Chapter 3: Enter the Protector
Enter the Protector

“What do you mean they are gone!” Paul bellowed, slamming his fist against the table. The elderly minister quivered, frightened by such an outburst from a usually quiet young man. “They couldn’t have disappeared! Where are they?”

“I-I-I don’t know.” Paul stared at him expectantly. “I was on-only left m-my orders, sir. Lady Leda gave them to me herself.”

Paul drummed his fingers restlessly on the table. It didn’t make sense. Leda and her sisters had a planning session last night and then they had disappeared this morning.

There was no word of explanation. Leda had given orders to Duthbert and walked into the gardens. ‘Well, she isn’t there now,’ Paul thought sourly.

“Did she leave anything else, Duthbert?”

“Who, sir?”

“The Queen of England,” he answered sarcastically. “Lady Leda, of course!”

“Only a message to be delivered to Neo-Queen Serenity in Crystal Tokyo.”

That surprised Paul. Why had Leda sent a message to Neo-Queen Serenity? She had only been to court a few times. Whatever is going on, and he intended to find out, maybe she would be able to provide a few answers.

“Duthbert, prepare whatever is necessary for a journey to Crystal Tokyo.”

“Who is going, sir?”

“I am. Hurry, Duthbert. It may be more important than what we both think.”

* * * * *

The prospect of going to court terrified Paul. Princess Lita had held her own court, but the all formalities were not observed. He prayed that he could perform all the duties correctly.

A servant announced his presence to Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion. Paul crossed the chamber and bowed to the monarchs. They smiled at him, waiting to learn the purpose of his visit.

“Your Majesties, I am Paul Rodan. I am most fortunate to serve the Princess of Jupiter and her daughters.”

“You are most welcome to Crystal Tokyo, Paul,” Serenity greeted, liking the young man already.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” He bowed again for good measure. “I am here out of concern for Princess Lita’s daughters.”

“Please explain,” Endymion asked.

“Lady Leda and her sisters have disappeared, Your Majesties. They had a meeting last night, and they left early this morning without any explanation. Some of the orders Lady Leda left concerned the succession of power, if she-if she should not return.”

“So it has happened,” Serenity whispered, turning to face Endymion. “I never imagined it would be so soon.”

“Your Majesties, please, I beg you, tell me what has happened to Lady Leda and her sisters. I must know what has happened to her-to them.”

“He’s the protector, Serenity.”

“Yes, you are right, love.” She turned to Paul. “I will tell you what I know. Princess Lita is dead, Paul.”

His jaw dropped in shock. “How?”

“She was defeated in battle,” Endymion answered. “Leda and the Princess of Mars have had dreams of her death, and Leda has been visited by her spirit.”

“That is way they came here,” Paul said mostly to himself.

“Yes,” Serenity replied gently. “In order to protect them, I gave them their power as Sailor Soldiers. We all realized that this new enemy would not be satisfied with one victory. I assume that since they have left, they have received a similar challenge.”

“You haven’t received the message from Lady Leda?”

“No, but we shall check.” She turned to an attendant. “Check for a message from Jupiter, Vailis.”

The young woman curtsied and left through a side door. Within moments, the capable servant returned with an envelope. “Apologies, Queen Serenity. They did not realize the urgency.”

“Thank you, Vailis.” Serenity opened the letter, reading it quickly. “They have gone to Charon to confront Nadomus. Leda has asked for us to guard Jupiter in her absence.”

“Surely there can be something done to help them, Your Highness?” The thought of Leda fighting an enemy drove him nearly mad. Why hadn’t she told him? Did she not trust him?

“Yes, there is. I have provided the Sailors with an advisor, Cynthia. But,” she studied him closely, “perhaps something more could be done.”

“I will do anything,” Paul answered readily.

“You must be certain,” Endymion cautioned.

“I have never been more certain in my life.” Paul looked Endymion in the eye, accepting the evaluation by the king.

“Yes, he is the protector, Serenity.”

Serenity rose, raising the Silver Crystal above her head.

* * * * *

The bright light finally receded and a caped figure dressed in black replaced Paul in front of the rulers. The lining of the cape was green and he wore no hat. The white mask covered his whole face, only exposing his eyes, mouth, and chin. He held a cane, twirling it experimentally.

“You are now Ganymede, the protector of the Moon Sailors,” Serenity explained.

“You shall be able to transform at will,” Endymion said, continuing the explanation. “You will know when the Sailors are in danger and where to find them. It is your obligation to help them at all costs, including giving you life if need be.”

Ganymede nodded. “I understand, Your Majesty.”

“I will send you to Charon so you may begin your duties. Good luck, Ganymede.”

There was a flash of light from the Silver Crystal and Ganymede was gone. Serenity fell limply into her throne, Endymion immediately beside her. “Charon was further away than I thought.” She smiled weakly at him.

“Tell me they will be fine, Endymion,” she said.

He squeezed her hand in reassurance. “Have hope, Serenity. Always have hope.”