Written 3-31-99. Revised 4-6-02.

Episode 2: Tayla's Dream

"What a long day it's been," Tayla said as she laid down in bed after saying her prayers. After a short daydream about being with her new boyfriend, Anthony, she fell asleep.

It was a nightmare.

Of course, it didn't start out as one. Nightmares rarely do. She was happily walking down the street with her friends. It was just a normal scene taken right out of her waking world. Suddenly, the ground began to shake, and there was a bright flash of light and a terrible noise. A huge comet crashed in the middle of the street intersection, creating a cloud of dust that engulfed everything in sight. Then, a hideous creature burst out of the comet like a volcanic eruption. It had the anatomy of a human, but stood about as tall as a two-story building. The skin on its body was bare, rough and wrinkled, with a mucky greenish-brown color--a disturbing sight. It appeared to be a humanoid reptile, for it had no hair. Its ugly, bald head was a bit small in proportion to its body, and its solid-red eyes struck immediate terror in Tayla. The most frightening feature was its wide, gaping mouth, displaying crooked, needle-sharp teeth oozing with saliva. Its form was so vivid that Tayla completely forgot that she was dreaming, which only added to the paralyzing fear inside her.

More than being surprised that she had survived, she feared for the life of herself and her friends, who had disappeared when the comet made impact. Out of nowhere, three female warriors in cute uniforms appeared and began to attack this harmful monster. Strangely enough, they resembled her friends--then she was scared and confused. Suddenly, a deep, soothing, male voice entered her mind as she viewed the battle. He said, "Tayla, you must listen to me. They need your help." She opened her mouth to protest. "Do not speak. You must let me speak first." He paused. "I am Aries, King of Phobos, a moon that orbits the planet Mars. Long ago, Mars was much like Earth--capable of supporting life. The people of Mars and the people of Earth lived together in harmony until conflict arose on Deimos, the second moon of Mars. The Queen of Deimos was greedy and wanted to expand her reign throughout the solar system. Before long, she had conquered all of the people of Mars, and her next target was Earth. Why she skipped over Phobos is left a mystery even to myself, but Earth and Phobos formed an alliance together to fight against Mars and Deimos. At first it was a military war, but the Queen and her warriors acquired great magical powers and our forces couldn't hold up. Miraculously, you and four other girls showed up as the female Galaxy Guardians 5, and fought against Deimos on behalf of Earth and Phobos. After a long, harsh battle, you were able to seal the kingdom away--at the expense of the entire planet Mars, which is why it is no longer habitable. Since you were no longer needed, you vanished, but we cast a spell so that you'd be reborn without the memories as the Galaxy 5, able to live normal lives. However, the people of Deimos have broken free, and will once again attempt to conquer Earth. It's a relief you have already made friends with three of the warriors; now we must awaken your memories so that you can protect this galaxy."

Involuntarily, her right arm lifted, and a warm light formed around her ring finger. A beautiful gold ring materialized from the light, with an orange jewel in the center engraved with the symbol of Gemini, the third zodiac sign. "This ring I give you will bring back all powers and memories of your past life. Your ring must always be with you, Tayla--or Gemitaya, your warrior name. You must be ready for the first battle at any time--the date you will have to fight is unpredictable, but I can tell you that it will be similar to this dream. Before you awaken, I must tell you one more thing. Listen closely, because this is the most important thing: on the day of Deimos' first attack, you must watch over your friend Anthony. Do not let Deimos take him! They are after him, and if they succeed in capturing him they will likely brainwash him and turn him against you. If they brainwash him, he will never be the same again, and you will no longer be able to be together. Do you understand?" Tayla remained silent, not knowing how to respond. "Very well then. Gemitaya, while I search for the fifth warrior, your leader, you protect Anthony and the Earth. Good luck."

And with that she woke up.

It was morning, and rays of sunlight filtered through the shades on her window. She was glad that dream was over; it was so vivid, so disturbing. She brushed her hair back using her right hand.

And then she saw the ring on her finger.