Somewhere nearby there was an overwhelming sense of not-right. Helix groggily lifted his head from the pillows, eyes still closed as he muttered something under his breath and cursed the starlight that hailed morning in this part of the galaxy. It was only a split second before he noticed that there was something amiss. The boy sat bolt upright in bed, breathing hard. It was like a sense of intense panic seizing him by the heart and crushing it. His breaths turned to gasps as he tremulously slipped from bed and tiptoed to the door on unsteady feet. He listened and was alarmed that he heard nothing. Where was Thero?

Slowly the door opened, admitting the redheaded teen into the living room. Helix stood there shivering in chill winds that only he could feel, looking pale and pathetic in the filtered light. He glanced across the room into a small hallway that led into another room and instantly he was filled with utter terror that nearly froze his blood in his veins. In the pit of his stomach there was a sickening knot growing that made him feel nauseous and he weaved, tottering forward. Gradually he made his way to the other side of the room and stopped at the mouth of the hallway, staring with huge frightened eyes into the den. He wasn't sure what scared him about it. There was just a desk sitting there with some other furniture and a rug lying nicely on the floor. Overall it was actually quite warm and friendly in appearance, but for some reason it horrified him, and drew him as well. He stepped into the room.

Memories flooded back into his mind, bombarding him all at once and making him physically cringe and lean against the wall for support. He held out his hands and swept them before him, feeling some alien resistance there, like very thick air. When he glanced down there was blood stains everywhere. Crimson splattered wildly over the walls and the desk and the shelves with all their books. When his eyes shifted to the floor, he had the sudden urge to rid himself of his last meal. There was a man stretched out across the wood slates, face down, deep red hair flayed widely out in an obscene fan across the liquid that was darker still. His throat was torn out, his neck broken, and there were multiple tears in his loose silken shirt. As he observed the horrendous spectacle, The Words became louder, gibbering and echoing throughout the room and making his head spin.

" Oh God no . . . . " Helix whispered, drifting towards the scene like a ghost on the wind.

He knelt on the floor opposite the desk and stared. The next time he blinked the whole thing vanished, leaving no marks or stains. The man was gone, leaving only smooth, richly finished wood behind. He took a moment, letting his heart slow and his breathing calm. As he took another look around the place, he detected an undeniable feeling of déjà vu. He'd been here before. There had to be some explanation for this. He stumbled to his feet again and ran his fingers along the rows of books sitting like so much old paper on their shelves. There were some whose leather was clean and fresh, but others where their cloth spines were spattered with spots of ruddy reddish brown and some even black. The moment he saw it, he bolted from the room and leapt onto the sofa, burying his head in the soft cushions, sobbing, but not crying. He was so frightened that his neck hairs were standing straight up. Nothing like this had ever happened before.

It was a little while before Thero returned. When he did open the door, he had a bag in one hand and a carefully wrapped package in the other. He entered his home whistling quietly to himself and wondering if perhaps his new charge was awake yet. He had left Helix asleep earlier, knowing that he would need the extra rest that day. When he spotted the boy, he became worried immediately and rushed to his side, tossing his armload onto the table.

" Helix. What's the matter? You're shaking. " he asked, concerned as he gently unrolled the tight ball of red hair and underclothing and gazed into two fearful golden orbs. " Did someone come here while I was gone? "

Helix stared at the other man, doing little to hide the horror in his gaze as he shifted it to fix on the room he'd fled from, " What happened in that room? "

Thero's heart dropped, " What do you mean Helix? Did you see something? "

The boy's expression wavered to uncertainty for a moment, then he met Thero's eyes and reached up to take twin handfuls of the man's shirt, " Please tell me . . . . tell me what happened. "

The older senshi sighed in resignation, knowing that there would be no fooling the child's own tattered visions, " Helix, it was four years ago. Before I was a councilman myself, I was the General of the previous one, CM Trestyn. "

Helix made a quiet noise of acceptance to that, " Trestyn was my father, wasn't he? "

" He was your sire. " Thero refused to consider that bastard as a father; " I had worked with him for a very long time, though the going was often very rough. There was a great deal more fighting between races back then and wars were common, sometimes between many parties at a time. Trestyn was a powerful man, a very formidable Commander whose unit was famed as the most feared of the five. He had a problem though. He was never able to leave his ferocity on the battlefield. Too often, he brought it home with him, right into this place, right back to you. I still speculate, that if your mother had been alive still, then she may have protected you some. She however, died when you were born. "

" How did my mother die? " Helix asked, having stopped trembling now and becoming quite curious about his parents.

Thero frowned, " She died in childbirth with you. Although I hesitate to say it. "

" No. Thank you for telling me, but . . . if my mother died when I was born, and my father died four years ago, then what happened between then? I don't remember. That was ten years. " Helix's brows knit and his whole face read perturbed.

At this Thero paused, crimson eyes shadowed with uneasy indecision, " Many things I do not know. But I do know that the night of his death, you were hurt badly by something and your memory was erased. After that, I felt it necessary to seperate you from the political scrutiny of his death. I apologize, for I should have taken some other action, but at the time, the school was the only place safe for you. "

The older senshi regarded the expression of regretful hurt on Helix's youthful face with a hint of anguish. He was always very honest, and so he felt horrible when he lied through his teeth. However, for now, Helix had one too many half-healed wounds, and the experiences he'd undergone had cut him deeper still. If he was told everything now, it would tear him apart completely. The little redhead was but a boy, even though he was old enough to be considered a man, and was very important to Thero. He was not about to let any more pain be caused.

" I have an idea Helix. Why don't I give you something I got today. I went shopping you know. Do you want to see what it is? " Thero chirped happily, pasting his generic grin across his lips to hide the sorrow smoldering inside.

Helix seemed to be caught off guard by the sudden change in subject, but nodded and sat up on the couch. Relieved that the previous topic would be lost for the moment, Thero reached over to the table and picked up the package that he had tossed there earlier. This he placed into Helix's hands and sat back to watch. The red haired boy glanced from the gift, to Thero, then back, curious. He started to open it, gingerly unfolding it piece by piece.

" My my, you'll never get it open like that. Come on, tear it apart. " Thero urged with an encouraging smile.

Obediantly, Helix hooked his fingers into the paper and ripped it off, popping the top off the box a moment later, then gazing with a great amount of puzzlement at what lay inside. He wasn't sure what it was, but it looked like a great deal of folded leather and something that rather resembled metal. It was a pretty big box, so he wondered if there was anything else hidden underneath.

Thero observed with an expression of satisfaction as the boy lifted the large bundle of clothing from the box. He'd picked out something comfortable and close fitting as opposed to loose baggy stuff that he knew would only get in the way. For a beginner, tight garments were a must. That was why the schools forced their students to wear their uniforms. However, while the uniforms were made to be one size fits all, this outfit was made to fit to Helix's body perfectly. He wouldn't ever admit how he got the measurements though, and chuckled a little at the thought. He was very good at eyeing people up, and Helix looked like a size four.

" Why don't you go and try it on Helix. I'd like to know if there will be any adjustments needed. " Thero said as he ushered the boy into the guest room and sat back down, waiting.

It was a while before Helix's plaintive voice came through the door, " Thero . . . I don't know how to get this thing on. "

Thero blinked, then went to the door, opened it a crack and peered in. Helix was standing in the middle of the room and was tangled in a mess of straps. The older senshi chuckled and came inside, pulling and loosening this and that until the whole arrangement was placed loosely in its correct position. Helix gazed at him in puzzlement, then down at the clothing, blushing madly.

" Well, tighten it however you want it. Make sure it is comfortable, then come on out. "

" But I can't walk around in this . . . it's . . . indecent. " Helix said quietly, regarding the strange apparatus, that was supposedly meant to cover his groin, with much dubiousness.

Thero's lips curved into a disappointed frown, " You don't like it? If you want, I can go back and get you something else. "

" Oh no . . . .um, I'll wear it. Thank you. But . . . . do all generals wear this sort of thing? " Helix asked, taking hold of a buckle and starting to tighten it down properly.

At this, Thero paused, " General? . . . oh, so you were listening to that fool last night, were you? I suppose this means that you've accepted. "

The redhead finished tightening the buckle on the other side of his shoulder, then gazed up at the older man, reluctance in his golden eyes, " I have to, don't I? They'll kill me otherwise. "

" Now now. I wouldn't say that for sure. Ferrilis just likes to threaten, that's all. I'm sure he wouldn't place that stiff a sentence on you. " Thero replied, smiling reassuringly.

Helix wasn't at all sure about that. That person had seemed very cross indeed with Thero, and the words had rung a little bit too earnest to invoke any doubt. He relented though and went back to inspecting his scant leather clothing, trying to look moderately gracious.

" I think I feel a draft . . . " he murmured, loosening things here, and tightening them there until he was wearing everything snugly.

Thero huffed, " Honestly, does it bother you that much? You look just fine. "

" Ahh . . . it doesn't bother me. It just doesn't feel right to wear something so revealing after years of those horrid uniforms. "

" I see, well just you wait until you meet the rest of the council. You won't feel so out of place then. " Thero said, sporting a sagacious smile.

Somehow Helix had a feeling that he was about to walk into the lion's den. Two days ago, he had been just a normal boy, a teenaged senshi on the border between childhood and manhood. He'd followed protocol, followed orders, and followed rules. Then after that dream, he had suddenly discovered an alien power in his body, something he'd never felt before. He'd destroyed two lives, run from the authorities and met one of the council, the highest ranking officials on the Tal. Now he had suddenly been promoted from average schoolboy, to General of unit 5, and was about to meet the other four councilmen. Somehow, realizing his predicament was an endless source of amusement.

About twenty minutes later, he was standing in front of two huge metallic doors. They loomed like giants over him, engraved with old runes and designs. Thero stood beside him, holding a stack of papers in his hands. He gazed nervously up at the older senshi, pleading silently, / God, I don't want to do this. They'll hate me . . . / To his shock, Thero replied. How had he known?

" They won't hate you. Ferrilis will be a total ass for a while, and the others might be barely tolerant, but they will not "hate" you. After a while, they'll warm up. " Thero's normal smile was there still, reassuring and calm.

" I hope so. " Helix said quietly, finding no other choice but to believe in his new master.

Thero finally pushed open the large doors, cutting short Helix's preparation time. The boy was surprised at how easily the door slid open, admitting them inside. The room was fantastic. Ahead was a half circle of thick windows that displayed the clear beauty of space and the gleaming hull of the Tal. To his left and right, the walls extended out, covered in old tribal artifacts and other decorations. In the center of the spacious place, there was a long, vaguely oval table made of rich reddish wood. Around it, at various places, there were several men sitting in comfy looking, leather chairs, a total of six. One or two of them were conversing with eachother, while the rest were quietly sifting through papers and scribbling things in logbooks. At the sight of Thero and himself, all of them stopped what they were doing and glanced up with varying emotions on their faces. Made uneasy by the silence, Helix stepped a little closer to Thero, wondering if it would be rude to turn tail and run.

" I'm sure that you all have heard my decision, so I won't waste your time declaring the obvious. I simply want to introduce Helix to you. Everyone, this is the new general of 5th unit. I hope you will at least make him feel moderately welcome. " there was a professional, earnest tone in Thero's voice that made Helix momentarily wonder where the cheery, buoyant man he had met, had gone to.

There were several reluctant nods around the table, but no further comments, which Helix took to be a good thing. Then Thero gently slid his hand against the small of his back, a touch that made him instantly shiver. Thero lifted his hand and pointed to the first of the men, a fellow with light lavender hair and startling amethyst eyes. The fellow glanced up from his papers long enough to send them an impatient glare. Thero just chuckled.

" That one there is Ferrilis, the one you heard me arguing with. He is the head of Justice and commands the 2nd unit melee troops. " The dark haired man spoke quietly, next to his ear, then pointed out the younger man sitting next to Ferrilis, " And that one is General Haeko. "

Helix nodded, committing their faces and names to his memory. Thero then indicated a man with bright red hair, who seemed to be having a heated argument with someone and was too busy to notice them.

" That's Hel. He's the head of Stellar Guidance and commands the 3rd unit darts. The person next to him is General Kori. "

The last two people were already expecting to be named off and spared Helix a considerably more placid look as Thero pointed them out to the young general.

" The blond is Senzen, head of External Affairs and leader of the 4th unit knights. The one he's with is General Drakas. I have to admit that they are the easiest of this bunch to get along with. That's three units covered now. . . . " Thero searched the room, obviously looking for someone.

Helix stood silently, wondering what was going on. There had been three units named, aside from their own, which was the 5th. So that left the 1st unit. Where was the 1st councilman? Unexpecedtly, the older man urged him over to the table, motioning for him to take a seat at the more empty end. He did so and watched as Thero disappeared through the double doors, apparently searching out the missing man. He was left waiting alone, feeling nervous and embarrassed. But it seemed that he wasn't the only one here dressed scantily. Ferrilis was wearing nothing but strappy violet shorts with a long, translucent shroud hanging from one hip to the other and another shroud of the same color over his broad shoulders. Hel's attire was only slightly more modest, being made up mostly of gossamer, red pants that billowed around the ankles and were pinned down around the thighs with golden rings. His shirt was of the same color and material, only more see- through, with rings around the arms. It seemed that Senzen was the only councilman in the room who preferred to hide his body.

" Oya, boi! "

The sharpness in those heavily accented words made Helix snap to attention and glance around in a mild panic. Standing next to him was that lavender haired man, Ferrilis, and he looked rather cross. Helix leapt to his feet and held his arms close by his side, attempting to at least look marginally trained among these elite men. The quick response seemed to ease the councilman's temper, though only slightly.

" Have you seen a fight yet, boi? " Ferrilis's voice had an unusual, rumbling timbre to it that reminded Helix destinctly of distant thunder.

The little redhead craned his neck up to gaze the taller man in the eyes, " Yes sir, more than I care to remember. "

" Ahh . . . " Ferrilis motioned for Helix to sit back down, reluctantly allowing his frightful frown to fade as he too took a seat, " Do you agree with this business . . . what Thero is asking of you? Or is it just to spare your own life, that you accept. You do understand what will happen, don't you? "

" I don't understand, sir. " Helix replied, wondering what the older man was getting at.

A very potently dangerous glow lit Ferrilis's amethyst eyes as he leaned a little closer, " You may live because of your new position, but what of the troops that will fall under your command? Should we go to battle tomorrow, and half of fifth unit is destroyed. The onus will be on your shoulders. On the other hand, if you accepted the alternate fate, as is noble and proper, then the chances of that become null. "

Helix's hands started to tremble just a little, but he pressed them flat to the table to disguise his less than notable resistance to intimidation, " Are you saying, that by living, I shall fail and cause more damage than my death would bring? "

" Smart boi, " Ferrilis said quietly, almost in a whisper, " You know exactly what I mean. "

The young teen paused, clenching his jaw tightly and forcing back the angry snarl that threatened his lips. His heart was pounding furiously and he could feel the pulse of energy all over his body. This man, this council member's scorn was stirring him inside. The color slowly came back to his pale face and he straightened his shoulders.

" I know what you mean . . . " Helix's brows lowered and his lips curled, giving him the most fearful smirk any fourteen year old boy ever had, " . . . but I'm not going to fail. Not if it means proving your assumptions correct. "

Ferrilis's eyes widened a little and he sat back, barely opening his mouth to reply when the doors slammed open. Helix glanced up too and the intensity plumetted suddenly as Thero and another man entered the room. Thero looked a little piqued as he spied Ferrilis sitting next to his little General. He rounded to their side of the table, followed by the stranger in black robes. Helix glanced briefly at Ferrilis and was shocked to see the man pale at the sight of the dark man.

Thero glared at the second councilman, laying his long ears back in agitation, " And I suppose you were in the middle of giving him the customary "pep" talk, were you? "

Ferrilis shrugged and feigned disinterest, " They all have to hear it. Don't expect me to change my ways just because he's YOUR general. "

" Well fine, whatever. Now that the poor thing is suitably cowed, you can take pride in your superior child-daunting abilities. " Thero actually sneered, baring one very prominant fang.

The other man chuckled and got up, leaving the chair free as he went to return to his usual duties. However, he spared Helix one last, cocky look over his shoulder, which gave the boy the urge to stick his tongue out. Thero sat down in the empty spot and gesture to the stranger, who still stood silently by like a wraith in the light room.

" Helix, this is Zolsti. He's First councilman, head of War and Strategy. If you're lucky, you may get to learn a thing or two from him. " Thero winked.

Helix raised his eyes, expecting to meet an equally focused gaze, only to find that there was none. From his angle, he could see that the upper portion of Zolsti's face was completely covered in white linen bandages. How could he see? How could be move around without bumping into something? To his surprise, the man inclined his head a little and answered his thoughts, as though they had been spoken out loud.

" I can see just as well as you little one. " he said, in a mysterious voice so quiet that Helix had to strain to hear, " Once the eyes are gone, there are no limits to what you can see. "

The redhead's face reflected puzzlement, but he got no further chance to inquire as to what was meant, as Zolsti turned on his heel and swept from the room as silently as he had come, leaving no more than a breeze behind. Thero turned to the younger senshi and smiled cheerily. Helix smiled back, pleased to be back with his amiable commander.

" He talked to you. That's a good sign. I hope Ferrilis didn't bully you too much while I was gone. "

" Ahh, no. Some things he said . . . well it doesn't matter. " Helix slouched his shoulders and bowed his head, recalling the blaze of contempt that had flared in him at the man's words.

Thero seemed to immediately understand this, " I know. He isn't the most suitable friend material you'll find in here, certainly. But behind his cynicism, he really is an efficient, valuable person. It's best to try and see through his words to what lies underneath. "

" Heh, yes I had that impression too . . . He implied I might as well just admit to my crimes and die, rather than try to be something I can't, and fail others instead. I can understand that logic. But I still don't like him. " Helix snorted and irritably flung a fluffy tuft of crimson hair from his face, " I won't let him be right. "

At that comment, a strangely earnest expression came over Thero's face, which gave Helix cause to think that he'd said something terribly wrong. He stared into those scarlet eyes, wondering what it was that had caused the sudden change.

" The force of your will won't be strong enough. When we go to war in the future, your stubborn pride can't protect you from an enemy blade. However . . . . " Here, Thero leaned closer and laid his hand on the boy's shoulder, " . . . what your will can do, is force your body to become stronger. That's what we're going to do from now on. If you hate Ferrilis so much, then let it add fuel to your desire. I guarantee you, that he will want to throw as many obstacles in your path as he can. Plan for them and show him you know your own tricks, ok? "

" Ok . . . " Helix said simply, face solomn and convicted, " Ok. "