The Circle

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Disclaimer: I don't own the BMFM or any character from that show. I do, however, own the Rockers, Sabers, Mari, Snowfall, Turbo, Ice, Fire, Mandy, Starfire, Starmantle, Tactica, Sparky, Phoenix, Blaze, Firefall and Sunspot. I make no money from this and do so only for my and other's enjoyment.

There is a small warning of adult situations (nothing graphic, so don't worry - that's in my original versions!) and maybe foul language (none yet, but I wouldn't discount it . . . just yet.)

This story takes place a few months after the return of the Rockers and is a collection of 'vignette' that has been over a year in the making.

Read and enjoy.

The Circle

By Goldenmane

*********************

Part One

Put a Candle in the Window

Mari turned, ever so gently, not wanting to disturb Turbo where he slept soundly. She watched him and wondered what he dreamt. Once, she knew, he would have dreamed about her, the war, their children, their life together. But after years of imprisonment by the Plutarkians and the horrors he had faced, what now did he dream about?

Mari gently caressed his upper arm, glad to feel the firmness in his muscles return after the weakened condition they had found him in. She let her fingers lightly play over his arm, laying her head on his shoulder. It felt good to have him back, in her arms. Not just a memory lingering in her heart.

His musky sent made her heart beat faster. Oh how she had missed his scent. Missed the feel of him against her naked body. Missed their times together. Turbo had not shown any interest in her, though her body had longed and ached for him once more. He had said the reason stemmed from captivity and he would feel back up to speed one day.

Mari hoped today would be the day.

She looked at his face. The lines of pain had eased finally, the deep furrows upon his brows disappearing. Mari held her thoughts centred, looking deep within his soul. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt an emotion deep inside his very being.

A hand on her cheek brought her back to reality. She smiled, looking Turbo in the eyes. He had a smile on his face, one she remembered from their days back in Monument. A smile so tender and warm.

"Awake at last, I see," Mari said, smiling tenderly at her mate. "Have a good sleep?"

"The best yet," he said, turning over to face her. He marvelled at the sight of her, after all those years. Years he spent wondering if she had remained as faithful to him as he had to her. And the truth that she had faltered once producing a child. The truth he could not admit that he had not been entirely faithful either.

Mari caressed his cheek with the back of her hand. "Glad to hear it. I had been worried you would continue to have nightmares about that place."

He grabbed her hand, kissing her fingertips delicately. Turbo knew it drove her wild, and was rewarded with soft moans. He kissed each finger, moving up her arm to her shoulder. He lingered on her neck, kissing, nipping.

"I worried you had lost your feelings for me," Mari breathed heavily, bearing her neck for Turbo. "Especially after you found out about Snowfall."

"I have something to tell you. I shouldn't've lost my cool about Snowfall. Not after the fact I had..." Turbo's voice trailed off.

Mari looked at him, her brows arching in surprise. "I thought I sensed some reserves, and not just because of your imprisonment. Something else seemed to be there."

Turbo looked into her eyes. "I should have told you sooner. The young mouse was killed shortly after we.... It just took a while for the truth and my emotions to break free of their own prison," Turbo said, moving to kiss her on the lips. Their tongues mingled, explored, shared a passion that had been denied for far too long.

They enjoyed themselves as they had never done so before. When at last they parted, Mari knew she had gotten a mate back. When Snowfall began to cry, Mari half smiled. "Just like Phoenix."

Turbo had to chuckle as they went to check on Snowfall. The Changing Times seemed lonely and cold since the Rockers had left. It had been a painful decision for Mari to announce the 'break up' of the Rockers. But they all had to agree, and some begrudgingly did, that it was better for them to spread out and watch over all of the Plutarkian riddled cities. Firefall and Sunspot had indeed stayed in Cleveland, making one choice easier for Mari.

She hefted Snowfall and cuddled her, Turbo stroked her hair. Mari smiled tenderly at him, glad he finally had accepted Snowfall.

The Rockers had each chosen a city, Starmantle took her old home turf of New Orleans, Starfire took Las Vegas, and Sparky and Tactica choose Los Angeles. Mandy, Turbo and her remained at the Last Chance, though Mari could have sworn to see some connection between Mandy and Starmantle. Mari shrugged it off, handing Snowfall to Turbo when the youngster reached out for him.

"The only thing I hate is that she's going to grow up with out her father," Turbo said.

"No different than Phoenix and Blaze. Starmantle cared for them in our absence," Mari said, snuggling closer to them. "And, war aside, I don't think they suffered any. All she needs is love."

Turbo half chuckled. "I guess that's what we all need."

Snowfall had quieted and they returned to their room, enjoying themselves once more. They finally emerged, showered, ate, and wondered where Mandy had gone. It was not like her to be so quiet. Unless she did indeed want to give them some privacy. It had been hard for mates to get together with a garage full of mice.

Mari went to the counter, stopping. She picked up a note, Mandy's handwriting and began to laugh. Turbo came over, wondering what his mate found so funny. She handed him the note and he read aloud while she continued to chuckle.

" 'Guys, I've decided to take an extended vacation from the garage. I know you two will take good care of her while I'm gone. I made provisions and deeded the place to you , so when the bills come in addressed to a Turbo and Mari Mouse, don't worry. I left what money reserves I had for the garage and it should last you until the next job comes in. It may not be Martian in make, but I'm sure you two can handle it better than I could. If you need me, just radio New Orleans, because that's where I'll be.

" 'Love and kisses to you and Snowfall, keep in touch, Mandy.' "

Turbo stood there speechless. "I don't believe it!"

"I always knew I could sense something odd between them two. Just never could say what. Well, I guess we've got ourselves a life on Earth now," Mari said, pocketing the note.

"A life together, just you and I," Turbo turned when a small pair of arms went around his leg. "And Snowfall."

Mari smiled, cooking them some breakfast, Cajun style. She made sure to give Snowfall something less caustic.

When they finished, dishes included, they packed a small snack and Mari told him she was going to take them to a special place. Mari had promised to show him around her new home. He had toured Detroit with her, but not to the place she had thought one day could be theirs.

Mari whistled to Ice, watching as her bike revved to life. Turbo called to Fire and both bikes sped to their riders. Mari grabbed her helmet and Snowfall's and mounted the child's seat to Ice before getting on, her ice-blue gaze lingered on Turbo as he stood beside Fire. He returned her look, smiling tenderly at her, before mounting Fire.

Mari punched the remote to the front door and laid her hand in Turbo's. "Finally we're back together. Back where we belong. Riding together as a team."

They left the Changing Times, a tinge of sadness at the thought of Mandy's self-chosen relocation to New Orleans to be with Starmantle. Mari half-smiled at the thought of how lovely a couple they would make. Even if they came from two different worlds.

Mari kicked Ice into a higher gear glancing behind her to see Turbo do the same to Fire. Mari could sense the bikes had missed each other just as much as their riders had. Sometimes Mari wondered about AI bikes and just how much like a live being they could seem to be.

She chose an off shoot of a main road and headed on, turning at a dirt road. She eased back on Ice, coming to a halt at a small lake. The area had been deserted long ago, and now fell under the ownership of a local bank. Mari had come here often, wondering if she would ever find Turbo. Wanting to bring him here to share in her love of the sheer beauty of the area.

And now she finally could.

They dismounted once Mari had called for a halt. Mari, carrying Snowfall, and Turbo walked, telling their bikes to wait and keep an eye out for trouble, though Mari felt there would be none. A small path wound to the lake and followed it, a thick canopy of trees overhead and to their right, following the lake's bank. Ahead, Mari knew, would lay a small grove, secluded, with only one entrance that overlooked the lake. They removed their helmets, laying them on the ground.

Mari entered and stopped, breathing deep. She loved the green of the place, though sometimes the thought of how desolate Mars had become thanks to the war saddened her. She felt Turbo put his arms around her and begin to rock back and forth slowly.

"I see why you loved this place. It's so relaxing. It's a wonder someone else hadn't claimed this for their own," Turbo said, breathing gently on Mari's ear.

Mari shivered, feeling her passions return. "I hoped you'd like this place. I found it relaxing, refreshing, and very romantic."

"Why didn't you take me here sooner? May have gotten the ol' drive going sooner?" Turbo whispered into her ear, kissing and nibbling the edge.

Mari softly moaned, closing her eyes. The scent of the forest and the touch of Turbo sent her heart racing once more. She shifted Snowfall and reached up, grabbing his hand in hers. She pulled away, turning, keeping their hands together. She released his hand, reaching up to kiss him.

"I'm just glad I could share this with you," Mari said, breaking the embrace.

Mari set a squirming Snowfall down, watching her child find new and interesting objects to play with. Snowfall seemed content to wander around the small grove, never once leaving their sight. Turbo had to admit that she was one well behaved child. Mari could only agree, wondering just what Snowfall would grow up to be like. She may live in a war zone, as the Plutarkians had turned the Earth into, but she would not have to live with the hardships on Mars.

After a few minutes of cuddling, Mari shifted over to let Snowfall sit between them, a tender smile on her face. She looked to Turbo, who seemed content to let Snowfall show him what she had found.

When Snowfall tired, she clung to her mother, burying her head in Mari's chest. They ate the snack, Snowfall scrabbled out of her mother's grasp to chase a butterfly around. Mari kept an eye out for Snowfall, though she leaned her head on Turbo's shoulder.

Turbo shifted and looked to his mate and smiled. Mari smiled back and they embraced themselves once more in a tender, passionate kiss. Neither wanted to break contact. Neither wanted to leave, thought finally Mari parted, sighing.

"It's getting late. We should return. Just in case someone tried to get a hold of us. I know we all separated, trying to watch all of the Plutarkian riddled cities," Mari began before another kiss halted her words.

Turbo pulled back, rising. "You're right, besides, Snowfall looks like she's getting tired. Looks like we tired her out enough, we might have some more 'quality time' to spend together tonight," he said with a gleam in his eye.

Mari broke out laughing, rising to collect her daughter. She pecked Turbo once, playfully on the cheek. She darted out of the grove, Snowfall clutched to her chest, laughing harder as he tried to catch up to her, cooler in hand.

Mari skidded to a halt, sitting on Ice, tears of laughter streaming down her face. Snowfall squealed with delight as Mari ruffled her hair.

"What would they say if they saw us acting like teenagers," Turbo huffed, securing the cooler to Fire.

"They'd probably say 'about time, you two'," Mari gasped around laughter.

Turbo embraced her, kissing her once more before going to Fire. He plopped his helmet on his head, leaving the visor open. "You never know what you miss until you're denied it."

Mari put on her helmet, smiling. She secured Snowfall, putting on her helmet before mounting."But at least that's in the past, where it belongs. Now we have the future to look forward to."

"A new future and life on Earth," Turbo said, firing Fire's engines. "But still the same old battle with the Plutarkians."

"Don't let it get you depressed," Mari said, backing Ice around to face Turbo and Fire. "I did once, and it nearly cost me a future with you. I've seen others become depressed, confused, and almost loose the one true love they ever had in their life."

Turbo smiled. "At least you didn't give up on me."

"I never did. In heart and soul you were always there, with me, even though I could not see or touch you," Mari said. "I may have thought the future bleak without you, but I never lost the hope you may still be alive, no matter how bad the situation seemed."

Turbo turned Fire, pulling in beside Ice. They began the trip back to the Changing Times, stride for stride, hand in hand.

Today would begin a new day, Mari thought. Today would begin the rest of their lives together. A time no one could take from them ever again, so Mari swore.

Never again would they be parted.

Never.

Put a candle in the window.
But I feel I've got to move.
I'm goin'..goin'..
I'll be commin' home soon.
Long as I can see the light.

Pack my bag and get it movin'
Cuz I found I drift awhile.
But I'm gone, gone,
Don't have to worry no more.
Long as I can see the light.

Yes I've got that ol' travelin' bone.
Got a feeling I'm leavin' alone.
But I've roamed, roamed,
Roamed my way home.
Long as I can see the light.
Yeah...yeah...yeah.....oh, yeah.

Put a candle in the window.
But I feel I've got to move.
But I'm goin', goin',
Oh, I'll be home, home soon,
Long as I can see the light.

Long as I can see the light.

Long as I can see the light

###############

Part Two

Las Vegas Blues

Tactica motioned for a stop. She reigned her bike in and pulled off the side of the road. She looked to Sparky and Starfire and sighed. It seemed as of late the entire world had ended for her. The Rockers had broken up, or at least that's the way she felt.

Mari had flatly stated that since there had been enough of them on Earth to cover all of the Plutarkian-riddled cities, they each should select a city and relocate there. Everyone chose a city, only Mari and her mate would stay in Detroit with Mandy at the Changing Times.

Tactica and Sparky had chosen Los Angeles, a nice, warm, if somewhat seismic, location. Starfire had decided on the big lights and active city of Las Vegas. Tactica did not want to leave her friends, but knew Mari had been right to split the Rockers up. The three of them had decided to ride together until they reached Las Vegas. They could have transported in since Mari had rigged their bikes as well, but not knowing the layout of the land, riding in had seemed the safer decision.

Tactica raised her visor, taking a swig from the bottle in her pack. The road had been long, boring, and dusty. She checked the map Mari had given her. They would have just enough gas to reach the next station by way of the back roads. If any Plutarkians watched the roads in and out of Las Vegas, they shouldn't find any of them.

"Looks like we've got another day of riding before we reach the outskirts of Las Vegas," Tactica said, looking to her mate.

Sparky only shrugged, taking a drink from his canister. He replaced the jug and looked ahead, arms draped over his bike's handles.

Tactica sighed, removing her helmet. The area seemed deserted enough. She wiped sweat from her brow and sighed again. She did not look forward to leaving her mate.

Sparky turned to Tactica. "I know you don't want to go. Not that we're all finally back together. But Mari's right, we have to defend this world or it'll end up like Mars."

"I know," Tactica began, an ache starting already in the pit of her stomach, even though Sparky sat only a hand's breadth away. Though ultimately she thought of Starfire, alone in Las Vegas.

"Look, if we get going, we can make Las Vegas by nightfall and finally spend a night in comfortable surroundings," Starfire said, refireing her bike's engines.

Tactica only nodded, following Sparky.

They arrived hours later on the outskirts of Las Vegas, the bright city lights illuminating the dusky sky. They pulled into a motel and rented a room. Sparky had flatly stated that they would at least stay the night before heading on. Starfire agreed, waiting until morning to scout out a location to crash and watch Monterrey.

Sparky opened the door to their room, and flourished Tactica in with a wave of the hand. She accepted, solemnly entering, throwing her bike's saddlebags on the floor. Starfire opted for a room next to theirs. For privacy, she had said.

Tactica went to the sole bed and sat. She removed her helmet, shaking her dampened hair. She removed her boots and laid them beside the saddlebags. She noticed Sparky had done the same.

"I need a bath after all that dust," Tactica said. "Almost as bad as back home."

"Earth dust can't hold a candle to Martian dust," Sparky chuckled. "At least you turn tan, not red."

Tactica's mood lightened some. "I guess. I'll be in the shower if you need me."

Sparky nodded, heading for the tv.

Tactica softly sighed, heading for the bathroom. She shut the door and turned on the water to the shower. She shrugged out of her sweaty uniform and threw it in a pile in a corner.

She stepped in, closing the door behind with a soft thud. She let the warm water caress her nakedness, cleaning not only the sweat and dust from her fur, but her depression as well.

Tactica reached for the soap, lathering her hands. She wanted to stay in the shower and relax, but she also wanted to spend some time with Sparky before they had to leave for Los Angeles.

A sudden draft brought her attention to the door which now stood open. There, in all his glory, stood Sparky. Tactica, lost for words, stepped back as he entered.

"Showers aren't any fun when taken alone," he said softly, reaching for the soap.

"Figured I'd steal all the hot water?" Tactica said in a low, sultry voice.

Sparky smiled. "Not at all." He took the soap and lathered her back, paying special attention to her shoulders and neck.

Tactica purred in contentment, turning to let the water rinse the soap from her back. She embraced Sparky, kissing him long and deep. When her stomach rumbled rather loudly, they both broke into a fit of laughter. They finished showering, vowing to each other to spend some serious time together once they had eaten.

Tactica called Starfire, asking her about some food. Starfire thought it a good idea and called in some take out. She came over, helmet in her hands, waiting for the delivery boy. When it arrived, Sparky had to chuckle at the delivery boy's questioning look of why three someones with their bike helmets still on would open the door. Especially since they, and their companions had the smoky-coloured visors down.

Once the door closed, Tactica sat the food down, removing her helmet. She unwound her tail from her leg, a suggestion from Mari, and sat beside Sparky. They ate in silence, though each of them let their hands roam from time to time. Tender caresses that inflamed both of them once more. A blush now and then when Starfire chuckled.

"You look tense," Starfire said after some silence. "Do you want me to go?"

"It's just not fair," Tactica said. "Why couldn't Mari and Turbo go to New Orleans and leave us for one city? They don't need three in Detroit."

Sparky hugged her. "Mari and Turbo are staying with Mandy only because Starmantle took New Orleans before anyone could say boo. He wanted to take over her old stomping grounds."

Tactica only sighed. "But it's not fair to split us up. Not after we finally found freedom and each other."

"Who said life would be fair. Look at the war," Sparky said, turning her face so she looked at him. "If we can beat the Plutarkians here, then we can get on with our lives. We can't let them destroy Earth."

"You're right," Tactica said, moving to kiss him.

Starfire rose. "I think you two really need some quiet time together. Just make sure you don't keep me up all night or wake the neighbours."

Sparky chuckled. "With Las Vegas' reputation, I don't think they'd find it the least bit out of place."

Tactica looked shocked for a moment before swatting him on the arm. "You two . . . "

"Are going to make your life miserable," Starfire finished, grabbing her portion of the meal. "I'm sure you'll get up well after noon, so I won't go house hunting until evening. That's when the actions is supposed to really get crankin' ."

Tactica watched her friend exit their room before turning to Sparky. "I know you're right. We do have a duty to make sure the Plutarkians don't get a hold of the Earth. If they do, then they can crush what little we have left for a resistance."

"Besides, this isn't the end of the Rockers, but a new beginning," Sparky said. "Since Mari rigged our bikes with transport abilities, we can simply pop on in for a visit."

"You're right," Tactica said with a lazy smile. "No doubt Mari'll call, wanting the Rockers back."

"No doubt," Sparky said, kissing her. "My, but your breath smells like pizza," he feigned surprise.

"Well, you're no basket of flowers yourself," she said. "How about I take care of that for you?"

Sparky smiled. "You know, with seven mice, eight if you include Snowfall, and one human kicking about the place, we really didn't have any privacy in Detroit. And since Mandy would never build on, isn't it better we go somewhere else? Somewhere more . . . private?"

"Is that an invitation?" Tactica purred.

"Hard to say. It can be."

She rose, leading him to the bed. "Let's just see what you've got under your hood, race boy," she said with a chuckle.

On the other side of the wall, Starfire chuckled. "Knew they couldn't keep their paws to themselves. Finally they can show some emotions other than hate."

Starfire finished her half of the pizza before rising to shower and bed. Unless, she chuckled to herself, they kept her up all night. Which might not be a bad thing. For them, she hastily added.

"Viva Las Vegas."

################

Part Three

Unbroken

Mandy cursed to herself, wishing she had had Mari install transporter abilities to her bike. Then she wouldn't have the gruelling drive to New Orleans. But, then again, she mused, she wouldn't have the time to sort out her feelings. She had felt something connect between her and Starmantle, but passed it off as her imagination. He was a mouse, newly discovered, and she had her garage. There would be no way he would ever be attracted to her. She wasn't even a mouse. Then she thought about another happy couple in Chicago and decided to give it a try. She had not told him she was coming, nor had she told Mari and Turbo. She had left a note, and that was all. She knew they'd understand.

Or so she hoped.

Mandy pulled off the side of the road, smiling when she finally saw the state line marker. "Louisiana, here I come. I just hope you're ready."

'No', she added to herself, 'I hope I'm ready.'

She had the directions to Mari's hangout in New Orleans, so that wouldn't be the problem. Mari had told about the gator and snakes that lived in the swamps in and around the area. Poisonous snakes and hungry gator were not Mandy's idea of a good time, though Mari seemed quite content to be around them. Even if a gator had once tried to turn Mari and Ice into chow.

Mandy took her mind off the drive, and Starmantle by concentrating on the scenery. She soon found herself passing the sign welcoming all to New Orleans. She pulled off the road, checking the map. Mari had marked specifically where to go so she wouldn't get turned around on the back roads and get lost.

Mandy continued on, following the map until she ran out of road shown. She pocketed the map and drew out Mari's own map through the swamp. Mari had said there was only one safe way to go, though she herself had rarely used it, instead preferring the most dangerous route possible.

She continued on, walking her bike in some places, not trusting the rotting bridges. She wondered if Starmantle would fix these hazards, or take Mari's route through the swamp. He, for the short time she had known him, hadn't displayed any signs of the love of thrills Mari had often showed.

Then again, she had to remind herself, he was a Martian mouse after all. And she just a human. What could she possible know about his world or what he and the others had really gone through during their captivity?

She couldn't and the thought nearly killed her. If she really wanted to get close to this mouse, she had to know and really understand what she was getting herself into.

The thought scared her to no end.

However she had no further time to contemplate her decision as the worn and battered cabin came into view. Smoke drifted lazily from the chimney and Mandy knew Starmantle would be home.

"Starmantle?" she called out then weakly chuckled at the break in her voice. She had to get her emotions under control and fast.

"Who is it?" came the growled reply. She could imagine him scrambling for his laser, his bike on the alert. "It's me, Mandy. Care if I come in?"

Stupid, she mused. 'Care if I come in?' Where had she thought that lame line?

The door flew open and there Starmantle stood in just his pants, a faint sheen on his muscular chest. He stared at her, the light from the evening sun seemed to set his ruby eyes aglow with a hidden power. Mandy's breath caught in her chest.

"For the sake of Mars," his sudden shout broke her from her thoughts. "Don't just stand there, come on in."

Mandy slowly wheeled her bike to the door and kicked the stand down she accepted his hand and looked down to hide the flush in her cheeks.

"I know," Starmantle said. "I have to fix that one of these days. But I never expected any company, least of all you."

She met his glance with a cold stare. How could she really have thought he would ever even dream of loving her? "I hadn't thought to come here either," she said at last. "Mari and Turbo needed some time alone so I thought I would come down and see her old 'stomping grounds.'"

Starmantle nodded a weak smile on his face. Mandy internally groaned. She had no right to do this. She didn't belong in his world. She could never become Martian enough.

"So, how are they doing?" Starmantle asked to break the silence.

"Fine," Mandy said. "Just fine."

At the silence, Starmantle looked down to the floor briefly before he hurried away and brought back a chair. "I bet you're tired from your ride and walk, how about a seat?"

Many weakly smiled, nodded and accepted the hastily plunked seat. She sat stiffly and her gaze never once left the far wall.

Starmantle hesitated then grabbed another chair and sat near her, not quite touching, but too close for Mandy's comfort. She could smell the dark musk on him and wondered what he would taste like. To run her tongue lazily over his chest, to plant kisses along his neck and collarbone.

"Something's wrong and you aren't going to tell me," Starmantle said suddenly. He grabbed her hand so quickly all thoughts left Mandy's mind. "You can tell me anything."

What could she say? Could she just pass it off as fatigue? She had pushed her bike and herself for the journey.

"I know," Starmantle said. "That was stupid of me. How could I know what you feel or think to help. You're human and I'm not."

Mandy internally cried.

When she said nothing Starmantle rose and released her hand. "Care for a drink? You must be hungry."

Mandy weakly nodded and gazed instead at her lap. More so the hand he had touched. Three so very simple words and the thought of actually telling him mortified her to the spot.

"Starmantle," she rose quickly. "What do you think are the odds that Charlie and Vinnie will make it in the long run. I mean, she's human and he's mouse?"

Starmantle hesitated, a hand on the pot of water. Slowly he turned and half smiled. The trait seemed to catch among the Rockers that sometimes the accidentally or on purpose, mimicked their leader's smile. "I think that mice and humans would work. If Vinnie can keep his mind on Charlie and leave Mari alone, I think they'll do fine, why? Has something happened that no one's told me?"

"No," Mandy blurted out. "I mean . . . Oh forget it."

Starmantle abandoned the pot of water and went to her side. "I may not know what bothers humans, but I do know that talking helps more than keeping it shut in. So, even if I don't know what you are talking about, at least I can listen?" he offered.

Mandy hesitated for only the briefest of moments. "I love you," she said softly.

Though it may have sounded soft to her ears, the words blazed like the trumpets of war in Starmantle's sensitive hearing. He moved to face her and cupped her cheeks in his hands. "Did I just hear you right? Did you say you just . . . love me?"

Mandy nodded on the verge of tears. The look in his eyes made her want to scream, to take the words back. Confusion, fear, anger, desperation, everything she felt she could see mirrored on his face. She had hurt their friendship.

She had scarred one of the Rockers.

However when he didn't pull away, but moved her into an embrace, Mandy's heart leapt. When he shifted to kiss her deeply and passionately, her heart dropped, its rhythm deepened and quickened. When she moaned into the kiss she hesitated and froze. When Starmantle backed away, his ruby eyes almost black and laden with desire, Mandy fell against his chest.

He stroked her hair and breathed softly into it. "I didn't think you cared one whit about me."

"Oh, I did," Mandy said. Her soft breath caressed his dampened fur and he moaned appreciatively. "I just never thought . . . "

"That I'd love you back?" Starmantle said as he pulled away to look into her eyes. "That's exactly why I left. Why else do you think I'd be the first to break the Rockers up? I would have taken Los Angeles, much further away, but I hoped that, even at this distance, I could forget what I had started feeling for you."

Mandy remained silent.

"I also didn't want to take the best friend of my CO," Starmantle continued. "I figured Mari wouldn't mind, but I still felt like I would take away something she had needed, though I guess with Turbo back, she has everything she needs."

Mandy smiled. "Why let words get in the way? Why worry about what's human and what's Martian?" She hesitated then glanced at the bed before quickly averting her eyes. "Sometimes it's just better to stay the same and not worry about the small things."

Starmantle returned the smile and led her to the bed. With a last sigh he laid her down. "We can talk in the morning," he said, his voice deepened by emotions. "Right now, I think you need to rest."

Mandy smiled and traced the curves of his jawline with a finger. "Rest later, why not let nature talk for us?"

Starmantle grinned maliciously and flicked the light off with his tail.

Tonight had just begun.

Don't you ever wish you were some one else?
You were meant to be, the way you are exactly.
Don't you ever say, you don't like the way you are,
When you learn to love yourself, you're better off by far.
And I hope you always stay the same,
'Cause there's nothing 'bout you I would change.

I think that you could be, whatever you wanted to be,
If you could realize, all the dreams you have inside.
Don't be afraid, if you've got something to say.
Just open up your heart and let it show you the way.

Don't you ever wish you were some one else?
You were meant to be, the way you are exactly.
Don't you ever say, you don't like the way you are,
When you learn to love yourself, you're better off by far.
And I hope you always stay the same,
'Cause there's nothing 'bout you I would change.

Believe in yourself, reach down inside,
To love your heart will set you free.
Believe in yourself, you will come alive,
Have faith in what you do, you'll make it through.

Don't you ever wish you were some one else?
You were meant to be, the way you are exactly.
Don't you ever say, you don't like the way you are,
When you learn to love yourself, you're better off by far.
And I hope you always stay the same,
'Cause there's nothing 'bout you I would change.

No there's nothing 'bout you I would change.

Don't you ever change.

#############

Part Four

May the Circle be Unbroken

Turbo waited astride Fire while Mari squat beside Ice and played with Snowfall. The Church parking lot was mostly deserted. Every-so-often they could hear the chorus inside rehearsing.

A flash of light and crash of thunder did not frighten Snowfall as much as Mari would have guessed. When the youngster recognized the bikers who transported in, she ran to the nearest one, asking Mandy to pick her up with outstretched hands.

"Why the call?" Starfire asked.

"I had an idea," Mari said, rising. "Today is the 13th anniversary of the Battle of Monument. I thought, maybe, we could get together and remember what we left behind and what we now have that we're all back together after all these years."

Tactica nodded. "I think it's appropriate. To never forget the past and what it has done to mould our future. One in which we control our destiny."

Mari chuckled softly. "I wouldn't've put it quite that way, but I like it. To the past. May we never forget where we've been. And to the future, full of uncertainty and wonder. May the Rockers never part under whatever hardships may befall us."

They paused, listening. The chorus had struck up a particularly fast tune, one that brought a smile or tear to everyone present. They walked from their bikes, gathering in the centre. Mandy handed Snowfall back to Mari.

"May the circle forever remain unbroken," Mari said.

They embraced, listening to the song, renewing their friendships and loyalty to each other, the Rockers growing stronger than any of them could have ever imagined.

May the circle, be unbroken,

By and by, Lord, by and by.

********************************************************

Long as I can see the Light (C) John Fogerty

Stay the Same (C) Joey McIntyre

May the Circle be Unbroken (C) The Statler Brothers