur. And while it has every last feature built within any standard iPhone currently out within the market, its digital camera feature is most special, I will say. . . ."

"Special?? How so, Csilla?" Taranee softly asked in wonder, as she listened carefully to the female cat's explanation of her new gift item, before then moving forward to retrieve the dark red colored phone still waiting for her upon the table.

A small, however undetected smile slowly began to spread across her naturally full lips, as she, too, looked over her device in the same manner Elyon had for her own. Bright orange flames wildly decorated the back of the aptly named gPhone, while the increasingly familiar sigil of Mars shined proudly up at her within the center and its usual red color.

Even though Taranee admittedly already had another iPhone within her possession, courtesy of her parents and as a way to further keep organized with her numerous activities in addition to keeping in touch, she would not say anything of the sort to the generous feline seated upon the coffee table before her.

She didn't want to seem ungrateful in any way, after all; besides, truth be told, the French braided girl found this particular cellphone to be much more appealing than the generic, white shelled one she'd mindlessly chosen when having gone with her parents to purchase it during the previous year.

Pleased to see that both girls were apparently just as copasetic over their new phones, Csilla lightly began to tap the very tip of her tail up and down upon the table beneath her before speaking once more.

"They are special, Taranee, because there may be times when we will need to investigate an area, and it may be heavily guarded or even restricted to certain kinds of people," she began seriously, as both girls simultaneously took a seat upon the nearby ottomans placed around the table. "And so, if ever should a moment as that arrive, you will be able to use your gPhones and instantly disguise yourselves into anything you see fit, so long as you point the cameras at whatever object or person you are trying to emulate, that is."

Elyon's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and looked down at her cellular phone for a moment, before returning her gaze back onto her animal friend.

"Wait, wait, wait. So, you're saying that Taranee and I can become anything we want with these?? And just by pointing it at whatever and taking its picture??" she asked in reiteration of what her guardian had already stated, before immediately rising to her feet to retrieve her momentarily forgotten Teen Scream Magazine, and already flipping it open. "I have to try this out right now! Especially since I'd just seen this really cute outfit in here . . . I think on page fifteen, or so. Hmm. . . ."

"Er . . . well, yes, Elyon, you really can take a snapshot of whatever you wish, and will instantly be wearing it, yourself. B-But, that doesn't mean it should be taken lightly! Your gPhone is not a toy, you know; it should be used -- Including and specifically the camera feature -- for serious and Guardian Soldier matters, as well as responsibly," Csilla pressingly remarked with growing anxiousness, as both she and Taranee watched the blue eyed girl seemingly disregard her words, and continued to excitedly turn through the pages of her magazine, until at last reaching the spot she had been searching.

"Yeah, yeah, I know that, Csilla! But I gotta test it out, don't I? Ah, ha! Found you! Ooh, this is gonna be so much fun!" Elyon said with glee, standing from her spot with her gPhone in one hand, and the opened magazine in the other. "Here goes nothing!"

First briefly sifting through the various cellphone applications, before reaching the digital camera feature and choosing it, she then extended the appendage holding onto the reading material and carefully aimed the phone at the open page.

"Cheese!" Elyon said with a giggle, before taking the photograph of the dark haired female model for the random product advertisement. Suddenly, a vast multitude of sparkling and shimmering white light exploded into the room for a moment, as it effortlessly shrouded the pigtailed girl's entire body in the process, before dying away just as swiftly as it had materialized.

It had taken Taranee (and perhaps even Csilla, despite having designed the magical feature, herself) a few moments to recognize the familiar, petite teenager afterward, as in place of her formerly casual tank top, shorts, sandaled, and slightly "chaotic" pigtailed self, now stood a rather sophisticated and blossoming young woman.

Blonde hair now sleek and partially swept up within a half updo, and the rest of it tied into a long ponytail which draped over her left shoulder, both Csilla and Taranee gasped in awe at the stunning and flirtatious, knotted-front halter and indigo colored convertible dress, which now comfortably hugged itself around Elyon's naturally slim frame.

On her feet, in place of her usual and favorite pair of sandals, were a rather expensive looking pair of matching indigo and suede, crisscrossing strap and ruffle pumps, while a simple, yet elegant and effective large golden bangle bracelet wrapped around the girl's slender left wrist.

The overall ensemble was absolutely breathtaking, and perfectly identical to Elyon's chosen magazine ad.

"Holy smokes!! Having to be stuck being a Guardian Solider is beginning to get better and better! Taranee, you've gotta try it!!" Elyon gushed jovially, giving herself a look-over, before tossing the magazine onto the coffee table and twirling around within her spot. "Think of the time I'll save now, getting ready for school each morning. . . ."

Taranee promptly shook her head in embarrassment, blushing lightly as she opened her mouth to respond, when Csilla abruptly cleared her throat and beat her to it.

"That's all well and fine that you seem to enjoy -- And maybe even appreciate -- my gift there, Elyon, but we should really all get down to business," she remarked with a light, serious frown, before then watching in appreciation as Elyon ceased within her whirling around, and slowly took a seat with a small pout upon her fair visage. ". . . . Thank you. Oh, but before we begin, for future note, in order to revert back to your normal guises, the both of you need only concentrate upon it, and your previous clothing shall reappear. Understood?"

"Pfft . . . fat chance, I'd wanna do that," Elyon mumbled underneath her breath to herself and a folding of her arms, before Taranee smiled crookedly upon hearing it, and then turned her attention back onto the tiny feline.

"So . . . what's so important, Csilla?" she asked tactfully, shifting the focus back onto the animal, before it could have verbally retaliated against the formerly pigtailed blonde.

Csilla nodded lightly in acknowledgment before responding.

"Well, first off, before I get to that, I must take the time to explain our mutual mission to you a bit further, Taranee, as I hadn't been able to go into extensive detail the last time I had seen you, the way I had for Elyon," she began with a soft, sympathetic smile. "As I had started to tell you on that day, after our first battle together, both you and Elyon are the prestigious Guardian Soldiers, sworn to protect the planet and our princess from any evil beings which may wish to threat either. Of course, first, we must find her, with that being our top priority. And then, at the same time, however, we must also locate the rest of your fellow comrades. . . ."

Taranee nodded slowly in growing understanding, while Elyon exhaled softly in mounting boredom, as she had listened to this particular "tale" a multitude of times by now; however, she'd chosen to remain otherwise silent, mainly out of respect and for her new friend's benefit.

"Right . . . I remember you starting to tell me this. So, then . . . if there is a princess somewhere out there for us to find, from which kingdom does she come? And . . . also, if you don't mind my asking this . . . who are you, exactly, Csilla? That is, where did you come from? Are you operating alone, or with another besides Miss Brown and myself?" she listed her many queries, her brown eyes now alight with its natural, inquisitive wonder. She paused a moment, before continuing on. ". . . . One more thing, too, that has sort of been perplexing me ever since I'd met the both of you and had become . . . Sailormars. . . . Why me? I mean, why either one of us? Why were we chosen for this task??"

At this, Elyon suddenly perked up and grinned knowingly, and lightly patted the raven haired girl upon the back of her dark colored school uniformed blazer.

"Ha! Now that one's easy, and I can answer it for you, no problem, Taranee! It's because 'it's our destiny and duty!' Yeah, Csilla's been feeding me that line nearly every day since I'd first met her, myself, that I basically have it memorized," she teased with a small chuckle, before waving her left hand towards the now scowling feline in dismissal, causing the golden bangle wrapped around her wrist to slide up and down upon it in the process.

"Mock me all you'd like, Elyon, but it's the absolute truth. It is your destiny -- Both yours and Taranee's, and, eventually, the other remaining Guardians once we've found them," Csilla said with a small hiss, before calming her tense expression, once she had turned her attention back onto Taranee. "As for where I've come from, Taranee . . . I can't say quite yet. Besides, neither of you would believe me if I told you right now, anyway. . . ."

Elyon lightly scratched the back of her formally done up head in confusion, while Taranee lightly shook her own in slight rebuttal.

"But . . . wait, Csilla. We would need just a little bit more information than that, if we are expected to be well prepared against the enemy, in addition to finding . . . what was it you called it? Oh, yeah: the mystical Star of Threbe," she spoke in good point, causing Elyon to then nod in agreement, as she began to listen more attentively to the ongoing discussion.

Csilla smiled gently at this, lightly swaying her slim tail back and forth across the dark coffee table where she continued to sit.

". . . . Spoken like a true genius," she complimented with a growing, warm simper, making Taranee lean back within her seat slightly in surprise, before blushing softly. "But, no . . . truth be told, even I don't quite fully understand what our enemy's true, intended goal is just yet. The only thing I do know for absolutely certain, is that they are here on earth, having apparently chosen Heatherfield as their continued terrorizing site. . . ."

"Hmm . . . so then, is that mainly why we have become Guardian Soldiers at all, Csilla?" Elyon blurted out in inquiry without entirely thinking, despite having already known the answer, somewhat.

Csilla shook her grayish hued head sharply, lightly frowning at her charge.

"No, Elyon! And here, I thought you'd been paying attention, after all the times I'd explained it to you, personally -- Not to mention, I had just said so to Taranee, not but a couple of minutes prior. It is for the sole sake of protecting our princess that you both are Guardian Soldiers," she reiterated pressingly, reaching out to lightly tap Elyon's blanketed lap with her paw, as though in further emphasis.

"Yeah, but we still haven't found her yet, though. So, ergo, me and Taranee have become Guardians mainly to fight off those baddies, in the meantime," Elyon refuted with a brief roll of her soft blue eyes.

Taranee straightened her posture then, lightly placing a slender finger against her smooth, and mocha hued chin.

"True . . . I suppose. . . . Csilla, this princess . . . since she has yet to be found, how will we know it's her once she is? I mean, will she be discovered in the same way we were? Or, does she already know we're trying to find her, and might be trying to locate us in return?" she offered yet another plethora of questions, softly biting her bottom lip as she awaited a response.

Csilla paused for a moment, honestly trying to think of an answer, as she was not yet entirely sure of them all, herself.

". . . . What I do know, Taranee, is that there is . . . some sort of seal upon the Princess," she began slowly, furrowing her brows as she struggled to recall more internal information upon the matter. "That is, I am not honestly sure what it is, exactly, this seal, but . . . I believe I may have at least an idea. . . ."

It was Elyon's turn to frown softly, as she then spoke once more.

"But . . . wait. Why would such a thing as that even be necessary?? I mean, if she's just a princess and royal and all that, then why bother, and who would??" she posed a valid query, cocking her blonde head slightly to the side in further thought.

Csilla nodded faintly in acknowledgment, beginning to pace back and forth upon the coffee table.

"Perhaps . . . the Star of Threbe, itself, had placed it upon her, Elyon. From what I do know for certain about it, the Star of Threbe possesses infinite power, and can be bestowed upon anyone who may have their sights set upon it," she revealed calmly, although her green eyes began to darken as she continued on. "However, if its power were ever to be abused, who knows what could occur?? The possibilities are frighteningly endless. . . ."

"Hmm . . . then, do you think, in that case, that it's possible that the Star of Threbe could be with the Princess, Csilla?" Taranee deduced in inquiry, reaching up to readjust her eyeglasses.

Csilla paused a moment, and then slightly nodded once more.

". . . . I think that it might be safe to say that, once we would find either or, the other would not be far behind, yes, Taranee," she replied with another incline of her furry head. "Which is why it makes it that much more important to complete our mission successfully and soon. . . . However, by the same token, the awakening of all of you as Guardian Soldiers is not yet complete. . . . And for that to even occur, every last one of you needs to be assembled . . . and then, perhaps, as well, the seal upon the Princess shall be released. . . ."

Both Elyon and Taranee slowly gazed at one another upon hearing their mentor's essentially cryptic, as well as befuddling words, unsure of how to respond to that. Finally, after a few moments had passed, Taranee was the first to do so.

". . . . W-Wait, Csilla . . . when you say, 'awakening . . .' what do you mean by that, exactly??" she asked, almost breathlessly, both hers and Elyon's stomachs becoming knotted up in discomfort, due to their continually knowing so little about their shared duty, despite all that had been said thus far.

Csilla stopped pacing then, and gazed pensively upon each girl, before responding.

". . . . Your memories . . . but that is all I shall say for now, I am sorry," she revealed a bit tensely, before awkwardly clearing her throat, and focusing her full attention onto Elyon, alone. ". . . . And, besides that, there is the matter of you and your particular role, Elyon. . . . I know you often wonder why I appear to be rather coarse with you at times, yes? It is only because of the fact that you, as Sailormeridian, are the most important Guardian Soldier. . . ."

Elyon jumped within her spot at this, her cheeks growing flush with apprehension and confusion.

"W-Whoa, now! Me?? What makes me so 'important??'" she asked in nervousness, darting her blue eyes from her animal charge, to Taranee, who seemed just as surprised as she was, and then back again.

". . . . Because, you are everyone's leader, Elyon. Finding our princess and the Star of Threbe is crucial, absolutely, but getting you to rapidly mature into the leader you are meant to be is what's most important right now, as it is the only thing we can actively achieve at this given moment . . . presumably, anyway," Csilla spoke in seriousness initially, before lightly teasing the visibly worried and flabbergasted girl in attempts to soothe her mounting emotional ailments.

Elyon wrung her hands together, not taking, or perhaps not having even realized any bait had been set, in order to begin yet another round of usual arguments between the feline and herself, in regards to her supposed immaturity at times.

She instead looked upon Taranee, and smiled hopefully at her.

"Well, what about you, Taranee?? You're perfect for the job, I think! I mean, after all, you're super smart and organized, and apparently great with handling responsibility! Meanwhile, I'm pretty much primarily focused upon not screwing up my GPA for this semester, already, while also only just slightly beginning to grow used to this whole Guardian business. I cannot handle being the leader right now!" she reasoned as best that she could, although knowing deep down that it was rather futile to do so.

Especially since it didn't seem as though Csilla was about to change her mind about it any time soon, either.

Taranee smiled softly and, as of no surprise by now to the blonde seated next to her, began to blush profusely in abashment.

"Heh, heh! W-Well, I wouldn't go that far. . . . B-Besides, Csilla seems to be pretty convinced that you're best suited for the position," she said in gentle decline, before an idea had then come to her. "But . . . if you'd like, maybe I can help you study sometime . . . you know, as a way to help take the worry off of your grades. And then, perhaps in that way, it will be one less thing to contend with . . . while acting as our leader."

Elyon sighed loudly in defeat, slouching deeply in posture.

"Bleh . . . I kinda had a feeling you'd agree with Csilla, Taranee. . . . Although, I do appreciate the offer to tutor me, definitely -- Thanks," she said with a growing smile of her own, slowly beginning to cheer up. "While I still say you're both waaay wrong, and I don't like it . . . it's at least nice to know that there's some kind of confidence backing me . . . even if it isn't my own. . . . But, enough about me, though, seriously. I'd been meaning to ask you how you've been, Taranee? I mean, how have you been holding up and handling all of this, honestly? Definitely out of this world kinda stuff, right??"

Taranee nodded lightly in agreement, the dark rouge flushing her cheeks now beginning to spread throughout the rest of her face.

"Yes, actually . . . but I honestly haven't had a whole great deal of time to actually sit down and truly think about -- Not until now, anyhow. You know . . . because of my busy schedule and everything," she replied kindly and with a small smile, before slowly looking away from her growing acquaintance and down at the floor. She let out a tiny exhale, as her simper began to curiously fade away. "While I do still sort of feel as though none of this has even happened . . . I guess you can say that, I've also sort of always felt as though I were meant for something far greater than what my life currently has planned for me . . . especially because of what I can do. . . ."

". . . . You mean because of what you now can do as Sailormars??" Elyon asked softly, sensing the other girl's growing discomfort. "I feel the exact the same way, myself, as Sailormeridian. I mean, I --"

"-- No, no . . . it isn't that, although that certainly is something. No . . . I was referring to the fact that . . . for as long as I can remember, I've always had these . . . strange, psychic, sort of abilities. . . ." Taranee meekly revealed, keeping her eyes downcast at all costs, while slightly pivoting her body away from both the blonde and the feline seated before her, out of fear of judgment.

She heard Elyon and Csilla simultaneously gasp in surprise, which caused her to lightly cringe with dread.

". . . . Wow . . . are you serious?? Like, no fooling?? Does that mean you can read my mind and listen to my thoughts right now?? Oooh, how kinda spooky!" Elyon said within flabbergast and widened eyes, before immediately covering her mouth a moment. "Oh! S-Sorry, Taranee. . . . I didn't mean it like that, like what you apparently can do is bad or wrong or anything. I can see that telling us this is obviously really hard for you . . . but I'm glad you are. Right, Csilla?"

Csilla, meanwhile, only offered a slow nod in response, as her brows became deeply furrowed in silent pondering over the news. Taranee slowly turned back around in her seat, and chanced a look toward the dishwater blonde, albeit awkwardly.

". . . . You . . . you are? I'm not honestly used to this, or was prepared for what you may think or say -- Good or bad -- as I've never told anyone about my . . . 'gift' before. Not even my family. . . ." she murmured ever so quietly, making Elyon have to lean towards her a bit more in order to hear. "I . . . I've just always been afraid of what everyone would think if they knew . . . that they'd treat me differently, as though I'm not even human, or something, or even accuse me of using my abilities as a way to succeed academically -- W-Which I don't, of course! W-Well . . . I don't think, at least. . . .

You see, I can't really control what I can do, even though I've been able to do it for years. It just . . . sort of happens, and then goes away just as swiftly. . . . I will be minding my own business, either in class or dance, or what have you, and then suddenly my mind will be filled with thoughts, and sometimes feelings, which I know for certain are not my own. . . . Which is probably another reason why I study and concentrate so hard, because it can be rather distracting to my own thoughts to suddenly hear others mixing in within my mind while out in public. . . .

I . . . also can sometimes . . . sense things, as well. Sort of like premonitions, but not really. . . . That is, like the other day, for example, before I'd met the both of you, I just had this . . . feeling of dread and negativity for nearly that entire day before going to Madame Isadora's -- Who, by the way, is just fine, now, but doesn't seem to recall anything that had happened to her . . . and neither do her other, previously abducted students. . . . Sadly, though, their families do, or, at least, obviously know that they'd gone missing after attending their lesson, and so now the police are conducting an investigation . . . although, they -- And I, of course -- already doubt they'll find anything suspicious, I'd heard. It's just unfortunate that Madame is going through more grief, and can't even understand why . . . and the fact that her studio will be temporarily closed until the investigations are complete, which means I can't continue dancing until then. Something I truly enjoy. . . ."

Taranee trailed off for a moment, sighing lightly and looking down at her hands with a faraway and slightly forlorn expression, while Elyon and Csilla continued to gaze upon her. Elyon then rested both of her cool hands over the other girl's own, and gently squeezed them in comfort.

"I'm . . . really sorry for your teacher, Taranee -- Especially when none of it was even her fault. I wish we could just go and tell her and the police everything that'd really happened . . . although, I doubt they'd believe us even if we could," she began with a faint smile forming upon her peaches and cream countenance. "And, I'm extra sorry that you can't go to your dance lessons until everything's all settled again. You apparently seem to really treasure it. . . . But, in the meantime, you can always do like I do, and just dance around your bedroom like an idiot, with the music blasted up. Heh, heh. . . .

Although, in your case, it wouldn't be idiotic at all, because you're so greatly talented -- Including within the supernatural, too, apparently! I personally think that that's really something, what you can do with that fantastic mind of yours, Taranee, really -- Both academically, as well as psychically. It's really no wonder you're a Guardian Soldier . . . and I'm gonna have to say yet again, so we're clear, how really glad I am that you are. And, who knows?? Now that you are one, maybe the magic powers or whatever it is you now have as Sailormars will help you to earn better control over your gift! Don't worry, though, okay?"

Taranee abruptly looked up in surprise at the blue eyed girl a moment, before genuinely smiling back at her in appreciation.

". . . . Thank you," she said softly, awkwardly releasing her hands from Elyon's grasp, in order to just as awkwardly play with the tip of her onyx hued French braid.

"You know . . . now that I think on it . . . I am actually not at all surprised by this . . . what you're able to do, Taranee," Csilla suddenly and finally spoke, in quiet mystery, as she watched her two pupils curiously gaze upon her, thereafter. As though realizing a mistake she had made, the fluffy feline swiftly shook her blue-grayish head and softly chuckled. "E-Eh, that is -- Never mind, never mind! N-Now, then! Shall we move onto the real reason I've brought you both here??"

Although both teenagers had wanted to comment and venture a query in regards to the animal's bizarre behavior and what she had meant, neither did so, as they were beginning to become quite aware of how the tiny cat most often favored being mum.

And so, with merely a small nod in compliance, both girls remained silent as Csilla gave a slight breath of relief before continuing.

"Good, then. . . . As you may or may not know, Taranee, the Princess of Marsily is to be arriving in Heatherfield this weekend, and will be holding a grand ball in her honor, as well as to unveil her royal family's prized treasure," she began, growing serious once more.

Taranee nodded in understanding.

"Yes I do, actually. Some of my schoolmates and their families are going in attendance, due to the fact that they apparently run within fairly similar circles as Princess Étaín, as it were, and thus, were invited," she noted, lightly folding her arms across her chest in thought.

Elyon began to pout, as vague depression upon the matter began to set in once more.

"Ugh, don't remind me you guys, seriously. It's bad enough that I can't go, myself, but now I'd just found out from my friend, Alchemy, that she and her family are going on Saturday, themselves! If only my father or mother were big shot jewelers, instead of an astronomer and art curator, then I'd be able to go, too, for sure. . . ." she grumbled in chagrin, before leaning forward to rest her chin upon her right and lightly balled up fist.

Csilla smiled softly in sympathy at this, before gently climbing into her charge's lap, and softly began to purr.

"Well, you're in luck, Elyon, because I just so happen to believe that this entire event is well worth investigating as Guardian Soldiers," she revealed, lightly tapping her tail against the girl's covered thigh. "Of course, this is to be taken quite seriously, understood? For, the Princess's treasure could very well be the mystical Star of Threbe. . . ."

"True, now that you mention it, Csilla. . . . Although, maybe the Princess, herself, could also be the one we're looking for, as well," Taranee thoughtfully pointed out, at the same time that Elyon began to laugh with renewed joy. "And if it is, how will we know for sure??"

"I'll know, Taranee, once I meet her -- And so will she, or should, at least. I am hoping, anyhow. It will simply be a strong and undeniable feeling, I'm sure," the feline replied, while her blonde charge continued on within her tittering. "Elyon, will you please keep it down?? We are trying to talk about something you should still be listening to!"

Elyon blushed softly at this, before shaking her head and promptly standing from her seat, causing Csilla to hurriedly jump onto the floor from her lap in the process.

"Sorry! I'm just really excited that I'll get to go to the ball, after all, even if it's all for business, and no pleasure . . . maybe," she apologized with a grin, before gathering her belongings, presumably to leave. "Finally, it's a mission I can sink my teeth into!"

"But, w-wait a minute! Where are you going??" Csilla asked in confusion, both she and Taranee watching the other girl drape her book bag upon her back, and slightly wrinkling the beautiful convertible dress she still wore. "And still looking the way you do?? What will your parents say once they see you?? Change yourself back, this instant!"

Elyon groaned, pausing a moment to do as she was told and closed her eyes. After a mere fleeting seconds, her former school attire of her tank top and shorts had then reappeared within the brief, although thick manifestation of white and sparkling light.

Waiting until it had completely vanished once more, Elyon then let out a sigh as she reopened her blue eyes and stared at the now relieved feline.

"There! Happy, now, Drill Sergeant?? Back to my boring, ol' self," she muttered with a small grimace, as she lightly manhandled her returned, messy pigtails. "But, it doesn't matter, I suppose, because I'm heading to the mall now, to go shopping for the perfect dress! I think I have just enough to do so, too! Ya wanna come with, Taranee?? After all, you are going to the ball, as well, now."

Taranee looked a bit taken aback for a few moments, as though surprised at the other girl's welcoming invitation. She hesitated for a moment, before meekly nodding in acceptance, and gathered her own belongings. Although the mall wasn't honestly one of her favorite places to journey to, primarily due to its numerous shoppers (and most of which were quite usually some of her fellow schoolmates), she would go now, as she was simply pleased to have been invited by the traditionally happy young blonde.

And so, before Csilla could say another word, both girls were already rushing out of their brand new and secret Guardian Soldier headquarters, and back into the golden elevator which would take them up and out of the Musical Star Café.

". . . . Of course, you could just always use your gPhones -- In the same you had not too long ago, and somehow already seemed to have forgotten all about -- in order to acquire a dress, instead," the cat mumbled underneath her breath to herself in defeat, before quickly jogging into the already closing elevator.

---

"What do you think about this one, Taranee?? Or . . . ooh! How about this one, this yellow one?? It'll bring out my hair, don't you think?? Oh, my God! My hair! How should I wear it?? Up, or down?? Maybe, curly? Nah, that'll make me look like a Poodle, or something . . . so then, maybe wavy, instead!"

Taranee did her best to listen to all of what Elyon was currently saying, in addition to everything else she had been gushing, similar to this, for the last half an hour or so since they'd first arrived at the Heatherfield Plaza Mall. Csilla had opted, admittedly a bit too eagerly, to return to Elyon's house and wait for her there, while continuing to do further research about their overall mission.

And as enjoyable as it was becoming to continue hanging out with the bubbly blonde, Taranee was starting to wish that she could have joined Csilla, as well, rather than have come along upon this particular outing. The duo had gone to about six different clothing stores, trying to find "just the right outfit; something that will really pop and stand out," as Elyon had put it, and within every one, the dark haired intellect had felt dreadfully out of place.

She had to silently thank the heavens that her psychic abilities hadn't decided to flare up thus far, where she would have unfortunately have to listen in upon the thoughts of the random and fellow teenagers both she and Elyon had seen in passing.

Most of them, Taranee admittedly did not recognize when she'd chanced a glance their way, however she was almost certain they were at least aware of her, especially due to her still wearing her academy uniform, in addition to the sour expressions that followed.

Still, she was trying her absolute best to remain at least slightly supportive, if nothing more, to Elyon and her obvious delight for now being able to attend the Princess of Marsily's honorable ball.

I just wish that she could hurry up and choose something, so we could finally get out of here, Taranee thought in growing anxiety, after having only managed a brief, small nod in acknowledgment to the shorter girl's ongoing babbling next to her.

At last bothering to take better notice of her new friend's growing discomfort, Elyon stopped sifting through the gown rack before her, and raised a concerned eyebrow at her.

". . . . Are you all right, Taranee?? You haven't even bothered to look for something for yourself the entire time we've been at the mall. I sort of feel like you're merely tagging along, while I drag you around from store to store -- I'm sorry," she commented, dropping her hands away from the clothing rack and then back to her sides. She then flashed a sympathetic smile towards the taken aback teenager. "I'd almost forgotten how shy you can be, so coming here like this, especially on such short notice, must be a bit overwhelming. But, listen: I can be very, very shy myself, sometimes, and get uncomfortable pretty easily over certain matters. So, I understand how you feel, perfectly. But you and I are friends, now, so I'll always have your back, okay? No, worries! Now, what do you say we quit while we're ahead, and I buy you an almond pretzel upstairs at 'Mommy Annabelle's??' We can just flip through some magazines later for our ball gowns, and use our gPhones, anyway, I just remembered."

Taranee breathed a small, but noticeable sigh in relief at this, smiling back at the now grinning Elyon in appreciation, as well as within slight guilt for inadvertently causing an early end to their impromptu and almost shopping spree.

". . . . Thank you, Miss Brown . . . t-that'd be nice of you," she said with a tiny nod, before immediately tensing up upon realizing she had referred to the other girl as "Miss Brown," yet again. She promptly held in her breath, waiting to listen to Elyon complain in affect once more about it. However, she did nothing of the sort, this time, and merely gave a shrug and continued to smile before turning to leave the store . . . although, Taranee had been able to quickly catch sight of the slight falter of her simper, as well as seeing a faint damper of her normally bright blue eyes, as though in sadness.

While Taranee began to secretly worry about this, Elyon, however, promptly moved on and into another brand new conversation as they exited the clothing store, her voice continually happy as before.

"So! Uh . . . now that Csilla's not around to bombard us with boring and intense Guardian junk, why don't you tell me more about yourself," she began with another grin, leading the way towards the nearest escalator to take the pair to the upper levels of the crowded shopping mall. "You know, hobbies, family and friends . . . that sorta stuff."

Taranee blushed lightly at having the proverbial spotlight returned upon her so soon, and thought for a moment before responding.

". . . . Well, my mother, Theresa, is a judge, and my father, Lionel is, or was, rather, a lawyer, before having become a psychologist," she began timidly, readjusting her dark framed eyeglasses unconsciously as the two continued to walk together. "And I only have one sibling, my older brother, Peter, as you already know. . . . As for hobbies, well, I'm usually so busy I'm honestly surprised I have any, really. But . . . besides dancing being my absolute passion, yes . . . I do enjoy photography and basketball, mathematics and listening to classical music as I'd passed mentioned to earlier, and then . . . like you'd also found out earlier, Cornelia Hale's albums. . . ."

She'd strategically avoided answering Elyon's other inquiry about the presumed friends she possessed, feeling it being far too embarrassing and personal for now to open up about quite yet . . . especially since it seemed most probable that the blonde, herself, had too many to even count, due to her generally jovial disposition.

Elyon did not seem to have realized Taranee's omission, however, as she merely nodded her head in understanding, before suddenly swooning happily.

"Oh, wow, that's right! Cornelia! I wonder if she'll be coming to the ball on Saturday, too! She is an international celebrity, after all, and I'm sure that even Princess Étaín listens to her music, like, all the time, probably," she said excitedly, clasping her hands together as the two continued walking through the mall at a slow, but increasingly comfortable pace as the seconds continued to pass.

Taranee surprisingly shook her French braided head at this, however.

"No . . . I doubt Cornelia would be there, though, since she's currently in Berlin, Germany, busy promoting her newly created perfume, 'V,'" she revealed without thinking once more, before chuckling softly in slight embarrassment upon catching Elyon's simultaneous impressed and startled expression next to her.

"Well, boy, Taranee. There really isn't anything you're not good at; you even worship a celebrity expertly, as well," the blonde lightly teased with a wink, as they were then approaching a corner. "Even I didn't know that -- Yet again, I might add. I think I'll just go to you for any of the latest Cornelia Hale news and updates, from now on. Not even Alchemy knows that much about her, either."

Taranee gave a slight grimace upon hearing the unknown girl's name once more, and was surprised to realize that she had done so. Was this . . . jealousy she was feeling??

That isn't right of me to feel, though. Of course someone like Miss Brown would have more than one friend besides myself -- More friends than I, period. So, then . . . why am I feeling so . . . threatened by this girl, almost, all of a sudden? And so soon, already, when I've only just met Miss Brown several days ago? she pondered to herself in silence, her insides churning with discomfort as she tried her very best to quell the disturbing sensations.

Clearing her throat awkwardly, Taranee thought she should then have her turn in asking a few questions of her own, about the blonde walking beside her.

"Um . . . you mind if I asked how long you've known this Alchemy?" she ventured in inquiry, biting at her insides in order to ignore the further pangs of mild jealousy continuing to swirl within her.

Elyon shook her head, traditionally erratic pigtails swinging gaily to and fro in the process.

"Nope, not at all! Anyway, me and Alkie -- That's what I sometimes call her, by the way -- go way back, since elementary school, in fact," she began in reply, a nostalgic smile playing about her lips. "We tell each other everything, and do everything together -- Well, except for all this Guardian Soldier stuff. Can't exactly tell her about that, now can I?? But, that's why it's so cool that you're around now, Taranee!"

Taranee's heart sank at this, feeling worse than before.

So . . . that is the only, main reason she's being so friendly with me . . . only because she can't go running off to tell her Alchemy about everything we have to do now as Guardians. She probably just doesn't want to hurt my feelings, otherwise, she thought deplorably with a forced smile at the beaming girl beside her.

What else could the true solution be, after all?

The girls then rounded the corner, while Elyon, blissfully unaware of Taranee's continual dismay, continued to unintentionally brag about her near sister-like bond between her dear friend and herself . . . until she'd suddenly barreled into an oncoming individual heading within the other direction.

"Ow!! S-Sorry about . . . oh, God, it's you!!" both Elyon and the unidentified individual (at least to Taranee, anyhow) said in aggravated unison, their eyes widened in alarm.

"For the love of Pete, will there ever be a time when you won't be plowing into me every time we see one another, Piggy Tails??" asked the tall and slim, tan and slightly muscular brunet with a growing, condescending smirk and twinkling green eyes, as Taranee silently observed him in vague perplexity.

Meanwhile, Elyon's previously pleasant and jubilant demeanor instantly shifted, as her face grew red with great anger.

"Excuse me?? Will there ever be a time when I won't ever have to see your extremely irritating face, or listen to your equally irritating voice -- Especially when you keep freaking calling me 'Piggy Tails,' Caleb!!" she fired back in choler, passersby briefly looking at the unfolding scene.

Caleb merely chuckled at this, as though it happened to be one of the funniest things he had ever heard.

"Ha! Sure, then! I'm impressed that you've seemed to remember my name, though -- Bravo! Guess you're not as dense as I'd thought, then," the older looking teenager remarked in jovial insult, waving a hand in blatant dismissal at the boiling blonde standing before him. He then suddenly turned his attention onto Taranee, and smiled with surprising kindness. "You, on the other hand, apparently attend that Vesta's Academy for Girls, judging by your school uniform, and therefore possess surpassing intelligence than Piggy Tails, here. I'd highly suggest, then, that you save yourself the aggravation, and dump her the moment you get the chance!"

And with that, the overly rude young man abruptly maneuvered around both girls, and continued on his way, whistling a happy tune as though nothing had even happened.

"Argh!! Can you believe that guy?? Super, fantastically, and utterly disgusting, I kid you not!!" Elyon growled in continued ire, whirling around to watch the steadily retreating brunet for a few moments, before looking upon Taranee and silently beckoning for sympathy.

Taranee could only smile faintly, still completely unsure of what had just unfolded before her.

"U-Um . . . I take it he isn't another friend of yours, then??" she ventured a guess, despite already knowing the clear cut answer.

Elyon gasped sharply in alarm, blue eyes practically popping out of her head.

"Oh, my Lord, no!! Absolutely not, would that jerk ever be anything but a monstrous douche bag in my eyes!! Argh, now I really need that almond pretzel," she snapped in offense, turning on her heel and continuing on towards the pair of ascending and descending escalators within the near distance.

Taranee then silently followed, her confusion still present, however becoming ignored, as she saw that the other girl clearly did not wish to elaborate.

Meanwhile, as he approached the mall's exit, Caleb's mind promptly shifted away from the rather unpleasant girl which was Elyon, and onto far more important matters.

. . . . The Star of Threbe . . . I have to find it at all costs. . . . I wonder if the mystical treasure that that princess, Princess Étaín of Marsily, plans to unveil at her ball this Saturday could be it. . . . Only one way to find out, he thought pensively to himself, just as he'd reached one of the exit doors and pushed it open to vacate the building in order to head home.

"Ah! Thank God the line doesn't seem to be long today, for a change! I need like, three pretzels, after unfortunately having run into that little gremlin, only for the umpteenth time now," Elyon muttered to Taranee once the two had gotten off of the escalator, now within the food court area, and the blonde had looked in the near distance towards their intended destination. "I don't know if you've ever had a 'Mommy Annabelle's' pretzel, Taranee, but they're to die for!! Come on!"

With a small smile, Taranee once again remained silent and nodded, watching Elyon slowly return the simper, as her previously good mood was beginning to resurface. The two walked towards the relatively short line in front of the white colored pretzel stand, and its neon blue lettered sign, within an admittedly comfortable silence for a few moments . . . until Elyon suddenly let out a sharp gasp of alarm.

"H-Hey! Look, Taranee! It's Alchemy! Right there, the rust haired girl with the pixie cut, standing at the very back of the line . . . also with another pair of friends of mine, Courtney and Bess Grumper, too! This is great! Now you can all meet!" she informed excitedly, already rushing on ahead of the now apprehensive intellect to meet her other set of comrades.

And suddenly, Taranee no longer felt quite as hungry as before. . . .

She watched with awkward eyes, from where she continued to stand, as Elyon began to talk animatedly with the trio of unknown girls, making hand motions within her direction as she did so. The two identical redheads standing next to the one who was apparently Alchemy began to whisper heatedly to one another, and stared at Taranee with narrowed eyes.

It had taken just about all of the girl's resolve to finally unglue her feet from the smooth, polished floor of the busy food court, and make her way over the gaily chatting, pigtailed girl.

"Oh! Taranee! So, okay! These are the usually gossipy, but friendly -- When they try, anyway, heh, heh -- Grumper Twins, Courtney and Bess, as I'd just said before; and this is Alchemy Selwyn, my absolutely fabulous best friend in the whole world!" Elyon spoke once she'd seen Taranee slowly approach, before moving to her side and gently seized one of her arms with both of her hands. "And this, girls, is the awesomely talented and super smart Taranee Cook! I'm telling you, you guys! There's apparently like, absolutely nothing this girl can't do!"

". . . . Yeah, except maybe make more friends," Courtney murmured underneath her breath, while her twin sister, Bess, lightly snickered to herself as a result. Apparently, neither Elyon nor Alchemy seemed to have heard this, as both continued to gaze at Taranee with smiles still upon each of their faces.

Taranee, however, had heard every word, and immediately felt sick to her stomach, greatly offended and wishing she could simply vanish into the floor right at that very moment.

Alchemy, meanwhile, began to secretly feel the unsettling consternation she had been experiencing earlier that day after school, once more. So, this was why Elyon had presumably stood her up, as she had been beginning to think after having been waiting nearly an hour for the blonde to show up at the mall.

Because she was apparently too busy having so much fun hanging out with this Taranee girl, instead?? she thought to herself in worry and growing jealousy. Look at them, already so chummy and close. . . . Elyon called me her best friend just now, sure . . . but does she still mean it and honestly feel that way??

With a purposefully loud clearing of her throat, Alchemy successfully drew the blonde's attention, and struggled to maintain the smile upon her milky complexion, which was now beginning to falter.

". . . . It's nice to meet you, Taranee; Elyon's been talking about you -- A lot, actually," she said with emphasis upon her final word, some of her uncontrolled envy leaking through, momentarily. She then looked at Elyon before speaking once more. "So . . . I take it you'd forgotten all about how you said you were going to meet me here, after you'd finished being with Taranee, to help me pick out a gown for Princess Étaín's ball on Saturday??"

Elyon's mouth immediately fell open in alarm at this, promptly releasing Taranee's arm in order to move back over to her evidently hurt friend. Her face scrunched up slightly, with guilt flooding over it, as she began to apologize.

"Oh, gee, I'm sooo sorry, Alkie! I honestly did forget! I suppose we'd just lost track of the time while hanging out, right Taranee?? Yeah, and then . . . I'd invited her to come to 'Mommy Annabelle's' for an almond pretzel, and I still hadn't even remembered I was supposed to be here at the mall, anyway," she explained as best she could, considering she could not very well reveal what both she and Taranee had been doing the entire time prior to arriving.

Taranee, beginning to sense the reservations and unease effortlessly emitting from Elyon's friends, as they continued to stare at her with dissecting eyes, abruptly coughed in order to seize the dishwater blonde's attention.

". . . . Y-You know, I honestly hadn't seen how late it is, now, Miss Brown. I'm afraid I have to go, because it's my turn to help my mother cook dinner at home. Having a pretzel now would most likely spoil my appetite, anyhow," she said as believably as she could to the now surprised and puzzled girl, before then turning her attention onto her friends. ". . . . I-It was nice meeting you all . . . goodbye."

And with that, the raven haired girl swiftly turned on her heel, and retreated at a fast pace, back towards the escalators.

Stunned at the sudden change of events, Elyon began to call after Taranee, when Bess interrupted her with a sharp guffaw.

"'Miss Brown??' What is she, like, eighty-years-old, or something?? I heard she was your tutor or whatever now, Elle, but I didn't think she'd take the role so seriously! 'Miss Brown!' Ha! What a weirdo!" she cried with condescending glee, her slightly older sister joining in.

And even though she knew it was mean-spirited and wrong, Alchemy silently wished she could have done the same then, as well. However, she kept silent as she watched Elyon's formerly worried expression for the now vanished Taranee, crumble into an unappreciated scowl towards the tittering teens.

"Just stop it, you guys! That's very mean! You don't even know her!" she defended heatedly, folding her arms across her chest in furthered disapproval.

". . . . And you do, Elyon??" Alchemy suddenly heard herself ask, a bit too flatly, before she could stop herself, instantly regretting it once she caught sight of the stunned shock suffusing onto her best friend's face.

"W-What?? Not you too, Alchemy. . . . Weren't you defending Taranee's character just a few days ago, yourself?? What's changed??" she queried with a gasp, slightly backing away from the russet haired girl.

Alchemy bit back a sigh as she moved out of the decreasing line to the popular pretzel stand, and closer to the visibly hurt blonde.

"N-Nothing's changed, Ellie, and it isn't what I meant -- Nothing mean, I mean," she tried to explain, partially withholding the truth as she did so. ". . . . It's just that, you seriously only have known this girl for just a couple of days, apparently, but you're already acting as though you know her inside-out. I've just . . . never really seen you get so attached to anyone so quickly like this, before, that's all. . . ."

Elyon lightly frowned.

"Well, what's wrong with that, if I am, though, Alchemy?? I happen to find Taranee very interesting, with a lot more to her than meets the eye -- And you guys would see that, too, if you'd just give her a chance," she responded a bit tiredly, the various activities of a rather long day suddenly catching up to her. "Anyway . . . I'd better get going, myself, though -- I don't want to push my luck with my folks by staying out too late on a school day, after only just having gotten off of punishment. I'll see you all tomorrow. . . ."

Elyon turned to leave, as well, slight sadness and disappointment shining forth within her otherwise brilliant blue eyes, when Alchemy quickly reached out to stop her.

"N-No, wait! Elle, seriously, I'm sorry -- Honestly. If . . . if you say she's really cool, then . . . I believe you," she apologized with a small, but growing and genuine smile. "Now, please . . . stay a little while longer with us, all right? Have that almond pretzel you wanted and chat, and then maybe you can help me decide between the two different and really gorgeous gowns I had seen inside of 'Fashion Kaboodle,' before heading here for a quick snack break. . . . What do you say??"

Elyon watched as all three of her good friends smiled hopefully at her, each of them nodding lightly in beckoning. And although continued shopping did sound a tad enticing, she just wasn't up to it, any longer.

And so, with a small, apologetic shake of her head in decline, she managed to return a faint simper of her own before responding.

". . . . Thanks, you guys. But I should probably quit while I'm ahead, really. I'll e-mail you later tonight, and you can send back a picture of the gown you ultimately choose, all right? See you," she said with a forced grin, waving goodbye to the trio of female teenagers, before making her own way towards the escalators to then leave the mall.

". . . . 'Bye," Alchemy murmured softly in response, her heart sinking as she watched her obviously hurt friend retreat.

What had she done??

---

"Why didn't you tell me this was a masquerade ball, Csilla?? Now, I'm probably the only one in here without a mask!" Elyon discreetly hissed at the tiny cat currently hiding carefully within her decently sized and white colored handbag, as the two entered into the grand ballroom that Saturday evening.

It was true.

The Marsilian embassy , with its lavish, white and gold decorated, specially used ballroom was rapidly filling up with a generous plethora of guests, honored and otherwise, and of various ethnicities. And despite each being adorned within assorted tuxedos and very elegant gowns of many different colors, all held one common trait:

Each guest, male and female, were sporting their own masquerade masks, either secured upon or held up against their faces with an attached stick.

Elyon heard Csilla sigh gruffly from within the handbag, before quietly responding.

"Well, I'm not the Princess's right-hand cat, Elyon! It isn't as though I could have known absolutely every detail about her ball!" she muttered in reply, voice slightly muffled and dampened by the live orchestrated waltz music currently wafting throughout the ballroom. "You should be thanking me, anyway, since I was able to just barely convince that man outside that you were on the list! Now, let's go and find Taranee before we investi --"

"-- Hello, Miss Brown . . . it looks as though you could use this," both Elyon and the cloaked Csilla could suddenly hear the girl in question say softly from behind them.

Turning around to face the girl she hadn't seen since their awkward parting that past Wednesday, she was now an absolute vision of supreme loveliness, causing Elyon to gasp in the process as she took in the sight. A deep red, full, tulle ball gown elegantly adorned Taranee's naturally slim and fit dancer's physique, with a sparkling, white beaded and v-notched, strapless bodice and corset tieback closure wrapped around her chest. Tucked into the pick-ups of the bottom half of her flowing skirt were more shimmering beads, with a flounced hemline.

A matching, lightly see through bolero jacket modestly, although quite flatteringly, concealed Taranee's smooth back, while the tendrils of her free and now slightly wavy onyx tinted locks delicately cascaded over her right shoulder. The rest of her hair, however, was swept up into a beautiful updo, creating the same sort of half updo style that Elyon, herself, had earned from her premiere disguise transformation, courtesy of her new gPhone.

Taranee's visage (which was surprisingly glasses-free) was something to behold separately, as well, as autumn cherry tinted lipgloss painted her naturally pouty lips, while faint but noticeable dark eyeliner aligned her stunning brown eyes, causing them to pop out even more. And her mocha colored cheeks looked positively radiant, now that an Indian red hued blush faintly illuminated them . . . although that could have very well been of her own doing, Elyon briefly surmised, due to the multitude of times the other girl's cheeks would grow red by nature in the past.

Regardless, the traditionally reserved young teenager was currently nothing short of breathtaking.

". . . . Wow, Taranee! Look at you! You look so beautiful!" Elyon gushed in exuberated awe, at the same time that Csilla slowly poked her grayish head out of her handbag in order to see for herself. "Who knew you had such fantastic fashion sense, as well?? Aren't our gPhones great for times like these??"

Taranee smiled softly back at her and nervously rubbed at her bare arm with one free hand, while the other held onto two masquerade masks on a stick, one red in color, and the other, powder blue.

"Heh, heh . . . t-thank you for the compliment. . . . I actually had a bit of difficulty deciding upon which disguise I should wear, while searching through various magazines and even online, eventually. I'd wanted it to be appropriate, of course, but also didn't honestly want it to be so . . . 'eye-catching,' although I suppose it isn't the case anymore, based upon your particular reaction. . . . A-Anyway, here. This one is for you," she timidly said in reply, before slowly handing the blue mask to Elyon. "Oh . . . and by the way . . . you look rather becoming, yourself. . . ."

It was then Elyon's turn to grow embarrassed as she heard this, lightly seizing the masquerade mask which conveniently now matched the gown she was currently wearing. Aqua in color, with a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice and a long and full tulle skirt, it was also strategically sprinkled with small beads, silvery in color.

Her dishwater blonde hair was this time fashioned into a loose, but quite appealing and wavy updo, with a few strands tickling at her bare neck, while two strategically placed bangs gently fell upon either side of her peaches and cream countenance.

Elyon, as well, sported light makeup, consisting of faintly applied eye shadow, while soft rose hued lipgloss caressed her lips, causing them to glisten against the bright lights of the hanging chandeliers above her. And now, in her hand, was her brand new mask, which was intricately designed with handcrafted beads upon its face; a tiny cluster of frilly-like star shapes decorated the right side, with two thin ribbons gently streaming down underneath it and just above the blue and black striped stick she held onto.

With a tiny, happy giggle, Elyon raised the masquerade mask and held it against her face with her right hand, while her left arm continued to cradle the vaguely heavy handbag which had Csilla encased.

"Thanks for the compliment, Taranee! I'd taken this gown from a commercial I saw in passing just yesterday, actually, heh, heh. It was a good thing most of it was filmed in slow motion for some reason, and I had my gPhone already with me, or else I'd have never been able to get a good shot," she explained gaily, lightly blinking from behind her decorated mask. "What do you think? Does the mask you gave me go with my overall attire?? And, how did you know to bring one, anyway, or that I'd be wearing something blue??"

Taranee gave a small shrug at this and smiled gently, before raising her own identical mask, if not in color, up to her visage.

"I'd found out that it was a masquerade ball the other day, myself, but since I don't have your phone number, I didn't have any way of contacting you to let you know. And as for the color, I was originally going to bring you a black one to be on the safe side, but then . . . something just told me to take a blue one, instead," she explained over the continued classical music, reaching out to lightly pet Csilla's head which still vaguely poked out from out of Elyon's handbag.

"Perhaps it was your natural psychic abilities which had granted you such a precognitive sensation, then, Taranee," the feline murmured with a small detection of pride, and smiled up at the now blushing girl, before beginning to softly purr at the continued stroking of her furry head. "I have to ask, though: How did you manage to get inside without an invitation, or my help??"

Taranee lightly smiled.

"Oh. Well . . . more of the guests seem to be arriving in droves now outside, that you're liable to become unnoticed, so I just sort of . . . snuck in," she admitted with a small smirk, causing both Elyon and Csilla to chuckle.

"Well, that's certainly one way to do it, I suppose. No matter, as long as we're all together inside," the feline spoke with a lingering smile, before looking about her surroundings. "Now that we are, we don't we begin our investigation, hmm? I suggest we should split up, though, in order to gain more ground in less time. Taranee, you can take the left side of the ballroom and see if you can't find the Princess or her treasure anywhere, and then Elyon and I shall do the same on this side. If any of us come up with anything, we can contact one another through the gPhones, all right??"

Elyon curiously shook her head in apparent disagreement at this, keeping her mask carefully placed against it as she did so.

"Nuh uh! You can go with Taranee and investigate! First, I'm going to head over to the refreshment table I see in the distance, there, and grab a snack or two before scoping the place out -- I didn't get to eat dinner before coming here, remember, so I'm starved!" she said with a sigh, before abruptly handing over her handbag, which continued to hold the now flabbergasted cat to a slightly taken aback Taranee. "See you guys later, then!!"

Elyon then scampered off, effortlessly being swallowed up by the sea of well attired guests, before either leftover female could say a word.

Csilla let out a low exhale in defeat, before looking up at the masked Taranee, who continued to look straight ahead towards the direction the blonde had vanished into.

". . . . Well, let's get going, then, and hope that she actually does her part of the job, and doesn't get distracted by anything 'shiny,' 'tasty,' or 'handsome,'" she faintly teased in reflection, before ducking her head back into the white handbag for better covering once more.

With a small nod, Taranee took a deep breath in slight bravery to face the increasingly vast crowd alone (for the most part, at least), and began walking within the other direction of her newfound comrade.

---

"Mmm, this food is really great! Especially the little pastries," Elyon murmured to herself in between bites of the various treats she'd placed upon the intricately designed and gold encrusted plate she held within one hand, after having temporarily set down her mask in order to do so. "It's a good thing everything is so tasty at all, or else I'd still be hungry, and have nothing to do, since I haven't been able to see the Princess or her mystical treasure anywhere, yet. . . ."

It was true. Elyon had been in attendance to Princess Étaín's grand ball for nearly half an hour now, and during that time, she had been quite dutiful within her intended mission; however, with the exception of finding the majority of the various edible dishes being offered to be quite delicious, she had so far been unable to find anything else.

Including even a dance partner, like my wonderful Cedric, if he could be here, as well, she silently added as a furthered thought with a small sigh, after having finished off the last piece of puff pastry, as well as the unique tasting and rolled up chocolate covered orange peel, which she had been told by a random passerby that it was the country of Marsily's specialty and favorite treat. She continued to stare off into the vast crowd from where she stood, alone, at the elongated and seemingly endless buffet table, and watched with forlorn eyes as the female guests and their respected male partners happily twirled around upon the dance floor. I know that I'm only here to find out more about the Princess and her royal family treasure . . . but it would still be nice to go out there and dance for a little while . . . just so I can say that, for once in my life, I truly felt like a princess, living within a real life fairytale. . . .

Making the resolution to simply suck it up and carry on within her investigation, Elyon begrudgingly turned to set down her empty, golden plate back onto the fancily decorated table, before replacing her masquerade mask against her face.

When she'd turned back around, she unexpectedly found herself bumping into another, also female, who was apparently making her own way towards the assorted dishes to partake in.

"O-Oh! I'm sorry! Excuse me, please," the dishwater blonde said hurriedly in embarrassed apology, lightly bowing her head in shyness before gasping softly in surprise at what she saw from behind her mask.

Alchemy?? Is that her?? It's gotta be, since that's the same exact ball gown she'd finally chosen and showed me the other day in e-mail, she silently reflected, gazing in awe upon the dazzling copper haired young woman before her.

A silver and black colored masquerade mask freely covered her peachy complexion, without any aid of a stick in the way that Elyon's own had been designed, with a trio of small and ruffled raven hued feathers sticking out on the top right side of it.

Her short, pixie cut hair held an eye-shaped, diamond-resembling jeweled barrette upon her right side, while the rest of her short kept locks were lightly gelled and tousled, styled into a rather becoming hairdo. Light bronzer caressed her visage, giving it a healthy and becoming glow, while light eyeliner and soft peach lipgloss gently kissed her lips.

The girl's gown, strapless and white in color, was a vision to behold, with a full tulle ball gown skirt meticulously covered with black beads, and a black bra cup bodice top.

Elyon was absolutely positive: this beautifully dressed young woman was definitely Alchemy . . . which meant that she had better leave her side, before the girl began to realize the blonde before her was her best friend. She wanted to hang out for a moment or two in order to chat with the russet haired girl, but seeing as Elyon hadn't once made it known to her that she, too, would suddenly and quite curiously be in attendance of Princess Étaín's ball, it would be rather difficult to explain, otherwise.

And, besides that, the two were still on a bit of awkward ground, since their run in at the mall that past Wednesday . . . or, at least, as far as the blonde was concerned, anyway. Elyon still couldn't quite understand what was the matter with her friend, or even if there was anything the matter, at all. And seeing as Alchemy had never brought it up and had carried on for the rest of the week, gaily discussing about the upcoming ball as though nothing had ever happened, Elyon had simply chosen to let it slide.

Still . . . now that she was seeing the other girl again, and especially Taranee this evening, it began to make her wonder. . . .

"I-It's all right! Don't worry about it, miss," Elyon could hear the masked Alchemy say in kind with a smile, breaking through her thoughts. She then watched as she paused for a moment, before speaking once more. "Hmm . . . actually . . . you look rather familiar to me, if I could be honest. . . ."

This caused Elyon to nearly jump in surprise, before she nervously began to giggle and wave her free hand in dismissal.

"O-Oh! You know, I get that a lot?? Yeah, happens to me everywhere I go, really! I guess I just have that sort of face!" she hastily replied with a crooked grin, watching Alchemy lightly tilt her head to the side in perplexity. "W-Well, I had better move on, now! Take care!"

Elyon hurriedly rushed away from the undoubtedly befuddled Alchemy, feeling a bit guilty as she swiftly blended into the crowd and carefully zigzagged in between them. She'd hated to do that to her friend, but she supposed it was better than having to spend God only knows how long it would take to explain herself, otherwise.

"I'll make it up to her later, I guess. . . . Right now, I should probably try to find Taranee and Csilla, and see if they haven't had any better luck than I," she softly whispered to herself, beginning to carefully search through the sea of unknown male and female guests she was surrounded by.

Suddenly, a male sounding voice lightly echoed from behind Elyon, just as the live orchestra had completed playing their latest waltz.

". . . . Beautiful maiden . . . I've admittedly been eyeing you from across the ballroom for the past several minutes now, and I must say that you are quite possibly the most breathtaking being in here. . . . Will you do me the honor in sharing the next dance with me?"

Elyon let out a gasp of abrupt surprise at the initial unexpectedness of hearing someone else speaking to her, and then took in another sharp inhale upon turning around to see who it could be.

. . . . Oh, my God! Tuxedo Kamen?? Is it . . . is it really him?? she wondered in silence, a mixture of instant disbelief, as well as admitted hope flooding her insides, in addition to . . . something else she couldn't quite honestly place her finger upon.

It very well could have been the mysterious Tuxedo Kamen, and the dishwater blonde was pretty positive that it was him, despite having only officially met him once before. Still, this tall, young man possessed the same overall stature and slim physique as he, including the same, slicked back and chestnut colored hair, tawny skin, and emerald tinted eyes which were then currently peering happily down at her from behind a mimicking white hued mask.

With the exception of not possessing a flowing, red lined and black cape, this brunet was even adorned within the same dashing onyx tuxedo as Tuxedo Kamen, even right down to the same ivory colored gloves covering his hands.

It has to be him. . . . I . . . I was admittedly sort of hoping that I might see him here tonight, as well, Elyon thought with a jumping heart, as she'd realized the gravity of her own admission, a deep blush beginning to flood her cheeks. Then . . . that means that I . . . I now have two crushes. . . . One on Cedric, whom I truly do love . . . and . . . and one upon him. . . . Tuxedo Kamen. . . .

Without a word, Elyon timidly placed her right, free hand into the extended appendage of the presumed Tuxedo Kamen's, before allowing herself to be carried across the dance floor in rhythmic time to the newly beginning waltz the orchestra had just then began to play.

A multitude of exciting, as well as honestly frightening emotions began to swirl around inside of her, most of which she did not readily understand, as she found herself becoming increasingly lost within his rather mesmerizing eyes.

I . . . I don't really know why, but . . . this . . . all of this almost feels sort of . . . familiar to me, dancing and being with him in this way, the dishwater blonde thought to herself in growing awe, her head swimming with so many various, other musings at the same time. I wonder how he feels right now . . . if it might feel the same way to him, as well. . . . And . . . does he realize that I'm Sailormeridian, the way I remember that he's Tuxedo Kamen, or does he just think I'm some random 'pretty girl??' Oh, well . . . at least he apparently thinks I'm beautiful, heh, heh. . . .

Unbeknownst to Elyon, her tall dance partner was thinking along the same lines, himself, as he continued to take the lead within the light and energetic waltz, and she followed with slight awkwardness.

Her hair smells so wonderful . . . and her eyes. . . . They seem so familiar to me . . . dancing with her seems so familiar to me, the brunet silently pondered to himself, a small, but comfortable smile gracing his lips as the petite blonde in his arms then shyly returned it in kind. I shouldn't even be doing this at all, since I'd only come to search for the Star of Threbe, and see if the Princess of Marsily's treasure couldn't be it . . . but . . . once I'd seen this girl from across the ballroom, I just couldn't help myself. . . . I'd just felt so inexplicably drawn to her . . . I've never felt this way, before. . . . Who could you be, beautiful maiden??

---

Meanwhile, Taranee was simultaneously finding herself being gloriously swept across the dance floor on the other side of the ballroom, by an unknown man she had accidentally bumped into just moments before. It had all happened so quickly, as well, as one moment both she and Csilla had been continually busy, trying to search for the Princess and her royal family treasure, and then within the next, she had found herself colliding into the crimson haired young man, who was now unexpectedly her dance partner.

After a few quick exchanges in apology, Taranee was on her way to shyly excusing herself from the male's path of way, when he had then surprisingly asked her to dance with him, insisting that someone as lovely as she should stay at his side.

And before she could even think to decline, the relatively tanned and unidentified man had led her out onto the dance floor, carefully setting down her white handbag, which secretly held a now quite perplexed Csilla inside, onto a nearby and empty seat placed against the wall.

With the chair still within perfect view from where they now were, dancing in perfect unison and elegance to the delightful waltz wafting throughout the ballroom, Taranee struggled to control her growing nerves the longer she stared into the man's brown eyes from behind the blood and gold colored mask he securely wore upon his face.

His was more unique than some of the others the raven haired intellect had seen thus far that evening, as his mask had what almost looked like little devilish horns protruding from out of both sides at the top of it.

. . . . But he certainly doesn't look like a devil to me, though, Taranee fleetingly thought to herself in continued memorization, feeling herself grow more and more lost within his gentle embrace as they continued to dance. In fact, he sort of reminds me of that nice guy I had met several days ago . . . Nigel. . . .

It was true.

With medium length, cardinal locks lightly gelled and hanging ever so gently against the back of his strong neck and cheeks, in addition to possessing the same eye color and build, this particular young man could very well have passed for Nigel's twin . . . only, Taranee could not honestly be so sure, as she had only encountered him once before, and never again since.

Still, she truly hoped inside that it was him, especially the way he continued to gaze down upon her with a soft smile, and with an expression upon his partially covered countenance as though they were the only couple within the otherwise massively filled ballroom.

And with him currently adorned within a dark red, yet quite becoming tuxedo, the pair indeed honestly resembled a rather loving couple, especially having unintentionally matched within attire color.

. . . . Whether it really is Nigel or not, I still feel lighter than air right now, as though within a dream, the blushing Taranee thought with an inward sigh, as the waltz was beginning to draw to an unfortunate close.

. . . . Why am I even doing this, dancing with this human, when I should be concentrating upon the mission at hand?? the disguised Deite silently pondered to himself with curious confliction, in reflection to having suddenly gotten the overwhelming urge to dance with the mocha skinned beauty, within the midst of his malevolent search for his intended target. He then bestowed the apparently timid girl a flirtatious smile as the waltz ended. Oh, well. Even I, as truly evil as I am, cannot deny how beautiful she is, whomever she happens to be . . . even if she is a lowly human.

The unrealized Deite then gently kissed Taranee's bare hand, before stepping back to bow at her within courteous respect.

"I thank you for the wonderful dance, my lovely -- You are a truly gifted dancer," he complimented with another flirtatious simper, before then abruptly turning on his heel and departing into the now standstill crowd without another word.

Still within her daze to even take notice initially, Taranee then forced herself to snap out of it as her naturally clever mind had then made a sudden connection.

". . . . 'My lovely?' . . . . That was what Nigel had called me on that day when we'd first met! And he'd kissed my hand in the same way, as well! It must have been him, after all!" she quietly exclaimed to herself in tardy realization, about to rush after him (if she even could), when suddenly, an unknown male voice echoed within a microphone towards the direction of where the orchestra was set up in the distance.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our honored guests, in just a few moments, Princess Étaín shall enter, and present her royal family's mystical treasure to all of you for the very first time!" a salt and pepper, partially balding and elderly, tuxedo-clad man spoke through the microphone within his hand. He stood before the now resting orchestra, upon the podium-like stage they had been set up upon, and smiled generously upon the rather packed ballroom full of now extremely anxious guests.

Hmm . . . then now is the perfect time to act, Deite thought menacingly within the large crowd, a vile smirk forming upon his face before making his way towards one of the nearby exits.

Meanwhile, around the same time, Taranee was forging her own way towards the front of the crowd with a reclaimed Csilla, while Elyon was somewhere within the middle of the throng of seemingly endless guests, still within the arms of the believed Tuxedo Kamen.

Despite the music having ceased, the pair continued to remain enfolded within each other's arms, gazing into one another's eyes, as though nothing or no one else was even there. It wasn't until that very moment that the both of them at last snapped out of their comfortable reverie.

Oh . . . the Princess is gonna come out now, finally. . . . I guess I'd better get going, then, and find the others . . . unfortunately, Elyon thought with growing reluctance, her masked, blue eyes peering forlornly into the brunet's emerald colored own. . . . . But . . . I don't want to lose this feeling. . . .

I know I have to do what I've come here for, but . . . now, I wish I didn't have to, if only just to stay here . . . with her, Tuxedo Kamen pondered silently with slight sadness, before slowly releasing the dishwater blonde beauty's delicate hand from his strong, yet gentle grasp.

". . . . 'Till we meet again," Tuxedo Kamen simply murmured to the continually dazed Elyon, before rushing off into the crowd, which was becoming more and more compact, as each individual struggled to get a good view of the podium up front and when the princess would enter.

No one had to wait quite long, at all, in fact, as in that very instant did a pair of grand, white double doors slowly open, and a young woman within a flowing, and blatantly regal-looking blue colored gown enter.

She must be the Princess . . . I had better get a move on, then, Elyon thought to herself once her stupor had at last worn off, and she had caught sight of the long and wavy, coffee-caramel haired and white chocolate skinned monarch in the near distance.

Various bulb flashes of cameras from the numerous photographers and journalists invited to the ball immediately began to go off, as the crowned and bedazzled beauty calmly made her way towards the podium, with two bodyguards trailing behind and before her.

In her gloved hands was an oval shaped, silvery and bejeweled box, which she cradled ever so protectively as she walked.

". . . . That must be her mystical treasure inside," Taranee whispered observantly to the continually hidden Csilla within Elyon's handbag, who had just then arrived at their side and gave a small nod in acknowledgment.

"Then we'd better pay extra close attention, now, girls," Csilla softly advised from within the bag, just the tip of her tiny ears currently visible and lightly twitching in added attentiveness.

With an agreeable nod, both Guardians then turned their attention onto the mesmerizing and graceful princess, as she had by then reached the podium and cleared her throat to begin speaking.

". . . . Good evening, ladies and gentlemen; honored guests, and friends. I, my family, as well as the rest of our beloved country of Marsily thanks you for attending such a special occasion," Princess Étaín began with a warm and generous smile, before her steely blue eyes then flickered with a curious darkness so suddenly . . . which only Taranee seemed to catch, as her own eyes instantly narrowed in suspicion and her body lightly tensed up at the sight.

". . . . Something isn't quite right, you guys. . . . I can . . . I can feel it," the raven haired intellect admitted within a hushed voice, causing Csilla to daringly poke her grayish head from out of Elyon's handbag to see for herself.

All three comrades then watched as Princess Étaín clutched even more tightly to her jewel studded box, before giving her vast audience a suddenly devilish smile.

". . . . I really cannot thank all of you enough for coming, tonight . . . because now, you get to so graciously offer up your lovely energy to my master!!" she cackled with reinforced maliciousness, so unlike the far more kinder and gentler voice she had had possessed not but moments before.

Before anyone could react, including the undercover Guardian Soldiers, Princess Étaín suddenly raised her right arm towards the fleet of guests, and continued on within her cruel laughter as a dark and swirling energy wave cascaded out of it and into the crowd.

"Girls, watch out!! You mustn't allow yourselves to be weakened by this dark energy!!" Csilla cried out in alarm, watching as everyone else around them within the ballroom instantly began to drop like flies in unconsciousness. She then looked upon her two charges and saw them struggle to remain erect, let alone conscious, as she, too, began to grow quite weary. ". . . . The . . . the only way is if you two transform right now!! It will give you . . . an added power boost. . . ."

"Csilla!! Oh, no, she's passed out, Taranee!! Come . . . come on, then!" Elyon gasped in affect after both she and Taranee watched their mutual feline mentor slowly close her green eyes, as heavy slumber effortlessly claimed her, and was about to do the same to the two of them. "We . . . we have to do as . . . as she says, and then rescue the Princess from the Entity obviously possessing her!!"

Taranee merely gave a quick, although fatigued nod in agreement, before carefully setting down the white handbag onto the floor, which was then currently littered with unconscious bodies of every last guest in attendance . . . including the seemingly unlucky Alchemy and the both of her parents in the distance.

"Meridian Eternity Power, Make Up!!"

"Mars Power, Make Up!!"

"W-What is this?? What's going on, here??" the possessed Princess Étaín cried out in surprise as she lowered her hand, which had then ceased within releasing its dark energy. Her sunken in, steel blue eyes widened as she watched the unexpected, dual, and unique transformations of her would (and should) be victims unfold before her within a kaleidoscope of color.

Within seconds, it was already over, and two sailor suited young women now stood where their formerly ball gown attired alter egos had been. A heavy frown creased the both of their no longer tired looking visages, as the dishwater blonde before the princess was the first to speak.

"For having taken over the respected and well honored princess, I, the sailor soldier of love and justice, Sailormeridian, shall punish you, Entity!!" she spoke in bravery, extending out her arm and pointing an index finger directly at the overtaken princess within an accusatory manner.

The generally reddish themed and raven haired girl beside her nodded within apparent concurrence at this, before speaking, herself.

"Likewise! We'll never forgive you for possessing the innocent Princess Étaín!!" she voiced with fierce conviction and authority, causing Sailormeridian to briefly gaze upon her within utter surprise, as a result.

Since when is Taranee so . . . bold like this?? It's so unlike how she is normally . . . almost like her Guardian guise has suddenly given her a great boost in confidence, or something, she thought momentarily with a small, reflective smile, before immediately turning her attention back onto the situation at hand.

"Hm, hm, hm. . . . Is that so?? I highly doubt the two of you can do anything to stop me! The mystical treasure is mine!!" the evil influenced Princess Étaín screeched in between guffawing, seemingly undaunted by the other two girls' threats.

She then swiftly jumped from off of the podium and towards a pair of closed, balcony doors behind her, and roughly kicked them open.

"Sailormeridian! She's getting away with the treasure! You have to do something!" Sailormars instructed intensely, already charging on ahead of her companion and towards the retreating princess.

"R-Right!! Meridian Healing Escalation!!" Sailormeridian cried out, her sparkling and cleansing based attack causing Princess Étaín to abruptly tense up within her place, before toppling over onto the floor in unconsciousness.

Both Guardian Soldiers watched as the silver treasure box escaped the monarch's arms and skidded several feet before her, at the same time that an eerie, shadowy mist then appeared and hovered into the air and over her body.

Sailormeridian gasped in alarm at the sight, especially the moment a vaguely familiar face unexpectedly began to take shape within the wavy and otherwise opaque haze.

"W-What?? Sailormars, look!! That's that guy, Deite's face!!" she cried in stunned shock, as her raven haired comrade lightly shivered at the unfortunate memory of their previous, as well as first encounter with one another . . . when he had nearly killed her.

Gathering up her nerve once more, Sailormars began to concentrate her energy, before responding to the blonde slightly behind her.

". . . . I-I remember, Sailormeridian . . . which is why it's payback time! Fire Soul!!" she shouted out within embittered retribution and extended palms, her now familiar stream of ferocious fire sailing towards the swirling mist before her. Having expected it to have vanished after her well aimed attack, both Sailormars and Sailormeridian were greatly taken aback to see that not only was it still intact as well as present, but Deite's face had then twisted into a sinister sneer before laughing harshly at the two of them.

"Ha, ha, ha!! Did you really think that that would work on my shadow self, you Sailor-Twit?? This insignificant human's mystical treasure shall be mine, just as a swift and painful death shall be yours!!" he gloated darkly, eyes beginning to glow as he prepared himself for an attack.

Suddenly, a voice hurriedly called out from behind the two now bewildered young women, as it came closer.

"Sailormeridian, hurry!! Use your tiara in order to counteract the darkness shed throughout this room!!" the girls turned around in time to catch sight of a now caped Tuxedo Kamen skid to a stop beside the dirty blonde, and gave a hard nod towards her in furthered acknowledgment.

"Tuxedo Kamen, you came!! I-I mean , er . . . whatever you say!" Sailormeridian gasped within affect, lightly smiling in appreciation by the sight of the tall brunet standing beside her, before immediately placing her gloved hand upon her already glowing tiara. "Meridian Tiara Boomerang!!"

Once again her golden tiara had magically morphed itself into a flat and circular boomerang, before slicing effortlessly straight through the billowing, dark mass. It instantly dissipated into nothingness, with only the echoing scream of a defeated Deite within its wake.

"Oh! Yes! We did it!!" Sailormeridian cheered within relief, her formerly enchanted tiara now returned to her forehead. She shared a smile with Sailormars, before turning to do the same with Tuxedo Kamen, who was then curiously rushing forward towards the balcony . . . as well as to the discarded treasure box.

". . . . T-Tuxedo Kamen? What're you --" Sailormeridian began in perplexity, before letting out a surprised scream, the moment a bright flash of red light exploded into the ballroom, and the formerly presumed defeated Deite appeared before the three of them.

Before anyone could stop him, the visibly boiling young man abruptly bent over and snatched up Princess Étaín's treasure box.

"Ha! You may have won the battle, but it appears as though I have just won the war! With this in hand, my master will be most pleased!!" Deite boomed with a cackle, already turning on his heel to leave, when Tuxedo Kamen rushed forward to stop him.

"Give that back, you; I need it!!" he said within a demanding tone, a long, black cane suddenly appearing within his right hand.

Deite merely chuckled in amusement at this, and raised his free hand within a beckoning, in addition to challenging manner.

"Hmph . . . try and take it, then," he said defiantly, before placing himself within a defensive stance, while still clutching firmly onto the silvery treasure box.

Both Sailormeridian and Sailormars watched in stunned shock as another, although completely unforeseen battle commenced before them, this time between Deite and the brunet the blonde had so far always considered to be their ally.

But then . . . why is he after Princess Étaín's treasure for himself, just like Deite is?? It doesn't belong to either one of them, she pondered silently to herself, while watching a bit helplessly at the violent display continually unfolding before her. This isn't right. . . .

Just then, Deite's surprised cry startled Sailormeridian straight out of her conflicted reflections, in time to witness the prized and furiously sought after treasure box abruptly fly out of his gloved hand and into the air behind him . . . and heading straight towards the balcony's edge.

"N-No!! The Princess's treasure!!" Sailormeridian cried, before mindlessly rushing past the two stunned young men, and towards the sailing, sudden projectile in order to catch it in time.

"Sailormeridian! Watch out!!" Sailormars called out to her companion within fierce alarm, starting after her, just as an angered Deite, sensing it best to deplorably cut his losses while he still could, had abruptly vanished from sight.

Within a grand leap, Sailormeridian had managed to seize the silvery box just in time, before it had fallen completely over the balcony's edge . . . however, due to the sheer force and momentum of her great stride, she was unable to stop from going over, herself. . . .

"Ahhh!!" she screamed in terror, squeezing her already tear filled, blue eyes shut tight as she felt herself falling from that tremendously great height. Suddenly, an unexpected, although blessedly firm hand grabbed a hold of Sailormeridian's free hand, causing her to reopen her eyes and gaze up slowly, while still protectively holding onto Princess Étaín's rightful possession with the other.

"H-Hold . . . on t-tight!!" an out of breath and greatly struggling Tuxedo Kamen instructed through gritted teeth, as he draped half of his body over the balcony in order to seize better hold upon the dangling blonde before him.

Sailormeridian gasped within mixed surprise and fear, as she managed to lightly nod in understanding . . . at least, in regards to the brunet's fevered request, as his current actions began to confuse her further.

Why is he willing to nearly risk his own life in order to save mine?? Is it because I now hold the mystical treasure . . . or is it because he really is on our side, after all?? she thought to herself momentarily, before letting out an abrupt squeal the moment she felt her hand slipping away from Tuxedo Kamen's own.

"A-Ahh!! I-It's no good, Tuxedo Kamen! Just . . . just let me go," the dishwater blonde nobly pleaded with the visibly struggling young man above her, not wishing to place his safety within any further danger than needed. However, before he could have acted, whether or not he had intended to, Sailormeridian was mortified to witness Tuxedo Kamen suddenly topple over the edge of the balcony, falling straight down to his presumed demise and, within the process, taking her with him.

"Ahhhhhhh!!!!!" they both screamed at the top of their lungs, just as a fear-stricken Sailormars could be seen poking her raven colored head over the edge and arriving just nanoseconds too late to help.

"Sailormeridian!! No!!" she cried out in horror, her brown eyes widening and effortlessly filling with uninhibited tears, as she was forced to helplessly watch her newfound companion plummet down to her assured end.

Suddenly, a bright flash of soft bluish light began to emit from the silvery star pendant placed upon Sailormeridian's bowed chest, causing it to grow intensely warm in the process. Hands still clutched firmly together, both she and Tuxedo Kamen gazed down upon its mystical glow within perplexity, at the same time they'd began to realize the two of them were curiously slowing down within their drop.

Before either could say a word, a circular aura of the same bluish tint had then magically appeared and encased the pair within a protective shell, carrying them to safety.

"Oh, thank God. . . ." Sailormars breathed in relief upon taking in the unexpected sight, reaching up to dry her shed tears, before immediately whirling around to retrieve the still unconscious Csilla, and then vacate the premises in order to meet their blonde comrade down below.

". . . . What . . . what is this??" Tuxedo Kamen asked within breathless awe, looking about the magically enforced bubble of sorts, while holding onto an equally mesmerized Sailormeridian protectively.

"I . . . I'm not sure, but . . . it feels so warm . . . and nice," she murmured in reply and with flushed cheeks, her chest continuing to glow its vibrant, soft blue, while gazing about their newfound surroundings, as well. She then closed her eyes and, without thinking, began to lightly sing to herself. "So here I am . . . come with me. . . . This is our starlit destiny! Starlit destiny . . . this time I won't be denied. . . . Starlit destiny . . . boy, one day you will be mine. . . ."

Tuxedo Kamen merely gazed at Sailormeridian with fondness upon his visage and a soft smile, while her eyes slowly closed and she continued to gently sing her song. After only a few more minutes, the two were delicately set upon the ground in safety, and the bluish light upon Sailormeridian's chest dissipated into nothingness.

". . . . Looks like you saved me there, Sailormeridian . . . thank you," Tuxedo Kamen said with an appreciative smile, after reluctantly releasing her gloved hand.

Sailormeridian blushed furiously at this, and looked down at her boots in shyness, and shook her head in disagreement.

"N-No, way . . . it was my fault, really, in the first place. . . . But, I'm really thankful for all you've done," she murmured with a gentle smile, nervously wringing her hands together.

The two stood in silence for a few moments, before Tuxedo Kamen softly cleared his throat in awkwardness.

"Y . . . You know . . . you sing pretty well," he complimented with a lopsided grin, a faint rouge caressing his tawny cheeks, as the dishwater blonde before him looked up in surprise.

"W-What?? Oh, gosh! I can't believe I just did that in front of you! T-That is, I don't usually sing in front of anyone, e-except for myself in front of the mirror or something, or maybe sometimes with my best friend, Alchemy. . . . A-Anyway! T-Thank you. . . ." Sailormeridian gushed in embarrassment, returning the sheepish simper.

"Sailormeridian!"

Both Sailormeridian and Tuxedo Kamen looked up to see a frantic, yet relieved looking Sailormars rushing towards them, with a now fully aroused Csilla jogging after her.

"Sailormars! Csilla! You're okay!" the blonde cried in happiness, meeting her companions halfway, and clasping her hands together with the raven haired girl's, while looking down at the smiling feline who then began rubbing against her leg in affection.

"And so are you, thankfully! How did it happen??" Sailormars asked in wonder, gently releasing her palms from Sailormeridian's grasp.

The blonde shrugged lightly.

"Honestly?? I'm not so sure. But, I just remember not wanting anything to happen to either of us . . . that I'd wanted to save Tuxedo Kamen, and then . . . I guess I just sort of did," she explained as best she could, scratching the back of her head in bewilderment. Suddenly, she let out a gasp, which startled her two friends in the process. "Oh! But, the Princess's treasure! It's gone! I must have dropped it on the way down without realizing!!"

"No . . . you didn't. I have it, Sailormeridian," Tuxedo Kamen revealed from behind them, causing the trio to turn in surprise, as he slowly raised his left hand and held up the silvery treasure box. Before anyone could stop him, he quickly opened it to reveal a shimmering, large and rather priceless looking blue topaz heart and diamond pendant, which was also encrusted within fourteen karat gold. ". . . . This isn't it."

"Tuxedo Kamen . . . are you also searching for the mystical Star of Threbe?? Who are you??" Csilla suddenly piped up, taking a chance to speak to the young brunet, as she took several steps toward him.

Surprisingly, the fact that a cat was currently and most mysteriously speaking to him did not seem to jostle him, however, as Tuxedo Kamen merely gave the feline a rather pensive look before slowly responding.

". . . . Don't know . . . but, so long as we both are looking for the same thing, then . . . I suppose I am also your enemy, as well," he said hollowly, lightly tossing the now closed treasure box over to a deeply stunned Sailormeridian, before then abruptly turning on his heel and began to walk away with a grand flourishing wave of his red lined cape.

No one could say a word after this, as the trio continued to watch the mysterious young man disappear into the thick darkness of the warm evening. . . .

---

Meanwhile, nearly across the city, a lone, young woman with short, rose colored locks sat down upon the front steps of her loft outside. A calm and collected expression suffused itself onto her naturally tawny countenance, as she let out a small exhale while gazing up at the slowly blackening and cloudy night sky.

". . . . Hmm . . .seems like a storm has arrived. . . ." she murmured within reflective seriousness, before slowly closing her molasses hued eyes in further pondering. . . .

-- End of Act 3

---

(A.N. Oh, well JEEBUS, I'm finally finished with this !!!! Forty-seven pages, making this THE longest chapter I've ever done, INCLUDING chapter forty of my "The Royal Guardian" fic!! Blehhh. :Collapses: It was also a MASSIVE bitch to edit, as well, since I was supposed to be in FL all this week with my family and fiancé, but had it canceled when my father unexpectedly was admitted to the hospital for minor surgery, due to an excessive build up of fluid around his heart…. So, I've been busy going back and forth everyday to the hospital to visit him, since last Saturday when we were all supposed to be leaving…but thankfully, he seems to be well on the mend, now, and just got released two days ago, now. =)

But…yeah. A few things to mention, those of you who'd stuck through to the very end of this forty-seven pager, here: 1, Princess Étaín, her descriptive look, her country and its favorite chocolate covered orange peel treat was all created by me, as she/all of that is – or will be, rather – featured within my "The Royal Guardian" fic, in chapter thirty-five. I got lazy in creating a new princess for this ball, so I'd just borrowed her for it. Those of you who've been reading that particular story probably already recognized her and the country from the get, anyhow. Also, her older and younger sister, Princesses Mara and Roice, were also featured within this chapter, sort of, as the street name the embassy is located on, "Mara-Roice."

2, Elyon being "obsessed" with balls – That sounds funny lol – is, of course, an obvious allusion to her past life as a princess, etc, in addition to the ironic joke her mother had made earlier on in the chapter, about how she wished Elyon were a princess, etc, when she actually is, in truth.

3, Taranee's having continually called Elyon "Miss Brown" and how Elyon was also bothered by that was an allusion to PGSM, and how Ami kept on referring to Usagi as "Tsukino-san" initially, and how that, too, bothered Usagi after a while, and how she'd said that it felt as though they were not truly friends if she didn't call her by her first name, instead, etc. Since Taranee is, again, taking on dual roles, almost, of both Ami and Rei now, I thought I'd reflect upon that in a way, by implementing a PGSM-like move there.

4, Elyon having admitted to Taranee that she wished she had a brother and "always have" done so, is also an obvious allusion to the fact that she DOES actually have one in Phobos, etc.

5, Csilla apparently having "powers" of her own. It isn't anything major or anything, but simply reflecting upon whatever innate powers she possesses inside of her, just like Luna has/had, herself, etc. I'd just apparently given her kinda/sorta mind control-like powers, in regards to Cedric and that guy at the ball simply to make MY life a whole lot easier when having to write those scenes LoL

6, Although I hadn't written it in, yes, their new headquarters does have a bathroom for both the Guardians and Csilla, for those wondering. LoL Let's just assume that the door to them simply appears within one of the walls, like near the mini kitchen area or near the TV and computer, I don't know. LoL

7, Speaking of their headquarters, its description, while only VERY slight, is an allusion to the headquarters in PGSM at the Crowne Karaoke Box…only far more "pimped out." LoL

8, I want a freaking gPhone for myself, now. LoL

9, "Mommy Annabelle's" is an allusion to "Auntie Anne's Pretzels," which I absolutely adore, especially their almond pretzels. HeHe Just didn't want to get sued if I'd used the real name, is all. LoL

10, Cornelia's perfume, "V," is, yes, obviously named as such in secret reference to her being Sailor V and Sailorvenus

11, Alchemy and Taranee's apparent jealousy toward one another is also an allusion to PGSM, when Naru and Ami had issue with one another at first, because both began to feel threatened by the other in regards to their mutual friendship with Usagi, etc

12, Taranee's ongoing insecurity and doubt about her budding relationship with Elyon is also an allusion to PGSM-Ami and Usagi, etc

And 13, the "waltz" inside of my head – even though it really isn't a waltz so much, actually LoL – during the dual dance b/w Elyon and Caleb, and Taranee and Nigel/Deite was "Butou no Eros" from "Revolutionary Girl Utena," when Utena and Anshi dance together in episode 3 of the Student Council Arc, "On the Night of the Ball." I've always loved that song – And the series, period hehe – and it just started to play within my head as I wrote that scene, so…yeah. LoL Go on Imeem to listen to it LoL

There you have it! I truly, truly, TRULY hope you all bothered to read this VERY long chapter, and PLEASE review, as I had worked rather hard on it, in addition to getting it out to all of you within a descent timeframe. I would greatly appreciate it; see you at the next update, where, yes, Will Vandom will be introduced next. =) )