Chapter 10: Confrontations

Naffid eyed his forces, watching them march toward the palace. He had waited years for this moment. Planning and scheming was finally paying off. He could almost feel the crown upon his head.

A strong wind gusted, carrying a heavy sent of rain. His horse tossed its head. Naffid reined the animal in as he watched the sky darken further.

“Nice try,” he murmured, “but the trick is not going to work.”

Then he noticed the unease growing in his men. He knew that they must have been thinking of the previous Princess of Jupiter and the daughter who now wielded her power. Why these women had commanded such love and respect from the people, he would never understand.

“Citizens of Jupiter, now is the time for us to control our destinies,” Naffid announced. However, his next words were cut off by peals of thunder. The men glanced at one another, their resolve to fight clearly weakening. “We must take control of our home and our futures. It must be in our hands.”

Instead of being rewarded with their applause, lightning filled the sky, followed by rolls of thunder.

* * * * *

“Leda, sweetheart, you’re going to have to calm down,” Ganymede said, watching the lightning strikes. “You’re going to hit something, or someone, soon.”

Taking her eyes off the sky, Sailor Jupiter Moon turned to her husband. She smiled faintly up at him. “It would serve Naffid right if I did.”

“Patience,” he replied. “We will all get our chance soon enough.”

“It can’t come soon enough,” Callisto stated. Her eyes never wavered from the advancing army.

Jupiter Moon glanced at her sister. She could understand Caitlyn’s anger toward Naffid, especially after her and Alex’s imprisonment. However, the situation was precarious enough and she didn’t need any loose canons.

“Those soldier are people of Jupiter, Callisto. Do no harm unless there is no other option left. I won’t have our people’s blood on our hands if at all possible.”

“I understand, Jupiter Moon, and I agree. However, such treatment is too good for Naffid and his men.”

Ganymede nodded. “But, if we don’t, we lower ourselves to his level. However, I don’t believe this battle will last long.”

With a silent sigh, Jupiter Moon scanned the palace forces standing with them. Her order that half of the royal guard stay in the palace to protect the patients and families still inside left few soldiers to face the invading army. It left the majority of the burden on the Sailors and the Guardians along with Ganymede and Oriren.

“We have waited long enough,” Jupiter Moon announced. “We must face destiny.”

* * * * *

Monea gritted her teeth as she fought the urge to curse. Ren had no such compulsion and swore loudly as another group of soldiers moved to surround them. He had not said anything when he saw her in her Guardian uniform just before the battle. However, he was beside her, fighting with everything he had. That said more to her than anything he could say aloud.

“She could have made this a hell of a lot easier,” Ren muttered, referring to Leda’s order to do no lasting harm to the attacking soldiers.

She understood his frustration, especially since Naffid’s men did not hesitate or hold back. Stretching out her hands, Monea gathered another mass of light energy. “We’re doing this for Cignus, Ren. Don’t forget that.”

She released the light, felling the men around her. Already her hands were searing with pain. Yet, the battle didn’t look like the battle was ending anytime soon.

* * * * *

Grabbing the wall, Elara closed her eyes as another blast rocked the palace. She could hear parents attempt to soothe their frightened children. However, their eyes were just as scared as those of their kids.

Cami, as Sailor Boreas, had already gone into battle with the others. Paul had asked her to stay behind to help Galen with the patients. While she was glad that Ilene was now one of the recovering, Elara couldn’t shake the feeling that she was failing in her duty as Sailor Europa.

“I think the building will hold. What do you think?” Galen asked quietly, standing behind her as he surveyed the new impromptu patient ward.

Elara sighed as she leaned back against him. “I should be out there. I’m a Sailor Soldier, Galen.”

“Paul asked you to stay,” he countered. Galen had been relieved when the prince had made his request. The physician knew that he was being selfish, but he didn’t want Elara involved in the battle, especially in her weakened condition.

“I know, and I will respect his request. Either way, the battle will be decided soon.”

“Do you think they can lose?”

“No,” Elara replied, shaking her head. “I just hope Leda and the others don’t have to do anything they’ll later regret to win it.”

* * * * *

Ganymede tossed another handful of stars before him, hoping to clear a path to his wife. Jupiter Moon had steadily forced her way toward Naffid. She seemed oblivious to his and Dido’s continued presence beside her as she moved to confront her enemy.

The Guardian gained some space. She quickly opened a portal and sent it flying against another invading wave of soldiers. The men couldn’t evade the portal and with a flash of light, they disappeared from the field.

“Where did you send them?” Ganymede demanded.

“Edelburg,” she replied. “Let Naffid explained why his soldiers are there. However, I can’t do that too many times.”

The both turned their focus back to defending Jupiter Moon. Ganymede had never seen Dido use her powers in such a manner before. However, this particular battle had them all improvising.

* * * * *

“Naffid, this has gone far enough!”

The mayor seemed surprised to being facing the princess. However, he quickly regained his composure. “Then, are you willing to surrender the throne to me?”

“No, never,” she replied. “Look at the field, Naffid. Your men are not going to win this battle. And Hadrian is too far away to provide any immediate help to you.”

The widening of his eyes confirmed her suspicion. She knew that Ganymede and Dido had succeeded in getting to her. However, this was just between her and the wayward mayor.

“How long have you been betraying Jupiter?” she demanded, lightning once more filling the sky. “When did you trade our people for your ambition? How much blood were you willing to spill to gain a crown?”

“You have no right to judge me!” he roared.

“I have every right to judge you! You’ve been blinded by your ambitions, Naffid. You wanted a throne so bad you could see nothing else. It stops here.”

“You’re a witch! A weather witch just like your whore mother! The people are too stupid to see it!”

Jupiter Moon’s face went white with fury. “My mother died protecting her home and her people, more than you would have ever done. I wish you and Hadrian well of each other!”

There was a blinding blast of green light. When it finally faded, Naffid was gone. With a sigh, Jupiter Moon detransformed and collapsed.


Confrontations Naffid eyed his forces, watching them march toward the palace. He had waited years for this moment. Planning and scheming was finally paying off. He could almost feel the crown upon his head. A strong wind gusted, carrying a heavy sent of rain. His horse tossed its head. Naffid reined the animal in as he watched the sky darken further. “Nice try,” he murmured, “but the trick is not going to work.” Then he noticed the unease growing in his men. He knew that they must have been thinking of the previous Princess of Jupiter and the daughter who now wielded her power. Why these women had commanded such love and respect from the people, he would never understand. “Citizens of Jupiter, now is the time for us to control our destinies,” Naffid announced. However, his next words were cut off by peals of thunder. The men glanced at one another, their resolve to fight clearly weakening. “We must take control of our home and our futures. It must be in our hands.” Instead of being rewarded with their applause, lightning filled the sky, followed by rolls of thunder. * * * * * “Leda, sweetheart, you’re going to have to calm down,” Ganymede said, watching the lightning strikes. “You’re going to hit something, or someone, soon.” Taking her eyes off the sky, Sailor Jupiter Moon turned to her husband. She smiled faintly up at him. “It would serve Naffid right if I did.” “Patience,” he replied. “We will all get our chance soon enough.” “It can’t come soon enough,” Callisto stated. Her eyes never wavered from the advancing army. Jupiter Moon glanced at her sister. She could understand Caitlyn’s anger toward Naffid, especially after her and Alex’s imprisonment. However, the situation was precarious enough and she didn’t need any loose canons. “Those soldier are people of Jupiter, Callisto. Do no harm unless there is no other option left. I won’t have our people’s blood on our hands if at all possible.” “I understand, Jupiter Moon, and I agree. However, such treatment is too good for Naffid and his men.” Ganymede nodded. “But, if we don’t, we lower ourselves to his level. However, I don’t believe this battle will last long.” With a silent sigh, Jupiter Moon scanned the palace forces standing with them. Her order that half of the royal guard stay in the palace to protect the patients and families still inside left few soldiers to face the invading army. It left the majority of the burden on the Sailors and the Guardians along with Ganymede and Oriren. “We have waited long enough,” Jupiter Moon announced. “We must face destiny.” * * * * * Monea gritted her teeth as she fought the urge to curse. Ren had no such compulsion and swore loudly as another group of soldiers moved to surround them. He had not said anything when he saw her in her Guardian uniform just before the battle. However, he was beside her, fighting with everything he had. That said more to her than anything he could say aloud. “She could have made this a hell of a lot easier,” Ren muttered, referring to Leda’s order to do no lasting harm to the attacking soldiers. She understood his frustration, especially since Naffid’s men did not hesitate or hold back. Stretching out her hands, Monea gathered another mass of light energy. “We’re doing this for Cignus, Ren. Don’t forget that.” She released the light, felling the men around her. Already her hands were searing with pain. Yet, the battle didn’t look like the battle was ending anytime soon. * * * * * Grabbing the wall, Elara closed her eyes as another blast rocked the palace. She could hear parents attempt to soothe their frightened children. However, their eyes were just as scared as those of their kids. Cami, as Sailor Boreas, had already gone into battle with the others. Paul had asked her to stay behind to help Galen with the patients. While she was glad that Ilene was now one of the recovering, Elara couldn’t shake the feeling that she was failing in her duty as Sailor Europa. “I think the building will hold. What do you think?” Galen asked quietly, standing behind her as he surveyed the new impromptu patient ward. Elara sighed as she leaned back against him. “I should be out there. I’m a Sailor Soldier, Galen.” “Paul asked you to stay,” he countered. Galen had been relieved when the prince had made his request. The physician knew that he was being selfish, but he didn’t want Elara involved in the battle, especially in her weakened condition. “I know, and I will respect his request. Either way, the battle will be decided soon.” “Do you think they can lose?” “No,” Elara replied, shaking her head. “I just hope Leda and the others don’t have to do anything they’ll later regret to win it.” * * * * * Ganymede tossed another handful of stars before him, hoping to clear a path to his wife. Jupiter Moon had steadily forced her way toward Naffid. She seemed oblivious to his and Dido’s continued presence beside her as she moved to confront her enemy. The Guardian gained some space. She quickly opened a portal and sent it flying against another invading wave of soldiers. The men couldn’t evade the portal and with a flash of light, they disappeared from the field. “Where did you send them?” Ganymede demanded. “Edelburg,” she replied. “Let Naffid explained why his soldiers are there. However, I can’t do that too many times.” The both turned their focus back to defending Jupiter Moon. Ganymede had never seen Dido use her powers in such a manner before. However, this particular battle had them all improvising. * * * * * “Naffid, this has gone far enough!” The mayor seemed surprised to being facing the princess. However, he quickly regained his composure. “Then, are you willing to surrender the throne to me?” “No, never,” she replied. “Look at the field, Naffid. Your men are not going to win this battle. And Hadrian is too far away to provide any immediate help to you.” The widening of his eyes confirmed her suspicion. She knew that Ganymede and Dido had succeeded in getting to her. However, this was just between her and the wayward mayor. “How long have you been betraying Jupiter?” she demanded, lightning once more filling the sky. “When did you trade our people for your ambition? How much blood were you willing to spill to gain a crown?” “You have no right to judge me!” he roared. “I have every right to judge you! You’ve been blinded by your ambitions, Naffid. You wanted a throne so bad you could see nothing else. It stops here.” “You’re a witch! A weather witch just like your whore mother! The people are too stupid to see it!” Jupiter Moon’s face went white with fury. “My mother died protecting her home and her people, more than you would have ever done. I wish you and Hadrian well of each other!” There was a blinding blast of green light. When it finally faded, Naffid was gone. With a sigh, Jupiter Moon detransformed and collapsed.


Epilogue: Blood's Legacy Jupiter's Gone