Crystal Flaws - Part 04 Crystal Bells

The next afternoon Elios and Serenity decided to plan their honeymoon while they ate lunch in their room. Serenity suggested, “Lets take a month to tour the planets. I’ve always wanted to do that.”

Elios looked at her incredulously. “A month! That’s a very long time. I was thinking more along the lines of a weekend at the Moon. I’ve heard the museums there are phenomenal.”

Now it was Serenity’s turn to stare with shock at Elios. She quietly said, “Yes, the Moon’s museums are great. I helped set most of them up!”

Elios could see they were not going to resolve this easily. Sighing, he said, “Maybe it would be best if we put off traveling until after the babies are born.”

“If we do that, we might never go anywhere!” Serenity exclaimed. She saw the look in Elios’ eyes and realized, with a sinking feeling, that he didn’t think this would be a terrible thing.

Elios watched as tears welled up in Serenity’s eyes. Reaching across the small table to gently rubbed Serenity’s hand, he asked, “Maiden, what’s the big deal about this? We can go away together anytime. Why do we have to go for so long right now?”

“What’s the big deal?!” Serenity whispered incredulously. “I’ll tell you what the big deal is,” she said as she pulled her hand out of Elios’ grasp and glared at him. Her voice began to get louder as she continued. “A honeymoon is supposed to be a special trip right after the wedding when you enjoy time together alone and have time to recover from the wedding! It’s not supposed to be only two days long or include babies and it’s not supposed to happen years later!”

Becoming exasperated, Elios rebutted, “That’s all well and good, but I can’t just leave the Shrine like that!”

Serenity exclaimed, “The Shrine?! That’s what this is all about?!” Hurt filled her voice as tears again filled her eyes then ran down her cheeks. “You aren’t willing to leave the Shrine to go on your honeymoon with your wife?!”

Elios now regretted his hastily said words. They had not come across as he had meant them. He tried again. “No, it’s not that at all. I *do* want to go and spend time with you, but…”

“But what?!” Serenity demanded.

Elios sighed as he finally admitted, “But I’ve never taken a vacation from the Shrine and I don’t have back up.”

Serenity stared at him with astonishment. She faintly asked, “Never?”

Elios amended, “Well yes, except for the time Nephrenia captured me.”

Serenity started to giggle then she fell over and laughed out loud. “Elios,” she gasped. “If you count the time you spent as a prisoner of war a vacation, then I definitely don’t want you to chose what we’re doing for our honeymoon!”

Elios wasn’t sure if he should be offended or laugh at her comment.

Serenity finally calmed down enough to deal with the real issue. “What about your sisters? Can they be taught what to pray or how to do what you do?”

Elios thought a moment. “It’s not so much that they need to pray. I think I can do that remotely, although I don’t know if it will work if I leave the Earth. I’ve never done it before. The issue is more Shrine administration.” He hesitantly continued, “I guess I can try to train my sisters.”

Serenity nodded her head yes and firmly stated, “You need to do this and not just for the honeymoon. I’m going to need you around when the babies are born. I won’t like it if you have to spend all your time at work. You have two weeks left to work this out. We are going on a honeymoon.”

Elios sighed when he realized Serenity was serious. This wasn’t something he had considered about marriage and babies. He had always run everything. The Shrine had been his life and he was comfortable with his control of things. He now realized a lot of that was going to change.

Serenity saw Elios’ expression and heard him sigh. She asked with concern, “Are you okay?” as she slid her hand, palm up, across the table as a peace offering.

Swallowing, Elios took her hand in his. He raised it to his lips for a gentle kiss then held her hand against his cheek. “Yes,” he quietly answered. “It’s just…this is the closest we’ve ever come to a fight and I don’t like fighting.” He whispered, “I’m sorry. I guess I’m starting to feel overwhelmed by all this.”

Chuckling sympathetically, Serenity admitted, “That’s okay. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed all along.” She continued, “How about we try a compromise?” She thought a moment then offered, “I guess a two week honeymoon would be okay.”

Elios swallowed again and hesitantly said, “That still sounds like a very long time to be away from Elysion. Maybe one week?”

Serenity sighed. “Okay, how about one week off planet and one week in Elysion? However, you have to promise not to work that week.”

Elios asked, “Can I still pray?”

Serenity answered, “Yes, but no other Shrine duties.”

Relieved, Elios smiled. “I think I can live with that.”

~~~~~~~~

The wedding plans continued, and became frantic, as the actual day got closer. When the Queen asked her daughter if she had taken care of something she asked Serenity to do two days before, Serenity burst into tears. Concerned, Usagi put her arm around her distraught daughter. “Serenity dearest, what’s wrong? This is the second time I’ve seen you cry today.”

Serenity leaned against her mother and sobbed. “There’s just so much left to do and no more time! I’ll never be able to get it all done! I’m so afraid I will forget to do something important and ruin everything and I can’t seem to stop crying! Crying only two times in a day is a *good* day for me!”

Usagi led her daughter to a bench in a nearby hallway alcove. Sitting them both down, she handed Serenity a tissue then hugged her close. Once Serenity’s sobbing slowed, her mother gently suggested, “Maybe you should let the Senshi and I handle the rest of the wedding preparations. I don’t want you to end up sick and miserable for your own wedding day.”

Serenity hesitated. She really didn’t want to, but her mother did have a point. Serenity admitted to herself that she really did need the help. Reaching into her jeans pocket, she meekly said, “Okay, Mother. Here’s my list of what I know is left to do. Thank you for offering to help. Hotaru is flying in tomorrow. Maybe I should just concentrate on getting her settled.”

Neo-Queen Serenity took the notepad from her daughter and hugged her again. “I think that’s a good idea. For today, why don’t you go take a nap? You’ll probably feel better and then you’ll be up to having some fun with Hotaru tomorrow. Don’t worry about the list or the wedding any more. I’ll make sure it’s take care of.”

Serenity gave her mother a watery smile and a grateful hug then left to do as was suggested.

~~~~~~~~

The next day, Terrance went with Serenity to pick Hotaru up at the Planet Transport station. He was a little nervous. He had never met Hotaru and now he would be her escort at the wedding.

The Transport landed and Serenity strained to see the passengers as they disembarked. Terrance noticed a very striking woman with purple-black shoulder length hair and translucent alabaster skin step out from the crowd.

Serenity suddenly squealed, “Hotaru!” and ran. She threw her arms around the slender woman. Terrance thought Serenity would knock her slight friend off her feet, but the violet-eyed girl never faltered.

Terrance heard Hotaru answer with a musical laugh, “Teeny Rini!” and he stopped dead in his tracks. He was so surprised to hear someone call his sister such a childish nickname that he forgot they had not yet been introduced.

“Teeny Rini?!” Terrance exclaimed incredulously. “*Teeny Rini*?!”

Serenity, with her arm still around Hotaru, looked at Terrance and glared. “Only two people in the entire universe have ever called me that, and you are not one of them. Don’t even think of trying it!”

Hotaru listened as Serenity chided the tall, good-looking man standing in front of them, and she started to laugh. “This must be Terrance,” she said.

Serenity nodded. “Hotaru, this is my brother, Terrance. Terrance, this is Hotaru, my best friend for all time!”

Terrance smiled and stuck out his hand to Hotaru. “Hi, glad to meet you. You must be someone very special for Serenity to let you call her that.”

Smiling, Hotaru shook his hand. “Well, I knew her when she really was a ‘Teeny Rini’. She was even cuter then than she is now.” All three laughed as they went to get Hotaru’s luggage.

~~~~~~~~

Early the next morning, Terrance was alone in the Senshi practice room practicing his power attacks. Terrance’s chest muscles rippled under his sleeveless T-shirt and his arm muscles bunched and flexed with powerful and precise motions as he swiftly pulled and threw his roses. This action had become mostly second nature to Terrance, so he let his mind wander.

Soon, Terrance’s thoughts turned to the intriguing woman he had met the day before. [Hotaru has the same hair color as Sailor Mars,] he noted. Thinking about it some more, he changed his mind. [No, Mars’ violet hair has a redder tint to it. Hotaru’s has more of a bluish tint.]

Finishing his rounds, Terrance turned his attention to the score posted. He was surprised to see it was unusually low for him. He turned back to look at the spiral of roses on the wall and realized his lack of attention had cost him. The spiral was a third bigger than usual. “Damn!” he muttered with annoyance.

As Terrance turned around to take a drink from his water bottle, he looked across the room at the computer console. Realizing he was alone, his curiosity got the better of him.

Terrance sat down in front of the computer and logged in. Pulling up Hotaru’s profile, he read “Sailor Saturn” and looked at the list of her attacks and power levels. It was hard for him to picture the slight, quiet woman he had met in a Senshi uniform. It was even harder to believe that her power levels were comparable to Haruka\'s and Michiru\'s.

The door to the Senshi practice room opened, and Terrance saw Hotaru enter the room. He blushed as he realized he still had her profile on the computer screen. He quickly logged off and stood up.

Hotaru startled when she saw Terrance. “Oh, Hi. I didn’t see you sitting there. I um, thought I’d check out the practice room, but I can come back another time.”

Smiling, Terrance said, “You don’t need to leave. This room is set up for more than one person to practice at a time.”

Hotaru was hesitant to stay, but then she realized she didn’t have a good enough excuse to leave. “Okay,” she said then added, “I haven’t been here in a very long time. Are the changing rooms still down that hall?”

Terrance nodded his head yes, and Hotaru headed off in that direction.

Terrance turned back to the rose wall. He quickly filled in a tighter and neater spiral. Predictably, the score was much better.

Sailor Saturn returned from the changing rooms carrying an impressive, lethal-looking glaive that was taller than her.

With a quick glance, Terrance took note of Saturn’s long slim legs, tiny waist and full rounded…[*That’s enough of that!*] he thought with a mental kick in the butt. [Okay,] he added, [that answers the question of what she looks like in a uniform.]

Looking around, Saturn turned toward a power wall and quietly said, “Silent Glaive Surprise!” as she pointed her glaive at it. Distortion ripples fanned out from the glaive blade and were absorbed by the wall.

Terrance looked at the score and was shocked to see she had posted much higher than her profile had listed. Without thinking, he exclaimed, “Wow!”

Saturn immediately blushed crimson. She decided it was definitely a bad idea to practice now.

Terrance realized she was leaving. He implored, “I’m sorry. That was terribly rude of me. Please don’t go.”

Saturn hesitated. She looked at Terrance’s contrite, hopeful eyes and sighed.

He continued. “I was surprised. That score was much higher than what was listed in the computer.”

Saturn now stared at him.

Terrance blushed and looked down. [Good Job, Ter!] he thought as he realized he had just told her he was looking at her profile.

They stood silent a moment then Saturn quietly said, “The scores listed here are very old. I’ve improved since I was here last.

Terrance nodded his head. “Well, I’m impressed. Your attack is very powerful.”

Laughing self-consciously Saturn explained, “I try to keep in shape. It wouldn’t be a good thing for my ultimate attack to be needed, and I wasn’t powerful enough to do the job.”

Intrigued, Terrance asked, “Ultimate attack? What is it?”

Saturn looked at Terrance with surprise then sadness haunted her eyes. “You don’t know.”

Terrance looked confused. “Know what?”

Walking over to the computer, she said, “I can’t say it, but maybe it’s listed in the attacks data base and you can read about it.”

Saturn logged in and looked down the list of attacks. They were in alphabetical order and she soon found it. Terrance looked over her shoulder as she clicked on the phrase, “Death Reborn Revolution”.

The attack description screen appeared and Saturn blinked with surprise as she read it. Chuckling, she said, “I can see Haruka helped program this.”

Terrance looked at the screen. In the center of it was one sentence.

“*SAY YOUR PRAYERS!!*”

Perplexed, Terrance asked, “What does that mean?”

“That’s what Haruka always says when she talks about my attack,” she explained. Suddenly, Saturn became very serious. “My attack causes total planet annihilation.”

Terrance’s eyes widened at her words. “Total planet annihilation?” he repeated.

Saturn nodded her head. Her eyes looked sadly resigned as she braced herself for the response most people had to this information.

Terrance was thoughtfully silent for a moment then said, “Well, I can see how that would be difficult to practice.”

Looking up, Saturn stared incredulously at Terrance then started to laugh. Wiping her eyes, Saturn gasped, “That is *not* the usual response people have when they hear about my attack!”

“What’s the usual response?” Terrance asked.

“Let’s just say most people aren’t comfortable being around someone who can destroy their world,” she answered.

Shrugging, Terrance said, “It’s just a very powerful attack.”

Saturn laughed again. “Yeah, ‘Just…’”

As Sailor Saturn logged off the computer she asked, “Are we going to practice or not?”

“Sure,” Terrance said with a smile.

~~~~~~~~

That evening was the wedding rehearsal. Sailor Mars, who would be performing the ceremony, stood in her Priestess Robes and tried to create order out of the chaos in the Shinto Shrine.

Elios entered the sanctuary with the brothers lined up two at a time behind him. This was the first time the brothers were on the surface as humans and they formed a very impressive group. All four were identical, of course, and stood a head taller than Elios. Each one had serious, dark-chocolate eyes and thick, white-blond hair that fell past their shoulders in waves.

Serenity couldn’t help noticing the brother’s fine looks. As Elios introduced his friends to everyone, she smiled at the Asteroid Senshi’s surprised and dazed expressions.

Sailor Mars started the rehearsal by asking the wedding party to line up in order. Elios and Serenity moved to the front with Terrance and Hotaru behind them. That was when Serenity realized she had not specified an order for the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Serenity started to step out of line to set things up when Sailor Venus stepped forward. Clasping her hands in supplication, she implored, “Serenity, please let me do this!” Serenity hesitated with surprise.

Venus turned and quickly led each girl to a spot in the line. She then looked at the brothers a moment. Taking each brother, one at a time by the arm, she led him to the side of a girl. Sailor Venus stepped back to view her work. With a satisfied smile, she said, “Good. Now please be sure to remember who you’re with.”

Sailor Venus walked away and everyone looked questioningly at Serenity. She shrugged her shoulders. Jabbath asked with a stage whisper, “Are all your mother’s friends like her?”

Serenity shook her head no. She laughed nervously and tactfully said, “No, Sailor Venus is um, unique.” The line up did look good so Serenity left it and they moved on with the rehearsal.

~~~~~~~~

The rehearsal dinner was at the Palace. The Shinto Shrine was only a mile from the Palace so most people decided to walk back. As they walked, the Pegasus brothers kept teasing the Asteroid Senshi by trading coats with each other. The rest of their outfits were identical, so the coats were the only way the girls could differentiate which brother was which. Elios and Serenity walked with their arms around each other, and Terrance had offered his arm to Hotaru. By the time they got to the Palace, they had shaken the boisterousness out of themselves and were ready to settle down to the dinner.

Elios’ sisters and their families were also invited to the rehearsal dinner and given rooms at the Palace. The meal went well and everyone got along fine.

~~~~~~~~

After dessert, Venus sat down next to Hotaru. With a smile she asked, “So, how has your visit been so far?”

Hotaru smiled. “Very nice. I’m enjoying seeing old friends and meeting new ones.”

Venus asked, “Oh, new ones like Terrance?”

Hotaru responded, “Yes, and also the Pegasus brothers and Elios’ family.”

“So, how long are you going to stay?” Venus asked.

“I’ll be leaving the day after the wedding.” She answered.

Venus looked surprised and a bit annoyed. Taking a sip of her drink she said, “Serenity is really very happy you’re here. With all the wedding plans she said she hasn’t been able to properly visit with you. Why don’t you consider staying longer? After they get back from the honeymoon, Elios will be returning to work. Serenity would have more time to visit with you then.”

Hotaru thought about Venus’ suggestion. She asked, “What would I do during the two weeks she’s away?”

Terrance, who had been talking with Elios and his sister, Pleione, had just returned to his seat. Turning to Terrance, Venus said, “You’ll keep her company. Won’t you Terrance?”

Terrance turned to look at Venus and Hotaru blushed crimson. He said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch what you said.”

Venus explained, “Hotaru is staying a few more weeks. I told her you wouldn’t mind showing her around and keeping her company until Serenity gets back from her honeymoon.”

Terrance smiled and responded, “Sure, I can do that.”

“Good,” Venus said, “It’s settled then. Serenity will be thrilled to hear you’re staying. Bye.” Venus got up and went to talk to Usagi.

Terrance looked at Hotaru. He shook his head and said with a smile, “Hurricane Venus strikes again!”

Hotaru shrugged her shoulders and they both laughed.

~~~~~~~~

The Pegasus brothers had continued their name game through dinner, and the Asteroid Senshi were quickly growing tired of it. They huddled together at a small table and tried to think of a way to stop the brothers’ teasing.

Juno enthusiastically suggested, “Ear tags. That will take care of the problem.” The other three girls giggled.

Ceres dryly noted, “I doubt we could get them to sit still for that. Maybe necklaces?”

Vesta pointed out, “They could just trade them too.”

The four girls silently tried to think of a better solution. While they were thinking, Pallas pulled a ribbon out of a loose hair braid she had. She absently wove it back together.

Ceres, who could usually be counted on to come up with a good idea, watched Pallas. Suddenly she said, “I got it! We can braid a different colored ribbon in each brother’s hair. If we braid it small and tight enough, it will be difficult for them to unbraid it.”

“That’s a great idea!” Pallas said. “But,” she continued, “How do we get them to let us do it?”

Never one for subtlety, Juno answered, “Tranquilizer gun!”

Vesta’s idea wasn’t much better. She smacked her fist in her hand and offered, “We can attack them and knock them out!”

Ceres sighed then reasonably suggested, “How about we try to ask nicely instead? I’m sure they’re too polite to turn us down in front of everyone here.”

Pallas happily smiled and said, “I like that idea best!”

Each girl pulled a thin ribbon out of her hair. With sweet smiles they walked back to the main table. The brothers were talking with the King and Queen, Sailors Venus and Jupiter, Serenity, Elios, his sister Alcyone and her husband.

The four girls stood as a group next to where the brothers were sitting. The conversation stopped and everyone looked at them quizzically.

Ceres took a deep breath and asked, “Would the four of you please allow us to braid a ribbon in your hair?”

The four brothers looked at the girls with astonishment. The question hung heavy in the air as the men hesitated to answer.

Together, all four girls added, “Please?” to their persuasion.

The brothers looked very uncomfortable with the idea, but the girls continued to smile and wait patiently for an answer. Everyone was looking at the brothers. They looked at each other then sighed and nodded their heads yes.

Looking at Elios, Ceres pointed to the first brother and asked, “Which brother is this?”

Elios stifled a laugh at his friends’ predicament as he answered, “That’s Pollux. Castor is next then Volans and Jabbath.”

The girls each stood next to a brother. Each one quickly took a small section of hair from behind the ear of the brother and separated it into three thin sections. They then deftly wove the ribbon and the hair into a tight slender braid. The girls stepped back to look at their work with satisfaction.

The brothers picked up and looked at their braids. They realized they couldn’t figure out where the ends of their hair were tucked in, or where the ribbon ends were because of the complicated small weave. Jabbath looked up at the girls. With consternation he asked, “How do we take these out?”

Juno replied with a triumphant smile, “We’ll show you after the wedding.”

Chagrined, the brothers looked at each other and sighed. They realized their game was over.

~~~~~~~~

After the rehearsal dinner, Usagi pulled Serenity aside and said, “You need to spend your last night as a single woman with your attendants.” Serenity started to protest. Her mother firmly stated, “No arguments!” then turned and walked away. Serenity sighed and went to tell Elios.

Serenity and Hotaru shared Serenity’s old bedroom and the Asteroid Senshi joined them for an impromptu party. Serenity was very tired, and she knew she’d be miserable the next day if she didn’t get some sleep. However, every time she drifted off, someone would call her or talk loudly and she’d wake up again.

Hotaru was getting annoyed with the other girls for being so insensitive to Serenity in her condition. When the clock showed it was one in the morning and the girls were still making noise, Hotaru lost her temper. Sitting up from her mat, she growled, “You are being really mean to Serenity! Don’t you realize a pregnant woman needs to sleep or she’ll get sick?!”

Serenity sat up wide-eyed and gasped as the room fell silent.

The four girls looked at Serenity with confusion. Ceres asked, “Pregnant?”

Realized her mistake, Hotaru covered her face with her pillow and flopped back on her mat with a groan.

Serenity jumped up and grabbed Hotaru in a hug. She exclaimed, “I’m sorry, Hotaru - it’s all my fault! I forgot to tell you no one knew!”

Suddenly, Serenity was grabbed by four pairs of arms and spun around. All four girls squealed, “*Pregnant!* You’re *PREGNANT?!*”

Serenity sighed and said, “Yes, I’m pregnant.”

Pallas threw her arms around Serenity and squealed, “A baby! How exciting! I can’t wait to hold it!”

Vesta, ever the observant one, said, “I thought something was going on! The wedding was planned so quickly and you just haven’t been yourself lately. I knew it couldn’t just be nerves.”

Ceres also noted, “Yeah, and you’ve been getting out of Senshi fighting practice for weeks!”

Juno folded her arms as she scowled. “Young lady! Do you have even one good reason why you didn’t tell us?”

Serenity laughed nervously under Juno’s scrutiny and cautiously answered. “Um, I really wasn’t ready to. I wanted to keep it to myself until after the wedding.”

Juno opened her mouth to continue her chiding. Before she could, Pallas again threw her arms around Serenity protectively. She sternly admonished, “Juno, leave her alone! You shouldn’t upset her. She has enough stress from the wedding and being pregnant!”

All five girls stared at Pallas with astonishment. Rarely did the little butterfly show that she had teeth.

Juno mumbled, “Sorry.”

Much to Juno’s consternation, Pallas then let go of Serenity and grabbed her up into a hug. “All’s forgiven!” Pallas trilled, smiling sweetly.

Ceres could see that Serenity really was drooping. Quickly taking charge, Ceres stood up. “Hotaru is right. Serenity needs to sleep. Let’s go.”

Each of the Senshi gave Serenity a hug and congratulated her. They all then went to their rooms and Serenity finally got some much-needed sleep.

~~~~~~~~

The Pegasus brothers had seen Serenity leave the dinner with her friends.

Castor quietly laughed. “I bet that means Elios is going to be sleeping alone tonight.”

Jabbath smiled mischievously and suggested, “How about we take Elios someplace?”

Pollux, who was always willing to go on an adventure, said, “Yeah, that’s a great idea! What about Crystal Tokyo? I’m sure there has to be some nightlife there.”

“Guys, what about the night guards?” Volans quietly asked.

Jabbath laughed. “That’s easy. We’ll get Terrance to go. He can take care of the guards.”

The brothers approached Terrance with the idea. Terrance responded with a firm, “No, Serenity would kill us.”

The brothers walked away disappointed. Jabbath, not one to be easily dissuaded, thought about it a few moments. He stubbornly said, “We can still do it. I’m sure we can fly out before the guards catch on. We’ll just have to wait until morning to come back.” The other three nodded their heads and the plan was on again.

Terrance, who had overheard them, sighed. [Sad thing is] he thought. [That will work. The guards have no way of stopping them from flying off Palace property.] Sighing again, Terrance walked back to the brothers. “Fine, I’ll go,” he told them resignedly.

Curious, Castor asked, “Why did you change your mind?”

Terrance responded, “Even though it’s Crystal Tokyo, it is still a city. All cities have a seamy side. Serenity would really kill me if something happened to you guys or Elios and she found out I let you go alone.”

The brothers shrugged their shoulders and proceeded to plan how they would trick Elios.

Jabbath walked up to Elios. He put his arm around Elios’ shoulder and convincingly stated, “I forgot something I need in Elysion. I’m going to fly back quick, get it and come back. I’m pretty tired so I was hoping you would come with me to keep me company.”

Elios unwittingly answered, “Sure.” The brother’s trap was set.

Jabbath and Elios walked out to the garden. Jabbath transformed, Elios mounted and they flew straight up. The trap was sprung.

[Hey, what are you doing?] Elios asked with confusion.

Jabbath chuckled and cryptically answered, [You’ll see.]

They circled high above the Palace and soon the other three brothers flew up with Terrance riding on Pollux.

Elios was getting pretty steamed by this time. “What is going on?!” he demanded out loud.

The brothers laughed and Jabbath said, [We decided to take you out tonight.]

“But, I don’t want to go out tonight! I want to go to sleep, get up tomorrow and get married! Take me back now!” Elios commanded.

The brothers just laughed as they turned towards Crystal Tokyo.

Elios glared at Terrance. “So, you’re in on this too! I would have thought you knew better!”

Terrance glared back. “Look, I don’t like it either. They were going to go no matter what. I came along to make sure they don’t get themselves or you killed!”

Elios sighed. “Okay, I’m sorry Terrance. I am glad you’re here.”

Terrance nodded. “That’s okay.”

They flew over the brightly lit city. Terrance told them to land at a park he pointed out.

As the brothers transformed back into their human forms, Terrance was doing some serious and fast thinking. Having seen what Crystal Tokyo offered at night when he was a soldier, he didn’t want to run into anything too rough or rowdy. The problem was, he had been off the planet for six months and he had been the Prince for almost another six months. A lot can change in a year.

As they walked down the street, the brothers alternately joked with each other or teased Elios, who was not in a good mood.

Terrance thought to himself, [Five Pegasuses and a Prince. Nothing inconspicuous about us!] He wanted to get the guys off the street before people started to think they were a parade. They passed a Go-Go bar with a neon sign that boasted “Topless Dancers”, and Terrance kept walking. He wasn’t sure what the Pegasuses would think of that. They came to a small, average looking bar and Terrance thought it seemed reasonable enough.

The six of them stepped into the bar. It was dark and noisy. As they walked to a table, the other patrons stopped their conversations and stared. The guys sat down. A skimpily clad waitress in impossibly high heels walked up to their table. Her eyes looked all six of them over very carefully as she took their drink orders.

Elios, who had decided being sullen wasn’t going to change the situation, started to relax and participate in the conversation. Realizing this was a good opportunity to pay the brothers back for some of their teasing, Elios reached out and tugged on Volans’ braid. He grinned and said, “I never thought I’d see the day when all four of you were tied down.”

To Terrance’s surprise, the brothers reacted strongly to Elios’ comment. Blushing, Volans quickly tucked his braid back under his hair. Castor and Pollux gave Elios annoyed looks, and Jabbath glared as he growled, “We are not tied down!”

Laughing, because for once he wasn’t the one squirming, Elios said, “It looks like it to me!”

Castor pointed out, “At least these are temporary. You’re tied down permanently.”

Elios laughed again. “Yes, that’s true, but I like the idea. However, you still have to get the girls to take them out. They might refuse.”

Self-consciously tugging on the offensive braid, Pollux resolutely stated, “If they refuse, I’ll cut mine!”

Elios laughed at Pollux’s vehemence.

Terrance wasn’t quite following the Pegasuses’ conversation. He asked, “Why would a braid tie you down?”

“Pegasuses have an especially strong dislike for any kind of controlling or restraining device,” Elios explained. “You would have a very difficult time trying to put a bridle or a saddle on a Pegasus. It would take a lot to get one to willingly wear something like that. I think the Senshi only meant to stop the guys’ name game with the braided ribbon, but anything tied onto a Pegasus by someone else symbolically represents that person’s control of the Pegasus.”

Chuckling, Terrance observed, “So, when the Senshi asked to put ribbons in the brother’s hair, they had backed the guys into a social corner.”

Elios nodded his head yes, and the brothers sighed. Elios looked at his friends. “You do know the girls didn’t mean to use the ribbons as controls, right?”

The brother’s nodded their heads yes. Unhappily tugging on his braid, Jabbath resentfully added, “Yeah, but it still feels like one.”

Their drinks had arrived while they were talking. The men drank quietly for a moment. Elios started to say something, but stopped when a man they didn’t know walked over and stood in front of their table.

Terrance looked at the man’s dark suit, cocky stance and faked smile. He knew what trouble smelled like, and this man reeked of it. Terrance also realized the man would not have approached them unless he had backup. A quick subtle glance around the room confirmed Terrance’s suspicions. He was glad their table was near the door.

The stranger’s flat voice matched his eyes as he said, “You’re new around here.”

Quietly, Terrance answered, “We stopped for a drink.”

The man looked at Terrance closely. He observed, “You’re a dead ringer for the Prince. You should do impressions.” He then looked at all six men. “My buddies and I have a game set up in the back room. You look like you might enjoy some excitement, how about joining us?”

Terrance knew the man’s word for game translated into card sharks thieves and thugs. With an even tone he answered, “No thank you. We’re leaving when our drinks are done.”

The Pegasuses were listening to the conversation with interest. Terrance could tell the only one who had any idea they could be in danger was Elios whose eyes showed suspicion.

Leaning over with his hands on their table, the stranger smoothly said with a toothy grin, “Don’t turn me down. You don’t know what you’re missing.”

Trying one last time, Terrance said with a quietly warning tone, “We’re not interested. We don’t want any trouble. Leave us to our drinks.”

The stranger started to say, “Oh, I think you,” but never got to finish his sentence. Hissing to Elios, “Get them out,” Terrance stood up and hit the man in one fluid motion.

Elios’ telepathic command had got the brothers heading for the door. The man’s accomplices stood up then hesitated with disbelief as they watched their colleague fly past them. The stranger was now unconscious with his head imbedded in the far wall.

Terrance took the opportunity of the thug’s delay to head for the door. One of the thugs, who considered himself a martial artist, moved between Terrance and the door. The fool leaped to the attack. Terrance countered, and the thug hit the floor with his leg broken in two places.

As Terrance emerged from the bar, he knew they didn’t have much time. He ordered, “Transform!”

Surprised the brothers asked, “Here?!”

Terrance yelled, “Yes, Now!”

The brothers finally complied. Grabbing Elios, Terrance leaped on Pollux and commanded, “Fly!”

The brothers took off just as the other thugs charged out of the bar. The expressions on their faces as they watched two of the men they were chasing and four flying horses disappear into the night sky, were classic. They looked at each other with astonishment. Realizing no one would believe them, they decided to not believe it either. Turning around, they quickly returned to the bar.

~~~~~~~~

The six of them were quiet as they flew back towards the Palace. The night guards, who had been told by Terrance about the little expedition, waved to them as they flew over the wall. They landed in the garden. Terrance and Elios sighed with relief as they dismounted. The brothers then returned to their human forms.

All four of the brothers were pretty shaken up by the close call. Even Jabbath and Pollux felt like they had gotten more adventure than they had been prepared for. Castor turned to Terrance and said, “You were right. That was not a good idea. We’re sorry for the trouble.”

Terrance smiled. “Well, none of us died or got hurt, and it was fun until those guys showed up. I don’t think the trip was a total loss.”

Elios added with a laugh, “I know I wasn’t bored!” The brothers finally started to relax as they laughed with Terrance at Elios’ comment.

Elios waited until the brothers left to go to their rooms. He turned to Terrance. “Thank you. I am really glad you were there. Thank you also for not getting mad at my friends.”

Smiling, Terrance said, “You’re welcome. I did have fun, actually. It’s been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to really fight someone. It’s much more satisfying than practice.”

Terrance walked down the hall towards his room. His father was standing in an alcove waiting for him. “How did it go?” the King asked.

Shrugging, Terrance said, “Okay, I guess. We did run into some thugs at the bar, but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle.”

The King looked concerned. “Are you sure you’re okay? You weren’t hurt?”

Terrance shook his head no. “One thing that was odd was the brothers. For all their size, I don’t think they have an aggressive bone in their bodies. They can be stubborn, but I doubt they’ve ever made a fist, much less know what to do with it.”

Sighing, King Endymion said, “Yes, I’ve gotten that impression too. Apparently Elios is the most world-wise and aggressive one of the bunch. I’m concerned for Elysion. It’s idyllic, and very vulnerable.


Continued...

This story was edited and enhanced by the great mind and imagination of Sophia Prester. Her help and ideas have been of great value to me! Thank you Sophia! ^_^

Sophia Prester is also the author or a *wonderful* continuing Sailor Moon fanfic called \"Empire of the Sun\". Her story is very intricate and absorbing and I highly recommend reading it! The most up to date version is on Fanfiction.net . ^_^

Thank you for reading my story. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did like my story, or if you have any (kind and gently worded) suggestions/comments about my story, please let me know. I truly appreciate feedback. You can email me at ndeblock@att.net .

Bye, Luna Hope ^_^

Disclaimer - Sailor Moon and all her friends (except for Prince Terrance Donovan and the Pegasuses - They\'re mine! ^_^ ) don\'t belong to me. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi. I just borrowed them for a little bit of fun.