 
# The Strange & Unusual Universe of Silver Moon Unicorn

# Ali Noel Vyain
Copyright © 2013 by Ali Noel Vyain

Cover designed by Ali Noel Vyain.

Published by Ali Noel Vyain at Smashwords

No part of this book may be used without permission.

Elsewhere

eBook isbn: 9781937050658

alinoelvyain.wordpress.com

## Acknowledgments

Cover photo taken in Second Life, in front of the Elven Castle, Elven Glen. I'd like to thank Queen Forcy Wishbringer for allowing me to take pictures without any problems. Also I'd like to thank Electronic Arts for creating The Sims. Two of the Unicorns are Second Life avatars, while the third was created in The Sims 3.

Spot Eeyore Vyain, a cat I bottled fed when he was a very young kitten, is the inspiration for White Lion Unicorn. They are each other's alter egos. Life is wonderful with a cat.

Finally to all the 'crazy' friends I've had over the years. I appreciate your company and the sharing of our lives. You helped me see I wasn't the only different one out in the world.

## Contents

## Introduction

## Prologue

## It's All About the Trolley

## Dire

## Disappear

## Invisible

## The Curse

## Never Exist

## How Would You Know?

## Second Class

## Butterfly

## Breathing

## Insane Option

## Never Again

## Now

## Where I Went Wrong

## The Journey Begins

## First Day at Work

## Earth

## Mars

## Venus

## Open Mic

## Pawn

## Puppet

## Slave Collar

## It's Time

## A Scottish Lad

## Dragons

## Fairies

## Merfolks

## Humans Versus Elves

## Vampires

## Lilith

## Silver Moon Finds White Lion

## White Lion Meets a Doctor

## Family

## Son

## Friendship

## When Loyalty is at Stake...

## Feelings

## Memories of Father

## Where Did You Go?

## Another Open Mic

## Android Interview

## The Refresher or 'Fresher

## Through the Vortex

## Fast Food

## Who is Claire Rose Lutin?

## White Lion Learns to Dance

## Poverty

## Werewolf Dreams

## White Lion Meets a Werewolf

## Insanity

## Vampires?

## Claire Rose's Wings

## Thermal Suit

## Claire Rose Meets His Excellency

## Traveling Bard

## White Lion Finds Trouble

## Amaranthine

## The Color Blue

## The Color Red

## The Color Green

## The Color Orange

## The Color Purple

## The Color Yellow

## Silver Scales Interview

## Fame

## Request for a Bard

## Data Hunting

## Interview with Doctor Butterfly

## Interview with a Former Guardian

## At the Police Station

## Family Trees

## Investigation

## Intent

## The Report

## The Mine

## The Valley of Joyousness is Discovered

## Aliens

## Time to Take a Bride

## His Excellency

## Guilt

## Remember

## Once

## His Excellency Gets an Heir

## The Arena

## Miscarriage and Birth

## Formation of Convents/Monasteries

## The Stars Beckon

## The Inventor

## The Long Train Ride

## Remembering the Lost Brother

## Which One?

## Werewolf

## Making Plans

## Funny

## Epilogue

## Introduction

I wrote this book to introduce the world to my universe that I will continue to write about. This book is free as an ebook. I would like to get a reader fan base going as I do not intend to write solely for myself. If you don't like this book, that is okay. There are plenty of other things to read in this world.

This book is written from the point of view of my alter ego, Silver Moon Unicorn. Yes, you can find her in Second Life and in Kitely along with White Lion Unicorn. This book is partly her story and her adventures as a traveling bard. She is confined to one planet in her solar system, but she is aware of other inhabited planets, like Earth. The poetry is her reactions to universe in which she lives. Some of the stories will become parts of novels that I will write and offer for sale. Other items include her notes and interviews of the characters.

I do hope you will enjoy this book. If not, then let's shake hands and go our separate ways.

Ali Noel Vyain

## Prologue

Silver Moon Unicorn was broke. She couldn't find a regular paying job no matter how hard she tried. Her first love was writing, but of course no one wanted to hire to do any of that. So, she decided to keep on writing, at least for herself for the time being.

She was scanning the job ads when she came across an ad for a free trolley. She made a note of the address on her tablet computer and quickly left the library. She walked down to the train station and boarded the train to take her to the lot where the trolley was sitting. She held her bag, with the tablet computer inside, on her lap. People on the train were looking at her funny. She ignored them and waited for the train to depart.

"Ever thought about getting those points removed from your ears?"

Silver Moon turned toward the speaker. "No. Why should I?"

"Because elves are so snooty."

Silver Moon raised her eyebrows. "Am I the first elf you've talked to?"

The human woman made a funny face. "Well, yes..."

"It sounds like you don't know anything about elves." She paused watching the woman's reaction. "Appearances can be deceptive."

"So you think."

"So I know. I'm not even a full blooded elf. I'm part human, too."

"You're snooty."

"No, I'm not prejudice. I prefer to keep an open mind about everything."

The woman got off the train at her stop. Silver Moon looked about her to see where she was at. She pulled her tablet out of her bag and consulted a map on it. According to the map, she was close to her stop. She put the tablet back into her bag.

She stepped off the train and walked over to the lot. She could see the trolley sitting there by itself. Another person was standing beside it, smoking a cigarette. Silver Moon didn't stop walking until she was in front of the human.

"Hello."

He took a drag on his cigarette. "Well, hello, Elf. I didn't expect someone like you to show up."

"Are you giving this trolley away for free?"

"Sure am. Want to check it out?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I'll give you the tour." He tossed his cigarette. Then he showed her the outside of the trolley. After that they stepped on the back porch and he unlocked the door. He showed her the inside.

"So, what do you think?"

"What condition is the engine in?"

"Oh, it was fine when I drove it out here. Here, do you want to take it for a test drive?"

"Sure."

He handed her the keys and showed her the driver's seat. She sat down and put the seat belt on. She put the key in the ignition and turned it on. He sat down on one of the seats, where he could watch her. As she drove the trolley around the lot, she could see why no one else wanted it. It was an old style manual. Not something many people knew how to drive. She did know how and remembered even though it had been a long time.

"You sure know how to handle this trolley."

"I used to drive a vehicle that was the old style manual."

"You're the first one to know how since I placed the ad. Everyone else walked away. You want to keep it?"

"Sure."

"Then it's yours. Just drop me off at the Wayward Inn."

"Okay. No problem." Silver Moon dropped him off a few minutes later.

Silver Moon drove the trolley to her friend's place. Frank was home and watched her park the trolley. She got off and walked over to him. "Frank, I've got a trolley. Want to help me remodel it so I can live on it?"

"Sure. Let's check it over." He went straight to the engine. "What did you pay for it?"

"Nothing. The guy let me have it for free."

"Interesting." He pulled the cover off the engine and looked it over. "Engine is in good shape. How does it drive?"

"Fine. No problems at all."

"I see it can fly as well."

"It can? He didn't mention that."

Frank replaced the cover. "Well, let's check the inside." They both got on the trolley. "What do you want to do with the seats?"

"I don't know. I probably won't need most of them. Perhaps just a couple of up front at the most."

"Then we'll sell them to get what you need for the remodeling."

"That works for me."

"I figured. I know you can't get a job any easier than I can."

Silver Moon smiled. "I guess we're just the lucky ones."

They spent the rest of the day taking out the seats and making plans.

## It's All About the Trolley

Frank and Silver Moon gathered the supplies they needed to remodel the trolley. It took time to get everything, but they managed. They spent days working on installing a bathroom and an open kitchen. Once they were finished, Silver Moon moved her stuff onto the trolley. She made a curtain to hang up around her bed and another curtain to serve as a door to the bathroom. She had a couple of bean bag chairs, a table with four chairs and her bed, which was just a futon mattress on top of platform with drawers. The bathroom had a closet for all of her clothes. All in all, the trolley was smaller than her apartment, but it was comfortable for her. It felt very homey.

Once the trolley was ready and she had loaded up her things, she went back to her apartment to clean it up and to settle the account with the management. She was tired, but happy it was over. It was time to begin her new life.

## Dire

Experience.

There is no

better teacher.

When the honey

is gone

and you feel Moody—

it may just be

a dire meltdown.

## Disappear

How do people

disappear?

Out of history.

No clues left

behind.

Where do they go?

They never seem

to reappear.

## Invisible

If I keep doing

what I'm supposed to do

to change the way

I live, then

I won't remain

invisible

for long.

## The Curse

I will destroy

this curse

you placed on me

when I was a child.

I will shatter

it into a zillion pieces,

which will never

come back together

to harm me again.

Can you see

the curse

begin

to crack?

## Never Exist

Who are you

who can erase

my existence?

Why would you?

What's so special

about me

that you feel

you need to?

## How Would You Know?

Let me get this straight.

You tell me what to do,

but you don't

give me any way

to prove anything.

No deadlines.

So how would

you know

if I was doing

as you think

I should?

## Second Class

Who are you

to tell me

what I can do

and can't do

with my own vagina?

I am tired of

being treated

as a second class citizen.

I'm much more

than you will ever

give me credit for.

## Butterfly

Only a narrow-minded person

with Emphatic words

would tell a caterpillar

she will never fly.

She may be green now,

but she doesn't believe

anyone when they say

she will never fly.

Why must they insist that

she will fall into a crevice?

She can smell the fragrant burning wood,

just like everyone else,

but she knows she will fly,

Someday, after she comes

out of her cocoon...

## Breathing

Who are you

to say art

is only a hobby.

For me,

it's like

breathing.

When I don't

write,

I feel as if

there's something

missing.

## Insane Option

I'm taking the

insane option.

All the sane ones

no longer work

for me.

I've nothing left.

No other options.

I have to try.

If I fail,

then I will try

something else.

## Never Again

Never again.

I will not follow

any path,

but my own.

Never again.

I will not listen

to those who

would try to

get me to do

what they think

I should.

Never again.

I will not be a part

of a society which

condemns others

to die because

they're different.

Never again.

## Now

I can see

how I ended up here.

I can't do what

I did to get here

to get out.

Things won't

change

until I change

how I live.

## Where I Went Wrong

I went down the

wrong path.

I did what I

was taught

and all it got me

was debts that

I have no hope of

ever paying off.

Now, I will go

against it all.

## The Journey Begins

Silver Moon stepped onto the trolley and turned around to wave goodbye to Frank. He wished her luck. She smiled and walked to the drivers' seat. She closed the doors and started the engine. Soon she was pulling out and went on the road. The weather was unseasonably cool and she didn't know why. She didn't worry. Her plants were doing well on the trolley. Next to the kitchen counter, they were within reach of any meal she would have. It wasn't all the food she ate, but it was most of it.

She wasted no time heading out of town. She didn't plan on coming back. What friends she had, she could chat with them online. Soon she was on the highway with no planned direction. Perhaps she would find some place where she could park her trolley. She watched trees pass by as she followed the traffic.

Eventually, she found a good place to turn off. She followed the turnoff to the edge of nowhere. Then she looked around for a place to park for the night. She found one. Then she turned off the engine. She took a shower and went to bed with a smile on her face.

## First Day at Work

Silver Moon got up the next morning and wasted no time fixing breakfast. She picked some figs and put them on a plate. She opened her cupboard and got out some almonds to eat with the figs. She grabbed a water bottle and the plate and set both down on the table. She enjoyed her breakfast. After she was done. She put the plate in the sink and went to sit back down at the table.

She picked up her tablet computer and went online. She decided it was a good time to start researching the planet and the solar system in which she lived. She had never left the planet, but that wasn't unusual. Most people couldn't afford to travel to other planets. It was a pastime of the rich or others whose professions sent them out in space. She didn't expect to go out in space any time soon. It might depend upon if the trolley could go there.

In the meantime, Silver Moon looked for some open mics to drop in on. She was a bard and she would have to share her work sooner or later. She found one and wasted no time in making her way over there.

## Earth

(Notes from Silver Moon Unicorn.)

Earth. From my researches it is the birthplace of humans. I am part human, so I had to research Earth and the other planets humans once occupied. Are any still living there? Possibly, but there's no way to tell. We cannot communicate with them. Nor can we travel safely to that solar system. Who knows if it's even in the same universe as ours is. But no matter.

Earth is blue-green with many different climates all on one planet. That may not be unusual as it can be rather stable to have a complicated climate and complicated ecology to balance. Yes, contrariwise to the thinking of His Excellency, we need diversity to stay alive. We need all the various lifeforms to maintain any planet. Perhaps, that is where humans went wrong on Earth and assumed they were the only 'people' living on it and the rest were plants and animals. The attitude didn't die when they went out and colonized their solar system. That attitude is very dangerous. Too many people, human and non-human alike, died as a result.

I do hope we have learned just how dangerous that attitude is. I still see some people struggle with it. It saddens me. Earth wasn't simple. It was many things at once to different people who lived on it. At times it was dangerous to live there and at others it could be a paradise. Some of the views may have depended upon who the observer was.

In many ways, Earth looks and sounds much like my home planet. Even the calendar is very similar. I don't know if that is a coincidence or perhaps Earth is just another version of my planet in a different universe. It's hard to tell and I don't know how to do the math to prove or disprove it.

Yet, it's a wonder that any humans ever left Earth in the first place. It's almost as if they were stuck there. Sure they made it to the moon that circled the planet, but it was a long time after that before they could explore and travel around their own solar system. Even after colonization, they still had poverty to deal with. Interesting all the technology they had, but it wasn't available to all due to economics and most of them knew of those extras. Unlike here where the Guardians kept their technology as secret as they could until the rest of the world was ready for it.

Unfortunately, it didn't happened that way. His Excellency forced their hand and many were exposed to new technology too soon and couldn't deal with it well. Good thing the Guardians also knew other ways of doing things, so they weren't completely helpless. Nor did they disappear. Earth did have its secret societies as well, but not as extensive as the Guardians. The Guardians could and did blend in with the mainstream. That's why His Excellency wasn't able to destroy them all.

The most interesting thing about Earth is its stories and myths about elves, dragons, centaurs, merfolks, unicorns, fairies, etc. There is a theory that some of our people accidentally went to Earth when humans were too young and didn't have the high technology they have now. I will definitely look more into that theory...

## Mars

(From Silver Moon Unicorn's notes.)

There is some debate as to who used to live on Mars before humans colonized it. Some speculated that humans came from Mars and moved to Earth when they knew it was no longer habitable for life. Others claim it was an alien civilization. I guess we won't know for sure now. But I digress.

Mars, when colonized by humans, was a cold desert planet. The humans did what they could to warm up the planet by using the greenhouse effect. They also added water and thickened the atmosphere to increase the oxygen content of the air. Some people of note, Lizette Mueller, Sarina, and Jaekob Lutin, have lived on Mars. In fact, we know the three of them met after they signed up for military jobs on the same day. Unfortunately, those jobs didn't last long for any of them, but they did make it to our solar system and became Guardians. They taught the Guardians a lot about humans and their solar system. Most of our knowledge came from them and their computer banks as well.

One person of note, Violet Mineur, was born and raised on Mars. Her dairy entries describe life in the colony. She watched the moons at night with her glasses. Violet didn't have 20/20 vision, but being born on Mars didn't allow her access to surgery. However, her glasses had a small computer attached to them. She was able to do many things with those glasses. Interestingly enough, Violet's mother was a water nymph. I'm not sure how water nymphs ended up on Mars, but she was there. Violet's inheritance from her mother was her ability to breathe under water. She couldn't drown. Violet was reputed to have met a famous wizard named Merlin who taught her to use magic. I can't confirm or deny that, but I will look into further.

Not sure about the Martian colony after the humans came here. I wonder if we will be able to communicate with those people or if their solar system is just an alternate universe of ours.

## Venus

(From Silver Moon Unicorn's notes.)

Venus is another planet from the human's solar system. It's the second planet from the sun. Unlike Earth, it was quite hot and many humans had to have air conditioning to live on the planet. One of Claire Rose Lutin's ancestors was from Venus. Her name was Sarina. She didn't have a family name because no one knew who her family was. Sarina grew up in an orphanage. From her diary, it doesn't sound as if she was educated well, but she did work on Venus at a casino. She wasn't happy with the work. It was too easy, and didn't pay real well. She could have done other work, but she was repulsed by it. Humans have a myth about a Goddess of Love named Venus and I wouldn't be surprised if that is the reason there was so much prostitution on the planet. I don't blame Sarina for feeling that way. It's highly likely her mother was doing that sort of work and got pregnant, and wasn't able to take care of the baby.

Venus was considered a vacation planet. It had lots of casinos. Some humans called it the hotbed of sin. Perhaps they were right in a way. The planet sounds a lot like a city on Earth known as Las Vegas. Coincidence? Probably not. Some people thrive on such exploits.

Sarina doesn't write much about growing up in the orphanage or working in the casino, other than mentioning them. She left Venus for Mars to find a better employment opportunity. (She did get it, but later ended up in our solar system. That was almost disastrous, but that is another story...)

Venus did have to be terraformed or else humans couldn't have live there. How they managed it is an interesting concept. They are clever, but sometimes short sighted. Humans can take action without thinking things through. Venus apparently wasn't the idyllic paradise they intended it to be. I'm just glad Sarina and others like her were able to leave the planet to live somewhere better for them. Playtime is to be cherished, but not as a punishment. Some people didn't sound happy about living and working on Venus. Let's not make the same mistakes over again.

## Open Mic

Silver Moon parked the trolley out of the way. She grabbed her tablet computer and stepped off the trolley via the back porch. She locked it and strolled over to the venue. She didn't know anyone, but still went over to the person in charge to let them know she planned on reading some short poems.

When it was her turn, she walked up to the stage. She was stiff, but she didn't trip or drop her tablet. She read a few poems carefully. The audience politely clapped. When she was done, she mentioned her website where they could find out more about her. She left the stage and went back to her trolley once the open mic was done.

## Pawn

How does

it feel

to be a

pawn

in someone else's

game?

I wouldn't know.

That's why

the gamemasters

hate me.

## Puppet

Do you like

to be a

puppet?

Do you like

to have

someone else

control you?

Is it just a

way for you

to survive?

## Slave Collar

My slave collar

never worked right.

It kept breaking down.

Someone would

come along and try

to fix it.

Always it broke.

One day,

it fell off

and shattered.

Only I saw it.

## It's Time

It's time for

a summit.

Time for the bottletop

to open.

Time for

Faun and Bunny

to get moving.

Time is not

to be wasted.

## A Scottish Lad

A Scottish lad

went to meander

with his claymore.

He wasted no time

to stumble over

the golden flowers.

## Dragons

Perhaps they are

destructive.

Perhaps they are

supposed to be

catalysts of change.

I'll go interview one

and find out.

## Fairies

Expected to be

so jolly and flippant.

No one suspected

how skimpy

they would dress.

We should have known

from the wings.

## Merfolks

Who knows

what they do

under the water?

Perhaps we should

go under

and find out.

## Humans Versus Elves

I don't care

who is better—

humans or elves.

No, I won't remove

the points from my ears.

I may have grown up

around humans,

but I'm still an elf

as many have pointed

out to me.

What does it all mean?

## Vampires

The vampire virus

changes the nervous system.

Is it any wonder that

vampires have so

many psychiatric problems?

## Lilith

I am no

Daughter of Eve

and I submit

to no one.

If you think

you can erase

my true woman

ancestor—

then I know

you will fail.

She will exist

in spite of you.

## Silver Moon Finds White Lion

Silver Moon Unicorn was strolling along through a wooded area. A stream was running nearby. Her trolley was parked in the meadow, just off the road. She was enjoying the sunny day. Suddenly, a soft, furry thing bounced off her leg. She looked down but didn't see anything in the grass. She paused and looked around.

Again, the small furry creature bounced off her leg. This time she saw it was mostly white. It sat down and sashayed its black tail. The creature was tiny. It was almost hidden in the grass. It had a pair of black ears on its head and blonde hair. Silver Moon carefully walked around to see it from the front. Its blue eyes looked up at her. It was obvious it was a neko—half human, half cat.

"Hi, there. Is your mother around here?"

The tiny neko looked up at her and said nothing. Silver Moon sat down in front of him. He continued to stare at her as his tail moved. Silver Moon looked all around, but didn't see anyone else.

"Have you been here long? Are you all alone?"

The neko said nothing.

Silver Moon held out her right hand for the neko to sniff. He promptly did so. Before long, he climbed onto her lap, curled up and closed his eyes.

"I guess I should take you with me and look after you for now. I hope I can find your mother soon."

Silver Moon gently picked up the tiny neko and carried him back to her trolley. She set him down on a pillow and drove off. She wasted no time in finding a store to buy some milk and a bottle for him.

Silver Moon gave the neko his bottle three times a day. He started talking to her only after a week.

"Mama!" He looked up to her with adoring eyes.

"I can't be your mama. I'm an elf and you're a neko."

"What are you talking about, Mama?" He blinked his eyes.

Silver Moon sighed.

"Mama, I'm a lion!"

"So you are, White Lion Unicorn."

"Hear me roar! Meow!"

Silver Moon smiled.

## White Lion Meets a Doctor

Silver Moon parked her trolley near the doctor's office. She got up and looked around the trolley for the little neko. She found him on the floor looking up at her.

"Time to get going little one." She picked him up and carried him off the trolley.

He looked everywhere while wagging his little black tail. She got inside the office and checked him in. She sat down on a chair and waited with him on her lap. He jerked his head to look over the new place.

A woman came out of one of the rooms and called his name. Silver Moon stood up and walked over to the woman still carrying White Lion. The doctor closed the door once they were inside. Silver Moon set White Lion down on the examining table.

"How cute! How long have you had him?"

"Just a couple weeks."

"Has he started talking?"

"Yes, just last week."

"I see." The doctor picked up her scanner and held it close to White Lion. He swatted at it. "He's quite healthy. Where did you get him?"

"I found him when I was taking a stroll. I didn't see anyone else around."

"Oh, dear. I take it you don't know who his parents are."

"No clue. I've heard of nekos, but I've never seen one before I found him."

"Well, I can tell you he isn't very old and he'll never be as tall as you are."

"Oh, okay. Anything else?"

"He may not live as long as you will." She paused to scan some more. "He's a eunuch. He'll never be a father."

"I didn't get him fixed."

"Then who did? I guess we won't know. My best guess is that someone created him and then dumped him somewhere or they lost him. He's the only tiny neko that I've ever met. And quite playful." The doctor teased White Lion and he tapped her in return. "Are you going to keep him?"

"Yes. What else can I do? He's already calling me, mama."

The doctor stopped playing at looked at Silver Moon. "He calls you, mama? He's quite young then." She turned to the tiny neko. "White Lion, who's your mama?"

"Mama is standing over there." He pointed at Silver Moon. "She's an elf! I'm a neko!"

"In that case, he is your son. I don't see how it can be otherwise."

Silver Moon carried White Lion back to the trolley. She set him down on the floor and sat down in the driver's seat. White Lion darted around the trolley as she drove off.

## Family

Family

isn't just

biological.

It's who

you choose

to live with.

## Son

How can you

claim he's not

my son because

we're not the

same species?

I bottle fed him

and he imprinted on me.

There's no way

to change his mind now.

I've accepted this.

Why can't you?

## Friendship

Friendship is like a

cushion of love

and hope,

a spring to enjoy.

## When Loyalty is at Stake...

When loyalty is at stake,

it's time to write and

to honor friendship.

Don't forget to go dancing!

Dancing with friends

is great exercise.

## Feelings

Feelings are

whimsical,

massive,

and celestial

like snowflakes.

## Memories of Father

I have memories of

my father.

He used to take us out

to eat ice cream.

Now, he does nothing,

but complain.

## Where Did You Go?

What happened to the guy

with lots of patience,

who used milk crates

to store his vinyl records

and books?

He drowned in alcohol

and was replaced by

an asshole.

## Another Open Mic

White Lion was napping peacefully as Silver Moon drove the trolley. She had just found another open mic to go to. She just hoped her son would behave during her performance. She didn't have trouble finding the little coffee house. She had to park in the back of the lot to give other people plenty of space. She turned off the engine and sighed.

White Lion opened his eyes and yawned. "Where are we, Mama?"

"We're at a coffee house for an open mic."

"What's an open mic?"

"It's an event where I can recite some of my poetry and let people know about my website so that they can buy books from me."

"Oh!" He jumped up. "I'm ready to go with you!"

"Okay, then. Let's go out through the porch." She stood up and grabbed her tablet on the way to the back as White Lion skipped out the door and off the porch. Silver Moon locked the door behind her.

"I see you parked a ways from the coffee house."

"I had to. The trolley's too big to park any closer."

"Oh, okay." He kept skipping beside her.

Silver Moon opened the door and waited until White Lion stepped inside. He looked all around him. People saw him and exclaimed how cute he was. He smiled and told them, "Hi!"

She went to find the person in charge to let them know she was ready to read some of her short poems.

"Wow! You're Silver Moon Unicorn?"

"Yeah." She smiled.

"I've heard of you. Of course we'd love to hear your work. Welcome. I take it the tiny neko is with you."

"He's my son." She walked over to White Lion. "Dear, please behave yourself. I will be reading some of my poetry."

"Okay."

"We can find a table to sit down at and you can stay there while I read."

"Sure thing. Can I have something to drink?"

"Okay, dear. Let's get you something, preferably without caffeine."

With his drink, he sat down at a table with his mama. He was content for the moment. She was a bit nervous. It still bothered her to read in front of crowds, but she did have to work.

When it came time for her to read, she stood up with her tablet in hand. She walked over to the stage and stood in front of the mic. She began by introducing herself. Some of the audience cheered her. White Lion looked around him and cheered right along with the others. She smiled and read her poems. Many people liked them.

Afterwards, she was holding White Lion's hand as they walked back to the trolley. It was late and the little neko was sleepy.

## Android Interview

(Transcript of Silver Moon Unicorn's interview of Starfire, an Android.)

Silver Moon Unicorn (SMU): It's a pleasure to meet you, Starfire. I've read a lot about you.

Starfire (SF): I am honored to be interviewed by a famous bard, such as yourself. I hope what you read was good.

SMU: I wasn't aware I was famous, yet. Yes, everything I found out about you was good.

SF: That's a relief. I was afraid someone might have written bad things about me.

SMU: Oh, no. The only person I know of who could have, and didn't, was Lizette Mueller. She specifically stated that she didn't hate you at all. She just found your appearance disturbing because you reminded her of her mother.

SF: Yes, I do remember that. That was the main reason I left the ship to join Fred on his newer ship. She helped me pack.

SMU: I doubt you have any enemies. You are luckier than most of us.

SF: Well, perhaps you're right. But there is His Excellency.

SMU: Oh, right, His Excellency. It's doubtful he has any friends with the way he treats everyone.

SF: I bet you're right on that. You are rather perceptive.

SMU: I do my best. (pauses) How do you feel to be an android?

SF: Good question. Umm, I feel okay about it. I don't know how long I will last. It's already been about 350 years so far. I do miss Lizette and her friends. I did know her when she was a child.

SMU: Yes, that part is hard. Silver Scales mentioned the same thing. You two are close to the same age.

SF: Wow. I guess I didn't realize dragons could live so long. I know vampires can live a long time as well.

SMU: Yes, they certainly can, but not forever, as many would have us believe.

SF: I know what you mean. I've noticed that Fred is getting older.

SMU: Fred Mueller?

SF: Yes.

SMU: My goodness he must be close to 400 years old by now!

SF: He is. He still tinkers with his ship and on rare occasions, me.

SMU: Improvements or extra curricular activities?

SF: (laughs) He tinkers to improve me. The extra curricular activities, as you say, are something different.

SMU: (laughs) Just checking. You came from the human solar system, did you not?

SF: Yes, I did. I was created there by Fred. Later when he had to raise his niece, I helped out a lot behind the scenes. She didn't find out until after she was grown up. Fred knew the whole time. He missed the other women, but he liked me just as well.

SMU: I heard Fred was a slut.

SF: He still is, but he stays away from most women, except me and vampire women. He doesn't feel comfortable with other women anymore. He's afraid he'll hurt them or worse, feast on them.

SMU: I can't say I blame him.

SF: I don't blame him either. I guess you could say I'm a slut, too. I can stand the vampires and I do enjoy their company.

SMU: I hope you don't give me any details.

SF: I won't. I only mention it because it is a big deal to the two of us. I do know it's not like that for everyone. Fred and I both respect that.

SMU: It's appreciated. I can respect the honesty about it better than the sneaking around and lying.

SF: I agree. That is worse than anything.

SMU: Did you get to visit many of the planets in the human's solar system?

SF: Yes, I did with Fred. It was after Lizette had moved out. I know we both had a lot of fun on Venus. After Fred became a vampire, he activated Lizette's chip and left the ship. I also noticed he set the ship to set up on Mars when we were on Earth at the time. I know poor Lizette was quite shocked with it happened.

SMU: Did she know you were there?

SF: No, she didn't find out until after we went through the wormhole and ended up in your solar system. We and the computer all had trouble getting through. Her chip had to be removed. She's lucky she didn't suffer brain damage. (pauses) She did need glasses after that.

SMU: I did hear that was quite a shock, but yet you all made it through.

SF: Yes, we did somehow. The ship's computer had to be rebooted. Sarina and Jaekob took care of that. Jaeson and Eric took care of Lizette. I'm glad they did.

SMU: You sound as if you're fond of her.

SF: I am. I sometimes wonder if Claire Rose was her. They sound very similar. Of course that might mean Myadin was Eric.

SMU: What makes you say that?

SF: Just knowing how Lizette and Eric were. They were quite close, but never had any interest in extra curricular activities with other people. Claire Rose and Myadin sound exactly the same.

SMU: Yes, I've heard that, too. They once helped me find my son when he fell asleep in a strange courtyard.

SF: (laughs) I've heard he does that! Must be quite the sight!

SMU: It certainly is, especially when he falls asleep dancing and keeps right on dancing! (laughs)

SF: I do hope both Claire Rose and Myadin are happy to be married to each other, especially with everything else going on.

SMU: I bet they are happy with each other, but not happy about other things.

SF: I wish I could help. His Excellency affects us all.

SMU: He does have a way with people.

SF: Oh, before I forget, you are welcome to my archives and the archives of both ships.

SMU: Thank you! That's a big help to me with my research.

SF: I know. That's why I'm offering it to you. I want you to have all the information you can get so you can write about it much better.

SMU: That's very thoughtful of you.

SF: You're welcome. Did you have any other questions for me?

SMU: How do you like it here in this solar system?

SF: It's different and yet very similar to the other one. Fred and I travel around this one just like we did in the other one.

SMU: Sounds like he adjusted well to this solar system without too much trouble.

SF: He's pretty happy for the most part. He's really happy when he gets to eat without killing anyone.

SMU: That's what Sam Oranglov says.

SF: It's good to know there are vampires who care about where their blood comes from.

SMU: It is a comforting thought. I don't have any more interview questions. How do I access the data in the archives?

SF: Oh, that's easy. Let me give you the access code and you'll be all set.

SMU: Thank you, Starfire.

SF: And thank you, Silver Moon for a pleasant interview.

(Here ends the transcript.)

## The Refresher or 'Fresher

(Note: This is a story that I got from the archives Starfire let me access. I tried to put as much fact in as I could and also bring the people in it alive. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Fred Mueller thought adding a refresher or 'fresher to the bathroom was a great idea. His niece, Lizette, was a teenager. While she was at school, he went to work on the bathroom.

Starfire came out of her room and found Fred sitting on his knees. She watched him as he grabbed one tool after another. He leaned back and inspected what he had done. Starfire cleared her throat. Fred jerked his head around and saw her.

"What are you doing out here?"

"I was wondering what you were up to. I'll go back to my room before Lizette comes home."

"Oh. I would have thought you'd know what I was doing."

"Something about upgrading the bathroom. What is this new toy?"

"It's not a new toy. It's a new utility to help Lizette and I bathe and get ready for any occasion. I've know lots of women—"

"Yes, this is true."

"My niece may want to learn how to do her hair and makeup. I certainly can't teach her."

"Neither could I."

"I figured this refresher or simply 'fresher will help her with that."

"What if she doesn't want to learn?"

"Well, she doesn't have to, but I thought she'd might. Of course, I know I can get a good shave and massage as well as a good shower."

"I can give you a massage. Why don't you just ask me?"

Fred sighed. "That's right, you're still learning lots of things. I do recall you did give me a good massage once."

He leaned toward the new device and went back to work. Starfire sat down next to him to observe his progress. Pretty soon, he was using colorful metaphors. She picked up a tool and handed it to him. He took it and finished the job.

They both stood up and looked at it. The 'fresher was inside the bathroom, unlike most 'freshers in other people's homes. Fred went to the console and programmed it for himself and also for his niece. He smiled. Starfire looked at him, unsure of what it meant. She turned and left the bathroom and walked back to her room. Fred picked up his tools. As he was putting them away, Lizette came home. She went to her room and sat down to do her homework.

Fred knocked on her door. Lizette looked up from her desk and turned her head. "What's up, Uncle?"

I installed a 'fresher in the bathroom today. Usually they aren't set up like that, but I figured you'd appreciate the privacy."

"Yes, I do like privacy when I need the bathroom."

"Would you like to see it now? Or are you too busy with homework? We can do it later."

Lizette stood up. "Now would be good. I'm at a good stopping place."

They walked across the hallway to the bathroom. Fred showed her the console. "I've already programmed a basic cycle for you and one for me. When you're ready to take your shower, just press this button to activate your cycle and then get in. It's very simple."

"Have you tried this yet?"

"No, but I will before long."

"Oh. Does that mean I'm the guinea pig?"

"Well, it doesn't have to be that way. I could go first."

"I'd rather you did."

"Okay. How about you go back to your homework and I'll try it out now?"

"Sounds good to me." She went back to her room.

Fred stripped, pressed his button, and got in the 'fresher. The water turned on. Then the soap came. He received the best shave ever. He was rinsed. He was air dried. Finally he got a massage from lots of mechanical hands. Once it was over, he stepped out. He felt refreshed and grabbed his bathrobe. He wasted no time going to his room and getting clean clothes. Then he walked over to Lizette's room.

She just finished her homework when he knocked on her door. She turned her head to look at him. "So, how was it?"

"Wonderful. As you can see, I'm clean shaven. I also got a massage."

"Oh, a massage. Do I get one of those?"

"Yes, I programmed it to give you one."

"Okay, I guess it's my turn then." She went to her dresser and pulled out some clean clothes.

He got out of her way and walked downstairs to the kitchen.

Once inside the bathroom, Lizette got herself ready for the 'fresher. She pressed the button and stepped inside. The water came on first. It was warm and soothing. Next, the soap came out. She scratched her scalp while she was getting soapy. Then she was rinsed off with more warm water. Warm air dried her skin and hair. Then the hands came out to give her a massage. It was certainly relaxing, except for one thing. Some of the hands came out with brushes, hairspray, and makeup. Her eyes widened as they deftly made up her. Soon it was all over. She stepped out and looked at herself in the mirror.

This would not do for her! Her eyes wide and mouth gaping, she went to console and checked the programming. She wasted no time in switching the presets. She smiled as she went to the sink to wash off the makeup and get the hairspray out of her hair. She got dressed and then walked downstairs to join Fred in the kitchen.

She was still smiling with wet hair when she sat down at the table. Fred was busy preparing dinner for the two of them. He remembered, finally, that she wouldn't eat any meat, so he gave her some nuts instead. He put them in her salad. Once done, he set the food on the table and then turned around to get drinks. He sat down.

"What did you do?"

"Nothing." She focused on her food.

"Did you try the 'fresher or did you bath the old fashioned way?"

"Both."

"Hmmm."

Lizette focused on her salad.

"Fine. Keep it to yourself."

She kept smiling.

"I have a date tonight. Will you behave yourself while I'm gone?"

"Of course."

"Yeah, you better. What'll you do tonight?"

"Probably read or play the piano or violin. Maybe I'll watch a movie."

"Okay, just don't disturb the neighbors."

"When have I ever disturbed the neighbors?"

"Never, but there's always a first time."

The next day, Lizette was at her desk working on her homework. Her uncle went to use the 'fresher. She heard the water come on and stifled a giggle. She heard him use some colorful metaphors. She put her hand over her mouth, but some giggles slipped out.

Fred came to her door. "I know what you did."

She laughed and turned around to see him. She laughed harder.

"Okay. I guess I still have a lot to learn about women."

She kept laughing.

"How about we go to the 'fresher console and change our basic cycles?"

"Okay." She laughed some more.

## Through the Vortex

(Another tidbit from the archives Starfire gave me access to. This one has to do with the first humans who came to our solar system. Their arrival caused a lot of changes in a short period of time. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

News Article Earth, April 2, 2113—Frederick Mueller has died today. He is famous for his lone missions searching the galaxy. His spaceship, _Starlover_ , was his own design and very unique. No one is sure where his spaceship is now. His only surviving family member is his niece, Lizette Mueller.

News Article Earth, April 2, 2113—Lizette Mueller has gone missing. No one has seen or heard from her since March 25, 2113, when she was last at her job. Her apartment was searched, but none of her things were there. Nor, were there any clues as to why she left. It is presumed that she has run away for reasons that would only make sense to her.

Lizette was getting bored with her life. It seemed to her as if her life was stagnating. She had finally caught up with her back bills and debt, having something to do with her ex-roommate, who Lizette had to throw out. Her ex-roommate, Jayana, claimed she would pay the bills, but she just seemed to loaf around wanting to spend more time trying to get a man to take care of her. She seemed to not be interested in working as Lizette was.

Lizette wasn't sure what exactly was wrong with her life, but she knew that something had to change and change soon. She felt that she was missing something important. Well, at any rate it was important to her, never mind if it was not important to anyone else.

The day was hot and dry where she lived. Most people would have turned on the air conditioner, but she hated air conditioning. She got too cold and it was too expensive for her to even consider using it. So, she kept the windows open and hoped for breezes for air circulation. She had the day off from her routine job and she wasn't sure what to do with it. She felt very lazy after working her boring day job all week.

Suddenly, she heard a loud rumbling in her bedroom. It sounded as if a thunderstorm was about to unleash lots of needed rain. She got up off her couch in the living room and walked across the apartment to the bedroom window. She didn't make it to the window—she stopped at the doorway and let her jaw drop. What she saw wasn't ordinary, nor was it expected. It was swirling clouds where her sleeping bag, bedding, teddy bear should have been. There was lightening flashes and thunder claps. It was then that she realized that some of her books were missing, along with her writing. She didn't want to lose those things, so she walked into the room and fell in the vortex.

So determined was she to get her important things back that she didn't consider how she would get back to her apartment and her job. She fell for a while and all she could see were the swirling clouds and lightening flashes. It was very loud inside the vortex, much louder than in her apartment. Lizette looked all around her as she kept falling. Eventually, she could make out some shapes. At first she wasn't sure whether it was a normal human thing to want to see shapes in clouds or if she was really seeing the vortex change.

Then she knew she was seeing real shapes. She saw a dim outline of her dresser and then eventually her couch. Fortunately, both pieces of furniture were to either side of her. She wondered when her fall would end, but then she just kept seeing more and more of her things around her. She had no idea where she would end up or when it would be all over for her. It seemed like an eternity for her just to keep falling down and down. Could she be traveling to a different world? She wasn't sure that she had done anything to cause this to happen, other than wish for something different, but here she was. Perhaps, someone else had set this up to help her to get to where she needed to be. Or else, she was being sent to a place where she would be punished for others' trangressions.

She had fallen for so long that she had begun to get bored again. She felt even lazier than before and she was wondering what direction her life would now take since she fell through a vortex in her bedroom. Finally, she stopped on a floor in a dark room. She wasn't hurt, nor were her things. They all had lightly touched the floor and stopped falling with the little sounds of thuds.

Lizette picked herself up and tried to look around. There was no light, except for a pale one that eminated from outside of the room. She could make out her furniture. Then she noticed something odd. At first she thought her eyes were playing a trick on her, but then she realized it could be no mistake. The furniture was moving of its own accord. The dresser moved up a flight a stairs and disappeared into a room. Her couch simply moved out of the way of the rest of the furniture and various other things that came throught the vortex. Lizette stood and stared as if she was stunned.

After some time, her furniture and various things had found their places. Lights turned on in the room. It was then that Lizette realized there were more than just her things in this small house. She walked around and explored the house to see if anything else would happen that was out of the ordinary. She finished surveying the living room and moved on to the kitchen. After her trip, she was hungry and thirsty and was delighted to find food in the kitchen. There was a small table set just for one person, as if she was expected. Lizette sat down in front of the food and discovered it was a meal that she would have fixed for herself. It was pasta with tomato sauce with basil and oregano. There were lots of vegetables with the linguine and two pieces of garlice toast. There was also a glass of water to drink. Lizette dove in to the food and enjoyed every bite.

Towards the end of the meal, Lizette began to feel funny. She wasn't sure at first why or what was going on until after she finished her meal. As she took the dirty dishes to the sink to rinse them off, she felt really funny. As she was walking in the kitchen, she thought the counters appeared to begin to grow taller in front of her. She put the dishes in the sink, but she could no longer see the sink. She couldn't even reach the faucet. She looked to her right and saw a small wooden step stool. She grabbed it and put it in front of the sink. She turned on the faucet and wiped the dishes off and then set them aside on the counter. As she stepped off the step stool, she felt funny again. She shook her head because she thought she was imagining things. "I think I must have fallen down Alice's rabbit hole and landed in Wonderland," she said aloud.

She decided to continue her exploration of the house. She had already seen the kitchen and the living room and so she decided to go up the stairs. She looked up, when she standing in the living room, and saw a balcony. She climbed the stairs, which seemed too big for her then looked down into the living room from the balcony. As she gazed through the railing, she noticed that the the living room seemed to shrink as the railing grew shorter. She still felt funny and thought it a very odd sight. She shook her head again and opened the first down opposite of the balcony. It was a bedroom. The curtains had flowers imprinted on them as did the comforter on the bed. When she saw her dresser in the room and her stuffed animals, she knew this room was for just for her. She was very pleased and then she turned around and tried the next door.

This room also had a door that was opposite of the balcony. It had some computers and some musical instruments in it. She saw a baby grand piano and a violin. She went in and found lots of sheet music on the piano and on the a music stand. As she turned around the room, she noticed her books on a bookcase and her writing near the computers. Her important things were all where they needed to be and she was very pleased.

## Fast Food

(When I was reading through the archives Starfire gave me access to, I came across the Guardian archives. I was surprised to be allowed access to them as well. Before I started reading their archives I received a message of: "Silver Moon Unicorn, please feel free to read anything in our archives. We know this information will help you to portray us as we were in the past, are in the now, and how we may be in the future." Well, here goes for a story from the Guardian archives. Thanks, Guardians. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

The scientists and inventors didn't always know how to grow their own food or even how to cook food. Some of the Guardians they hired to protect them did. They figured the best way to handle the food and the meals was to create a big mess hall and kitchen to serve three meals a day for those who didn't know how to cook or simply had no time to cook. The cooks also grew their food in garden plots and edible landscaping.

Anyone could learn how to cook and grow food if they so desired. Children were encouraged to learn whatever the community did. They could easily apprentice with a scientist or inventor or even received Guardian training. The Guardians also learned the healing arts. Sometimes when they were out in the mainstream society, they would help people with various ailments and diseases.

Not long after Jaedin had brought Renae to the hideaway when both elves found out they had just reached puberty. As with many adolescents, they were quite hungry and three meals a day weren't quite enough. They were walking late in the evening.

"Jaedin, I'm hungry, but the mess isn't serving until breakfast tomorrow. Where can I get something to eat?"

He picked some bananas and handled her a couple. "Look around. There's plenty more to eat."

Renae took the bananas and peeled them. Her eyes were wide when she started to look around her. "Wow, I wouldn't have thought to look at the plants. I thought they were decorations."

"Nope. We grow edible landscapes for the mess and for anyone who's hungry for a snack. It's quick. It's easy. It's delicious and satisfying." He bent down and found blueberries and strawberries growing on bushes. He picked some for her and himself.

"The fruit is good. Thanks."

"You should thank the gardeners and the cooks, like your friend, Rosa, who's joined their ranks."

"I will do that."

They continued to eat and walk as the sun started to go down. They came across some nut trees and snacked on pecans and almonds. By that time they were on the edge of the community. Renae had just finished eating when she looked out in the distance and saw a unicorn. She gasped. Jaedin looked at her and then in the direction she was staring.

"Sometimes you can see a unicorn at dusk at the edge of our community. Careful, we don't want to spook it."

"It's so beautiful!"

"Yes, just like you."

## Who is Claire Rose Lutin?

Silver Moon parked the trolley and turned off the engine. She got up to look for White Lion. He was sitting quietly on his bean bag chair, which was next to her bean bag chair. His chair was, of course, much smaller, but just as comfortable as her was.

"White Lion, I need to leave the trolley for a bit and do some research here in this town. Will you be okay by yourself for a few hours?"

"What? You're leaving me! No, don't leave!"

"Honey, I have work to do. How else do you expect to eat and have a comfortable place to live?"

"Oh, well, when you put it that way..." He sighed. "Don't be away too long. Otherwise I will miss you."

"Okay. I'll try not to take too long. Will you stay on the trolley until I get back?"

"Hmmm, what if I get bored?"

Silver Moon smiled. "Dear, please stay on the trolley. I don't want to leave without you."

"Well, when you put it that way... I am rather sleepy. Perhaps I'll just take a nap while you're gone."

"That would be an excellent idea. Pleasant dreams, little one." She kissed him on top of his head.

White Lion curled up and went to sleep. Silver Moon took her tablet computer and locked up the trolley. She wasted no time in finding the town's library to get started. Once there, it wasn't easy. Silver Moon had to look up all the recent news she could on Claire Rose Lutin. There wasn't a whole lot to find. Just a few snippets about her being the lost princess, who may have murdered the emperor—Silver Moon shuddered at the thought.

Another patron noticed what she was reading. "Oh, you're interested in Claire Rose Lutin? I hear she's a real bitch. Can't stand it when she can't have her way."

Silver Moon raised an eyebrow. "Really? How do you know that?"

"She wouldn't have murdered the Emperor in cold blood otherwise."

"I see." Silver Moon stood up to put the reading material back.

Another person came over. "Oh, are you talking about Claire Rose Lutin again?"

"Sure am. That elvish lady was reading articles about her. So I just told her what I know."

"You sure know a lot about her. Some princess she is. She could be on the throne by now, if she hadn't gotten lost when she was a child. That is if she's really who she says she is."

"No kidding. Thinks her way is the only way. How selfish can you be?"

"Yeah, I know. Just look at her great grandfather. Is he really dead?"

"Supposed to be. His own son murdered him."

"That family is so messed up."

Silver Moon stared at the two gossips. She walked over to them. "Have you two ever met Ms. Claire Rose Lutin?"

"Well, no. I wouldn't want to."

"I wouldn't want to meet her either."

"Then it seems to me that you wouldn't know all there is to know about her." Silver Moon turned and walked out of the library to its courtyard. She sat down at a table and did a search on her tablet. It couldn't find much more information that what she already had found. She picked up her tablet and walked back to the trolley.

White Lion was still sleeping on his bean bag chair when Silver Moon got on board. She set her tablet down on the table by her bean bag chair. She sat down and sighed. White Lion opened his eyes.

"What's wrong, Mama?"

"I couldn't find much information and I ran into two prejudicial people. They thought they could tell me about Claire Rose Lutin and they haven't even met her."

"Oh. Maybe you could meet her and interview her."

Silver Moon smiled. "Maybe, but I'm not holding my breath."

## White Lion Learns to Dance

Silver Moon decided it was time to take a break. She picked up her tablet computer and took it off the trolley with her. White Lion was outside sitting on the grass watching butterflies. He looked up when she arrived. She set the tablet down on the grass and turned on some music. Then she started dancing.

White Lion watched his mama flitting around. He didn't know if she was any good at what she was doing, but it didn't matter. He jumped up and tried to imitate what she was doing. He loved to watch his mama and try to do what she did. He never cared if he did a perfect imitation.

They danced in the meadow while a big black wolf wandered in the woods nearby. The wolf was lost and a long way from his original home. He kept wandering around hoping he would find his way someday. No such luck. Then he saw her. A fair skinned, dark-haired elf with brilliant green eyes. The world stopped and all he saw was her. He saw her smiling and laughing in the sunshine. Her long hair flowing in the breeze. When he watched her, he knew he wouldn't be able to get away from her. He wouldn't be able to say no to her. He just wanted to be with her for the rest of his life.

The wolf blinked. She was still dancing. Then he noticed a tiny neko dancing with her. They were spinning around, laughing. Sometimes they were holding hands as they were spinning. The wolf wondered how the two came together.

"Mama, that was fun! What is that called? What we were doing?"

"Dancing. I can't say I'm very good at it, but it is fun."

"Dancing? I love it! I should like to do that more often."

"You can dance as much as you like, dear."

The wolf heard every word. He hoped the elf didn't already have a partner.

Soon the neko started dancing again by himself. Silver Moon sat down on the grass to enjoy the breeze.

## Poverty

Poverty isn't

so bad

when you

can grow

your own food,

make

your own clothes,

etc.

When you can't

get the basics,

then it's a

nightmare.

## Werewolf Dreams

Who's the wolf

I dream of?

Where is he?

I know he doesn't

choose to be a

werewolf,

yet he is and

isn't dangerous.

## White Lion Meets a Werewolf

As White Lion grew, he showed a liking to leave the trolley and go on adventures. Silver Moon would usually be busy writing or researching and not notice he'd gone. The tiny neko discovered many things that way. He loved to be outside and play, even if mama knew where he was or didn't.

Silver Moon was busy writing a book when White Lion decided to go out. He wasted no time stepping off the trolley with his too big ears and too big paws. He didn't even say goodbye to his mama. He went for a long walk in the sunshine. He watched the birds flying around. He saw a couple of dragons in the distance. He bolted here and there and found himself in woods. He kept walking and alternating with running. It was so grand to go on an adventure and see the world! thought White Lion. He didn't take any food with him. He never thought to do any such thing. Why mama would provide as she always did.

Soon he came upon a stream. He saw fish swimming in it. He saw little animals darting through the forest. None would come near him. He didn't care. He kept right on going. He looked all around him.

Suddenly he stopped. He saw a pair of nearly black eyes staring at him. It didn't take White Lion long to see they belonged to a big black wolf. "Mama!" White Lion turned around and ran straight back to the trolley.

Silver Moon paused in her writing and looked around the trolley. "White Lion?" She didn't see him.

"Mama! Mama! Mama!" He jumped onto the trolley.

"Dear, what's the matter?" She saw him climb up the steps and stop right in front of her.

"I saw a huge black wolf in the woods. It was staring right at me!"

"A wolf? Funny, I've been dreaming about a black wolf lately."

He looked around quickly. "Did he follow me?"

Silver Moon looked out the windows. "I don't see any wolves."

He grabbed her arms. "But I know I saw him! Here, come with me and I'll show you."

"Okay. I could use a break." She grabbed her key on the way out the door and locked it with White Lion trying to pull her in the direction he had come from.

It took a little time, but White Lion showed her where he saw the wolf. The wolf wasn't there anymore.

"You believe me, Mama, that I saw him."

"Yes, dear, I do believe you." She scanned the area and saw a pair of nearly black eyes staring at her. She raised her eyebrows.

"I don't understand it. Why didn't he chase me?"

"Maybe he doesn't eat nekos."

"Oh."

The wolf stepped out from behind the trees and carefully walked up to Silver Moon. He rolled over on his back and exposed his throat to her. She gasped. White Lion screamed. The wolf remained motionless for several minutes.

Silver Moon reached down and picked up her son. She patted his back. "There, there, hon. It's okay. I don't think the wolf will hurt you."

White Lion began to breath normally again. Mama had him safe and his world was alright once again.

The wolf stood up and looked up at Silver Moon and White Lion. He yowled.

"Yes? I'm sorry I don't understand what you're saying. Are you a werewolf?"

The wolf nodded his head yes.

"You do look familiar to me. But that's silly. Or is it? We met in a dream?"

Again the wolf nodded yes.

"In that case, I think I could understand you better if you were in your human form."

The wolf whimpered.

"Are you too modest to do that in front of us?"

The wolf nodded yes.

"Okay. I'll take him back to my trolley and you can see where I've parked it. Then you can show up later in your human form. Will that work for you?"

The wolf nodded yes.

"Okay, see you later." She turned and walked back to the trolley carrying White Lion the whole way.

Later that evening, White Lion was busy eating his dinner and Silver Moon was working on her book. A young man with black hair, black eyes, and brown skin approached the trolley. When he saw Silver Moon, he laughed nervously. She looked up from her tablet computer as soon as she heard him.

It took only a moment, but she recognized him as the wolf she and her son had met earlier in the day. She got up and opened the door for him. She smiled at him.

"Hi. Sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to scare your son."

"Oh, he's okay now."

White Lion continued to eat.

"Looks like he's got quite an appetite."

"He's still growing, but I don't know how big he'll get. I'm not sure even the doctors know."

"Wow. How big was he when he was born?"

"I don't know. I wasn't around when he was born. I found him when he was a few weeks old."

"Oh. Wow."

"I bottle fed him, so now he thinks I'm his mama."

"You are my mama." He ate more food.

The young man laughed.

Silver Moon furrowed her eyebrows. "What's your name? Or what should I call you?"

"Oh, you can call me anything you'd like. I'm typically called Black Wolf."

She nodded. "Okay, I'll call you Black Wolf. It does suit you perfectly." She smiled.

"And you are the lovely and famous Silver Moon Unicorn."

She chuckled. "I'm not famous. I live in obscurity. I'm too busy struggling to fix that problem."

"Oh, but many people already like your work."

She sighed. "I'm not earning very much at it."

"I'm sure you will earn more eventually."

## Insanity

I told you

it was sheer

insanity

for us to be

together.

Yet,

we are

happy

as well.

## Vampires?

Silver Moon was busy chopping vegetables in her kitchen. Black Wolf was running around in his wolf form. White Lion stepped outside to enjoy the weather. He walked around the meadow looking all around him. He could see a few dragons flying through the sky off in the distance. Then he saw a group of pale looking humans. Except that they weren't human, or at least not anymore.

White Lion screamed. Black Wolf ran towards him. Silver stopped what she was doing and stood still.

"White Lion?" She turned and jumped off the trolley. She ran to her son and saw why he screamed.

There were several vampires stumbling around and tripping over their words. Silver Moon placed her hands on White Lion's shoulders and stared at the vampires. Black Wolf stopped next to Silver Moon and White Lion. Black Wolf growled. The vampires flinched.

"I see that Dr. Butterfly was correct when he said vampires have a form of ADHD. This is their crash time."

"Easy for you to tay, laty!"

Silver Moon laughed. "Are you going to attack or just fall over?"

"Not wit that werewolf standing next to you!"

"That's good to know."

Black Wolf howled at the full moon. The vampires scattered and ran into each other or ran into trees. Eventually they were gone.

"Mama, why did they leave? I thought they'd get us!"

"Little One, I don't think they want it known that this is what can happen to them. That and they're afraid of Black Wolf."

I know I'm no longer afraid of him, even though he's so big!"

Silver Moon smiled.

## Claire Rose's Wings

(Transcription of Silver Moon Unicorn's interview of Raz.)

Raz: I'm so glad you're interested in my latest invention, Silver Moon Unicorn. Margi would be proud of them.

Silver Moon Unicorn (SMU): I'm happy to interview you, Raz, about Claire Rose's wings. Who's Margi?

Raz: The best clothing designer and fairy woman the Guardians ever had.

SMU: Wow. I didn't know about her before.

Raz: Don't feel bad. Margi didn't leave the Guardians ever. She was sort of our little secret.

SMU: Why did you design Claire Rose's wings?

Raz: Some of us fairies thought she might need them. Did you know she has a little fairy blood in her?

SMU: No. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. She is very important.

Raz: I'm not sure how she's taking it, but she does appreciate her wings. I helped her learn how to fly with them.

SMU: That's amazing. I wish I'd seen it.

Raz: Uh, I'm not sure you'd want to. She gave me quite a shock when she just let herself fall off the balcony. At first she didn't act like she knew how her wings worked, so I went after her to keep her from getting hurt.

SMU: Oh, dear. How did it all turn out?

Raz: Well, I was flying after her and I shouted out to her how to activate her wings. I sighed when I saw she had activated them and flew very much like us fairies.

SMU: That's a relief.

Raz: Myadin went nuts when she jumped. He was scared she'd die. However, a couple of people held him back and kept him from jumping.

SMU: I hope he's okay with her flying now.

Raz: I think he is, especially after she caught him when he was falling from a high rise building.

SMU: Yikes! I wouldn't be surprised if those two just want a quiet life.

Raz: Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised either.

SMU: How long did it take you to create her wings?

Raz: Months. We had to make sure they would simulate fairy wings and support her weight. Not that we know how much she weighs. (pauses) We didn't ask her.

SMU: (laughs) You must have guessed correctly or else they wouldn't work for her.

Raz: Well, something like that. We had a weight range in mind and had some elves test it for us. We can't put those wings on with our wings.

SMU: That makes sense.

Raz: Of course, our first set didn't work, but we caught the elf, so he wasn't hurt.

SMU: That's good. (pauses) How do the wings work?

Raz: They use anti-gravity and magnets. She can't get too high up easily, but she can fly as high as the skyscrapers without too much trouble. Although it might get too cold for her.

SMU: That's not good.

Raz: No, but she has an outfit that covers her and keeps her fairly warm.

SMU: It helps to dress appropriately for the weather and your body.

Raz: Yes, it does. Good thing we fairies don't tend to get cold.

SMU: Or it would be hard to put coats on over your wings.

Raz: I'm so glad you got it. Many people don't get why we tend to dress skimpy.

SMU: Makes sense to me. I would think it was obvious when we look at you, especially from the back.

Raz: (laughs) Yes, I would think so, too, but some people aren't that observant.

SMU: I can tell you're proud of yourself for creating those wings.

Raz: Yes, I am. I do hope Claire Rose will put them to good use when dealing with her great grandfather.

SMU: I bet she will.

(End of transcript.)

## Thermal Suit

(I've wondered how Claire Rose Lutin could stand cold temperatures when she's been known to pass out when it has been too cold for her. Now I know. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Claire Rose stood in the clothing room and looked around. She saw the sewing machines, most of which were treadles. She saw lots of cloth and thread on shelves. She noticed the changing booths.

"Ah, there you are Ms. Lutin."

Claire turned around. "Hello."

"Welcome. I'm Gia and I'm happy to present to you a thermal suit." She went to the far wall and grabbed a one piece outfit.

"A what?"

"A thermal suit. We used some natural fibers and blended them together as we usually do when we make cloth. These fibers were selected to help insulate you and help keep you warm."

"Oh. I see. Thanks."

"Here, why don't you try it on. You can wear your regular clothes underneath or just underwear or nothing at all. It's your choice."

"Okay. I'll try it on then." Claire went into one of the changing booths.

She didn't bother taking off her clothes and put the thermal suit on. She zipped it up and looked in the mirrors. It clung to her body like a comfortable glove. It was like a second skin. She noticed that she didn't feel chilly as she did when she first came into the building. She stepped out into the main room.

"Well, turn around. I need to see how it fits you."

Claire turned around.

"It's perfect! How do you like it?"

"It's comfortable and moves with me like it's a second skin. I also don't feel chilly anymore like I did when I first walked in to the building."

"Good. Then it's working."

## Claire Rose Meets His Excellency

(I just stumbled upon this. The Guardians haven't restricted any of my access to their archives and this is a more recent event. I was shocked to learn His Excellency is still alive! —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Felicia sat in the pilot seat with Sam siting right next to her. Claire Rose Lutin and Myadin sat next to each other behind them.

"I can't get all the way next to the tower. There's a force field around it," Felicia told Claire Rose.

"However, I can cut a hole through the field and send you through it," Sam told her.

"Okay, it's a good thing I put on my thermal suit. Otherwise I would get too cold from you throwing me through the hole," answered Claire Rose.

Sam smiled. "I'm glad you did, too." He paused to check the control board. "Looks like His Excellency is right on the top floor of the tower. I get a reading of one vampire and several robots."

"Will my light swords shatter the glass?"

Sam checked the board. "Yes, they will."

"Good."

Myadin furrowed his eyebrows. He could see the tower looming ahead of the craft.

Felicia had to turn the craft once she reached the edge of the force field. She held the craft at a full stop in midair. "I've got us as close as I can to the tower. Are you ready, Claire Rose?"

Claire Rose stood up and checked that her wings were secured on her back. "Yes, I'm ready."

Sam stood up and walked over to her. Felicia opened the side door. Sam reached out the door and used a fingernail to cut a hole in the field. It was just big enough to send Claire Rose through. He put his hands on Claire's hips and lifted her over his head. Myadin watched as Sam threw Claire Rose through the hole.

Claire Rose had a light sword in each hand as she flew through the air. Her wings were working as she focused on the glass window. Soon she was close enough to activate both swords. The glass shattered and fell to the ground. She went through the open window and landed on her feet. His Excellency looked up from his desk. The roboguards all came towards her at once. She deftly used her swords to defend herself. It looked like a dance. It was over in a matter of minutes.

Claire Rose stood staring at His Excellency. "Hello, Great Grandfather. I've heard so much about you and I couldn't wait to meet you."

His Excellency stood up. He slowly walked towards her. "Susan? Is that you?" He stopped once he was just in front of his desk.

Claire Rose held her ground. She didn't lower her weapons. She raised an eyebrow.

"Susan, it's been much too long. Have you changed your mind about me? Do you want to rule the universe at my side?"

"My name is not Susan."

"Don't be coy, Susan. You were such a flirt a long time ago. How long ago? I don't remember."

Myadin couldn't still sit. "Claire Rose is in trouble. We've got to help her."

Felicia keep her eyes on the board and kept the ship in position. Sam turned his chair around to face the werewolf. "What's going? What's happening to her?"

"She's uncomfortable and disgusted. He may be hitting on her."

Sam raised an eyebrow.

"We've got to go after her and help her!"

Sam's lips parted. Myadin stood up and transformed without warning. He ran and jumped out the open door.

"Crazy wolf. Let's go after him." He swung his chair around to help with the ship.

Felicia started the ship in motion after the falling werewolf.

His Excellency started to walk closer to Claire Rose. "Susan, you can stay. You can have your career back, if that's what you want."

Claire Rose backed up. Her jaw dropped. "Mya..." She turned her head and looked out the open window. She saw the werewolf falling. She turned off her swords, clipped them to her belt. She turned and ran out the window.

"Susan! Wait! Come Back! I've missed you!" His Excellency stood at the open window watching her go. His mouth was still opened with her name on his lips.

Claire Rose dove after Myadin. Her wings weren't working as she went head down. Eventually, she caught up to him. She reached out her arms and grabbed him. Then she got her wings working. She looked around for the ship. She saw it dead ahead. Sam was at the open door cutting another hole into the field with his fingernail. Claire aimed straight for the hole.

When Claire got close to the door, Sam stepped out of the way. Once inside, Felicia closed the door. Sam went back to the co-pilot's seat. Claire let go of Myadin. She sat down on her chair. Myadin laid down on the floor. Felicia flew away from the tower.

Sam turned his chair to face Claire and Myadin. "What happened back there? Myadin went nuts and tried to go after you."

"His Excellency kept calling me Susan. I don't think he heard me when I called him great grandfather."

"Ahh, Susan," replied Sam.

"Who's Susan?" asked Claire Rose.

Felicia answered, "Susan Ford was a famous singer. She was reputed to have a beautiful voice and a beautiful body to go with it."

"Oh?"

"Sam even found her attractive." Felicia rolled her eyes.

Sam looked at her. "Not as attractive as you." He turned back to Claire Rose. "You happen to look a lot like her. Probably because she was your maternal grandmother."

"What?" Claire's eyes were wide.

"Yes, I checked out that fact after I met you for the first time."

"Oh, I remember that. Right after I killed the King and his personal guards." Claire sighed.

Sam nodded. "I noticed the resemblance immediately."

Felicia asked, "Claire Rose, do you know how to sing?"

"Yes, it was something I had to regularly at the convent."

"What kind of voice do you have?"

"Contralto."

Felicia looked at Sam. "Was that the same kind of voice Susan had?"

"Yes, it was."

## Traveling Bard

Black Wolf was reading Silver Moon's book on his tablet computer. White Lion was bathing. Silver Moon drove the trolley to another open mic venue. She didn't feel as nervous as the previous times. She figured she was getting used to reciting her poetry to other people. She of course parked in the back of the lot. She turned off the engine and stood up.

Black Wolf set his tablet down on the table and looked up at her. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." She paused listening to White Lion in the bathroom. "Little One, are you done in there? I need to go pee."

"Oh, yeah, just a minute. I'm getting dressed." A few minutes later, the tiny neko stepped out clean, wearing clean clothes, but no shoes. He never wore them because he walked on cat paws.

Silver Moon stepped into the bathroom, then came out and washed her hands at the kitchen sink. She dried her hands on a hand towel and grabbed her tablet from the table. "Let's go, boys, out the back." All three stepped out the back onto the porch. She locked the door and they walked over to the venue.

"Can I have a treat?"

"Okay, but you better behave."

"I will, Mama. You know I do. I get to cheer for you when you're on stage. That's my favorite part."

"I'll be cheering, too, Milady."

She smiled. "I'm not used to getting support from my family."

Black Wolf smiled. "I'm glad I can be a part of your family."

White Lion snorted. "I think I'm missing something when you two talk like that."

Silver Moon and Black Wolf laughed.

Once inside, the host spotted the trio. "Ah, you wouldn't happen to be the Unicorns? With Silver Moon Unicorn, the famous bard?"

The trio stopped. "Yes, we are and I am Silver Moon Unicorn."

"Wonderful! Do you have some new work to read to us tonight?"

"Yes."

"Good. I've got you on the list. We're looking forward to it. We were hoping you'd come to our event."

The Unicorns smiled. They walked over to the counter to get some treats and drinks. After that, they found a table and sat down.

"How many open mics do you perform at?"

"I haven't kept track. I figured it was important to go to as many as I can to spread the word about my writing."

Black Wolf nodded. "White Lion, do you know how many open mics you've been to?"

"Hmm, quite a few. People do like to hear my mama read to them. They cheer as soon as they recognize her."

"That's good. So, we're not the only fans."

"I'd hope not. Mama is depending upon this work to take care of us."

"I'd like to help out with that, if you don't mind."

"I think that would be great. Mama would appreciate it."

"Ever thought of having a papa as well as a mama?"

"What's that?"

It was time for Silver Moon to read. People were cheering when she was walking on stage. She could hear Black Wolf and White Lion distinctly in the crowd. She smiled and recited her poetry.

## White Lion Finds Trouble

White Lion was roaming around, looking for an adventure. His mama was too busy doing research to notice he had left. Black Wolf was running around a nearby wood in his wolf form. White Lion was looking all around him. The sun was setting and the stars were starting to come out. White Lion kept walking and looking about him.

Finally, he stumbled upon a nightclub. There was loud music playing and people laughing inside. He walked in and looked around. He could hear the music, but it was so loud, it was distorted. He couldn't make out the words.

People in the nightclub were starting to notice the tiny neko. A young red-head was sitting off in a corner by herself. She recognized the tiny neko. She stood up and walked towards him. Other people were making their way over to the little neko.

"Mama!" White Lion stopped moving and looked around him to see lots of vampires coming towards him.

Silver Moon stopped in the middle of her research. She stared at nothing. "White Lion!" She stood up and looked around her. He was nowhere in sight.

Black Wolf stopped running outside the trolley and howled. Silver Moon opened the door for him.

"Have you seen White Lion lately? I know he's in trouble, but I don't know where he is!"

Black Wolf shifted to his human form and his eyes were wide and round. "I don't know where he is, either. Do you want me to go looking for him?"

"I don't know where to start!"

"Uhhhh—"

"He's surrounded by vampires!"

"Oh, dear!" Black Wolf stepped into the bathroom to get dressed.

The red-head stopped in front of the neko. "Everybody stand back! If you value your lives, you will leave the neko alone!"

The vampires stopped and jumped when they saw it was Felicia, a former Guardian turned vampire-but-still-acting-as-a-Guardian. They quickly backed off and gave the little neko some space.

Felicia looked down at White Lion. "Come on, White Lion. Let's get you back to your mama."

"Okay." He left with Felicia.

No one disturbed the neko and vampire as they walked underneath the stars. It didn't take them long to find the trolley where Silver Moon and Black Wolf were busy discussing a course of action to rescue the little neko.

"Knock, knock, Silver Moon and Black Wolf," said Felicia upon arrival.

Both got quiet and looked out the windows. Silver Moon opened the door. "Thank you for returning him. How bad was it?" She reached for her son as he ran into her arms.

"He walked into the Send Me An Angel Nightclub—a vampire nightclub. I got to him in time and told the other vampires to back off and leave him alone."

"Oh, dear."

"No one touched him. However, it's still scary to walk into a situation like that."

"I think he'll be alright."

"How are you holding up?" asked Black Wolf.

"I think I'm getting used to it." Felicia paused. "I better go now. I'm getting thirsty."

"Bye," both Silver Moon and Black Wolf said as Felicia disappeared in a blink of an eye.

"I'm glad you're son is safe."

"So am I. Little one, are you okay?"

"I thought they were going to eat me! I'm going to stay home forever!"

Silver Moon smiled. "That's what you say now. I bet tomorrow you'll just take off just the same."

White Lion blinked.

Black Wolf raised an eyebrow.

## Amaranthine

Beyond a single Sunbeam,

beyond a whisper,

lies fragile things,

that never die.

## The Color Blue

Cool

Soothing

Healing

Watery

Pleasant

Easy to be

## The Color Red

Red doesn't play nice

Red doesn't cooperate

Red is bold

Red is sassy

Red is outgoing

Red is alpha

Red is in charge

Red doesn't blend in well

Red doesn't sit back and watch

## The Color Green

Vibrant

Growing

Healthy

Essential

Luscious

Delicious

## The Color Orange

Old

Wisdom

Knowledge

Eternal

Fire

Flame

## The Color Purple

Royal

Noble

Faithful

Grand

Intense

## The Color Yellow

Clear

Bright

Sunny

SpongeBob

Happy

Blossoms

## Silver Scales Interview

(Transcription of the interview begins now, in clear tones. Yes, the dragon can speak the same language as the elvish human.)

Silver Scales (SS): I'm so happy you're interviewing me! You are after all, a famous bard.

Silver Moon Unicorn (SMU): I'm delighted to be interviewing you, a famous dragon.

SS: I would like to say how much I enjoyed learning about who else shares this planet with me. Some of the other dragons don't understand my curiosity.

SMU: That's the main reason I want to interview you. You have the open-mindedness of a rather interesting person. You've also know some famous Guardians as well.

SS: Yes, I have. I do miss my friends who have gone on. To where, I'm not sure. I guess that's the price of a dragon to live longer than others.

SMU: Rumor has it that they come back in different bodies and some people recognize them by their eyes.

SS: That's interesting! I almost thought I came across Renae again, but she's been gone a long time. It was actually her great granddaughter, Claire Rose.

SMU: Yes, they do resemble one another in the facial features.

SS: Who has come back in different bodies?

SMU: Renae, Jaedin, and Claude are the only ones that I know of.

SS: Really? Who are they now?

SMU: Claude became Prince Jaems, His Excellency's heir. Renae became Felicia and Jaedin became Sam Oranglov.

SS: Jaems died a while back, didn't he?

SMU: Yes, he did. I believe it was during the vampire attack in which his granddaughter, Claire Rose, went missing. Her nanny smuggled her to a convent where she grew up.

SS: I did hear about that. Many thought the whole royal family disappeared that night. (She paused a moment.) Aren't Felicia and Sam a couple now?

SMU: Yes, I do believe they are. I will be interviewing Sam soon.

SS: I bet that will be an interesting interview.

SMU: This one is certainly turning out to be interesting already. Have we even begun it?

SS: Oh, have we? What are your questions for me?

SMU: How old are you?

SS: Let's see, I was quite young when I met Renae. I had just laid my first eggs. I guess you could say I was relativity a little older than she was at the time. I was close to a hundred then...so now I must be, oh, say about three hundred, give or take a century.

SMU: I doubt I'll live that long. How many children have you had so far?

SS: Oh, I don't know exactly. I guess about 200. I do recognize each one when I see them. I am a grandmother, too! I may even be a great grandmother...

SMU: I don't know if I will ever be a grandmother, let alone a great grandmother. Do all your children have the same father?

SS: No, they don't. The first one died before the children were born. He got into a bad fight and lost. Come to think of it, they seem to all have a tendency to die pretty young. I'm not sure where the last one is now. I haven't heard that he did the same foolish things the others did. I guess I sure know how to pick them.

SMU: Don't beat yourself up, it's not worth it. I think you've done pretty well on your own.

SS: Thank you. Your opinion means a lot to me.

SMU: You're welcome. How long has the Dragon Council been in existence?

SS: I don't know. I do know it existed before I was born. I've heard rumors the Guardians may have helped the dragons to set up the council in the first place. I've heard complaints about dragon slayers going after any dragon, regardless if they are peaceful or dangerous.

SMU: That sounds like a good reason to set up the council and to form an alliance with the Guardians as well.

SS: Yes, both do help out. The Guardians learned to tell the differences between individual dragons and they can give and receive information from the dragons. Sometimes, we learn where the best places to build our homes are.

SMU: That's some useful information. Where do you prefer to live?

SS: Up in the mountains, where most everyone else won't go. I know Claire Rose doesn't like it because it can be quite cold up there.

SMU: I can't say I blame her. I don't like cold either. How long have you been a part of the council?

SS: For the better part of the past 200 years. I was recruited when they found out about my curiosity about other living beings and how I deal with them. I am an official Dragon Ambassador.

SMU: That's quite an honor.

SS: I am quite honored that they thought of me.

SMU: One more question...what are you plans for your future?

SS: I will continue my work on the Dragon Council as an Ambassador and I will work with the Guardians. I'll probably go find out if Felicia was really my friend Renae.

SMU: That sounds good. I wish you the best of luck.

SS: I wish you the best of luck with your research and writing.

SMU: Thank you.

SS: You're welcome.

(There ends the transcript of this famous interview. Preserved for future generations.)

## Fame

Fame isn't

what they say.

Unless they say

it's plain lame.

## Request for a Bard

The night was dark and cloudless. A tiny neko was wandering around the courtyard on the moonless night. He looked up at the stars and yawned. He found a cozy little spot to lay down in the corner of the wall. Soon he was asleep.

Claire Rose and Myadin walked out into the courtyard to talk. They were so busy discussing her family tree that they didn't notice the sleeping tiny neko. A large black wolf hid in the bushes and watched them.

Before long, Silver Moon Unicorn, a famous bard, strolled out into the courtyard looking for her son. "Excuse me, have you seen a tiny neko wandering around?"

Both Claire Rose and Myadin turned to face the newcomer. "No, we haven't," said Claire, looking around.

"He's awfully small and has a tendency to fall asleep in the strangest places. I have a feeling he's out here in the courtyard somewhere."

Claire Rose grabbed her flashlight from her belt and turned it on. She scanned the walls and the garden up and down until finally she saw him—a tiny neko fast asleep.

"Ah, thank you." Silver Moon reached down and scooped her son up. He opened his eyes for a bit and shut them again as he snuggled up to his mama. "Come, Black Wolf. Let's go home now."

Black Wolf followed her out of the courtyard.

"Wait!" Myadin said.

Silver Moon stopped and turned around. "Yes?"

"Aren't you, Silver Moon Unicorn, the famous bard?"

"Yes, I am a bard, but I don't know about the famous part."

"Oh, well could you look up my ancestry? Claire Rose knows hers and I would like to know mine."

Silver Moon nodded. "Okay, I'll do that after I interview the dragon Silver Scales. Although it will take some time. I'll search all the records I can find."

"Great. Thank you. Hopefully, Claire and I aren't related."

Silver Moon smiled. "I doubt the two of you are more related than Aragorn and Arwen. If you're related at all, it will be so far back in your lines that I doubt you need to worry about it." She turned and left with Black Wolf following in his wolf form.

"Now, you've done it, Mya. It's bad enough who one of my great grandfathers is. What if you have someone equally bad in your family tree?"

"Uhh, I didn't think of that. But I have always wondered who my biological father was. My mother couldn't tell me."

"I'm sure you will find out. Silver Moon Unicorn studies many ancient texts and digs through lots of facts."

"That's why I asked her."

## Data Hunting

Silver Moon Unicorn sat at the table on her trolley. White Lion Unicorn was nearby fast asleep on his bean bag chair. Black Wolf Unicorn was out running through the forest. She thought hard about Myadin's request. He had certainly knew his own mother and probably his father as well. There were rumors that his father was one of two men. So, Silver Moon had a place to start. Her data pad was before her and she took notes. She did some research over the internet. She found she could trace his mother's side of the family without too much trouble, but without knowing who his father was was a problem. She knew she could check if she had Myadin's DNA to use as a reference, so she sent him a message.

While she waited for his reply, Black Wolf returned. She opened the door for him and he walked in. He then wasted no time in transforming into his human form and went into the 'fresher. She sat back down and looked at Myadin's mother's family tree. There were interesting links back to where humans came from. Back to Earth, Venus, Mars, etc. Silver Moon made a note to write about those planets in the other solar system as well as the ones in her solar system. She continued her research on the planets and the people who had lived on them.

Black Wolf stepped out of the 'fresher and put on clean clothes. "How'd the interview with Silver Scales go?"

Looking up, she answered, "It went well. She was just as excited as I was about the interview. I was planning to release the transcript and the recording later this week, after I finish the transcript."

"Oh. What's the next project?" He sat down across from her.

"Well, Myadin asked me to research his family tree and so far I am finding out about his mother's side. I've sent him a message letting him know that and to request access to his DNA so I can find out about his father's side. I've discovered some of the planets his mother's family are from where the first humans came from. I plan to write about each planet. They are all fascinating. Plus, I get to interview Sam Oranglov next week."

"No wonder you don't have time to clean." He paused and smiled at her. "Sam was one of the Guardians who became a vampire?"

"Yes. That's the main reason I want to interview him. He doesn't sound like the ordinary vampires. In fact, he still sounds like he's a Guardian even if the other Guardians won't recognize him now that he's a vampire. It's sad in a way."

"I bet his training helped him get through the transformation. He was reputed to have strong ethics."

"Yes, I bet you're right. I have heard he always had good ethics and so did Felicia."

"Did she decline to be interviewed?"

"Yes, and I hope it's not personal. It may be she doesn't feel up to talking about being a vampire, especially to someone she doesn't know well."

White Lion snored and rolled over. Both Silver Moon and Black Wolf looked at him and smiled.

"He's been known to fall asleep while he was dancing."

"I didn't know that. Did he fall down or just keep dancing."

Silver Moon laughed. "He just keep right on dancing and snored in time to the music!"

Silver Moon and Black Wolf laughed as White Lion opened an eye and kept right on snoring.

## Interview with Doctor Butterfly

(Transcription of Silver Moon Unicorn interviewing Doctor Butterfly.)

Silver Moon Unicorn (SMU): Thank you for speaking with me today about your research, Dr. Butterfly.

Dr. Butterfly (DB): Thank you for interviewing me. I feel honored to be interviewed by a bard whom the Guardians respect.

SMU: I do appreciate the access they have given me to their archives. There's more going on in the world than I ever knew about.

DB: Yes, I agree with you there. The Guardians really are trying to help us all. Some of them feel they brought some of the problems we deal with today into being. So, they are trying hard to fix them.

SMU: Yes, I've noticed that as well.

DB: I do find it interesting that they are starting to accept some vampires and were creatures as Guardians. Traditionally, only elves, fairies, merfolks, centaurs, dragons, and humans were allowed to be Guardians.

SMU: Yes, I've interviewed a vampire who was a Guardian before his transformation and still acts like one. Although he does admit that he preferred to stay away from everyone while he was transforming and adjusting to the changes.

DB: I can't say I blame him. I think he's better for it. I bet the Guardian training helped him to cope with all the changes.

SMU: I bet you're right about that. Guardians are famous for their self control. It's not something many people have.

DB: True enough. Did you know the vampire, were, and zombie viruses are all retroviruses?

SMU: No, I did not. What kinds of viruses are they?

DB: Retroviruses transform specific cells into something different, much like weres changing between human and non-human animal form. Usually, the changes are irreversible and can become a part of the DNA of the individual.

SMU: Which means they can pass those new genes onto their offspring.

DB: Exactly. That's why the genetic link with the weres.

SMU: But what about the vampires and zombies?

DB: Zombie don't have a sex drive and they can turn back to their original form, if treated in time. Otherwise, they die. Vampires are questionable at best. I've seen no evidence why they can't have children, unless they conceal those children, or they have infertility.

SMU: So how does the were virus change the cells?

DB: The were virus actually allows the cells to morph back and forth. Sometimes the individual can control it, but sometimes they can't. The patients that I've helped are more scared when they don't have control. Sometimes the full moon makes them change. Other times, it because of deep emotional reasons.

SMU: That sounds about right. I know Black Wolf tends to change when he's really upset. He also changes into a wolf when the moon is full.

DB: How does he act in his wolf form?

SMU: Like a well behaved dog. My son still gets a little scared when he transforms, but usually White Lion will calm down once he realizes Black Wolf isn't going to do anything to him.

DB: Sounds like the non-dangerous werewolf type to me.

SMU: He is and he's awfully sweet in both forms. (She pauses.) So what does the vampire virus affect?

DB: The nervous system and fairly extensively at that. It causes them to move faster and think faster than they could before. Unfortunately, it also causes people to have more severe forms of brain illnesses that they may or may not have have prior to the virus. Actually, the speed is typical of ADHD.

SMU: Wow. I didn't realize the extent of the change. Sounds like it affects lots of things in the body.

DB: The nervous system covers a lot and it does explain why some vampires seem so much more sexual than ordinary humans.

SMU: What about the zombie virus? What does it affect?

DB: It affects the skin, causing it to turn a sickly shade and causes a severe fever. That fever makes it hard for them to walk and talk.

SMU: That explains it. It is hard to think straight with a severe fever.

DB: Yes, and their saliva can transmit the virus to another person just with a bite.

SMU: Does it work that way with the vampire and were viruses?

DB: Yes and no. It's more likely to work with a were virus unless the were creature kills or eats you first. Vampire bites don't always transmit the virus. It's actually not a very good virus. I believe in the case of His Excellency, he became a vampire after his son killed him. He may have been in the middle of the transformation as well. Some people are immune to becoming a vampire, but the virus still affects them.

SMU: How does it affect those who are immune?

DB: Their phenomornes can increase dramatically and their skin, eyes, and hair change color.

SMU: That's what can happen when people turn into vampires.

DB: True, but the ones who are immune don't have the undead look to their skin. It's still a healthy color.

SMU: Why do vampires look they are dead?

DB: It's the change in their nervous systems. The nerves actually change color and it shows through the skin, even though we can't make out the nerves. I think that's why they need blood to live. The nerves along the digestive tract change just like the rest.

SMU: I've noticed Black Wolf can eat mostly vegetables and be fine. He doesn't care for meat, except for a little fish.

DB: Yes, I've noticed that with other were creatures. The virus doesn't seem to affect their digestive tracts. It must be a myth that they need meat to survive.

SMU: Like it's a myth for the rest of us as well?

DB: Yes, that too.

SMU: So, how did you learn about these viruses?

DB: The Guardians gave me Healer Jaeson's notes. He had a fairly good idea about both vampires and weres. I've had the opportunity from studying the blood of two transforming vampires, as well as blood samples from other vampires and weres. Many volunteered. Other samples were collected by the Guardians themselves.

SMU: I would imagine that's a lot of work.

DB: It is, but the knowledge is worth it.

SMU: We've needed that knowledge. Thank you for your time, Dr. Butterfly.

DB: And thank you for your time, Ms. Unicorn.

(End of transcript.)

## Interview with a Former Guardian

(Transcription of Silver Moon Unicorn's interview of Sam Oranglov.)

Sam Oranglov (SO): Thank you for coming, Silver Moon Unicorn.

Silver Moon Unicorn (SMU): Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I did want to talk with Felicia as well, but she declined. I will respect that.

SO: It wasn't anything personal. She just doesn't feel comfortable talking about being a vampire, especially with someone she doesn't know.

SMU: I didn't take any offense. I just hope she's okay. I understand the transformation can be rather traumatic.

SO: It is. I'm surprised I've pulled through. Claire Rose and her doctor both helped.

SMU: Yes, it does help to have support when going through such things. Could the doctor do anything other than monitor your condition?

SO: No, not much. He did monitor and got excited about what was happening to me. I never went to see him in person because I was afraid I would attack him. However, he did find out that it was possible for me to avoid killing anyone and still eat, I mean drink. I've taken his advice and it works. Sometimes I have to hunt down some animals, ones that are misbehaving or just have foul tempers. Sometimes I get donated blood as payment for being a Guardian.

SMU: Yes, I did hear you still act as a Guardian, even though there are some who claim you cannot be one after your transformation.

SO: I do understand that sentiment. I have fought vampires before I became one and they can be very nasty to deal with. It was reported that I died defending Lady Adele and her granddaughter, Claire Rose Lutin. I still feel as if I should have died. I still remember the ladies didn't want to leave me, but I let them know it was too late for me.

SMU: That's pretty hard. It's a shame I can't interview Lady Adele now, but I do hope I can interview Claire Rose Lutin.

SO: I bet she will talk to you. But she is busy trying to figure out what to do about her great grandfather.

SMU: That's got to be rough on her.

SO: It is hard on her and Myadin, not that he's had a charmed life. He's got it pretty rough as well.

SMU: Because he's a werewolf.

SO: Exactly. However, the Guardians are coming around and recognizing him and others like your partner who don't cause trouble and don't attack people.

SMU: Do you feel as if they are accepting you to still be a Guardian and a vampire?

SO: (He pauses.) I think some of them are. I do remember how hard it was at first. I couldn't tell Felicia and she found out. She saw me. Claire was with her at the time. I just about went crazy when I saw Felicia. Then a tiger came out of nowhere and tried to attack them. I attacked the tiger and drank its blood. Then I told the two ladies that they should just leave me alone.

SMU: That must have been hard for them to watch. Did they leave as you asked them to?

SO: Yes, they did, but I could still smell both of them. When they were gone, I thought about it and began to understand why the other vampires were so interested in Claire.

SMU: Were you ever interested in Claire?

SO: No. She's not Felicia. She is a good friend. I don't think there's anything wrong with her. Besides, Myadin loves her and he treats her well. I can't complain about that.

SMU: Do you and Myadin get along? I thought werewolves and vampires were enemies.

SO: We get along. At first we wanted to fight, but it didn't take me long to figure out how he treated Claire and how close they were. So, I cut him some slack. He did have a tendency to run around the woods I was staying in. Claire would come to warn me and asked me not to hurt him. I don't know when he thought I was okay. I wouldn't be surprised if Claire said something to him.

SMU: I may get to interview him someday and find out. Is Myadin considered a Guardin?

SO: Probably as much as I'm considered one. Claire has unofficial status. She grew up in a convent and didn't get any training until she was already an adult.

SMU: How would you describe the Guardians?

SO: Traditionally, they are warriors who defend the defenseless. They were a class created by wizards and witches who secluded themselves from mainstream society. The wizards and witches were really scientists and inventors who didn't know how to fight. They needed someone to protect them from warlords and the like while they worked on their projects. The arrangement worked out pretty well. Eventually, bards and other creative people came to live with them as well. They don't typically fight, as you may know.

SMU: I know I don't unless I have to. Fortunately, those times are rare.

SO: The Guardians didn't always stay put. Some went out and traveled and blended in with the main stream society. Sometimes they would find and rescue brilliant scientists and inventors. Or they would heal the sick.

SMU: The Guardians have quite a history.

SO: Yes, that is true. We have developed quite a culture while many were living in their dark ages.

SMU: His Excellency tried to get rid of the Guardians and claim the technology.

SO: Yes, many are still upset about him. He did fail in his quest to eliminate all the Guardians. However, we can't do anything about the technology. Many people have been exposed to it and we can't hide it now.

SMU: I hear plenty of people who complain about the technology almost as much as they complain about His Excellency. I guess technology can be a hard thing to assimilate until you're used to it. Even then, some things don't work as well as older more established ways.

SO: That is true. That's one of the reasons Guardian training has always included hand to hand combat and blade training. The other was so we could blend in with the main stream society. Otherwise, someone might get suspicious.

SMU: Are the rumors true that His Excellency is still alive and planning to retake the world again? I thought his own son killed him to save Queen Catherine, Lady Adele's cousin.

SO: His Excellency did die when his son, Jaems Lutin killed him. Jaems Lutin did save Queen Catherine, negotiated a peace treaty with her to end the war, and married Lady Adele. What no one knew at the time, was His Excellency had been bitten by a vampire earlier the same day he was killed and then he became a vampire. He disappeared from his grave. Now, we're all racking our brains as to how to stop him.

SMU: That just sounds very sneaky. Almost like His Excellency planned it that way.

SO: Yes, it does sound that way. I'm not so sure he did plan it that way.

SMU: Can anyone reach him?

SO: Only one person, who doesn't work for him, can safely get past his security. Everyone else who has tried has died.

SMU: Wow. How is it that it works out that way?

SO: I'm not sure, but I think it's because she is his true heir. His Excellency seems to have a weakness for having an heir.

SMU: Wait, wouldn't His Excellency technically have two heirs?

SO: Yes, he does, but they don't have the same mother and that makes all the difference in the world.

SMU: No wonder his true heir isn't happy about being related to him.

SO: No, she isn't and I can't say I blame her.

SMU: Are the other rumors true, are you the reincarnated Jaedin? He was the best tracker the Guardians ever had.

SO: Oh, you heard that? Are you sure you haven't interviewed Claire?

SMU: No, I haven't talked to her. She did help me find my son once when he fell asleep in a dark courtyard where she and Myadin were.

SO: (laughs) I've heard your son tends to fall asleep in some interesting places.

SMU: (laughs) It's true. He does. Sometimes he falls asleep while he's dancing.

SO: To answer your question—Claire was the one who pointed out to me that I have the same eyes as Jaedin did. When I saw his picture, I could see what she meant. Then I got a shock when I found out Jaedin's wife Renae is Felicia. Claire can explain a lot in her way.

SMU: Wow! Renae was the best pilot the Guardians had.

SO: That she was and still is.

SMU: I take it you were the one who found His Excellency.

SO: Yes, I did. I am also working with His Excellency's true heir to stop him from taking over the world. Of course, he probably won't stop there.

SMU: Not likely that he will. Is Felicia working on this project as well?

SO: Yes. She does help with the transportation end and moral support.

SMU: Oh, before I forget, I have to warn you that Silver Scales will be paying you two a visit. She wants to meet Felicia and see if she was her friend Renae.

SO: I'll let Felicia know. She'll probably be delighted to meet an old friend.

SMU: I don't have any more questions. Thank you for letting me interview you. Please let Felicia know it's okay that she declined.

SO: Thanks for being so kind. I will let her know.

(Transcript ends.)

## At the Police Station

(I guess humans don't typically live as long as elves and fairies can. The Guardians, Sam and Felicia, were just teenagers when the famous singer Susan was suspected of murder. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Sam Oranglov and Felicia walked briskly to the police station. They were armed with only their light swords. Neither spoke when they entered the building until they reached the receptionist's desk.

"We're here to see the chief about the recent murder and to track a person."

The receptionist looked them over. "We are overwhelmed at the moment. Do you have any information about the recent murder?"

"No, but we can help solve it."

"Well, I don't..."

"Who is it this time?" The police chief walked over to the front desk. He wasted no time summing up the newcomers. He was human, as was the receptionist. "You're just a couple of kids. I don't see how you can help us."

Clark heard the commotion and looked up from his desk. He saw two teenagers—a human boy and a fairy girl. He saw their light swords and remembered when he was rescued by Guardians when he was a little kid. He stood up and walked over to the front desk. "I could use some help with the recent murder."

"They're just kids. They don't know anything."

"They're Guardians. I bet they've been trained well."

Sam and Felicia nodded to him. "We're on two assignments. One to help solve the murder. Two to track a former Guardian who may be living in your city at the present."

"Okay. Which one is helping to solve the murder?"

"I am," answered Sam.

"Alright, I'll show you what we know so far. Do you think you can talk to the singer? She's a prime suspect and I don't have the time today to question her."

"No problem."

"As for you, I can give you access to our database. Hopefully, you can find who you're looking for."

"That will work for a start."

"If you two will follow me, we can get started."

The police chief frowned, then walked back to his desk.

Clark sat down at his desk and pulled the files on the murder. He let Sam read and examine all the evidence. He then turned to the other computer and pulled up the database. He logged in and let Felicia search on her own.

"Detective, I take it you've have a good experience with Guardians?" asked Felicia.

"Yes, I was rescued when I was a boy. They were quite shocked to find me in a bad situation. I could have died. They just took me with them and then eventually dropped me off with my some relatives. They were all armed with lights swords like yours."

Felicia nodded. "Thanks for not impeding us. We have to find this person before he causes even more damage to this world."

"And thanks for the help with the murder. I know I won't be able to handle that and all the other cases that have been piling up on my desk."

## Family Trees

Silver Moon sat at the table making notes from the emails and other information she found over the internet. Some information came from the Guardian archives. Black Wolf sat down across from her with a mug of coffee.

"How's the work going?"

"Oh, it's going. I've noticed that when the technology got better for the Guardians, their records became more accurate. There's a lot of information in them."

"That makes sense. Passing things along orally do tend to change over time. Once written down, they tend to become static."

Silver Moon nodded her head. "That makes sense. Anyway, I'm seeing the family trees for Claire Rose Lutin and Myadin. They aren't related."

"I'm sure they'd be relieved to hear that."

She smiled. "I bet so, too. If I keep this up, I'll have enough stories to fill lots of books."

He smiled. "You are developing your audience, so I bet you'll earn some money from those books."

"I hope so. I would feel better to pay off my debts. I am glad it doesn't cost so much to live on this trolley."

"That is helpful. I'd still like to contribute."

"I thought you already did."

"I mean with money. White Lion will probably need things you can't afford."

"Perhaps. Right now, he doesn't need much of anything other than food, water, and clothes. At least I can make him clothes and grow or raise some of the food he eats."

"He's not a vegetarian."

"No. He can't be. He's got too much cat influence to just eat plants. So, I have to give him chicken and fish. Other than the vegetables and fruits he eats, that's it for him."

Black Wolf nodded. "I'm glad I don't have to eat any animals other than fish. People seem to think werewolves are carnivores."

"I know. I came across that. The were virus doesn't change your digestion system. It's also genetic."

"Is the vampire virus genetic?"

"I bet it could be. Viruses do have a tendency to become a part of our genomes."

"Any virus does that?"

"Yes, every virus we catch becomes a part of our genomes."

"Interesting."

"Yes, you can see why I keep at the research. It is interesting and helps me to write better stories."

"So, why do you write poetry?"

"I don't know. It's like breathing. Poetry just comes out. I don't always plan on writing it. I usually plan to write prose."

Black Wolf smiled at her.

## Investigation

A lovely newborn,

with a locket

of its parents,

went to investigate

what the bees were

busy making honey.

## Intent

A horse was

winding his way

around a rose,

an arbor

intent on finding

a way back to

his mate.

Intent is everything.

## The Report

(His Excellency is and was many things. I bet he didn't have any idea that Adele would later become his own daughter-in-law. Sometimes, we can't see everything that can happen to us and all the planning in the world won't stop things from happening. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Shelia walked into the Chamber of Law with a child by the hand. "Your Excellency, I have brought the portal child."

He stood across from them at the entrance for the anteroom. "Good. Come into my chamber and give me a full report."

"Yes, sir."

They sat down at the table. Shelia began after she put the child in a chair. "As you know, this child has been seen appearing and disappearing in and around the Chamber of Law. I believe she is a child of Guardian parents. She knows her name is Adele and her age is five. Your Excellency, this is a rare and very pleasant surprise for us. We have originally thought we killed all of them. But here is one such child. I propose we use her to carry out our mission on Princess Catherine. We can train this child in eleven years or less. Then we can send her on the mission to pick up and relocate the Princess for her education."

"Shelia, are you sure about this? We have had trouble in the past with Guardians working for us. Don't you remember? That's why we had a war against them in the first place."

"Yes, sir. I am perfectly aware of that. This Guardian is still a child. We can teach her our values and morals. She will become one of us."

"You believe this will not fail?"

"No, sir. I don't think we will fail."

"Alright. I want you to see personally to her training. If she should turn against us, you both will be killed."

"Understood, sir."

"You may go now."

Shelia took Adele by the hand and took the child to a nanny. Then Shelia made arrangements for Adele's training and education.

Adele's training consisted of learning several languages, math skills, science basics, heavy emphasis on combat and computer skills, and most important of all—worshiping His Excellency with a strong reverence for his omnipotence and wisdom over everyone and everything. Her teachers emphasized what happened to people who disobeyed His Excellency, even just a little. The child never forgot her whole life.

## The Mine

(This Martian tale is about Violet Nymphe Mineur's origins. Yep, she was born and raised on the colony planet of Mars. She later came to our solar system and negotiated peace with the merfolks. —Silver Moon Unicorn.)

There was always water in the mine. Frank pondered why this was. He scratched his head and then put his helmet back on. He sometimes thought he saw the water move in ways water didn't normally move. But, he figured it was just the booze ruining his head. It always went straight to his head as he slowly wasted his life away in the small town on the Martian colony.

He wasn't even sure why he kept working in the mine. His brother was willing to give him a job in an office in the next town. Sure, Frank thought, sure I'll be clean all the time instead of covered in filth and watching water swirl and move uphill.

Frank lifted his pickaxe and resumed chipping. He wondered when this monotonous life of his would change and perhaps either get better or get more interesting. Today, as many other days, he was alone in this part of the mine. He liked to be alone. The other miners bothered him and he wasn't quite sure why that was. Still he chipped away at the rock and hoped he wouldn't cause a cave in.

He was pretty busy. He felt numb and didn't seem to care anymore. He just kept raising the pickaxe and dropped it with a slow motion that was nearly hypnotic. Before long he had stopped thinking and just moved the pickaxe up and down and chipped the rock searching for more ore. He didn't notice the water moving towards him in droplets. Before long the droplets became puddles of water. Still Frank hadn't seen it. He was too busy feeling numb and chipping away for more ore that he didn't even see the water move upward in the middle of the cave. Not even on the walls— out in the open. Soon there were shapes forming.

Frank lowered the axe and then he wiped his brow. He sighed loudly, which echoed in the cave. He thought he heard some giggling. He furrowed his brows. He was alone in this part of the mine. He thought it must be the booze again. Then he thought he should perhaps stop drinking. He shook his head and was about to resume his chipping when he heard a female voice near him.

"Excuse me, sir, but what is your name?"

Frank dropped the pickaxe and turned towards the voice. To his astonishment, he saw several women in the cave with him. They were all curvy with blue skin and red hair. They each wore micro-mini skirts with very short sleeved short tops on. Their clothes were red. "What? I must be seeing and hearing things. It must be all the booze I had last night."

"Booze? What's that?" asked one of the women.

"Oh, booze is the stuff that I drink every day after I'm done workin' in the mine. The booze just goes to my head so fast that before I know it, I have to come back here in the morning and work some more."

The women giggled. "Well, we can assure you that it's not the booze that's making you see us. We are here in this cave with you and we've been here for awhile."

"What? I'm here alone in this part of the mine. I like to work alone."

"Oh, well, surely you can't work all the time, can you?"

"Well, no, I guess not. How did you ladies get in here anyway?"

"We just swirled our way in and came up to meet you."

"To meet me? What about the other workers?"

"Oh, I don't know about them, but Melanie was the one who wanted to meet you and find out your name, but she's a little shy."

"Oh, pleased to meet you ma'am. My name is Frank. I'm sorry, I'm so filthy, but I've been working in the mine all day and I won't be able to clean up until after I leave here."

"That's okay. Perhaps we can chat later."

"Sure." The horn blew. "That's my signal that my shift is over for the day. If you ladies will excuse me, I'll be going home now." He tipped his helmet to the ladies and picked up the axe. He carried it over his shoulder and out of the mine. The women melted down to the cave floor. All that was left of them were puddles of water. Soon the water moved in different directions. One streak followed Frank and soaked into his left pant leg. He then left the axe with the other tools just outside of the mine and collected his pay.

Later, he was in his hotel room. He didn't bother getting a place of his own because he wasn't sure whether he wanted to stay or move on to another place. Frank threw his dirty clothes on the floor and jumped into the shower. As he scrubbed the dirt and grime off of his body, the soaked pant leg moved a little. Not much, but enough that the water moved out of the fabric and onto the floor. Soon the water had gathered into a puddle first and then formed into Melanie. She could hear the water running in the shower and she smiled. She thought she'd wait until he came out of the bathroom to greet him.

It was some time before he did finally step out of the shower. He carefully dried himself off with a towel and then wrapped it around himself. He stepped out of the bathroom to see Melanie standing in the middle of the room as she had appeared earlier.

"Hi, Frank! Are you in a better state to spend some time with me?"

"Uhh, let me get dressed first." He walked over to the dresser and grabbed some clean pants, shirt, underwear and socks. He walked back into the bathroom. He closed the door and took off the towel. Then he quickly got dressed. Afterwards, he looked into the mirror. His face was rather pallid and he thought he wanted a drink, but wasn't sure. He grabbed a comb and combed his hair. He sighed and then turned to open the door. Out he walked back into the bedroom where she was still waiting for him.

"Well, howdy. You're, Melanie, right?"

"Yes."

"Oh. How did you get into my room?"

"Oh, that was easy, I just soaked into your pant leg and you took me here."

His eyes grew wide. "My pant leg? Well, I don't understand." He dropped down to the bed. "I must be losing my mind. Women don't appear out of nowhere and attach themselves to men's pant legs. That just doesn't make any sense." He fell to his back on the bed and remained motionless. He covered his eyes with his hands.

She walked closer to him and leaned over him. "I'm not human like you are, Frank."

He moved his hands away from his eyes and placed them at his sides. "What do you mean by that?"

"I'm a water nymph. Let me show you how I travel." With that she melted to the floor and became a puddle. A few minutes later the water rose back up and formed back into Melanie. "Do you see now? I know you saw us moving back in the mine, but you kept shaking your head. No one else noticed besides you."

He didn't speak for some time. "So, why do you want to see me? I'm just an alcoholic with no real future."

"You're different. You don't know how many times I've heard the other water nymphs complain that men never pay any attention to them. But you paid attention to me. Only I was too afraid to say anything to you until the others came with me."

He sat up on his bed. "Wow. I can't say I ever saw anything like you when I was drunk. I still don't understand why you'd pick me. I don't know what I have to offer a water nymph."

"You can offer yourself. I wouldn't ask for anything else."

"Okay, whatever you want, Melanie. I have to say you are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen."

"You're so sweet." She sat down on the bed next to him.

## The Valley of Joyousness is Discovered

(This tale is from Violet's early adventures, the one that happened while she was visiting Earth. From what I understand she toured all of the solar system and then left and became one of the first humans to live in our solar system. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

It was after dark once she found the Valley of Mist. She certainly couldn't see through the mist at all. Besides, she was hungry again, so she sat down in front of the mist and got out some more food from her pack. Once she was done eating, she felt sleepy. So, she laid down and was soon asleep.

She dreamed she met Vivienne. The evil enchantress still looked as she did when she had met Merlin, but she had the ring with her. Merlin wasn't wearing it anymore. Violet wasn't sure of what to do, but Vivienne tried to slip the ring on another man's finger. It was a man that Violet knew and didn't want Vivienne to harm him. Vivienne laughed as she managed to get the ring on his finger. Violet screamed and ran forward to her friend, but Vivienne raised her hand and Violet fell backwards. Vivienne laughed some more and took the man away.

Violet woke sitting up. Her head was spinning and she wasn't quite sure where she was. Finally, the dizzy spell passed and she could see the sun was up. The mist was before her and she still couldn't see inside of it. She sighed and got some food out of backpack. As she ate, she thought about how to find the coffin. No good ideas came. Or at least none that seemed reasonable. The only thing she could think of doing was just simply walking into the mist and see if she could find the coffin that way.

She finished eating and swallowed more water. Then she stood up and walked into the mist. Once inside, she couldn't see a thing and had no idea how to get back out. She wasn't so sure it was such a good idea to walk right into the mist, but now she couldn't just stand still. She closed her eyes and reached out with her third eye to search for Merlin in the stone coffin.

She had refrained from walking while she looked for Merlin. Then she found a direction to walk in. She didn't open her eyes before she started walking again, but soon they were open. All she could see was mist.

It must have been hours. Or least it felt so to Violet. But then suddenly, "Ouch!" She walked right into the stone coffin and fell right on top of it. She quickly picked herself up and checked the damage. Just a few bruises. She would live.

Next, she got out the notebook and found the levitation spell. She waved the wand over the coffin and said the words. The lid did not move.

She sighed. "Oh, come on!" She reread the spell and tried it again. Still the lid would not move. She sighed again and sat down. "What am I doing wrong? I thought I could do this." She sighed and closed her eyes. Then she opened them again and stood up. She waved the wand as she spoke the words.

## Aliens

(I came across this story in the Guardian archives. This is what happened when the first humans came to our planet. It also gives a detailed account of the Merfolks, who many don't believe exist. Then again, many don't believe in the Guardians for that matter. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

The Guardians were running around and monitoring the alien spaceship. They had just lost contact with Starfire and weren't sure what was going on board. Then the meteor hit the ship and sent it hurling down to their planet. Greg watched it land in the water, not too far from the shore near to the Guardian Hideaway.

"Shit. The Merfolks aren't going to be happy with this."

A light turned on the control board. He pressed the button. On the screen directly in front of him was the Merfolk chamber council.

"We've been monitoring the spaceship and we're not sure if the aliens on board are okay. We've lost contact with them over an hour ago."

"What? Then why did it just land on our community center?"

"It was hit by a meteor."

"This is an outrage! What are you going to do?"

"We are going to get that ship out of there and repair your building. Preferably with the aliens' cooperation. If not, your people and the Guardians will deal with them."

"Okay. I know we can trust your word."

"That's comforting. We're sending Guardians out now to the ship to see if there are any survivors."

"Good."

"We will keep you informed."

The MerKing sighed. "At least we can count on the Guardians. It's the aliens that we don't know."

"He did say it wasn't their fault."

"I know, but we have injured down here. Please make sure they are receive care immediately. Have someone assess the damage as well."

"Yes, sire. Right away." The advisor dispatched the requests. The injured were all moved to the medical center and treated.

A beep sounded. The MerKing pressed the button and Greg appeared on the screen.

"We've successfully made contact with the aliens. They are willing to cooperate."

"That will help makes things go a bit faster."

"Yes, it does. We also found out that one of them can breath under the water to negotiate terms with you."

"Excellent. Send the alien down as soon as they are ready."

"Their representative will be wearing glasses that has a small computer attached so her shipmates will be able to communicate with you as well."

"Ah, now that will be interesting."

"Yes. The Guardians will also be in contact with you as well to make sure things go smoothly as possible."

"We do appreciate your help. At least you leave us in peace and come and help when necessary."

Greg nodded.

Violet was a bit nervous. Her friend, Antoni, wasn't happy about her going under the water by herself. She was half human and half water nymph, so she could breath under water. Her eyes and hair were violet. Her skin was blue. She changed into a wet suit and was adjusting her glasses. The healer, Jaeson, was helping her to keep her glasses from coming off while she was under water.

"Relax, Violet. You're not going to drown."

"I know, but the Merfolks aren't happy with us right now."

"The Guardians did say they are willing to talk."

"Okay. Just keep Antoni from going crazy while I'm gone."

Jaeson smiled. "I'll do my best." He made a few more adjustments. "How does that feel?"

"It feels okay."

"Not too tight?"

"No."

"Okay. Let's get you in the water."

Violet smiled and followed Jaeson out of the medical center. They walked down the hall to the airlock. Jaekob was standing by to send her off. The others were in the kitchen lounge watching the scenes Violet was broadcasting to the ship's computer. Jaekob opened the inner lock and Violet stepped inside. He closed it, then opened the outside lock. Water flooded into the lock.

"Jaeson, are you sure she won't drown?"

"Yes. She has gills. She'll be fine."

Violet was completely submerged and almost panicked. A few minutes later, she was breathing normally again. She looked back and smiled at both Jaeson and Jaekob. Then she swam off to meet the Merfolks.

"Looked like she panicked."

"I expected that. I wasn't sure she's used her gills before. She'll be fine. Her wet suit has sensors that are monitoring her vitals."

"Antoni will be happy to hear how well she's doing."

"Yes, I'm sure he will."

Violet wasn't entirely sure where to go. The Guardians couldn't tell her because they didn't go under the water very much. She looked around. She spun around and saw the ship resting on a damaged building. She spun back around and looked for Merfolks. She soon saw a few, but they flitted away so fast she didn't have a chance to ask them anything. She kept swimming towards the center of the city.

In the center she saw a round building. When she got closer she could see two Merfolk guards with tridents on either side of the entrance. She swam towards them.

"Hello, I'm the representative sent to speak with the MerKing and his advisors about our ship crashing into your building."

The guards stared at her. One of them press a button on a small device on his wrist. "MerKing, the alien representative has arrived."

"Send her in."

"You may pass."

"Thank you." Violet swam through the entrance when it was open. Once inside she saw all kinds of statues. In the center of the large room was the MerKing with a crown upon his head. He was near his control screen and computer board. She swam over to him. "Hello, Your Majesty."

"Hello. You look a bit like a water nymph."

"My mother was a water nymph."

"Ah, hence you can breath under water without any problems."

"Yes."

"What is your name?"

"Violet."

"I'm not familiar with that name. I never heard it before."

"Oh, I was given that name because of the color of my hair and eyes."

"Oh, so that's what it means."

"Yes."

"So what happened out there in space? How did you end up here on our planet?"

"It's a long story. We were forced to flee our solar system or else be hunted down by the military. We just happened to go through a wormhole. When we emerged from the other side, the ship shut down completely and our captain and pilot was knocked unconscious. Two of our crew did what they could to get the ship back up and running and the captain was taken to our medical center."

"That's quite an adventure."

"Yes, it was. We didn't have everything back up and running when we got hit by a meteor. Then we were pushed and landed on your city. We're not happy about that part. We'd prefer that we didn't hit anyone."

"Yes, well our injured are all in our medical center and currently recovering."

"Good. I hope they'll all be okay."

"I have assurances that they will be. Now, what about the building? Our community center is destroyed. Not much left of it."

"Oh, well, we will do what we can. Jaekob and Sarina might be able to help with repairs, but they'd need a way to breath."

"Yes, so will the Guardians, if any of them will come down here."

"We just met the Guardians. Are they all fairies and elves?"

"From what we can determine of them, yes."

"Do you like them?"

"Well, we don't hate them. They do leave us in peace and help when it's necessary. I believe our scientists like to communicate with them from time to time. I don't interfere with our scientists. I feel they need to be allowed to do their work."

Violet nodded her head. "I see. I think they said they were protecting scientists and inventors who live in the Hideaway."

"I've heard that. I wouldn't be surprised if that were true."

## Time to Take a Bride

(An old tale about the elves before the humans came. We were quite a rough lot. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Maenwolf's father was proud of his son. Maenwolf had become a fierce warrior. He had earned his right to be the heir and next lord of the realm. He worked hard and learned all he could to reach this point to have his father's approval. Yet, something was missing in his life. He couldn't put a finger on it.

"Son, it's time for you to choose a bride so you can have an heir." He paused. "Do you have a young elf maiden in mind? Or should my guards just give you anyone at all?"

Maenwolf looked at his father. He thought about it and one person came to mind. His childhood friend he hadn't seen in ages. He wondered what she had been up to while he had to learn to be a warrior. "Jaena. I'll take Jaena as my bride and mother of my heir."

His father smiled. "Very well, it shall be done. In the meantime, rest. You'll see your bride soon."

Jaena was worried about Maenwolf. She hadn't seen him in so long and there were rumors that he had become a fierce warrior to please his father. She knew the father and lord of the realm was wicked and had no respect for any woman. Rumor also said he killed his wife when Maenwolf no longer needed a nurse maid. She shook her head and went back to her gardening. During the friends' separation she had been busy learning all about plants. She knew how to grow them and how to identify them in the garden and in the wild. Her teachers were quite proud of her.

No one had any warning. The guards came into the house demanding to know where Jaena was. The healers were stunned to see the guards and refused to say anything. The guards drew their swords and killed both the women. Then they searched the house.

Jaena looked up towards the house and saw the guards. She could see the blood on their drawn swords. She knew they were coming for her. She stood up. She held her head high.

"Oh, you must be Jaena!"

"I am. What do you want?"

"You are being summoned to the castle."

"Why?"

"You're to be married soon."

"No."

"You don't have a choice, missy. Our lord says it's your turn to be a bride. Now come along with us."

Jaena struggled. She fought the men. It was no use. They were armed and she didn't know how to fight. They quickly tied her up and carried her to the castle. Her clothing was torn. She was angry and sad. She didn't feel decent enough to see anyone, yet everyone could see her. The guards carried her past some villages who looked on her with sad eyes. All looked down when they saw the guards.

Finally, the guards set her down on the floor of the great hall. Maenwolf was standing to the right of his father. He looked at Jaena and the guards. He could see her torn clothing and her upset face. "What have you do to her?"

The guards answered, "She wouldn't cooperate with us. She's not permanently damaged."

"What? Not permanently damaged? How dare you!"

Maenwolf's father raised a hand to stop his son from pouncing. "Son, it's okay. She's just to carry your heir. She doesn't have to live beyond that."

Maenwolf's breathing was a loud angry hiss. Without thinking, he drew his sword and cut his father's hand off. He quickly turned and stabbed his father in the heart. He spun back around and slew both guards. Then he stood still. He lowered his sword and put it away. He looked down and saw Jaena still tied up on the floor. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was gaping. He drew his knife and bent down to cut her bonds.

"What? Why?" As soon as she was free of her bonds, she spun around to face him. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't know they would harm you. My father just asked me yesterday who I wanted for my bride and mother of my heir."

She stared at him. "Why did you kill them all?"

"They hurt you. I'm sorry, milady. I wish they weren't rough with you. It pains me to see you hurt."

She slapped him. He put his hand to his cheek. "I'm sorry, milady. What would you have me do to make it up to you?"

"Bring me some decent clothes!"

"Yes, milady. This way." He stood up and waited for her to stand up. Then he led her to his mother's room and showed her the clothes hanging in the wardrobe. She selected a dress that looked to be a good fit.

She walked over to the partition and went behind it. "No peaking!"

"Okay. I'll stay right here."

She wasted no time putting the dress on. It was a little big, but it would do. She walked out from behind the partition and stared at him. "I don't think we can stay here. I wouldn't be surprised if more guards show up and decided to kill me or you as well."

"We can leave right now. I promise to protect you. I'll be your armsman."

"Very well. Let's go."

## His Excellency

Who are you?

You're a shadowy evil,

we all know.

You want us to fight

among ourselves

so you can come in

and rule for eternity.

There will always be

someone who will

fight your rule.

You will never win.

## Guilt

(Another interesting tidbit in the Guardian Archives. It's the origins of His Excellency. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Jaekob read the reports as they came in. He still couldn't believe it, but he knew it was the truth. His first born was a traitor. The child who traveled with him and his wife Sarina from Sol's system to where they were now. Jaekob racked his brains, but could find no reason why their son had turned out they way he did.

Charles Jaekob Lutin seemed a normal baby. Nothing out of the ordinary, except that he was born on a spaceship and had experienced weightless from time to time. His development was normal. No one had any reason to suspect what he would become.

Were there signs in childhood? Jaekob didn't know. He hated that some of his best friends were getting murdered by his own flesh and blood. Was there anything Jaekob could do now to stop his dangerous son? Jaekob put the reports down and grabbed his tablet computer. He wasted no time with an encryption that could be decoded and read by someone with an immunity to the vampire virus. He had the gene himself, but Charles didn't. It was a rare gene and there was still a chance someone else in his genetic line or even in his friend's Lizette's line could inherit it. Jaekob wrote up what he knew about his son and what he and Sarina had done. He didn't know what else he could do.

Charles Jaekob Lutin was a fairly normal baby and child. Neither Sarina nor myself saw anything unusual in him. He acted normal. I could be wrong. I do know he was teased a lot as a child and he hated it. Sarina tried to comfort him. I told him people do those kinds of things and to try not to take it personally. Perhaps he was overtly sensitive. He didn't have bad behavior as a child. That came later when he was a teenager. Not that we were surprised by that. Teenagers can be a bit rebellious, especially when their hormones first start to rage. I remember it not being very comfortable to go through that.

He did enjoy fight training. I wasn't too surprised. Both Sarina and I can fight well when we need to. However, Charles exhibited odd behavior when fighting. Afterwards, he would laugh if he had defeated an opponent. It was not a pleasant laugh. Whenever Sarina or I question him about hurting his opponents, i.e. bruises or broken bones, he would innocently explain how it was all an accident. He never meant to harm anyone. We believed him. Perhaps we shouldn't have.

The recent reports on Guardian deaths alarm me. I watched Jaedin grow up with my children. I am appalled by what has happened to him and his wife, Renae. The description fits Charles. I know he killed both of them. They were testing out the new portals and their daughter, Adele was with them. The reports make no mention of Adele. She may be dead, but until it's confirmed, we cannot be sure. I wouldn't be surprised if it goes back to the teasing he received as a child. I suspect that he never got over it.

Charles does know stealth and he's very cunning. I'm afraid he will succeed in his plans to take over the world, and possibly the solar system as well. I doubt he would stop until everyone and everything is under his control. I wish I knew how to stop him, but the only thing I can come up with is his death. At this point, he will be all but impossible to kill. I know I can't reach him and I don't know where he stays. He left the Guardian Hideaway months ago. I doubt he will ever come unless he comes to destroy us and everything the Guardians stand for.

I know there is a war going on. We Guardians aren't really a part of it. It's the outside world. More humans have escaped our original solar system and now they are fighting over this planet. They don't know there are other planets that are inhabited in this solar system. We haven't told them anything. I know Charles is using this war to his advantage. I don't think he cares about anyone but himself.

Please, if you are reading this, be forewarned. He is dangerous. He's psychotic and sociopathic. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He will deceive, lie, cheat, steal, and murder. I doubt he has a conscience at all. He does as he pleases. I just hope that if he ever has any children, that they will rise up against him. I curse my own son, Charles Jaekob Lutin. The curse consists of his descendants taking him out just like he's taking out his own friends and family. The traitor deserves a traitor to denounce him publicly in front of witnesses.

Jaekob finished his report, got up, and took his tablet with him out of the control room.

## Remember

You must remember

this—

On the hill

near the Seashore,

a turnip and a rose.

Remember?

## Once

Once there was a cheerful

galactic mansion

complete with

frogs and dewdrops.

Now, it stands alone,

decrepit, and

lonesome.

No one has been there

for so long that

no one remembers

who ever lived there.

## His Excellency Gets an Heir

(I'm not sure what to think of this story in the Guardian archives. I'm not even sure who the being Claude talks to after he dies. I don't even know how the Guardians got this story. Was it from Lady Adele or Prince Jaems? Perhaps. However, it does explain where Prince Jaems came from. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Claude was bleeding too much. Adele bent over him. The situation was hopeless. The shooting had stopped, but there was no way to stop the bleeding. Adele took Claude's hand.

"I know I'm dying. I can see by your face that you can't do anything to stop it."

Adele tried to smile.

"It's alright. I just wish I could have brought a real smile to your face." He went limp.

Adele gasped and held back a few tears.

Claude was lying down on the ground. He wasn't bleeding anymore. He couldn't feel much of anything. He didn't see Adele. He sat up without any trouble. He saw nearby, a woman sitting on a rock. She had wings.

"Welcome, Claude."

"Hello."

She remained sitting on the rock. Claude stood up. He studied her for a moment.

"Are you a fairy?"

"No."

"Am I dead?"

"In a sense."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Your body died because it bled too much. Your spirit soul or essence of your being is still alive."

"Oh, okay." He furrowed his eyebrows. "So, what is this place?"

"An in between place. You may get another body if you so choose."

"Oh?"

She smiled. "I believe you wanted to get Lady Adele to have a real smile."

"Yes. She wasn't happy. I just wish there was something I could do to make her smile."

"There is one thing you could do."

"Stop His Excellency."

"Exactly."

He scoffed. "That wouldn't be easy, but I'm sure it would make Lady Adele happy." He paused. "Wait, she's a Lady?"

"Yes, her cousin, Princess Catherine, named her her heir. The Princess cannot have any children."

"Oh. I see. If that's the same Catherine I met at school, then I know Adele will probably outlive her."

"Yes, it would appear that way. Elves do live longer than humans." She paused to watch him. "Would you be willing to help us defeat His Excellency? It would make Lady Adele happy."

"I do want to make her happy. I'll do anything to get her to smile."

"Good. Then you will have to become His Excellency's son."

"Uhh, yeah I don't see how that will help."

"It's simple. You will have to betray him and kill him."

Claude's eyes widened. "I don't think I could kill anyone."

"You did."

"That was self-defense. What you're asking me to do is commit murder."

"It may not be murder. You would be setting billions free from the worst tyrant in history."

"Perhaps. I still think it sounds like murder."

"As His Excellency's son he will try to teach you hate and contempt for everyone else. He will expect you to commit murder on a regular basis. He will expect you to kill Lady Adele and Princess Catherine."

"I'm sure he will expect that of me. I could never kill Lady Adele."

"If you fail him, he will kill you."

"Then by being his son I will have no choice but to kill him before he kills me."

"There is a problem with you being his son."

"What's that?"

"You may become what he wants you to."

"How would that happen?"

"It's easy to do as we're told when we live in physical bodies. The hardest thing is do go against everything we were taught. I'm afraid you won't make it by yourself."

"Yes, I do understand that. I've seen enough people fall into that trap. Will you help me to remember what I've agreed to do?"

"I can do that from time to time. I can't be in that realm where you can see me all the time. I better start when your education begins. You'll probably be a child when you first see me after being born."

"Okay. Then I will do as you ask for Lady Adele and everyone else living under the tyranny."

"Excellent. I do hope you can carry out your mission."

"Wait, who will my mother be?"

"Oh, well let's see who it could be." She stood up and walked over to a bowl of water. "Let's look."

Claude walked over to the bowl and saw His Excellency and some of his mistresses.

"What about that one? She looks like she would be a good mother and a sharp contrast to His Excellency."

"Yes, I think you're right. We'll just have to make her birth control fail." She paused. "Are you ready to begin?"

"I guess so."

"Okay. I will meet you when you're a child to remind you. You may forget this whole incident after you're in a womb again."

"Have I lived in another body before?"

"Yes."

"Oh. I guess that explains why I don't remember living before this last life."

"It's quite normal. Ready now?"

"Yeah, let's go."

She spread her wings and smiled at him as he faded from sight.

## The Arena

(This is part of an old tale from our planet. It's about a young elf, who was condemned as a sorceress at a young age. I have read that a similar period happened in the human history of Earth. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

The day was cloudy as usual. Trees without leaves surrounded the oval arena. Dead flowers lined the walkway leading to the entrance. Made up of gray marble, the arena could hold a million spectators including the whole royal family and their servants. The family had their special box in the middle of the Northeast part of the arena.

The masses gathered in the arena to see a witch consumed by hungry lions. The witch, with long dark hair and big bones, sat, chained to a bench, just inside the arena, where the spectators would not see her, but she could see into the arena. The prince had just passed a law stating that if she should survive, then she could live in the castle with the royal family. Her chances of survival were rather bleak. The lions had not eaten in a few days.

"Madam Sorceress, it is time." A servant walked over to her to release her chains. The spectators roared as the witch was led into the open. The king stood up to motion everyone into silence. The servant walked back out the same way he came in and locked the gate. The witch, known as Natali Nu, stood alone in the arena with a million people staring at her and cursing her. She raised her head up to see the royal family when her eye caught Prince Nathan...

Nathalie had walked down her family's garden path almost every day of her life. The sun hid from her side of the world, which made her feel gloomy as usual. The garden was filled with trees lining the pathways and there were flowers all around. Even patches of grass filled in where there weren't any trees or flowers or the big hedge maze right in the center of the whole garden. Often there were birds, whenever there wasn't a storm, who would chirp and sing to one another. Nathalie had always felt that she never belonged to this Old World. She thought she would just keep her mouth shut and play along until the day she would be able to break free. Suddenly she stopped in her little reverie when she saw a young man standing next to the map of the hedge maze. She could tell from his eyes that he was to become important in her life, but at that time, she did not realize in what way.

Nathalie moved her arms behind her. Her right hand latching on to her left wrist. "Good day, sir. Are you having trouble with the map?"

He turned to look at the lovely young lady. "Oh, hi. I was just wondering if I would remember the layout once I'm inside or if I will need to call for help. Count Philosophie challenged me to enter the hedge maze and be out before the dinner feast."

"Oh, that sounds like him. My father, the Count, is quite a joker. Don't worry if you get lost—he'll send someone after you when you don't return within a few hours."

"Your father is Count Philsophie?"

"Yes."

"Oh, then you must be the Lady Nathalie that I've heard so much about. The Countess went on and on about you."

"Yes, well, she will do that sometimes. Who are you?"

"I'm Prince Nathan."

"Oh, well, no wonder she told you about me." Nathalie shook her head. "That woman is trying to marry me off as fast as she can to some nobleman. Don't worry about her. I know I don't—she has enough servants to order around and my brother to chase around the castle."

"Wow, and I thought life at my castle was pretty bad. So does the Count teach you how to sword fight?"

"Yes, he does and I like it very much."

They smiled at each other and then Prince Nathan said goodbye and walked into the maze, leaving Nathalie standing beside herself watching him go. Her heart beat fast and her face felt warm and flushed, but she said nothing as he disappeared further into the maze. Eventually, she sighed and turned away from the maze to see the head cook, a kindly crone, watching her. Neither spoke and the young girl released her wrist and spirited away to another part of the garden to visit her feline friends.

It didn't take her long to find her little furry friends. Some were sprawled out on the path in front of her. Some were rolled over the path, exposing their underbellies and meowing at her. Some were even hiding in the brushes and staring her. Then they came, greeted her, and left. Nathalie plopped herself down in the middle of the path near the cats. A few immediately waltzed up to her and rubbed their heads against her legs.

"Hello, darlings. You won't believe what just happened to me!"

"Meow, meooow!" The cats continued to rub against her as she petted them.

"I just met the Prince and he's sooooo cute!"

"Meoooow!"

"Well, I don't know. I guess he's okay, but I still love all of you!" She kissed each cat on top of their heads. She sighed and whispered, "Prince Nathan Black."

## Miscarriage and Birth

(Seems like humans aren't much worse than the fairies and elves that have lived in this solar system for years. I know there are people who will argue with me on this point, but it all sounds the same to me. We're all people, never mind if we are different species. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

It was the middle of the night. Mabel, a young elf, was sad sitting in her plain brown dress. Her hair was covered with a plain brown cloth. She no longer cared if she was pretty or beautiful. What did those things matter when she had just had a miscarriage? She wasn't sure why it happened, but she knew her lord would be angry and possibly go take another wife from the village. She had hoped her sister would be spared. She wasn't. Her sister was given to Lord Flame in the realm nearby. Mabel didn't know how that marriage was going.

She couldn't cry anymore and the bleeding was lessening. She still had much pain, in her heart and her womb. Then, suddenly, she had the urge to go for a walk in the woods which separated the village from Lord Flame's realm. She couldn't think straight. She felt dizzy, yet she stood up. With glazed eyes she walked out of her private bedroom and was soon outside. Nor did she stop when she reached the woods. Still in pain, she walked on until she found a treehouse. She climbed up the ladder and stepped inside.

A small fairy was holding a tiny baby. She had a hard time keeping her eyes open. "Thank you for coming, Lady Storm," she whispered.

Lady Mabel Storm sat down in front of the fairy and baby on the floor and blinked her eyes. "What? Why am I here?"

"I asked you to come. I'm sorry, I had no intention of controlling you, but I am dying and I know you just lost your baby."

Lady Mabel nodded her head. "My lord will be angry with me." She lowered her head.

"I am dying and my child will need a mother. Will you take her?"

Mabel's jaw dropped. "I'd love to raise a baby. My milk hasn't even dried up yet. I could feed her..."

The fairy nodded. "I was hoping you'd agree. Your Lord isn't very kind. The child has been hard for me to carry and then give birth to. I do hope she will turn out alright." She handed the baby to Mabel.

Mabel smiled at the child who didn't cry in her arms. "What should we name the baby?"

"Hmm, let's see...how about—" The fairy fell over.

"Oh, dear! Is there anything I can do?"

The fairy raised her head. "I don't have any strength left. There's nothing you can do for me, but raise the child as your own."

"I will. I will raise her as if she's mine. Lord Storm won't know the difference."

"Indeed. She is his child, at least biologically."

Mabel gasped. "I never want him near me again!"

"He may leave you alone now that you have a child."

There was silence as the baby started to cry quietly. Both Mabel and the fairy looked into each other's eyes and said together, "Her name shall be Anjilina."

The fairy collapsed and stopped breathing. Both Mabel and Anjilina cried. Mabel held Anjilina and promised to take good care of her. She wasted no time in feeding the baby. Soon Anjilina and Mabel were quiet.

Anjilina went to sleep. Mabel bowed her head to the dead fairy and then stood up. She carefully climbed down the ladder holding the baby with one arm. Once she was down on the ground, she used both arms to carry Anjilina all the way home. Lady Storm's eyes darted back and forth to see if anyone else was about. She saw no one as it was still dark. The village was sleeping and wouldn't wake until dawn, a few hours from now. Lady Storm went back to her private bedroom and set the sleeping baby in a cradle. Anjilina didn't wake up. Mabel put a blanket around her to keep her warm and then she laid down.

## Formation of Convents/Monasteries

(From Silver Moon Unicorn's notes.)

As far as I can tell, it looks like the first convents/monasteries were established once the scientist had discovered the five elemental forces. The fifth one, psi, along with the creative arts are prominent in convents/monasteries. It is their main focus. The scientist/inventors didn't focus on psi as much as the religious folks did. Interesting. From what I read in the Guardian archives, it looks like psi is the one force, which is the hardest to document and use for any practical purpose. That easily explains why many people will dismiss it as nonsense and while others may simply call it magic.

I do know the Lost Princess, Claire Rose Lutin, grew up in a convent. I don't know if she remembers the palace at all. She was quite young when her nanny smuggled her out. It was the night the vampires attacked the palace, killing off the rest of the royal family. Knowing this, I'm not surprised that she is quite the singer and violinist. I never had such training as I was raised in the city by two rather conventional parents who didn't think either one was an elf. They thought they were human until they had me. Then they questioned how it happened that I have pointed ears and they do not. In spite of the lack of creative arts training, I am coming up with some good creative writing. I only hope it will help me undo the mess that my life has become.

## The Stars Beckon

(One of the earliest entries in the Guardian archives. I think this details how and why they formed in the first place. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Julio, an elf, was worried about his wife, Penelopi. She was pregnant and he feared he wouldn't be able to protect her and their child against raiders. They lived in a castle all alone in the wilderness. He was currently up in the tower with the telescope and other instruments which he used to study the stars. He had already discovered other planets with moons, but he had the nagging suspicion that raiders would be coming. It was just dawn and he was tired after being up all night. There were days he wondered why she even chose him when she could have had a dozen warriors to look after her.

He saw a lone man armed with swords and a bow and arrows. Julio jumped up and looked through his telescope. It was an elf and he was all alone. Well, one person was something he figured he could handle. More would have been a problem. Julio was klutzy with swords. He ran down the tower steps and all the way to the gate to meet the stranger. The stranger was standing near the moat. He saw the drawbridge coming down. He watched carefully. Once the bridge was down he could see another elf standing in front of him.

The stranger was standing near the moat. He saw the drawbridge coming down. He watched carefully. Once the bridge was down he could see another elf standing in front of him.

"Hello, Sir."

"Hello, stranger."

"I wonder if I may come inside? There's a storm brewing and I am weary from long travel."

Julio hesitated. He saw Penelopi. Her eyes asked him why he wasn't giving the young man the okay to come inside. "Yes, you may come in, but please don't attack us."

The stranger bowed. "You have my word that I will harm no one that lives here." He proceeded to walk across the bridge. He saw Penelopi and bowed to her.

"Welcome to our humble home. What brings you to our door?" she asked the stranger.

"I'm a wandering elf. I have no home and I sometimes have to fight just to stay alive. If you give me a place to set my weapons down, I'd be glad to. I'm tried of fighting and would like to be among folk that aren't violent."

"We have no reason to be violent. My husband is an astronomer."

"An astronomer? What's that?"

"I study the stars and planets at night when it's dark."

"Oh. I see."

"Here, you can put your things here in this closet off to the side. Are you hungry? I was about to fix some breakfast or dinner or whatever meal it is for us."

"Yes, thank you and I am hungry. Are you two the only ones who live here?"

"Yes, with one on the way." Julio patted his wife's stomach.

"Oh. Would you be in need of defense against raiders?"

"Yes, we do need that. I know my husband won't admit it."

"In that case, I'd be happy to help you with that." He held out his hand to Julio.

"Well, okay. We can provide food and shelter without too much trouble." He shook the stranger's hand.

Penelopi went to the kitchen to cook. The two men stood in the main hall.

"My name is Darius. I'll do what I can, but we may need more people to help defend the castle so you can pursue your work."

"I've been thinking that. I'm Julio and my wife is Penelopi."

They went into the kitchen and Julio told her the stranger's name. She continued to cook over the open fire.

Days passed and Darius kept his word. He watched from another tower. He'd watch the stars the stars at night, but not like Julio was doing. Darius just gazed at them. One day he was at his tower post when he saw a small hamlet on fire. He knew it was raiders. They were too close to the castle. He also knew he wouldn't be able to get to them fast enough to do any good. Besides he would be leaving Julio and Penelopi alone. He couldn't do that.

When dawn arrived, Darius could see people approaching the castle. He walked over to Julio's tower via the narrow stone bridge between them. "Julio!"

Julio turned to face Darius. "What is it?"

"A hamlet not far from here was raided last night. I saw it burn. Now there are people approaching castle and we need to know if they are raiders or just survivors headed our way."

Julio looked through his telescope. "I see. They don't have any weapons. There are children!" He pulled himself away from the telescope. "We better go meet them."

The two ran down the stairs. They met Penelopi in the great hall. They quickly told her what had happened. She prepared herself as Julio lowered the drawbridge. Once it was down, all three could see survivors walking towards them. Darius stepped out onto the bridge to meet the small group. There were more children than adults. Some were elves and others were fairies. All looked dirty and frightened. They stopped at the bridge, but couldn't speak.

Penelopi stepped forward. "Welcome. Darius, our guard has told us of your plight. You are welcome to live here. All we ask is that you help out with the work. We have to grow more food and cook, clean, and make new clothes."

One of the fairy children spoke up. "What if we don't know how to do any of those things?"

"I will teach you what I know."

"Okay." The children walked across the bridge. The adults didn't move.

Darius walked over to them. "Why are you hesitating? Lord Julio and Lady Penelopi are kind and generous."

"Sir, the raiders may come this way."

"I am prepared to deal with that, lady."

"I am not domestic." The elf lowered her eyes.

"Oh? Do you have other talents?"

She raised her eyes. "Yes, I can shoot arrows. But no one wanted to me to fight like the men do."

Darius looked at her. "Why do I get the feeling you're still alive because you did fight last night?"

"I did and saved all these children in the process."

"Well, then you can be a guard with me."

"Really? Will you train me?"

"Yes, of course."

She walked up to him and stood at his side. Two adult fairies, a man and a woman, also walked up to Darius and asked to be trained as well. He agreed to train all three of them. The rest, a few elf women relaxed and went over to Lady Penelopi to begin working with what skills they already possessed.

Lady Penelopi and the other women had their hands full with the children. The children were given chores to help out around the castle, and lessons to learn. However, they were allowed to play and be children as well.

Darius had his hands full training three willing recruits. The elf, Jazmin, was as good as she said with the bows and arrows. The fairies were learning as well. They were able to fly and evade the elves.

## The Inventor

(Another old tale I found in the Guardian archives. This one describes how the Guardians tended to whisk away a scientist or inventor who was persecuted in their own home. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Greg, a fairy, always got excited whenever he found odds and ends which nobody wanted. He'd take them away and build things. It got to the point the villagers knew they could leave things at his house they no longer wanted. Many items were broken or considered completely worthless.

He was busy putting odds and ends together that he didn't notice a new elf couple enter the village on horseback. They were both armed with swords, daggers, bows and arrows. The villagers weren't sure why the couple didn't attack. Darius and Jazmin weren't interested in fighting with anyone, except perhaps themselves. They greeted and questioned the villagers.

"Excuse me, but we heard there was a strange person who lives here that takes your unwanted odds and ends and makes things out of them. If that is true, will you tells us where he lives?"

"Will you take him away?"

"We could take him off your hands. Certainly."

"Good. His inventions are too scary and useless for us. His house is just down that alley. We try not to go there or anywhere near it, unless we have something to get rid of."

The elf couple thanked them and went down the alley. Once they were out of the main village, they could see all sorts of contraptions in the yard around the house and more through the windows. The fairy continued building and didn't see the couple approach his house. Darius and Jazmin looked around and saw the devices, not sure what they could do or what their purposes were. Darius stopped at the door and knocked.

Greg jumped. No one ever knocked on his door! "Just a minute! I'll be right there!"

Jazmin and Darius looked at each other. Then they looked at the door as it was opened to them.

"Hello, there. I wasn't expecting company, but please come in." He ushered the elves into his small, crowded house.

"Hello, there. We hope we're not intruding. We heard about your inventions."

"Oh, you're not intruding. I, uh, never get any visitors. I, uh..."

"Well, we can see you've been busy with your inventions. Not sure what they all do, but we could use someone with your talent. We're a small group at the moment, but we need someone who can build and fix things. What do you say? Would you like to come with us?"

"Hmm, well, I suppose the villagers would be happy if I was gone. Would I be able to bring my inventions with me?"

The elves looked at each other. "I suppose we could arrange it."

"I think it would be better if we did take the inventions as well. Those villagers are truly afraid of him and what he does," Jazmin spoke for the first time.

"Alright, then how to we take them?"

The fairy flew up to the rafter window. "Ah, it's still there! There's a cart out back. I can help take apart some of the larger inventions." He flew back down to the ground floor and wasted no time in disassembling his works.

Jazmin and Darius offered to help, but they couldn't understand what to do without breaking the parts. Greg just went on and disassembled as quickly as he could. The elves went ahead and loaded up the cart. They were careful with the machinery and whatever items they found around and in Greg's house.

They were able to get everything on the cart. Next they went to get their horses and hitched them to the cart. The elves walked back to the castle while Greg flew the whole way.

Once there, they helped unload the cart. Greg wasted no time in showing everybody what his inventions were and what how they worked. Everyone was amazed.

Julio asked him, "What do you know about telescopes?"

"Telescopes? Oh, most people like to use them for spying on other people. A few people, I hear, use them to gaze at the stars."

"I use my telescope to study the stars and planets. It's broken right now. Can you fix it or build me another one?"

"Hmm, I'd have to look at it first. I'm usually quite good at fixing and building things. Show me the way to the telescope."

## The Long Train Ride

(This is a tale about a young woman growing up on the small colony of Eris, in the Earth solar system. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Anastasia had been on the train for two weeks now and she was wondering when she would arrive at the small town she had chosen. Finally, the trained slowed down and entered another airlock. The conductor informed her that they had indeed finally arrived at the very town she requested. He helped her with her suitcase and off of the train.

The train only waited a few minutes after Anastasia was off with her only suitcase and hat in her hand. The conductor said, "Goodbye and good luck, young lady."

"Thank you, sir." Anastasia smiled back at him as the train slowly left the platform. She watched the train leave before she went any further. Finally, she was alone on the platform. It was dark in the dome with the lights at the lowest setting for night. Then, she picked up her suitcase and walked off the platform. It didn't take her long to find a hotel or a boarding house—one was directly across from the station. She lugged her suitcase to the boarding house and walked all the way to the front desk.

A middle-aged woman was standing there and smiled at the young woman. "Well, good evening to you, young miss. It's not everyday that we get visitors to this little town. It's like the world has forgotten us."

"Good evening. Do you have a room available?"

"Why, yes we do. And it's almost supper time here. Are you hungry?"

"Yes, I am, but I would like to get my suitcase in a room first."

The older woman spun around to grab a key and quickly spun back towards Anastasia. "This room will be perfect for you. Just follow me. Oh, would you like help with your suitcase?"

"Oh, no, I'm fine, thank you."

The desk clerk nodded her head. "Right this way." She led Anastasia up to her room and opened the door. Anastasia looked around and then set her suitcase on the bed. Then she followed the older woman to the dinning hall.

"I hope you will be comfortable here. It's been so long since anyone has been here, that I'm afraid my family has forgotten how to serve customers. Many people sometimes just stop by for one night and then take off the next day."

Anastasia didn't say anything since she was hungry and tired from her long train ride. The older woman set her down at a table and handed her a menu. It didn't take Anastasia long to order and then the older woman went to straight to the kitchen to order her daughter to fix the meal for their guest.

"Oh, mama, you mean there's a visitor to these parts?"

"Yes, she's right out there in the dinning room. Please hurry and don't ruin her meal. She's really tired, so I suspect she'll want to get to bed as soon as she's done."

"Yes, mama." The daughter went right to work and completed the meal in record time, along with what the rest of the family needed to eat. The older woman served Anastasia her dinner and then left to eat dinner with her family.

"Well, dear do you think it's the woman that Samuel was referring to? She does have long brown hair and green eyes."

"Perhaps, but I don't think we should ask her. The poor dear is tired. Let's just let her finish her dinner and go to bed for the night. I'm sure there will be plenty of time for questions tomorrow." She took some more morsels of food. "Although, I have to say it does seem a bit odd for a woman her age to be traveling out alone, but I guess the war has changed some of our young women."

"That's right, mama. I don't want to have to raise children and do all the housework by myself. I'd rather have a husband like papa who works with his wife."

Her parents laughed. "You're silly, but I'd have to say it's nice to work along side with my husband. Otherwise, I think I would have divorced him years ago." She smiled like a cat.

"Dear, you can't mean that." He dropped his fork.

His wife giggled. "No, I'm glad you were okay with me helping you out with our boarding house all this time. Otherwise, I think I would have married someone else. No don't you fret, I've been very happy that I did marry you."

Once they were finished, the daughter began to wash all the dishes. Her mother went to check on Anastasia and found that the young woman was just finishing up her meal. "Are you ready to just sleep for the night?"

"Oh, yes, thank you. I think I can find my way to my room."

"Ok, dear. If you need any help, just call me. Either myself or one of the family members will be near the front desk."

Anastasia nodded and walked to her room. Once there, she took a bath in the bathroom and then got her nightgown on. She laid down on the bed exhausted as she never was before in her life and was soon fast asleep cuddling with her teddy bear.

## Remembering the Lost Brother

(This is a story from the planet of Venus in its early days. A small colony just struggling to survive away from the home planet of Earth. —Silver Moon Unicorn.)

She was a mere child again and lying in bed, afraid to sleep because that man was in the house again. Gerri knew it wasn't her father. In fact, she wasn't sure who her father was.

She heard Ryan get up to go to the bathroom. It wasn't unusual. Still, that man was in the house and Gerri knew that she should be quiet, lest he found her. But Ryan had to go and there was no way to hold it for long. He tried to run back to his room before he came out of the bathroom, but it was too late. Gerri heard the man grab her brother and drag him outside. Why wasn't their mother doing anything about it?

Gerri clenched her rabbit tighter as she tried to block out her brother's screams. They only got louder and louder. Gerri sat up and never let go of her rabbit. Tears streamed down her cheeks because she knew what was happening and she wondered where her mother was and why she didn't intervene. It was her son. It was her son.

Gerri got out of her bed and walked over to her bedroom door. She opened the door slowly and peered out into the hallway. It was completely quiet by that time. Seeing no one, she ventured out into the hall. Carefully and still holding onto her rabbit, she made her way to her mother's room. As she walked, she could see blood on the floor. She trembled and she kept walking. Finally, she reached her mother's room and opened the door. It was dead quiet. Was her mother even alive? She kept walking to the bed where her mother was clearing lying and found that indeed, her mother was still breathing and crying softly.

The mother didn't notice Gerri's approach since the child was so quiet. "Mommy, are you alright? Why didn't you help Ryan?"

"Gerri, go back to your room. We can't do anything for Ryan. He knew better than to leave his room while my client was here. Just go back to your room before something happens to you as well."

Gerri hesitated and listened for the man. It was still eerily quiet. She walked out of the room and back into the hallway. The blood was still there. She walked passed her room and over to the fresher. There was more blood, but no sign of the man or her brother. She kept walking until she reached the stairs. There she stopped and listened for any sign of life in the house. It wasn't long before she heard the man shouting unintelligibly and then a door slammed. She heard him stomp away from the house. Once the man was gone, she ran down the stairs to look for Ryan. She found him and almost tripped over him at the bottom of the stairs. He was bleeding badly and Gerri couldn't help but to cry uncontrollably at the sight.

"Gerri, you found me. I couldn't hold it, so I took the chance. Little Sis, just take care because I know you will do good someday and you will make things right. Just don't give up on yourself."

"Ryan, what should I do?"

"Just be patient, your hard years are coming. This is just the beginning."

"But, Ryan, you're hurt, shouldn't I stop the bleeding?"

"No, don't bother. It's too late for me, but not for you."

"No, Ryan, I don't want to lose you!"

Ryan chuckled. "And here I thought you hated me for hiding your rabbit where you couldn't reach."

"I don't hate you, but I was really upset about not being able to get my rabbit. Then you gave him back to me."

"I'm glad you don't hate me. Gerri, don't ever give up on yourself." Ryan remained quiet as he breathed his last breaths. Gerri was crying so hard that she hyperventilated and eventually passed out.

## Which One?

(Lora is one of the many people who has sent me messages after reading my poetry. She had a dilemma that I thought was easy to understand. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Lora was fast asleep and dreaming away. She still missed her sister and parents. She tossed and turned as she saw them in her dream. Her parents were fighting a werewolf while she hid. She was shaking. She covered her mouth so she wouldn't scream. The werewolf killed her parents mercilessly and then left. Then Lora was in the woods walking. She stopped when she found her sister's body. She had been raped and brutally murdered as were the other women.

The scene shifted again. She was in a parking lot. This time she saw a werewolf jump out of a car right through the closed window. Glass scattered on the pavement as the werewolf ran right past her. Then she just knew. Beyond any doubt. That werewolf was her best friend. Was he the one who was raping and murdering the women in town? Or was he like the poor werewolf who was harmless, but still afraid? Was he the same werewolf who murdered her parents and her sister? But she had known him since they were kids. Was he even capable of attacking women like that? She woke up drenched in sweat. She hugged her legs. She couldn't get back to sleep knowing he was in the next room.

## Werewolf

One uses powder

and one does not.

One relishes

the warmth of

the turning at

sunset.

One does not,

and yet is also

a wolf

under the

full moon.

## Making Plans

White Lion was outside on a cool, breezy day, running around the trolley. Silver Moon suggested he'd run a caucus race to get rid of his excess energy. He was laughing and enjoying himself.

She was sitting at the table drinking a mug of tea. Black Wolf was sitting across from her drinking a mug of coffee. "Milady, the trolley is wearing out. Have you considered my offer?"

"Oh, you mean take White Lion and go live with you at your house?"

"Yes, as my wife."

"Hmm." She took a sip of her tea. "Yes, I've considered it. It's insanity."

He smiled. "So what? You told me becoming a traveling bard was insane."

"Yes, I did say that."

"It worked out fairly well for you."

"Yes, it has. Now I know there are people who will buy my books because they like what I write."

"Now, how about another insane option."

"Well, I want to have a baby with you."

"What?"

"I want you to be the father of the only child I carry."

He gaped at her. "I don't know how to take care of children."

"I do and you can learn."

"Perhaps we should get married first, then I know you can get quality healthcare while you're pregnant."

"You're not saying, 'No,' to me?"

"I can't say no to you. I would feel better if I didn't have to worry about your health while you're pregnant."

"I want a midwife. I want to have a water birth. I want my baby to swim."

"Okay. Fine, whatever you want."

White Lion jumped onto the trolley. He was breathing hard. "I'm getting tired now! I have to stop and sit down." He plopped down on a bean bag chair. Silver Moon and Black Wolf smiled.

"If I marry you, will you keep cleaning?"

"Yes, I will keep honoring that agreement. I don't think I can learn to cook now, even if I wanted to. Besides, you're cooking is healthy and tasty."

"Alright, but I want my rights respected. No one will give me away because I'm a person, not a piece of property."

"Ahhh, is that part of the problem?"

"Yes."

"I know you're a person and the ceremony that my people use does treat women like people. No worries."

"Good."

White Lion looked at them. "What? What have you two agreed to this time?"

"We're getting married finally."

"And we're going to have a child as well."

"That, too. White Lion, I'll be your papa and you'll get a sibling."

White Lion's eyes got all round. "What? What does that mean?"

"Dear, it means you will officially have two parents and eventually, a brother or a sister. There'll be four of us in the Unicorn family."

"OH!"

## Funny

Funny

how things

can change,

especially,

when we

make the changes.

## Epilogue

Silver Moon drove down the road as she enjoyed the scenery. White Lion was taking a nap on his bean bag chair. Black Wolf was reading a book on his tablet computer. Without any warning, sirens blared behind the trolley. Silver Moon saw the flashing lights and pulled over to the side of the road.

A police car stopped behind the trolley and an officer stepped out. Silver Moon opened the front doors.

"Ma'am, I'm afraid you're driving a stolen vehicle."

"What? I wasn't aware of that."

Black Wolf set his tablet down on the end table next to his bean bag chair. White Lion opened his eyes.

"Yes, I think I can prove it. Although, the old style manual driving is a giveaway. Trolleys don't come with that. Please step off the trolley."

Silver Moon stood up and walked off the trolley. Black Wolf sat still and listened. The officer walked to the front of the trolley and removed a panel to the engine. He looked inside.

"Yeah, that's what I thought. This is the missing trolley."

"Look, some guy let me take the trolley for nothing. I didn't ask any questions."

"Why not? Why would someone give a trolley away for free? That never occurred to you?"

"No. At the time I needed to get out of my apartment because I couldn't afford it anymore. I was distracted by bills I couldn't pay."

"Oh. You could be lying to me and just giving a sob story so I won't arrest you."

"Then whose trolley is it supposed to be?"

"It belongs to a Mr. Na'athan LeBleu."

Black Wolf stepped off the trolley. "Sir, I'm Na'athan LeBleu and I never knew I owed a trolley. If it is my trolley, then I will drop all charges against this lady."

The officer stared at him. "Now, this is going too far. How can you prove who you say you?"

"You can scan my fingerprints." Black Wolf held up his right hand.

"I see. Then come with me. Lady, stay put."

"Okay." Silver Moon walked around to the door to check on White Lion. She saw him standing on the stairwell. "Stay put, little one. I don't want to leave you behind."

White Lion blinked.

The officer lead Black Wolf to the car where Black Wolf sat down as the officer put his hand on the scanner. It quickly scanned his fingerprints. The officer and Black Wolf watched the computer screen as it went through the files to come up with a match. It came up with a match for Na'athan LeBleu.

"Well, this case is just gone off the deep end. You are who you say you are, so the trolley is yours."

"Milady told you the truth about how she ended up with the trolley."

"Yes, well, you better contact the lawyer about this. I can drop the charges for now, but he will need to hear about this to keep them dropped."

"I will do that."

They both got out of the car. Black Wolf walked over to Silver Moon and smiled at her.

The officer followed and turned to her. "I do apologize. The trolley is with its rightful owner and I can't do anything when he doesn't want to press charges against you, so you're free to go now."

Silver Moon nodded and the officer went back to his car. He drove off.

White Lion tried to walk past Silver Moon to get off the trolley. She put her arms out and picked him up. "No, dear, we're leaving together. I can't leave you somewhere by yourself. Do you want us to separated?"

"No." He sighed as she carried him back on the trolley.
