“One! Two! One! Two! One! Two!” Pokoyo chanted as all of the Solar Guardians stood side by side moving their hips back and forth in unison, swishing their skirts as they did so.
“This is stupid! I thought we were going to be training, not prancing around and practicing twirls!” Lilith shouted in embarrassment.
“Oh come on this is fun! It’s like we’re cheerleaders!” Tess exclaimed with a giggle.
Lilith and Jenna looked annoyed at their newest member’s enthusiasm and turned back to Pokoyo, clearly Tess’s excitement wasn’t helping to convince them.
“This is an important part of your training, kiyu!” The pink cat replied almost sternly.
“Pokoyo you know I trust you, I even went along with the makeup training, but I have to agree with Lilith.” Jenna added.
“You’re really pulling my tails, kiyu.” Pokoyo said and paused.
“Alright, kiyu. We can focus on some combat training tomorrow, I just want to make sure your training goes perfectly, I don’t want you to end up like the last Solar Guardians.”
“Wait, what are you saying? What happened to the guardians before us?” Miranda now asked.
“Kiyu, nothing to worry about. They were very eager to fight evil and neglected their training. All but one perished…. But you girls won’t make that same mistake right?” He revealed.
The girls were silent for a time and then Jenna spoke up again,
“Come on team, let’s just finish our pose training and then we can focus on fighting.”
The others all agreed and went back to practicing their routine, taking heed of their cute mascot.
Later the group was in the house getting ready for bed. The whole team was staying in Missy’s family’s beach house for their magical girl training.
“Are you sure your family isn’t going to mind us staying here by ourselves?” Marilyn asked.
“Yea right, my mom is too busy with her new boyfriend to care what I do.” Missy replied.
“H-hey Jenna… what happened to the Solar Guardians before us? Like really?” Miranda asked and the others went quiet.
“Pokoyo hasn’t said much. Only that they all died fighting some boss-type Jōkikuma, all but one.” Jenna answered quietly.
“Really? Who was the girl who survived?” Lilith asked, not reading the room.
“He never said who she was or where she is now. When I asked he got weirdly quiet.” The black girl replied.
“Girls, this is scary.” Tess quivered as Miranda tucked the little girl in.
“Don’t you worry, we’ll protect each other.” Marilyn comforted.
The next day each of the girls was transformed into their magical girl forms and lined up.
“Alright girls! Before we start combat training I should give you all a quick run down of your abilities. Kiyu.” Pokoyo announced.
“Before we begin let’s get the basics out of the way: When in your Solar Guardian form you all have an increase in both strength and durability, and your true identities are magically concealed. Even your close friends and family wouldn’t be able to recognize you.
You may also notice that some of you have weapons, each of you have the potential to wield a weapon unique to yourself but you must also understand that they are a manifestation of your power, as mere extent of your magic they do not possess any power of their own.” The three tailed cat explained and motioned for Miranda to step forward.
“First is our leader: Miranda Desoto, Solar Guardian Sun. Her abilities are the manipulation of light and heat, she also holds within her the light of friendship.”
“Second is Jenna Poole, Solar Guardian Mercury. She possesses tremendous speed and agility, plus some precognitive abilities.
“Third is Missy Fuller, Solar Guardian Venus. She possesses the spirit of love and compassion, her powers are empathic in nature and she has the potential to use all kinds of abilities.”
“Wait. I thought my powers were water. I used them against that ice Jōkikuma and Void Dandelion.” Venus interrupted.
“Kiyu, a simple misconception. Your powers are unique to who you’re dealing with: when faced with an enemy made of ice you gained the abilities the command water, you tapped into these same powers when fighting Dandelion, whom has fire like shadows. Your powers are determined by your emotions and the emotions of others.” Pokoyo explained.
“Pfff love and compassion, that’s our Missy.” Lilith smirked.
Missy eyed her and went back in line.
“Ahem. Next is Marilyn O’Toole, Solar Guardian Mars. Befitting the red planet she commands the power of fire. Along with her husband: Martin O’Toole, the Solar Sentinel. He is a unique situation but not unheard of, he is a knight of the Pretty Guardians and serves as a protector. He has an invincible shield and can be summoned when in great need.”
“Of course, us delicate ladies must have a big strong man to protect us.” Jenna said jokingly.
“Now our newest member, kiyu. Tess Williams, Solar Guardian Neptune. She actually has the power to control and alter water.”
Last but not least, Lilith Kane, Solar Guardian Pluto. She has the power to command darkness and can resurrect the dead if she shares a strong emotional bond with them.”
Once pokoyo had finished his lecture he opened portals and multiple Jōkikuma emerged.
“Where did you get those!?” Miranda asked.
“Don’t worry kiyu, they’re just simple illusions. But take caution, they’ll still pack a punch.” The pink cat explained.
“Right. Come on girls! Let’s do this!” Jenna shouted and the other Guardians rushed the monsters with her.