Chapter 2: Reinforcements

Leda studied the skyline from a large window in her office. Everything seemed so peaceful. ‘How deceiving appearances can be,’ she thought unhappily. Giving herself a mental shake, she tried to figure out what she was going to do next, once assistance arrived.

A gentle breeze blew, carrying a few crimson leaves through the autumn air. She felt a pull within her, as if part of her was being called. Making up her mind, Leda left her office and headed into the nearest section of the garden. She was thankful that no one was nearby.

She closed her eyes, noting that the breeze was becoming stronger. She could smell the coming rain the wind would carry and smiled. Although she hadn’t use her powers as Sailor Leda in a long while, it reassured her when she was able to sense the approaching weather.

As the Soldier of Storms, she always felt a surge of energy and awareness at a storm’s approach. The breeze shifted, coming from the north. The slight dip in temperature awaken her senses further.

With her eyes still closed, she tilted her head skyward. She lingered for a few moments longer, enjoying the rush of air as it traveled around her body. With a regretful sigh, she opened her eyes and turned to return to the palace.

She stopped mid-stride as she noticed the figure between her and the palace. He stood motionless, his arms crossed and his legs shoulder’s width apart. He studied her with fiery green eyes as his long, dark brown hair flapped in the wind.

“Who are you?” Leda demanded.

The corners of the man’s mouth twitched slightly, but he did not smile. “I have a warning for you, Princess Leda,” he said, his deep voice strong and seemingly unaffected by the increasing strength of the wind.

“What warning is that?”

“Appearances can truly be deceiving,” he said. “While trust is a precious commodity, as your husband once said, misplaced trust is dangerous. Try to see people for who they truly are, Princess Leda. Trust only those who have proven they can be trusted.”

“Who are you?” Leda demanded, her mind whirling with questions. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Just remember my words.”

Leda clenched her fists. “I demand to know who you are.”

The man smirked at her angry stance. ‘If she only knew,’ he thought to himself. ‘Then again, with this woman, it probably wouldn’t matter.’

“Leda, where are you?!”

The princess turned and saw Caitlyn coming from the other side of the garden. She turned back to the mysterious man, but he was gone. She scanned the area around her and found no traces of him anywhere.

“There you are,” Caitlyn cried. “I’ve been looking for you.”

Leda pushed the man out of her mind for the moment. “What did you find out?”

“Other than Scylla, we were able to account for everyone in the palace except for one person, but you’ll never believe who.”

Leda quirked an eyebrow. “Try me.”

“Duthbert’s missing and has been since about an hour before Ilene’s monitors went off.”

“Duthbert,” Leda cried. “Why would someone take him!”

“I don’t know,” Caitlyn replied. “If you ask me, Leda, this whole thing is getting too weird.”

Leda glanced over her shoulder where the mysterious man had stood, warning her about trust. “I know what you mean, Caitlyn. I definitely know what you mean.”

Caitlyn put a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” Leda replied readily. “Has Lysia been able to contact Serenity?”

“I don’t know.”

“Let’s find out.”

* * * * *

Cassandra heard a moan and slowly realized it came from her. She opened her heavy eyes, only to close them with a hiss. Her head was pounding and the brief flash of light made the sensation even worse.

The Guardian of Hope tried to rub her temples but she could move her arms. She quickly found that she couldn’t move her legs either. Trying to ignore the pain, she opened her eyes.

Blinking several times to adjust her eyes, she noticed that she was laying on a cot in a sparse room. Besides the cot, there was a plain wooden stool and a small table with a single candle burning. Her wrists and her ankles were tied to separate corners of the bed, not tight enough for discomfort but enough to prevent any movement.

Testing the strength of the bonds, Cassandra smiled. She whispered a command and her pendent flashed with light. As the light faded, the Guardian stood in the middle of the room, rubbing her wrists.

She went to the door and stood beside it, pressed against the rough stone wall. She couldn’t hear any movement beyond the door, but she didn’t know when her captor would return. She had to find Ganymede and get them out of there.

She decided not to transform into her battle gear. Her usual uniform would allow her to blend into the shadows better. Saying a silent prayer for safety and luck, she slowly opened the door and slipped into the corridor.

* * * * *

Caitlyn and Leda found Lysia in Elara’s room. The three sisters sat in silence, thinking about their two fallen siblings. While Elara seemed to be improving, Ilene continued to grow weaker with each passing day. If something didn’t change soon, Sailor Io would soon be gone.

“I contacted Neo-Queen Serenity as you asked,” Lysia said softly, finally breaking the silence. “She is sending Cami and the twins. If anything else is needed, you are to contact her again along with the news of any changes here.”

Leda nodded. “Thank you, Lysia. Do you know when they will arrive?”

“I truly don’t know,” Lysia replied, shaking her head. “As soon as possible, I would think.”

“I hope so,” Caitlyn added. “Galen is running himself ragged trying to do everything himself.”

Leda rose from her chair. “I want you two to get that man to rest even if you have to hold him down and get the nurses to sedate him. He will not be any good to anyone in his condition if he is allowed to continue at this pace. If he insists on something to do, move a cot in here and let him keep an eye on Elara.”

“That’s not exactly proper, Leda,” Caitlyn stated with a broad grin.

Leda smiled. “They’re both responsible adults. Besides, propriety is the least of my worries at the moment.”

A tense silence fell over the sisters, broken by Leda’s sigh.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I’m going to check on Ilene. Will one of you stay here with Elara?”

“I will,” Lysia replied.

“I’ve got something matters to attend to,” Caitlyn replied. “Leda, please, get some rest.”

“I’ll try,” Leda said. The princess gave Elara’s sleeping form one last look and left the room.

“I’m worried about her, Lysia,” Caitlyn stated.

“I am too,” Lysia said, “but there’s not much we can do. I hope we all can hold up until this is end.”

Glancing at Elara’s still form, she added, “Whatever way this ends.”

* * * * *

She opened the door slowly, the heavy wooden structure moving silently on its well-oiled hinges. The smile that had been hovering over her lips faded as she noticed the vacant bed. Quickly shutting the door behind her, she realized that the room was completely empty.

The small globe of light floating above one of her palms wavered slightly in its intensity as she stood in the room. One toe of her boot tapped softly against the uneven stone floor as she contemplated what to do next. The flame of the candle on the table flickered and suddenly died, plunging the room into near darkness. The only light source remaining was the globe hovering over her hand.

‘I can’t let the Guardian be caught,’ the woman decided. ‘She is probably searching for the man that was with her. I hope that I am not too late.’

As silently as she had entered, the woman left the room and began her search.

* * * * *

Caitlyn looked up from her desk at the knock. “Come in.”

“We’re here!!”

Caitlyn ran from her desk and captured Phoebe in a bear hug. She quickly did the same to Diana and to Cami. “Thank goodness you guys are here!”

“I wished we could have come under happier circumstances,” Cami stated. “I probably need to see Leda or Dr. Cross.”

Caitlyn nodded. “They’re both in the medical wing. I’ll show you the way.”


Reinforcements Leda studied the skyline from a large window in her office. Everything seemed so peaceful. ‘How deceiving appearances can be,’ she thought unhappily. Giving herself a mental shake, she tried to figure out what she was going to do next, once assistance arrived. A gentle breeze blew, carrying a few crimson leaves through the autumn air. She felt a pull within her, as if part of her was being called. Making up her mind, Leda left her office and headed into the nearest section of the garden. She was thankful that no one was nearby. She closed her eyes, noting that the breeze was becoming stronger. She could smell the coming rain the wind would carry and smiled. Although she hadn’t use her powers as Sailor Leda in a long while, it reassured her when she was able to sense the approaching weather. As the Soldier of Storms, she always felt a surge of energy and awareness at a storm’s approach. The breeze shifted, coming from the north. The slight dip in temperature awaken her senses further. With her eyes still closed, she tilted her head skyward. She lingered for a few moments longer, enjoying the rush of air as it traveled around her body. With a regretful sigh, she opened her eyes and turned to return to the palace. She stopped mid-stride as she noticed the figure between her and the palace. He stood motionless, his arms crossed and his legs shoulder’s width apart. He studied her with fiery green eyes as his long, dark brown hair flapped in the wind. “Who are you?” Leda demanded. The corners of the man’s mouth twitched slightly, but he did not smile. “I have a warning for you, Princess Leda,” he said, his deep voice strong and seemingly unaffected by the increasing strength of the wind. “What warning is that?” “Appearances can truly be deceiving,” he said. “While trust is a precious commodity, as your husband once said, misplaced trust is dangerous. Try to see people for who they truly are, Princess Leda. Trust only those who have proven they can be trusted.” “Who are you?” Leda demanded, her mind whirling with questions. “Why are you telling me this?” “Just remember my words.” Leda clenched her fists. “I demand to know who you are.” The man smirked at her angry stance. ‘If she only knew,’ he thought to himself. ‘Then again, with this woman, it probably wouldn’t matter.’ “Leda, where are you?!” The princess turned and saw Caitlyn coming from the other side of the garden. She turned back to the mysterious man, but he was gone. She scanned the area around her and found no traces of him anywhere. “There you are,” Caitlyn cried. “I’ve been looking for you.” Leda pushed the man out of her mind for the moment. “What did you find out?” “Other than Scylla, we were able to account for everyone in the palace except for one person, but you’ll never believe who.” Leda quirked an eyebrow. “Try me.” “Duthbert’s missing and has been since about an hour before Ilene’s monitors went off.” “Duthbert,” Leda cried. “Why would someone take him!” “I don’t know,” Caitlyn replied. “If you ask me, Leda, this whole thing is getting too weird.” Leda glanced over her shoulder where the mysterious man had stood, warning her about trust. “I know what you mean, Caitlyn. I definitely know what you mean.” Caitlyn put a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Are you okay?” “Fine,” Leda replied readily. “Has Lysia been able to contact Serenity?” “I don’t know.” “Let’s find out.” * * * * * Cassandra heard a moan and slowly realized it came from her. She opened her heavy eyes, only to close them with a hiss. Her head was pounding and the brief flash of light made the sensation even worse. The Guardian of Hope tried to rub her temples but she could move her arms. She quickly found that she couldn’t move her legs either. Trying to ignore the pain, she opened her eyes. Blinking several times to adjust her eyes, she noticed that she was laying on a cot in a sparse room. Besides the cot, there was a plain wooden stool and a small table with a single candle burning. Her wrists and her ankles were tied to separate corners of the bed, not tight enough for discomfort but enough to prevent any movement. Testing the strength of the bonds, Cassandra smiled. She whispered a command and her pendent flashed with light. As the light faded, the Guardian stood in the middle of the room, rubbing her wrists. She went to the door and stood beside it, pressed against the rough stone wall. She couldn’t hear any movement beyond the door, but she didn’t know when her captor would return. She had to find Ganymede and get them out of there. She decided not to transform into her battle gear. Her usual uniform would allow her to blend into the shadows better. Saying a silent prayer for safety and luck, she slowly opened the door and slipped into the corridor. * * * * * Caitlyn and Leda found Lysia in Elara’s room. The three sisters sat in silence, thinking about their two fallen siblings. While Elara seemed to be improving, Ilene continued to grow weaker with each passing day. If something didn’t change soon, Sailor Io would soon be gone. “I contacted Neo-Queen Serenity as you asked,” Lysia said softly, finally breaking the silence. “She is sending Cami and the twins. If anything else is needed, you are to contact her again along with the news of any changes here.” Leda nodded. “Thank you, Lysia. Do you know when they will arrive?” “I truly don’t know,” Lysia replied, shaking her head. “As soon as possible, I would think.” “I hope so,” Caitlyn added. “Galen is running himself ragged trying to do everything himself.” Leda rose from her chair. “I want you two to get that man to rest even if you have to hold him down and get the nurses to sedate him. He will not be any good to anyone in his condition if he is allowed to continue at this pace. If he insists on something to do, move a cot in here and let him keep an eye on Elara.” “That’s not exactly proper, Leda,” Caitlyn stated with a broad grin. Leda smiled. “They’re both responsible adults. Besides, propriety is the least of my worries at the moment.” A tense silence fell over the sisters, broken by Leda’s sigh. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I’m going to check on Ilene. Will one of you stay here with Elara?” “I will,” Lysia replied. “I’ve got something matters to attend to,” Caitlyn replied. “Leda, please, get some rest.” “I’ll try,” Leda said. The princess gave Elara’s sleeping form one last look and left the room. “I’m worried about her, Lysia,” Caitlyn stated. “I am too,” Lysia said, “but there’s not much we can do. I hope we all can hold up until this is end.” Glancing at Elara’s still form, she added, “Whatever way this ends.” * * * * * She opened the door slowly, the heavy wooden structure moving silently on its well-oiled hinges. The smile that had been hovering over her lips faded as she noticed the vacant bed. Quickly shutting the door behind her, she realized that the room was completely empty. The small globe of light floating above one of her palms wavered slightly in its intensity as she stood in the room. One toe of her boot tapped softly against the uneven stone floor as she contemplated what to do next. The flame of the candle on the table flickered and suddenly died, plunging the room into near darkness. The only light source remaining was the globe hovering over her hand. ‘I can’t let the Guardian be caught,’ the woman decided. ‘She is probably searching for the man that was with her. I hope that I am not too late.’ As silently as she had entered, the woman left the room and began her search. * * * * * Caitlyn looked up from her desk at the knock. “Come in.” “We’re here!!” Caitlyn ran from her desk and captured Phoebe in a bear hug. She quickly did the same to Diana and to Cami. “Thank goodness you guys are here!” “I wished we could have come under happier circumstances,” Cami stated. “I probably need to see Leda or Dr. Cross.” Caitlyn nodded. “They’re both in the medical wing. I’ll show you the way.”


Chapter 3: Pieces of the Puzzle Jupiter's Gone