Charles sat quietly in the library. He looked up out the window and sighed.  It was raining and he wanted to go outside and enjoy the outdoors but the rain was in the way. It had been three days since he was reborn and no longer a lion. But Predator seemed to the impossible and gave Charles a ring that can transform him into his lion form when a battle came or protecting someone was needed. Charles sighed again has the faint sound of footsteps approached him.

Lady Gaia's hair trailed on the floor behind her as she walked. She stopped beside Charles and smiled down at him.  "Is something wrong?" she asked in a caring voice.

Charles smiled up at Gaia. "I was just thinking about the events that unfolded in the past few days," he said softly. "Plus I am getting used to the fact I am human again and it is all thanks to you and Christopher," he said and smiled.

Lady Gaia smiled.  "I'm just glad i was able to help clear up a past mistake." she said and looked out the window deep in though. Her fingers played with something in her hand as she watched the rain fall onto the window pane.

Charles looked at the thing that Gaia was playing with. "I see you hold that medallion for him," said Charles with a sigh. "Greed took everything away from me. Just because I controlled something that would help my people, someone had to have it for himself," said Charles has he put a hand behind his head and grabbed the ponytail that went down his back. "Can you do something for me my Lady?" he asked and then handed her a comb and smiled.

Lady Gaia smiled and took the comb and closed her eyes.  She slowly pulled it through his thick hair.  "I know.." she muttered as she brushed his hair. "I find myself in a very hard situation right now." she said slowly.  "I worry that my protector is in grave danger and that I can do nothing to help him." she said slowly.

Charles closed his eyes. "We all feel like that sometimes," he said. "And I know. deep down that we will get him back to the side of good. 'Who are once good become evil always have that good trapped in there heart,' quoted Charles as he smiled. "A very wise man told me that."

Gaia smiled as well.  "Yes..wise words." she muttered as she combed through his hair.  "I just wish i know that he was safe right now..we haven't heard anything in months..I every time I try to bring him up on my viewing globe..I get nothing at all...that at least tells me he's living." she said and handed Charles back his comb.

Charles nodded. "I guess that is good," he said and got up and fixed his hair into a pony tail again. "Thank you for combing my mane..." he paused and chuckled. "I mean hair," he said. "Let's talk about something else My Lady," suggested Charles.

Lady Gaia giggled at Charles' comment.  "It must be hard for you..changing your lifestyle?" she asked and took a seat beside him and played with a loose stared of hair.  "Is there something I can do to help make the transaction easier for you?"

Charles looked at Gaia. "I don't know. I have not been human for a very long time. So I don't really know what will make things easier for me," he said. "Maybe you know what I need?" he asked.

Gaia thought for a moment.  "No sorry..all I can suggest is that you experience what you can out of this lifetime." she said and smiled. "Don't worry so much..soon everything in life will turn for the better and this will all be a memory" she said gently and place a hand on his shoulder.

"Wrong." a voice called from behind.  "Soon only you will be memory." and a large man wearing purple armor stepped out and held a large bastard sword and pointed it at Lady Gaia.  "You're coming with me, wench. You are the reason I live in such a hell hole and I want my revenge." he said to her.

Charles got ot his feet in seconds and stood in front of Gaia. "I'm sorry. You are not taking the Lady today," said Charles as he placed a hand on sword and took it out. "You see, the Lady is with me and I think she doesn't want to go with the likes of you," said Charles.

Lady Gaia stood up and slowly backed herself into a corner of the room, terrified of what was happening.  Charles..be safe..please..don't get hurt. she thought worriedly.

The man looked at Charles.  "And just who the hell are you?  I was told the slut's guardian was taken hostage.  What did she do, go out and find the first dog on eh street to stand by her side and fight her battles for her?" he asked and lunged in for the first attack, an over head shot to Charles head.

Charles blocked up and he shouted, "Gold Spear!" A gold spear formed in his hand and he stabbed it into the leg of his opponent. "How dare you call my Lady such a thing!" he snapped. "And as for calling me a dog," said Charles as he then punched the man in the face. "I fight like a lion."

The man fell to his knees and cried out in pain from the pear in his leg. "I..will not be bested..but a scum bag..like..." he said and then loss consciousness from the loss of blood.

Lady Gaia fell to the ground and put her head against the wall. "Even now, my children still try to fight me.." she muttered and looked at the medallion she clutched in her hand.

Lucas, dear child, forgive me.  I know you would want me  to be safe..but be it known that when you do return to me, you shall have your rightful place by my side once again. she thought and slowly tried to stand.

Charles placed his sword away and then walked over to Lady Gaia.  "Lady Gaia? Are you ok?" asked Charles in a worried voice.

Lady Gaia looked up at Charles and nodded.  "Yes..I'm just shaken that's all.  It startles me every time one of my children attack me." she said standing, clutching the medallion even more so than before.  "The rain is letting up..will you walk with me in the garden.  The fresh air might do us both some good." she said to him.

Charles nodded and he watched as two ground picked the attacker up. "Of course. I would like that very much," said Charles with a smile.

Lady Gaia watched the guards take the attacker out of the room and looked at the puddle of blood that was left behind.  She quickly turned away and walked for the farther of the two entrances, not wanting to pass by the pool of blood.  "Tell me Charles, why were you so ready to defend me back there? I could have easily just ran out of the room, or teleported away, and yet you defended me.  Why?" she asked looking at him with her deep emerald eyes.

Charles looked back into her emerald eyes. "I had to," he said and then broke his gaze. "You see, when I was human, before turning into a lion. I was in love with a servant of my mansion. Then one day," he paused, thinking of that event. "Bandits entered the mansion and they broke into her room and beat her up. I got there before they started to beat her up but the held me down and all I could do was watch as they did it," he said softly. "That is why I just to defend you."

"I'm sorry..I didn't mean to bring up a bad memory." she said softly looking at the ground.  "I..I don't know.." she said shaking her head. "I'm sorry you had to see that..I know it must have hurt.." she said.  "Why don't we..change the subject again?  I seem to be in a very bad habit of finding bad things to talk about today."

Charles shook his head. "No. It's all right. It was in the past nd some things can't be forgotten," he said and the walked out of the room from a different door. "It happens My Lady. It seems we can't stop talking about bad memories or events in our lives," he said and smiled as they were outside. "You know, I still have all my lion abilities," he said smiling at her.

Lady Gaia looked back at him, "Really?" she asked.  "That will be a very helpful assistance to the Senshi Warriors." she commented.  "Charles, I have a favor to ask of you.  Its a big favor and you are inclined to say no if you wish.  I will not force anything on anyone." she explained and waited for his answer

"Well, I haven't heard what you said yet. So I may say yes and I may not," said Charles. "I want to hear you out," he said.

Lady Gaia looked down and shook her head.  "I didn't mean it like that..sorry." she said and motioned for him to sit beside her by the fountain.  "It is clear to me now that I will need to replace a very close and dear friend.  I know he would want me to be safe, but I still can't help but feel that I am betraying him by asking you this.  Until Lucas returns, would you be my protector?  You wouldn't have to stay with me all the time..thats what this was used for." she said producing the medallion in her hands.  "It allows me to have a one way metal link with the wearer.

Lucas thought it was also the source of his powers..but those were deep within him and the medallion was used as a focus to bring them out." she said and looked down.  "I can't bring myself to totally replace him.  He has been at my side for countless of years.  and I want you to know that I will understand if you don't want  to do this.  I know I must learn to finally defend myself..but.." she said and trailed off.  "I can't bring myself to kill my children..or even injure them."

Charles looked at the medallion then at Gaia. "Lady Gaia. For years I thought I only was here on one path on the road of life. But know things are different for me," he said and looked at the medallion. "For some reason. I feel my life had more meaning in this world. To protect someone that was very important to this world," he said. "Someone like you. So I accept the job that you have laid before me," he said and looked at Gaia.

Lady Gaia smiled and placed the medallion around Charles' neck. "Then wear my symbol with my blessing." she said and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

Charles blushed a bit after Gaia had kissed him. "I will do my best to protect you my Lady," he said with a smile.

Lady Gaia smiled.  "I know you will, Charles.  And I know that we will get to know each other very well.  Tell me of your family and of the land you ruled over, before you were turned into a lion." she asked.

Charles looked up at the sky then looked back at Gaia. "My family was big. My mother and father had 7 children. Me being the oldest out of them. My brothers and sisters looked up to me when they were young. Of course we had a lot of cousins and other family. Soon enough all my siblings left the land that we owned. Some went in search of adventure, some found there true love in there life, and some took over other lands. I just stayed behind and took over the land when it was time," he said.

"The land I ruled over was a vast one. Rolling hills, forests, and lakes. The people were happy and so were we. Until I found out that a nearby mountain range housed the soon to be fortune of the family and that would have helped us to become a kingdom, but it never happened," he said and looked at Gaia again.

Lady Gaia nodded and summoned a viewing globe into her hands.  The image it showed was one of a very busy city, no trees, not hill, just flat concrete.

"I'm sorry to say, Charles, that this is what is left of your vast kingdom.  After you were transformed the people revolted against their new, unkind ruler.  They took up a democracy system and those who found the minerals in the mines were allowed to keep them after paying a small, but fair, government tax.  I'm happy to say that this is one of the most productive nations right now, but I'm sad to say that only greed fills the peoples hearts, and not the caring and understanding that did when you and your family were the rulers." she said and let the image stay for a few more moments before dismissing it from her hands.

Charles looked at the globe and shook his head. "At least they are living and leading productive lives," he said and watched the globe disappear. "I wonder if I am able to go reclaim that land and title?" he asked but then he looked at Gaia. "But I have a new job now. One that is very important," he said with a smile.

Lady Gaia smiled back.  "I'm not sure if that will be possible. The people like having the freedom from the monarchy it seems.  The best you might be able to do, with your proof of heritage, is be able to reclaim your father's castle.  It has remained untouched since the death of the last in your bloodlines.  It is a symbol of nobility for your people." she said and called another image of a large castle beside a green hill.

Ivy had climbed up the sides and invaded the castle walls.  It looked like something out of a fairy tale almost complete with moat and roses growing wildly in the courtyard.  People walked the palace, careful to not destroy anything.

A picture hung above a grand fireplace.  A plaque below it read, Charles Lionheart of Rhein.  "I believe this symbolizes that you were their greatest King, since you have taken such a high place of honor in their hearts." she said softly to him.

Charles smiled at Gaia. "That is good ti see they still have the castle up," he said and looked at the home he once lived in. "Can...can we go there?" he asked.

Lady Gaia closed her eyes for a second to think.  "Yes I believe I have the energy to get us there and back." she said softly and reopened her eyes and held out her hand to him.

Charles took her hand. "If you need my energy my Lady, just ask me," he said and smiled.

Lady Gaia smiled.  "Thank you." she said as she closed her eyes and pictured the area she wished them to appear at.  They slowly disappeared and reappeared in a closet, filled with beautiful robes and dresses. "Opps...I guess I pictured it wrong.  I wanted a place where nobody would see us appear..well..this is as good of place as any." she said and smiled.
 

Charles smiled. "No, this is wonderful," he said and looked at the robes and dresses. He then walked over to a closet that had pictures of lions on it. Charles opened the double doors and a small light turned on. "I can't believe it!" he said in surprise. "It is still here." The two looked inside to find a armor. Made out of gold; shoulder armor, a breast plate with the Lionheart crest and leg armor sat, with a black cloak draped over half of it sat in the closet. "My battle armor is still here," he said softly as he touched it.

Lady Gaia smiled at Charles.  "I told you..everything has remained untouched.  The caretakers are not direct descendants of you or your parents, but they do that the Lionheart blood in them.  This palace is still to this day in perfect working order.  The gardens are the only things that the attendants cannot manage.  They were so hugh that there is not enough to pay those to look after it.  That is why the Ivy grows around the palace and the rose garden is still wild. There is something I wish to show you though. Please." she said and extended her hand to him to lead him out of the room.

Charles took Gaia's hand. "Lead away," he said softly.

Lady Gaia led Charles out into the courtyard and over to a small grove still within the castle walls.  People stopped and gasped at the sight of the two. A couple of historians commented on how much Charles looked like the last great King of the land..others commented on Lady Gaia held a presence about her that was so regal and refined for one who looked so young. Once over in the grove she pointed passed a few trees.  A statue sat in the center of the grove.

A large lion with the inscrpition..To our noble and brave King, who sacrificed all he had to save his people.  Two well kept grave sites were right beside the statue, Charles' Mother and Father.  "I thought you might want to see this." she whispered softly.

Charles walked over to the grave sits and knelt down on one knee in prayer. After that, he walked over and picked some flowers and placed them on the grave sites. "Thank you Lady Gaia," he said and looked over at the lion statue then the graves.

Lady Gaia nodded with understanding.  "I thought that you would want to know where your parents final resting place was.  Come..let us go explore the rest of the palace." she said to him.

Charles nodded as they left and he looked back at the graves and then looked at Gaia. "It has been so long since the last time I was here. Everything is the same as I last left it," he said and looked around and then they entered the great dining hall.

Lady Gaia smiled, but stayed silent.  She watched the people in the great dinning hall.  A small child was trying to see up onto the table.  He had hoped to get a glimpse of the center piece, but was too small. She looked at the large tapestry hanging from the ceiling.  It had the symbol of the land and below it, the symbol of Earth.  She smiled lightly and then walked slowly about the room, taking in as many memories as she could.

Charles walked around slowly. Memories coming back to him slowly as he looked at many things that never charged over the years. Charles then walked over to a red curtain and looked behind it. "I can't believe it," he said and grabbed the rope nearby and pulled it. The red curtains parted and a huge picture hung there on the wall. A picture of Charles hung on the wall. He was in his armor and his left hand on the handle of the sword on his left. He had a certain smile on his face and a glint in his eyes. Charles stood back and looked at the picture.

Lady Gaia smiled as she saw the picture being drawn back.  She walked over beside Charles.  "I told you..everythign is as you left it." she whispered to him and stepped away into the background as the guests also came forward to see the masterwork.

Some of the people that were gathered around Charles started to whisper and point at him as they looked at the picture. "Do you think that is him?" One asked. "They hired a good look alike," said another. Charles smiled as he listened to the comments that the people were saying. Suddenly a old man walked up to Charles. He was a bit shaky. "Ex..excuse me sir? Are you the last king? You look like him," said the old man. Charles looked over to Gaia. It seemed Charles didn't know what to say.

Lady Gaia pushed some hair out of her face and walked gracefully over to the man and Charles.  "You're knowledge exceeds your years, my son." she muttered to him as she placed a hand on his back.  He turned and gasped at her.  "How is it..what..I.." he stuttered.  "This Man.'s well as the rest of you are my children.  I look upon you all with love.  The man before you is Charles Lionheart.  He has been released from his prison inside a lion's body and has been given a chance to live his life again." she said and looked at Charles and then at the people.

The old looked at Charles then at the picture and back at him. "M...my Lord," he said and bowed. "No, please don't bow to me. None of you bow. Just because I am back doesn't mean I will be taking over. You all are leading happy lives now and I don't want to change that," he said. A lot of the people nodded and then clapped at the speech. "Please my lord. At least take your armor and sword," said the old man. Charles smiled. "Of course," he said with a bow. The old my smiled. "It is good to have you back," said the old man and he walked away.

Lady Gaia smiled at the sight and gently said.  "I must return. I cannot stay away too long or people worry." she said with the shake of her head.  "whenever you are ready." she said softly. "You know we can return whenever you wish."

Charles nodded and quickly ran out of the room and return a few minutes later with a box and sword in arm. "I am ready to return. I can always visit later," he said with a smile.

Lady Gaia smiled and placed her hand on his shoulder.  They flickered a few times and then vanished, reappearing in the gardens of Crystal Tokyo.  Lady Gaia weakly smiled at Charles. "I think it might be best if I go rest now." she said in a very soft voice.

Charles nodded to her. "Thank you for taking me to the castle," he said with s smile. "May I escort you to your room?" he asked.

Lady Gaia smiled to him and nodded.  "Yes..I would appreciate that very much." she said and leaned on his side as he helped her inside.  I'm not as young as I use to be.  I use to be able to teleport from one side of the world to another without ever a second thought of what kind of strain it would be on me. she thought as they walked.

As Charles walked with Gaia, he felt a emotion that was strange to him. He left happy, safe and warm beside Gaia. "I thank you for placing your trust in me in becoming your new protector for the time being," said Charles.

Lady Gaia rested her head on his shoulder as they walked and smiled.  "You're welcome, Charles.  Who better to protect me than one who has been through so much?  And has so much experience." she said weakly and softly.

Charles smiled. "That is true. I have been thought a lot in my life," he said and stopped in front of Lady Gaia's door. "Looks like we are here," he said softly and some sadness in his voice.

Lady Gaia smiled and nodded.  Her smile slowly faded.  "Why is there sadness in your voice?" she asked softly.

Charles looked at Gaia in the eyes. "I enjoyed spending time with you Lady Gaia," he said softly. "I haven't spent time with someone like this in a long time. Especially with someone like you," he said softly and he looked down at the ground.

Lady Gaia looked back at Charles with disbelief in what she had just heard.  "I...I don't know what to say..." she said softly and felt her cheeks get hot.

What is going on?  I have never felt this way before and I..oh by the forces of nature..have I fallen in love? she asked herself.  No..no he's my own son..I created him...over 2 millienium ago..and I..I'm so confused. she thought.

Charles looked at Gaia's blushing face but also noted the confusion in her eyes. I must have said something wrong, he thought.

"I...I'm sorry," he said softly. "That was too soon for me to say that," he said and looked away. "Forgive me," said Charles softly. "I had to tell you want my heart said.

"No..no you didn't do anything wrong..its..its me..I'm sorry..I just.." she said and turned away.  "I'm sorry, Charles." she said softly.

Charles looked at Gaia and placed a hand to her shoulder. "No need to apologize My Lady," he said softly. "I think I understand what you are thinking right now," he said softly

Lady Gaia looked at the hand on her shoulder and felt extremely warm inside.  She then moved her eyes to Charles'.  "You do?" she asked turning to face him.  She smiled softly as she gazed into his eyes.  "I'm glad one of us does" she said.

Charles smiled to her. He then bent down and kissed Gaia softly on her right cheek and then smiled to her again.

Lady Gaia blushed a deep red.  "I ummm.." she stuttered and pushed some of her long blonde locks out of her face.  She swallowed in fear of Charles, but then again something deep down inside told her that she would be lost without him.

Wake up Gaia....what are you thinking.  You'll have a few years with the man and then he'll be gone..but you can always create him again.  What am I thinking..he's my son! her mind fought with her.  But then again..didn't you create the feeling of love? Don't you deserve it in your life too?  Just go with it and see what happens..and who knows..it could be nothing, her mind said and she smiled in agreement with it.

Charles smiled to her again. "I am keeping you from your rest My Lady," he said and opened the door for her. "If you need me, I will be in my room," he said and bowed.

Lady Gaia nodded unwillingly.  "Yes..you are right." she said softly and saddly.  She smiled at him and slowly entered her room.

Maybe its nothing..maybe he is just trying to be the Gentleman that Lucas was to me..but Lucas never kissed me like that, she thought as she touched her cheek and sat down in thought.

Charles slowly walked down the hall. "What came over me?" he asked himself. "It felt so right to do what I did. It has been so long since I was with a woman," he said to himself. "Or am I in..." he trailed off softly.

END